Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Uzbekistan may stop accepting cash as payment for some services, Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Kuchkarov said during a speech in the Senate.

According to him, a draft presidential decree is being developed aimed at reducing the use of cash to combat the shadow economy.

As part of this initiative, payment for certain services is expected to be made exclusively through bank cards.

According to him, the volume of the shadow economy in Uzbekistan is estimated from 25% to 45% of GDP.

Jamshid Kuchkarov emphasized that high levels of the shadow economy are present in the areas of construction, trade, including public catering, and the provision of services.

According to him, the proposed draft presidential decree includes several areas, including reducing the circulation of cash and making certain payments exclusively through bank cards.

Kuchkarov did not disclose all the proposed measures, since the document has not yet been approved, but noted that they are intended to combat the informal economy.

The proposed document is in the final stages of approval, the Deputy Prime Minister noted.