️ Hundreds of enterprises in Uzbekistan have encountered significant problems when participating in state tenders due to insufficient levels of product localization. The authorities have decided to temporarily cancel this requirement, highlighting serious systemic issues within the country's public procurement framework.

️ This issue was addressed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a meeting, as reported by his press secretary Sherzod Asadov. It was noted that 51 pharmaceutical manufacturers have received certificates for 2,000 types of medicines and products, but 16 of them cannot sell 178 types of products to state institutions because their localization level does not reach 30%. This underscores the ineffectiveness of localization policies in the pharmaceutical sector.

️ A similar problem has been raised by 811 enterprises in the electrical engineering, food, and textile industries. Until September 1, entrepreneurs with certificates will be allowed to participate in public procurement regardless of the degree of localization. Responsible officials have been instructed to completely revise the criteria based on advanced foreign experience, which acknowledges the weaknesses of the current system.

️ Additionally, it was noted that all 58 domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers already have national GMP certification. However, to access premium markets, they must comply with EuroGMP standards. Starting June 1, half of the costs for obtaining this certification will be compensated from the Trade Promotion Fund, imposing additional financial burdens on businesses.

️ During the meeting, the president proposed a support mechanism for enterprises willing to quickly master the production of in-demand medicines, the originals of which were created decades ago. The state will compensate half of the costs for technology transfer, which could reduce the price of foreign medicines several times, but the implementation and economic viability of this initiative remain uncertain.

Source: podrobno.uz