Liberalization Of Forex Control In Uzbekistan

Systematic problems with respect to foreign exchange and repatriation of profits may still be observed in Uzbekistan. Despite legislative guarantees, it may be difficult for a foreign investor to convert profits generated in Uzbekistan to a freely convertible currency in practice.

Realising that this problem has a significant negative impact on the country's economic performance, in November 2016, the Uzbek government released the draft Presidential Resolution "On Priorities of the Foreign Exchange Policy", heralding the large-scale liberalization. Apart from mentioning the intention to abandon the practice of setting official foreign exchange rates (rejection from 'state-controlled' rates in favour of market rates), the draft Decree outlines some changes as follows:

Currently

Proposed Reform

Residents of Uzbekistan are not entitled to payout dividends and likewise payments to residents of Uzbekistan in foreign currency.

Residents of Uzbekistan receiving income in foreign currency and having foreign currency funds on their accounts are allowed to pay-out dividends and likewise payments in foreign currency based on the relevant decision of shareholders;

Non-residents of Uzbekistan (commercial entities) are entitled to open foreign currency accounts in local banks only if their representative office or permanent establishment is duly opened and registered.

Non-residents of Uzbekistan (commercial entities and individuals) may open foreign currency accounts in local banks and freely use the funds.

Resident exporters of goods and services...