BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. Uzbek President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev has ordered ministries and government agencies
to propose sweeping cuts to bureaucratic procedures, fines and
business fees within a week, as part of efforts to improve the
country's investment climate and support exporters facing growing
competition in foreign markets.


This was reflected in the statement published by the official
channel of the Press Secretary to the President of the Republic of
Uzbekistan.


Speaking at a government meeting reviewing economic performance
in the first half of 2026, Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan has already
created favorable conditions for entrepreneurs to launch businesses
and expand into international markets, but stressed that excessive
regulation continues to hinder private sector development.


"Our people are being provided with all the necessary conditions
to start businesses and enter export markets," the president
said.


According to Mirziyoyev, 51 ministries and government agencies
currently have the authority to impose financial penalties across
322 different categories, with nearly 3 trillion soums (about $250
million) in fines issued between 2024 and 2026.


The president said regulatory authorities should shift their
approach from punishment to guidance, encouraging businesses to
comply with regulations rather than immediately imposing
penalties.







"The mindset and outlook of officials in organizations that
impose sanctions must change," Mirziyoyev said. "Before punishing
an entrepreneur, they should first give them an opportunity and
show them the right way."


Mirziyoyev also raised concerns over the financial burden facing
exporters as competition intensifies in international markets,
calling for a reduction in mandatory payments and service charges
that increase export costs.


As an example, he noted that exporting a single truckload of
cherries currently requires businesses to spend up to 5 million
soums (about $417) on customs fees, fumigation, certification and
customs declaration services.


To address these issues, the president instructed all ministers
and heads of government agencies to submit proposals to the
Presidential Administration within one week outlining measures to
significantly reduce bureaucracy, financial penalties,
administrative fees and other charges affecting businesses.


The initiative forms part of Uzbekistan's broader reform agenda
aimed at strengthening the private sector, improving the business
environment and boosting export competitiveness. By lowering
administrative costs and simplifying regulatory procedures, the
government hopes to encourage greater investment, increase
non-commodity exports and sustain the country's rapid economic
growth.