Uzbekistan and UAE Partner on Trans-Afghan Railway to Revolutionise Asia-Europe Trade
Ambitious infrastructure initiative promises to accelerate goods movement between continents whilst strengthening regional connectivity and economic prosperity.
Uzbekistan is advancing collaborative efforts with the United Arab Emirates to develop the Trans-Afghan Railway, an infrastructure project poised to transform transcontinental commerce. Speaking at Investopia Bridge 2026 in Abu Dhabi, Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, outlined the strategic significance of this undertaking during a panel discussion.
The Trans-Afghan Railway represents a landmark opportunity to establish direct connectivity between South Asia and the Eurasian continent, substantially reducing transit times for goods travelling from India to Europe. Through this enhanced routing, merchandise would reach European markets approximately fourteen days faster than conventional transportation corridors, delivering considerable advantages to businesses across both regions.
Complementing these efforts, Uzbekistan has commenced construction on a major railway corridor linking China, Uzbekistan and Gulf Cooperation Council nations. This complementary project will reduce transit times for eastbound-westbound goods movements by a minimum of ten days, whilst shortening the existing route by approximately 900 kilometres. The initiative reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to establishing multiple trade pathways that enhance regional integration and commercial efficiency.
Minister Kudratov emphasised that Uzbekistan’s collaboration with the UAE and France demonstrates a comprehensive approach to diversifying international trade routes and transport infrastructure. These partnerships underscore both nations’ commitment to fostering economic connectivity and facilitating seamless movement of commodities across traditional barriers.
The minister highlighted Uzbekistan’s strengthening position as an investment destination, noting sustained economic expansion over the past decade. The country has maintained robust growth momentum, recording average GDP expansion exceeding 7%, with performance reaching 7.7% during the preceding year and 8.5% throughout the first half of 2026. Over a nine-year period, Uzbekistan’s GDP has doubled, with ambitious targets established to replicate this achievement by 2030.
This economic trajectory reflects the nation’s underlying stability, diversified economic foundation, and increasingly sophisticated business environment, factors that continue to attract growing investor interest globally. Through strategic infrastructure development and coordinated regional partnerships, Uzbekistan seeks to position itself as a pivotal hub within broader Asian and Eurasian trade networks.
Source: WAM