President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his historical address to the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of the country on 22 December 2017 highlighted the most critical and pressing issues of political, economic and democratic development of the nation.
The event was attended by members of the Senate and deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, members of the Cabinet of Ministers, ministries and departments, representatives of diplomatic corps and international organizations accredited in Tashkent.
The address reflected the results of the main activities carried out in 2017, as well as the priority areas of social and economic development of Uzbekistan in 2018.
The concept of the address is based on the Strategy of Actions on five priority areas of development of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021. The results of the implemented activities and priorities on improving the system of the state and public construction, ensuring the rule of law and further reforming the judicial and legal system, developing and liberalizing the economy, ensuring security, interethnic harmony and religious tolerance, as well as in foreign policy are comprehensively outlined in it in five parts.
The address served as a comprehensive annual report of the outcome of the work of the Government of Uzbekistan for 2017 and also a “road-map” on further development of the country.
The following is the text of his Address.
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Distinguished deputies and senators!
Dear compatriots!
Esteemed guests!
Today we are taking part in the most important political event in the life of our country.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the first time delivers Address to the Parliament of the country – the Oliy Majlis.
In many advanced nations of the world there is practice whereby the head of state addresses the national parliament on the most critical and pressing issues of political, social and economic as well as democratic development of the country.
I think such a democratic method of public administration is especially in demand today and is in tune with the extensive reforms undertaken today in Uzbekistan, first of all, the principle of dialogue with the people, and serves to further enhance the effectiveness of our activities.
Along with members of the Senate and deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis today’s meeting is also attended though a video conference by deputies of district, city and regional Councils heads of executive and economic management bodies of all levels.
Let me bring to your attention the Address devoted to the main results of the work carried out in 2017 which marked the beginning of a new stage of our development and the priority directions of the social and economic development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2018 .
To fulfill the tasks envisaged for this year in the Action Strategy for the development of Uzbekistan, full capacities and potential of the state and society were mobilized.
The most crucial step on this path was the implementation of the measures outlined in the State Program “Year of Dialogue with the People and of Human Interests”.
It should be noted that our people widely support the large-scale reforms being carried out in the country. The first effects of these reforms are now replicated in the lives of our citizens, while their social activity and confidence in the future have been growing.
We take every decision related to everyday life of our country on the basis of a direct dialogue with people, taking into account public opinion. The cornerstone of our activities is the principle “Not the people serve government bodies, but the state should serve the people”.
Representatives of state bodies, especially those who occupy executive positions, are not confined to office work in their daily activities; they go out to people and get themselves engaged in practical solutions to the most pressing problems of the population.
In this sense, we can say with full confidence that in the history of Uzbekistan, 2017 was the year of the creation of a new system of direct dialogue with people and effective solution of vital problems of the public.
The People’s Receptions and the Virtual (online) Reception of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which are the basis of this system, have become a unique democratic institution in dealing with citizens’ appeals.
Within a short period of time, more than 1.5 million citizens have sent their appeals to these receptions, many people’s problems accumulated over the years, have been positively solved. It shows that in Uzbekistan people’s democracy taking place not in words but in real life.
Increasing the personal accountability of executives for the prompt rectification of errors and shortcomings has become an important result of the work of this system.
Taking into account the interests of the people, fundamental changes are also being made in the judicial and legal spheres, in the system of the prosecutor’s office and law enforcement bodies, who are the most essential institutions for ensuring social justice.
We have already discussed it in detail at the solemn session on the occasion of 25th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and therefore there is no need to dwell on this issue again.
In the current year, more than 1,100 people living in the country without citizenship of Uzbekistan have received this status. I consider it another confirmation of ensuring human rights and freedoms in our country.
In economic sphere in 2017 we took the first steps to implement effective reforms that meet modern requirements.
Laws, decrees and decisions, well-thought-out programs for organizing our economy on a new basis and its further liberalization, improvement of its legal framework, modernization and diversification of production have been adopted and are being consistently implemented.
Within a short span of time 161 large industrial facilities were commissioned in the country. This will allow us to produce additional products worth 1.5 trillion soums next year.
For example, a combined-cycle plant was put into operation in Tashkent thermal power plant. It will allow production of additional 2.5 billion kilowatts of electric power.
Work is also continuing on the construction of a second combined-cycle plant at Navoi Thermal Power Plant, a hydrometallurgical plant at the Avminza-Amantai gold mines in the Kyzyl Kum.
At present, Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical plant started work on the development of the ‘Yoshlik-1’ and ‘Yoshlik-2’ mines. The construction of such large facilities as ‘Sardoba’, ‘Central Ferghana’ and ‘Tupalang’ reservoirs is being carried out at an accelerated pace. The railway line of Ferghana-Margilan is being electrified.
