KT&G announced on the 13th that it is establishing a corporation in Uzbekistan to expand its overseas market and enhance profitability.
In 2023, KT&G established an office in Uzbekistan and has been entering the market with localized exports of 'Esse.' Last year, the 'Esse' brand recorded sales of 270 million cigarettes across seven products in Uzbekistan. Notably, 'Esse Change,' KT&G's steady-selling product, accounted for 64% of the export volume, receiving positive market response.
KT&G plans to enhance its competitiveness in the Eurasian region in the long term through the conversion of its Uzbekistan office into a corporation. The company intends to quadruple the local workforce and build a detailed sales network to strengthen its market position.
Additionally, the goal is to develop 'Esse' as the representative brand in the Uzbekistan market and actively expand market presence to increase sales and revenue.
Last year, KT&G established regional corporate independent companies (CIC) in the Eurasian and Asia-Pacific regions and is expanding its global business. The company currently operates six sales corporations and three branches, conducting business in 132 countries worldwide. It plans to continue increasing overseas corporations and strengthen its direct business system to enhance profitability.
A KT&G official noted, 'The establishment of the Uzbekistan corporation is a continuation of our leap to become a global top-tier company following the establishment of the Kazakhstan corporation in 2023 and is part of our investment and innovation.' They added, 'We will continue our global business growth through strengthening our local business system.'