Ayritom is becoming a new cross-border trade hub – CERR study results

Project Scale and Infrastructure

The Ayritom free trade zone opened in August 2024 in Termez and has become one of the largest cross-border trade development projects in Central Asia, strengthening Uzbekistan's position as a regional trade and logistics hub.

The zone covers 26 hectares, 164,200 square meters of which are occupied by infrastructure facilities. It includes a hotel, a medical clinic, a business school, restaurants, production facilities, and a logistics complex. The project is expected to create 3,000 jobs, generate annual exports of $1.2 billion, and attract up to 1.4 million visitors annually. The trade zone provides visa-free travel for Afghan citizens, boosts cross-border trade, and promotes the expansion of economic ties between the two countries.

Since its launch, over 740,000 people have visited Ayritom, including

400,000 Afghan citizens. Hotel and medical services have been the most popular. The Hilton Garden Inn (190 rooms, 3-star) has received over 9,000 guests. The Akfa Medline multidisciplinary clinic, designed to serve up to 46,000 patients annually, has already provided services to over 76,000 people, approximately 80% of whom are Afghan citizens.

Retail activity is showing positive trends. Of the 490 retail spaces, 218 stores are already operating. Goods and products worth $187 million have been exported to Afghanistan through the trade zone.

Given the significance of the project, the Center for Economic Resources and Innovation (CERI) conducted a survey among entrepreneurs and visitors to the Ayritom trade zone. The results identified trends in retail activity and priority areas for further development.

Results of a survey of entrepreneurs in the Airitom shopping center

According to the survey, more than 70% of respondents indicated that they have been conducting retail activities in the Center since its opening. A turnover analysis revealed that 67% of businesses have an annual trade volume of no more than 1 billion soums (approximately $78,000), while almost a third (29%) have an annual trade volume of between 3-5 billion soums ($235-$390,000).

The Airitom shopping center occupies 57,000 square meters, housing three-story retail and service spaces. Rents range from $2.60 to $8.30 per square meter depending on the location (basement, first floor, or second floor). Almost half of respondents (48%) described the current rental rates as high.

Retail activity in the center demonstrates moderate customer traffic. About two-fifths of stores (43%) serve an average of 30 customers per day, while almost a quarter (24%) report daily traffic of 100-150 customers. More than half of entrepreneurs (52%) said their main customers are Afghan citizens.

In addition to retail activities, the trade zone's infrastructure has created additional employment opportunities. More than 1,000 local residents and approximately 140 Afghan citizens have found jobs in restaurants, retail outlets, manufacturing and logistics facilities, a clinic, a hotel, and a hostel.

Results of a survey of shoppers in the Ayritom trade zone

According to a survey of shoppers, the overwhelming majority (91%) visited the mall primarily to purchase groceries. Almost half (48%) choose it to buy clothing, 38% for household appliances, and another 14% for pharmaceuticals. Moreover, approximately 71% of respondents noted that prices for goods and services in the zone are somewhat lower than in other markets.

At the same time, visits to the Ayritom shopping area remain irregular. Almost a third (29%) of shoppers visit only once a month. An analysis of transport accessibility revealed that approximately 38% of shoppers use public transport, while 43% of respondents noted a lack of regular service to the shopping area.

Areas for Further Development

The analysis confirms the high interest and significant growth potential of the Ayritom shopping area. However, several priorities for improvement were identified.

For Afghan citizens, who make up the majority of customers, expedited border crossing and customs clearance remain important. 71% consider this process time-consuming.

High demand for expanded service availability in Ayritom is confirmed by 95% of visitors, who favored 24-hour shopping hours.

Hotel services also require further adaptation of pricing policies, as stated by more than two-thirds of visitors (71%). Moreover, a significant portion of clients from Afghanistan are interested in expanding the range of services, including educational (52%), household (29%), and pharmacy (29%).

Therefore, demand for the center's services remains high. will be high, and further development of infrastructure and services will strengthen Airit's role as a key hub for cross-border trade and cooperation.

CERR Public Relations Sector