Last week, the head of the Customs Administration of Surkhandarya region, Izzatulla Gulyamov, met with the head of customs in Afghanistan's Balkh province, Bilal Mohammad Abdullah. The two sides discussed enhancing trade relations and increasing trade volumes.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that in less than four months of full-scale operations, goods worth $15.5 million had been exported through the free trade zone.

The delegations also proposed measures to streamline border and customs controls for incoming individuals. Topics such as currency exchange, the recognition of certificates, and support for Afghan entrepreneurs operating within the zone were also discussed.

The "Termez" International Trade Center was established to facilitate transit cargo traffic between Uzbekistan and South Asia. Its first phase began operations at the end of 2022, and the official opening of the complex took place in August of this year.

The center features 1,800 retail outlets, with a Hilton Garden Inn hotel and an Akfa Medline clinic already in operation. According to projections presented during the project's launch, the center's annual turnover could reach $500 million, with service volumes estimated at $10 million.

In May, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved a series of measures to boost the center’s development. These include allowing Afghan and Pakistani citizens to purchase shops, service, and production facilities in the complex with full property rights.

A visa-free regime for foreign nationals applies within the center for stays of up to 15 days. Entrepreneurs within the center are also permitted to hire foreign workers without requiring work permits from Uzbekistan.

In November, Kyrgyzstan acquired a trade pavilion at the "Termez" Trade Center, and Kazakhstan opened a platform for its products at the center in early December.

Earlier, Kun.uz reported that Uzbekistan and Afghanistan had agreed to continue the export of electricity.