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.

Uzbekistan and Turkey are consistently developing bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the fields of ecology and environmental protection, paying special attention to the exchange of experience, the introduction of modern technologies, and the professional development of specialists.

Representatives of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan regularly participate in seminars, training courses, and other events organized by international structures in the Republic of Turkey. Such cooperation formats serve to strengthen professional ties and adopt advanced approaches in the field of environmental management.

One of the significant stages of cooperation was a meeting with a delegation from "OSTIM Energik," a company specialized in clustering technologies in renewable energy and ecology under Turkey’s Middle East Industry and Trade Center (OSTIM). During the negotiations, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation on air purification systems, the construction of water treatment facilities, the development of renewable energy sources, as well as the processing of domestic and agricultural waste.

Within the framework of developing practical cooperation, a business trip was organized for a delegation from the State Center for Ecological Expertise under the Committee. The goal was to study advanced foreign experience in the field of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including modern methods of ecological expertise and monitoring.

Additionally, a joint event was held in Tashkent with the participation of the Turkish company "Cengiz Group" regarding the reduction of the number of vehicles and the strengthening of environmental control over them. This initiative was aimed at reducing pollutant emissions and increasing environmental responsibility in the transport sector.

A distinct direction of cooperation is related to the development of scientific and educational ties. Partnerships have been established between the Turkish State Meteorological Service and the Hydrometeorology Research Institute of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the Faculty of Ecology at Ege University in Izmir and the Central Asian University for the Study of Environment and Climate Change. This cooperation is directed towards retraining specialists and enhancing their professional skills in environmental protection and climate research.

The active cooperation between the two countries continues on international platforms as well. Within the framework of the climate forum held in Samarkand on the theme "Global Climate Challenges and Central Asia – Solidarity for Common Prosperity," a youth session was held with the participation of Turkish representatives. This constituted a significant contribution to shaping a new generation of environmental leaders.

The participation of the Ecology Committee delegation, led by Aziz Abduhakimov, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change, in the "Zero Waste" international forum organized by the "Zero Waste Foundation" in Istanbul was also a significant milestone. During the forum, global approaches to waste reduction, the development of a circular economy, and the introduction of sustainable consumption principles were discussed.

Furthermore, a delegation from the Forestry Agency under the Committee visited the Mugla province and the city of Antalya to study Turkey’s best practices in forestry, sustainable forest resource management, and the prevention of ecosystem degradation.

In conclusion, the cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkey in the field of ecology and environmental protection is of a systemic and multifaceted nature, covering technological, scientific, educational, and institutional directions. The implementation of joint initiatives serves to introduce modern environmental solutions, increase the stability of natural ecosystems, and strengthen international partnership in the interests of sustainable development.

Makhmud Khaydarov,

Chief specialist Department of international cooperation and rankings of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change

If the greatest gift given to human is life, then, without a doubt, the highest goal that humanity has always strived for is peace and harmony. That is why we always wish each other peace and tranquility, health and well-being.

Uzbekistan has always been a place of tolerance, harmony and friendship. Representatives of different nationalities and peoples living on the same land, drinking water from the same river, sharing happiness and sorrow together, have coexisted side by side for centuries. No wonder that such expressions as “Tolerant Uzbekistan!” and “Generous Uzbek people” have appeared.

In a multinational and multi-confessional state, interethnic consent and interfaith harmony are important factors that create a solid foundation for stability and development, determining its prospects.

One of the main factors why our country is rapidly developing today, fruitfulness of reforms and steady growth of the people’s well-being is that representatives of more than 130 nationalities and peoples, 16 religious confessions live together in our country as a single people of Uzbekistan.

The fundamental basis of reforms in this direction is that our Constitution stipulates that the Republic of Uzbekistan ensures a respectful attitude towards languages, customs and traditions of the nationalities and peoples living on its territory, and creates conditions for their development.

Today, education in schools is conducted in 7 languages, creating conditions for pupils of different nationalities to receive education in their native language. National television and radio channels broadcast in 12 languages, and newspapers and magazines are published in 14 languages, creating equal conditions for everyone to receive information in their native language.

Representatives of different nationalities and peolpes living in our country, as the single people of Uzbekistan, contribute to the development of our country with their active and selfless work, nowadays about 5 thousand representatives of 35 nationalities work in the state civil service.

In particular, 12.7 percent of our deputies in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, which are considered the country’s political institutions, and 11.2 percent in local Kengashes, are representatives of different nationalities and peoples. There is no limit to such achievements, we observe that interethnic harmony and solidarity are reflected in every aspect of society.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev considers the ethnic diversity that has existed on the land of our country since ancient times as a unique social phenomenon and pays special attention to the preservation and further strengthening of harmony between nationalities, peoples and confessions. As a result of the wise policy of the head of our state, based on the principles of prudence, humanism and justice, national unity is growing stronger in our country, and our precious and beloved Motherland is becoming a place of peace, friendship and mutual respect, where human dignity and happiness reign.

As the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized in his speech at a meeting with deputies of the chambers of the Oliy Majlis, representatives of political parties and the public on May 8, 2023: “Our main wealth is our great multinational people, who consider Uzbekistan their only Motherland. The highest duty of each of us is to carefully preserve, like the apple of our eye, the priceless treasure — interethnic friendship and harmony that have taken hold in our beloved country”.

Indeed, in New Uzbekistan, interethnic and interfaith harmony, and mutual understanding based on loyalty to the spiritual heritage of ancestors, educating the younger generation in the spirit of tolerance, respect for national and universal values and patriotism, have become one of the most important priorities of state policy.

Large-scale reforms implemented in all spheres of public life at the initiative of the head of state also marked new milestones and initiatives in the field of interethnic and interfaith relations.

