Korean food corners to open in Korzinka supermarkets

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Specialized Korean food corners will open in Korzinka supermarket chain stores in Tashkent, offering Uzbek consumers a wide range of Korean agricultural and food products.

The project launch became possible after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the Export-Import Bank of Korea, and the Korzinka retail chain.

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 the Exim Bank signed a memorandum of understanding to open a Korean food corner in Korzinka,” the diplomat said.

How the idea emerged

The idea for the project arose after more than 20 Korean companies participated in the UzFood exhibition, the ambassador noted.

“I thought, why don’t I act as an intermediary between these suppliers and Korzinka. That is how this idea came about, and I met with the founder of Korzinka Zafar Khashimov,” the ambassador said.

According to him, the presence of Korean companies at the exhibition demonstrates their confidence in the reforms being carried out in the country and in Uzbekistan’s favorable business environment.

Won Do-yeon also noted that these efforts will serve as building blocks for a successful summit of the leaders of Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea in September.

From two products to a full corner

Until now, the Korean product range in Korzinka had been extremely limited. “Previously, only two or three items were sold — mainly snacks and Korean instant noodles. Now we are offering more options: at least 20 new products will be introduced in the Korean corner,” Ambassador Won Do-yeon explained.

New items include canned tuna, fresh strawberries from Korean producers, other fruits, beverages, and snacks.

“I think Uzbek consumers are familiar with Korean food and enjoy it. I am very glad that we have the opportunity to offer more options. We expect it to be well received by Uzbek customers,” the diplomat added.

According to him, if demand proves strong, the embassy is ready to expand the product range, begin cooperation with other Uzbek companies, and increase import volumes from Korea.

Launch in three stores

At the initial stage, Korean corners will open in three Korzinka stores in Tashkent. Further expansion will depend on consumer demand.

“If the products sell well, we will need to work out the details. But I am confident that Korzinka will want to have more and more products in its stores,” Won Do-yeon said.

Open to new partners

The ambassador urged interested Uzbek partners — retailers, logistics companies, and online marketplaces — to contact the embassy directly.

“I will be happy to have open dialogue with any retailers, online stores — with anyone. Please contact us. Our embassy number is available on the website. I will gladly connect with any Uzbek company interested in cooperation with us,” the diplomat said.

Reciprocity as the basis of partnership

The ambassador also emphasized that cooperation must be based on equality.

“I would like to emphasize that this should be reciprocal, 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 believe that ultimately, when it comes to friendship between two countries, it should be more than just economic cooperation — people should feel sympathy for each other. And I think food exchange, for example, brings us closer,” the diplomat said.

According to the ambassador, he expects these efforts to lead to further expansion of relations between the two countries.

Financial support for exporters

Financial support for transactions under the memorandum will be facilitated through KEXIM’s interbank finance programs, in cooperation with partner banks in Uzbekistan, including NBU, Asaka Bank, and SQB.

“KEXIM will seek to ensure that interbank finance is smoothly provided through its partner banks in Uzbekistan, thereby reducing financial arrangement risks and supporting Korean exporters in a way that is mutually beneficial for both Korzinka and Korean companies,” the ambassador explained.