Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan agree new trade corridor

Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan have agreed to establish a road transport corridor through Afghanistan to boost regional trade and streamline the movement of commercial cargo. The agreement was reached during talks in Mashhad this week.

Agreement signed

Afghanistan's Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation said cargo travelling between Iran and Tajikistan would transit through Afghan territory.

The ministry said: "Under the agreement, commercial cargo between Iran and Tajikistan will be transported and transited through Afghan territory."

The operational agreement was signed by representatives of the three countries after they reviewed transport capacity, border challenges and ways to strengthen cooperation.

Trial shipment planned

Iranian authorities said the first trial shipment would travel along the route within one month. Trucks from all three countries will take part in the trial to test customs procedures, border operations and coordination.

The three countries also agreed to establish a permanent working group to oversee implementation of the agreement, address operational issues and publish regular progress reports.

The Iranian statement said: "The working group will follow up on the implementation of the decisions, address operational obstacles and issue periodic progress reports."

Officials also agreed to improve border infrastructure, simplify visa arrangements for drivers, reduce waiting times, modernise transport fleets, develop joint insurance arrangements and expand roadside services.

A second trilateral meeting is expected to be held in Kabul in late October.

What could be transported

Goods already traded between Iran and Tajikistan provide an indication of what could use the new corridor. Trade data shows Iran exports products including iron bars, polymers and nuts to Tajikistan, while Tajikistan exports raw cotton, fibreboard and silkworm cocoons to Iran.

Bilateral trade reached about U.S.$120 million in the first quarter of 2026, according to Tajikistan's Customs Service.

• Afghanistan and Türkiye explore tourism partnership to boost heritage travel
• Natural disasters cause $5.7 million in damage across Tajikistan in six months
• Iran warns U.S. over strikes as tensions with UK deepen

Tags

News Politics Afghanistan Tajikistan Iran road corridor TransportCorridor