Free Trade Zone in Uzbek Termez Becomes Gateway to Afghanistan for Polish Firms

Uzbekistan is actively shaping the economic landscape of Central Asia, aiming to become more than just a supplier of raw materials. The nation is strategically developing its infrastructure and trade policies to foster regional economic integration.

A significant aspect of this strategy is the Airitom Free Zone in Termez, located near the borders with Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. This 36-hectare zone, representing a $70 million investment, functions as a crucial economic window for Afghanistan, enabling Afghan businesses to operate under Uzbek law and access regional markets despite international sanctions and financial restrictions.

The Termez free trade zone is designed to handle substantial cargo volumes, with facilities capable of serving 100,000 trucks and 900,000 tons of goods annually. Upon reaching full operational capacity, it is projected to generate $1.2 billion in annual trade and attract approximately 1.5 million visitors. Its potential has been recognized internationally, with fDi Intelligence ranking it among "Rising Stars" in its Global Free Zones of the Year awards for 2025.

This project allows Uzbekistan to deepen economic ties with Afghanistan without formally recognizing the Taliban government, offering a pragmatic approach to supporting Afghan stability and development. The initiative also draws interest from Pakistan, viewing Afghanistan as a vital trade corridor to Central Asia. If this trend continues, Termez could emerge as a pivotal hub connecting Central and South Asia, solidifying Uzbekistan's role in regional economic cooperation.