Nargiza Umarova highlights Uzbekistan’s modern policy of developing southern-oriented international transport corridors as a strategic response to disrupted northern routes due to the war in Ukraine. It discusses Uzbekistan’s prioritisation of trade diversification, particularly through the Trans-Afghan Corridor, Iran’s Chabahar port, and other multimodal routes. These initiatives are critical for achieving direct access to the Indian Ocean and connecting to promising markets in South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

 

A significant focus is on the proposed Trans-Afghan Railway, connecting Uzbekistan to Pakistan via Afghanistan. This route, expected to be operational by 2030, would reduce transit times drastically, making Uzbekistan a key hub for South Asia-China trade. However, security challenges and investment uncertainties in Afghanistan remain significant obstacles. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s collaboration with China on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and connections to Gwadar port in Pakistan also position it strategically within China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

 

The article also examines Uzbekistan’s engagement with Iranian transit routes, particularly the port of Chabahar, which is exempt from sanctions. This offers an alternative for exporting goods while reducing reliance on unstable Afghan transit. However, the sanctions regime against Iran poses logistical challenges for routes involving Bandar Abbas. The Central Asia-Persian Gulf corridor, though operational, faces similar hurdles due to the complexity and costs of multimodal transport.

 

In conclusion, Uzbekistan’s proactive approach to diversifying trade routes is not only aimed at overcoming its geographic limitations but also at fostering regional economic integration. The multiplier effects of these corridors are expected to benefit all of Central Asia, facilitating greater economic connectivity and development. However, the long-term success of these initiatives will depend on security, funding, and the resolution of geopolitical challenges.

 

Read the article on Connective Think’s website

 

* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.