New China transit link to reshape Uzbekistan-Pakistan trade flows

Uzbekistan and Pakistan have agreed to incorporate a transport corridor through China into their bilateral transit trade framework, in a move aimed at diversifying logistics routes across Central and South Asia.

The agreement is expected to be formalised through amendments to existing arrangements during an upcoming visit by Uzbekistan’s deputy prime minister to Pakistan, according to Uzbek media outlet UzDaily.

Under the planned framework, cargo shipments will transit via the Sost dry port in northern Pakistan before moving through western China and onward to Central Asian destinations. The route is designed to facilitate Pakistani exports to the region, including Uzbekistan, while preserving Uzbekistan’s access to Pakistani seaports.

The initiative follows disruptions to previously preferred transit corridors. The route through Afghanistan, once considered the most efficient, has effectively ceased functioning after the closure of the Torkham and Chaman border crossings in October 2025.

An alternative pathway via Iran has also become less viable, prompting both countries to position the China corridor as a strategic option to diversify transit flows and reduce reliance on unstable routes.

By Tamilla Hasanova