ASTANA, October 5. /Dunyo IA/.  Kazakhstan’s international news agency “Kazinform” has published an article focusing on reforms and the development of the railway system in Central Asia, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the publication, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates intend to jointly explore a project for a new Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (CASA) railway route. New route is expected to provide access to Pakistan’s seaports.

In this regard, relevant ministries of the three countries signed a memorandum of cooperation in the transport sector.

Project’s main objectives are to strengthen railway connectivity between Central and South Asia, increase the volume of international freight transportation and expand trade and logistics opportunities.

Under the Memorandum, the parties plan to study the technical and economic aspects of the project, assess opportunities for developing the necessary infrastructure and consider financing mechanisms and conditions for its implementation.

Parties also discussed the possibility of establishing a dedicated working group to further develop the project in detail.

Initiative is expected to bring together the existing railway infrastructure and transit potential of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as the UAE’s experience in transport, logistics and the implementation of major investment projects.