The first pilot container train has successfully departed from China to Tajikistan, according to a report from the joint Chinese-Uzbek company UTK International Logistics Co. Ltd.
The project is a practical step under the agreements made during the 2025 summit of the presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan in Dushanbe, aimed at deepening regional cooperation and developing trade connections.
The train consists of eight 40-foot containers loaded with consumer goods and construction equipment. It departed from Lanzhou station and will travel to Dushanbe-2 station via the multimodal transport corridor "China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan – Tajikistan."
The total route spans over 3,500 kilometers, with the transit time for goods delivery expected to be 18-20 days.
"Thanks to the support from Uzbekistan JSC Temir Yollari in the logistics sector, preferential tariffs have been established on this multimodal route," the statement highlighted.
This pilot project demonstrates the company's practical readiness to organize stable and regular container transport services between China and Central Asia.
JSC Uztemiryulkontainer continues to expand international logistics chains, develop new transport corridors, and improve reliable and effective transportation solutions for its partners," the company added.
UTK International Logistics Co. Ltd is a joint venture established in July 2025 with participation from both Uzbek and Chinese sides. The company specializes in cargo consolidation and the development of rail and multimodal transportation between China and Central Asian countries.
China has become Tajikistan's leading trading partner, surpassing Russia in bilateral trade turnover in 2025 for the first time. According to official statistics, the bilateral trade between Tajikistan and China last year valued at $2.85 billion last year, a nearly 46% increase compared to 2024.
Tajikistan's exports to China totaled $524 million, while imports from China amounted to $2.33 billion. China's share of Tajikistan's total foreign trade turnover stood at 26.4%, while Russia's share was approximately 23% ($2.5 billion).
Tajikistan imports a significant portion of consumer, industrial, and capital goods from China, while its exports to China are mainly raw materials and natural resources.
While Tajikistan has direct road links with China, only part of the freight between the two countries is transported via this route. This is due to the poor condition of the Dushanbe-Khorog-Kulma road (border with China), which complicates the transportation of goods by road.
