Termez (TDI): The International Transport and Logistics Hub in Termez has officially been included in the Global Supply Network of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), making it the eighth global warehouse in the UN system.
A formal ceremony was held at the logistics center last month to mark the occasion. The event was attended by senior representatives including Ismatulla Irgashev, Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan; Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan; Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan; Dumitru Lipcanu, Acting Regional Representative of UNHCR; Arafat Jamal, Head of UNHCR in Afghanistan; as well as officials from Surkhandarya regional administration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Uzbekistan’s Customs and Border Services.
The Termez hub was established in 2022 at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to support the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and other countries, through Termez Cargo Center LLC. The facility enables centralized, fast-track distribution of relief goods from the UN, international partners, and foreign governments.
In his address at the 78th UN General Assembly, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of sustained humanitarian support to Afghanistan and urged the international community not to abandon the Afghan people in their time of need.
The inclusion of the Termez hub into the UNHCR network aligns with that vision. The UNHCR Global Supply Network processes over $500 million in life-saving supplies annually, through its other warehouses in Amman, Dubai, Nairobi, Accra, Douala, Copenhagen, and Panama City.
With its location at the intersection of Central and South Asia, Termez offers direct access to regional routes, a reliable transport and energy system, and a skilled workforce. These advantages contributed to the decision to add it to the global network.
Ismatulla Irgashev stated that the hub represents reliability and regional collaboration, noting that it strengthens the humanitarian supply chain while generating employment and contributing to local development.
Indrika Ratwatte appreciated Uzbekistan’s active partnership with the UN in facilitating humanitarian operations and noted the efficiency of Termez infrastructure in reducing operational costs and improving emergency readiness.
Sabine Machl remarked that Uzbekistan’s integration into the UNHCR network underscores its commitment to international cooperation. She said the support extended by the Uzbek side will allow millions of people affected by crises to receive critical aid.
Dumitru Lipcanu noted that UNHCR had consistently recognized the logistical value of the Termez hub. He said its integration into the global network would enable more effective humanitarian operations worldwide.
Arafat Jamal, UNHCR’s representative in Afghanistan, emphasized that the expansion of supply management through Termez would directly benefit emergency operations in Afghanistan. He also stressed the broader impact of the hub, noting that it would enhance global response mechanisms and contribute to climate resilience through environmentally friendly logistics.
With this move, Termez becomes a key regional link in the UN’s humanitarian response infrastructure, further positioning Uzbekistan as an active contributor to global humanitarian efforts.
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