IKEA not planning construction of factory in Uzbekistan

AKIPRESS.COM - Tashkent region governor Davron Khidoyatov told President Shavkat Mirziyoyev while presenting investment projects on February 8 that IKEA will build a furniture factory in Chirchik, outside Tashkent.
"The Swedish company will build $52 million worth innovative furniture factory and 5.5 ha land plot was provided for construction already," the governor said in his presentation.
IKEA told RFE/RL that it is not aware about the project and does not plan to do business in Uzbekistan until 2025.
Local media reported in February that IKEA plans to build the innovative furniture factory in Tashkent region within 22 months, however IKEA denied this report.
IKEA press service said the company active in more than 45 countries does not plan to invest and do some business in Uzbekistan yet.
"Inter IKEA Systems BV, which is responsible for IKEA franchising in the world, is looking for opportunities for attraction of more and more people to IKEA concept, which means quality and accessible equipment. As for opening a new market, by 2025 IKEA plans to reach 12 new markets to increase the number of its clients all over the world. Uzbekistan is not included into this plan for market expansion. Neither IKEA Industry, nor supplies offices of IKEA plan business in this country," IKEA said.