Zafar Kashimov, founder of the Korzinka supermarket chain, called for changes in business leasing practices to increase the transparency and predictability of lease agreements. He raised this issue on August 18 during an open dialogue with business representatives held with the participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Khorezm region.
One of the problems identified by Kashimov is the division of rent payments into official and unofficial parts. According to him, part of the payment is fixed in the lease agreement, while the remaining amount is handed over to the landlord in cash.
Kashimov strongly urged entrepreneurs to abandon such practices. He believes that officially reflecting the full amount of rental payments in documents can be more beneficial for companies, as such expenses reduce the tax base.
He stated: 'I want to tell entrepreneurs that we must stop this because, essentially, it is not tax evasion. If we officially record the cash we pay as expenses, it will reduce our tax base, and in fact, it is beneficial.'
In the businessman's opinion, some entrepreneurs continue to use unofficial payments due to a lack of awareness about the advantages of formal accounting for all expenses. Therefore, he proposed strengthening educational work among business representatives regarding these benefits.
Furthermore, Kashimov noted problems existing within the lease agreement terms themselves. Specifically, landlords often conclude short-term agreements and may raise the rent after the business starts operating successfully.
Such methods, according to him, hinder long-term development planning for entrepreneurs. Companies invest funds in property development but do not receive guarantees that they can continue to rent it under the same conditions.
Kashimov emphasized: 'Today there are serious problems in this area, and I think it is time to solve them within the legal system. For example, under pressure from landlords, contracts are concluded for short periods. The business plan and prospects are long-term, but the lease agreement is short-term.'
The entrepreneur concluded that more stable and transparent rental rules are necessary so that companies can plan investments and development for years to come, reducing business dependence on constant changes in conditions imposed by landlords.