A flowerful May for Uzbekistan

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan will host its Flowers & Garden Expo from May 24-26, 2019, followed by the Namangan flower festival taking place in the region with the same name from May 27 to June 3. Both events allow internationally operating entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in the country’s fledgling ornamental horticulture industry.

Uzbekistan is currently transforming into an open economy with room for a private sector-driven economy. This long isolated ex-Soviet state is looking to attract foreign investments and is an emerging market with over 30 million inhabitants and a fast growing tourist industry. Think ancient cities such as Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara.

Organised by Tashkent city administration, the Uzbek Ministry of Agriculture, the Uzbek Flower Growers Association, the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Uzbekistan and endorsed by the Uzbekistan government, Flowers & Garden Expo Uzbekistan is a new international horticultural trade show taking place at the capital’s Uzkurgazmasavdo convention centre.

The B2B trade exhibition will serve as a platform for international cooperation between Uzbek and foreign companies and the exchange of business ideas. The 3-day event will focus on flowers, trees, shrubs, bulbs, floristry supplies, horticultural technology, gardening equipment and more.

Uzbekistan offers a rare investment opportunity where the horticulture market is virtually  untouched by Western capital. The government says it’s ready to help horticultural businesses expand and supports companies invest in greenhouses production of fresh produce and ornamentals. Now is the time for horticultural  entrepreneurs to come and test the water.

The Flower Festival in Namangan can pride itself on a 60-year long tradition. Namangan is located in the Fergana valley; one of the agricultural heartlands of the country. Namangan is also associated with the newly built expertise centre that collaborates with the country’s University of Agriculture and focuses on the propagation of young plants using tissue culture techniques.