Uzbekistan, Tatarstan Explore Termez-Afghanistan Corridor for Regional Trade

UZBEKISTAN (Afghan Verified) -- Uzbekistan and Russia's Tatarstan held a joint conference titled "Surkhandarya — Tatarstan" to examine cargo transit opportunities through Termez, a border crossing with Afghanistan.

The discussions emphasized Termez's potential role in linking Central Asia with South Asia as part of the International North-South Transport Corridor. A cross-border trade zone in Termez was officially launched in August 2024 to streamline goods movement, with the Termez International Trade Center inviting businesses for assembly and light manufacturing operations.

Duty-free incentives are offered particularly for agricultural products. Leto Group has started exporting tomatoes through the Termez corridor to Tatarstan, though the initiative has received a mixed response, with limited engagement from some stakeholders including the Khimgrad industrial complex.

Akramjan Nematov stated that Termez serves as a critical bridge between Central and South Asia, providing access to Indian Ocean ports. Rustam Minnikhanov visited Termez in 2024 with a delegation to assess trade potential.

The conference highlighted ongoing efforts to expand regional trade routes via the Afghan border, building on the new trade zone's incentives to encourage cross-border commerce.