Economic Corridor Competition: The Landlocked Uzbekistan-Driven Trans-Afghan Railway: From Ambitions to Strategic Leverage
This strategic vision gained attention in July 2023, when Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan signed a trilateral agreement to develop the trans-Afghan railway. This $4.6 billion infrastructure project aims to connect Central Asia with Pakistan's seaports through a 650-kilometer railway line. The railway project starts at the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan border in Termez, passes through Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar, then enters Pakistan, finally connecting to the port city of Karachi.
For Uzbekistan, a doubly landlocked country, this initiative is a significant step to secure access to maritime trade routes, reduce transportation costs, and position itself as a regional hub. This project is not just an upgrade in logistics but also reflects a broader effort to transform Afghanistan from an unstable region into a transit corridor connecting the Eurasian continent and the Indian Ocean.
Crucially, the project also marks a shift in regional diplomacy. Uzbekistan and its partners prioritize infrastructure development and economic cooperation over political isolation, demonstrating a pragmatic and forward-looking approach toward Afghanistan. This pragmatic stance reinforces Uzbekistan's position as a regional actor capable of balancing strategic risks and long-term opportunities.
The trans-Afghan railway aligns with multiple regional initiatives, including China's "Belt and Road" initiative and Pakistan's China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, while helping Central Asian countries reduce their reliance on northern routes passing through Russia. As economic interdependence deepens, this railway can also serve as a tool of soft power for conflict prevention and regional stability.
Source: The National Interest
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844388256758922/
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