Uzbekistan Reopens Termez-Hairaton Passenger Crossing with Afghanistan

Uzbekistan has reopened the Termez-Hairaton passenger crossing, restoring direct movement between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, the country’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced via its official Telegram channel. While visa requirements remain in effect, the decision marks a significant step toward improving cross-border mobility and trade. Passenger movement across the strategic bridge had been suspended since 2021, complicating travel for Uzbek entrepreneurs. To reach Mazar-i-Sharif, just 75 kilometers from the Ayritom checkpoint, businesspeople were previously forced to take an all-day detour through Tajikistan. The resumption of direct access eliminates a major logistical barrier for exporters and traders. Officials say the reopening is expected to bring substantial benefits for Uzbek companies exporting goods to Afghanistan. Bilateral trade has been growing steadily, and the authorities project that the restored route will help push exports to $2.5 billion by 2026. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have also been working to deepen broader economic cooperation. During a visit to Kabul in August of last year, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov held talks with Afghan officials on expanding trade, strengthening energy collaboration, and partnering on key projects in copper, iron, oil, and gas. At that time, both sides agreed that bilateral trade could reach $1 billion in 2024, with the potential to rise to $3 billion in the near future.

Traffic Jam of 1,500 Trucks Reported at Kazakhstan-China Border Crossing

Approximately 1,500 freight trucks have been stranded at the Nur Zholy border checkpoint between Kazakhstan and China, Nur.kz has reported, citing the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of Kazakhstan. According to the SRC, the congestion occurred despite a prior agreement with China to allow at least 800 trucks to pass through the crossing daily, with plans to increase that figure to 1,000 by year-end. However, from November 8 to 12, the actual number of vehicles processed by the Chinese side averaged only 700 to 750 per day. This shortfall was cited as the primary reason for the backlog on the Kazakh side. Compounding the issue, repair and installation work at the Kalzhat-Dulaty crossing significantly reduced its capacity for about a week. As a result, part of the freight traffic was diverted to Nur Zholy, placing additional pressure on its infrastructure. To alleviate the congestion, authorities have implemented a temporary adjustment to the electronic queue system. Starting November 13, daily vehicle entries will be capped at 650 to ensure a more balanced distribution of traffic and to support operational stability. The SRC stated that the situation is under constant monitoring and that negotiations with Chinese officials have resulted in mutual agreement on measures to improve border throughput. In May, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev issued a formal reprimand to then Transport Minister Marat Karabayev for persistent problems at border crossings and delays in key transit infrastructure projects. Karabayev was dismissed from his post the following month.