Small businesses generate more than half of Uzbekistan’s GDP

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Small businesses generated UZS 904.8 trillion in gross domestic product in Uzbekistan in January–September 2026, accounting for 53.8% of the national economy, according to the National Statistics Committee.

Photo: laganovskisu / Depositphotos

Small businesses generate more than half of Uzbekistan’s GDP — Photo: laganovskisu / Depositphotos

As of October 1, the country had 1.26 million small business entities in operation. These included 551,100 small enterprises and microfirms, including farms and household farms.

The remaining businesses comprised 357,900 individual entrepreneurs, 330,800 household farms operating without legal entity status, 18,800 artisans, 4,900 family businesses and 900 sellers of imported goods.

Uzbekistan had an average of 32.2 small business entities per 1,000 residents. Tashkent recorded the highest density, at 51.9, followed by Khorezm region with 44.7, Syrdarya region with 41.5 and Jizzakh region with 36.5.

By the absolute number of businesses, Tashkent also led with 168,700, ahead of Samarkand region (122,300), Fergana region (117,200) and Andijan region (116,100).

A total of 66,300 new small enterprises and microfirms were established during the first nine months of the year, excluding farms and household farms. Trade accounted for the largest share, with 22,823 new businesses, followed by agriculture, forestry and fishing (8,716), industry (7,924), and accommodation and food services (5,921).

Small businesses accounted for 93.2% of GDP in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Their contribution also reached 78.3% in transportation, storage, information and communications, and 75.4% in construction.

Output, investment and trade

Small enterprises produced UZS 380.2 trillion worth of industrial goods, representing 35% of the country’s total industrial output. Their production increased by 6.9% compared with the same period in 2025.

Construction work carried out by small businesses rose by 15.3% to UZS 249.8 trillion, accounting for 73.6% of the national total.

Investment in fixed capital by small business entities increased by 27.5% to UZS 402.5 trillion, or 68.9% of all investment.

Their agricultural, forestry and fishery output grew by 2.1% to UZS 426.9 trillion, representing 91.7% of the national total.

Retail turnover rose by 21.5% to UZS 355.4 trillion, accounting for 82.2% of the country’s total. Small businesses also provided UZS 567.5 trillion worth of services, up 17.4% year on year and equivalent to 56.6% of the total services market.

Exports of goods and services by small businesses reached $12.1 billion, or 47% of Uzbekistan’s total exports. Their imports amounted to $20.7 billion, accounting for 52.3% of the national total.