On March 5, a videoconference meeting on the development of the pharmaceutical industry was held in Uzbekistan under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the meeting, Azizkhodja Abbaskhodjaev, founder of Grand Pharm Trade, highlighted that business conditions for entrepreneurs have significantly improved in recent years. According to him, taxes have halved, financial operations have become easier, and trust has been established with foreign partners.

However, Abbaskhodjaev also openly stated serious issues facing the company: "For more efficient work, we need help in two matters. We have no road for our plant to operate. The second is—there is no electricity." These problems point to infrastructure deficiencies and inefficiencies within the authorities.

President Mirziyoyev instructed to note these issues and emphasized the importance of supporting businesses. He stated, "Without infrastructure, these things won't work," and confirmed that the state will continue to support entrepreneurs. Nonetheless, the implementation of these promises remains uncertain.

According to data from Abdulla Azizov, director of the Pharmaceutical Network Development Agency, drug production volume was 1.4 trillion soums in 2016-2017, rising to 7.3 trillion soums by 2025. However, imports remain high, primarily handled by large companies such as Grand Pharm Trade.

At the meeting, the president criticized local officials for empty pharmaceutical zones and lack of projects. New measures were announced: from April 1, drug manufacturers will be exempt from land tax, new projects will receive tax benefits for three years, and royalty tax is reduced to attract foreign companies. Yet, the effectiveness of these measures has not been proven.

Source: www.gazeta.uz