About Us

Our Mission

Opening the door to Uzbekistan’s opportunities for international business

Meet Our Team

Unlock Uzbekistan’s Potential

Uzbekistan is opening its doors to global business. With Yasdar Consulting, you gain a trusted partner to navigate the market with confidence — from strategy to execution.

Don Nicholson

Managing Partner

Partner, Senior Advisor on International Investment and Strategic Development.

An international investor, entrepreneur, and strategic advisor with more than 30 years of experience in international business, foreign direct investment (FDI), corporate development, and the implementation of large-scale projects in emerging markets.

Don has unique hands-on experience supporting investment projects throughout their entire lifecycle – from assessing investment opportunities and developing strategies to conducting negotiations, engaging with government authorities, managing risks, and protecting investors’ interests. His in-depth understanding of the Central Asian business environment enables him to effectively support projects operating in complex regulatory and commercial environments.

A significant part of Don’s professional career has been dedicated to developing international business cooperation between Uzbekistan and the global business community. For more than 15 years, he led the American Chamber of Commerce in Uzbekistan (AmCham Uzbekistan), playing a key role in shaping the country’s modern investment environment. Under his leadership, AmCham became one of Uzbekistan’s most respected international business associations, bringing together leading international and local companies.

Don’s expertise spans a broad range of industries, including energy, mining, natural resources, infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, real estate, hospitality, and sustainable development. He has a proven track record of supporting projects involving international financial institutions, government agencies, private investment funds, and strategic investors.

Key Areas of Expertise

  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
  • Investment Project Development and Support
  • Foreign Investor Attraction
  • Strategic Advisory
  • Central Asian Market Entry
  • Investment Deal Structuring
  • International Commercial Negotiations
  • Corporate Strategy and Business Development
  • Government Relations
  • Investment Risk Management
  • International Business Cooperation
  • Partnership Development with International Financial Institutions

Kotov Valentin

Partner

PhD in Economics, Chief Manager of the Union of Economists of Uzbekistan, and a recognized expert in economic policy, banking, higher education, and international cooperation. He has more than 40 years of professional experience, successfully combining practical management with academic research and teaching.

In 1992, he defended his dissertation for the degree of Candidate of Economic Sciences at the Russian Academy of Management in Moscow. Over the course of his career, he has completed professional training and advanced studies in Japan, the United Kingdom, China, the Netherlands, and other countries. In 2018, he obtained the international PRINCE2 project management qualification in the United Kingdom.

He is the author of one textbook, five monographs, six teaching and methodological publications, and more than 150 academic papers published in leading scholarly journals in the United States, China, Russia, South Korea, as well as Europe and Central Asia.

He has held a number of senior positions in government agencies, the banking sector, and foreign economic relations organizations. Among other positions, he served as Deputy Hokim of Tashkent city responsible for economic affairs.

From 1998 to 2018, he founded and headed the first Securities Market Department in Central Asia at the Banking and Finance Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, where he also served as Dean. From 2019 to 2021, he served as Director of the ERIELL Prof Education Training Center, and subsequently worked as a professor at the London Institute of Financial Technologies (Tashkent branch). In 2023–2024, he served as an advisor to the Rector of Samarkand International University of Technology.

Valentin Kotov’s professional expertise covers economic strategy development, financial sector development, capital markets, international cooperation, project management, and the training of highly qualified professionals. His decades of professional work have made a significant contribution to the development of Uzbekistan’s financial and economic system, the establishment of its securities market, and the development of modern economic education in the country.

Uzi Malul

Senior Executive Advisor

Uzi Malul is a seasoned financial strategist with over 35 years of experience in international business consulting. Since founding his financial consulting firm in 1986, he has advised corporations and entrepreneurs across diverse sectors, providing expert guidance on corporate finance, strategic growth, and representation before the Israeli Tax Authority.

Recognized for his extensive professional network and proven leadership, Mr. Malul has built a strong reputation for driving business performance, enhancing operational results, and creating long-term value for his clients.

Sabina Zakirova

Partner

As Financial Analyst, Sabina evaluates the financial feasibility of market entry strategies, conducts detailed cost–benefit analyses, and develops accurate forecasts to support client decision-making. With expertise in financial modeling, investment appraisal, and risk assessment, Sabina ensures that every project is backed by solid data and aligns with both client objectives and local market realities.

Marat Nurmukhametov

Partner

Marat Nurmukhametov is a multilingual business leader with over 18 years of proven experience managing teams, driving international projects, and delivering results for clients in more than 10 countries. Skilled in strategic thinking, cross-cultural communication, and building high-performing teams, he has successfully led operations involving 50+ professionals and served 20+ global clients. Combining his leadership expertise with recent training in MBA, Marat brings a unique combination of management acumen and technical capability, enabling him to bridge business goals with technological solutions while fostering collaboration, innovation, and efficiency.

Albina Daminova

Partner

As Local Compliance Partner, Albina ensures that all client operations fully adhere to local laws, regulations, and industry standards. With in-depth knowledge of legal frameworks, licensing requirements, and government procedures, Albina safeguards smooth market entry while minimizing regulatory risks and delays.

Kamila Dekhkanbaeva

Partner

Kamila brings over 20 years of experience in travel and hospitality industries with a strong track record of advising companies and organizations on strategy, growth, and market expansion. Known for a results-driven and client-focused approach, she specializes in market entry, business development, financial consulting, public-private partnerships.

Throughout her career, Kamila has supported international and local clients in achieving sustainable growth by combining deep market knowledge, strategic insights, and a global perspective. With a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and innovation, she plays a key role in building long-term partnerships and driving successful outcomes for clients.

Marat Khamidullin

Consultant

Marat Khamidullin is a business consultant providing strategic advisory across investment, market entry, and corporate development projects in emerging markets. With a strong background in international business and investment consulting, Marat supports companies in expanding operations, building partnerships, and achieving sustainable growth.

Zokhidjon Khamidov

Consultant

Zokhidjon Khamidov is a business development and operations professional with expertise in investment facilitation, market entry, and project coordination across Central Asia. He supports international clients in establishing and managing successful ventures in Uzbekistan and the wider region.