President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed problems and solutions in the logistics system of the Trans-Afghan Railway Wednesday. Ulugbek Kosimov, governor of the Surkhandarya province told the Uzbekistan 24 TV channel.
According to him, the meeting discussed a draft decree providing for measures to develop border logistics, grant incentives, and allocate land for a logistics center.
"On our border with Afghanistan, there used to be only 4 crossing corridors — that number has been increased to 12. Throughput capacity was 350–400 cargo trucks; it has now been increased to 1,000–1,200. Rail freight volumes rose from 250 to nearly 500 railcars a day," Ulugbek Kosimov said.
He also noted growth in cargo traffic through the river port. "Last year, more than 250,000 tons of cargo passed through the river port; over the first six months of this year alone, it was 220,000 tons — almost double," the governor reported.
According to the provincial governor, demand for logistics services is growing among both foreign investors and local entrepreneurs.
"This very decree grants a number of incentives and allocates land. Specifically, 50 hectares of land is being allocated to set up a center in the border area. We also submitted petitions regarding requirements from Afghan entrepreneurs and our own logistics companies, and they were fully satisfied," he stated.
Ulugbek Kosimov said Afghan business owners are asking for a "green corridor" to be set up for them. "What does that mean? It's the right to use our existing international air routes. Approval has been given for this, and a commission will now be set up," he said.
The second issue, according to the governor, was the re-export of goods from Afghanistan.
"As you know, a great deal of produce — organic produce — is grown in Afghanistan. We put forward proposals addressing the problems that arise in selling it. These were also fully supported, and a commission will be set up," Ulugbek Kosimov noted.
"The president has resolved the problems that had arisen. Very significant conveniences have been created for entrepreneurs. I think this resolution will further boost interest," the Surkhandarya province governor added.
Earlier, at the presentation to the head of state, it was noted that the Termez district of Surkhandarya is proposed to be developed as the "gateway to the Trans-Afghan corridor." It will be oriented toward the China–Central Asia–Trans-Afghan corridor–Pakistan transport route.
The meeting also addressed measures for developing transport and logistics infrastructure, building logistics centers, digitalizing the industry, and speeding up cargo processing at border checkpoints.
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