On 12th February, the event “Export Lublin – Central Asia: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan” was held in Lublin, where we discussed the opportunities for Polish companies to expand into the Central Asian markets.
The event attracted a wide range of representatives from various companies and national experts. We were honoured by the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Poland, Mr. Amirsaid Agzamkhodjaev, and the First Secretary of the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Poland, Mr. Makhanov Batyrzhan
Our keynote speaker was Mr. Janusz Piechociński, President of the Poland-Asia Chamber of Commerce, who shared his extensive knowledge of the Central Asian markets with the audience.
Key takeaways:
• Building relationships, not just making transactions: Companies considering expansion should focus on developing long-term relationships with partners in Central Asia. They should position themselves as partners rather than just suppliers, acting as gateways (not only for exports) to the EU for countries in Central Asia. Establishing personal connections and showing genuine interest in the culture of these countries can build trust and facilitate long-term partnerships.
• Collaboration is the key to success: Working together with even seemingly competing companies can lead to better outcomes in distant markets. Joint projects, exchanging experiences and knowledge, and collaboratively building the Polish brand can significantly increase the chances of success.
• China and the Middle Corridor: China’s growing activity in the region presents an opportunity to diversify trade routes and utilise the Middle Corridor as an alternative transport route. This opens up new export opportunities for Polish businesses.
• Logistics matter: When exporting to Central Asia, factors such as cost, delivery time, and safety should be taken into account when selecting delivery methods. Proper documentation, including invoices and transport documents, is essential, and understanding Incoterms 2020 is crucial for managing responsibilities and risks.
Support for exporters:
• Partners of our event: The Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) and the Export Credit Insurance Corporation (KUKE S.A.) presented financial and institutional support mechanisms designed to strengthen trade.
• The Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) offers, among other services, financial support for exports and foreign investments, including export letters of credit, guarantees, and loans to finance exports. KUKE S.A. provides export insurance guaranteed by the State Treasury, securing export transactions and mitigating risks associated with international trade.
Opportunities for the healthcare sector in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan:
• Increasing healthcare expenditure, the modernisation of healthcare systems, the growth of telemedicine, and the rise in chronic diseases are all expected to influence investment decisions in modern medical technologies.
• In Uzbekistan, 80% of medicines are imported, and plans include the construction of a multi-specialist hospital with 800 beds.
• In Kazakhstan, the healthcare infrastructure comprises 11,120 facilities. The medical sector includes 96 manufacturing companies (including 41 producing medical devices, 33 producing medicines, and 22 producing medical equipment).
• Investment opportunities in Kazakhstan include the production of vitamins, antibiotics, medicines and vaccines, as well as medical devices and accessories.
Important dates:
• On 25th February 2025, the Poland-Uzbekistan Business Forum will be held in Tashkent. For details, visit: https://www.paih.gov.pl/events/forum-biznesu-polska-uzbekistan/
• In April, the Lubusz Voivodeship Marshal’s Office will organise a business mission for companies from the Lublin region to Uzbekistan, combined with participation in the TIHE 2025 (Tashkent International Healthcare Exhibition). For more information, visit: https://gospodarka.lubelskie.pl/pl/aktualnosci/misje-gospodarcze/udzial-w-wydarzeniu-targowo-wystawienniczym-targi-tihe-2025
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone for their participation and trust. We look forward to seeing you at our future events!
The event was organised by the Department of Strategy and Investor Relations of the Lublin City Hall, under which the Lublin Export Support Platform and the Lublin Medical Cluster operate.
