Tashkent has emerged as the epicenter of Central Asia’s logistics transformation as the region’s most significant air cargo gathering kicks off. The Central Asia Air Cargo Summit 2, which opened its doors for a two-day intensive program, brings together transportation companies, freight logistics specialists, and international partners to tackle the evolving challenges and unlock new growth opportunities in the regional air cargo sector.
The numbers tell a compelling story of Uzbekistan’s rapid ascent in the logistics landscape. Air cargo and mail volumes have surged from 49.2 thousand tons in 2019 to an impressive 84.1 thousand tons in 2024, marking a significant leap in just five years. Industry projections suggest this upward trajectory will continue, with forecasts pointing to 95 thousand tons by the end of 2025.
Strategic positioning strengthens
This remarkable growth reflects Uzbekistan’s systematic efforts to position itself as the region’s premier logistics partner and aviation hub. The country has been methodically building its infrastructure and regulatory framework to capture a larger share of the transcontinental cargo flows that traverse Central Asia, connecting Europe with Asia’s manufacturing powerhouses.
The summit itself has evolved into more than just a networking event — it has become the authoritative platform where industry leaders forge productive partnerships, share cutting-edge expertise, and strengthen the business relationships that drive the sector forward. The gathering represents another crucial milestone in Central Asia’s journey toward becoming a major logistics corridor.
Deputy Head of the Air Transport Development Department at Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport, Shavkat Khalitov, officially opened the summit with welcoming remarks, providing the governmental context for the country’s strategic logistics initiatives.
For international companies in furniture, construction materials, interior and exterior manufacturing, this development signals expanding opportunities in Central Asia’s rapidly modernizing logistics infrastructure. The dramatic increase in air cargo capacity and Uzbekistan’s strategic positioning as a regional hub creates new pathways for businesses looking to access Central Asian markets or use the region as a distribution center for broader Eurasian operations. The enhanced connectivity and growing cargo volumes indicate a maturing market with increasing demand for quality imported goods and materials.
