Ukraine's Uklon taxi service planning to return to Moldova, enter Eastern European markets

MOSCOW. Oct 18 (Interfax) - Ukraine's Uklon online taxi service will not scrap its export track, it is planning to return to Moldova and is studying the markets of Eastern Europe, Ukrainian media outlets said, citing Uklon founder Dmitry Dubrovsky's statement at a Q&A session organized by the Diia. City United union.

"I would not say that our expansion has failed, certain mistakes were made, but we are committed to continue. Uzbekistan, yes, we entered Tashkent. As for Moldova, we want to return there, we left it because the crisis has started, and there was a fear that we would not have enough money for the company in Ukraine. We liked it a lot in Moldova, the business climate is good there, and people use ride-hailing services. This is why we will certainly consider Moldova again," Dubrovsky said.

The company is also studying the markets of Eastern Europe, he said. "We're looking, but have not selected a certain market and country yet. We have thoughts. We're looking at Poland, but not at it capital, Warsaw would require big investments, we're considering smaller cities with the population of about 300,000. For instance, Krakow, Lublin, Kosice. We're looking at markets of Czechia, Romania," Dubrovsky said.

There is understanding that the company would need its own funds to develop the expansion in Eastern Europe, at least at the initial stage, he said.

Uklon is successful on its single export market in Uzbekistan, he said. "I believe [Uklon's] story in Uzbekistan is successful. Transparent rules of conducting business were created for taxi services' work in this country," Dubrovsky said.

Uklon has been operating on Uzbekistan's market since June 2023. The company provides solutions for online orders of taxi such Uklon App for passengers, and Uklon Driver App for drivers. The company will also provide delivery services.