NEWS

Edward’s East Strategies has prepared monthly reports on regulatory initiatives and personnel changes in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus from December 15, 2024 to January 15, 2025.

In Kazakhstan, regulations were adopted requiring that restrictive measures in the framework of supervisory activities must be implemented in coordination with the prosecutor. Another notable event was the adoption of a decree that defines the procedure for issuing residence permits to “digital nomads” – primarily IT professionals. Additionally, public discussions have resumed on the introduction of an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.

In Uzbekistan, amendments have been approved requiring e-commerce entities to register in the country. Their activities will become notification-based, and to continue operating, they will need to meet a series of conditions. Several changes in the tax system were also enacted. According to the presidential decree, VAT and corporate income tax rates will not be increased until 2028, and several subsidies are being abolished to facilitate the country’s accession to the WTO. Amendments to the Tax Code introduce excise taxes on non-carbonated sugar-sweetened beverages and index some excise tax rates.

In Kyrgyzstan, the doctrine “National Spirit – Global Heights” has been approved, setting the country’s development goals in seven areas, including the economy. The Kyrgyzstan Parliament (Jogorku Kenesh) has received bills on venture financing and expanding liability for violations in the area of personal data. The country is also expected to adopt measures to reduce the tax burden on businesses and citizens, as well as to transform the electronic goods and transport waybill system in goods turnover.

In Belarus, amendments to the Tax Code have come into effect. In particular, the parameters for using investment deductions have been changed, and a gradual phase-out of preferential tax rates on dividends is planned. There is also active discussion of reforming the system of state price regulation. According to the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade, three reform options have been developed. An important development was the adoption of the Union State Decree on unified consumer protection rules. The document is a framework and aims to serve as the basis for unifying consumer protection legislation in Russia and Belarus.

The reports also include other regulatory legal acts and appointments that are of interest to businesses.