Importers speak frankly about their problems!

Clear problems, necessary analyses, well-grounded debates, concrete plans, and open criticism converged at one point. On January 21 this year, a business and diplomatic meeting was held in Tashkent between local entrepreneurs and heads of Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions abroad. The open dialogue, organized at the initiative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khojayev, as well as heads of relevant ministries and agencies.

This time, the main focus of the meeting was on import-related issues. Since the discussion concerned obstacles troubling entrepreneurs, who play a key role in any country’s economic growth, the organizers encouraged participants from the outset to speak openly and directly about existing problems. One of the first to respond was an entrepreneur engaged in confectionery production, who readily shared concerns and asked for assistance from embassies, noting that in some countries certain products are sold to Uzbek entrepreneurs at higher prices than to businesspeople from other states.

“In Belarus, dried milk products are sold to us for $4.9, while other countries buy them for $4.3. We also purchase cocoa from European countries, meaning second-hand suppliers. Yet cocoa is produced in African countries. If direct ties were established with them, it would benefit everyone,” the entrepreneur said.

Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khojayev noted that very relevant issues had been raised and addressed diplomats serving in the countries mentioned, calling on them to work on possible solutions. In turn, the diplomats outlined the tasks that need to be carried out.

In 2025, Uzbekistan imported ice cream worth $15 million, while exports amounted to only $1.5 million, despite sufficient domestic production capacity and product quality comparable to imported goods. Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Davron Vakhabov drew particular attention to this issue.

“We have the capacity to produce very high-quality ice cream domestically. One of our entrepreneurs invested $8 million to purchase and install all the necessary equipment. Now they need support from our ambassadors. We need to establish contacts with major brands in Europe and the United States and connect our entrepreneur with them. There is also an investor ready to invest funds,” Davron Vakhabov said.

During the meeting, a number of other issues troubling importers and exporters were also raised. The open dialogue continued in a question-and-answer format. Some problems were immediately assigned to relevant agencies, while others that require more time to resolve were noted separately.

There is no need to emphasize that such open discussions are beneficial. Therefore, it was announced that a special platform is being developed to organize similar meetings not only in person but also online, making them more accessible to all participants.