Labor force migration is a natural process worldwide. In Uzbekistan, purposeful work is being carried out to safely and orderly send such citizens abroad. The Agency for External Labor Migration has sent 70,000 people to developed countries for this purpose in the past two years.
We all know that those who want to work abroad also incur certain expenses. Therefore, migrants partially reimburse the costs of a work visa, travel ticket, foreign language, and qualification assessment. It is established that a citizen who has obtained international or equivalent certification in a foreign language is reimbursed 50% of the language learning costs.
Among all the positive work carried out in this area, there is a noted development of significant cooperation with the International Organization for Migration in protecting migrant rights, as well as with developed countries. Systematic work is underway to develop the Concept of the State Policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the field of migration until 2030, envisaging the achievement of criteria for guaranteed equality in the social protection of labor migrants.
Emphasizing that the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations has established contracts between the External Labor Migration Agency and 25 German companies, Uzbek citizens are being temporarily employed in various fields. Discussions are also underway with another five companies. In the past three years alone, 821 Uzbek citizens have been sent to Germany for temporary work, while 1,670 citizens are currently undergoing training to continue their work activities in this country.
In this way, cooperation in the field of labor migration between Uzbekistan and Germany is actively developing, ensuring the preparation of our citizens for work, providing professional training and language learning opportunities, and creating favorable conditions for employment.
The External Labor Migration Agency has been holding discussions on labor migration issues with several countries in 2024, such as Great Britain, Hungary, and Slovakia, highlighting the increasing importance of these efforts.
In addition to the above, under the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, each returning labor migrant is provided with a subsidy of 500,000 soums per month from the Labor Support Fund for one year. It is estimated that approximately 100 billion soums will be allocated to these measures for a year.
Assisting returning migrants in finding employment is also being considered as an important issue, and based on the Saykhunabad experience, financial support is provided for the production of goods and income generation, as well as other types of labor services. Medical facilities may also provide free medical checks for returning migrants and their family members. Additionally, starting from October 15, 2023, "Inson" Social Service Centers have been established in the Republic of Uzbekistan to provide social assistance to children whose parents work abroad, which is a significant step.
It is important to note that today, not only state organizations but also non-governmental organizations play a significant role in regulating and supporting labor migration. In this regard, it is relevant to mention educational courses and service organizations providing assistance in collaboration with the External Labor Migration Agency.
In short, a safe, orderly, and legal system for labor migration has been established in Uzbekistan, creating new mechanisms for citizens wishing to go abroad. It encompasses three main stages: The first stage involves organizing preparatory work for citizens intending to work abroad. Vocational and language training is conducted in 14 "Job Placement" service centers nationwide, 30 vocational training centers, 136 communities, 24 colleges, and 13 technical colleges.
Second stage: Providing legal and social assistance to labor migrants abroad. For this purpose, agencies dealing with labor migration issues have been established in several countries to provide services to Uzbek citizens working abroad. Labor Migration Affairs Attachés have been appointed at Uzbekistan's Embassies.
Third stage: Assisting in the reintegration of labor migrants returning to Uzbekistan. Inspectors at the Labor Support Centers are engaged in activities aimed at the reintegration of labor migrants returning to the country.
In conclusion, it is essential to emphasize that appropriate measures are being taken to ensure suitable working conditions and social protection for Uzbek citizens engaged in labor activities abroad. Collaboration with our foreign partners continues on all relevant migration issues. Systematic efforts are being made to further develop initiatives related to the professional orientation and language proficiency of labor migrants.
Bobomurod Yarashev,
teacherof the University of
Public Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the mausoleum of Imam Bukhari on June 15, on the eve of the holy Eid al-Adha holiday.
Surahs from the Koran and dua were recited.
In conversation with religious figures, they talked about the conditions created for the development of science and enlightenment, education of youth in the spirit of patriotism and respect for national values.
Renovation of the complex is underway. The head of state familiarized himself with the progress of construction and finishing works.
The President concluded his visit to Samarkand and left for Tashkent.
The first meeting of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia, dedicated to the theme "Building a Common Space for Peace, Friendship, and Prosperity," will be held in Termez on May 19-21, 2025. This meeting is expected to be attended by representatives of the foreign policy agencies of Central and South Asian countries, which are becoming the focus of world politics, as well as representatives of specialized UN organizations, international and regional organizations such as the CIS, the SCO, the CICA, and leading specialists and experts in relevant fields.
