IFC to Support Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 29 October 2025, First Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Ilhom Norkulov held a meeting with Shelis Samgi, Regional Head of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for projects in manufacturing, agribusiness, and services in the Middle East and Central Asia.

The meeting also involved IFC investment specialist Alisher Abdrakhmanov, Director of Small Operations Zarema Akhmatova, Head of a department at the Ministry of Economy and Finance Timur Khusanov, Head of Administration Amirkhon Muydinov, and other officials.

The parties discussed expanding mutually beneficial cooperation and the role of joint initiatives in ensuring sustainable economic growth, with particular emphasis on the development of agriculture and the services sector.

Projects involving 675 nationally recognized “champion” entrepreneurs were reviewed, as well as opportunities for collaboration in other priority areas.

Special attention was given to developing agribusiness and cooperating with Agrostar Holding under IFC’s Agri Connect Initiative, the importance of the services sector for the economy—including tourism—advancing artificial intelligence technologies, and supporting innovative startups.

Additionally, the discussion addressed the implementation of modern digital technologies and measures to support small and medium-sized businesses, including engagement with rapidly growing “champion” entrepreneurs.

Following the negotiations, an agreement was reached to further strengthen collaboration and expand the exchange of ideas on key areas of cooperation.