It should be noted that the checkpoint was closed in August 2021 after the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, which significantly complicated travel for Uzbek businessmen to the neighboring country. Previously, it took just an hour to drive from the customs post "Airitom" in Uzbekistan to the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif, but after the closure of the crossing, trips were only possible through Tajikistan and took more than a day.
With the reopening of the checkpoint, the authorities of Uzbekistan have stated that the restrictions have been lifted, and the route is now accessible again. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized that the resumption of movement does not cancel the visa regime, so citizens of both countries still need to have the appropriate permits.
This development opens new opportunities for entrepreneurs, especially for exporters. It is expected that the volume of goods and services supplied from Uzbekistan to Afghanistan will reach $2.5 billion by 2026, which is linked to the opening of a direct route.
Previously, the governments of both countries discussed a plan to increase bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry also reported its readiness to provide benefits to entrepreneurs entering the Afghan market. In particular, rent for warehouses in Hairatan and Mazar-i-Sharif will be compensated, as well as expenses for advertising Uzbek products intended for the Afghan market.
Uzbek officials recommend that businessmen intensify exports to Afghanistan, where 59 million consumers live. According to representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, there is currently low competition and high demand in this market.
