The Minister of Economy and Commerce, Bakyt Sydykov, reported positive results from the preferential lending program for the garment industry. As of March 30, 2026, entrepreneurs have received about 1.5 billion soms. However, a key task remains attracting businessmen operating in the shadow economy to this program, as noted by the ministry's press service.
An extended meeting chaired by Sydykov gathered representatives from financial and banking institutions, as well as the garment industry. Among the participants was Deputy Minister Benazir Nurlanova.
"Companies operating within the law receive preferential loans without hindrance, which is certainly encouraging. However, there are situations where enterprises operating in the gray zone cannot take advantage of this opportunity for various reasons. Therefore, it is important to provide support to these businessmen and find solutions to their problems," the minister noted.
During the discussion, the main obstacles to obtaining preferential loans were identified:
- conducting business outside the legal framework, lack of necessary documents, incomplete financial reporting, and lack of transparency in cash flows;
- absence of a tax base and untimely submission of the Unified Tax Declaration;
- existing debts on previously issued loans over the past three years.
Participants in the meeting emphasized the importance of timely and complete submission of the Unified Tax Declaration for entrepreneurs.
As a result of the meeting, representatives of banks were recommended to activate the process of receiving and analyzing applications, as well as to improve interaction with entrepreneurs.