In this sense, the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On measures to bring to a new stage the strengthening of national harmony and relations with compatriots abroad”, adopted on March, 2025, and the Resolution “On measures to effectively organize the activities of the Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Interethnic Relations and Compatriots Abroad” bring work in this direction to a qualitatively new level.

In accordance with these documents, the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Compatriots Abroad of the Republic of Uzbekistan was created on the basis of the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Cooperation with Foreign Countries under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The main tasks of the Committee were defined as the harmonization of interethnic relations, strengthening friendship, harmony, tolerance and unity in society, the formation of a single civil identity, strengthening the involvement of all nationalities and ethnic groups in national development, promoting the preservation of the national identity of compatriots abroad and mobilizing their social and economic potential for the development of our homeland, as well as promoting the prevention and identification of factors that negatively affect interethnic harmony.

Also, the fact that it is planned to develop draft concepts of state policy in the field of ensuring national unity and strengthening relations with compatriots abroad indicates that work in this direction will be consistently continued.

First of all, as an important element in ensuring national unity, special attention is paid to preservation of culture, language, customs, values and traditions of all nationalities and peoples living in Uzbekistan, and transmission to the younger generation

As is known, the role of national cultural centers is very important in the systematic implementation of work in this direction. Today, there are 157 national cultural centers in our country. Their activities are constantly supported by the state. Based on the President’s initiatives, starting in 2021, state subsidies will be allocated for the operation of these centers and their implementation of activities aimed at popularizing culture, language, customs, values and traditions.

For national cultural centers operating in the regions, premises have been allocated in the “Houses of Friendship”, where they use these places absolutely free of charge. Also, in the building of the Committee on Interethnic Relations, located in the center of Tashkent, all conditions have been created for the work of 27 national cultural centers of the republican and city level.

In particular, the construction in July of this year next to the building of the Committee on Interethnic Relations of the Pavilion of National Cultural Centers is a unique symbol of national harmony, where national houses of 22 nationalities were built, became a great gift from the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to national cultural centers. This pavilion can safely be called a place of national harmony.

The grand opening of the pavilion of national cultural centers took place as part of the Friendship Festival, which was held throughout our country from July 25 to 31 this year, in honor of Peoples’ Friendship Day, celebrated on July 30.

The event was attended by members of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and deputies of the Legislative Chamber, representatives of ministries and departments, the public, and the media, guests from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and China, as well as heads and employees of diplomatic missions of 30 states and international organizations in Uzbekistan.

The participants of the event assessed the construction of this pavilion as a unique event, emphasizing that it opens up another wonderful opportunity for the nationalities and peoples living in Uzbekistan to preserve and develop their culture, customs and traditions, fully reflects the large-scale reforms carried out in our country in the sphere of interethnic harmony and national unity, and serves as a platform for mutual cultural exchange.

Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, who took part in the event, noted that she highly appreciates the respect and attention to various nationalities and peoples in Uzbekistan, and she considers the opening of the pavilion of national cultural centers to be truly attention to the person, and a progressive idea.

Thanks to the strong political will of our President, special attention is paid to close cooperation with compatriots living abroad. One of such projects is the Uz Global Think forum. This project is being implemented in the form of an ongoing dialogue between compatriots living abroad — representatives of expert and scientific circles — with the aim of creating business platforms, exchanging opinions on issues such as the socio-economic development of society, environmental sustainability and quality education.

A platform is also being created for the exchange of opinions among compatriots abroad about individuals in academic circles, their life path, successes and recommendations that will serve the development of New Uzbekistan.

In addition, in order to further increase the contribution of compatriots abroad to the economic power of the New Uzbekistan, following the example of the UNDP program “Knowledge Transfer through Compatriots Abroad”, work is underway to transfer human capital, which will contribute to ensuring innovative socio-economic development and environmental sustainability.

The “Graduates from Uzbekistan” program is being developed, which will unite and support compatriots who graduated from foreign educational institutions, and live and work in foreign countries.

All these tasks serve the further development of Uzbekistan with the participation of compatriots abroad.

One of the most important human freedoms is undoubtedly freedom of conscience. The adoption in 2021 of a new version of the Law “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations” was another important step towards institutional strengthening of freedom of conscience in our country. This law further strengthened the principles of tolerance and created a solid legal basis for the activities of all faiths.

Today, 2,361 religious organizations belonging to 16 confessions operate freely in Uzbekistan. Of these, 2,164 are Islamic, 197 are non-Islamic: 180 Christian, 8 Jewish, 7 Baha’i, as well as a Buddhist temple, a Krishna center, and an interfaith Bible society. In 2017–2024 there were registered 108 new religious organizations. New mosques, Christian churches and temples were built, and existing ones were renovated. This is a practical confirmation of respect for all faiths.

At the same time, we have every reason to say that the adoption of the Law “On the Concept of Ensuring Freedom of Conscience of Citizens and State Policy in the Religious Sphere in the Republic of Uzbekistan” on February 25 of this year has become the most important event in the life of society.

The concept will serve the multinational and multi-confessional people of Uzbekistan to realize the interests of society as a whole, to ensure its harmonious coexistence based on equality, social justice and unity.

This year, on September 10-13 the II International Forum “Dialogue of Declarations” was held in Tashkent and Samarkand.

In May 2022 the first forum “Dialogue of Declarations” was held in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara over five days. Leading scientists from a number of foreign countries, as well as representatives of local authorities and religious organizations took part in the forum. The Bukhara Declaration adopted following that conference was subsequently recognized as an official document at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly. This confirms the importance of the Uzbek model for the formation of a tolerant society consisting of people of different nationalities, religions and beliefs.

