President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held an open dialogue with entrepreneurs in the Khorezm region on August 18, announcing a plan to radically reform the fine system for businesses. The head of state emphasized that the amounts of all types of fines will be reduced by an average of two times. Currently, 51 agencies have the right to impose financial fines, which puts serious pressure on entrepreneurs.
The president sharply criticized the practice where part of the funds from fines remains with the controlling bodies themselves. “A fine should serve not to collect money, but to maintain discipline and prevention in the sphere,” he said, stressing the true purpose of the fine system.
Additionally, the process of returning deposit amounts to entrepreneurs for goods purchased by state enterprises will be automated. This step aims to reduce the financial burden on businesses.
Starting from 2027, it is planned to introduce the principle of “presumption of innocence of the entrepreneur.” According to it, an entrepreneur is considered innocent until their guilt is proven in court. Until that moment, fines or other measures of influence cannot be applied to them. This principle will protect businesses from unjustified pressure.
At the same time, the rule of “warning for the first offense” is being introduced. If an entrepreneur commits an offense for the first time that did not cause harm to people’s life, health, or property, they will be given 10 days to eliminate the shortcomings.
The president also announced changes in the procedure for legal disputes with state bodies. Controlling agencies will be obliged to pay state fees at each subsequent stage of the court process after the case is considered in the first instance. This measure will strengthen the responsibility of state bodies.
Furthermore, the Expert Council under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be granted the authority to consider disputes in customs, construction, sanitary, quarantine, and veterinary spheres. This will create an additional protection mechanism for entrepreneurs.
Source: www.gazeta.uz