Core Insights - Uzbekistan is emerging as a new market for e-commerce and cross-border trade, driven by economic integration in Central Asia and a shift from a planned to a market economy [1][3] - The country is expected to be recognized as the "Digital Economy Year of Central Asia" by 2025, with e-commerce acting as a new economic engine attracting major players and policy support [1][3] Market Growth - Local sellers on the Wildberries platform have achieved over $1 billion in sales in the past two years, with strong performance in categories like clothing, home textiles, cosmetics, and small appliances [3] - Exports from Uzbekistan have seen rapid growth, with cross-border shipments to Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan doubling year-on-year, and a 63% increase in exports to Russia projected for 2024 [3][4] Infrastructure Upgrades - Wildberries announced a $150 million investment to build an 180,000 square meter flagship warehouse in Tashkent, marking a significant step in modernizing the e-commerce supply chain [4] - The new cargo terminal at Tashkent International Airport and the regular rail container route from Xi'an, China to Tashkent have greatly improved customs efficiency and transportation capacity [4] Local E-commerce Ecosystem - Wildberries is launching a "Growth Platform" in Uzbekistan to support around 100 local businesses in branding and e-commerce operations, providing access to digital advertising systems and training [5] - The establishment of over 130 logistics centers and 70,000 pickup points in Russian-speaking countries by Wildberries indicates a robust e-commerce ecosystem [5] Strategic Recommendations for Chinese Enterprises - Chinese exporters and manufacturers are advised to leverage the "first warehouse, then sales" strategy by utilizing Wildberries' warehousing services in Tashkent for faster delivery [6] - Companies should consider light brand operations using the Growth Platform for quick local user engagement and explore joint operations with local sellers [6] Conclusion - The e-commerce sector in Uzbekistan is entering a phase of rapid growth, presenting significant opportunities for Chinese manufacturers and exporters [6] - The period from 2025 to 2030 is identified as a strategic window for establishing a presence in the Uzbek market, which may offer a more controllable and replicable environment for expansion compared to previous markets [6]