Trade Through Herat-Khaf Railway Sees Sharp Increase

The Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment says the volume of commercial goods transported through the Herat-Khaf railway has increased significantly.

According to the chamber, more than 300,000 metric tons of commercial goods were imported into Afghanistan via the Herat-Khaf railway during the first three months of the current year.

Officials say that alongside the increase in imports, transportation costs for commercial goods have also declined.

Mohammad Yousuf Amin, Executive Director of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “Around 500,000 metric tons of goods were transported through the Herat-Khaf railway last year. However, in the first three months of this year alone, more than 300,000 metric tons of commercial goods have been imported into Afghanistan through this railway. A few days ago, a commercial shipment from China also arrived directly in Afghanistan via Iran. Most traders now prefer using the railway for transporting goods.”

In addition to imports, some of Afghanistan’s export products are also shipped to various countries through the Herat-Khaf railway.

Mohammad Naeem Sharifi, Deputy Head of the Herat Chamber of Industries and Mines, said: “We export zinc ore by rail. We also export processed and semi-processed mineral products, as well as some industrial goods, through the Herat-Khaf railway. This route has become very beneficial for traders and industrialists.”

The Herat-Khaf railway is said to play an important role in reducing the cost of transporting commercial goods.

Economic analysts say expanding the railway network contributes to the country’s economic growth.

Economic analyst Nazir Ahmad Sadid said: “Rail transport offers many advantages for investors by reducing transportation costs. It also benefits consumers because lower costs increase their purchasing power. Given the country’s current economic conditions, people can obtain the goods they need more quickly and at lower cost.”

The Herat-Khaf railway has connected Afghanistan to international markets, with commercial goods from several countries now entering Herat through this route.