Central and South Asia have long been connected by reliable trade routes and have served as a bridge between the countries of the Middle East, Europe, and China. The peoples of this region share historical and civilizational commonalities, having repeatedly existed within common state associations in the past, as well as within a single political, economic, and humanitarian space. Over many centuries, relations between the two regions have been strengthened by numerous migration flows, intensive trade exchanges, rapid dissemination of scientific ideas, and cultural cross-pollination.
As a result of the spread of Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam in these regions, unique ethnocultural associations formed, which left a deep mark on human history.
The incorporation of the peoples of this region into such states as the Bactrian and Kushan kingdoms, the Turkic Khaganate, Khorasan and Transoxiana, the Ghaznavid, Timurid, and Mughal empires had a great influence on their historical, cultural, and political development. Common customs, traditions, lifestyles, and holidays were formed; spiritual values were created in Persian, Turkish, and Arabic. Medieval cities such as Bukhara, Samarkand, Termez, Balkh, Herat, Ghazni, Agra, and Delhi were shared centers of science.
The mutual competition of colonial powers negatively affected the traditional ties, trade, and cultural exchange of the peoples of Central and South Asia. Trade and economic relations in South Asia changed, and local supply systems, main industries, and economies became dependent on supplies from outside the region. This development weakened the traditional cultural ties between South Asia and Central Asia.
Today, jointly addressing existing problems that threaten peace and stability in the region is one of the important factors in the social, cultural, and economic development of these countries. Therefore, the renewal of their close historical ties is becoming increasingly relevant. Taking the above into account, the Termez Dialogue on the Connectivity between Central and South Asia is being organized.
The location chosen for the dialogue is connected to the geostrategic position of this city, situated at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, or at the intersection of interregional connectivity routes. Termez has long been a center of trade, economy, and crafts, serving as a link between the vast regions of Central and South Asia. Therefore, from a geopolitical perspective, the city can be considered a "natural bridge" connecting Central and South Asia, the most suitable place for bringing the peoples of the region closer together through its historical location and cultural heritage.
Currently, the countries of Central and South Asia represent a territory of global significance, with a population of more than 2 billion people and great educational potential. The region is experiencing high demographic growth, with the majority of the population consisting of young people, and there are enormous opportunities for realizing intellectual potential. While the population of South Asian countries is about 2 billion people, the number of people living in Central Asia is about 82 million, and the population of Central Asian states is growing year by year. The countries exhibit a "disparity in literacy levels." For example, among the leading countries of Central Asia, the average adult literacy rate is 99 percent, while in South Asia it is 74 percent.
One of the pressing problems is the uneven quality of education, insufficient coverage of preschool and higher education, especially among girls and residents of remote areas. In South Asia, youth unemployment remains high, and in some countries, this figure exceeds 40 percent. At the same time, the employment rate of women is one of the lowest in the world. In addition, the infrastructure of educational systems is not sufficiently developed, and the shortage of specialists and teacher qualifications also creates a number of problems.
In this context, cooperation in the field of science and education is becoming increasingly relevant. Scientific cooperation in the context of digitalization and geopolitical instability will allow for maintaining dialogue between academic circles. At the same time, limited academic mobility and weak coordination between scientific communities significantly hinder the development of states' potential in science, innovation, and technology.
In this regard, it is necessary to encourage joint research and innovation work, the organization of scientific and educational internships, experience exchange programs, the development of startups, and the holding of competitions.
The adoption of a joint program of academic and research exchanges under the auspices of UNESCO is becoming relevant. It is also necessary to launch an online platform between universities and research structures of the countries of Central and South Asia.
This will contribute to the creation of a sustainable regional network of scientific diplomacy, the formation of a common agenda in the field of education and technology, and the emergence of a unified scientific space.
The above-mentioned steps will serve as a powerful tool for the development of scientific diplomacy, which will facilitate interaction between the countries of the two regions.
From this point of view, the integration of intellectual resources in Central and South Asia, strengthening cooperation in the field of education, and developing cooperation platforms to improve the quality of education are important for the future of the region. The transformation of demographic potential into human capital is the main condition for sustainable development, economic growth, and a worthy place in global competition for both regions. In this regard, the development of education as one of the priority areas of regional cooperation, the development of partnerships for the exchange of experience and training of personnel in various countries is most relevant.
