DP World develops strategic border facilities in Afghanistan
Dubai, 7 December / WAM / DP World Group signed an agreement with the Government of Afghanistan to develop and operate the most important land border facilities in the country in the Torkham and Hiratan regions.
According to a press release issued today, this partnership represents an important step towards modernizing Afghanistan’s main trade gateways, and strengthening its position as a strategic transit corridor linking Central and South Asia.
The Torkham and Hiratan crossings are considered essential arteries for Afghanistan’s trade with its neighbours, and public trade data shows that goods worth several billion dollars move across Afghanistan’s borders annually, with the value of bilateral trade with Pakistan alone exceeding more than 1.6 billion US dollars in 2024.
Despite the huge volume of trade, limited infrastructure and manual procedures still hinder efficient trade flow.
Modernizing these crossings is vital to enhance Afghanistan’s potential as a major regional transit route, enabling more stable and secure trade with greater operational capacity.
According to the terms of the agreement, which takes the form of a partnership between the public and private sectors, DP World will conduct a comprehensive technical and financial feasibility study before completing the concession process.
The project is expected to include integrated infrastructure upgrades, advanced cargo handling systems, and the digitization of border operations to enhance the efficiency, safety and reliability of cross-border trade.
The agreement was signed by the Afghan government, Haj Mufti Abdul Matin Saeed, Deputy Minister of the Revenue and Customs Department, and His Excellency Nasser Al Neyadi, Executive Vice President of DP World Group.
His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World Group, said that effective trade corridors are an essential element in enhancing economic flexibility, and Afghanistan is uniquely positioned to benefit from stronger ties with neighboring countries. These gateways support huge trade flows, and their modernization will contribute to raising the level of performance with much greater potential throughout the region.
He expressed his confidence that a smarter border infrastructure with capable management can pave the way to stability and generate opportunities, and we are committed to supporting Afghanistan in its quest to build a more interconnected and prosperous future.
The project will also prioritize local employment, skills development, and collaboration with partners across Afghanistan.
The Government of Afghanistan will continue to provide sovereign border services, including customs, immigration, security and regulatory oversight services, and ensure smooth and secure operations in cooperation with the DP World Group.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Related
