Speaking at an open dialogue with entrepreneurs in the Khorezm region on August 18, Mirziyoyev said the changes were intended to reduce administrative pressure on businesses and shift the focus of penalties from revenue collection to preventing violations.
Currently, 51 government agencies are authorized to impose financial penalties on businesses. The president criticized the practice of allowing some of the fines collected to remain at the disposal of the agencies imposing them.
“Fines should serve not to collect money, but to ensure order and discipline and prevent violations in the sector,” Mirziyoyev said.
The government will also automate the return of deposits paid by entrepreneurs for goods purchased by state-owned enterprises.
Presumption of entrepreneurs’ innocence
Starting in 2027, Uzbekistan plans to introduce a principle of “presumption of the entrepreneur’s innocence” in disputes between businesses and the state.
Under the proposed system, an entrepreneur will be considered innocent until their liability is established by a court. No fine or other enforcement measure could be imposed before a court ruling confirms the violation.
A separate “warning for the first violation” rule will also be introduced.
If an entrepreneur commits a violation for the first time and it does not cause harm to people’s life, health or property, they will be given 10 days to correct the shortcomings.
Government agencies to pay court fees
Mirziyoyev also announced changes to the procedure for resolving legal disputes between businesses and government agencies.
After a case has been considered by a court of first instance, the government agency involved will be required to pay the state fee at each subsequent stage of the proceedings.
The Expert Council under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry will also be given authority to review disputes in the customs, construction, sanitary, quarantine and veterinary sectors.
