Customs benefits and “industrial mortgage” The President defined the measures for the development of the industry

Today, 7 November, a meeting of video selectors on the development of local industry was held under the chairmanship of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

At the meeting held in a critical spirit, the country's industry grew by 5.3 percent in the 9 months of this year, but the production of 65 large regional enterprises decreased, although the state allocated funds, 118 industrial zones still need to bring infrastructure. shortcomings, such as insufficient use of the GSP+ (Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus) opportunity in exports, and urgent tasks in the field were discussed.

"Heads of industries and governors should look for opportunities in this difficult situation, use internal resources, and show proposals and initiatives.  We will solve all the issues with our strength, hard work, and desire," says Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Instructions were given to provide guaranteed raw materials to manufacturers of household appliances, carpets, and furniture, and to assist enterprises operating at low capacity.

It is known that last year, Uzbekistan was accepted into the GSP+ extended system of preferences of the European Union.  Within its framework, more than 6,200 types of products can be exported to the European market under preferential conditions.  For this, Uzbekistan provides up to 70% subsidy for transport costs.

However, only 6% of the export of textile products, 3% of electrical equipment, and 1% of silk and food are sold to Europe.

The head of state emphasized the need to support local enterprises to obtain international certificates and enter the foreign market.  It was said that there is a possibility to increase the volume of industrial exports to Europe to 700 million dollars next year.

One of the largest branches of the local industry is textiles.  In recent years, entrepreneurs in the country have mastered this direction well.  However, there are still products that are imported.

Therefore, the task of localization of at least 50 different types of new products was assigned to the association "Uztogmachiliksanoat." 100 million dollars will be invested in commercial banks for such projects, and 50 million dollars will be invested in carpet production.  70% of the transport costs for the export of gauze and knitted fabric to European countries, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco will be covered.

In general, a program to develop the textile industry at a new pace and export more than 5 billion dollars in the next year will be adopted.

Another comprehensive direction is the production of building materials.  There are many types of products and jobs in this industry.  Therefore, the President expressed the initiative to develop the "industrial mortgage" program aimed at supporting such enterprises.  50 million dollars will be allocated for this in the first stage, loans will be given for 7 years, with a grace period of 2 years.

It was said that building materials industrial zones will be established in Nukus city, Buloqboshi, Qarovulbazar, Forish, Chust, Pakhtachi, Sariosia, Uzbekistan districts, and a cluster of porcelain dishes and sanitary ware will be established in Angren city.

The goal of export in this sector is to reach 1 billion dollars.

Today, furniture making has risen to the level of folk craft.  About 100 neighborhoods in Bukhara, Namangan, Samarkand, Andijan, Fergana, and Khorezm specialize in this skill.  The President emphasized the need to establish furniture industry centers around these neighborhoods to expand the conditions for craftsmen. 

Instructions were given to extend the period of customs privileges for furniture manufacturing until 1 January 2024, and to increase the number of projects in this sector.

Opportunities are also very wide in jewelry.  The country itself has a market worth 300 million dollars.  This demand can easily be met by local jewelers.  Therefore, to support them, starting from 1 December, several reliefs were established.

In particular, all banks and Export Promotion Agency guarantees are accepted for late payment of gold and silver.  This option is also available for individual jewelers.

The license requirement for the temporary import and export of raw materials necessary for jewelry is cancelled, and precious and decorative stones are exempt from customs duties.

At the meeting, special attention was paid to the issue of increasing exports."We will expand export support next year.  From now on, there will be a system of subsidies to industries depending on the volume of exports.  According to the results of today's meeting, an additional 300 million dollars and 350 billion soms will be allocated for the development of the regional industry.  If the expected goals are achieved, it is possible to provide an additional 2 billion dollars in exports next year," said the President.

In general, measures to export regional industrial products worth more than 8 billion dollars next year were analyzed.  Ambassadors of Uzbekistan were tasked with attracting modern technologies and investments from abroad.

Leaders of industrial sectors and governors spoke on the issues discussed at the meeting.