Oriented on making people closer

The Ayrtom Free Trade Zone in Termez is strengthening its position as a key hub for cross-border trade between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, according to the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CEIR). The center reports that the zone demonstrates steady growth in business activity and high interest from both entrepreneurs and visitors.

Ayrtom was opened in August 2024 and covers an area of 26 hectares, including 164,200 square meters of infrastructure — a hotel, medical clinic, business school, restaurants, and a logistics complex. The project is designed to create about 3,000 jobs, with an estimated annual export volume of $1.2 billion and an expected annual visitor flow of up to 1.4 million people.

Since its opening, the trade zone has been visited by more than 740,000 people, including 400,000 Afghan citizens. The most in-demand services are hotel and medical services. According to CEIR, the Hilton Garden Inn hotel has hosted over 9,000 guests, while the Akfa Medline clinic has served more than 76,000 patients, 80% of whom are Afghan nationals.

Trade activity is also on the rise. Out of 490 commercial spaces, 218 stores are already operating, and exports of goods to Afghanistan have exceeded $187 million.

According to a survey of entrepreneurs, 70% have been working in the center since its launch. For 67% of them, the annual trade volume does not exceed 1 billion soums (about $78,000), while 29% report volumes between 3 and 5 billion soums (up to $390,000). Nearly half of respondents consider the current rental rates (from $2.6 to $8.3 per square meter) to be high. Afghan citizens remain the main buyers, accounting for more than half of all customers.

More than 1,000 residents of Termez and 140 Afghan citizens are employed in Ayrtom.

Among buyers, 91% come to purchase food products, 48% — clothing, 38% — household appliances, and 14% — pharmaceutical goods. Nearly three-quarters of respondents noted that prices in the trade zone are lower than in other markets. However, one-third of buyers visit the zone only once a month, and 43% reported a lack of regular transportation services.

According to the study, 71% of Afghan visitors consider border crossing and customs control procedures too time-consuming. Almost all respondents (95%) expressed support for switching to a 24-hour operating mode, while two-thirds suggested adjusting hotel prices and expanding the range of educational, household, and pharmacy services.

CEIR notes that demand for the free zone’s services remains high, and further development of infrastructure and services will strengthen Ayrtom’s role as a strategic hub for cross-border cooperation.

Photo: airitom.com