The objective of this study was to provide an assessment of the SME sector in Uzbekistan, through a careful analysis of the latest trends in the development of the Uzbek business environment and the legal framework relevant for SMEs in general and women-led SMEs in particular. The assessment provided the European Development Bank an identification of key constraints faced by each sub-segment of SMEs and women-led SMEs in accessing finance, while also providing recommendations on possible measures to address the supply and demand side challenges faced by SMEs and women-led SMEs.
The following digital report highlights the key findings.
Access to skills and employment and access to finance remain crucial challenges.
SMEs could play an important role in the diversification of the economy and the installation of a more inclusive growth model. A large domestic market and several export-oriented sectors (especially textiles and agriculture) hold relevant opportunities that should also be accessible to female entrepreneurs – in addition to offering opportunities for female employment. While the business environment shows early signs of improvement it remains not yet particularly conducive.
