Uzbekistan accelerates economic integration with Afghanistan through record trade growth and new mineral exploration initiatives

Uzbekistan reports $1.5 billion in trade with Afghanistan for 2025, launching new mineral exploration and expanding the Airitom Free Zone.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 4:45 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Diplomat

Rapid expansion of bilateral trade volumes

Economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan has reached unprecedented levels, with trade turnover in 2025 climbing to 1.5 billion dollars. This represents a 2.5 fold increase from the 653 million dollars reported in 2021, signaling a rapid acceleration of commercial activity under the current administration in Tashkent. Following a video conference in late February 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev indicated that both nations intend to push this figure toward a target of 5 billion dollars. To support this ambitious goal, a dedicated business forum and a strategic roadmap for priority sectors are scheduled to be unveiled in Kabul following the conclusion of Ramadan in late March.

Success of the Airitom Free Zone

A central pillar of this economic integration is the Termez International Trade Center, also known as the Airitom Free Zone. Launched in 2023, the center has become a vital hub for cross border movement, welcoming over 800,000 Afghan citizens last year under a 15 day visa free entry policy. Exports through the zone reached 320 million dollars in 2025, with projections set to hit 1 billion dollars by next year. Presidential spokesperson Sherzod Asadov noted that the zone is undergoing a massive expansion to 1,000 hectares and will operate under a special legal regime, including a dedicated prosecutor’s office and zero rate value added tax on exports.

Strategic reliance on essential commodities

The trade relationship is characterized by a high degree of interdependence, with Afghanistan emerging as the top destination for Uzbek wheat exports. In the past year, Uzbekistan exported nearly 1.6 million tons of wheat to its southern neighbor, far outpacing sales to other regional partners. Beyond agriculture, Afghanistan depends heavily on Uzbekistan for electricity and construction materials. This asymetrical leverage provides Tashkent with significant influence in regional affairs, including potential future negotiations regarding the allocation of shared water resources.