Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Philip Morris International (PMI) has opened its second office in Central Asia, located in Tashkent, underscoring Uzbekistan's strategic significance in the region.

The opening ceremony was attended by key PMI executives, including Enrique Jimenez, Managing Director of Philip Morris Kazakhstan and Central Asia, and Sinan Tav, General Manager for Central Asian Markets.

Both executives addressed several questions regarding the purpose of opening the Tashkent office, development plans, and other related topics.

Enrique Jimenez

What motivated PMI to open an office in Uzbekistan?

Enrique Jimenez: Uzbekistan is experiencing an impressive economic upswing. The moment you arrive here, you can feel the energy of growth—infrastructure is developing, foreign investment increased by 60% in 2024, and the population is young and ambitious, with nearly 40 million people, half of whom are professionals of working age.

This is an ideal combination for business. Moreover, the country is actively pursuing regulatory reforms and integration into international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). For PMI, this signals that Uzbekistan is not just a market, but a long-term partner.

Uzbekistan is also becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. You have no idea how attractive Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent are for Spaniards!

Sinan Tav

In the future, how do you see Uzbekistan’s role in the talent market?

Sinan Tav: Uzbekistan will become an important talent hub not only for the domestic market but for the entire region. However, PMI’s strength lies in its presence in 180 countries.

For Uzbek professionals, this presents a huge opportunity—they will be able to enter the international job market, positioning Uzbekistan as a center for talent. Moreover, the country can serve as a model for others in this regard.

From this perspective, Uzbekistan should not only be seen as a domestic labor force provider but as a key supplier of talent on a global scale, effectively becoming a net exporter of highly qualified professionals.

What are PMI’s plans for Uzbekistan in the near future?

Enrique Jimenez: Our plans can be divided into three key areas.

First, we aim to strengthen our brand presence across all regions of the country and combat the rise of illicit tobacco products.

Second, we will continue to develop local production. A significant portion of our products is already being manufactured in partnership with Uzbek producer Tashkent Tobacco, and we plan to expand this collaboration.

Third, we will invest in talent. Uzbekistan is not just a local market—it is also a source of talent for our regional and global operations. We want Uzbek employees to build careers worldwide within PMI.

How can PMI, as an employer, impact Uzbekistan’s labor market?

Enrique Jimenez: I believe we can make an impact in several areas.

First and foremost, we offer jobs at a company that is a global leader in its industry.

Second, we are undergoing an unprecedented transformation, radically changing not just our own approach to work, but the entire industry.

Third, we are a good employer. For the past nine years, PMI has been recognized as a top global employer, reflecting our high workplace standards. We were also one of the first companies to receive the EQUAL SALARY certification, ensuring equal pay for men and women, providing fair compensation and equal opportunities regardless of gender.

Moreover, as Sinan mentioned, we offer international career paths. We are living examples of this ourselves and are ready to provide a platform for career development across different countries.

I would also like to emphasize that we value diversity. We do not strive for uniformity—on the contrary, our differences make us stronger.

Thus, we create an environment where talented individuals can unlock their potential, grow professionally, work for an international company, and remain true to themselves.

Overall, we are committed to ensuring our facilities are accessible to people with disabilities. This is our top priority. In countries where specific regulations exist, we strictly adhere to them.

We have employees with various abilities working alongside us, and we pay special attention to ensuring that their needs are met. They can advance their careers on an equal footing with others.

For us, diversity and inclusion are two fundamental principles.

You can have diversity, but that's not enough. The most important thing is to feel that you can truly be yourself in the company. We work hard to create an inclusive environment.

We have various channels where employees can express their needs, and we regularly track these requests. Of course, people with disabilities are no exception. If one of our employees has specific needs, we provide full support.

I believe that if you are a professional, it doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, or whether you have a disability or not—come work with us. We will take care of you.

Tell us more about the new office. How does it reflect PMI’s values?

Sinan Tav: Let me briefly explain our PMI DNA, which consists of three core principles: We care, We are stronger together and We change the game.

All our actions are based on these values.

When it comes to caring for employees, their well-being is our priority. At all levels—local, regional, and global—leadership ensures that employees feel comfortable because we spend a significant part of our lives at work, sometimes even more than with our families. That is why we strive to create the most comfortable and pleasant environment possible in the office.

From a sustainability standpoint, we align with PMI’s global goals. For example, all materials used in the office are eco-certified. We sort waste to increase recycling rates, and the office’s energy system is designed with energy efficiency principles in mind.

Thus, our office combines employee well-being with a sustainable development approach, creating a positive and productive work environment.