The countries of the region, in particular India and other South Asian countries, have in recent decades been occupying an increasingly prominent place in the world community in the field of science, technology, and innovation. Information technology, aeronautics, pharmaceutical production, and artificial intelligence are rapidly developing in India. For example, in 2014, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) made history as the first Asian country to launch an artificial satellite into Mars orbit. In 2023, as part of the "Chandrayaan-3" project, a successful landing on the Moon's surface was achieved. These results demonstrate the country's independent and innovative capabilities in the scientific field.
In the field of information technology, India has become one of the world's largest IT outsourcing centers. Cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai have become major hubs for Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, and many other multinational corporations. Every year, millions of specialists in technical and technological fields are trained in the country. Among India's higher education institutions are prestigious scientific centers like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Science (IISc), which also rank highly in global ratings. It's worth noting that scientific research in artificial intelligence, bioengineering, quantum computing, and cybersecurity is widespread in the country.
Pakistan is also making progress in science, especially in nuclear energy and military technologies. Centers such as COMSATS University and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) play a crucial role in the country's scientific development. In particular, government programs are being implemented to strengthen international cooperation in IT and cybersecurity.
In Bangladesh, alongside the textile and light industry, information technology is developing rapidly. Based on the "Digital Bangladesh" strategy, the country has widely implemented e-government, digital, and distance learning services. In 2021, over 120 IT parks were established in Bangladesh, demonstrating the country's commitment to digitalizing its economy.
Afghanistan's scientific and technological potential remains limited, and issues related to political stability are hindering its development. Nevertheless, some universities and educational institutions in the country, particularly Kabul University, participate in scientific projects with the support of various international educational organizations.
In this context, developing a joint strategy for digital connectivity between Central and South Asia is crucial. Adopting such a document will create significant opportunities for stimulating trade and investment, improving access to education and healthcare, strengthening regional cooperation, and increasing competitiveness on the global stage.
Coordinating efforts of Central and South Asian countries to widely implement the digital economy will contribute to improving digitalization processes in all spheres of life. Moreover, this will advance the implementation of the SDG initiative to ensure safe Internet access for the population and will open up great opportunities for education and medical services.
Overall, deepening digital connectivity between Central and South Asia will bring significant economic and social benefits to both regions, create a solid foundation for expanding trade, economic, energy, and transport links, and enhance the competitiveness of the region's states on the global arena.
In general, the Termez Dialogue is an important initiative that contributes to elevating the interaction between Central and South Asian states to a new level in the process of today's geopolitical and civilizational transformations. This dialogue, particularly in the fields of education, science, and new technologies, will stimulate, consolidate, and expand the intellectual potential of the two regions. This is because in both regions, the majority of the population consists of young people who show high interest in education, are capable of scientific research, and quickly adapt to digital technologies.
Today, countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have achieved world-class successes in information technology, biotechnology, nuclear physics, medicine, and artificial intelligence, while Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian countries are also taking active measures to update scientific infrastructure, expand international cooperation, and implement modern educational projects. The Termez Dialogue is a unique opportunity to combine this experience and achievements, establish student and scholar exchanges, create joint research centers, and develop startups and innovative platforms in IT and STEM.
This dialogue has great historical significance in ensuring regional stability, creating a foundation for peace, progress, and intellectual development through science and education. The states of Central and South Asia have the potential to become the leading intellectual center in the entire Eurasian space based on the principle of mutual trust and shared future, integration in the spheres of education and science.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was given a presentation on measures to further develop the jewelry industry, support jewelry production and sales, and increase exports of finished products.
Our country has a huge potential for increasing production and export of jewelry.
As the head of state noted, only 6 percent of gold mined in the country is processed, and exports of its products amount to only 78 million dollars, so it is important to create jewelry zones with special conditions for entrepreneurs, to review the provision of raw materials, training of specialists, production chain and sales system.
In this regard, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry have developed relevant proposals.
In particular, it is planned to improve the activity of the Uzbekzargarsanoati association, expand its powers and reorganize the management system.
