DP World Signs Agreement to Operate Afghanistan’s Most Critical Trade Gateways

In a significant step toward modernizing Afghanistan’s key commercial corridors, DP World has signed an agreement with the Afghan government to develop and operate two of the country’s most vital land border crossings, inclusing Torkham and Hairatan.

According to a statement issued Sunday, the two gateways serve as essential arteries for Afghanistan’s cross-border trade. Billions of dollars’ worth of goods pass through Afghan borders annually, with Pakistani-Afghan bilateral trade alone surpassing $1.6 billion in 2024. The modernization of these crossings is expected to further reinforce Afghanistan’s strategic role as a transit hub linking Central and South Asia.

Despite heavy commercial traffic, outdated infrastructure and manual procedures continue to impede efficient movement of goods. Upgrading these border points is therefore considered a critical step to boosting trade fluidity, enhancing reliability, and strengthening Afghanistan’s position in regional logistics chains.

Under the public-private partnership arrangement, DP World will first conduct a comprehensive technical and financial feasibility study before assuming full operational rights. The project is expected to include infrastructure redevelopment, modern cargo-handling systems, and digitization of border procedures to improve efficiency and operational safety.

The agreement was signed by Haji Mufti Abdul Mateen Saeed, Deputy Minister for Revenue and Customs, on behalf of the Afghan government, and Nasser Al Neyadi, Executive Vice President of DP World.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, emphasized the importance of efficient trade corridors for economic resilience. He highlighted Afghanistan’s unique geographic position, noting its potential to deepen its commercial ties with neighboring markets.

He added that modernizing these border gateways would enhance the operational capacity of both crossings and benefit the wider region, explaining that smart management and upgraded infrastructure can pave the way for greater stability, growth, and economic opportunity.

The project will also prioritize local employment, skills development, and collaboration with Afghan partners. The Afghan government will continue providing sovereign services at the crossings, customs, immigration, security, and regulatory oversight, to ensure safe and streamlined operations in coordination with DP World.