DP World to modernise Afghanistan’s Torkham, Hairatan border crossings

Image: Dubai Media Office/ For illustrative purposes

DP World has signed an agreement with the Government of Afghanistan to develop and operate the country’s key land border facilities at Torkham and Hairatan, state news agency, WAM, reported.

The partnership marks a move to modernise Afghanistan’s main trade gateways and strengthen its role as a strategic transit corridor connecting Central and South Asia.

Torkham and Hairatan handle substantial commercial flows.

Public trade data show that several billion dollars of goods move across Afghanistan’s borders annually, with Pakistan alone accounting for more than $1.6bn in bilateral trade in 2024.

Limited infrastructure and manual procedures, however, have constrained the efficiency of these crossings.

Under a public–private partnership (PPP), DP World will conduct a comprehensive technical and financial feasibility study before finalising the concession.

The project is expected to include infrastructure upgrades, advanced cargo-handling systems, and digitalisation of border processes to improve efficiency, security and reliability.

The agreement was signed by Alhaj Mufti Abdul Mateen Saeed, Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Revenue and Customs, and Nasser Al Neyadi, EVP of DP World.

DP World aims to build stronger links with Afghanistan and support growth

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and group CEO of DP World, said: “Efficient trade corridors are fundamental to economic resilience, and Afghanistan is uniquely positioned to benefit from stronger links with its neighbours. These gateways already support significant trade flows, and modernising them will help unlock far greater potential across the region. We believe that smarter, well-managed border infrastructure can create pathways to stability and opportunity, and we are committed to supporting Afghanistan as it builds a more connected and prosperous future.”

The project will prioritise local employment, skills development, and collaboration with national partners. The Afghan government will continue to oversee sovereign border functions, including customs, immigration, security and regulation, working alongside DP World to ensure seamless and secure operations.