In order to support manufacturers of the industry, it is proposed to apply the benefits provided for members of the Association "Uzbekzargarsanoati" to individual entrepreneurs - manufacturers of jewelry, who are members of the Association "Uzbekzargarsanoati".
The possibility of establishing a zero rate of customs duty and value added tax on equipment, packaging and marking materials that are not produced in Uzbekistan and used in the jewelry industry for the period up to October 1, 2026 is being studied.
The issues of creation of special jewelry centers including production, exhibition and trade areas were considered. Information was provided on the placement of pilot projects in Tashkent and Namangan region.
The issue of increasing the volume of jewelry exports was discussed. It was proposed to establish a zero rate of customs duty for export of jewelry made in our country to the United States of America under the GSP system.
The head of state instructed to finalize the presented measures and work out a program for the development of domestic jewelry production for the period up to 2027.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on December 13 took part in a solemn ceremony dedicated to the launch of new energy capacities and the beginning of construction of a number of facilities.
These projects are part of a large-scale work aimed at strengthening the potential of the country's energy system. Last December, five solar and one wind power plants were put into operation. Many new projects were launched during the Head of State's visits to the regions.
Today, 24 projects worth more than $7 billion have been launched. In particular, in Bukhara, Navoi, Namangan and Tashkent regions, 5 solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of about 2.3 thousand megawatts, as well as 5 high-voltage substations have been connected to the network.
For the first time in Uzbekistan, an energy storage system with a capacity of 300 megawatts was created in Andijan and Fergana. A 400 megawatt power plant was put into operation in Kashkadarya, and a modern cogeneration plant was put into operation in Tashkent, and in Andijan, Surkhandarya and Tashkent regions - four small hydroelectric power plants.
In addition, construction of 6 energy facilities with a total capacity of 2.5 gigawatts has started in Fergana, Samarkand, Navoi, Tashkent regions and Tashkent city.
These new projects will generate an additional 9.5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, save 2.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas and prevent the emission of 4.6 million tons of harmful gases in the coming years.
Most importantly, over 4 million households will be provided with uninterrupted and clean energy.
This will also set the stage for $4 billion worth of value creation in other sectors of the economy.
In total, in 2025, our country will produce 84 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, which is 25 billion kilowatt hours or 1.5 times more compared to 2016.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that all these projects are implemented through foreign direct investment. Gratitude was expressed to companies from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, China and Germany, as well as international institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank for their fruitful cooperation.
Thanks to the open access of the private sector, Uzbekistan's energy sector has attracted about $20 billion of foreign direct investment over the past five years.
Twenty-four independent energy producers have started to operate in the sector, where previously only the state was present.
In particular, large solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 3,500 megawatts, equivalent to 10 billion kilowatt-hours, were launched in the green energy sector. This increased the share of “green energy” in the energy system to 16 percent.
As is known, last year the country's GDP reached the historic figure of $100 billion for the first time. By 2030, Uzbekistan's economy should grow to $200 billion.
This will increase the demand for electricity by 1.5 times over the next five years. In addition, under the Paris Agreement, it is planned to reduce harmful gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030.
The President outlined the priority areas of work in the energy sector.
First, 19 thousand megawatts of additional “green capacity” will be built by 2030, and the share of renewable energy will be increased to 54 percent. Already by 2025, 18 solar and wind power plants with a capacity of 3.4 thousand megawatts and energy storage systems with a capacity of 1.8 thousand megawatts are planned. This will increase green energy production to 12 billion kilowatt-hours next year. Also within two years, a large-scale project will be implemented in cooperation with private partners to create more than 2,000 small and micro-hydroelectric power plants.
Second, liberalization of the electricity market will continue. By the end of next year, it is planned to create a competitive wholesale electricity market. Public-private partnership will be introduced in the sphere of energy distribution, and $4 billion of investments will be attracted for the modernization of networks. The first project of transferring the management of regional power grids to the private sector has been developed in Samarkand region, and an international tender has been announced.
Third, the expansion of international cooperation in the field of “green energy”. Within COP-29, agreements were signed with Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia on joint export of “green energy” to Europe. Jointly with neighboring countries a single platform has been launched to ensure the stability of the regional energy system.
Fourth, development of “green energy” as a new driver for other sectors of the economy and improvement of living standards of the population.
