This study clarifies the economic essence of export potential at the level of business entities
and proposes a multi-level classification of the factors shaping it. Export potential is considered as a set of
productive, competitive, financial, marketing, managerial, and innovative capabilities, while export performance
is interpreted as the realized flow of export results. The empirical analysis covers 120 enterprises operating in
Bukhara Region during 2021–2024 in the textile, food and agro-processing, handicrafts and carpet weaving,
services and tourism, and construction materials sectors. A seven-dimensional Export Potential Factor Index
(EPFI) was developed. Factor weights were determined through a two-round Delphi survey and the Analytic
Hierarchy Process involving 28 experts, while the relationship between factor scores and export intensity was
tested using correlation analysis and ordinary least squares regression. Product competitiveness and quality,
production and resource capacity, and marketing access were identified as the strongest determinants. Firms
with high EPFI scores demonstrated substantially higher export intensity, broader market coverage, and faster
export growth. The results also show that logistics, certification infrastructure, and regional export support
institutions remain important factors influencing the conversion of latent capacity into realized exports. The
paper offers a diagnostic framework for targeted enterprise upgrading and coordinated regional export policy.
Publication Date: 2026-06-01