Taliban-ruled Afghanistan is gearing up to handle an increased volume of trade with Central Asian states and Pakistan.

According to a report published by Ariana, the Taliban government signed a deal on December 7 with DP World, a Dubai-based logistics entity, to modernise cargo handling facilities at key border crossings. The report did not disclose any financial details.

WAM, the UAE’s state news agency, described the deal as “a significant step toward modernizing Afghanistan’s principal trade gateways and strengthening its position as a strategic transit corridor linking Central and South Asia.”

The first phase of the deal will involve upgrades to equipment and management systems at the land port at Hairaton at the Afghan-Uzbek border, situated across from the Uzbek city of Termez. The Ariana report, citing Abdullah Azzam, a top economic advisor in the Afghan prime minister’s office, stated that the Hairaton facility will have “cutting-edge technology.” Uzbek officials recently announced the reopening of the Termez border crossing to individuals and traders.

The second phase of the DP World project will see modernisation work done at the dry port at Torkham, at the Afghan-Pakistani border, which has seen a spike in tension in recent months.

A third phase envisions improvements to internal road and rail infrastructure and the creation of special economic zones. 

According to its website, DP World specialises in “supply-chain solutions,” combining “global reach with on-ground expertise to move your goods wherever they need to go.”

DP World will “prioritize local employment, skills development and close collaboration with national partners”, according to the WAM report. “The Government of Afghanistan will continue to provide sovereign border functions – including customs, immigration, security and regulatory oversight – working alongside DP World to ensure seamless and secure operations.”

This article first appeared on Eurasianet here.