DP World to develop strategic border facilities in Afghanistan

DP World has signed a landmark agreement with the Government of Afghanistan to develop and operate the country’s most important land border facilities at Torkham and Hairatan.

The partnership marks a significant step toward modernising Afghanistan’s principal trade gateways and strengthening its position as a strategic transit corridor linking Central and South Asia.

Torkham and Hairatan serve as essential arteries for Afghanistan’s commerce with its neighbours. Public trade data shows that several billion dollars of goods move across Afghanistan’s borders each year, with Pakistan alone accounting for more than $1.6 billion of bilateral trade in 2024. Despite this scale, limited infrastructure and manual procedures continue to constrain flow efficiency. Modernising these crossings is central to unlocking Afghanistan’s potential as a key regional transit route and enabling more predictable, secure and high-capacity trade.

Structured as a Public–Private Partnership (PPP), the agreement will see DP World undertake a comprehensive technical and financial feasibility study ahead of finalising the concession. The project is expected to include extensive infrastructure upgrades, advanced cargo-handling systems and the digitalisation of border processes to enhance the efficiency, safety and reliability of cross-border trade.

The agreement was signed by Alhaj Mufti Abdul Mateen Saeed, Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Revenue and Customs and Nasser Al Neyadi, Executive Vice-President, DP World.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and Group CEO of DP World, said: “Efficient trade corridors are fundamental to economic resilience, and Afghanistan is uniquely positioned to benefit from stronger links with its neighbours. These gateways already support significant trade flows, and modernising them will help unlock far greater potential across the region. We believe that smarter, well-managed border infrastructure can create pathways to stability and opportunity, and we are committed to supporting Afghanistan as it builds a more connected and prosperous future.”

The project will also prioritise local employment, skills development and close collaboration with national partners. The Government of Afghanistan will continue to provide sovereign border functions—including customs, immigration, security and regulatory oversight—working alongside DP World to ensure seamless and secure operations.

In October, DP World has entered into a joint venture with Tashkent Invest, a subsidiary of the Tashkent City Administration, to develop and manage a state-of-the-art multimodal logistics terminal near the Uzbek capital.

The partnership marks a significant step in advancing Uzbekistan’s logistics infrastructure and its ambition to become a regional trade hub.

The new terminal in the Yangi Avlod Special Industrial Zone, located in the Yangihayot region of Tashkent will enhance connectivity, efficiency, and trade facilitation across Central Asia, contributing to Uzbekistan’s economic diversification and industrial growth.

Under the agreement, Tashkent Invest will contribute 15 percent of the joint venture’s equity capital. DP World will hold the remaining 85 percent. The total investment in the project is over $288 million across 3 phases.

The joint venture company, DP World Tashkent LLC, will oversee the development of an international transport and logistics hub on a site covering approximately 82 hectares within the Special Industrial Zone. Once fully operational, the Tashkent Multimodal Logistics Terminal will include a rail connected dry port for containers and covered cargo, customs clearance zones, vehicle storage areas, truck parking, and Grade A warehouses and cross-docking facilities.

Phase one covers the construction of a 150,000 TEU a year rail terminal and 63,000 sqm warehouse complex by end 2026/2027. Additional 163,000 sqm warehousing capacity is planned in subsequent phases depending on demand.

The terminal will be supported by its own dedicated freight railway station, accelerating cargo handling and delivery and helping reduce logistics costs. The hub will have direct access to Uzbekistan’s national rail network, major highways, and Tashkent International Airport, allowing efficient multimodal cargo transfer between road, rail, and air.

Located within a special industrial zone, the project also benefits from customs and tax incentives, ensuring the smooth integration between logistics operations, manufacturing, and export processing.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said, “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting Uzbekistan’s vision of becoming a major logistics and trade hub in Central Asia. The Tashkent Multimodal Logistics Terminal will bring world-class infrastructure and smart logistics capabilities to the region, improving the efficiency of supply chains and supporting businesses across industries.”

Shavkat Umurzakov, mayor of Tashkent, commented, “The agreement initiates the development of a transport and logistics hub, which will significantly increase the capital's production and export potential. The partnership with DP World, a recognised global expert in logistics and port management, will provide an opportunity to introduce modern technologies in Tashkent and attract large investors. With its world-class infrastructure, Tashkent will become even more convenient for both local and global businesses.”

DP World’s investment in Uzbekistan builds on its global expertise in logistics and infrastructure development. The Tashkent terminal will serve as a vital link between Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, facilitating efficient cargo movement through DP World’s integrated global network.

WAM