Uzbekistan accelerates privatization and reduces state participation in the economy
2026-09-08 09:00:00 / News
Uzbekistan is introducing new mechanisms for the sale of state assets, creating additional opportunities for investors, and expanding opportunities for the private sector.
By Presidential Decree № PD-177 dated 28 August 2026 “On Additional Measures to Reduce State Participation in the Economy and Accelerate Privatization Processes”, as part of the privatization programme, new state-owned shares in 84 business entities, 1,242 real estate properties, and approximately 8,000 hectares of land plots for entrepreneurial and urban development purposes are planned to be put up for sale.
In addition, 85 state-owned enterprises are to be liquidated or reorganized.
Furthermore, 84 assets that were previously not sold will be re-offered at auction with a starting price of UZS 1 million.
The total value of the assets to be put up for sale amounts to UZS 100 trillion. Their sale is expected to generate at least UZS 14 trillion in proceeds by the end of the year.
The Decree introduces new mechanisms for asset sales based on proposals from entrepreneurs, making the acquisition of state assets more accessible.
In particular, the advance payment for the purchase of an asset is proposed to be reduced to 15% (previously 35%), while the remaining amount may be paid in instalments without interest (previously, an average markup of 14% was applied).
Additional payment terms are provided for major transactions:
- buyers who fully pay the cost of the acquired asset within six months will be eligible for a 25% discount (under the previous procedure, a 14% discount was provided for full payment within one month);
- instalment payments without interest may be made for a period of up to 5 years upon payment of 35% of the asset's value within three months, and for a period of up to 7 years upon payment of 50% of the asset's value within six months.
To improve the efficiency of auctions, new asset sale mechanisms are being introduced. If an asset remains unsold for three months, its price will be reduced in stages.
In certain cases, a “hybrid auction” mechanism may also be applied, allowing for a combination of price reduction followed by an increase during the auction.
Most importantly, these new mechanisms and benefits may also be applied to the sale of assets held on the balance sheets of commercial banks with state participation.
The adopted document places particular emphasis on increasing the investment attractiveness of land plots. It provides for a “ready-to-use package” approach to land sales, with technical conditions for connection to utility networks and the necessary permits prepared in advance.
At the same time, the gradual commercialization of major state higher education institutions and specialized medical centres will be carried out, with opportunities to attract private investors and use financial instruments.
The implementation of these measures is aimed at further reducing state participation in competitive sectors of the economy, developing private entrepreneurship, increasing the country's investment attractiveness, and ensuring more efficient use of state assets.
Press Service of the
State Assets Management Agency