The regular holding of the forum “Dialogue of Declarations”, the participation of influential foreign and international participants in it testifies to the high recognition in the world of Uzbekistan’s policy aimed at ensuring freedom of religion and interfaith harmony. In addition, the II Forum confirms Uzbekistan’s commitment to the principle of openness, development of an atmosphere of religious magnanimity and tolerance, in order to bring interfaith dialogue to a higher level of values. We are also convinced that this conference will serve as a unique platform for the exchange of best practices in ensuring peaceful coexistence of peoples and representatives of different faiths.

I would like to conclude the article with the following words from the festive greetings of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the occasion of July 30 – Peoples’ Friendship Day:

“In the current extremely dangerous situation, when various conflicts on national and religious grounds continue in different regions of the world, we will continue to work to further strengthen our greatest wealth — peace and stability, an atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony in our country — based on the idea of a united Uzbekistan, educating young people as holders of national and universal values, knowledge, professions, deepening the principles of inclusiveness.

We are mobilizing all our forces and capabilities for the reliable protection of the rights and interests of representatives of all nationalities and faiths who are proud to be citizens of Uzbekistan, as well as our compatriots abroad, everywhere, in accordance with the requirements of our Constitution and laws”.

                                               Kakhramon SARIEV,

                                               Chairman of the Committee

                                               on Interethnic Relations and Compatriots Abroad

                                               of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Modern Central Asia is becoming a space of sustainable growth and mutual trust. The countries of the region demonstrate a strong commitment to building balanced relations with global partners, prioritizing practical initiatives in trade, energy, transport, and innovation. One of the key formats shaping this new architecture is the “C5+1” platform, which unites the Central Asian states and the United States.

Regional Consolidation: Dialogue Based on Equality and Pragmatism

In recent years, the “C5+1” format has evolved from a diplomatic mechanism into an effective platform for coordination and implementation of joint projects. The latest ministerial meeting in Samarkand, attended by the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, demonstrated a high level of trust and a shared focus on tangible results.

Key topics on the Samarkand agenda included food security, climate resilience, development of green and digital economies, diversification of transport corridors, and deepening industrial cooperation.

Following the meeting, memorandums were signed on decarbonization and digitalization of customs procedures - a step that paves the way for harmonized trade rules, easier exports, and increased investment inflows into the region.

Central Asia: From Fragmentation to an Integrated Economic Space

The figures speak for themselves: the total foreign trade turnover of Central Asian countries has reached $220 billion, almost doubling since 2017, while mutual investments have grown 5.6 times. The region’s combined GDP increased by 40% over the past five years to exceed $406 billion.

These indicators reflect not only growth but also a qualitative shift - from isolated initiatives to a coordinated regional development strategy.

Uzbekistan - Kazakhstan: Industrial and Logistics Core

The Uzbekistan - Kazakhstan partnership exemplifies a new model of integration. Between January and August 2025, mutual trade reached $3.03 billion, up by 15%. Projects exceeding $7 billion are under implementation across engineering, agriculture, construction, and energy sectors. Over 1,100 enterprises with Kazakh capital operate in Uzbekistan, creating jobs and new export niches.

Uzbekistan - Tajikistan: Transport and Energy Bridge

Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are rapidly strengthening railway and energy cooperation. In 2024, cargo traffic between the two countries reached 10 million tons, while regular passenger flights and a joint investment company with a $100 million capital were launched. These are not just numbers - they represent an architecture of trust that enables joint industrial and agricultural clusters.

Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan: Corridors of Growth

Cooperation with Turkmenistan is expanding in energy, logistics, and industry. In 2024, bilateral trade exceeded $1.14 billion, and the Shavat - Dashoguz border zone is evolving into a hub of trade and joint manufacturing. A localization project for repairing Turkmen wagons in Andijan is a vivid example of practical industrial integration.

Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan: A “Roadmap” for the Future

The interstate program until 2030 and the Border Regions Council ensure steady progress. From January to August 2025, trade turnover approached $600 million, while Uzbekistan’s exports grew by nearly 80%. New logistics routes are being developed to reduce transport costs and enhance business competitiveness.

“C5+1” as a Catalyst for Development

Participation in the “C5+1” framework gives regional integration new depth - aligning national interests with global sustainability trends.

The United States and regional partners are building long-term cooperation in green energy, resilient supply chains, infrastructure modernization, and human-capital development.

Special attention is given to unified standards for digital trade, environmental management, and logistics technologies, making Central Asia a vital link in Eurasian value chains.

Benefits for the Region and Uzbekistan

For Central Asia, the “C5+1” format provides:

• Investment and technology: opportunities to attract foreign partners for renewable energy, raw-material processing, and digital transformation;
• New markets: expanded export opportunities through unified customs and trade standards;
• Energy security: development of interconnected grids and energy-storage infrastructure;
• Human capital: education, internships, and exchanges with leading global companies.

For Uzbekistan, the advantages are clear:

• Expanded export potential through access to new transport routes;
• Technology localization and industrial partnerships with neighbors;
• Institutional stability and strengthened position as a regional integrator;
• Inflow of direct investment supported by uniform rules and a stable macroeconomic environment.

Conclusion: From Geography to the Economy of the Future

Central Asia is steadily transforming from a “crossroads of geography” into a region of synergy. The “C5+1” format has become a framework connecting the efforts of regional and global partners into a unified development strategy - based on trust, mutual benefit, and sustainable growth.

Today, elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis and kengashes of people's deputies are being held in our country.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev together with his family members visited polling station No. 59 in Mirzo-Ulugbek district of the capital and took part in the voting.

