Why is this important
Small business remains one of the key pillars of Uzbekistan’s economy, accounting for nearly half of the country’s GDP and a significant share of investment, trade, and services. Growth indicators at the beginning of 2026 show that the sector continues to maintain strong activity across several areas at once — from construction and industry to exports and transport. At the same time, the statistics point to the growing role of small entrepreneurship in the regions, where small companies, sole proprietors, and dehkan farms make up the bulk of business activity.
What happened
- The National Statistics Committee published the main indicators of small business entities in Uzbekistan for January–March 2026.
- As of April 1, more than 1.2 million small business entities were operating in the country, while the volume of goods and services produced by them continued to grow across most sectors of the economy.
- In the first quarter, small business accounted for 45.6% of the country’s GDP, more than half of services and investment, as well as a significant share of retail trade, construction, and agriculture.
- At the same time, the volumes of industrial production, exports, imports, and transport services among small business entities also increased.
Numbers and facts
- As of April 1, 2026, 1.208 million small business entities were operating in Uzbekistan.
- Of these, 507,100 were small enterprises and microfirms, 347,700 were sole proprietors, and 353,500 were dehkan farms.
- The largest number of small business entities was recorded in Tashkent — 151,900, Samarkand region — 123,500, Andijan region — 113,300, and Fergana region — 112,700.
- The highest number of small business entities per 1,000 residents was recorded in Tashkent — 47.7.
- It was followed by Khorezm region — 45.3, Syrdarya region — 39.7, and Navoi region — 37.7. The national average stood at 31.5 entities per 1,000 residents.
- In January–March 2026, 22,200 new small enterprises and microfirms were established in the country, excluding farming and dehkan households.
- The largest number of new companies appeared in trade — 8,102, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries — 2,956, industry — 2,610, and accommodation and food services — 1,942.
- The volume of small business in GDP reached 194.8 trillion soums compared with 163.6 trillion soums a year earlier.
- Over five years, the figure more than doubled — from 83 trillion soums in 2022 to nearly 195 trillion soums in 2026.
- The highest share of small business in GDP by sector was recorded in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries — 94.6%, construction — 77%, services — 47.1%, and industry — 21.8%.
- In January–March, small business produced 79.7 trillion soums worth of industrial output. Compared with the same period in 2025, the growth rate reached 118.2%.
- For comparison, the figure stood at 24.6 trillion soums in 2022, 37.2 trillion soums in 2023, 48.4 trillion soums in 2024, and 64 trillion soums in 2025.
- The volume of construction work carried out by small business entities reached 48 trillion soums compared with 42.2 trillion soums a year earlier.
- The sector’s share in total construction volume amounted to 75.1%, while the growth rate reached 108.6%. In 2022, the figure stood at 18.5 trillion soums.
- Small business investment in fixed capital amounted to 105.1 trillion soums, which corresponds to 67.2% of the country’s total investment volume.
- The growth rate reached 146.9%. Over five years, the figure more than tripled — from 30.3 trillion soums in 2022 to 105.1 trillion soums in 2026.
- The volume of agricultural, forestry, and fishery output produced by small business entities reached 60 trillion soums.
- The share of small business in the sector amounted to 94.7%, while the growth rate reached 103.8%. In 2022, the figure stood at 32.5 trillion soums.
- Small business retail turnover amounted to 102.8 trillion soums compared with 74.5 trillion soums a year earlier. The growth rate reached 124.9%, while the sector’s share in total retail trade amounted to 83%.
- The volume of services provided by small business entities increased to 168.1 trillion soums. For comparison, the figure stood at 39 trillion soums in 2022, 50.1 trillion soums in 2023, 94.6 trillion soums in 2024, and 136.9 trillion soums in 2025. The growth rate in 2026 reached 116.5%.
- Exports by small business entities reached $2.88 billion compared with $2.1 billion a year earlier.
- The share of small business in total exports amounted to 49.6%. Over five years, the figure more than tripled — from $0.9 billion in 2022.
- Small business imports increased to $6.6 billion compared with $4.4 billion in 2025. This accounted for 54.2% of the country’s total imports. In 2022, the figure stood at $3.6 billion.
- In the transport sector, the share of small business in road freight transportation amounted to 54.7%, in freight turnover — 75.6%, in passenger transportation — 90.2%, and in passenger turnover — 94.8%.
Context
- The statistics show that Uzbekistan’s economic growth is becoming increasingly dependent on small business activity, especially in construction, trade, services, and agriculture.
- For the regions, this means a further expansion of the role of small enterprises and sole proprietors as the main sources of employment and local investment.
- High growth rates in investment and industrial production also indicate the gradual expansion of business beyond trade and services.
- At the same time, nearly half of exports and more than half of imports coming from small business indicate its growing role in the country’s foreign economic activity.
