Tashkent: The Agency for Strategic Reforms of Uzbekistan has presented a draft resolution aimed at developing the country’s night-time economy through 2030. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to invigorate the service sector, draw more tourists, and generate employment opportunities.
According to Trend News Agency, the plan outlines the creation of 320 ’24-hour streets’ equipped with 8,000 cafes and restaurants, along with 14,000 service facilities. This comprehensive approach is anticipated to create over 11,000 new jobs and attract around 200,000 additional visitors annually.
The proposal includes a Night-Time Economy Development Concept that addresses existing challenges, sets goals and priorities, and delineates innovative solutions, funding measures, and coordination mechanisms. A roadmap for the implementation of these initiatives is scheduled for 2025-2026.
Support for entrepreneurs is a significant aspect of this plan. A unified electronic register will be established to track local brand owners, who may receive partial compensation for staff training and some loan interest expenses when opening branches on 24-hour streets, particularly in regional areas.
Additional measures to support the night-time economy include reducing costs for advertising and lighting, as well as organizing a ‘Night-Time Economy Forum’ to facilitate the sharing of best practices and the promotion of successful initiatives.