From Loans to Logistics: Uzbekistan Prepares a New Package of Business Opportunities
Business
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced a new package of measures to support entrepreneurship, including expanded lending, the introduction of artificial intelligence tools and easier access to state assets and land. The initiatives were presented during an open dialogue with entrepreneurs.
The share of small businesses in the banking credit portfolio has increased from 45% to 63%. During the first half of the year alone, 76.5 trillion soums was allocated to small and medium-sized businesses. A Unified Digital Portal for Credit Services has also been launched, allowing entrepreneurs to submit a single application while banks compete for customers. Start-up businesses will be eligible for online loans of up to 5 billion soums.
Three programmes — “Business Start”, “Business Development” and “Business Growth” — are planned to support companies at different stages. Under “Business Start”, entrepreneurs will be able to use AI to prepare projects, loan documentation and reports. The programme will receive 100 billion soums and provide access to unsecured loans of up to 200 million soums.
A counter-guarantee system will be introduced to address collateral requirements. For loans of up to 10 billion soums, the state will cover 30% of the collateral, the business guarantee company another 30%, and banks 15%, leaving entrepreneurs to provide 25%.
Access to state assets and land will also be eased. The advance payment required to purchase state property will be reduced from 30% to 15%. Entrepreneurs who pay the full amount within six months will receive a 25% discount.
Meanwhile, 105 new industrial and infrastructure projects worth a combined $27 billion are planned for launch this year.
A list of 50 products targeted for localisation has been prepared. “Bond industrial zones” will be established within the special economic zones of Navoi, Jizzakh, Namangan, Urgut and Khazorasp. These zones will be exempt from taxes and customs duties on imports of raw materials and components. A total of $50 million will be allocated to provide entrepreneurs with ready-built facilities and infrastructure.
Three programmes — “Business Start”, “Business Development” and “Business Growth” — are planned to support companies at different stages. Under “Business Start”, entrepreneurs will be able to use AI to prepare projects, loan documentation and reports. The programme will receive 100 billion soums and provide access to unsecured loans of up to 200 million soums.
A counter-guarantee system will be introduced to address collateral requirements. For loans of up to 10 billion soums, the state will cover 30% of the collateral, the business guarantee company another 30%, and banks 15%, leaving entrepreneurs to provide 25%.
Access to state assets and land will also be eased. The advance payment required to purchase state property will be reduced from 30% to 15%. Entrepreneurs who pay the full amount within six months will receive a 25% discount.
Meanwhile, 105 new industrial and infrastructure projects worth a combined $27 billion are planned for launch this year.
A list of 50 products targeted for localisation has been prepared. “Bond industrial zones” will be established within the special economic zones of Navoi, Jizzakh, Namangan, Urgut and Khazorasp. These zones will be exempt from taxes and customs duties on imports of raw materials and components. A total of $50 million will be allocated to provide entrepreneurs with ready-built facilities and infrastructure.
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