Economy

On 11 February 2025, a solemn ceremony was held on the occasion of granting the International Multifunctional Transport and Logistics Hub in Termez the status of a warehouse of the Global Supply Chain Network of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The event was attended by Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan I.Irgashev, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Afghanistan I.Ratwatte, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan S.Makhl, Acting Regional Representative of UNHCR D.Lipkanu, Head of Afghan UNHCR A.Jamal, leadership and representatives of the Hokimiyat of Surkhandarya region, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Customs and Border Guard Services of Uzbekistan.

The hub was established in 2022 on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to ensure centralised and targeted delivery of humanitarian aid by the UN, international organisations and foreign countries to Afghanistan and other countries on the basis of Termez Cargo Centre LLC.).

Addressing the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev called on the world community to unite in solving the problem of Afghanistan, stressing that humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people should not wane.

UNHCR’s global network includes seven warehouse complexes located in Amman (Jordan), Dubai (UAE), Nairobi (Kenya), Accra (Ghana), Douala (Cameroon), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Panama City (Panama). More than $500 million worth of key life-support items (tents, blankets, kitchen sets, medical supplies, etc.) are processed through this infrastructure annually for rapid response to humanitarian crises.

Given the complex international environment and the increasing number of people in need of support, the UN and its agencies endeavour to maintain adequate stocks of basic resources to assist vulnerable populations. In this context, Termez’s strategic location at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, its transport and energy infrastructure, and the availability of qualified personnel were key factors in the decision to integrate it into the global community. in the decision to integrate it into the global network.
Therefore, the Termez hub became UNHCR’s eighth international warehouse, confirming its importance and efficiency for the prompt distribution of humanitarian goods on a global scale.

Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan I.Irgashev noted that the Termez hub is a symbol of international co-operation, reliability and efficiency. It not only serves to strengthen the humanitarian supply chain, but also contributes to the development of the region, creating new opportunities and jobs.

Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Afghanistan I.Ratwatte expressed gratitude to the Uzbek side for its active efforts to provide humanitarian support to Afghanistan and other countries, as well as for close cooperation with UN agencies.

He praised the infrastructure created in Termez, which enhances the UN’s emergency preparedness by reducing operational costs and risks. ‘We are ready to continue co-operation with Uzbekistan for the sake of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals based on the principle of ‘Leaving No One Behind’.

UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan S. Makhl emphasised that today’s ceremony demonstrates the republic’s commitment to the principles of multilateral cooperation and strengthens its role as an active participant in international humanitarian initiatives. Thanks to the opportunities provided by the Uzbek side, millions of people affected by emergencies will receive vital assistance, she said.

UNHCR Acting Representative for Central Asia D. Lipcanu noted that the Organisation has repeatedly been convinced of the strategic advantages of the Termez hub for humanitarian operations at the international level.
‘The integration of the centre into our global network will allow even more efficient use of its infrastructure and logistical capabilities to support people forced to flee their homes,’ D. Lipcanu said.

According to UNHCR’s representative in Afghanistan, A. Jamal, Afghanistan would greatly benefit from the expansion of UNHCR’s emergency supply management system through the Termez logistics centre. ‘However, the significance of this hub goes far beyond Afghanistan. It will strengthen emergency response at the global level, enhance regional co-operation, and intensify the fight against climate change through the use of environmentally friendly technologies.’