Founding Member GU business hub Irakli skhirtladze
Founding Member

Irakli Skhirtladze

Chief Product Officer · UCMG

My main advice would be: don't try to enter a new market from a distance.

About Irakli Skhirtladze

I have more than 20 years of experience in banking, fintech, and technology, working across different markets and business environments. For the past 4+ years, I have been actively working in the Uzbekistan market, gaining a strong understanding of the local business landscape and its opportunities.

The interview

In conversation with Irakli Skhirtladze

What inspired you to co-found the Georgia-Uzbekistan Business Hub?

Over the past several years, Uzbekistan has become one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Asia, making the market increasingly attractive for international businesses and investors.

Through my own experience, I have seen firsthand how much potential there is for cooperation between Georgian and Uzbek businesses. At the same time, I noticed that many companies face challenges finding the right connections and understanding the local market.

Why do you believe there is such strong potential between Georgia and Uzbekistan?

I see strong potential because both countries have growing economies and ambitious businesses.

There are many opportunities for cooperation across and I believe that the existing relationship between our countries creates a strong foundation for developing even closer business ties.

From your experience, what is the biggest challenge companies face when entering a new market?

I would say the biggest challenge is understanding the market beyond the numbers.

Knowing the market size, regulations, and economic indicators is important, but it is equally important to understand how business is actually done, how decisions are made, and how to build trusted relationships.

What is the mission of the Georgia-Uzbekistan Business Hub, and what impact do you hope it will have?

Our mission is to build a bridge between the business communities of Georgia and Uzbekistan and make bilateral cooperation easier and more productive.

What advice would you give to a business considering expansion into Uzbekistan or Georgia?

My main advice would be: don't try to enter a new market from a distance.

Spend time in the country, meet local businesses and people, understand the culture and decision-making processes, and build trusted relationships.

What does success for GU Business Hub look like in the next five years?

For me, success would mean that the Georgia-Uzbekistan Business Hub becomes a recognized and trusted platform for bilateral business cooperation.

One sentence to describe your vision for the future of Georgia-Uzbekistan business cooperation.

A modern Silk Road - where Georgia and Uzbekistan become an important part of a new regional business route, connecting businesses, investment, technology, and opportunities between our countries and beyond.

I would say the biggest challenge is understanding the market beyond the numbers.

A modern Silk Road - where Georgia and Uzbekistan become an important part of a new regional business route, connecting businesses, investment, technology, and opportunities between our countries and beyond.

Irakli SkhirtladzeFounding Member