SNAPSHOT OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR

The pharmaceutical sector of Uzbekistan is one of the fastest-growing healthcare and manufacturing industries in Central Asia, driven by rapid population growth, rising healthcare demand, import substitution policies, and strong government support for localization and foreign investment.

Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical industry encompasses the development, manufacturing, and distribution of medicines, medical products, biotechnology solutions, and healthcare services. The country continues expanding domestic production capacity to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen national healthcare security.

In 2025, pharmaceutical production volume in Uzbekistan reached approximately $490 million, while exports of pharmaceutical products and services totaled around $250 million. The sector also attracted planned investments worth $453 million, reflecting growing interest from both domestic and international investors.

To accelerate industry development, Uzbekistan has established six specialized pharmaceutical Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Syrdarya-Pharm, Parkent-Pharm, Bustonlik-Pharm, Andijan Pharm, Kosonsoy-Pharm, and Zomin-Pharm. These zones provide significant incentives for manufacturers and investors, including customs and VAT exemptions, preferential government procurement access, and reimbursement mechanisms for international registration expenses.

The government continues implementing large-scale reforms aimed at improving pharmaceutical regulation, simplifying licensing procedures, and accelerating the registration of medicines through international mutual recognition mechanisms. These reforms significantly improve market accessibility and shorten time-to-market for innovative pharmaceutical products.

In 2025 alone, Uzbekistan plans to launch 32 new pharmaceutical projects, supporting expansion in medicine production, biotechnology, medical equipment manufacturing, and pharmaceutical logistics infrastructure.

Strong demographic growth, rising healthcare expenditures, expanding private healthcare services, and favorable investment incentives continue positioning Uzbekistan as one of the most promising pharmaceutical investment destinations in the CIS region.