SME Lending in Uzbekistan Increased by 42% in 2025

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In 2025, the volume of loans provided to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurial activity in Uzbekistan reached 131.2 trillion soums, marking a 42% increase compared to 2024.

This growth reflects a significant expansion of financing for entrepreneurship and an intensification of economic activity in the country.

The largest portion of loans — approximately 43 trillion soums — was directed to trade and public catering, highlighting strong domestic demand and activity in retail and service sectors.

Support for individual entrepreneurial initiatives amounted to 21.8 trillion soums, confirming ongoing trends in self-employment, small business creation, and increased population employment.

Key economic sectors also received stable financing: agriculture — 17.9 trillion soums, industry — 17.7 trillion soums, and construction — 15.2 trillion soums. Loans for transport and communications totaled 12.5 trillion soums, underlining the importance of logistics and infrastructure development.

Thus, small and medium-sized businesses remain one of the cornerstone segments of the country’s economy. Loans to this sector support domestic demand, promote employment growth, and sustain economic activity.