Iran calls for extending Herat railway to Uzbekistan border

Last Updated on: October 19, 2026

Mohsen Rokni, head of the Dogharoun border terminal, says the crossing accounted for 70 percent of Iran’s exports to Afghanistan during the first half of the current solar year, making it the leading export gateway among border crossings in Iran’s Razavi Khorasan Province.

According to Rokni, Dogharoun also accounted for 34 percent of the province’s imports and 20 percent of inbound transit goods from Afghanistan to Iran during the same period.

He said major Iranian exports through the crossing include construction materials, steel products, food items, fruits and vegetables, and petroleum products.

Located near the Iranian city of Taybad along the Afghan border, Dogharoun remains a key trade and transit route between the two countries.

Officials from Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Iran have discussed ways to advance the Trans-Afghan transport corridor and the Central Asia-South Asia (CASA) railway project, aiming to strengthen regional connectivity and expand trade routes.

According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport, the discussions took place during the international NEW SILK WAY business forum in Astana, attended by senior transport officials from the five countries.

The meeting focused on the CASA railway project, which aims to improve transport links between Central, South and West Asia, increase freight capacity and provide better access to international markets and seaports.

Participants reviewed the project’s current status and practical implementation requirements, including route coordination, infrastructure development and the establishment of a cargo base.

They also discussed financing mechanisms, attracting potential investors and international financial institutions, and strengthening coordination among Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport, Nurlan Sauranbaev, said the participating countries had reaffirmed their shared interest in developing the Trans-Afghan corridor and implementing the CASA railway project.

“It is important for us to move from discussions to practical action,” Sauranbaev said, adding that the project could create an additional transport link between the regions, increase transit capacity, expand freight opportunities and strengthen trade and economic ties.

Following the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation and the development of practical measures to advance the project.

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group has urged countries across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAP) region to strengthen economic resilience, address structural challenges and attract private investment to support sustainable growth.

IsDB Group Chairman Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser outlined the priorities during the MENAP Ministers and Governors’ Meeting with the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held on the sidelines of the World Bank Group and IMF meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, according to an IsDB statement.

Al Jasser identified four key priorities: maintaining macroeconomic stability, addressing structural economic weaknesses, mobilizing private capital and strengthening regional integration.

He stressed the need to rebuild fiscal and external financial buffers to help countries withstand economic shocks, while investing in infrastructure, human capital and economic diversification.

He also highlighted the importance of private-sector investment, stronger partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms in driving development.

On regional cooperation, Al Jasser called for improved connectivity and stronger trade and investment ties to develop regional value chains and create opportunities for sustainable growth.

The IsDB Group said it has approved nearly US$100 billion cumulatively for member countries across the MENAP region, reaffirming its commitment to supporting more diversified, resilient and inclusive economies.

The meeting brought together regional finance ministers, central bank governors and international financial institutions to discuss economic challenges and policy priorities.