Article 128 of the Constitution of our country states that citizens have the right to elect and be elected to the representative bodies of state power. The right to vote, equality and freedom of expression are guaranteed by law.

Five parties are running in the elections: the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Business People - Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, the Milliy Tiklanish Democratic Party, the Ecological Party, the People's Democratic Party and the Adolat Social Democratic Party.
This important event is taking place in the context of increased social and political activity in our country, under the slogan “My Choice - Prosperous Motherland”.
For the first time in the history of Uzbekistan, elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis are held on the basis of a majoritarian-proportional, that is, mixed electoral system. 75 deputies are elected directly under the majoritarian system, i.e. by voting for their preferred candidates, and the remaining 75 - under the proportional system, when votes are cast for political parties.

Over the past period, the electoral legislation has been radically improved in line with advanced democratic standards. In particular, a new system of electoral bodies headed by the Central Electoral Commission had been introduced, and, in order to enhance the role of women in society, it had been established that the proportion of women among political party candidates should be at least 40 per cent.
Another notable aspect of the current elections was that the interaction between the participants in the process had been fully digitalized through the E-Saylov information system.
This information system has raised the openness of the elections to a higher level.

All polling stations have created conditions for voters in accordance with the law. There are 5,770 district and 11,028 precinct election commissions organized in the field, including 57 polling stations in 40 foreign countries.
More than 850 foreign and international observers from the CIS, SCO, Organization of Turkic States, as well as a full-scale mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights are taking part in monitoring the election process.
The head of state talked to citizens who came to the polling station. He thanked them for their active participation in the elections with a sense of involvement in the fate of their native country and their district.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on measures for ensuring population’s employment and poverty reduction based on new approaches.

This year it’s planned to ensure employment of 5.2 million citizens and bring out of poverty 1.5 million people. For the first time 60 districts and cities will become territories free of poverty and unemployment. 

Jointly with mahalla bankers it’s planned to ensure constant employment for 1.5 million people and attract more than 2 million citizens to businesses. For this purpose it’s planned to allocate a total of 120 trillion soum of credit resources for small business projects. 

Based on best foreign practices, new approaches to poverty reduction will be introduced in 32 areas. In particular, solar power plants with a total capacity of 107 megawatts will be built in 300 complex mahallas, and members of low-income families will be hired to operate them on a cooperative basis.

In 123 districts, low-income citizens will be offered work on the creation of forest and nursery lands on 20 thousand hectares, as well as the cultivation of medicinal plants. They will be paid a subsidy of 375 thousand soums for every 100 trees planted.

In places with tourism potential it is planned to open guest houses and catering outlets, and at a number of post offices - e-commerce centers, where representatives of low-income families will also get jobs.

A total of 6.472 mahallas in 2025 will implement projects based on new approaches, which will help lift 210 thousand people out of poverty.

Special attention will be paid to remote villages with particularly difficult conditions. In them, the Association of Mahallas of Uzbekistan will take measures to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship, reduce dependency and support labor activity of low-income families.

The Head of State reiterated that 2025 will be decisive in reducing unemployment and poverty, and gave instructions to ensure a systematic and targeted approach to the implementation of the presented measures.

The Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction is tasked with strictly monitoring the implementation of these tasks. Each initiative and each activity will be entered into an electronic platform with subsequent verification of the created jobs on the tax base.

The importance of organizing training for the staff of local khokimiyats and “ mahalla seven”, as well as promotion of best practices was also noted.

OPEN CALL

The Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan invites you to participate

at the X Tashkent International Biennale

of Contemporary Art,

which will be held from 14 to 18 October 2024 in the city of Tashkent (Uzbekistan). Can take part in the Biennale artists of various areas of contemporary art and present your work on the topic

“Art and World”.

In addition to the main exhibition, the biennale will host a number of artistic and cultural events, such as exhibitions, lectures and master classes, an international conference, and a tour of the cities of Uzbekistan.

All expenses of foreign participants for their stay (meals, internal transportation, accommodation) in Tashkent, except for flights,

will be covered by the Organizing Committee.

Applications for participation in the Biennale are accepted until August 15, 2024 via Google form:

https://forms.gle/aUEMyfrsyQUsrp7b7

(detailed information is given in the attachment to this letter)

*Organizers have the right to make changes to the event program

*Application requirements

X International Biennale of Contemporary Art
(Tashkent, Uzbekistan, October 14-18, 2024)

Requirements for Art Works

*The organizers have the right to make amendments

Starting January 1, 2026, Value-Added Tax will be exempted for Farmers and Dehkan producers

С 1

Almost half of the population of the Republic of Uzbekistan lives in rural areas. Millions of hardworking individuals in these communities play a crucial role in ensuring the country’s food security and establishing a solid foundation for the export of agricultural products. The nation’s development cannot be limited solely to urban centers; it is equally important to ensure that life in rural and peripheral regions is comfortable and sustainable.

The care for rural residents and the stimulation of their activities merit special attention from both the state and society. Governmental support measures have become pivotal in strengthening the agricultural sector.

However, the agricultural industry still faces significant challenges, including high tax burdens and limited access to financing, which contribute to the expansion of the informal economy. According to various estimates, up to half of agricultural producers operate outside the legal framework, resulting in reduced profitability and hindering sectoral development. Without genuine incentives to transition towards a formal economy, the agrarian sector’s capacity for investment and modernization will remain constrained.

In this context, the introduction of a zero rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) starting January 1, 2026, for farmers and dehkan producers selling their own products—including vegetables, fruits, meat, milk, eggs, and other food items—is a timely and significant measure. Producers of grain and cotton are excluded from this provision, as these sectors are regulated through state-managed clusters.

