Turkmenistan Announces Plans to Construct Grain Elevator on Afghan Border
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: Turkmenistan has unveiled ambitious plans for a groundbreaking project involving the construction of a grain elevator near the Serhetabat-Turgundi border crossing on the Turkmen-Afghan border. The announcement came during a high-level meeting between officials from Turkmenistan and a delegation from Afghanistan in Ashgabat on Monday. This meeting was part of the Turkmen-Afghan Business Forum and an exhibition showcasing Afghan products.
According to reports from News Central Asia, the proposed grain elevator will boast an impressive storage capacity of 100,000 tons, facilitating temporary grain storage before transportation to Afghanistan. This strategic facility aligns with Turkmenistan’s commitment to bolstering economic ties with Afghanistan and enhancing regional trade.
In addition to the grain elevator project, Turkmenistan has outlined plans to construct a 173-kilometer railway linking Turgundi and Herat. This ambitious railway initiative is complemented by the development of a loading and unloading area featuring a covered warehouse complex at the dry port of Turgundi, aiming to further streamline trade and transportation logistics.
During the meeting, officials underscored the significant increase in electricity supplies from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan. Notably, Turkmenistan has pledged to deliver over 1.83 billion kWh of electricity to Afghanistan this year, reflecting a commitment to supporting the energy needs of the neighboring nation.
The Turkmen-Afghan Business Forum and the Exhibition of Afghan Goods commenced on March 4 at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The events brought together a delegation led by Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, comprising over 300 representatives from various governmental structures, chambers of commerce, banks, and approximately 170 companies and enterprises. The forum and exhibition serve as a platform for fostering economic cooperation and trade relations between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.
Turkmenistan’s initiatives in constructing the grain elevator and developing the railway underscore the nation’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and contributing to the economic development of Afghanistan. The projects signify a positive step toward strengthening bilateral ties and fostering economic growth in the region.
