A presidential decree signed on August 28 outlines sweeping measures to reduce state involvement in the economy and accelerate privatization in Uzbekistan. The document envisions the gradual commercialization of major higher education institutions and republican specialized medical centers.
These institutions are to be transformed into business entities, with private investors being attracted to their operations. One of the key methods for attracting private capital will be offering shares in their authorized capital through public auctions.
However, the decree does not specify the exact list of universities and medical centers affected, the size of stakes to be offered to investors, or precise implementation timelines. This lack of detail raises concerns about the transparency and clarity of the reform process.
In September 2025, the president had tasked officials with studying the possibility of bringing in foreign professional managers for five medical centers (out of 24 nationwide) or handing them over to the management of overseas clinics. The Republican Oncology and Radiology Center, where Turkish specialists are already working, was cited as an example.
Additionally, state institutions engaged in commercial activities must be converted into business entities by December 1, 2026. Exceptions apply to institutions whose activities are related to administration, socio-cultural, or other non-commercial spheres.
The decree also prohibits the establishment of state institutions without a source of funding from the state budget. This rule does not apply to institutions related to defense and security, or to cases specifically stipulated by presidential decisions.
Another change targets non-economic organizations in the form of institutions that are part of state-owned enterprises. They are to be removed from such enterprises, transformed into business entities, and offered for public sale.
These measures are part of a new package to reduce state participation in the economy. The decree provides for the sale of state shares in the authorized capital of 84 companies, 1,242 real estate properties, and 8,000 hectares of land plots.
Furthermore, 85 state-owned enterprises are slated for liquidation or reorganization. Their governing bodies must make decisions on liquidation or reorganization by November 1, with processes expected to be completed by the end of 2026, except in cases where insolvency legislation applies.
Source: www.gazeta.uz