The existing practice of VAT refunds on expenses related to the production of seeds, fertilizers, fuel, logistics, electricity, and other operational costs will remain in place. As a result, farmers are expected to save up to 700 billion Uzbek soms annually.

The zero VAT rate will reduce the tax burden, increase farmers’ net income, and enable the allocation of additional funds toward modernization.

According to projections, farm profitability is expected to rise from 5–7 percent to approximately 15 percent. This measure will also facilitate more accurate planning of subsidies and incentives.

Another positive impact will be the growth of domestic processing industries. When products are processed locally, demand for investment in processing facilities and export logistics chains increases, leading to job creation and improved working conditions.

The reorientation of agriculture towards food crops has been one of the strategic priorities pursued in recent years.
Areas allocated to cotton and grain cultivation are being reduced, while orchards, vineyards, and vegetable crops are being developed instead. Approximately 1,500 food production projects have already been implemented, with a total investment of around one billion dollars.

The introduction of a zero VAT rate will further stimulate processing and export activities, strengthening the potential of the agro-food sector and enhancing the competitiveness and attractiveness of its products on the international market.

For farmers and dehkans, this presents an opportunity to retain a significant portion of their income. The savings can be directed towards farm development, improving working and living conditions, and modernizing production processes. Rural areas will benefit from job creation, technology influx, higher product quality, and a favorable environment for sustainable development.

For the state, this translates into a reduction of the shadow economy, increased transparency in reporting, and more accurate planning of support measures, tax incentives, and development programs. For society at large, it means access to higher quality and more affordable food products, enhanced resilience of the rural economy, and the strengthening of domestic agro-industrial value chains.

Nadira RASHIDOVA,

Member of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has demonstrated significant progress in the field of international tourism, which pays special attention to cooperation with the CIS countries. Historically, this region has close cultural, economic and humanitarian ties with Uzbekistan, which contributes to the active exchange of tourists and the development of joint initiatives in the tourism industry. According to statistics for January–August 2024 and 2025, there has been a steady increase in the total number of tourists from 6.7 million visiting Uzbekistan to more than 7.5 million with an annual increase of 15-20% per year. By the end of 2025, more than 11 million foreign tourists are expected to arrive.
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan remain the most significant sources of tourists among the CIS countries. In 2024, Kazakhstan sent more than 2.1 million tourists to Uzbekistan in January – August, Kyrgyzstan — about 1.78 million, and Tajikistan — almost 1.6 million. In 2025, Kyrgyzstan slightly surpassed Kazakhstan in the number of visitors — 2.16 million against 1.77 million, which indicates a positive trend towards strengthening bilateral ties in the field of tourism. Tajikistan also showed an increase of almost 1.7 million tourists. In addition to the traditional leaders, the number of tourists from Turkmenistan increased significantly in January–August, from 125,000 in 2024 to 243,000 in 2025. This growth confirms the growing attractiveness of Uzbekistan as a tourist destination for all neighboring countries.
The CIS countries with fewer tourists, such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Ukraine and Russia, also note positive dynamics. The increase in the number of Russian tourists in January –August is particularly noteworthy — from 587,000 in 2024 to more than 663,000 in 2025, reflecting the strengthening of tourist and cultural ties between the two countries. The growth of the tourist flow from the CIS is largely due to Uzbekistan's comprehensive work to improve infrastructure, simplify visa procedures, and actively promote travel brands. The development of transport links, the introduction of modern services and the expansion of the range of tourism products make Uzbekistan more and more attractive to visitors from neighboring countries.
Uzbekistan is the historical center and pearl of the Great Silk Road, the crossroads of world cultures and civilizations. There are more than 8,000 cultural heritage sites in the country. 209 of them are part of four museum cities included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The magnificent monuments of the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva attract many tourists who want to get acquainted with the rich heritage of the region. Samarkand is the ancient capital of the empire of the great commander Amir Temur, which houses the most beautiful Registan ensemble, the Ulugbek Observatory and the Imam Al-Bukhari complex, the most important for Muslims, the fabulous city of Bukhara, famous throughout the Islamic world with its Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex, the Ark fortress and the Poi Kalyan ensemble, the capital of the Khorezmshah State Khiva with a museum city open-air Ichan-Kala, and of course the city of Shakhrisabz, where Amir Temur was born and built the Ok-Saroy palace there.
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is the geographical center and the largest hub of Central Asia, a connecting bridge between East and West. Tourists can get great emotions and impressions from their stay in Tashkent, which has many interesting sights, including the architecture of modernity and the ancient East. Uzbekistan is not only a historical city, but also a huge number of natural attractions: the picturesque mountains of the Western Tien Shan and Pamir Alai, mysterious caves, the endless Kyzylkum desert, a huge number of lakes, the Ustyurt plateau and the Aral Sea in Karakalpakstan. It should be noted that Uzbekistan occupies high places in the world tourism rankings, in the field of security, historical attractions, family tourism, gastronomy, etc. There is a tourist police in all tourist centers of the country, thanks to which all foreign visitors feel safe at all times. At the same time, over the past 10 years, Uzbekistan has not had any incidents related to the safety of tourists in the country, which could negatively affect the tourist image of Uzbekistan. Great attention is paid to youth tourism in the country, special tours of historical subjects, ecotourism, extreme tourism, and industrial tourism have been formed to visit various production facilities, which also serve as their subsequent professional orientation.
The Government of Uzbekistan has identified several territories with high tourism potential as free tourist zones created specifically for businesses operating in the tourism sector. Conditions have been created to attract foreign investment in the tourism sector. To encourage investors, various incentives have been introduced for the hotel sector, the construction of tourist complexes and infrastructure. Business representatives from the CIS countries are the most active investors, creating both enterprises with 100 foreign investments and joint ventures in the tourism industry of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan invites Russian investors to take an active part in joint projects in the territories of Charvak, Chimgan, Nanai, Baysun, Maidanak, Miraki, Parkent, Akhangaran, Angren, Akchakul, Tudakul, Aydarkul and others tourist zones. The development of tourism with the CIS countries is becoming not only a factor of economic growth, but also an important element in strengthening interstate relations, cultural exchange and friendship of peoples. The growth of the tourist flow contributes to the creation of new jobs, the development of small and medium-sized businesses and the improvement of the standard of living of the population. The prospects for further development of tourism ties between Uzbekistan and the CIS countries look very promising. Enhanced cooperation, exchange of experience and implementation of innovative solutions will make the region one of the most attractive and dynamically developing tourist destinations in Eurasia. The Committee on Tourism of Uzbekistan is ready to support the tourism business of our countries in the implementation of joint projects, and create all necessary conditions for comfortable travel of tourists of all categories from the CIS countries.

