According to Bakhriddin Sirojiddinzoda, Head of the Tajikistan Export Agency, Tajikistan has plans to establish a large logistics zone on the border with Afghanistan.
Based on national interests in using existing production and export opportunities, the aim of the export zone is to increase trade turnover, create a modern infrastructure for transporting goods and products, and regulate transportation costs.
Referencing the proposal submitted to the government of Tajikistan for consideration, Sirojiddinzoda stated that the large logistics centre should be established in the neutral zone or near the Pyanj-Sher Khan Bandar border crossing and explained, “Experience shows that drivers need a visa to pay road taxes and other fees in Afghanistan to cross only 500 meters of road when exporting products to Afghanistan.”
He also stressed that establishing such a centre and developing business was unconnected to the country’s official relations with the Taliban, stating: “No country has officially recognized the Taliban government, but their trade cooperation with the country continues. Some have even opened a ‘Trading House’ and a commercial representative office in Kabul. Tajik goods are transported through Afghanistan to Pakistan, and goods are also transported from there to us, the security of which is still ensured by Afghanistan.”
In the first half of 2024, the volume of sales of Tajikistan’s agricultural products to Afghanistan amounted to $82.7 thousand; an 85% increase compared to the same period in 2023 when it barely reached $22.7 thousand.
According to the Tajikistan Export Agency, nothing was imported from Afghanistan, and goods leaked into the republic from its territory were in transit from Pakistan and other countries.
