Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Georgia–Uzbekistan Business Hub, a non-profit business community designed to help companies, investors and entrepreneurs from Georgia and Uzbekistan find partners and enter each other’s markets, was presented in Tashkent on 24 October. The hub is already supporting its first projects, and another presentation is planned in Georgia in the coming weeks, project manager Nino Rukhadze said.
What Is Georgia–Uzbekistan Business Hub?
Founded in 2026, the hub operates in Tashkent and Tbilisi. Its goal is to develop business ties between the two countries and help entrepreneurs turn professional introductions into long-term partnerships. The organisation describes itself as a trust-based business community rather than a consulting firm or brokerage.
“We created the hub to help companies find the right people, the right contacts and develop their brands. I am very glad that people willing to share their ideas have gathered here today. I would like to thank all our partners and founders who organised this meeting,” said hub president and KiwiPost founder Andri Chanturia.
Thibault Tugushi-Flaman, a founding member of the hub and co-founder and CEO of Shavi Coffee Roasters, said the community was established in response to growing interest between businesses in the two countries.
“I am impressed that more and more companies are looking at Uzbekistan. The country is attracting capital and a great deal of attention. Georgia is also attracting significant capital and has carried out many reforms. In both countries, entrepreneurs are looking at each other and asking what they can do together. We wanted to bring these efforts together, share experience and discuss how best to enter the market. Too much capital is lost when entering new markets. We want to build rather than spend too much time asking questions,” he said.
How the Hub Works
The process begins with a company’s request. When an entrepreneur plans to enter the Georgian or Uzbek market, the team assesses the company’s needs, examines local conditions and works with the community’s founders to identify suitable solutions.
“When a company wants, for example, to enter the Uzbek market, it approaches us and explains what it needs. We conduct a small study and discuss with our founders how this can be achieved, then help the company find the right partners and service providers,” Rukhadze explained.
The hub identifies five stages in its work: researching the market, regulations and available opportunities; establishing contacts with local partners; choosing an appropriate business structure; launching operations; and developing the business further through the community’s network.
Particular attention is given to selecting service providers. According to Rukhadze, hub members have already worked with many service companies, allowing the organisation to recommend partners it considers reliable.
The community’s founding members coordinate its current activities. Each contributes to the development of Georgia–Uzbekistan Business Hub by sharing professional experience, knowledge and business contacts.
Services Offered by the Hub
The hub provides support in seven areas related to entering a new market. It helps companies establish relationships with banks and integrate into the local financial system, find legal and tax advisers, and address logistics and warehousing needs.
The organisation also assists with recruitment through its hiring partners, marketing strategy development and the promotion of products and services. Another area is finding office space, warehouses and retail premises.
The hub focuses on practical business needs. It is currently supporting several projects by helping companies establish business contacts and navigate local market conditions. The names of the companies and the sectors in which they operate have not been disclosed.
Areas of Potential Cooperation
Businesses in both countries have shown interest in cooperation. Rukhadze said Uzbek companies were also exploring opportunities in the Caucasus.
Tugushi-Flaman, who works in the food service sector, highlighted the potential of the restaurant business.
“There are many popular Georgian restaurants here, while Georgia is increasingly opening up to new cuisines. One of my favourite restaurants in Tbilisi is a Turkmen restaurant located right in the middle of a garage. I think an Uzbek restaurant or Uzbek concept would be hugely successful in Tbilisi,” he said.
Who Is Behind the Project?
Andri Chanturia serves as the hub’s president. Its 14 founding members include entrepreneurs and investors from Georgia and Uzbekistan.
They include Nina Sandler, vice-president of TBC Capital; Luka Kobalia, product director at SmartSoft; and Feruz Yakubkhodjaev, co-founder of Profsoyuz, We Digital and AIM Lab.
Plans for the Future
The founders see the Tashkent presentation as an opportunity to gauge interest in the new community and understand what potential members expect from it.
“We are just launching and want to see the level of interest. Today is a test of the concept: we can see how many people have come and how diverse the audience is. I think the concept has been validated. Now we, the founders, future founders and members, need to decide what we want from this community. The organisation’s advantage is that it is being built from scratch. We can ask every member what they expect and find a way to bring the greatest possible benefit to everyone,” Tugushi-Flaman said.
The next presentation is planned in Georgia in approximately one month. Tugushi-Flaman said Uzbek partners would be invited to learn more about opportunities in the Georgian market. More Georgian companies are expected to attend.
The hub also plans to organise sector-specific meetings based on members’ needs. These events will bring together representatives of the same industries from Uzbekistan, Georgia and other countries, helping companies find partners and connect with potential clients.
The hub’s establishment comes amid efforts by Uzbekistan and Georgia to expand economic ties. The two countries have set a target of increasing bilateral trade to US$1 billion. Developing direct business contacts and helping companies enter each other’s markets could contribute to strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
