Uzbekistan establishes creative economy regulatory framework and creative industry park

2026-03-03

Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 90, adopted on 3 March 2026, approves the regulatory framework for Uzbekistan’s creative economy sector. The resolution establishes a Republican Council for Creative Economy Development, sets out the operating rules for a new Creative Industry Park with tax incentives for residents and defines 142 types of economic activity across 15 creative industry sectors.

What has changed and why it matters

Governments across emerging markets are increasingly recognising the creative economy as a driver of employment, exports and innovation. Uzbekistan has now taken a formal step with Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 90, signed on 3 March 2026, putting in place three foundational documents that define the institutional, regulatory and operational framework for the sector.

Republican Council for Creative Economy Development

A 15-member advisory council under the presidency, tasked with developing proposals for creative economy policy, identifying growth areas, attracting investment and promoting exports.

Creative Industry Park

A Creative Industry Park is established on an extraterritorial basis across Uzbekistan. Key features for residents include tax incentives from day one, the right to export via online platforms without customs declarations, virtual office facilities, access to venture financing and market entry support. Membership fees are set at 0.1% of turnover for individuals and 0.3% for legal entities. At least 80% of annual gross income must come from creative industry activities.

142 types of creative economic activity across 15 sectors

The resolution defines the scope through 142 eligible activity types grouped into 15 sectors, including applied arts, architecture, audiovisual arts, performing arts, fashion and design, publishing, digital technologies, advertising, visual arts and museum activities. The list covers both traditional crafts and modern creative services such as game development, motion design, SMM, copywriting and product design.

What this means for your business

For international companies in media, entertainment, digital content, fashion, design, advertising and technology, this resolution creates a structured incentive regime for establishing creative operations in Uzbekistan. The broad definition of eligible activities, particularly in digital technologies, software development and advertising, means the framework extends well beyond traditional arts and crafts.