Development of Warehouse Real Estate in Uzbekistan: A New Stage in the Logistics Market

Development of Warehouse Real Estate in Uzbekistan: A New Stage in the Logistics Market

Introduction

In recent years, Uzbekistan has made significant strides in developing its logistics infrastructure. In 2024, the country took a leading position among the Central Asian and Transcaucasian states in terms of warehouse real estate growth. Within one season, high-quality warehouse space doubled, exceeding 500,000 square meters. Despite these successes, demand in the logistics market remains high. Experts note that to reach the level of neighboring countries, Uzbekistan needs to build an additional 2.3–2.4 million square meters of warehouse space.

Dynamic Development of Logistics Infrastructure

New Logistics Centers and Warehouse Spaces

In 2024, several large logistics centers were put into operation in Uzbekistan. Among the most notable are:

• Grand Pharm Logistics Center (Zangiata District, Tashkent Pharmaceutical Park)
• 50,000 square meter warehouse (Tashkent Region, Yangiyul District)
• Orient Logistics (warehouse complex of 21,500 square meters)
• Balton Trading Asia (20,000 square meter warehouse)

The opening of these centers contributes to optimizing the transport and logistics system in Uzbekistan.

Challenges and Prospects

Despite the successes, the creation of a modern logistics system in Uzbekistan is still in its early stages. The amount of high-quality warehouse space remains low: only 0.01 square meters per capita.

Moreover, to reach the level of Kazakhstan and other regional leaders, Uzbekistan needs to construct at least 2.8–2.9 million square meters of warehouse space, which will require at least 7–8 years.

Key Players in the Logistics Market

Local Companies

Among domestic enterprises, Uzum Market deserves special attention. In the short term, the company requires 150–170 thousand square meters, and in the medium term – 500–600 thousand square meters of warehouse infrastructure. In 2024, Uzum Market opened a 112,000 square meter warehouse, making it one of the largest in Uzbekistan.

Foreign Investments

Major Russian e-commerce companies are also planning to expand their operations in Uzbekistan:

• Wildberries opened a 1,100 square meter sorting center in 2023 and intends to invest $137 million in building a 150,000 square meter logistics complex in the Tashkent region.
• Ozon launched a 1,000 square meter sorting center in Tashkent in 2024 and plans to expand it to 5,000 square meters.

Additionally, Chinese and German logistics companies are also ready to invest in Uzbekistan.

Future of the Logistics Market

Market Growth

According to experts, by 2027, the e-commerce market volume in Uzbekistan will reach $2 billion, which is 10 times more than in 2021 and 4 times more than in 2023.

Shortage of High-Quality Warehouses

Currently, high-quality warehouse infrastructure in Uzbekistan remains limited. The share of Class A warehouses is only 22% (compared to 41% in Kazakhstan). This results in high rental rates. In Tashkent, the rent for Class A warehouses exceeds $150 per square meter per year.

Warehouse Rental via Allcargo.Market

To develop logistics infrastructure and meet companies' needs, Allcargo.Market offers warehouse rental services of various classes. Through the platform, companies can rent warehouses for both short-term and long-term periods. This allows businesses to be more flexible and efficient in managing logistics processes.

Government Strategic Plan

The government of Uzbekistan has developed a transport system development strategy until 2035. According to this plan, the country aims to become an international logistics hub and actively cooperate with Chinese companies within the framework of the "One Belt – One Road" initiative.

Conclusion

Uzbekistan's logistics infrastructure is developing rapidly. The country is attracting significant investments, and new opportunities are emerging in the market. However, major challenges remain: a shortage of high-quality warehouses, high rental rates, and uneven infrastructure distribution.

Personally, I assess this process positively, as Uzbekistan has great potential to become the logistics center of Central Asia. Attracting foreign investments and developing government strategies play a key role. However, for the system to develop successfully, it is necessary to expand logistics centers, modernize transport infrastructure, and train qualified personnel.

Thus, for the further growth of the logistics sector, Uzbekistan must strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors.