Where is Afghan gold being processed?
New production facilities have been launched in the economic zone of the Termez International Trade Center in southern Uzbekistan. The domestic company Termiz Gold Production has started deep processing of precious raw materials imported from neighboring Afghanistan. The information was confirmed by the press service of the Customs Committee.
How was Afghan gold handled previously?
Until recently, Afghan gold moved through Uzbekistan only in transit mode. The precious metal was transported to third countries without undergoing any industrial processing within the republic.
What prompted the change in the economic model?
The shift followed an inspection of the company’s capabilities by the leadership of the Surkhandarya regional customs administration, headed by Izzatulla Gulyamov. During the working visit, negotiations were held between the management of the Uzbek company and representatives of Afghanistan’s gold mining sector.
What does the new customs processing regime mean?
A key outcome of the discussions was the transition to a processing regime within the customs territory. This mechanism allows a significant share of added value to remain in Uzbekistan, turning raw material transit into full-scale production. According to the approved plan, the initial stage will process 20 kilograms of gold, with the pilot batch valued at approximately 2.9 million US dollars.
What products will be produced?
Instead of simple forwarding of raw materials, the enterprise will focus on producing jewelry semi-finished products. This strategic decision is aimed at increasing export potential through high-margin goods.
Why is the project important for Termez?
Successful implementation of the project is expected to simplify customs administration for specialized cargo and significantly boost the investment attractiveness of Termez as an emerging industrial hub in Central Asia.
What is Afghanistan’s position in gold production?
Afghanistan has substantial gold reserves that have been mined for centuries using artisanal methods, particularly in the provinces of Takhar and Badakhshan. Due to the lack of modern refining infrastructure, much of the gold has historically been exported in raw form to Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates, resulting in a significant loss of final value for the Afghan economy.