IMF and Uzbekistan Agree on Next Steps for Tax Administration Reform

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 26 January 2026, Farrukh Pulatov, Chairman of the State Tax Committee of Uzbekistan, held a meeting with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by Koba Gwenetadze, Head of the IMF Resident Mission in the country.

During the discussions, the parties emphasized the IMF’s role as the “doctor of the economy,” conducting comprehensive analyses of the country’s macroeconomic situation, identifying hidden vulnerabilities and systemic risks, and providing professional recommendations to strengthen the resilience and balance of economic development.

Key areas of cooperation with the IMF included expanding and diversifying the tax base, reducing the shadow economy, improving the efficiency of tax administration, and decreasing the share of the public sector in the economy. The discussions also covered the ongoing reform of the tax service, practical implementation of TADAT assessments, adoption of risk-based approaches, and strengthening the Interregional Tax Inspectorate for Large Taxpayers.

The importance of enhancing the institutional resilience of the tax authority was highlighted as a fundamental factor for macroeconomic stability.

Special attention was given to preparations for the upcoming IMF country mission scheduled for March–April 2026 and the role of the Fund’s technical assistance in supporting tax and financial reforms.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further deepening cooperation, emphasizing that timely “diagnostics” and the consistent implementation of IMF recommendations remain key conditions for strengthening Uzbekistan’s economic resilience and ensuring long-term growth.