Solar panels with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts have already been installed, which makes it possible to produce 1.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Support for “green” initiatives will continue with the introduction of dual education for the training of specialists.
- Today's event opens a new page in the history of our country's energy sector. These projects will not only ensure economic growth, but also will create an environmentally friendly and sustainable future for our descendants - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The ceremony was addressed by Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Türkiye Alparslan Bayraktar and Minister of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud.
By pressing a symbolic switch, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev launched the operation of 18 energy facilities and construction of 6 new projects.
Dear compatriots!
I cordially congratulate you, the multinational people of Uzbekistan on the coming New Year 2025.
Despite the difficult situation in the world, the outgoing year has been prosperous for our country.
Thanks to the selfless labor, socio-political activity of our people, the idea of New Uzbekistan is becoming a reality.
The past elections to the Oliy Majlis and local councils have reaffirmed that we have entered a new stage of democratic reforms.
New high-tech industrial complexes, infrastructure and logistics networks, roads and railroads have been built in the country, business, IT and tourism spheres are developing. The incomes and quality of life of the population are increasing.
Our skillful dehkans and farmers, clusters have harvested rich crops. The whole country is being improved.
Kindergartens and schools, universities, cultural and sports facilities are being built. Thousands of our compatriots are welcoming the New Year in new homes.
Our energetic, enterprising young people are achieving success in all spheres. Their record achievements at the Olympic and Paralympic Games have opened a new page in the history of national sport.
The role and influence of civil society institutions, including the mahalla, are being strengthened. The sphere of spirituality and enlightenment is developing. Our country's initiatives of global significance are receiving broad support.
Uzbekistan's authority in the international arena as a competitive country and a reliable partner is growing.
All this has become possible thanks to sustainable development, the atmosphere of friendship and harmony in our society.
On this festive evening, I express my sincere gratitude to you, my dear ones, to all our people-creators for your conscientious labor and service to the Motherland.
Dear friends!
We have declared 2025 the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy.
Our main goal is to create a sustainable balance between the economic system and our environment. We will create even greater business opportunities.
We will resolutely continue to work to ensure the inviolability of private property and actively attract foreign investment.
The focus will be on the social sphere, increasing wages, pensions, scholarships and benefits.
We will mobilize all forces and opportunities to bring up our children harmoniously developed, with modern knowledge and professions.
We will increase attention to the development of science, education, health care, culture, art and sports.
We will continue to prioritize the care of veterans, women and youth, as well as improving the effectiveness of social protection.
We will raise to a new level the work on strengthening the potential of our Armed Forces, support for servicemen and their families.
In a word, all together, united, we will act to realize the main principle - “In the name of man, in the name of his happiness!”.
Dear friends!
Once again, I sincerely congratulate you - our compatriots abroad, as well as partners and friends of Uzbekistan around the world - on this wonderful holiday.
I wish you health, happiness, prosperity and well-being to every family, to our beloved Motherland!
May all our good dreams and hopes come true!
May our native Uzbekistan prosper!
Happy New Year to you, my dear ones!
Shavkat Mirziyoyev,
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
The second day of the visit of the Head of our state to Navoi region began with a joyful event. A ceremony dedicated to new projects was held with the participation of representatives of the public.
In recent years, entrepreneurship in Navoi region has been actively developing, and the interest of investors in the region continues to grow. In 2023 alone, the region produced more than 101 trillion soums worth of industrial products and exported $648 million. Foreign investments worth about $478 million were also absorbed, and the foreign trade turnover of the region amounted to about $1.3 billion. More than 300 foreign enterprises operate in the region, and their number will continue to increase.
Fifteen new projects were announced at the ceremony.
In particular, the projects on extraction and processing of oil shale in Kanimekh district, construction of a 300 megawatt solar photovoltaic station and a 75 megawatt electricity storage system in Karmana district, production of technical gases in Navoi city, processing of marble in Gazgan and granite in Zarafshan, extraction and enrichment of kaolin in Uchkuduk district, and production of fish feed in Khatyrchi district were launched.
Enterprises were launched to produce potassium sulfate and sulfuric acid in Karmana district, cotton pulp in Navoi city, and granite processing in Nurata district.
The total cost of the 15 projects is $3.6 billion. More than 7 thousand jobs will be created.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev pressed a symbolic button and gave start to the construction and operation of the new projects.
