Circular economy mechanisms in Uzbekistan: institutional foundations, problems and development prospects

Abstract

This article comprehensively analyzes the process of introducing the circular economy operation mechanism in the Republic of Uzbekistan through the lens of institutional-legal frameworks and quantitative indicators. The purpose of the study is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of national circular policy, compare it with the European Union experience, and evaluate it from the perspective of the 9R hierarchy. Using document analysis, comparative statistical analysis, and institutional analysis methods, state decrees, the "Uzbekistan – 2030" strategy, and data from sectoral agencies were examined. The research results show that the institutional block of the mechanism (regulatory framework, specialized agency, tax incentives, digital billing) is being rapidly formed, whereas the upper links of the chain-eco-design, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and repair infrastructure-are insufficiently developed. It was found that the national recycling target of 65 percent is equivalent to the European Union's 2035 target. The problem of statistical database harmonization and ways to overcome it are analyzed separately.