Business visits from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan surge amid Termez trade zone reforms

Compared to the same period in 2024, the number of business-related visits rose by 158,600 – a 3.4-fold increase. However, there has been a significant shift in the composition of visitors by country.

Afghanistan accounted for the highest number of arrivals, with 207,500 business travelers – representing 92.8% of the total. For comparison, only 2,100 business visits by Afghan nationals were recorded during the first eight months of 2024.

Tajikistan ranked second with 12,200 business visits – double last year’s figure. Turkmenistan came in third with just 1,642 visits, marking a steep decline compared to the previous year.

Russia followed in fourth place with 451 business trips, up from 286 over the same eight-month period last year. Turkey (276) and Kazakhstan (255) followed next. Business travelers from other countries collectively accounted for just over 1,100 visits.

In May 2024, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev authorized citizens of Afghanistan and Pakistan to purchase retail spaces within the International Trade Center in Termez. Foreign nationals are allowed to enter the center visa-free and may stay there for up to 15 days.