Kabul: DP World has signed a landmark agreement with the Government of Afghanistan to develop and operate the country's most important land border facilities at Torkham and Hairatan. The partnership marks a significant step toward modernising Afghanistan's principal trade gateways and strengthening its position as a strategic transit corridor linking Central and South Asia. According to Emirates News Agency, Torkham and Hairatan serve as essential arteries for Afghanistan's commerce with its neighbours. Public trade data shows that several billion dollars of goods move across Afghanistan's borders each year, with Pakistan alone accounting for more than USD 1.6 billion of bilateral trade in 2024. Despite this scale, limited infrastructure and manual procedures continue to constrain flow efficiency. Modernising these crossings is central to unlocking Afghanistan's potential as a key regional transit route and enabling more predictable, secure, and high-capacity trade. Structured as a Public-Private Partnershi p (PPP), the agreement will see DP World undertake a comprehensive technical and financial feasibility study ahead of finalising the concession. The project is expected to include extensive infrastructure upgrades, advanced cargo-handling systems, and the digitalisation of border processes to enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of cross-border trade. The agreement was signed by Alhaj Mufti Abdul Mateen Saeed, Afghanistan's Deputy Minister of Revenue and Customs, and Nasser Al Neyadi, Executive Vice-President of DP World. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and Group CEO of DP World, stated that efficient trade corridors are fundamental to economic resilience, and Afghanistan is uniquely positioned to benefit from stronger links with its neighbours. He noted that these gateways already support significant trade flows, and modernising them will help unlock far greater potential across the region. The project will also prioritise local employment, skills development, and close collaboration with nat ional partners. The Government of Afghanistan will continue to provide sovereign border functions, including customs, immigration, security, and regulatory oversight, working alongside DP World to ensure seamless and secure operations.