Ankara Iron and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters Association Launches Export Offensive in Uzbekistan: Construction Materials and Metals Sector

The Ankara Iron and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters Association (ADDMIB) took a significant step towards achieving Türkiye's export targets by organizing a successful sectoral trade delegation to Uzbekistan to increase the export potential in the building materials and metals sector. This special event, held in Tashkent between April 15-18, 2025, aimed to strengthen the presence of Turkish companies in the Uzbek market and establish new business partnerships.

The process, which began with the ADDMIB Board of Directors' decision to organize a sectoral trade delegation to Uzbekistan, involved close contact with the Tashkent Trade Attaché. After determining the dates and scope of the delegation, a list of participating companies was compiled through announcements to Union members and relevant Exporter Associations. To maximize the effectiveness of the delegation, detailed information was gathered about the product groups of the participating companies and potential Uzbek companies with whom they could collaborate. In addition, a comprehensive sectoral and general information report on the Uzbek market was prepared and shared with the participating companies. This valuable report can be accessed at ozbekistan.pdf.

One of the most important events of the trade delegation held in Tashkent between April 15-18, 2025, was the bilateral business meetings held on Wednesday, April 16. Through a professional PR firm, contact was made with Uzbek companies selected to match the product range of the participating Turkish firms, and invitations were extended for business meetings. The delegation, led by a member of the ADDMİB Board of Directors, met with Mr. Özgür Onur Özgüven, Chairman of the DEİK Turkey-Uzbekistan Business Council, in his office for an important discussion on market entry strategies, risks, and opportunities. Following this productive meeting, discussions were held with Mr. Azizbek Salakhiddinov, Head of the Turkey Desk at the Uzbekistan Ministry of Investment, on market entry dynamics and Uzbekistan's perspective on Türkiye. Notes and results of these meetings can be accessed at Gorusme_notlari.pdf. Trade Counselor Mr. Suavi Önal and the delegation members also met with the President of the Uzbek Turkish Businessmen Association (UTİD), Mr. Davut Azmi Erbaş, and exchanged views on the conditions for entering the Uzbekistan market, potential risks, and existing opportunities.

The trade delegation, which included 16 representatives from 14 Turkish companies operating in the building materials sector, achieved great success. The Turkish companies established significant connections by holding over 200 business meetings with 80 Uzbekistani companies.

An examination of Türkiye's export and import figures for the construction materials sector with Uzbekistan over the last five years reveals a striking picture. Exports to Uzbekistan have increased by 56% since 2020, rising from $199 million to $310 million. Comparing 2023 and 2024, while the growth rate slowed slightly, a 5.68% annual increase in exports was recorded. With the goal of further increasing the $2.2 billion in total exports to Uzbekistan across all sectors by 2024, a detailed analysis of Uzbekistan's import volume was conducted. It was found that out of Uzbekistan's $55.5 billion in global imports, only 4% was supplied by Turkey. This indicates significant potential for developing relations with the market and increasing exports. To capitalize on this potential, the ADDMİB (Association of Construction Materials Manufacturers and Exporters) Board of Directors decided to organize a new trade delegation to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Furthermore, Uzbekistan's inclusion in the Ministry of Trade's 2025 Target Countries list also played a significant role in this decision.

This successful trade delegation organized by ADDMİB to Uzbekistan was a significant milestone in increasing the competitiveness of the Turkish building materials and metals sector in international markets and creating new business opportunities. The association will continue to support Turkish exporters with similar organizations in the coming period.

On April 16, 2025, our delegation held over 200 meetings at the Wyndham Tashkent Hotel with 14 Turkish companies and over 80 Uzbek companies.

Our Commercial Attaché, Mr. Ahmet Melih Horata, and our Chief Commercial Attaché, Mr. Suavi Önal, joined our delegation, providing our companies with market-related information and visiting them at their desks. They also answered the companies' market-related questions and listened to their concerns.

Following the delegation meeting, a dinner was held with our participants and Trade Counselors.

The day after our delegation's visit, on April 17th, a meeting was held between our Board Member Zafer Korkmaz and Özgür Onur Özgüven, Chairman of the DEİK Turkey-Uzbekistan Business Council, regarding market entry and the opportunities and risks in the market. Ali Güzey, President of the Kazan Industrialists and Businessmen Association, also attended the meeting.

Furthermore, as part of our contacts, meetings were held with Azizbek Salakhiddinov, Head of the South Asia and Turkey Cooperation Directorate of the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, and Chief Specialist Hasan Rathim. Discussions were held with Mr. Salakhiddinov, who previously served as Trade Counselor in Türkiye, regarding expected investment markets in the sector, markets with trade deficits, risks, and opportunities. In short, it was stated that Uzbekistan, with its young population and increasing demand in Central Asia, is in a position open to investment in all sectors, enabling it to continue its growth momentum. The trust and demand of Uzbek firms for Turkish products were also emphasized.

Following the meetings, our delegation held a meeting with Davut Azmi Erbaş, President of the Uzbekistan Turkish Businessmen Association. Our Trade Counselor, Suavi Önal, also attended the meeting, where detailed information was obtained regarding the problems Turkish firms face in entering the market, the activities of Turks in the market, and the procedures to be followed for market entry.

Following the delegation, our participating companies expressed their satisfaction with their participation in the Uzbekistan Tashkent Sectoral Trade Delegation program. It was stated that bilateral business meetings should be considered a starting point for companies wishing to enter the Uzbekistan market. It was understood that, in addition to bilateral business meetings specifically focused on the Uzbekistan market, direct visits to companies' offices/facilities/showrooms would also be important for initiating trade. It is believed that including such one-on-one visits in future sectoral trade delegations to Uzbekistan would greatly contribute to the success of the delegation.