The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, announced the introduction of new entrepreneurship support measures during an open dialogue with businessmen in the Khorezm region on August 18, 2026. These measures include multi-stage development programs and a mechanism for reciprocal credit guarantees, according to the presidential press service.
The head of state noted that small businesses account for 63% of the banking sector's loan portfolio, up from 45% previously. In the first half of this year, 76.5 trillion soums were allocated to small and medium-sized businesses. A unified digital credit portal has also been launched, allowing enterprises to submit a single application and receive competitive offers from banks, as well as apply for online loans up to 5 billion soums for novice entrepreneurs.
Business Support System by Growth Stages
To support companies at different stages of development, Uzbekistan is introducing a unified business ecosystem consisting of three structured programs: 'Business-Start' for newcomers, 'Business-Lift' for existing producers, and 'Business-Yuksalish' for expanding enterprises. Under the 'Business-Start' program, worth 100 billion soums, participants will receive AI-powered training on project preparation, credit documentation, and accounting, as well as access to ready-made business plans and unsecured loans of up to 200 million soums.
Risk Reduction and Digitalization Mechanisms
To address issues related to loan collateral, a reciprocal guarantee mechanism will be introduced that considers the real value of the business when assessing credit risks. When obtaining loans up to 10 billion soums, the state will cover 30% of the collateral requirements, the Business Guarantee Company will cover another 30%, and commercial banks will cover 15%, leaving entrepreneurs responsible for securing 25% of the collateral.
Furthermore, an AI-based portal named 'Virtual Tax Consultant' (Soliq AI) has started operating, designed to help companies reduce operating costs and minimize reporting errors. It is planned that similar AI assistants will be implemented in the construction, labor relations, foreign trade, and public services sectors starting in 2027.
Logistics and Foreign Trade
President Mirziyoyev also presented additional measures in the field of logistics and foreign trade. These include plans to launch a logistics center with a capacity of 500,000 tons at the Port of Poti in Georgia in 2027, as well as the commencement of operations at the Anklia port. Moreover, the government intends to abolish customs duties and processing fees on imported trucks while setting a zero VAT rate for railway wagons intended for international transport.