Uzbekistan Reopens Termez–Hairatan Crossing After Four-Year Closure
Uzbek media, citing the country’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reported on Wednesday that the Termez–Hairatan border crossing has reopened after four years.
Uzbek media, citing the country’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reported on Wednesday that the Termez–Hairatan border crossing has reopened after four years.
Officials said the move is intended to ease the movement of travellers and strengthen bilateral trade with Afghanistan.
According to Uzbek outlets, reopening the land border forms part of a broader plan to increase exports to as much as $2.5 billion by 2026.
Uzbekistan closed its land border with Afghanistan in 2021 after the Taliban returned to power, citing security concerns. Under the new policy, citizens of both countries may now cross the border, although visa requirements remain in place.
The development comes as the Taliban, facing heightened tensions with Pakistan and the closure of multiple crossings, seek alternative trade routes.
Afghanistan and Uzbekistan maintain extensive economic ties, with frequent official visits exchanged over the past four years. According to data from Uzbekistan’s Statistics Committee, bilateral trade reached $1.3 billion from January to October this year, a 46.7 percent increase compared with the same period in 2023.
