Dubai (Al-Ittihad) — Dubai Ports World, a prominent global trade facilitator, has entered into a pivotal agreement with the Afghan government to develop and operate key land border facilities at the Turkmen and Herat crossings. This venture marks a significant step towards modernizing Afghanistan’s primary trade gateways, enhancing its status as a strategic transit corridor linking Central and South Asia. The Turkmen and Herat crossings are vital arteries for Afghanistan’s trade with neighboring countries, facilitating an estimated annual flow of goods worth billions of dollars. Notably, bilateral trade with Pakistan alone exceeded $1.6 billion in 2024.
Despite the substantial trade volume, Afghanistan’s infrastructure limitations and manual procedures currently hamper efficient commercial flow. Upgrading these border facilities is essential for enhancing Afghanistan’s potential as a key regional transit route, fostering a trade environment that is more stable, secure, and capable of higher operational capacity. According to the terms of the agreement, structured as a public-private partnership, Dubai Ports World will conduct a comprehensive technical and financial feasibility study prior to finalizing the concession process.
The anticipated project will include comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, advanced cargo handling systems, and the digitization of border operations to boost trade efficiency, safety, and reliability. Signing the agreement on behalf of the Afghan government was Haji Mufti Abdul Mateen Saeed, Deputy Minister of Revenue and Customs, while Nasser Al Neyadi, Deputy CEO of Dubai Ports World, represented the company.
According to Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of Dubai Ports World, effective trade corridors are crucial for bolstering economic resilience. He pointed out that Afghanistan’s unique location enables it to strengthen connections with neighboring nations. The upgraded border facilities will support substantial trade flows and significantly enhance performance capabilities across the region. He expressed confidence that smarter border infrastructure, backed by competent management, could pave the way for stability and opportunity generation.
Moreover, the project will prioritize local employment, skill development, and collaboration with Afghan partners. The Afghan government will continue to provide sovereign border services, including customs, immigration, security, and regulatory oversight, ensuring smooth and secure operations in cooperation with Dubai Ports World. This partnership not only aims to modernize Afghanistan’s border facilities but also to promote economic development and enhance regional trade connectivity.