Soft Loan Market

In Uzbekistan, the soft loan market is supported by government institutions, international financial organizations, and commercial banks. Key institutions like the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, and the Fund for Development and Reconstruction manage government-backed loans and subsidies. International financial bodies such as the World Bank, ADB, and IDB provide soft loans for development, while commercial banks like the National Bank of Uzbekistan and Asaka Bank offer subsidized loans, often with government backing. These loans are tailored to sectors like agriculture and SMEs, with oversight from relevant ministries.

To support women entrepreneurs, preferential loans are available at an 18% annual interest rate for up to seven years, with a three-year grace period. Loans up to 33 million soums are offered without collateral for individual women entrepreneurs, and up to 300 million soums for women-led businesses.

The "140 Advanced Industrial Enterprises" program offers loans at 4% in foreign currency and 10% in national currency, with terms up to 10 years. The Industrial Development Fund supports these loans, covering up to 25% of project costs. For pharmaceutical investments, the Reconstruction and Development Fund provides a $100 million credit line to Asaka Bank at a 5% annual interest rate over 10 years, with a four-year grace period. Additional financing of $500 million is expected from international sources by 2024.

For further information on favourable loan offers for investment projects, refer to the relevant sector section.