Key Indicators of Small Entrepreneurship in the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2024

Introduction

Small entrepreneurship (SE) is a crucial component of Uzbekistan’s economy, playing an important role in ensuring employment and economic growth. Based on the data for 2024 provided by the Agency of Statistics under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a detailed analysis of the current state and development dynamics of small entrepreneurship in the country is presented.

General Overview

As of January 1, 2025, the total number of active small enterprises and microfirms in Uzbekistan amounted to 358.1 thousand, equivalent to 12.1 units per 1,000 people. During 2024, 77.0 thousand new small enterprises and microfirms (excluding dehkan and farming households) were established.

Dynamics of Small Enterprises

Compared to previous years, the number of small enterprises has changed as follows:

2020: 411.2 thousand;
2021: 462.8 thousand;
2022: 417.1 thousand;
2023: 358.1 thousand.

The decline in the number of enterprises in 2023 and 2024 is associated with the reorganization and updating of data in state registers.

Regional Structure

In terms of regions, the leaders in the number of small enterprises per 1,000 people were:

Tashkent city – 27.5 units;
Navoi region – 17.7 units;
Jizzakh region – 13.8 units;
Syrdarya region – 13.7 units;
Bukhara region – 13.6 units.

The highest number of newly established small enterprises in 2024 was recorded in Tashkent city (21.2% of the total), followed by Khorezm (8.9%) and Tashkent (8.8%) regions.

Sectoral Structure

The largest number of small enterprises operate in the following economic sectors:

Trade – 136,352 units (38%);
Industry – 54,692 units (15%);
Agriculture, forestry, and fishery – 30,369 units (9%);
Construction – 26,933 units (8%);
Accommodation and food services – 25,947 units (7%).

Economic Indicators

The contribution of small entrepreneurship to key economic sectors:

GDP: SE share – 54.3%, unchanged compared to 2023.
Industry: products worth 286,675.2 billion soums were produced (32.4% of the total volume).
Construction: work volume amounted to 178,718.9 billion soums (76.5%).
Investments in fixed capital: 255,883.8 billion soums (51.8%).
Agriculture: SE’s product share – 95.2%.
Retail trade: turnover amounted to 338,802.6 billion soums (84.0%).
Services: services provided amounted to 466,461.8 billion soums (57.0%).

Regional Economic Differences

Regions with the highest share of SE in the gross regional product:

Surkhandarya region – 77.8%;
Jizzakh region – 74.4%;
Namangan region – 73.4%;
Fergana region – 73.1%;
Bukhara region – 73.0%.

Conclusions and Prospects

In 2024, small entrepreneurship continued to play a significant role in Uzbekistan’s economy, despite the slowdown in the growth rate of enterprises. Further development of the sector requires enhanced state support measures, including access to financing, increased automation, and simplification of regulatory procedures.

The data indicates great potential for SE development, especially in sectors such as trade, industry, and services. Increasing the number of small enterprises and their productivity will contribute to strengthening economic stability and ensuring sustainable growth.