A new business framework is intended to let foreign companies test innovative products, recruit international specialists and expand across regional markets. Investors see opportunities, while authorities finalise the rules ahead of a planned launch in early 2027. Uzbekistan plans to offer international technology companies tax exemptions on qualifying investment returns and special rules for testing new products, as it seeks to turn Tashkent into a base for expansion across Central Asia.
The country adopted legislation in August establishing Enterprise Uzbekistan, a special business regime for technology companies and investors. It is expected to become operational in early 2027.
Tax breaks, global talent and product testing
Under the new regime, investors will be exempt from tax on dividends and other income earned from investment activity carried out under the special regime.
Companies will also pay no corporate tax on profits from priority activities under Enterprise Uzbekistan’s special regime, while sales within the centre and exports by its participants will be subject to zero-rated VAT.
“It means a lot, but most importantly, it means 100% foreign ownership,” Sultonmurod Rasulov, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Enterprise Uzbekistan, told participants at the Enterprise Uzbekistan Summit during ICT Week in Tashkent.
“You can use investment instruments that your foreign international investors already know. You can hire globally on international employment standards.”
Full foreign ownership is already permitted in Uzbekistan. Enterprise Uzbekistan will also accommodate foreign companies, branches and representative offices.
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