BUSINESS | 15:32 / 12.12.2024
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Uzbekistan’s delivery market sees significant growth 

Uzbekistan’s delivery sector is experiencing significant growth, with courier salaries increasing and demand for services surging, according to a report by job portal hh.uz. The report highlights trends in salary growth, labor shortages, and the expanding e-commerce market as driving forces behind this growth.

Photo: InDriver

The average monthly salary for couriers in Uzbekistan has reached 3 million UZS — a 20% increase compared to the previous year. In major cities such as Tashkent and Samarkand, courier salaries can climb as high as 5 million UZS, reflecting higher demand in these urban hubs.

Experts attribute this trend to global shifts in the courier industry, where rising wages are a common phenomenon. However, labor shortages remain a critical challenge, with fewer than three applicants per job opening. This issue is compounded by the fact that many couriers work only during peak seasons, leaving gaps during off-peak months.

To attract workers, employers are offering various incentives, including performance bonuses, flexible schedules, and weekly payments. Such measures aim to address the labor shortage and enhance productivity. Couriers with personal transportation are particularly in demand, often earning 30-40% more than their peers.

The rapid expansion of e-commerce in Uzbekistan has significantly fueled the delivery market, especially in food, pharmacy goods, and small package deliveries. The development of urban delivery infrastructure is also contributing to the sector's growth. Analysts predict that the courier market will grow at an annual rate of 10-15%, driven by increasing consumer reliance on delivery services.

Globally, the popularity of delivery services has sparked debates about its economic implications. For instance, Russian trade official Nikita Kuznetsov recently expressed concerns over the labor drain caused by the delivery sector, noting that it diverts significant workforce resources from other industries. Despite offering high wages — up to 150,000 RUB (around $1,400) per month in cities like Moscow — many delivery services remain unprofitable, relying on subsidies to sustain operations.

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