Head of the Department of
Transport and Logistics Development Shukhrat Isakulov

On the Inaugural Meeting of the Peace Council in Washington

At the invitation of the President of the United States Donald Trump, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a working visit to Washington on February 17–19 to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council. The visit combined a substantive political agenda with an extensive economic program and resulted in a number of agreements aimed at further strengthening Uzbek-American strategic partnership and expanding bilateral cooperation across key sectors.

Expanding Participation in Addressing Global Challenges

The Peace Council is an intergovernmental initiative put forward by President Trump within the framework of the Gaza peace plan endorsed by the UN Security Council in November 2025. The establishment of this platform is intended not only to coordinate humanitarian assistance but also to create institutional mechanisms for long-term stabilization, reconstruction, and socio-economic recovery of the Gaza Strip, while reducing the risks of renewed escalation in the Middle East.

The Charter of the Peace Council was signed on January 22, 2026, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Signatories included leaders and representatives of Azerbaijan, Argentina, Armenia, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Morocco, Mongolia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Paraguay, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and Kosovo. Subsequently, Belarus, Albania, Cambodia, Egypt, El Salvador, Jordan, and Kuwait officially joined the group of founding states, expanding the Council’s geographic and political representation.

By joining the founding members at the invitation of the U.S. President, Uzbekistan reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful diplomacy, respect for international law, and shared responsibility for maintaining global stability. Uzbekistan recognized Palestine in 1994 and consistently supports the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state in accordance with international legal norms and UN resolutions.

Uzbekistan’s policy toward Gaza combines principled political positioning with practical humanitarian engagement. In 2023, Uzbekistan allocated $1.5 mln through UNRWA. In December 2023, 100 wounded Palestinian women and children were evacuated and provided with medical treatment and rehabilitation services. In 2025, Uzbekistan developed a comprehensive state support mechanism for Palestinian citizens received in the country, including asylum procedures, access to healthcare, education for children, and employment assistance. A dedicated fund under the National Agency for Social Protection was established to finance these measures through budgetary and charitable resources.

The inaugural meeting of the Peace Council held on February 19 in Washington brought together leaders and representatives of more than 40 countries. Discussions focused on humanitarian relief, infrastructure restoration, and ensuring the sustainability of the post-conflict recovery process. At the opening of the session, President Trump announced that nine countries – Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait – had jointly pledged $7 bn in assistance to Gaza, while the United States committed an additional $10 bn to support the Council’s activities.

In his address, President Mirziyoyev expressed full support for the peace initiative and confirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to participate practically in its implementation. Particular emphasis was placed on the principle that any external governance framework for Gaza must rely on internal public support in order to ensure legitimacy, stability, and long-term effectiveness.

Highlighting the importance of coordinated international efforts, the President noted that joint actions would help secure the sustainability of the post-conflict process and accelerate socio-economic recovery. Uzbekistan also declared its readiness to contribute to the construction of residential housing, schools, kindergartens, and healthcare facilities in Gaza, thereby supporting both humanitarian and development objectives.

The Palestinian and Gaza issue has remained on the international agenda for decades without a comprehensive solution. In this context, the creation of the Peace Council represents one of the most structured multilateral attempts in recent years to address the crisis, while Uzbekistan’s participation among the founding states reflects the growing recognition of its constructive diplomatic role.

Expanding Trade and Economic Cooperation

Alongside political dialogue, the economic dimension of the visit formed a central pillar of bilateral engagement. In recent years, Uzbekistan and the United States have steadily restored institutional mechanisms of strategic partnership and expanded practical cooperation.

Cooperation with the U.S. Export-Import Bank resumed in 2017 after a 13-year hiatus. Agreements were concluded between Amazon and Uztrade, while science, technology, and economic modernization were identified among priority cooperation areas. In 2018, a $100 mln memorandum on trade financing was signed between Eximbank and Uzbekistan’s National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity. Cooperation with Openbucks supported the development of e-commerce and digital payment infrastructure.

A major milestone was reached in September 2025 during the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, where negotiations between the two presidents resulted in the formation of a portfolio of contracts and prospective projects exceeding $100 bn. The agreements covered aviation, mining and chemicals, energy, finance, and innovation. Specific arrangements included cooperation with Denali Exploration Group on rare earth elements, Re Element Technologies in rare earth metals, Flowserve on modernization of pumping stations, Valmont Industries on water-saving technologies, and Palo Alto Networks in artificial intelligence.

During the Washington visit, President Mirziyoyev held meetings with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Eximbank President John Jovanovic, DFC CEO Ben Black, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Discussions focused on expanding financing for major industrial and infrastructure projects, supporting high-tech equipment exports, launching a bilateral Investment Platform, advancing Uzbekistan’s WTO accession, and strengthening regional trade cooperation under TIFA. The agreement establishing the Investment Platform was formally signed during the visit.

