STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES IN THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMY OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

Аннотация

This article examines the role of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the sustainable development of our country's economy. It explores how the effective development of SMEs contributes not only to the stability and growth of small business entities but also ensures the sustainable development of the national economy. Ultimately, this leads to a reduction in poverty levels among the population. The article presents conclusions and proposals based on statistical research. Keywords: national economy, economic growth, sustainable development of the country, small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurial activity, small business entities, statistical analysis. Introduction. In the current period of rapid globalization, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are considered the locomotive of the economy and innovation in almost every country in the world. SMEs are a crucial factor in shaping a competitiveeconomic environment and ensuring adaptability. Uzbekistan, along with nearly 200 other countries, is fully fulfilling its commitments under the United Nations' "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development." To systematically implement this agenda, the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted a Resolution “On Additional Measures to Accelerate the Implementation of National Goals and Objectives in the Field of SustainableDevelopment until2030”[1]. This Resolution sets out objectives and tasks to ensure macroeconomic stability, mitigate the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensure the qualitative achievement of indicators outlined in the national sustainable development goals, and achieve the national objectives and tasks in thefield ofsustainabledevelopment by2030. As a result of serious interest and aspiration to adapt the “Sustainable Development Goals” to the country’s needs, the Action Strategy for 2017–2021 of Uzbekistan and the currently implemented Development Strategy ofNew Uzbekistan for2022–2026[2]can becited as key examples. Literature Review. A number of foreign scholars have studied the development and directions of the SME sector. Among them are A. Marshall [3], J. Schumpeter [4], and V. Wales [5], who are considered foundational figures in thescientific studyof entrepreneurship. Among local researchers, B.T. Baykhanov [6] has analyzed sectoral activities using econometric models and emphasized thepotential of applying modern methodological approaches to assess the effectiveness of investments based on forecasting. H.P. Abulkosimov and A.A. Qulmatov [7] studied the role of family entrepreneurship in the small business sector and ways to promote it in our country. S.N. Saifullaev [8–14] has explored the socio-economic aspects of the development of private household subsidiary farming (PHSF), identified existing problems in the sector and proposed mechanisms for supportingsmall business entities. 125 INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SJIF2019:5.2222020:5.5522021:5.6372022:5.4792023:6.5632024:7,805 eISSN:2394-6334 https://www.ijmrd.in/index.php/imjrd Volume12,issue06(2025) Research Methodology. Several research methodologies and methods were used in preparing the scientific article. In particular, scientific abstraction, systematic analysis of socio-economic phenomena, economic-statistical and comparative analysis, dynamic and index analysis methods were widely applied. Analysis and Results. Sustainable development is a principle aimed at ensuring the harmonious and continuous development of society, the economy, and the environment. It is directed towards meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations tomeet theirown needs. There are three main directions of sustainable development: Economic sustainability – ensuring effective and stable economic growth, rational use of resources; Social sustainability – reducing poverty, increasing access to education and healthcare, protecting human rights; Environmental sustainability – protecting nature, taking measures against climate change, developing renewable energy sources. The stable and consistent development of any country's economy largely depends on the development level of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). SMEs are a key component of the economy, playing a significant role in creating new jobs, introducing innovations, increasing exportpotential, and supplying thedomesticmarket with competitiveproducts. In this regard, several Decisions and Decrees have been adopted by our President to support the development of SMEs. For instance: The Presidential Decree No. PQ-292 "On measures to implement the tasks defined during the 2023 open dialogue between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and entrepreneurs" [3], The Presidential Decree No. PF-193 "On measures to improvethesystem offinancial support for smalland medium-sized businesses" [4]. As a result of the open dialogues between the President of the Republic of Uzbekist