NEWS

Edward’s East Strategies has prepared monitoring papers of the most notable regulatory initiatives and personnel changes in republics of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan within the period December 15, 2023 – January 15, 2024.

In Kazakhstan, for the first time since 2019, it was decided not to extend the moratorium on small businesses inspections. The proposal to extend this measure was announced in the Mazhilis, but the Ministry of National Economy did not agree with the initiative.

Some changes have affected the goods labeling. Thus, it was proposed to conduct an experiment on the motor oils labeling and instructed to introduce administrative responsibility for the unmarked goods sale.

In addition, measures have been developed to support the waste disposal and recycling industry, and amendments have been approved to stimulate investments in subsurface use.

In turn, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved changes to the country’s tax legislation. Excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco products have been increased, and excise taxes on carbonated sugar-containing and energy drinks are being introduced.

To combat illegal employment in construction, rationing of the employees number at the relevant facilities will be introduced. At the first stage, the restrictions will apply only to construction at the expense of budgetary funds.

In addition, Uzbekistan has introduced a road toll on trucks and extended tax incentives for food imports.

The overviews also provide other regulatory legal acts and appointments of interest to business.