Uzbekistan to Ease Fines for Entrepreneurs

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Authorized Representative of the President of Uzbekistan for the Protection of the Rights and Legitimate Interests of Business Entities, Abdumannop Buriev, has announced measures aimed at reducing pressure on businesses following an open dialogue with the head of state.

In an interview with the Oʻzbekiston 24 television channel, he noted that the president instructed a review of the proportionality of enforcement measures applied to entrepreneurs. Following this, the business ombudsman held meetings with business representatives across regions, as well as with entities subjected to inspections, and prepared a set of proposals.

According to Buriev, the analysis showed that around 3,000 entrepreneurs who had recently suspended their activities did so after being subjected to financial penalties following inspections.

He expressed confidence that the proposed changes would reduce excessive administrative pressure and create more favorable conditions for business activity.

One of the key proposals is the introduction of a rule under which an entrepreneur who pays 50% of a fine within one month would be exempt from paying the remaining amount. The business ombudsman said the initiative has been supported by the president.

Buriev also noted that all inspections are currently under the control of the business ombudsman’s office.

The system analyzes who conducted inspections and on what grounds; however, due to previously insufficient digitalization, it was not possible to fully assess the validity of imposed financial sanctions.

This issue has now been addressed through the introduction of monitoring mechanisms via the “Unified State Control” information system, allowing real-time tracking of penalties and ensuring timely protection of entrepreneurs.

Special attention has also been given to the refund of funds in cases where fines are overturned by courts. In practice, businesses often faced delays from regulatory bodies. The draft resolution provides that refunds must be made within 15 days, with compensation for each day of delay in case of non-compliance.

Earlier, on 13 April, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals aimed at further liberalizing the application of financial penalties, reducing administrative barriers, and strengthening judicial oversight over the activities of state bodies and officials.