The presentation of the project of Termez International Trade Center took place in the city of Tashkent.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade together with the hokimiyats of Surkhandarya region and the city of Tashkent, Surkhon Sanoat Taminot LLC, was attended by representatives of domestic and foreign business circles, officials of state institutions and organizations, specialists.

Deputy Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade Olimkhon Rustamov, Hokim of the city of Tashkent Jakhongir Artikhodjayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee Otabek Choriyev, Deputy Hokim of Surkhandarya region – Head of Investments and Foreign Trade Department Anvar Oripov and others noted that the implementation of the project of Termez International Trade Center based on free economic zone “Termez” is important for the economy of the country and will serve as a serious increase in the volume and intensity of Uzbekistan’s foreign trade with Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and other countries.

It was noted that the construction of Termez International Trade Center by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of November 12, 2020 “On measures to further develop the activities of special economic and small industrial zones in Surkhandarya region and the city of Tashkent” contributes to the production of industrial products based on high technologies, the development of regional trade, as well as the creation of favorable conditions for the promotion of domestic products to foreign markets and the development of the economy.

“Termez International Trade Center will serve to increase the volume of trade, primarily between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, and create additional amenities for businesspeople of the country. After the launch of the center, the volume of trade between the two countries will noticeably expand. At the same time, it will be possible to supply 90 percent of the products needed for the Afghan market. The total area of ​​the center is 260,000 square meters, and all conditions for foreign entrepreneurs will be created here”, said Olimkhon Rustamov, Deputy Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade.

By the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, from July 1, 2021, a procedure for entering the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, staying in this territory, and leaving it within ten days is introduced for citizens of Afghanistan, citizens of other states and stateless persons entering from the territory of this country, as an exception, without obtaining an entry visa with the passage of personal and passport control. In addition, it is determined that goods and services sold to foreign citizens and stateless persons, as well as exported to the territory of Afghanistan by entrepreneurs, are equated with exports. Foreign goods are placed by registration in the customs regime “free customs zone”, it is also allowed, as an exception, to conduct retail trade operations with these goods. A separate corridor is created at the checkpoint “Termez-Avtoyul” to enter Termez International Trade Center from the territory of Afghanistan and return exit. It is equipped with special technical means.

“We thank the President for the great attention paid to the socio-economic development of the Surkhan oasis”, said Deputy Hokim of Surkhandarya region, head of the Investment and Foreign Trade Department Anvar Oripov. – I would like to emphasize that the initiative create Termez International Trade Center belongs directly to the Head of our country. Surkhandarya region is of great importance in the development of Uzbekistan due to its economic potential, favorable geographical location and natural resources. 2.5 million people live in the 20,000 square kilometer area located in the south of the Republic of Uzbekistan and bordering Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. The region is connected with these countries by 372 kilometers of railways and 14 railway stations. The distance from the regional center Termez to Mazar-i-Sharif is 99 kilometers, Dushanbe – 245 kilometers and the city of Turkmenabad – 441 kilometers. Taking into account such territorial proximity, the organization of the activities of the Termez International Trade Center will be beneficial for businessmen.

The Termez International Trade Center will house wholesale and retail stores, production facilities, drying and refrigerating warehouses, a logistics center, a multifunctional medical clinic, a hotel and a hostel, a restaurant and catering areas, car service and gas stations. Buildings in the center are provided to buyers in full ownership. There are tax incentives for property owners. The project is currently in its final stage. The center will be commissioned in the first quarter of 2023.

Following the presentation, B2B talks were organized for the participants.

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Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA