Entrepreneurs Express Serious Concern Over Rising Inspections
In Uzbekistan, entrepreneurs are expressing concern over the increasing number of inspections, warning letters, and various demands from state regulatory bodies. Business representatives believe that a lack of transparency in the control system could negatively impact the business environment.
At an open dialogue held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, entrepreneurs openly voiced their problems. They noted that recently, the number of letters, notifications, and inspections sent by various agencies—such as the Agency for Technical Regulation, Ecology, railway authorities, and other regulatory bodies—has increased significantly.
Business representatives say this situation complicates work processes. Instead of focusing on production, service provision, increasing sales, or creating new jobs, entrepreneurs are forced to spend much of their time preparing documents, writing responses, and fulfilling the demands of various agencies.
Official statistics show these concerns are not unfounded. In January-April 2026, the number of inspections increased by 26.5% compared to the same period last year, rising from 51,962 to 65,737.
These figures are a serious signal for business, as each inspection requires time, funds, and human resources from the entrepreneur. This bureaucratic burden is felt even more heavily by small and medium-sized enterprises.
Entrepreneurs point out that one of the main problems is the harsh and ultimatum-like nature of the notifications. In some cases, businesses are required to respond within 10 days, otherwise, they are warned that an inspection may be conducted. This creates excessive pressure and anxiety for the entrepreneur.
Another serious issue is the duplication of functions among various inspections. Business representatives believe that in some cases, the same or similar requirements are requested repeatedly by multiple agencies. As a result, the entrepreneur is forced to report on the same issue several times.
This not only consumes time but also increases financial costs. Preparing documents, hiring specialists, properly formalizing reports, and preparing for inspections become an additional burden for the business.
Entrepreneurs do not deny the need for state control. Of course, compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and legal requirements is important. However, the control system must be fair, clear, transparent, and free from repetitive pressure.
The main demand of business representatives is that inspections should not become excessive barriers, functions between agencies should be clearly divided, and the same information should not be repeatedly requested from the entrepreneur.
It is also emphasized that every notification sent by regulatory bodies must be open, understandable, and legally grounded. The entrepreneur must clearly know why a requirement is being imposed and on the basis of which document they must respond.
Reliable dialogue between the state and entrepreneurs is essential to maintain a stable business environment. If the control system is perceived only as a mechanism for punishment or intimidation, it will negatively affect both the investment climate and business activity.
Today, the most important thing for entrepreneurs is clear rules in advance, the opportunity to work without excessive bureaucracy, and a stable environment. Because business works with plans, not with unexpected pressure.
In short, entrepreneurs are not against control, but against chaotic and repetitive pressure. The main task now is to transform inspections into a transparent, fair system that does not stifle business. When business can breathe, the economy grows.
