KT&G to Enhance Competition in Eurasia with Uzbekistan Expansion.

Jan.14

KT&G to establish legal entity in Uzbekistan to enhance competitiveness in Eurasian market, following successful localization efforts.

According to a report by N. News on January 13th, Korean Tobacco (referred to as "KT&G" hereafter) announced plans to establish a corporate entity in Uzbekistan, aiming to enhance their competitive edge in the Eurasian region.

Previously, KT&G had established an office in Uzbekistan in 2023 and exported localized products of the ultra-slim cigarette brand "ESSE". In 2024, sales of seven "ESSE" products in Uzbekistan totaled 270 million units, with the best-selling product "Esse Change" accounting for 64% of the exports.

By transforming its office in Uzbekistan into a legal entity, KT&G plans to enhance its long-term competitiveness in the Eurasian region. The company also plans to increase its local workforce by more than fourfold and establish a more comprehensive sales network to strengthen its market position.

On the other hand, KT&G established regional CICs (Corporate Independent Companies) in the Eurasia and Asia-Pacific regions last year. Currently, KT&G operates in 132 countries worldwide with 6 sales corporations and 3 offices. KT&G stated that it will continue to strengthen its direct business system to enhance profitability.

A representative from KT&G stated that establishing a legal entity in Uzbekistan is part of their continued goal to become a "global top-tier" company, following the establishment of a legal entity in Kazakhstan in 2023. This move is also part of their investment and innovation strategy. KT&G plans to drive global business growth by strengthening their local business systems in the future.

References:

[1] KT&G, 우즈베키스탄 법인 설립…'유라시아 시장 경쟁력 강화'

Also Read:

[1] KT&G Accelerates Overseas Expansion Through ESSE and RAISON Brands

[2] ITM Semiconductor Co..Ltd to Develop E-cigarette Devices for KT&G

[3] KT&G Accelerates Expansion Plans in Eurasian Market by 2025

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Malaysia Collected US$50.07 million in Vape Tax Since April 2023

Malaysia collected RM209.5 million(US$50.07 million) in excise duty on nicotine-containing vape liquids and gels from April 2023 to August 2025, according to Finance Ministry data. However, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said RM223.5 million was spent treating EVALI patients in the past year alone, exceeding the tax revenue.

Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Organigram Global Appoints Former BAT Global Head of Strategy James Yamanaka as Chief Executive Officer

Organigram Global has named James Yamanaka, previously Global Head of Strategy at British American Tobacco (BTI), as its new CEO. His appointment is expected to take effect around January 15, 2026, and he will also join the company’s board. Yamanaka brings more than 20 years of strategic and managerial experience from roles across Europe and Asia at BTI.

Nov.26

Argentine province of Santa Fe passes bill expanding smoking regulations to include e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products

The Santa Fe Provincial Chamber of Deputies has passed a bill amending the 2005 Provincial Anti-Smoking Law (No. 12,432) to include e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products. Lawmaker Sonia Martorano, who authored the initiative, said the reform aims to strengthen prevention policies amid growing youth use, stressing that “even without nicotine, these devices are toxic.”

Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Illegal Vape Sellers in the Netherlands Could Be Fined Up to €4,040

The outgoing Dutch government plans to raise fines for illegal sales of vapes and cigarettes, with first-time offenders facing a €2,040 penalty. The new fines, up to €4,040 for large companies, are expected to take effect on July 1, 2026, pending parliamentary approval.