The management of the Closed Joint-Stock Company (CJSC) Schiever Tajikistan, which operates the Auchan hypermarket and the Bi1 supermarket chain, has denied rumors that French investors are leaving Tajikistan’s retail market.

In an interview with Asia-Plus, Ms. Zamira Oripova, Director-General of CJSC Schiever Tajikistan, stated that the company’s shareholders have not considered such a decision.

She emphasized that the company’s shareholder structure remains unchanged, and none of the current investors intend to withdraw their shares.

On the contrary, Oripova noted that the company is planning to open new supermarkets in Tajikistan.  She also mentioned that renovation work is currently underway inside the Auchan hypermarket to make the shopping experience more convenient and enjoyable for customers.

Speculation about the withdrawal of Schiever Group, the French company holding a controlling stake in CJSC Schiever Tajikistan, arose following reports of the closure of Auchan hypermarkets in Russia.

Other shareholders of CJSC Schiever Tajikistan include the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Tajikistan’s Eurasia Company.

The first Auchan City store officially opened in Dushanbe on June 21, 2016.  The 5,000 m² hypermarket not only brings competition and lower prices, but also new standards in food quality, hygiene and logistics.  The Auchan hypermarket offers up to 14,000 different products from Tajikistan, Russia, and other countries.

The first Bi1 supermarket, part of Schiever Tajikistan's retail chain, was launched in Dushanbe in 2018.  Today, Dushanbe has 13 Bi1 supermarkets, featuring more than 5,000 product varieties.