Kabul - Afghanistan is expected to send its first cargo to Europe through Lapis Lazuli Route in the next five weeks. The transport and transit Lapis Lazuli Route begins in Aqina and Turghundi ports in the Afghan provinces of Faryab and Herat and crosses Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. It involves road, rail, and maritime transport. Two experimental shipments would leave Aqina and Turghundi ports for Europe. The execution plan for the Lapis Lazuli Route would be finalized with the concerned countries in the next two weeks. Two agreements would also be signed on visa and railway with the countries.

The Lapis Lazuli Route Agreement was signed on 12 November 2017 in Turkmenistan. Afghanistan expects to export products like saffron, carpet and medicinal plants to Europe through the route.

Abdul Qadir Bahman, CEO of Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce, said that trade via Lapis Lazuli route is safer than through Pakistan and Iran. He said that transport cost would also be less.