In December 2024, the Third Business Integrity Forum, held in Tashkent, brought together over 100 representatives from the private sector, government bodies, and international organizations to discuss challenges in transparency and ethical business practices. Themed “Reducing Corruption Risks in Business Practices and State Inspection Processes,” the forum underscored Uzbekistan’s commitment to fostering accountability and trust in its business environment.
The event was co-organized by UNODC, the Office of the Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights and Legitimate Interests of Entrepreneurs (Business Ombudsman), the Anti-Corruption Agency, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, UNDP, and other national and international partners.
Mr. Dilmurod Kasimov, Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights and Legitimate Interests of Entrepreneurs under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Business Ombudsman), stated: "Conducting business with integrity is pivotal for sustainable economic development. Our country has established a comprehensive legislative framework that not only encourages but also supports entrepreneurs to operate in compliance with the principles of integrity and the rule of law."
Dr. Oliver Stolpe, UNODC Regional Representative for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and private sector actors, reiterating UNODC’s commitment to supporting Uzbekistan through capacity-building, innovative solutions, and evidence-based policies. The forum not only highlighted achievements but also laid the groundwork for continued reforms to create a resilient, corruption-free environment in Uzbekistan.
Ms. Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, underscored the importance of understanding corruption’s root causes to shape effective policies for the future.
The forum aimed to provide fresh perspectives on enhancing Uzbekistan's regulatory framework to reduce corruption risks and diminish incentives for informal economic activities.
The first discussion focused on the results of a survey conducted by CERR and UNODC, which examined corruption issues in Business-to-Government (B2G) and Government-to-Business (G2B) interactions. The survey highlighted significant challenges, including the prevalence of corruption across various administrative procedures affecting businesses, such as licensing, public procurement, business inspections, and other processes.
A panel of seven experts from the private and public sectors, civil society, and international organizations analyzed the survey findings, offering valuable insights into the persistent drivers of corruption and potential solutions to address them.
The voice of business was at the center of discussions. For instance, Mr. Marat Abidov, Head of the Tenderzone.uz online platform and Coordinator of the Association of Public Procurement, noted: “Corruption risks exist at every stage of state procurement, and building the capacity of both vendors and customers is essential to address these risks. Fostering civic oversight and ensuring transparency in procurement processes are key to combating corruption effectively.”
Mr. Abidov shared his recommendations on possible policy solutions to reduce corruption risks in public procurement, enhancing cooperation between businesses, fiscal regulators, and anti-corruption authorities.
International practices were also reviewed. For example, Mr. Nurlan Musuraliev, Acting Business Ombudsman of Kyrgyzstan, noted that mechanisms to strengthen business integrity are at the core of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2030 of the Kyrgyz Republic. These mechanisms incorporate anti-corruption legal frameworks, promotion of ethical business practices through a code of ethics, and state oversight over business activities. The strategy also includes measures to encourage companies to implement compliance programs, conduct training and awareness campaigns on ethical standards, and establish ongoing dialogue between the government and the business community. These efforts aim to create a corruption-free business environment and enhance trust between the government and the private sector.
“Ensuring favorable conditions for business development—based on integrity, transparency, competency, and equal opportunities—is essential for fostering sustainable economic growth and stability,” stated Mr. Musuraliev.
The second session of the forum addressed challenges in reducing the burden of these control mechanisms on economic activities while promoting integrity and fostering compliance with economic regulation standards.
Recent amendments to state inspection procedures and incentives for businesses to comply with ethical and anti-corruption regulations were presented by Mr. Mirshod Nasullaev, Chief Inspector of the Office of the Business Ombudsman of Uzbekistan. He pointed out that Presidential Decree #184, “On Measures to Ensure the Reliable Protection of the Rights and Legitimate Interests of Entrepreneurs,” was developed based on the results of a survey and analysis conducted by the Office of the Business Ombudsman with UNODC support in early 2024. The analysis identified gaps in the regulatory framework of inspections, which the decree addressed by introducing norms to encourage businesses to follow anti-corruption regulations.
Partner organization Asian Development Bank, represented by Mr. Sandeep Bhattacharya, Senior Public Management Specialist, presented an overview of tax policies across various business sectors in Asia. He emphasized that strengthening tax policies and developing robust compliance procedures are critical to reducing corruption risks.
Panelists discussed the pros and cons of the proposed measures. Mr. Yakov Asminkin, Head of the Tahlil Analytical Center, emphasized the importance of developing evidence-based research and analysis on corruption to enhance regulatory frameworks.
The First Deputy Chairperson of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan, Mr. Davron Kurbanov, discussed ways to engage civil society and mechanisms of civic oversight in promoting business integrity and monitoring compliance with anti-corruption and ethical regulations. He also highlighted the Chamber's expertise in analyzing normative legal acts related to business inspections and provided corresponding recommendations.
Summarizing the discussions, Mr. Vladimir Kozin, UNODC Regional Anti-Corruption Advisor, highlighted that all practical aspects of combating corruption can be linked to the UNCAC – the international framework that provides comprehensive standards, measures, and guidelines for strengthening legal and regulatory systems.
The event culminated in the induction ceremony for new signatories of Uzbekistan’s Anti-Corruption Business Integrity Charter, a landmark initiative promoting ethical business practices launched in 2021 with UNODC support. With over 500 signatories since its inception, the Charter symbolizes the private sector's dedication to fostering a transparent and accountable business climate.
Ms. Oygul Oralova, a female entrepreneur from the Kizirik district in the Surkhandarya region, shared that the forum provided invaluable insights into state support for entrepreneurs and available opportunities. She explained that she had previously faced challenges in securing loans to launch her business, aimed at modernizing public transport stops. Now, she feels empowered with the knowledge to overcome these obstacles and contribute to improving her community.
The event concluded with a call to action for increased digitalization, capacity-building, and policy reforms to build a robust and corruption-free business environment.
The Business Integrity Forum highlighted Uzbekistan’s leadership in fostering a transparent, ethical, and business-friendly environment, setting a benchmark for the region. This collaborative effort between government agencies, the private sector, and international organizations underscores the power of unity in promoting integrity and accountability.
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