The event, being held today in partnership with the Uzbek Parliament and the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan, aims to support a government effort to bolster the laws surrounding collateral registries and secured transaction systems. Both are an important part of Uzbekistan’s financial infrastructure and can help small businesses access the financing they need to grow and create jobs.

“A well-organized secured transaction system plays a significant role in the well-being and further development of small businesses in Uzbekistan,” said Bahtiyor Yakubov, Vice-Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Uzbek Parliament. Today, about 80 percent of bank lending in Uzbekistan is guaranteed by immovable assets, like real estate, something that many small businesses do not have. Collateral registries allow firms to use other assets, like accounts receivable and equipment, to secure loans.

“IFC will continue supporting reforms of secured transaction systems in Uzbekistan in accordance with the best international practices,” said Arif Nasibov, IFC Project Officer in Uzbekistan. “This will further economic growth and expand access to finance for small businesses.”

The event brought together around 150 representatives from the Uzbek Parliament, government ministries, and state agencies. The initiative is part of IFC’s Azerbaijan and Central Asia Financial Infrastructure Project, which is implemented in partnership with Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). It aims to strengthen the financial infrastructure in Uzbekistan by developing secured transaction systems.