Dear participants of the conference!
Ladies and gentlemen!
First of all, from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely congratulate you, my dear ones, on the opening of today's prestigious event - the joint conference of the International Textile Federation and the International Association of Apparel Manufacturers.
I would like to express my special gratitude to the President of the International Federation of Textile Manufacturers Mr. Kei Vi Srinavasan and President of the International Association of Apparel Manufacturers Mr. Chem Altan for the fact that this joint conference is being held in Uzbekistan for the first time.
At the same time, I express my sincere gratitude to the high-ranking representatives of the industry, heads of prestigious international and regional organizations participating in this conference.
Welcome to the pearl of the ancient Great Silk Road, the land of craftsmen - the majestic city of Samarkand!
Dear participants of the conference!
In recent years we have taken decisive steps to radically improve the investment and business environment, create favorable conditions for foreign and domestic investors.
As in all spheres and sectors, we have been implementing large-scale reforms in the textile and garment industries.
First of all, the state monopoly in cotton cultivation has been abolished, and a cluster system has been created and is being consistently improved, covering the entire process from raw material procurement to the production of finished goods.
Our reforms in this area have won the recognition of prestigious international organizations, and the boycott of Uzbek cotton has been lifted. Our cooperation with the international coalition “Cotton Campaign” continues in this direction.
At the same time, as a result of creating a stable legislative framework, improving the investment environment and introducing new technologies, the volume of cotton fiber processing increased from 40 percent in 2017 to 100 percent. At the same time, the work on import of cotton raw materials and production of finished products with high added value began.
Thanks to the opportunities created in the sphere, the volume of textile production has increased 5 times, its export - 4 times.
The most important thing is that earlier a significant part, i.e. 70 percent of exports in the sector, was accounted for raw materials, while today 60 percent of exported goods are finished products.
In the first years of reforms, we identified as a priority task the development of human capital, training of the population, especially young people and women, in professions, training of qualified personnel for all sectors, and these issues will continue to be in the center of our attention.
Decent working conditions that meet international requirements are created for the employees of enterprises, and the “Better Work” and “Better Cotton” programs are systematically implemented.
Particular attention is paid to ensuring labor rights and providing full support to over 600,000 workers.
At the same time, decisive measures are taken to create national brands, attract prestigious international and foreign trademarks to our country.
Authoritative participants of the world market, such as “Teamdress” (Germany), “Cotonella” (Italy), “Indorama” (Singapore), “Posco International” and “Gwangyang” (South Korea) are effectively operating in the country.
Uzbekistan's textile industry is being actively integrated into global production processes, and the number of our reliable partners on all continents of the world is increasing.
It should be noted that long-term cooperation with foreign investors and international brands, increasing production of high value-added products, bringing national brands to the international level will remain our priorities in the textile industry in the future.
I am convinced that today's conference will serve as an effective platform for further strengthening and expanding cooperation in this area on an international scale, sharing best practices and ideas.
I hope it will contribute to further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation between representatives of more than 500 national and international organizations, manufacturers and retailers participating in the conference, and will bring the development of the industry to a qualitatively new level.
We highly appreciate and support all mutually beneficial initiatives of our foreign partners. In particular, we are ready to provide all possible assistance in introducing the necessary standards for international brands to enter Uzbekistan.
We are ready to create all necessary conditions for prestigious international organizations to regularly hold conferences, exhibitions and fashion shows in our country, particularly in such cities as Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Margilan, Kokand, Namangan, Andijan, which have high tourism and industrial potential.
I am confident that the ancient history, rich cultural heritage of our country, meetings with our hard-working and generous people will make an indelible impression on you, and the huge socio-economic potential of our regions will encourage investors to implement new projects.
I congratulate you once again on the opening of the prestigious conference that is starting today and wish you all good health, happiness and prosperity, success in the fruitful work of the conference.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev,
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Navruz is greeted with special enthusiasm throughout the country. On March 20, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Rohat mahalla in Bektemir district, where he took part in festive events.
The mahalla, specializing in services and trade, is home to 4,000 people. Under the new employment system, the mahalla's internal reserves are actively used with the participation of banks. Last year, about 100 residents got jobs, 256 people became self-employed, and 13 people started entrepreneurial activities. Two manufacturing enterprises and dozens of trade and consumer service outlets create convenience for residents.
