The Economic Modernization of Uzbekistan Mamuka Tsereteli

Modernization in Action
The success of Uzbekistan’s massive effort to modernize its economy wil
l 
depend significantly on reforms occurring concurrently in the sphere of 
governance. Prominent among these are the effort to cut back corruption, 
reduce the regulatory and bureaucratic burden on businesses and 
individual citizens, and to establish the rule of law. All of these are inter-
related. Thus, a reduction of bureaucratic controls on businesses will limit 
opportunities for official corruption and open the way for a more-law-based 
regimen. Small and medium size enterprises and private agricultural 
producers will be the first to benefit from any new wave of regulatory, 
governance, and legal reforms. 
Governance and Regulatory reforms
Deregulation, decentralization, and optimization of the role and functions 
of the government are key elements of any successful economic reforms in 
Uzbekistan. In his address to the Oliy Majlis on December 22, 2017, 
President Mirziyoyev focused on the main outcomes of the past year and 
the priorities for economic and social development in 2018 and beyond.
34
It 
is significant 
that this was the first time that Uzbekistan’s president had 
given such an address before the combined houses of parliament. The 
President reminded the audience of major economic reforms that had been 
achieved in 2017, noting specifically the transformation of the foreign 
exchange regime and improved regional economic relations. However, at 
34
Address of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Parliament, Oliy 
Majlis, December 22, 2017 http://www.ut.uz/en/politics/for-the-first-time-in-the-history-of-our-country-
the-president-of-the-republic-of-uzbekistan-shavkat/ 

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Mamuka Tsereteli 
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several points in his speech he noted that most of these initiatives had come 
from the new administration and not from the legislators seated before him. 
Knowing that legislators could have direct knowledge of the actual 
problems citizens face when trying to start or develop businesses, he 
strongly urged members of parliament to be more active in initiating 
legislation that is responsive to citizens’ needs.
Indeed, the first half of the 
address focused on improving the functioning of the state institutions, 
establishing the rule of law, and strengthening the rights and freedoms of 
citizens, not least in the economy. 
The presidential address followed the structure of the Development 
Strategy document for 2017-2022, and focused above all on economic 
liberalization and development. Mirziyoyev emphasized that reform in 
governance and law, as well as social advancements, would be impossible 
without a vigorous and sustainable economic life. With this in mind he 
focused on stringent measures to rectify some of the acknowledged 
weaknesses in the economy.
One area he emphasized was the over-centralization of functions and 
powers of the state. According to President Mirziyoyev,
At present there are 64 types of licenses, of which 21 are issued by 
the Cabinet of Ministers and 40 by other central authorities. Only 
three of these licenses refer to the power of regional administrations, 
and only one to district mayor’s office. The same
applies to 
permitting documents as well.
 
Out of 220 documents related to the 
issuance of permits, only 11 may be obtained at the city or district 
level. To obtain the remaining 209, it is necessary to apply to national 
level and regional authorities.
35
The President highlighted the complexity of customs procedures, which 
create significant obstacles for trade. He quoted a World Bank report that 
35
Ibid 

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The Economic Modernization of Uzbekistan 
33
 
ranked Uzbekistan 175th among 190 countries in processing export-import 
documentation. He lamented that, “The sam
e customs procedure that takes 
one hour for clearance in Belgium takes an entire month in our country,” 
and stressed the need to reduce regulation and to facilitate trade by 
introducing green channels at border crossings in 2018 and by emphasizing 
risk assessment rather than inadept controls.
36
In reforming governance, Mirziyoyev has given priority to delegating 
power to local and regional leaders who are in a position to foster economic 
development and promote investments. As part of the reform, he 
introduced at city, district, and regional levels a new official with the title 
of, “Deputy Governor (
Khokim
) or Mayor for Attracting Investment.” At the 
same time, the new Administration has increased the responsibility of 
territorial bodies for developing budgets, taxation, and the creation of 
financial reserves. In general, local authorities have gained more power over 
their own budgets and responsibility for their management. In the same 
spirit, a newly created local entity, the Public Service Agency under the 
Ministry of Justice, will help businesses and citizens navigate the new legal 
environment.
To some extent these reforms in Uzbekistan follow the positive experience 
of similar reforms of governmental services elsewhere in Central Asia and 
the Caucasus. This current appeared first in Georgia, and subsequently 
found receptive ground in both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. The 
simplification of licensing and permitting, and the streamlining of public 
services not only save citizens much time but also help reduce corruption in 
the state agencies by reducing the interface between state and citizen and 
increasing its transparency. As in Uzbekistan, new technologies and citizen 
engagement have facilitated the process of reform in all three of these 
countries.
36
Ibid 

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Mamuka Tsereteli 
34
 
During Mr. Mirziyoyev’s Prime Ministership
, Uzbekistan undertook these 
decentralizing administrative reforms to improve the business 
environment. The World Bank took notice of these changes and named 
Uzbekistan a top reformer in both 2012 and 2015 and a “top improver” in 
2017.
The World Bank’s press release noted that “with five major business 
reforms during the past year, the country carried out the most reforms in 
the Europe and Central Asia region.”
37 
As a result, it moved up to 74th place 
in the rankings, from 87th in 2015.
38
Reforms implemented by Uzbekistan’s 
government are described in detail on the World Bank web page, dedicated 
to the progress of Uzbekistan in this direction.
39
Despite this significant progress, Uzbekistan still has a long way to go in the 
improvement of governance and reduction of corruption. The strategy 
wisely focuses on the elimination of certain governmental regulations, the 
elimination of certain licenses and permits, and the reduction of the overall 
burden of governance on businesses and citizens. If successfully 
implemented, this should reduce opportunities for corruption in the area of 
public services. To address corruption in law enforcement, the health care 
system, and education, will require great political will. However, the 
experience to date suggests that with sufficient determination and 
persistence on the part of the government, corruption can be reduced or 
eliminated in these areas as well. 
37
World Bank, “Uzbekistan is a Global Top Improver for Third Time as Reform Agenda Conti
nues: 
Doing Business Report”, November 1, 2017. 
http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-
release/2017/11/01/uzbekistan-is-a-global-top-improver-for-third-time-as-reform-agenda-continues-
doing-business-report) 
38
“
Doing Business 
2018.”
(
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/uzbekistan) 
39
“Uzbekistan is a Global top Improver for Third Time as Reform Agenda Continues: Doing Business 
Report”, The World Bank, November 1, 2017, http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press
-
release/2017/11/01/uzbekistan-is-a-global-top-improver-for-third-time-as-reform-agenda-continues-
doing-business-report 

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The Economic Modernization of Uzbekistan 
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