Entrepreneurs who employ graduates will be eligible for preferential loans

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — By decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (PP–328 dated 3 November 2025), amendments and additions were made to Decree No. PP–61 of 14 February 2025, “On Additional Measures to Promote Employment of Graduates of Higher Education Institutions.”

According to the new provisions, entrepreneurs who provide jobs to university graduates may receive preferential loans of up to 5 billion soums for a term of up to seven years, including a two-year grace period. The annual interest rate on such loans is set at the Central Bank’s base rate plus four percentage points. Loans of up to one billion soms require the mandatory employment of at least one graduate.

Loan funds are intended for the implementation of projects in the production and service sectors, including the acquisition of fixed assets and replenishment of working capital. If the employment contract with a graduate, which served as the basis for obtaining the preferential loan, is terminated within two years, the interest rate will be revised and set at the commercial rate from the date of contract termination. An exception is made if the employee is replaced by another graduate within one month.

In addition, a competition is held among graduates for the best startups and innovative projects. Winners who provide employment for at least two graduates are granted funding of up to one billion soms.