Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Entrepreneurs affected by a sharp cold snap in the country will receive support from the state. This was announced on 3 February  by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at a meeting with entrepreneurs in Namangan region.

The President noted that this year the winter was very cold and many entrepreneurs suffered from this.

He said that it is necessary to eliminate the consequences of "severe cold weather" and speed up business activity in the country.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the signing of a decree on compensation for losses in the economy and business support. Entrepreneurs will receive credit, tax, customs and other payment benefits.

In particular, until 1 June 2023, 2,000 small and medium-sized businesses will extend loan payments in the amount of 4.7 trillion soums payable in January-March.

Another 29,000 entrepreneurs will be able to pay off their tax debt in the amount of 2 trillion soums in installments without interest, without additional collateral and without "penalty" until 1 July 2023.

More than 545 industrial enterprises will be provided with loans worth 8 trillion soums for the restoration of production and as working capital.

Loans in the amount of 2.5 billion soums will be allocated for the repair of faulty equipment. The state will provide guarantees for them and cover the 4.5% interest rate on the loan.

The rent for state property for 27,000 entrepreneurs will not change until 1 April, and they are allowed to pay rent in installments. As a result, enterprises will save 52 billion soums.

Until 1 April, payments, interest and penalties for entrepreneurs who have bought state property will be suspended.

Also, entrepreneurs will receive a 10 percent discount on property tax for each top floor of industrial buildings.

Financing in the amount of 3 trillion soums has been opened from the state investment program to restore the construction sector and the production of building materials.