The dialogue, a longstanding tradition, is crucial for directly addressing key issues faced by entrepreneurs, exploring practical solutions, and enhancing the business environment.

A national headquarters, including representatives from over 50 ministries and agencies, has been working tirelessly since May 15 to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming sixth open dialogue.

Approximately 6,000 appeals have been submitted by entrepreneurs via the call center and official bots. Over 4,200 of these have been successfully resolved, while nearly 1,800 remain under review.

In preparation for the open dialogue, responsible organizations conducted over 750 meetings, attended by more than 8,800 entrepreneurs. These gatherings generated over 3,500 proposals and highlighted pressing issues.

More than 5,700 entrepreneurs participated in over 130 meetings organized by the Business Ombudsman and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, raising about 1,500 pressing issues. Together with the relevant ministries and agencies, proposals are being developed to address the identified problems and improve existing legislation.

At the same time, a survey was conducted among 5,072 entrepreneurs from all regions of the country. The survey examined issues related to business efficiency, investment and infrastructure provision, tax administration, foreign trade, and the judicial and legal sphere.

Domestic private enterprises accounted for 93 percent of respondents. The survey covered the trade, services, industry, construction, and agriculture sectors.

The analysis showed that enterprises still have significant potential to increase labor productivity and reduce production costs. Enterprises that have adopted digital platforms, artificial intelligence, energy-saving technologies, new product types, and modern production methods demonstrate higher levels of sales, competitiveness, wages, and investment.

In particular, among enterprises that have implemented at least three measures to improve efficiency, the likelihood of reducing production costs is 4.1 times higher, and the likelihood of faster wage growth is 2.1 times higher. However, only 11.6 percent of enterprises applied such measures in three or more areas. At the same time, 28.5 percent of enterprises had not taken any measures in this area.

Among enterprises, 51 percent have not introduced new products, services, or innovations recently, nor have they carried out any modernization. Over the past year, 40 percent of enterprises made no investments, and 29 percent have no plans to invest in the coming year. The main barriers cited were high loan interest rates, undervaluation of collateral, the large number of required documents, and lengthy loan processing times.

According to the survey results, 38 percent of enterprises had taken no measures to reduce production costs. The cost of goods and services increased at 53 percent of enterprises. The main reasons cited were rising raw material prices and higher energy and logistics costs. In addition, 43 percent of enterprises had taken no energy-saving measures, and 49 percent do not use renewable energy sources.

Infrastructure provision also remains one of the main issues faced by entrepreneurs. Among the key problems, entrepreneurs cited frequent disruptions, low voltage and pressure, as well as issues related to limits and tariffs.

While acknowledging that a number of important reforms have been implemented in tax administration, survey participants highlighted several problems related to inspections and value-added tax refunds. At the same time, 94 percent of entrepreneurs rated the impact of the sustainability rating on their activities as high.

Among the enterprises that participated in the survey, 22.3 percent are engaged in foreign trade activities. The main obstacles to exports were identified as difficulties in finding foreign clients, product certification, logistics, financial instruments, and customs procedures, as well as a lack of market information and marketing skills.

In the judicial and legal sphere, the availability of qualified legal assistance and transparency in public procurement received positive assessments. However, 73 percent of entrepreneurs indicated that bureaucratic procedures during enforcement negatively affect their business.

The Head of State highlighted the importance of thoroughly analyzing the appeals and survey results by region and sector, and creating targeted solutions for systemic issues that obstruct entrepreneurship development.

Instructions were issued to develop proposals focused on enhancing enterprise efficiency, promoting widespread adoption of innovations and energy-saving technologies, addressing lending and infrastructure challenges, refining tax administration, supporting exporters, and reinforcing legal protections for entrepreneurs.

The task was set to identify a specific solution for each issue discussed in the open dialogue, along with an implementation plan, assigned officials, and deadlines.