March 4, 2025

Private business will receive exclusive rights

On February 28, 2025, the President of Uzbekistan signed Decree No.35 “On measures to promote competition and further enhance the role of the private sector in the economy”. The document is aimed at creating equal conditions for businesses and reducing monopolies in key industries.

According to the Decree No.35, an exclusive right is a privilege granted to individual business entities or government organizations for production, sale and purchase of certain goods, as well as the performance of work or services. Such rights may be granted on the basis of special permits or individual licenses issued on an exceptional basis.

From April 1, 2025, exclusive rights will be granted to business entities only on the basis of laws, decrees and resolutions of the President, and their term will not exceed 3 years. Licenses and permits granted through competitive procedures will not be considered exclusive rights.

Exceptions are possible only in cases related to the protection of the constitutional order, defense capability and security of the country, public health, and the elimination of the consequences of natural disasters, catastrophes, and epidemics.