The Government of Afghanistan plans to establish a new border crossing with Turkmenistan through the Bala Murghab District of Afghanistan’s northwestern province Badghis, the TOLOnews television network reported on Friday
The spokesperson of the Afghan government Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the purpose of creating this new route is to facilitate the export and import of goods.
Mujahid further noted that the cost of construction has been determined, and implementation work is currently underway. The government is presently in negotiations with companies to sign a contract for its construction.
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) expressed its belief that the establishment of a new transit crossing with Turkmenistan would be beneficial for the development of Afghanistan's trade and economy.
Mohammad Yousuf Momand, the ACCI head, stated, "The crossing that will be built in Bala Murghab will be the best crossing. It will be possible to transport both oil and flour through it. We want equipment to be installed there as soon as possible and everything necessary to be built."
Afghanistan already has two operating border crossings with Turkmenistan - one at the village of Aqina in Faryab province and another at the city of Torghundi in Herat province.