The Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan has addressed reports regarding the alleged expansion of a major Chinese company into the domestic taxi market. Official sources confirmed that the foreign enterprise intends to introduce thousands of vehicles and launch a proprietary ride-hailing application, while dismissing circulating rumors about the potential deployment of foreign drivers.
Key Takeaways: A Chinese firm reportedly plans to deploy 5,000 cars and introduce a new app in Uzbekistan. However, regulatory authorities insist that local legal frameworks strictly mandate that only citizens of Uzbekistan are permitted to operate as taxi drivers.
First Deputy Minister of Transport Mamanboy Omarov previously disclosed the market entry plans to reporters without identifying the specific corporate entity involved. Meanwhile, public records indicate that an entity named 'DiDi taxi' LLC with a Chinese founder was registered in December 2025, though officials have yet to confirm whether this specific legal structure is directly linked to the ongoing initiative.
Ministry spokesperson Navruz Ashurmatov emphasized that while importing fleet vehicles is permissible, employing foreign personnel violates existing regulations. Under Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 200, enacted on April 2, 2025, unrouted taxi drivers must be Uzbek nationals aged 21 or older, hold a 'B' category driving license, possess at least three years of driving experience, and successfully pass mandatory medical examinations.
Observers note that the impending arrival of foreign capital could significantly reshape the local transport sector. Further developments regarding the official launch of the platform and compliance audits are expected to be announced by the transport authorities in due course.
Source: kun.uz