Omarov disclosed the plans in an interview with Spot, although he did not identify the company. He said it was also preparing to launch its own app in Uzbekistan.
Kun.uz contacted Navruz Ashurmatov, head of the Transport Ministry’s press service, for clarification.
He confirmed that a Chinese company was preparing to enter the market with its own vehicles but said it would not be bringing foreign drivers.
“The company will indeed enter the market with its own cars, but not with its own drivers. Under Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 200 of April 2, 2025, only citizens of Uzbekistan are allowed to provide on-demand taxi services in the country,” Ashurmatov said.
The resolution, titled “On additional measures to regulate passenger transportation by road,” sets out eligibility requirements for taxi drivers. They must be Uzbek citizens, at least 21 years old, hold a Category B driving license, have at least three years of driving experience and undergo a medical examination.
The ministry official did not disclose the name of the Chinese company planning to enter Uzbekistan.
Public records show that DiDi Taxi LLC was registered in Uzbekistan in December 2025, with a person identified by the Chinese name Qiu Xiaorong listed as its founder. However, there is no confirmation that this legal entity is the company referred to by the deputy transport minister.
DiDi is one of China’s largest ride-hailing companies. In addition to its domestic market, it operates in 14 countries, with its international business concentrated primarily in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region.
