Which foreign companies entered the Uzbek market in 2021?

The online edition Spot collected information about which foreign companies entered the market in 2021 and announced their exits in 2022.

So, in 2021 the following companies entered the market:

Rozetka

In September, it became known that the largest online retailer in Ukraine launched the rozetka.uz website and began accepting orders and issuing goods. Then the first point of issue of orders was opened in Tashkent. Later, the co-founder of the online store Vladislav Chechetkin said that it was planned to bring the total number of points to six. The company also plans to start work in Samarkand, Namangan, Andijan, Bukhara and Fergana, launch a cross-board and marketplace.

Magnum

Magnum, the largest retail and retail chain in Kazakhstan, opened its first hypermarket in Tashkent on December 11. The company plans to open one supermarket by the end of the year, and four more outlets in 2022. The hypermarket is located in the shopping center Integro in the Chilanzar district on an area of ​​7,500 sq. m. Consumers are presented with over 20 thousand items of goods produced in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, imported from other countries.

According to Askar Mnaidar, CEO of Magnum Retail, the company aims to “become a significant player in the Tashkent market”.

Arla Foods

It is a dairy producer. In Uzbekistan, the company presented over 30 products, including mozzarella, butter cream, cheeses, butter and much more.

inDriver

This is not the company’s debut entry into the country’s market. The Russian passenger transportation service made two attempts: in 2016 and 2018.

“I would not say that past attempts to enter the market have been unsuccessful. We learned some lessons, studied the Uzbek market in more detail. Now is the best time for our users to have an alternative to the existing ways of moving around the city, ”said Arai Bekembaev, service development manager.

Mycrane

It is a B2B crane rental platform. Through it, the company can order a truck or tower crane in accordance with the needs.

Digital Holding

The State Assets Management Agency and Digital Invest (a joint venture between MegaFon and USEM Telecom) have created the Digital Holding JV. It includes 100% of the authorized capital of the operator Ucell, as well as subsidiaries of USM – CRPT Turon and ICS Holding Uzbekistan.

“Этажи” (Floors)

The Russian real estate agency entered the Uzbek market through a franchisee. Managing partner of the company in Uzbekistan Artur Yugay told Spot how he chose and bought a franchise, why he doesn’t hire experienced specialists and doesn’t want to work “in Uzbek”.

3M

It is one of the largest manufacturing corporations in the United States, producing innovative products for a variety of markets.

The first products presented on the local market were personal protective equipment: filtering half masks, gloves, protective overalls, goggles, helmets, safety equipment, respirators. The company works not only with business, but also with consumers.

Renault

Manufacturing and selling in Uzbekistan is handled by Roodell. The first on sale were the Arkana coupe-crossover, the Kaptur urban crossover, and the new generation Duster SUV. At the first stage, Renault sales and service will be in two dealerships in Tashkent.

 

Who else can enter the country’s market

Burger king

This will be a franchise. Franchiser – Moscow. Burgerhouse LLC has already been established, recruitment has begun and plans to open the first restaurants by the end of the year. At the first stage, the format of the food court is planned.

220 volt

A chain of DIY stores has already tried to enter the Uzbek market in 2018. Then the plans never came true. Now the company notes an increase in the number of applications for opening a franchise business from countries neighboring Russia, including Uzbekistan.

Chery

The Chinese automaker plans to enter the Uzbek market in the first half of 2022. The Pro series are expected to be the first to go on sale. The first car dealerships will appear in Tashkent. Later, the company intends to expand its geography and present Chery cars in seven more cities of the country.

Auchan

Auchan Holding’s partner, the French retail company Schiever, has opened its first vacancy in Uzbekistan. One of the leading positions in Schiever Uzbekistan was taken by Ismael Germain, who for the last 8 years has worked in various positions at Auchan Russia.

Sovcombank

The Russian bank can buy out 100% of the state share in Uzagroexportbank for several million dollars. Sovcombank is already working with the largest corporations and banks of Uzbekistan, financing their activities, and the license will help to better control credit risk, having a local team, as well as expand the range of services.

OTP Bank

The Hungarian bank plans to buy a 75% state stake in Ipoteka Bank.

Alfa Bank

The Russian bank is interested in expanding its presence in Uzbekistan. The bank’s delegation visited the Central Bank, where they were explained the procedure for opening a commercial bank, microcredit and payment organization.

Prior to that, Alfa-Bank in Uzbekistan worked with banks. For example, in 2020, he acted as the organizer of a syndicated loan for Asaka Bank in the amount of 100 million euros.

Expobank

The Russian bank became a contender for the purchase of Poytakhtbank, 100% of the authorized capital of which belonged to the state represented by the khokimiyat of Tashkent.

Fonbet

The betting company is going to open an office in Tashkent. The company has opened several vacancies, including a CEO, and is promising a white salary, although bookmaking has been banned in the country since 2007.

Reikartz

The Ukrainian hotel chain has opened vacancies for business development managers in the hotel sector in five cities – Tashkent, Namangan, Bukhara, Samarkand and Jizzakh.

Giordano

In the summer, the international retailer signed an agreement with the domestic Prof Brands LLC, which will act as the exclusive franchisee of the company. However, store openings have not yet happened.