Kazakhstan and Afghanistan are developing supply routes from China.

One of the key issues is the return loading of wagons and containers, which is essential for reducing logistics costs. As noted by Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Kairat Torebaev during the meeting, the Kazakh side conducted an analysis of potential goods for import from Afghanistan to Kazakhstan for the return loading of wagons. In particular, Kazakhstan is interested in importing fruits and vegetables, persimmons, beans, and other food products. Baizhan Urynbasarov, Managing Director of KTZ, proposed two options for the return loading of empty containers and wagons.

“Considering the challenges of returning empty containers, we propose that the Afghan side explore the possibility of organizing a circular train movement: that is, containers with goods from China go to Kazakhstan and then to Afghanistan, where they are loaded with Afghan goods intended for China, and then proceed through the port of Karachi to China,” Baizhan Urynbasarov informed. “The second option for return shipments involves the train reaching Afghanistan, being loaded with Afghan goods, and then going to Kazakhstan, where after unloading it will be loaded with Kazakh goods and sent to China.”

Additionally, the meeting participants discussed the need to develop and sign documents regarding road transport and quarantine products for their unhindered import, with the aim of increasing mutual trade volumes to 3 billion USD. The parties considered the possibility of creating a logistics hub for Afghan goods for transportation along the route China – Kazakhstan – Afghanistan. This would significantly reduce transportation logistics costs. For his part, Serik Zhumangarin suggested that the Afghan side utilize the capacities of the Kazakh dry port in Xi'an, the Kazakhstan-China logistics terminal at the Lianyungang port, and in the future – the terminal under construction at the Urumqi dry port.

“We can simplify and streamline logistics, but for significant intensification of our bilateral relations, we need industrial cooperation projects,” emphasized the Vice Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.

As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to organize an interregional Kazakhstan-Afghanistan forum, where provinces of Afghanistan and regions of Kazakhstan could discuss and develop mutually beneficial cooperative projects in detail.

From January to August 2024, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan amounted to 330.7 million USD. Exports from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan totaled 316.5 million USD, including flour, sunflower oil, natural gas, and fertilizers. Imports from Afghanistan reached 14.1 million USD, with the main goods being mineral waters, fruits, juices, and aluminum products.