By launching another large facility, the Kandym gas processing complex, in 2018 more than 67,000 tons of condensate and more than 106,000 tons of sulfur will be produced in addition to 4 billion 100 million cubic meters of natural gas. At Mubarak gas processing plant – one of the locomotives of the economy of Uzbekistan – in the next year, units for purification of an additional 6 billion cubic meters of natural gas from sulfur will be fully operational.
Along with this, in the joint-stock company ‘Uzagrotekhsanoatholding’ production of more than 5 thousand modern tractors, over 1 thousand cotton harvesting machines and more than 2 thousand trailers will be established in 2018.
There are many more such examples to refer to.
Most importantly, in economic policy, such an unacceptable method as “racing” for unrealistic numbers and presenting utopian plans as a reality, was critically revised. Achievement of concrete results and ensuring human interests are defined as the main goal of our reforms.
Thanks to the implemented measures in 2017, the steady economic growth rate was 5.5 percent, the volume of exports increased by 15 percent. The positive balance in foreign trade reached 854 million US dollars.
We started free conversion of our national currency – the soum. Corporate entities and individuals have the opportunity to purchase and sell foreign currency in commercial banks without restrictions. Since the liberalization of the sphere, the volume of foreign currency purchase and sale transactions has grown 1.5 times and amounted to about 1.3 billion US dollars. At the same time, our country’s gold and currency reserves increased by 1.1 billion US dollars.
This year, the country has established 12 free economic and 45 industrial zones, which contributes to the accelerated development of our regions. Work is underway to organize another 50 new industrial zones in the near future.
During the year, the issue of creating new jobs, which is extremely important for us, was constantly at the center of our attention. In 2017, thanks to the construction of new industrial enterprises, the development of small business and private entrepreneurship, the expansion of the service sector, over 336,000 new jobs were created. We have determined for ourselves the provision of employment of the population as a priority task, and therefore we will continue to attach special importance to the growth of these indicators not only in quantitative but also in qualitative terms.
Work is being carried out for implementation of the adopted programs for reforming the social sphere as an extremely important direction of state policy.
It is known that for many years, the housing problem remained the most acute for our population, especially for workers in the public sector and low-income families. For the sake of justice, we must admit that we have not paid much attention to this issue. Taking into account the needs of people, this year we started building affordable houses under upgraded projects on the basis of preferential mortgage loans.
In towns and villages, standard and multistory houses with a total residential area of more than 3.5 million square meters were built. Compared to previous years, the volume of housing construction has increased dramatically; for example, in comparison with 2007 it has grown 20 times, 2010, when the program of standard design housing construction was launched, it has grown 3.5 times, and in relation to 2014 the figure stands at twofold.
It should be emphasized that for the first time over the past 25 years we have begun the construction of multistory houses with all amenities at affordable prices. In 2017, such apartment buildings with an area of more than 800 thousand square meters were built and commissioned ‘turnkey’.
Only in the city of Tashkent 420 thousand square meters of housing was built this year – almost 3 times more than last year.
Taking into account that the issue of providing affordable housing for population still remains relevant, we will continue this work in the New Year on a larger scale.
Because people want to see positive changes in their lives today, not tomorrow or in the distant future. Our hard-working, kind-hearted and generous people have the right to this.
Specific measures have been taken to improve the environmental situation in the Aral Sea region. Under the Ministry of Finance the Development Fund for the Aral Sea Region has been established, to which over 200 billion soums have been allocated.
These funds are helping to improve water supply, living conditions of the residents of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Khorezm region. Along with this, more than 3 thousand kilometers of internal roads have been repaved and reconstructed in these regions.
In the current year, we paid special attention to the construction of new and repair of existing educational institutions. 12 secondary schools have been built, 320 – reconstructed, 152 schools renovated. In addition, 107 pre-school nurseries were built and reconstructed, 195 were renovated.
Given the great importance of educating our children from an early age, we organized the Ministry of Pre-school Education. We need to strengthen the material and technical base of this sphere, including in the next 3-4 years we must build and equip thousands of new kindergartens in all regions of the country, raise the quality of the education and upbringing they receive to a new level.
In accordance with the proposals of many parents, teachers and students as well as general public, we have restored the 11-year school education system.
To fill the need for teachers in Tashkent region, the Chirchik State Pedagogical Institute was established.
Besides, 15 higher educational institutions have opened their correspondence departments, where more than 5 thousand teachers graduated from colleges will be able to get higher education.
