Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Export at the Start: How Uzbek Companies Enter the International Market — First Cases from the National Export Accelerator

In 2024, the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, together with the international export agency IMGR, launched the first acceleration program to support companies aiming to enter international markets. Out of more than 500 applications, 100 companies from sectors such as textiles, agriculture, construction materials, and others were selected. The program helps companies prepare for export: from market potential assessment to the development of commercial proposals and negotiations with clients.

The successes of program participants demonstrate its effectiveness: Uzbek entrepreneurs are successfully using the knowledge gained to enter export markets. Some companies are already negotiating with Amazon and Shopify, while others are conducting test shipments to the European Union. Entrepreneurs are actively using artificial intelligence technologies for finding international partners and marketing, which contributes to changing the approach to doing business overall.

Mustang Tekstil: From Domestic Market to Export Strategy for the EU

Mustang Tekstil had been producing men’s and children’s clothing for the domestic market of Uzbekistan for over 10 years. The brand was popular in the country, but the company had no experience in international markets. Participation in the accelerator program was an important development stage for the team: they developed a clear strategy, adapted their product range, and figured out the logistics for international shipments.

“The hardest part is not the sewing, but choosing the market. We restructured our business processes and realized where we could be competitive. Now the focus is on Germany, Poland, and Russia,” says Yakub Ibrahimov, CEO of Mustang Tekstil.

During the program, the team:

• Assessed export potential;
• Developed an export strategy;
• Adapted products to EU standards;
• Prepared an export pitch and commercial proposals;
• Set up logistics and international trade according to new rules.

The brand started actively reaching beyond the CIS. Negotiations on deliveries are already underway, and the team is preparing to sign the first contracts.

Ariya Teks: From Akkurgan to Amazon

A textile company from Tashkent, Ariya Teks, which produces t-shirts, workwear, bed linen, and bags, joined the program to enter the European market. The company is currently negotiating with Amazon and Shopify, studying the U.S. market, and has completely revamped its digital marketing: the website, SMM, and photo content are being created with artificial intelligence.

“We learned to use artificial intelligence: it creates photos, fills CRM, writes presentations. This has given us a tremendous boost,” shares Mirislam Usmanov, CEO of Ariya Teks.

The company applied:

• LinkedIn as a B2B platform;
• TradeMap for analyzing needs in the EU;
• Marketing automation through GPT and Midjourney;
• Product assortment segmentation for the Russian and EU markets.

A longlist of clients in the EU is already ready, and participation in the first international exhibition is planned for the first half of 2025.

DM Paper: Uzbekistan as a New Player in Building Materials

DM Paper, a company from the Samarkand region that produces paper for drywall, entered the accelerator with strong positions in the domestic market. Within seven months, the company entered the markets of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan. Negotiations are currently underway with CIS countries, and markets in Iran and Afghanistan are being explored. The company’s success is based on simple principles: free test deliveries, flexible pricing, and attention to logistics.

“Yes, Russian competitors are stronger in terms of quality. But we win in logistics, speed, and delivery terms,” said Akram Rustamov, head of the sales department at DM Paper.

The company:

• Conducted market research;
• Analyzed logistics chains;
• Performed product tests in Azerbaijan;
• Systematized business processes for foreign trade with experts.

Turboplast: From Domestic Brand to Export to Russia and Kazakhstan

Turboplast, one of Uzbekistan's leading companies in drip irrigation systems, pipes, and fittings, became a participant in the accelerator program to diversify its markets and prepare for increased exports. At the start of the program, the company already had a strong position in the domestic market, including cooperation with major clients, and export was seen as a strategically important area of development.

During the accelerator program, the Turboplast team:

• Conducted an audit of export potential;
• Reached new clients in Kyrgyzstan (deliveries have already been made);
• Started negotiations for large contracts in Russia;
• Prepared a revised commercial proposal, including design, QR codes, and correct brand content;
• Implemented changes in marketing approaches — from catalogs to working with agro-bloggers and video content.

One of the successes was establishing cooperation with the international company Indorama Corporation. This allowed the company to replace some imported supplies with locally produced goods. The contract was signed after active communication on LinkedIn and adapting proposals to the client’s requirements.

“Earlier, we weren’t sure we could reach a client like Indorama. The accelerator showed us how to properly conduct B2B communication, adapt product offerings, and build an export strategy,” said Sanjarbek Abilov, CEO of Turboplast.

The company is currently preparing shipments to Russia with the prospect of expanding deliveries in the near future, and is considering the possibility of opening additional production abroad if stable demand is established.

Why It Works: The Organizers' View

According to the program operator, IMGR, more than 20 companies have already signed export contracts and begun their first shipments. The textile cluster is leading.

“Uzbekistan demonstrates a high level of competitiveness in the textile industry. Examples of companies like Mustang Tekstil show how the knowledge and support of experts and mentors in the accelerator contribute to successful exports,” says Ekaterina Norkina, CEO of IMGR.

Within the program:

• Companies underwent training on TradeMap and financial calculations;
• Received updated website designs, commercial proposals, social media strategies (SMM), and current price lists;
• Learned how to negotiate on LinkedIn;
• Developed export strategies for the EU and CIS.

“The accelerator confirmed the high export potential of Uzbekistan’s small and medium businesses. Companies have demonstrated flexibility, high involvement, and the willingness to adapt to international requirements. We see positive dynamics across all areas of the program,” concluded Ekaterina Norkina.

Plans for 2025

The accelerator program will continue in 2025. Additional training sessions will be organized, and participants will be involved in the Made in Uzbekistan exhibition program. The program will also focus more on markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.