Muscat: Asyad Group announced the completion of a strategic acquisition deal for a stake that grants it administrative and operational control over key logistical assets in the Republic of Uzbekistan, a step that embodies its direct entry into one of the fastest-growing logistics markets in Central Asia.
This transaction, in partnership with the Uzbek “Orient” Group and the Oman-Uzbek Investment Company, establishes a new strategic corridor connecting the ports of the Sultanate of Oman and its logistical infrastructure with the growing trade corridors in Central Asia.
This enhances Asyad’s position and its vital role in facilitating the movement of goods between the People’s Republic of China, Europe, the Middle East, and neighboring Central Asian countries.
Under this agreement, Asyad acquires a controlling stake in “Universal Logistics Services” and “Highway Logistics Services”, both of which are linked to the freight network in Tashkent and handle approximately 25 percent of the rail container traffic in Uzbekistan, in addition to their presence in the high-efficiency and large-capacity warehousing sector.
By integrating these multimodal inland terminals into its global logistics network, Asyad Group establishes an integrated operational system that allows for a direct link for the flow of goods coming from Central Asia to the ports of the Sultanate of Oman, thereby enhancing the region’s logistical capabilities and consolidating the position of the Sultanate of Oman as a global hub for trade and logistics services.
This transaction aligns directly with the Sultanate of Oman Logistics Strategy 2040 and the efforts of Oman Investment Authority to strengthen strategic and economic ties with the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Central Asian region.
By strengthening its presence in one of the most dynamic and growing logistics markets in the region, Asyad Group consolidates its position across emerging Asian and European trade corridors, moving forward in implementing its strategy aimed at diversifying its business portfolio and increasing the flow of goods across its global network.
This step also reinforces the Sultanate of Oman’s position as a gateway and a strategic outlet connecting Central Asia to global markets, opening new horizons to facilitate trade, enhance logistical connectivity, and support the development of integrated supply chains relying on various modes of transport.
Abdulrahman Salim Al Hatmi, CEO of Asyad Group, said that this strategic transaction represents a pivotal milestone in Asyad Group’s global expansion journey, as it solidifies the group’s operational presence in Central Asia and establishes a direct logistical bridge connecting the Sultanate of Oman with the fastest-growing markets in the region.
He explained that the acquisition of strategic assets in inland ports in Uzbekistan will contribute to integrating rail and road transport, warehousing, customs clearance, and delivery services with Asyad’s operations in Omani ports within an interconnected and comprehensive ecosystem.
He added that this integrated ecosystem, which encompasses multiple modes of transport, enhances the operational value of the group, allowing it to attract new cargo flows to leverage the capabilities of Omani ports.
It also accelerates Asyad’s expansion plans in key international markets and solidifies its position as a leading global partner in integrated supply chain management by providing logistical solutions across vital trade corridors, connecting Central Asia with the countries of the GCC and global markets within an efficient logistical system that keeps pace with future growth and trade requirements. For his part, Davron Ozgurer, CEO of the “Orient” Group, emphasized that this partnership represents a pivotal step for the group in the path of infrastructure development in Uzbekistan and enhancing its position as a regional logistics hub.
Integrated logistics platform
He noted that by combining the local expertise and established presence of “Orient” with the global logistical capabilities and extensive international network of Asyad Group, the group is working to build an integrated logistics platform that solidifies Uzbekistan’s position as a pivotal gateway for trade across Central Asia, the GCC countries, and global markets.
He explained that this partnership will contribute to accelerating the development of modern logistical solutions based on different modes of transport, in addition to enhancing the readiness of the infrastructure and its capacity to undertake a pivotal role as a regional hub for trade and transit, thereby supporting long-term economic growth and enhancing the region’s integration into global supply chains.
On his part, Omar Mahmoud Bahram, CEO of the Oman-Uzbek Investment Company, said that this qualitative transaction reflects the depth of the strategic partnership at the sovereign wealth funds level between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
He explained that through Asyad Group’s entry into this market, the company is moving forward in executing its role aimed at promoting economic cooperation and expanding trade ties connecting Central Asia with the Middle East.
He emphasised that this investment establishes a direct logistical corridor that allows the flow of exports coming from Central Asia through the ports of the Sultanate of Oman and its advanced logistical infrastructure, thereby enhancing commercial connectivity, contributing to the facilitation of trade, and supporting economic integration between markets.
He added that this investment is a fundamental cornerstone for a long-term economic partnership that supports joint growth and mutual prosperity between the two countries.
The deal represents a solid strategic platform for Asyad Group, paving the way for entry into neighboring regional markets, thereby enhancing its presence and leadership among integrated logistics service providers to enable global trade, and strengthening its role in developing commercial and logistical connectivity systems at the regional and international levels.
This strategic investment also reflects the growing confidence of international investors in the transport and logistics sector in the Republic of Uzbekistan, driven by its accelerating economic growth, the expansion of trade liberalisation policies, and the accelerated integration of the country into global supply chains. -ONA
