Afghanistan’s central bank has announced that commercial banks will participate in financing the planned Herat–Mazar-e-Sharif railway project, a major infrastructure initiative estimated to cost nearly 55 billion afghanis ($780 million).

The announcement came during a joint meeting between officials from Da Afghanistan Bank, the Ministry of Finance and representatives of commercial banks, chaired by First Deputy Governor of Da Afghanistan Bank, Sediqullah Khalid.

According to the central bank, a financing mechanism for national development projects has recently been finalized in coordination with the Economic Deputy Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance, creating a framework for commercial banks to invest directly in large-scale infrastructure projects.

Khalid said the banking sector could play a significant role in strengthening the national economy and accelerating the implementation of development projects through domestic investment.

He noted that discussions during the meeting focused on the Herat–Mazar-e-Sharif railway project, which is expected to stretch 657 kilometers across Afghanistan. The project is intended to boost economic growth, expand trade links and improve regional connectivity.

Khalid also said improved security conditions in the country have created a favorable environment for implementing major infrastructure projects, adding that the central bank would provide the necessary support and facilities to encourage private-sector participation.

Representatives of commercial banks expressed readiness to invest in the railway project, describing participation in national development initiatives as both an opportunity and a responsibility to contribute to Afghanistan’s economic growth.

Uzbekistan has recorded a significant increase in foreign trade during January–April 2026, driven by expanding economic ties with China and steady growth across Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, according to official statistics.

Data from the National Statistics Committee show that China remained Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $6.23 billion, up sharply from $4.17 billion in the same period last year. Russia followed with $4.52 billion, while Kazakhstan ranked third at $1.81 billion.

Other key partners included Turkey, Afghanistan, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and France, with additional growth recorded in trade with Germany, India, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and several other countries.

The fastest-growing trade relationships were seen with the United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Afghanistan, and Vietnam, highlighting Uzbekistan’s continued efforts to diversify its external economic partnerships.

Overall, Uzbekistan now maintains trade relations with more than 175 countries. China accounts for 23.6% of total foreign trade turnover, followed by Russia with 17.2%, Kazakhstan with 6.9%, Turkey with 3.5%, and Afghanistan with 2.8%.

Exports remain largely dominated by goods, making up 65.3% of outbound trade, including industrial products, chemicals, manufactured goods, and food products, according to official data.

Sayed Karim Hashemi, Director General of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), has met with the Deputy Governor of Tashkent to discuss expanding trade and economic cooperation between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, Hashemi highlighted the growing economic ties between Kabul and Tashkent, noting that the ACCI has hosted several Uzbek governors and trade delegations in recent years. He also expressed satisfaction with the increase in bilateral trade between the two countries and invited the Tashkent Deputy Governor to visit Kabul.

The Deputy Governor accepted the invitation and said he plans to travel to Kabul in the coming months at the head of a trade delegation.

He welcomed the expansion of cooperation between the chambers of commerce of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan and described the establishment of Uzbek trade houses in Kabul, Balkh, Herat, and Nangarhar provinces as a significant step toward strengthening trade relations.

The Tashkent official also emphasized the importance of sustaining economic and commercial cooperation and pledged continued support for Afghanistan’s private sector through all available means.