On 6 October 2026, an expanded meeting of the Business Council for Cooperation with Afghanistan was held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation. The International Coordinating Council on Trans-Eurasian Transportation (CCTT) acted as a partner of the event.
The meeting was held in a hybrid format — with both in-person attendance and videoconference participation. It was attended by representatives of relevant federal executive authorities, the CCI of Russia, industry associations, financial and insurance organizations, transport and logistics companies, as well as executives of Russian enterprises interested in practical cooperation with Afghanistan.
Participants discussed the outcomes of earlier Russia–Afghanistan events held in Kazan and outlined further steps towards the implementation of concrete projects. Particular attention was paid to the expansion of mutual trade, the development of industrial cooperation, and the selection of sectoral proposals, including potential pilot projects at the "Hayraton" site.
During the discussion of conditions for Russian companies' entry into the Afghan market, participants addressed issues of finding reliable partners, certification, and veterinary, phytosanitary, and customs clearance of goods.
A significant part of the meeting was devoted to the comprehensive development of transport and logistics links between Russia and Afghanistan, as well as Afghanistan's transport connectivity with the states of Central Asia, Iran, Pakistan, and other neighboring countries. Road, rail, and multimodal routes were reviewed, along with issues of cargo consolidation, storage, terminal handling, refrigerated transport, and cold chain continuity.
CCTT Secretary General Mikhail Goncharov emphasized the strategic importance of the new routes in his address:
"The integration of Russian rail corridors, Kazakhstan's railways, Uzbekistan's terminals, and the Afghan-Pakistani direction forms a continuous logistics arc from northern Eurasia to the Indian Ocean. The potential cargo turnover with Afghanistan, including transit freight, could reach 20 million tonnes per year."
According to Mr. Goncharov, entry into the Afghan market should be phased, pragmatic, and long-term, with the "Termez" and "Hayraton" projects serving as key growth points. CCTT is ready to assist in building and attracting a cargo base and in providing marketing support for logistics services along this route.
Participants also discussed settlement mechanisms, banking, insurance, leasing, and export finance support for transactions and projects. Russian companies submitted proposals for inclusion in the programme of a business mission and for the organization of substantive negotiations with Afghan government authorities and business partners.