11.08.2025

On August 11, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on improving the system for combating the shadow economy.

In the past, heavy administrative pressure and excessive interference in business led many entrepreneurs to fear working openly. In recent years, large-scale work has been carried out to reduce the tax burden and eliminate bureaucratic barriers: the number of types of taxes has been reduced from 13 to 9, and more than 100 types of licenses and permits have been abolished.

As a result, the share of the shadow economy decreased from 45–50 percent in 2019 to the current 35 percent. However, this share must continue to be reduced further.

During the presentation, priority tasks in this area were discussed. Responsible officials presented information on the factors contributing to the development of the shadow economy and measures to eliminate them.

It was noted that the most effective way is the introduction of modern technological and innovative approaches. For instance, transition of the public transport payment system in Tashkent to a fully automated mode showed that the actual number of passengers is 30 percent higher than previously recorded. The digitalization of dekhkan and commodity markets has contributed to up to a threefold increase in their revenue.

Instructions were given to introduce similar systems in agriculture, construction, transport, trade, and services – the sectors with the largest share of the shadow economy. A task was set to review the procedure and timing of issuing licenses and permits, minimize human involvement and completely transfer these processes to digital format. The necessity to eliminate factors that create conditions for corruption in the areas most frequently encountered by entrepreneurs: taxation, banking, customs, utilities, and certification, was especially emphasized.

The development of electronic payments creates convenience for the population and businesses, and is also an effective tool for reducing the shadow economy. In this regard, it is important to stimulate cashless payments and increase the number of payment organizations.

The Head of State noted that strengthening control alone will not curb the shadow economy – it is necessary to raise tax culture among the population and entrepreneurs, and encourage those who work honestly.

A task was set to apply an individual approach for each sector, creating conditions under which it will be profitable for entrepreneurs to run open and lawful businesses. Based on this, instructions were given to improve and digitalize tax administration, provide additional incentives to entrepreneurship and improve labor relations.

It was emphasized that tax culture must become the responsibility of society as a whole. Honesty, traditionally valued by our people, ultimately brings prosperity and well-being to all spheres. It is important to actively promote and widely establish these ideas among the population, as noted at the meeting.