Ijtimoiy Fikr Center for Public Opinion Research has published the results of their regular sociological survey on ‘The role of the banking system in the development of family business and support of entrepreneurship, as well as the estimation of the public and business leaders of the trust for the banking system’. The survey was carried out in all regions of the country in 2011.

Ijtimoiy Fikr Center for Public Opinion Research has published the results of their regular sociological survey on ‘The role of the banking system in the development of family business and support of entrepreneurship, as well as the estimation of the public and business leaders of the trust for the banking system’. The survey was carried out in all regions of the country in 2011.

Most respondents (96.1%) highly appreciated the work performed by the banking system to attract available funds of the population for deposits. Interviewees noted that the confidence in banks (94.3%) and a high level service (91.7%) were the decisive factors when placing funds on deposit.

The major share of the respondents (95.6%) expressed satisfaction with the services provided by banks to legal entities and individuals, pointed out to the problem-free payment procedures, and expressed a positive opinion about the convenience of the electronic payment system.

The survey showed that plastic cards are gaining in popularity among the population. The responses indicated that this type of payment is convenient to use. Meanwhile, it was suggested to increase the number of payment terminals in order to enhance the effectiveness of plastic cards.

The respondents, who were asked their opinion on the remote control of banking services, like internet banking, SMS banking, and mobile banking, noted with satisfaction that the services empowered them to rapidly manage money and save time without the necessity to visit a banking institution once again. Meanwhile, they stressed the need to expand such kinds of services.

The survey demonstrated that the Mikrokreditbank, Agrobank, the Khalq Bank, Uzsanoatqurilishbank, the National Bank for Foreign Economy Activity, and Asaka Bank were the leaders among the commercial banks to support of entrepreneurs.

Most of entrepreneurs expressed satisfaction with the banks’ services on issuing loans for business entities (91.2%). The study of presented business projects for loans in commercial banks revealed the following priority areas: the formation of start-up capital and working capital, acquisition and installation of high-tech equipment, construction of modern buildings and structures, as well as their reconstruction, upgrade of enterprises and others.

Respondents (92.8%) noted a well-arranged work of commercial banks on micro-loaning for business entities. 91.6% of respondents said that banks have a well established procedure for allocation of loans to women entrepreneurs. (Source: “Uzbekistan Today” newspaper)