The Revival of Hairaton

Russia has proposed to Afghanistan the creation of a special economic zone (SEZ) in the border port of Hairatan. The initiative aims to stimulate joint trade and processing of agricultural products, according to the Afghan Islamic Press (AIP).

The initiative was announced by Russian Ambassador to Kabul Dmitry Zhirnov on August 27 during a meeting with Ahmad Jan Bilal, head of the General Directorate of State Enterprises of Afghanistan. The Russian diplomat expressed gratitude for organizing the talks and presented a specific proposal for the establishment of the SEZ in Hairatan.

The Russian representative clarified that this zone could provide the necessary infrastructure for storing, processing, and packaging agricultural products, as well as for other economic activities.

Rustam Khabibullin, head of the Russian Business Center in Afghanistan, noted: "The creation of the SEZ is beneficial for both countries – it is a tool that will help mitigate sanctions pressure and expand exports. Russian companies in oil and gas production, processing, mechanical engineering, and mineral processing are represented in Hairatan. The creation of the SEZ will boost their activities, enabling the establishment of service and training centers and the expansion of the product range produced in Afghanistan. The city is Afghanistan's main logistics hub and is undergoing rapid development. Furthermore, a consular office is located here, affiliated with the Russian Embassy in Kabul.

In response, Ahmad Jan Bilal stated that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan values cooperation with Russia in various economic sectors and expresses its readiness to further develop joint projects. He emphasized his ministry's active work to strengthen and expand the activities of relevant state-owned companies to increase the export of fresh and dried fruits to international markets.

The Afghan side also put forward its proposals: Bilal requested assistance in establishing a KamAZ truck repair shop in Afghanistan and expressed interest in importing petroleum products from Russia.

Russian Ambassador S. Zhirnov assured Bilal of Russia's comprehensive assistance on all issues raised. The meeting participants agreed to continue expert-level consultations to address the legal and technical aspects of the zone's creation. Specific project timelines and investment volumes have not yet been announced. Further developments will depend on agreeing on the terms of use of the port infrastructure, which is currently under the control of Afghan customs and private logistics operators.

Russia's proposal to establish a SEZ in Hairatan comes amid parallel efforts by Afghan authorities to attract regional investment to the region. Earlier, in early May 2026, during a meeting with a delegation from Uzbekistan, Afghan Minister of Industry and Trade Nuruddin Azizi announced the allocation of approximately 200 hectares of land in the Torrahi district, near the port of Hairatan, for the establishment of the SEZ. According to Azizi, the investment environment in Afghanistan is "favorable" for Uzbek businessmen. At the meeting with Uzbek representatives, issues of expanding bilateral trade, exporting Afghan cotton, coal, and fruit, as well as cooperation in the food and pharmaceutical industries, were discussed.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, facing a severe foreign currency shortage and restrictions on bank transfers, views the SEZ as a way to attract investment and create jobs. Russia, for its part, is seeking to strengthen its economic presence in the region through similar projects and gain access to South Asian markets, leveraging Afghanistan's transit potential.

Background: Hairatan is a border town and port in the northern province of Balkh, located on the banks of the Amu Darya River, which forms the state border with Uzbekistan. Termez, Uzbekistan, is located on the opposite bank. Despite its modest population of approximately 6,000, the city is considered Afghanistan's main logistics hub and is undergoing rapid development. The Russian Consulate General is also located there, facilitating the coordination of future projects.