A new study by the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) has shed light on visitor behaviour and business trends in the Airitom Free Zone in Termez, a year after its opening.
According to the report, 91% of visitors come to the zone to buy food, 48% for clothing, and 38% for household appliances. Most shoppers say prices are lower than at other markets, though many complain about poor transport accessibility.
Out of 490 commercial spaces, 218 are currently operating. The greatest demand is seen in hospitality and healthcare services. The Hilton Garden Inn hotel has already hosted more than 9,000 guests, while the Akfa Medline clinic has treated over 76,000 people, around 80% of whom are Afghan citizens.
Traders Cite High Rent and Limited Customer Flow
Entrepreneurs continue to see Airitom Free Zone as an attractive business location, with most having operated there since its launch. However, nearly half believe rental rates are too high.
The survey found that almost a third of visitors come to the zone only once a month, while 43% noted the lack of regular transport connections with other parts of the city.
Commercial activity remains moderate: 43% of shops serve around 30 customers per day, and nearly a quarter handle between 100 and 150. More than half of businesses said the majority of their clientele are Afghan nationals.
Calls for Easier Border Crossing and 24-Hour Operations
Visitors’ main requests include simplifying border and customs procedures and extending the zone’s operating hours to a 24-hour schedule.
Opened in August 2024, the Airitom Free Zone has attracted more than 740,000 visitors to date, including 400,000 from Afghanistan, highlighting its growing role as a cross-border trade hub in southern Uzbekistan.
Kursiv earlier wrote on how life flows at the Airitom Free Zone in Termez.
