357,883 active individual entrepreneurs registered in Uzbekistan as of October 2026

From January to September 2026, Uzbekistan attracted foreign investments and loans totaling $44.3 billion. During this period, 106 major projects worth $3.8 billion were launched, creating 13,800 jobs.

This data was presented by the Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, in response to an inquiry from a parliamentary investigation by the Oliy Majlis legislative body. This investigation concerned monitoring the implementation of projects with foreign investment in various regions, assessing their effectiveness, and improving interaction with investors.

According to the submitted response, a digital system is used to monitor investment projects and promptly identify emerging issues. Steps are also being taken to improve the management of special economic zones and enhance the efficiency of foreign loans guaranteed by the state.

As part of efforts to improve the legal framework regulating special economic zones, a revised draft law titled 'On Special Economic Zones' has been prepared. Furthermore, support measures for exporters are gradually being brought into compliance with Uzbekistan's international trade obligations.

During the review of the response, deputies emphasized that the effectiveness of investment activity should be assessed not only by the volume of funds attracted but also by the creation of added value, ensuring sustainable employment, developing cooperation with local enterprises, and impacting public welfare. They proposed selecting projects with high economic returns based on the potential and specialization of individual regions, strengthening production ties with local businesses, and ensuring that investment initiatives yield concrete results.

The deputies noted that parliamentary oversight in this area will help assess compliance with legislation, identify existing problems, and increase the efficiency of responsible state bodies. Following the review of the response to the parliamentary request, the Legislative Chamber adopted a corresponding decision.

Small enterprises generated 904.8 trillion soms of Uzbekistan's gross domestic product (GDP) from January to September 2026, which accounts for 53.8% of the total national figure. As of October 1st, there were 1,264,500 active small enterprises operating in the country, according to data from the National Statistical Committee of Uzbekistan.

The total number includes 551,100 small enterprises and microfirms, including farms and dehqan farms. Additionally, there are 357,900 individual entrepreneurs registered in the country, 330,800 dehqan farms operating without legal entity status, 18,800 artisans, 4,900 family businesses, and 900 importers.

On average, there are 32.2 small enterprises per 1,000 residents of Uzbekistan. The highest rate was recorded in Tashkent (51.9), followed by Khorezm region (44.7), Syrdarya region (41.5), and Jizzakh region (36.5).

In absolute terms, Tashkent has the largest number of small enterprises—168,700. This is followed by Samarkand region with 122,300, Fergana region with 117,200, and Andijan region with 116,100.

In the first nine months of the year, 66,300 new small enterprises and microfirms were created, excluding farms and dehqan farms. The largest number of new businesses was opened in the trade sector—22,823. Additionally, 8,716 enterprises were established in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, 7,924 in industry, and 5,921 in accommodation and public catering.

Small businesses accounted for the largest share of production in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector—93.2%. Their contribution reached 78.3% in transport, storage, information, and communications, and 75.4% in construction.

Small enterprises produced industrial goods worth 380.2 trillion soms, which accounted for 35% of the country's total industrial output. This figure showed a growth of 6.9% compared to the same period in 2025.

Construction work performed by small enterprises increased by 15.3%, reaching 249.8 trillion soms, covering 73.6% of the national volume. Investments in fixed capital from small enterprises grew by 27.5%, amounting to 402.5 trillion soms, or 68.9% of total investments. Production in agriculture, forestry, and fishing grew by 2.1%, reaching 426.9 trillion soms, corresponding to 91.7% of the sector's total volume.

Retail revenue of small businesses increased by 21.5%, reaching 355.4 trillion soms, which is 82.2% of the total volume. Service output grew by 17.4%, totaling 567.5 trillion soms, or 56.6% of the total volume.

Exports of goods and services by small enterprises reached 12.1 billion US dollars, accounting for 47% of Uzbekistan's total exports. Imports amounted to 20.7 billion US dollars, covering 52.3% of the national volume. In the field of road freight transport, small businesses provided 56.4% of transports, while the volume of transported goods increased by 12.5%. They also represented 79% of turnover freight transport, which grew by 10.6%.