Small businesses produce 50.1% of Uzbekistan’s 2009 GDP

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Small businesses of Uzbekistan produced 50.1% of Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2009 compared to 48.2% in 2008.

The sector provided jobs for 8.402 million people or 74.2% of all employed in economy in 2009. Individual sector employed 6.446 million people, small enterprises and microfirms – 1.956 million people.

The sector produced industrial goods for 4.739 trillion soums (16.9% of total industrial output of Uzbekistan in 2009), which is up 21.5% year-on-year.

Small businesses used investments for 2.966 trillion soums, which made up 23.7% of total investments into fixed capital in 2009. The growth rate was 31.2% year-on-year. They also carried out construction works for 2.855 trillion soums (41.6% of total construction works in 2009), or 17.4% more year-on-year.

This sector ensured growth of goods turnover by motor transport by 8.3% (73.4% of total goods turnover in Uzbekistan), passenger turnover by 8.7% (81.7% of total passenger turnover).

Small businesses formed 46.5% of total retail trade turnover of Uzbekistan or 7.671 trillion soums (up 12.8%) and paid services – 48.7% or 3.067 trillion soums (up 13.3%).

The sector exported products for US$1.723 billion in 2009 (14.6% of total exports), which grew by 21.4% year-on-year, and imported products for US$4.01 billion (42.5% of total imports), which increased by 16% year-on-year.

Number of people, employed by private sector of small businesses, comprised 7.791 million people or 92.7% of total employed in the sector.