The Republican Commission for Export Potential Development in regions and industries worked with entrepreneurs and exporters from Syrdarya region and the Republic of Karakalpakstan to review their current operation and implement emergency and non-standard measures mitigating economic results of the coronavirus pandemic spread, as well as global crisis.

During the visit, the members studies 1,132 enterprises from Syrdarya region and the Republic of Karakalpakstan. They identified pressing concerns of 342 entrepreneurs implementing investment projects, including 158 needs for credit resources to replenish working capital, 115 requests to prolong interest payments on loans granted, 115 requests on problems with sending foreign specialists to Uzbekistan to install equipment and other difficulties in allocation of land plots, buildings and structures, obtaining of international certificates, connection to utilities. The members elaborated and resolved concerns in-situ involving the heads of relevant government agencies and commercial banks.

They also worked with all 202 exporting enterprises. This work demonstrated that 61 entrepreneurs have problems in operation. 20 enterprises needed loans to replenish working capital, 17 required reimbursement of previously paid VAT amounts, 21 enterprises experienced lack of orders and needed new potential foreign purchasers of domestic products.

Particular attention was paid to optimization of management of free economic zones, such as Syrdaryo, Syrdaryo-Pharm and Nikus. The members reviewed untapped economic potential, elaborated and prepared new project proposals, and gave instructions to develop additional high-tech investment projects for full use of free economic zones areas. This sphere will actively involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions abroad. They will be instructed to attract potential foreign investors to proposed projects. Commercial banks will determine the sources of financing and select local partners to establish joint ventures.

The members of the Commission comprehensively reviewed and analyzed investment projects implemented as part of the integrated development programs of individual districts in Syrdarya region and the Republic of Karakalpakstan to determine specific initiators, funding sources and project locations.

They considered in details the operation of 11 cotton clusters, which currently process 85% of raw cotton grown in Syrdarya region and 90% in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, as well as 16 clusters producing and processing fruits and vegetables involving 507 farmers in two regions. They prepared new investment proposals to increase the performance of existing clusters and create additional jobs.

The work of the Commission resulted in development of targeted measures to support entrepreneurs and exporters of Syrdarya region and the Republic of Karakalpakstan involving principle executors represented by the heads of ministries, departments, local authorities, commercial banks and diplomatic missions abroad, indicating specific deadlines and expected results.