Who visits Uzbekistan most for business? One country stands out and it’s not China or Russia
Afghanistan has emerged as Uzbekistan’s largest source of foreign commercial visitors, far outpacing neighbouring countries and traditional economic partners such as Russia and China.
According to figures released by Uzbekistan’s National Statistics Committee on 26 October, 357,500 foreign citizens visited the country for commercial purposes between January and September 2026, an increase of 34,800 people, or 10.8%, compared with the same period in 2025.
Afghanistan accounted for approximately 90.5% of these visits, with 323,660 Afghan citizens arriving for business-related purposes. Turkmenistan ranked second with 24,196 visitors, followed by Tajikistan with 6,412.
Kyrgyzstan accounted for 695 visitors, Kazakhstan for 629, Russia for 370 and Türkiye for 346. Another 1,150 came from other countries.
Airitom Free Zone attracts Afghan traders
The Airitom Free Zone in Termez, just across the border from Afghanistan, has become a popular destination for Afghan traders and shoppers.
Opened in August 2024, the complex allows Afghan citizens to enter a designated area without an Uzbek visa to shop for groceries, clothing and household appliances or receive medical treatment at its clinic.
The complex also has restaurants and a hotel.
During a visit to Airitom in August 2025, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that between 1,500 and 2,000 Afghan citizens were entering the complex daily.
A separate study by Uzbekistan’s Centre for Economic Research and Reforms found that 91% of surveyed visitors came primarily to buy food products, while 48% sought clothing and 38% purchased household appliances.
The survey also found that 71% of respondents considered prices at Airitom lower than elsewhere, although the study did not specify which markets they were comparing them with.
Although the National Statistics Committee does not specify how many of the Afghan commercial visitors entered through Airitom, the centre’s visa-free arrangements and proximity to Afghanistan have made it an important destination for Afghan shoppers and traders.
The latest figures show that Uzbekistan received more than 13 times as many commercial visitors from Afghanistan as from Turkmenistan, the second-largest source country.
