The National Logistics Corporation (NLC) in collaboration with Kazakhstani companies, KTZ Express and QazTrade successfully completed the first ever cargo shipment from Kazakhstan through the Trans-Afghan Corridor to the Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. The pilot project involved loading two 21-ton trucks, which commenced their journey to the Zhetygen Transport Logistical Centre. Here, the cargo was transferred into two 40-foot containers, mounted on NLC trucks, and set off towards Karachi Port. The 4,900-kilometer trek to Karachi took 20 days when the containers were loaded onto a feeder ship at Karachi. The final leg of the journey saw the cargo reach its destination at Jebel Ali Port.

This successful pilot shipment marks the beginning of what is anticipated to be a busy period for the Trans-Afghan Corridor. Approximately 60 containers are expected to be transported via this route in June and July alone. The corridor offers an advantage to Kazakhstani exporters, enabling them to efficiently supply goods to markets in the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. KTZ Express, a subsidiary of Kazakhstan Railways, and QazTrade Trade Policy Development Centre, managed by the Kazakh Ministry of Trade and Integration, played pivotal roles in facilitating this project.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan