SAINT PETERSBURG, July 7. /Dunyo IA/.   Diplomats from the Consul General's Office, in collaboration with the management of the “Airitom free zone” International Trade and Logistics Center in Termez, organized an online presentation of the project for Russian partners, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Presentation was attended by representatives of regional state authorities, business associations, and corporations from Saint Petersburg, Arkhangelsk, Vologda, Kaliningrad and Leningrad regions, as well as the Republics of Karelia and Komi.

During the meeting, Zafarjon Abdukerimov, Commercial Director of “Airitom free zone”, delivered a comprehensive overview of the international trade and logistics center's operations, highlighting the strategic advantages of the free economic zone and the optimal conditions established for business development.

Core pillars of the center's operations encompass trade, logistics, and the services sector. Within the free economic zone, 250 commercial venues are currently fully operational, with an equal amount of commercial space available for prospective corporate residents. Advanced infrastructure has been developed for businesses and visitors alike, comprising a dedicated medical center, a “Hilton” hotel, a hostel and comprehensive recreation zones.

Particular attention was dedicated to the preferential regime established for residents. Effective September 1, a zero-rate VAT will apply to them, while the process for acquiring resident status takes a mere six hours. Transactions can be settled in five currencies - Uzbek Soums, Russian Rubles, Chinese Yuan, Euros and US Dollars. Furthermore, the possibility of utilizing the Afghan Afghani is currently under active consideration.

Separately, the center's logistics capabilities were presented as a strategic platform for accessing the markets of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The transit capacity of the transport corridor exceeds 200 cargo vehicles per day, while the weekly influx of buyers from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan surpasses 12,000 people. Since the inauguration of the free economic zone in 2024, over 20 international exhibitions and trade fairs have been hosted under the “Made in Uzbekistan” and “Made in Afghanistan” brands.

Following the presentation, the participants deliberated on the prospects for cooperation in the production of lumber, furniture, apparel, and household chemicals, alongside the possibility of establishing dedicated showrooms within the center's premises. The representatives of the Russian regions expressed strong interest in advancing further cooperation with the international trade and logistics center.