Pakistan Launches Strategic Trade Corridor from China to Afghanistan
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Pakistan Launches Strategic Trade Corridor from China to Afghanistan
New route via Uzbekistan cuts costs, boosts regional connectivity.
TOI
2026-05-05
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is at the forefront of a transformative trade initiative, opening a new corridor linking China to Afghanistan via Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This development promises to redefine regional logistics dynamics.
New Trade Route Dynamics
The route offers substantial time savings by reducing travel by approximately 70% compared to maritime routes, as verified by official sources.
Economic Benefits
The corridor could potentially halve logistics costs, making regional trade more efficient. The anticipated reduction in expenses, as noted by experts, can foster economic growth by bolstering Pakistan’s trade volume with Central Asia.
Path to Connectivity
The corridor extends approximately 7,400 kilometers, utilizing a mix of rail and road transport. Containers embark by rail from China, traversing Kazakhstan’s Altyn-Kul station before reaching Uzbekistan. They continue to Bukhara’s logistics center, then progress by road through Turkmenistan to Herat, Afghanistan. This well-planned route is expected to facilitate quicker and more streamlined trade flows.