Train with commercial goods arrives in Balkh from China

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): A train loaded with commercial goods related to the joint economic corridor of Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China has arrived at Hairatan port in northern Balkh province.

The agreement of the economic corridor was signed between representatives of Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China last year.

Speaking at a ceremony organized in this regard, Afghanistan Railways Authority director Bakhtul Rahman Sharafat said 22 containers of commercial goods arrived at Hairatan port through the corridor.

He said economic ties with regional countries were important and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) was trying to expand ties with regional countries.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Yousaf Wafa, governor of Balkh, also said the IEA wanted good political and economic relations with regional and international countries and expected good interaction from regional countries.

He added that economic development was a priority for the IEA and they were trying to make Afghanistan economically self-sufficient.

At the same time, Deputy Director of Railways of Uzbekistan Rahmatullah Hikmatov said his country would provide more facilities to Afghan businessmen and soon construction of the railway line from Uzbekistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan will begin.

According to Balkh officials, the train carrying car and motorcycle parts and machines in 22 containers of Afghan businessmen arrived in Afghanistan from China within ten days.

This is the third time commercial goods arrived from China at Hairatan port after the IEA reestablishment.

kk/ma