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Korean food corners will appear in Korzinka supermarkets
Specialized Korean food corners will open in Tashkent supermarkets of the Korzinka chain, where Uzbek customers will be presented with a wide range of Korean agricultural and food products.
The launch of the project became possible after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the KOTRA trade agency, the Export-Import Bank of Korea and the Korzinka network.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea Won Do Yeon expressed satisfaction with the agreements reached.
“I am very pleased that Korea, Korzinka and our embassy, together with KOTRA and Exim Bank, signed a memorandum of understanding to open a Korean food corner in Korzinka,” the diplomat said.
How the idea was born
The idea of the project arose after the participation of more than 20 Korean companies in the UzFood exhibition, the ambassador noted.
“I thought why not play the role of intermediary between these suppliers and Korzinka. That’s when I came up with this idea, and I met with the founder of Korzinka, Zafar Khashimov,” said the ambassador.
According to him, the presence of Korean companies at the exhibition indicates their confidence in the reforms being carried out in the country and that Uzbekistan offers a favorable business environment.
Won Do Yeon also noted that these efforts will be the building blocks for a successful summit of the heads of the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea in September.
From two positions to a full-fledged corner
Until now, the Korean assortment at Korzinka was extremely limited. “Previously, only two or three items were sold - mainly snacks and Korean instant noodles. We are now providing more options, with at least 20 new products coming to the Korean corner,” explained Ambassador Won Do Yeon.
New items include canned tuna, fresh strawberries from Korean producers, and other fruits, drinks and snacks.
“I think Uzbek consumers are familiar with Korean food and love it. I`m very glad that we have the opportunity to offer more options. We hope that Uzbek buyers will like it,” the diplomat added.
According to him, if demand turns out to be high, the embassy is ready to expand the range of products, begin cooperation with other Uzbek companies and increase the volume of imports from Korea.
Launch in three stores
At the initial stage, Korean corners will open in three Tashkent stores of the chain. Further scaling will depend on consumer demand.
“If the products sell well, we will have to work out the details. But I am sure that Korzinka will want to have more and more products in its stores,” said Won Do Young.
Open to new partners
The ambassador called on interested Uzbek partners - retailers, logistics companies and online stores - to contact the embassy directly.
“I will be glad to have an open dialogue with any retailers, online stores - with anyone. Please contact us. Our embassy number is on the website. I will be happy to contact any Uzbek company interested in cooperation with us,” the diplomat said.
Reciprocity as the basis of partnership
At the same time, Ambassador Won Do Yong emphasized that cooperation should be equal in nature.
“I want to emphasize that this should be mutual and not a one-way street. In Korea, more and more people want to learn about Uzbek food and culture. There is an Uzbek street, many Uzbek restaurants. I think that ultimately, when it comes to friendship between two countries, it should be more than just economic cooperation - people should sympathize with each other. And I think that sharing food, for example, will bring us closer,” the diplomat said.
According to the ambassador, he expects that such efforts will lead to further expansion of relations between the two countries.
Financial support for exporters
Financing of operations under this memorandum will be provided through KEXIM interbank financing programs in cooperation with partner banks in Uzbekistan, including NBU, Asaka Bank and SQB.
“KEXIM will strive to ensure that interbank financing is promptly provided through its partner banks in Uzbekistan, thereby reducing financial risks when organizing transactions and providing mutually beneficial support for both Korzinka and Korean companies,” the ambassador explained.
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