Additional bilateral documents were concluded covering construction of fuel station networks, sprinkler irrigation technologies, extraction and supply of critical minerals, development of poultry clusters, agro-industrial cooperation, financial market development, and investment climate reforms. The economic agenda was identified as one of the key pillars of Uzbek-American strategic partnership, with priority cooperation areas including critical raw materials, petrochemicals, energy, agriculture, and industrial modernization.

Trade and Investment Dynamics

The intensification of bilateral cooperation has already produced tangible economic results. Between 2017 and 2025, trade turnover increased 4.7-fold from $215 mln to $1 bn. Exports grew 9.1-fold to $291.7 mln, while imports rose 3.9-fold to $712.3 mln.

Exports to the United States are dominated by services (81%), including programming, financial, information, and transport services. Petroleum products account for 8.6%, machinery and equipment 3.7%, food products 3.5%, and industrial goods 3.3%.

Imports from the United States are led by machinery and equipment (59%), including aircraft, vehicles, computing equipment, engines, pumps, and industrial installations. Services account for 20.5%, chemicals 9.7%, industrial goods 3.8%, food products 3.2%, and manufactured goods 2.2%.

Investment cooperation has expanded dynamically. U.S. FDI and loans increased nearly 64-fold from $8.6 mln in 2017 to $383.2 mln in 2025, with cumulative inflows exceeding $2.9 bn. As of February 2026, 346 enterprises with U.S. capital operate in Uzbekistan, including 146 joint ventures and 200 wholly foreign-owned firms. Investments are concentrated in manufacturing, mining, construction, services, and agriculture.

Prospects for Deeper Economic Partnership

Recent dynamics indicate a transition from trade expansion toward long-term technological and industrial partnership. While services dominate exports, significant untapped potential remains in agro-processing, textiles, non-ferrous metallurgy, and higher value-added manufacturing.

Given annual U.S. imports of $118 bn in textiles and apparel, $539 bn in food products, and $213 bn in pharmaceuticals, even limited market penetration could significantly expand Uzbek exports and rebalance their structure.

Technology cooperation represents a separate strategic track. The United States accounts for 45% of Uzbekistan’s IT exports, with 448 of 800 exporters supplying digital services to the U.S. market. The next phase may involve joint industrial production in electronics and microelectronics with companies such as NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm, enabling integration into global value chains.

Energy cooperation could support infrastructure modernization and renewable energy deployment, while pharmaceutical localization and joint R&D with companies such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Merck offer additional avenues for technology transfer and investment.

Privatization and PPP initiatives create further opportunities. By 2030, the private sector share in Uzbekistan’s economy is projected to reach 85%, with stakes in 2,000 enterprises planned for sale and $30 bn in PPP projects to be launched. Cooperation with U.S. capital markets, including the NYSE and Nasdaq, may further support the development of Uzbekistan’s financial infrastructure.

Conclusion

President Mirziyoyev’s visit to Washington and participation in the inaugural Peace Council meeting carry both diplomatic and economic significance.

Uzbekistan’s engagement in the Council strengthens its international standing and expands its contribution to addressing global challenges. At the same time, the agreements reached and the expanding portfolio of joint projects elevate Uzbek-American relations to a new stage characterized by deeper institutional cooperation, industrial integration, and long-term strategic trust.

Viktor Abaturov,

Center for Economic Research and Reforms

The evolution of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has attracted particular attention from the international expert community, especially in the context of sustainable development, where Uzbekistan’s accession in 2019 became a catalyst for creating new opportunities for joint progress among Turkic countries.

Originally established on October 3, 2009, as the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States, the organization has undergone significant institutional evolution and was officially renamed the Organization of Turkic States at the 8th Summit in Istanbul on November 12, 2021. This decision reflected not only the deepening interaction among member states but also their shared aspiration to develop a collective approach to contemporary risks and challenges related to the sustainable development of the Turkic world—a role in which Uzbekistan soon assumed a prominent position.

Uzbekistan’s policy within the OTS has been primarily manifested in the economic sphere, where deeper integration has become not only a sign of growing mutual trust but also a practical foundation for jointly ensuring stability and sustainable development.

By 2024, mutual trade among OTS member states exceeded $45 billion, and the combined GDP of the five member states reached $1.9 trillion, demonstrating increasing economic interdependence. According to data from the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with OTS countries grew from $3.34 billion in 2016 to $9.4 billion in 2023, reaching $10 billion by 2024—nearly triple the figure from seven years earlier.

This dynamic growth in economic ties has not only strengthened mutual interest among OTS countries in regional stability but also laid a solid foundation for a new approach to security—one actively promoted by Uzbekistan in its foreign policy.

An analysis of initiatives put forward by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at OTS summits confirms Tashkent’s consistent and systematic approach to strengthening regional security. In place of the traditional military-political dimension, Uzbekistan advocates a model in which security is understood as the outcome of sustainable development, interconnectedness, and long-term, structured cooperation.

This approach is embodied in the following strategic directions, covering key aspects of contemporary security:

First, Uzbekistan was among the first in the region to propose cooperation in responding to systemic threats. During the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020), Tashkent proposed establishing a permanent mechanism for epidemiological surveillance, a coordination group under the OTS Secretariat, and partnership arrangements with the World Health Organization (WHO).

Following the earthquake in Türkiye (March 2023), Tashkent initiated the creation of an OTS platform for practical cooperation on disaster prevention and response, as well as the development of a multilateral agreement on risk reduction and the establishment of a Natural Disaster Monitoring Center in Tashkent.
All these measures aim at early warning, reducing vulnerability, and enhancing collective resilience—key elements of preventive security.

