The Rhenus Group is stepping up its operations in Uzbekistan. The global logistics company signed a memorandum of cooperation with Uzbekistan Railway to establish a joint venture on the fringes of the Central Asia Summit, which took place in Berlin in late September. The partners are to jointly operate and expand combined terminals in Andijan and Samarkand.

The memorandum of cooperation between Rhenus and Uzbekistan Railways provides for closer cooperation between the partners in the development of existing transshipment facilities in Uzbekistan. The memorandum was signed in the presence of the Uzbek Minister of Transport, Ilhom Makhamov, on the fringes of the German government’s Central Asia Summit in Berlin at the end of September.

The agreement provides for the establishment of two joint ventures between Rhenus and Uztemiryulkonteyner, a subsidiary of Uzbek Railways. The aim is to expand and operate the combined road-rail terminals in Andijan and Samarkand. The partners have also agreed to take strategic measures to expand capacity and increase rail freight traffic in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

“This strategic partnership with Uzbekistan Railways opens a new chapter in Rhenus’ almost 30-year presence in the Central Asian states, a region that is home to around 94 million people. In the coming years, we expect growing demand for the transport of containerised goods and commodities, which we connect to Europe’s transport networks along the Central Corridor,” said Tobias Bartz, CEO and Chairman of the Rhenus Group.

With more than 35 million inhabitants, Uzbekistan is by far the most populous country in Central Asia. The country is also experiencing robust economic growth. Within Central Asia, Uzbekistan is an important bridge between China, Turkey and Europe. In addition to its activities in Uzbekistan, the Rhenus Group also has its own companies in neighbouring Kazakhstan, the Southern Caucasus and the Asia-Pacific region.

“The investment in transhipment capacities in the economically up-and-coming regions of the Fergana Valley and Samarkand will enable us and our partner to pursue further long-term transport projects,” added Heinrich Kerstgens, Project Manager and Director of Projects at the Rhenus Group, at the signing of the memorandum in Berlin.