UzA
November 8

A meeting at the republican council for promoting the development of small and medium-sized businesses has discussed the results of a sociological survey on "Business environment in Uzbekistan through the eyes of the representatives of small and medium-sized businesses".

The survey which was conducted as part of a programme of technical assistance of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) included 150 small and medium-sized businesses and private entrepreneurs. In general the representatives of small and medium-sized businesses positively assess the measures that are being taken by the government aimed at creating conditions for the development of entrepreneurship. For example, the new order of registration under a one-stop procedure has significantly simplified the procedure of registration and reduced the duration of procedure to 8-12 days.

Private manufacturers, microfirms and small enterprises are paying more lower taxes than other enterprises. The number of inspection of the work of small enterprises has also gone down. Conditions have been created for stimulating the growth of export operations.

At the same time, representatives of small and medium-sized businesses noted that there were significant problems in their work with commercial banks. Besides that numerous inspection by various bodies are hindering the manufacturers' work. The highest number of inspections was reported in Syrdarya, Dzhizak and other regions (up to 10-11 inspections per year).

Proceeding from the results of the research the coordination council has recommended the Ministry of Justice and Central Bank together with interested ministries and departments to carry out an analysis of existing problems and prepare proposals for sorting them out.

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