Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev Explores Strategic Tea Partnership with Ceylon’s ESNA Group in Colombo
Colombo, The Gulf Observer: His Excellency Alisher Tukhtaev held a productive and forward-looking meeting in Colombo with Mr. Savinda Jayanetti, President of ESNA Ceylon Teas — one of Sri Lanka’s premier tea companies under the historic ESNA Group, established in 1931. The discussion centered on expanding cooperation through a joint venture that would bring premium Ceylon tea to Uzbekistan and beyond.
The proposal involves launching ESNA’s tea production and packaging operations in Uzbekistan, leveraging the country’s Free Economic Zones (FEZs) to access markets across Central Asia, the CIS region, and Eurasia. Mr. Jayanetti welcomed the idea, expressing strong interest in establishing a logistics and manufacturing hub in Uzbekistan.
Ambassador Tukhtaev highlighted Uzbekistan’s strategic advantages, including generous tax and customs incentives, developed infrastructure, strong state support, and its unique geographic position at the crossroads of major Eurasian trade routes.
The partnership could open a new chapter in “tea diplomacy,” with plans to explore:
- Premium tea boutiques in Uzbekistan,
- Joint branding under a Sri Lanka-Uzbekistan label for global export,
- Enhanced cultural tourism opportunities centered around tea heritage.
A mutual agreement was reached to begin coordination with relevant ministries and business stakeholders in Uzbekistan to initiate the project’s development. The venture represents a fresh growth point for both nations, potentially transforming Uzbekistan into a regional flavor and logistics hub for Asian markets.
