CEIR Report: Ayritom Rises as Central Asia’s Premier Trade Gateway

The Ayritom Free Trade Zone in Termez, Uzbekistan, is rapidly transforming into a major center for cross-border trade in Central Asia, according to a new report by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CEIR). Inaugurated in August 2024, Ayritom has already attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors and millions in trade revenue, positioning Uzbekistan as a growing regional logistics and commercial hub.

Spanning 26 hectares with over 164,000 square meters of infrastructure, Ayritom was designed not only to boost exports and employment but also to deepen economic ties with neighboring Afghanistan. The zone includes a wide range of facilities, from a hotel and medical clinic to restaurants, a business school, and a large logistics complex. The scale is ambitious: the project aims to generate $1.2 billion in annual exports, create 3,000 jobs, and attract 1.4 million visitors each year.

One of the most important features of Ayritom is its visa-free access for Afghan nationals. Since its launch, over 740,000 visitors have passed through the zone—more than 400,000 of them from Afghanistan. The Hilton Garden Inn has hosted over 9,000 guests, while the Akfa Medline medical clinic has treated more than 76,000 patients, 80% of whom are Afghan citizens.

Trade activity has also surged. Of the 490 retail outlets in the zone, 218 are now operational, and $187 million worth of goods have already been exported to Afghanistan. A large share of this activity is driven by small and medium-sized businesses. CEIR conducted surveys among entrepreneurs and visitors, offering valuable insights into current operations and growth potential.

More than 70% of surveyed entrepreneurs have been operating in Ayritom since its launch. The majority (67%) report annual revenues under $78,000, while nearly 30% operate at significantly higher volumes, reaching up to $390,000. However, nearly half said rental costs remain high relative to daily customer traffic, which tends to be moderate. Afghan citizens account for over half of the customer base.

The zone has also generated significant employment, hiring over 1,000 local workers and about 140 Afghan nationals across its various facilities.

From the visitor side, demand is being driven primarily by essential needs. Over 90% of shoppers come to Ayritom for food, with many also purchasing clothing, household appliances, and medicine. A majority of visitors noted that prices were lower than in other local markets. However, visits are not frequent—only 29% of shoppers come more than once a month, partly due to weak transport links. Around 43% cited the lack of reliable public transport as a barrier to more regular visits.

The report also highlights areas for urgent improvement. The customs and border process is considered slow by 71% of Afghan visitors, underlining the need for streamlined procedures. Nearly all respondents—95%—expressed support for 24/7 retail operations, signaling a strong demand for extended hours. There is also growing interest in expanding the zone’s services, especially in education, household support, and pharmaceutical offerings. Many visitors also raised concerns about hotel pricing, calling for more affordable accommodation.

The CEIR report concludes that Ayritom has proven itself as a viable and vital node in regional trade, but its full potential has yet to be unlocked. With further investment in infrastructure, lower costs, and smoother logistics, the trade zone could become a model for cross-border economic cooperation and a benchmark for similar projects across Central Asia.