Zafar Khashimov, founder of the 'Korzinka' hypermarket chain, reported to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev about the difficulties entrepreneurs face when renting commercial premises. Among these problems is the practice of transferring part of the rent 'under the table,' even though official documentation of such expenses can be more beneficial for the business.
The entrepreneur raised this issue on August 18 during the president's open meeting with representatives of the business community, which took place in the Khorezm region. Khashimov highlighted two aspects of the problem: the existence of a 'white' and 'black' part of the rent, where part of the amount is fixed in the contract, and the remainder is paid to the landlord in cash.
He called on entrepreneurs to stop such schemes, arguing that it does not constitute tax evasion. According to him, if cash funds are officially accounted for as expenses, it will lead to a reduction in the tax base, which is ultimately beneficial for the company. Khashimov suggested that many continue to use this scheme due to a lack of knowledge about the advantages of legalizing all rental costs, and proposed conducting relevant explanatory events among businessmen.
In addition to financial aspects, Khashimov emphasized the risks associated with the terms of the lease agreements themselves. He noted that landlords often conclude short-term agreements. After the business begins to function successfully, the rental cost can be unreasonably increased. Such instability makes long-term strategic planning practically impossible, as the entrepreneur invests in the property without guarantees of maintaining the previous terms of use.
"Currently, there are big problems in this area, and I think it is time to solve these problems within the legal framework," Khashimov explained. He stressed that under pressure from landlords, contracts are often concluded for a short period, whereas business plans and company prospects are long-term. In the founder's opinion, it is necessary to develop more stable and transparent norms for regulating rental relations to give businesses the opportunity to plan development over many years, rather than depending on frequent changes in conditions by the landlord.