Uzbekistan Opens Air Route for Afghan Fruit Exports Amid Pakistan Border Closure

Uzbekistan has opened an air corridor to facilitate the export of fresh fruits and vegetables from Afghanistan, following Pakistan’s decision to close its border crossings to Afghan exports.

Haji Zaid, spokesperson for the governor of Balkh province, said in a statement that the decision was made through an agreement between officials from Afghanistan’s Balkh province and Uzbekistan’s Surxondaryo province.

Under this agreement, Afghan agricultural products can now be exported to international markets—specifically Russia, China, and India—via Uzbekistan’s air corridors. Uzbek officials have assured Afghan traders that they will provide the necessary cooperation to support the trade.

The closure of Pakistan’s border crossings, particularly during the peak season for agricultural exports, has dealt a significant blow to Afghanistan’s economy. The Taliban administration, which lacks control over foreign policy and has limited access to regional diplomatic channels, has so far been unable to find an effective solution to the country’s export challenges.