Based on innovative and creative approaches, specialized schools for in-depth study of applied sciences named after Muhammad Khorezmi and Mirzo Ulugbek have been introduced to the educational system.
Significant work is also being done to further improve the system of higher education. In particular, the Program for Comprehensive Development of Higher Education System in 2017-2021 was adopted.
With newly organized institutions and branches of higher educational institutions, the number of higher educational institutions reached 81, branches in the regions – 15, branches of foreign universities -7. Besides, the agreements reached on establishing in Almalyk the branch of the Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys, and also in Tashkent – the branch Webster University of the United States.
Based on the needs of the real sector of economy, in some institutions of higher education correspondence and evening departments were opened.
Measures were taken to improve the system of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan and strengthen its material and technical base. The work of a number of research institutes and centers in its composition was restored.
After a long break, elections were held to the Academy of Sciences. A large number of talented scientists, enjoying prestige in the country and abroad, were awarded the high rank of an academician. In turn, we have the right to expect from the Academy of Sciences practical results of promising research and new scientific developments.
All of our consistent work is aimed at achieving one goal – Uzbekistan must become competitive on the world stage in the field of science, intellectual potential, modern cadres and high technologies.
Dear friends!
Speaking about the development of the cultural and humanitarian sphere, first of all, it should be noted that this year 12 important documents related to issues of culture, art and literature, and mass media were adopted.
In order to increase the role and significance of creative unions in the life of the country, to strengthen their material and technical base, the Public Fund “Ilhom” for the Support of Creative Persons of Uzbekistan has been established. Jointly with h cultural and art institutions, large companies and banks “Friends’ Clubs” were also formed.
In addition, in the territory of the National Park an Alley of Writers and new building of the Writers’ Union were established in Tashkent. In Karakalpakstan and other regions creative schools named after outstanding writers and poets were created. Kokand city, Khorezm and Jizzakh regional drama theaters were reconstructed, the Ferghana regional branch of the Uzbek State Institute of Arts and Culture was set up.
When we talk about projects that are important events in our spiritual life, we should especially emphasize that work has started on organizing the activities of such scientific and educational institutions as the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, the international research centers named after Imam Bukhari and Imam Termizi, the Islamic Academy.
Along with this, in the premises of the memorial complexes of our great thinkers, schools have been set up to study Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence, Sufism and other areas.
Undoubtedly, our activity in this direction has a deep scientific and practical basis.
It is known that our land, located at the crossroad of ancient cultures and civilizations, gave birth to thousands of scientists and thinkers, great poets and theologians. Their invaluable heritage, including in the field of applied sciences, religious and philosophical knowledge, is today considered the spiritual heritage of all mankind.
Currently, more than 100 thousand ancient manuscripts are kept in the book collections of Uzbekistan. Unfortunately, these unique books have not been fully studied yet; they are waiting for their researchers and readers.
On the pages of these rare works one can find answers to many problems of our time. In particular, still actual deep thoughts and ideas, which reveal the truly humanistic essence of Islam, call on all people, regardless of their nationality, religion and social status, for good, compassion and harmony.
At the same time, we must frankly admit that being the heirs to such a unique heritage, we have not done enough to study them, acquaint with them our compatriots, especially the younger generation, and also the international community.
We talk a lot about the need to combat religious ignorance and harmful groups through enlightenment. It is the right way, of course. But where we find this enlightenment and knowledge? Isn’t it in the books left to us by our great ancestors?
All our practical actions in this area are aimed at achieving precisely this noble goal and generate great interest and attention not only in our country, but also abroad.
Therefore, it is unacceptable to see the adherents of religious fundamentalism in our society, which possesses with such a priceless spiritual wealth, advanced intellectuals, thousands of enlightened ulema.
Dear participants of the meeting!
In 2017, a great deal of work was done in the field of physical education and sports.
All of us are pleased with the successes of our youth. We have more and more new world and regional champions, and also international grandmasters in chess.
In this year Uzbek athletes achieved high results in various competitions in boxing, judo, taekwondo, weightlifting, freestyle wrestling, sambo etc.
2017 became a bright page in the history of the Uzbek national kurash. During the meeting of the General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia in September in Turkmenistan, it was decided to include this sport in the program of Asian Games. Thus, in the 18th Asian Games to be held in Indonesia in 2018, athletes from different countries will contest also in Uzbek national kurash.
At present, we are working on improving the activities of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan. The preparation for the Olympic Games and other prestigious competitions will be carried out on a new basis fully meeting the world standards.
Today, from this high rostrum, let me express my deep gratitude to all our young athletes, their mentors and coaches for their services in the development of our national sport, and wish them new victories.
