Supporting entrepreneurial entities in Uzbekistan continues as one of the main directions of state economic policy. The goal is to improve tax administration, create favorable conditions for business, and increase the role of the private sector in the economy. A system for returning a portion of the Value Added Tax (VAT) to entrepreneurs has been introduced to achieve these goals.
According to data from the Tax Committee, a total of 97 billion soums of VAT has been returned to entrepreneurial entities through this mechanism as of July 6, 2026. These funds help replenish working capital for companies, expand production and service volumes, implement new investments, and ensure financial stability.
The distribution of returned funds across sectors reflects economic activity. The largest share, 63.8 billion soums, accounts for approximately 66 percent of the total returned funds and went to the general catering industry. This indicates the prevalence of cashless transactions, electronic invoices, and a high level of tax compliance, as well as an increased demand for dining services such as restaurants and cafes.
The jewelry sector took the second place. VAT amounting to 26.2 billion soums was returned to 323 enterprises, showing an increase in interest in formal operations. This is considered important for reducing illegal circulation, ensuring transparency in the precious metals market, and increasing export potential.
A total of 5.8 billion soums was returned to 23 tour operators and 145 hotels in the tourism sector. These funds serve as an important financial resource for improving service quality, developing tourist infrastructure, and implementing new projects.
1.1 billion soums was returned to livestock and poultry farms. Although this amount is not large in volume, it is important from the perspective of reducing production costs and ensuring food security in the agricultural sector.
The VAT return mechanism should be viewed not as an expenditure for the state budget, but as an investment injected into the economy. Because the funds left at the discretion of entrepreneurs are spent on further production, expanding service volumes, creating new jobs, and increasing tax revenues.
This approach increases the working capital of entrepreneurs, strengthens business liquidity, encourages investment activity, reduces the shadow economy share, and enhances the competitive environment. As a result, this process is mutually beneficial for both the state and entrepreneurs.
According to Bloomberg agency, a week after reaching an interim agreement between the US and Iran, oil exports through the Persian Gulf have recovered by at least 75% compared to pre-war levels.
According to available data, approximately 13 million barrels of oil are currently exported from this region daily.
However, positive changes do not mean a full recovery of supplies, but are related to the removal of cargo accumulated on tankers that were stopped due to blockades and route closures. For example, 13 tankers that had been idle for a long time shipped 23 million barrels of oil from the port of Chabahar in Iran.
