According to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of January 7, 2011 the Institute for Forecasting and Macroeconomic Research carries out quarterly surveys among business entities, which form the basis for calculating the business environment index (BEI).

The business environment index of Uzbekistan is based on partial indices of tax, financial, institutional and infrastructure environment. In 2011, BEI was calculated on a quarterly basis on the results of surveys of 800 business entities, since 2012 the number of respondents increased to 1,400.

In the 1st quarter of this year, the surveys included industrial enterprises (40%), construction enterprises (10%), agricultural enterprises (15%), transport and communications enterprises (10%), trade and catering (15%), other services (10%).

The business environment index totaled 33 in the 1st quarter of 2012, which is 8.4 points higher than in the corresponding period of 2011. This index characterizes the increase of optimism among entrepreneurs.

Improvement of the business environment index compared to 2011 is primarily connected with the implementation of the concept of further deepening democratic reforms and formation of civil society in the country in deepening democratic reforms and market liberalization of the economy, as well as the State program \"Year of Small Business and private entrepreneurship\".

Adopted in 2011, number of policy instruments to strengthen the priority of private property, ensuring reliable guarantees, providing businesses greater freedom and incentives, reduction of the number of inspections and licensing rules and restrictions, liberalization and full support for their activities, including foreign economic activity, contributed to the improvement of business environment in the country.(Source: UzReport.com)