Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The wholesale distribution logistics center "Frutsiti" has begun operations in the Omsk region of Russia. It is designed for the storage and sale of fruits and vegetables imported from Ferghana region, Uzbekistan. The news was reported by the regional administration.

The opening of the first phase of the complex took place at the end of last week. The ceremony was attended by the khokim of Ferghana, Khayrulla Bazarov, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Russia, Botirjon Asadov, as well as representatives from business and local authorities.

The center is located on a 9-hectare site and includes 16 storage hangars (380 sq.m. each), 72 retail spaces, truck parking for 450 vehicles, a trade house, and an exhibition center for Ferghana.

The total investment in the project amounted to 700 million rubles (approximately 108 billion soums or US$8.33 million). Around 800 Uzbek citizens will be employed at the center on a permanent basis.

Speaking at the opening, Khayrulla Bazarov emphasized the importance of the center for ensuring stable supplies of agricultural products from Uzbekistan to Russia. He also mentioned plans to build the second and third phases of the complex in the near future.

Plans for the project were first revealed in the fall of 2022. The Uzbek side plans to use the logistics center to supply all regions of Siberia.