One of the major achievements is the signing of the Mainline-1 (ML-1) railway project, a crucial component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The railway project can serve as a vital transit route for Afghan goods to access international markets via Gwadar, potentially revitalising Afghanistan’s economy. For Central Asia, this railway offers new trade routes, granting access to the Arabian Sea and diversifying trade options. The railway could provide Iran with better access to markets in China and Central Asia, enhancing trade opportunities and trade links that can contribute to economic growth and regional stability. This extension would enhance both regional and global trade by providing a more efficient and cost-effective trade route, fostering increased trade between Asia, Europe, and Central Asia.


Source:   The Nation
October 22, 2023 07:11 UTC