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Uzbekistan: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Uzbekistan
Business culture in Uzbekistan is generally formal and relationship-driven, with an emphasis on respect, hierarchy and personal trust. Initial meetings often focus on introductions and rapport-building before moving to substantive discussions. Handshakes are the usual greeting, and it is polite to address people by their title and surname unless invited to do otherwise.
Punctuality is appreciated, although meetings may not always begin exactly on time. Decision-making can be centralised, with senior figures playing a key role, so patience is important. Business attire is conservative, particularly in government offices and traditional sectors. Hospitality is valued, and it is common to be offered tea or refreshments during meetings, which should be accepted as a courtesy.
Uzbekistan has a mixed economy with strong foundations in natural resources, agriculture and manufacturing. The country is one of the world’s major producers of gold and cotton and also has significant reserves of natural gas, copper and uranium. Agriculture remains an important employer, particularly in rural areas, while industrial output has expanded steadily in recent years.
Since the mid-2010s, Uzbekistan has pursued economic reforms aimed at liberalising markets, improving the business environment and attracting foreign investment. Tourism, textiles, food processing and automotive manufacturing are growing sectors. While the economy continues to face challenges, particularly in infrastructure and regional disparities, it is increasingly open and diversified compared with the past.
Machinery, vehicles, fuel products, chemicals, food products, and electrical equipment.
Keeping in Touch in Uzbekistan
Mobile phone coverage in Uzbekistan is generally good in cities and major towns, with reliable 4G service available in places such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Coverage becomes more limited in remote rural areas and desert regions. The main mobile operators include Ucell, Beeline, Uzmobile, and Mobiuz. Visitors can easily purchase prepaid SIM cards at airports, mobile phone shops, and official operator outlets; a passport is required for registration. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and offer good value data packages, making them a practical option for most travellers.
Wi-Fi is widely available in Uzbekistan's cities, particularly in hotels, guesthouses, cafés, shopping centres, and airports. Connection speeds are generally adequate for browsing, messaging, and basic streaming, though performance can be inconsistent outside major urban areas. Some public Wi-Fi networks require users to register with a local phone number or passport details before access is granted. Travellers who need reliable internet, especially for navigation or booking services, are advised to use mobile data as a backup.
Uzbekistan's media landscape is dominated by state-run television, radio, and newspapers, with a limited but growing presence of private and online outlets. Television remains the primary source of news for most residents, while younger audiences increasingly rely on online news platforms and social media. Internet access is generally unrestricted for everyday use, though some international news sites and social media platforms may load slowly or be occasionally unavailable. Visitors should be aware that political reporting is tightly controlled, and photography or filming of government buildings, police, or military sites may attract unwanted attention.
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