Central Asia Retail 2026: Autonomous Delivery, AI, and Investment Drive Modernization

August 30, 2026

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These developments indicate that technologies once considered future-focused are now becoming part of the region’s retail reality.

The beauty sector may be leading this transformation, but the same principles are increasingly relevant across fashion, lifestyle, pharmacy, consumer goods, and other experience-driven retail categories.

Central Asia Retail 2026: Autonomous Delivery, AI, and Investment Drive Modernization

Uzbekistan continues to lead Central Asia’s retail growth with an unprecedented 20.2% increase in retail trade turnover during H1 2026, driven by rising household incomes and rapid urbanization . Kyrgyzstan follows with 11.9% growth, while Kazakhstan’s retail expansion slows to 5.7% amid VAT reforms and inflation pressures .


Autonomous delivery goes live in Central Asia. Kazakhstan’s Alatau Advance Air Group launched the region’s first fully automated drone delivery service in Astana during the Games of the Future 2026. Visitors can order drinks, snacks, and souvenirs via smart M-Port lockers, with drones delivering within eight minutes using Keeta Drone technology . The company plans commercial air taxi operations by 2028-2029 .

The region's first full-chain B2B retail exhibition, it unites technology, equipment and business opportunities to empower Central Asia's retail modernization through displays, networking and technical dialogue.

Event Details:

Venue: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Date: 27–29 April 2027

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