SNAPSHOT OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR

The pharmaceutical sector in Uzbekistan is one of the largest and fastest growing in the CIS. It encompasses the development, manufacturing, and distribution of pharmaceutical products. In Uzbekistan, 98% of drug sales occur in the retail market, with 60–70% of those sales being prescription medications. • Uzbekistan hosts six specialized pharmaceutical Special Economic Zones (SEZs)—Syrdarya-Pharm, Parkent-Pharm, Bustonlik-Pharm, Andijan-Pharm, Kosonsoy-Pharm, and Zomin-Pharm—offering significant advantages for investors and manufacturers. Key benefits include unlimited validity of state registration certificates for newly developed local pharmaceutical products, up to 20% preference in government procurement, and 50% reimbursement of foreign registration expenses for local manufacturers.

Additionally, residents of these SEZs enjoy exemptions from customs duties and VAT on imported raw materials and components used for export production, as well as on imported construction materials and technological equipment. • Growth in Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical industry has been fuelled by a growing population and key reforms, including a streamlined drug registration system based on mutual recognition agreements. This has accelerated patient access to advanced treatments. Among the leading players, STADA ranks within the top three in both the OTC and prescription drug segments.