Mirziyoyev Orders Cuts to Business Fines and Red Tape

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has ordered a sweeping reduction in the administrative burden on businesses, including financial penalties, mandatory payments, fees and bureaucratic procedures.

The instruction was issued on 21 July during a videoconference meeting reviewing the country's socio-economic performance in the first half of the year and priorities through the end of 2026.

The president said that 51 ministries and government agencies currently have the authority to impose financial sanctions in 322 areas. Between 2024 and 2026, the total value of fines imposed reached nearly 3 trillion soums.

Mirziyoyev said government agencies should change their approach to working with businesses. Before imposing penalties, he said, entrepreneurs should be given an opportunity to correct violations and receive guidance on how to remedy them.

The meeting also focused on reducing costs for manufacturers and exporters amid increasing competition in foreign markets.

As an example, the president noted that exporting a single truckload of cherries incurs about 5 million soums in additional costs for customs fees, fumigation, certification and customs declaration services.

Following the meeting, all ministers and heads of sectors were instructed to submit proposals to the Presidential Administration within one week on reducing bureaucratic procedures, fines, mandatory payments and fees, as well as on further improving the business environment.

The meeting also reviewed the performance of regions in industry and exports.

The president recalled that after the first quarter, disciplinary measures had been taken against the governors of 13 districts that failed to meet industrial production targets and 15 districts that recorded declining exports. Although most had improved their performance by the end of the first half of the year, growth remained insufficient in several areas.

Industrial output in Yangiabad district increased by only 1.8%, compared with a forecast of 5.7%. Low growth rates were also recorded in Gazgan, Muzrabot, Kizirik and Altarik districts.

The performance of export development was deemed unsatisfactory in Kasbi, Denau, Tashkent, Pakhtaabad, Jambay, Taylak, Bandikhan, Mirzachul and Yazyavan districts, as well as in the cities of Jizzakh and Navoi and Bektemir district of Tashkent.

The prime minister was instructed to review on the same day whether 17 district governors remain suitable for their positions.

The president warned that if the situation does not improve after nine months, strict measures will also be taken against deputy regional governors.

Mirziyoyev also announced the launch of a new working mechanism under the "Current 40 Days" programme, which will cover the country's 2,000 most problematic mahallas.

Under the programme, district governors will bear personal responsibility for the timely resolution of issues related to electricity and gas supply, roads and drinking water.

Oversight of the programme's implementation was assigned to the Prosecutor General's Office and the Accounts Chamber.