Freight Transport Barriers for Uzbek Enterprises: A Strategic Review of Domestic and Cross-Border Logistics

Аннотация

The effectiveness of freight transportation is a critical determinant of national and enterprise-level competitiveness, especially in landlocked countries such as Uzbekistan. Despite commendable progress in trade liberalization, infrastructure development, and industrial diversification, logistical inefficiencies—ranging from outdated transport networks to regulatory bottlenecks—continue to hinder the country’s economic integration with global markets. This study critically examines the logistical, infrastructural, and regulatory challenges confronting Uzbek enterprises in both domestic cargo distribution and international freight transit. Drawing on empirical data, field-based observations, and comparative international case studies, the article proposes strategic policy and operational recommendations to enhance transport efficiency and reduce systemic delays. The findings emphasize the importance of multimodal connectivity, public-private coordination, and digitalization of freight systems in improving logistics performance in developing, landlocked economies.