Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 5 December, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law that introduces changes to the management of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Uzbekistan.

The draft law was approved by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis in July-August and by the Senate in September. The amendments to the Law "On Special Economic Zones" provide for the abolition of administrative councils.

The powers of these councils will now be transferred to the SEZ directorates, which will:

Coordinate the activities of executive authorities, ensure compliance with the special legal regime, and support SEZ participants;

Select investment projects and approve investment applications;

Allocate land for project implementation;

Organize the construction of engineering, communication, and transport infrastructure.

Additionally, the mandatory review of business plans and feasibility studies is abolished. SEZ directorates will have the authority to make decisions on whether projects meet the required standards independently.

The timeframes for reviewing applications for investment projects in SEZs have been reduced, which lawmakers believe will accelerate project implementation and make it easier to attract investments.

Furthermore, recommendations from the Agency for Strategic Reforms, presented in June, are being discussed, including the potential expansion of the types of activities allowed in SEZs and allowing private and foreign companies to operate as zone operators.