Second, Uzbekistan advances sustainable development through deeper economic interconnectivity.

In transport, Uzbekistan proposed joint use of the multimodal corridor “Tashkent–Karakalpakstan–Aktau–Baku–Tbilisi–Kars–Istanbul,” implementation of a “single window” system and “green corridors” along the Trans-Caspian route, and full digitalization of road transport through the eTIR system. In 2022, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan became the first countries to successfully carry out a transport operation using electronic eTIR carnets.

In food security, Uzbekistan proposed developing a multilateral agreement on supply systems and cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

In the environmental sphere, Tashkent proposed establishing a Turkic environmental protection body headquartered in the Aral Sea region, forming an Environmental Council, and adopting a “Turkic Green Energy Transition” concept.
All these initiatives create an infrastructure-economic foundation for security, reducing dependence on external shocks and strengthening regional autonomy.

Third, Tashkent’s key contribution lies in promoting the institutionalization of the OTS. At the Samarkand Summit (November 2022), Uzbekistan proposed creating dedicated ministerial-level committees on energy, IT, healthcare, and other sectors.

Later, Uzbekistan initiated hosting the headquarters of strategically important OTS bodies in Tashkent, including the Emergency Response Center, the Council of Railway Administrations, the Turkic Investment Bank, the Research Center for Human Capital Development, and the Academy of Space Research.

During Uzbekistan’s OTS Chairmanship (2022–2023), over 100 events were held, and new cooperation platforms were established, including the Organization of Trade Unions of Turkic States and the Institute for Drought Prevention.
These measures enhance joint preparedness and rapid response capabilities to contemporary challenges, strengthen trust among member states, and support sustainable development.

Fourth, alongside deepening cooperation in humanitarian, economic, and legal spheres, Uzbekistan consistently develops avenues of interaction related to coordinating responses to threats to regional stability.

For example, at the Shusha Summit in July 2024, Uzbekistan proposed formulating unified OTS approaches to the Afghan issue in light of the new regional realities. Such initiatives reflect Tashkent’s commitment to consolidating foreign policy positions and developing a coordinated strategy on the most sensitive issues of regional stability.

Thus, Uzbekistan’s initiatives within the OTS form a comprehensive, prevention-oriented model of sustainable development, in which humanitarian, economic, environmental, and political components are viewed as interdependent. Tashkent’s approach not only aligns with current trends in international relations but also creates conditions for strengthening the strategic autonomy of the Turkic world amid global fragmentation.

However, it should be noted that this model is not developed in isolation. On the contrary, it is organically complemented by the OTS’s external openness and its aspiration to integrate into the international architecture of relations through cooperation with key global and regional institutions. This helps avoid duplication, enhances the legitimacy of OTS initiatives, and aligns them with international standards.

In this process, Uzbekistan plays a significant role by consistently promoting synergy between the OTS and multilateral platforms, particularly in epidemiological, environmental, and humanitarian areas.

The OTS maintains especially close cooperation with the United Nations and its specialized agencies. Uzbekistan’s 2021 initiative to establish a Turkic environmental body under UN auspices, headquartered in the Aral Sea region, directly integrates regional efforts into the global environmental agenda.

Proposals for cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (2022) and collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) (2020) further demonstrate the desire to leverage the UN’s expertise and institutional capacity to implement homegrown security mechanisms.

Additionally, Tashkent initiated partnerships with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) in the context of establishing the Natural Disaster Monitoring Center (2023), underscoring the OTS’s commitment to the principles of sustainable development and preventive security enshrined in the UN 2030 Agenda.

Simultaneously, the OTS is expanding its international presence: in 2024, the organization obtained observer status in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), submitted similar applications to the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and strengthened ties with the EU and OSCE through its European office in Budapest. At the Budapest Informal Summit (May 2025)—the first ever organized by an observer country—the Budapest Declaration was adopted, reaffirming the OTS’s commitment to combating terrorism, cyber threats, and organized crime.

This foreign policy orientation is also confirmed by assessments from international analytical circles.

According to an analytical report by the Global Security Research Center at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the OTS demonstrates a unique model of regional cooperation that combines cultural identity with pragmatic measures to reduce vulnerability to transboundary threats. Experts from the “AIR Center” (Azerbaijan) note that for Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, the OTS has become a strategic shield against external threats and a platform for asserting independence.

Thus, the OTS not only strengthens the collective resilience of its member states to external challenges but also creates a space for developing joint approaches to implementing projects aimed at the sustainable development of Turkic countries.

In this regard, Uzbekistan consistently promotes a comprehensive, prevention-oriented model for addressing risks and factors undermining sustainable development, in which traditional threats are complemented by non-traditional challenges—from pandemics and natural disasters to destructive ideologies. Particular emphasis is placed on building trust through humanitarian diplomacy, youth initiatives, cultural rapprochement, and institutional cooperation.

In the context of regional stability, Uzbekistan advocates for unified approaches to the Afghan issue, supports counter-terrorism and anti-organized crime efforts, and initiates mechanisms for collective crisis response.

The adoption of the Charter of Turkic Peace at the 11th OTS Summit in Bishkek, along with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s proposal at the same forum to sign a Treaty on Strategic Partnership, Eternal Friendship, and Brotherhood among Turkic States, became pivotal factors in shaping a long-term architecture of trust and shared responsibility.

Overall, Uzbekistan’s initiatives within the OTS represent a comprehensive strategy aimed at creating an alternative model for ensuring sustainable regional development, grounded in the cultural-historical commonality and economic interconnectedness of Turkic countries.

Alisher Kadyrov,

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.