According to Harvard University data, Uzbekistan’s position in the Economic Complexity Index has improved by 25 points over the past five years. National products in 162 categories have been recognized as having a competitive advantage on the global market.

As a result, over the past few years, exports have increased by 2.2 times, and the share of foreign trade in the country’s gross domestic product has reached 57 percent – a clear indicator of the economy’s significant integration with global markets.

However, the current global economic environment remains unstable. Changing conditions, new tariffs, and restrictions are having a ripple effect on other countries, slowing global economic growth and reducing international trade volumes.

For example, within a few days, international financial markets lost approximately $10 trillion. Due to high tariffs, global trade turnover is projected to decline by 3.5 trillion USD, while global inflation may reach 7.5-8 percent.

The main risk lies in the potential disruption of supply chains and the production of high-value-added goods worldwide, similar to what occurred during the pandemic. Key sectors with strong export potential, such as the textile, electrical engineering, automotive, and food industries, are particularly vulnerable. This could lead to intense and uncompromising competition in international markets.

The President emphasized that, under these circumstances, it is essential to move forward boldly and confidently, relying primarily on domestic resources and internal capabilities. It was noted that the heads of ministries, agencies, and regional administrations must have clear action plans and personally oversee issues related to production and exports.

The state will take legal, organizational, and practical measures to address these challenges. To this end, recent meetings were held with more than 3,000 entrepreneurs to identify and assess their concerns. Most issues raised were related to the standardization and certification system.

It was noted that more than 25,000 standards and 41 technical regulations currently in force in the country do not meet international requirements. Outdated norms and bureaucratic procedures hinder business activity and create conditions conducive to corruption. Problems also persist with redundant and overlapping certification processes.

Investors have raised concerns that local laboratories often do not meet international standards, and that foreign certifications are not recognized in Uzbekistan. As a result, exporters are forced to send product samples abroad for certification. Another primary concern is the conflict of interest from certification bodies performing supervisory functions.

At the meeting, it was announced that the President signed a decree to promote entrepreneurial activity and increase the effectiveness of trade and industrial policy.

The decree delineates the powers of technical regulation authorities, sanitary and epidemiological services, veterinary control, and quarantine bodies. Redundant and overlapping procedures will be gradually eliminated.

Thus, quality and safety control of food products will be carried out exclusively by the Committee on Sanitary and Epidemiological Wellbeing and Public Health. The mandatory application of technical regulations and standards for food products will be abolished. Sanitary rules and norms for key food items will be aligned with the international Codex Alimentarius standards. Additionally, the practice of state registration for seven high-risk product groups will be discontinued.

The list of products subject to mandatory certification will be reduced, and a declaration of conformity system will be introduced. For importing equipment, raw materials, specialized machinery, and vehicles, internationally recognized quality and control standards accepted in Uzbekistan will be applied, eliminating the need for national certification.

Adopting a Law “On Market Surveillance” was emphasized. Attention was also drawn to the need to improve the quality of personnel training in standardization, sanitary and epidemiological oversight, and quarantine.

The meeting placed special focus on supporting local enterprises, expanding production, and boosting exports.

According to the aforementioned Presidential decree, the procedure for determining the customs value of imported goods will be fully aligned with international regulations.

Starting from July 1, all export restrictions on goods will be lifted, while export duties will be introduced on 86 categories of raw materials and socially significant products.

In recent years, the share of confectionery and soft drink production in the industrial sector has increased significantly. To support these industries, the excise tax on sugar will be abolished, and restrictions on the import of powdered milk will be removed.

As a result, the annual turnover of enterprises producing confectionery and soft drinks – employing around 40,000 people – is expected to reach at least 50 trillion UZS.

It was noted that local Councils have the authority to apply increasing coefficients to land tax and lease payments. However, it is essential to consider businesses’ capacities and carefully assess the consequences of such decisions. Reducing the tax burden and supporting business development can increase budget revenues. Entrepreneurs can pay these taxes in two installments over the year.

Responsible officials were instructed to prepare proposals involving scholars and business representatives to improve tax and customs policy and administration.

It was emphasized that the Prime Minister and his deputies, ministers, and hokims must maintain continuous dialogue with producers and exporters and promptly address incoming appeals and issues.

“The editors of the newspapers “Yangi Oʻzbekiston” and “Pravda Vostoka”