Uzbekistan was once a central and critical part of the Silk Road. The legendary bustling trade network connected China and the Mediterranean, with Uzbekistan’s location in Central Asia making the country a diverse commercial hub and a cultural mixing pot.
As ocean trade became the dominant form of transportation in the 16th century, Uzbekistan descended into the chaos of war, conflict, and internecine power struggles. By the 19th century, the Russian Empire expanded to include the territories of present-day Uzbekistan, and by the next century, it had become part of the USSR.
Uzbekistan declared independence in 1991, and Islam Karimov, the country's first president, ruled until he died in office in 2016. Karimov was an authoritarian ruler who rigged elections, suppressed free speech, assassinated political opponents, and ignored human rights.
Karimov’s successor, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, initially pitched himself as a reformer. However, he has faced criticism for corruption, nepotism, politically-motivated prosecutions, human rights abuses, and even making constitutional changes that will allow him to potentially hold power until 2037.
We’ve seen a lot of hysteria in the media over the last few months about political strongmen, autocracies, and democracy being under threat. In Uzbekistan, these sorts of dangers are not rhetorical exaggerations. If anything, these are the sort of regimes for which these words are reserved.
As shared by Human Rights Watch, criticism of Mirziyoyev has resulted in sentences like two-and-a-half years in a penal colony. I say all of this because this is the environment that smoking harm reduction advocates must work in the country.
Nicotine pouches are currently banned, and a vape ban is in the works. Anyone who labours to ensure the rights of the citizens to give up smoking with safer and more effective products must do so against government policy. It’s a risky and brave position to take.
Considerate Pouchers recently appointed Aza to head up its work in Uzbekistan. Understandably, discretion is a part of Aza’s work. We caught up through an intermediary and via email so I could find out more about the smoking situation in Uzbekistan and Ava’s plan to ensure consumers have access to healthier products.
The state of smoking in Uzbekistan
Q: What is the smoking situation like in Uzbekistan?
Now, in Uzbekistan, people consume a variety of nicotine products, each with its own set of risks and social acceptance. The most popular category is cigarettes, second - tobacco heated systems, vapes and nicotine pouches. Unfortunately, the safety category was banned in May this year.
Q: I noticed that the most recent smoking prevalence figures in Uzbekistan are 13%. However, this obscures the fact that around 1 in 4 Uzbeki males smoke, which is relatively high. How does this affect society?
When smoking is widespread among men, it can make the behaviour seem normal in society, fostering a culture where smoking is viewed as a typical male trait. This, in turn, increases the likelihood that younger generations will take up the habit.
Q: Do you think existing tobacco control policies are having an impact?
Unfortunately, no. The tobacco control laws are not working as they should.
The black market
Q: Is there an active black market in Uzbekistan for tobacco products?
Yes, there is. It’s not complicated to find imported tobacco products that have not been officially presented in our market.
Q: Figures suggest about 10% to 20% of the population use smokeless tobacco like nasway. Do you think nicotine pouches could reduce the use of these unhealthy products?
Yes, I do. Nicotine pouches are certified products, so consumers can see the composition. As for nasway – there is no information about the product on the packaging. Nicotine pouches might provide a safer alternative to traditional nasway, which poses health risks due to contaminants, additives, and direct contact with the mouth.
Unlike nasway, which often includes unregulated ingredients, nicotine pouches use purified nicotine without tobacco leaf and lack many of the harmful chemicals present in conventional smokeless tobacco.
The future of the market
Q: What do you think legalised nicotine pouches could do for the people in your country?
The legalisation of nicotine pouches could make a meaningful difference, particularly for individuals seeking to quit or cut down on more dangerous tobacco products. With nicotine pouches legalisation, people in Uzbekistan could receive a better alternative to smoking and a solution to stop using cigarettes or nasway.
Q: Is there a particular party or politician that you feel is talking sense about harm reduction?
In Uzbekistan, as in many countries, harm reduction and the regulation of nicotine products like vapes and nicotine pouches are under discussion by the Ministry of Health.
Q: How would you like to see nicotine pouches regulated in Uzbekistan?
If nicotine pouches are legalised and regulated in Uzbekistan, the following key measures, such as age restriction and public awareness and education, will help to ensure their safe use and reduce potential risks.
Q: What are your aims with Considerate Pouches? What would you like to achieve over the coming years?
My main ambition is to protect nicotine pouches and vape categories in Uzbekistan. That’s a great ambition, especially considering the importance of offering safer alternatives to traditional tobacco products.
Safeguarding and promoting nicotine pouches and vapes in Uzbekistan could empower individuals to make informed choices while reducing the health risks associated with smoking. It’s also important to advocate for strong regulations that ensure product safety and prevent misuse, particularly among younger populations.
