Speaking at a government meeting held via videoconference on July 21, the president said officials responsible for enforcing penalties must change their approach and mindset.
According to the presidential press service, Mirziyoyev noted that the government has been creating conditions for people to start businesses and enter export markets. At present, 51 ministries and agencies are authorized to impose financial penalties across 322 categories, with nearly UZS 3 trillion in fines levied between 2024 and 2026.
The president said regulators should first give entrepreneurs an opportunity to rectify shortcomings and provide guidance before resorting to punitive measures.
The meeting also addressed the financial burden faced by manufacturers and exporters amid growing competition in international markets. As an example, officials noted that exporting a single truckload of cherries currently involves additional costs of up to UZS 5 million for customs fees, fumigation, certification and customs declaration services.
Mirziyoyev instructed all ministers and heads of sectors to submit proposals to the Presidential Administration within one week on substantially reducing bureaucracy, fines, fees and charges within their respective areas of responsibility, with the aim of improving the business environment.
The president also warned that ministers, regional governors and sector heads who fail to meet their monthly, quarterly or annual targets have no right to remain complacent under current conditions.
He added that if the work of ministers and regional governors does not translate into tangible improvements in people's quality of life or make doing business easier for entrepreneurs, the reported results will remain nothing more than "figures on paper."