The Head of State reviewed the activities of these enterprises.
The mahalla has landscaped streets, well-maintained houses, educational and medical institutions, sports grounds, training centers, an amphitheater, crafts and library and information centers. The center for the elderly is especially lively now.
The President took part in the Sumalak celebration and had a warm talk with residents of the mahalla and representatives of the older generation. During the conversation, plans for the current year were discussed, including ensuring peace and stability, supporting entrepreneurship and creating new jobs.
– I am glad to see your mahalla so well-maintained and people in a good mood. Over time, we will expand opportunities in all districts. The most important thing is to maintain peace and unity. Remember what the situation was on our borders before? We solve all issues in a balanced manner, with political will. Thanks to the organization of work on the ground, we see the real picture in 10 thousand mahallas. Through the "mahalla seven" system, assistance reaches every home. We still have a lot of work to do in terms of increasing the population's income, reducing poverty and youth policy. This is why we are paying more attention to education, especially to the education of girls. A society where young people are educated and spiritually developed will definitely achieve prosperity, - emphasized Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
In the Rohat mahalla, young residents receive a quality education in a comprehensive school, a children's music and art school, the “Barkamol Avlod” center and an academic lyceum. The construction of a new preschool institution was recently completed, which will open up new opportunities for the early development of children.
On August 5, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev familiarized himself with the presentation of measures aimed at developing competition.
The ongoing efforts to reduce the state presence in the economy and curb large monopolies have a positive impact on the competitive environment. In particular, over the last five years the competitive environment has improved in more than 25 goods. Exclusive rights that restricted competition in 7 types of activities have been abolished. The number of enterprises with state participation decreased by 42 percent, while the number of private business entities increased by 1.6 times.
Last year the Law "On Competition" was adopted in a new version. The Committee for Competition Development and Consumer Protection was given additional effective powers. According to the studies conducted on this basis, in some organizations there are such phenomena as anticompetitive decision-making, direct contracts, use of dominant position in trade.
In this regard, a Competition Development Framework has been developed to enhance the coverage and effectiveness of competition in this area. This concept defines further tasks to reduce government involvement in the economy, liberalize market access and create a level playing field for entrepreneurs.
Thus, it is planned to abolish regulations and redundant requirements that impede the free access of business entities to markets. It is envisaged to introduce relaxations aimed at reducing the regulatory burden, in particular, permitting procedures and licenses will be replaced by compulsory liability insurance.
Independent market regulators will be introduced in the spheres of natural monopolies. The participation of natural monopoly entities will be limited in commodity markets related to natural monopolies and where there is an opportunity to develop competition.
The scale of direct public procurement will be reduced, and it will be completely switched to competitive methods. It is envisaged to abolish the provision of state aid of an individual nature that restricts competition, including exclusive rights, privileges, preferences and relaxations.
By means of mutual integration of information systems of state bodies, digital monitoring of all links in the chain of pricing of socially important products will be established. A system of non-disclosure and encouragement of persons who have provided information on cases of anticompetitive agreements and actions, collusions will be introduced.
In general, as a result of the implementation of this concept, measures will be taken to gradually eliminate 17 types of state monopoly in a number of areas, such as energy, oil and gas sector, water management, road construction, railroad and airport services. Anti-competitive actions in public procurement will be curbed and transparency of these processes will be ensured. Commodity exchanges will increase supply and expand the choice opportunities for buyers.
The President gave additional instructions to continue work in this area, to ensure free market principles, and to develop entrepreneurship. The need to reduce the state's share in the economy and to gradually transfer certain functions to the private sector was emphasized. The task has been set to constantly analyze the state of competition on commodity, financial and digital markets and to make proposals to improve procedures.
Over the last three years, over 2,000 acts contradicting the competition law have been identified locally. In most cases, these are documents of local khokimiyats and ministries. In this regard, it was noted that it is necessary to intensify the work of territorial departments of the Committee for Competition Development and improve the qualification of personnel.
It was also pointed out the importance of increasing openness and strengthening the work on publicizing the activities of the Committee. It was emphasized that this is important to prevent violations of the law and to create a transparent environment.
The text of the article is in Uzbek!