Dear compatriots!
Over the past period in the sphere of foreign policy, we have achieved significant results in the development of friendly and mutually beneficial relations with foreign countries, first of all, with neighboring countries.
In 2017, 21 high-level visits took place; meetings were held with leaders and representatives of more than 60 states and international organizations. As a result, more than 400 agreements have been concluded, and trade and investment contracts worth of almost 60 billion US dollars have been signed.
In order to timely implement the adopted documents, 40 “road maps” have been developed, which are carried out jointly with our foreign partners.
We have started to implement the principle “The main priority of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy is Central Asia”. As a result, an absolutely new political atmosphere has been created in our region, relations based on mutual trust and good-neighborliness are being strengthened.
Strategic cooperation with Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan has been established. A number of important documents were signed to further deepen the strategic partnership with Kazakhstan with whom we signed economic agreements for 2 billion US dollars. Cooperation with Tajikistan is also strengthening. Flight connection between Tashkent and Dushanbe was established.
The signing of the Treaty on the State Border with Kyrgyzstan was a serious step in ensuring security and stability in Central Asia.
Important agreements have been concluded on mutually beneficial cooperation with the neighboring Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, practical work has begun on new economic projects.
Effective agreements and agreements were also reached with Russia, China, South Korea, Turkey, United States, European Union countries, Muslim countries.
Uzbekistan at a new level is developing cooperation with such international structures as the United Nations, the Islamic Cooperation Organization, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has been restored, and partnership has been established with the European Investment Bank. The interaction with World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, Asian Bank for Infrastructure Investments acquires a dynamic character.
The positive changes taking place in the country increase interest in Uzbekistan in the international arena, serve to strengthen our status in the world community.
Of course, we can talk for a long time about the work that we carried out during the year. However, we are well aware that all these are only the first steps on the chosen by us difficult, but the only true way.
I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations, economic associations and companies who actively participated in the implementation of the State Program “Year of Dialogue with the People and Human Interests”, to all who contributed to this noble cause.
Dear participants of the meeting!
According to the good tradition that we have in our country, we must now consult on how to name the upcoming new 2018 year.
We thought a lot about this issue. The appeals and letters received from our citizens during the year to the People’s Reception and Virtual Reception Office of the President, state bodies, and judgments made during the meetings held at the local level, we have studied public opinion.
Taking into account all the suggestions and recommendations made, I propose to declare the year 2018 in our country as the Year of Support for active Entrepreneurship, Innovative Ideas and Technologies.
In this connection, I would like to briefly dwell on the notion of active entrepreneurship. This is a direction in the economy, where business activity is organized on the basis of innovative, modern approaches, advanced technologies and management methods.
When we say “active entrepreneurs”, we mean the business people capable of producing competitive products, most importantly – creating new jobs that benefit not only themselves and their family, but the whole society.
Our first priority should be to provide all-round support to entrepreneurs, in particular, to create favorable conditions for the import and introduction of high-tech products and the latest scientific achievements in production.
We also need to create broad opportunities for them to upgrade their skills, internships in leading foreign companies and organizations, and implement mutually beneficial cooperation with them.
Today we are moving to the path of innovative development aimed at radical improvement of all spheres of life of the state and society.
And this is natural. After all, who is winning in this rapidly developing world? Only a state that relies on a new thought, a new idea and an innovation.
Innovation means the future. If we begin today to build our great future, we must do this primarily on the basis of innovative ideas, an innovative approach.
That is why we organized the Ministry of Innovative Development and put before it specific tasks. We hope that this ministry will perform the role of locomotive in the implementation of the most important projects, not only in the economic sphere, but also in the life of our entire society.
In 2018 the focus will be on the development of research and innovation activities, the mobilization of necessary financial resources, the full support of the participation of gifted youth in this process, creative ideas and developments.
- Priority directions for improving the system of state and public construction
Dear people’s representatives!
The need for an effective solution to currently existing problems in the society, the consistent continuation of large-scale reforms requires the creation of an entirely new system in public administration.
I think the time has come for the development and adoption of the Law on Public Service.
At the same time, along with other important issues, it is necessary to envisage creating a system of remuneration and decent social security for civil servants and, at the same time, increasing the responsibility of officials.
In the field of management, first of all, we must introduce specific criteria and procedures for improving the performance of executive bodies, rational use of human and material resources.
Second, it is necessary to clearly define the procedure for implementing the tasks assigned to the executive authorities, the scope of their responsibilities.
Third, it is necessary to reduce the administrative impact on the economy and the widespread use of market mechanisms. In other words, it is required to limit the state’s participation in the creation of business structures, develop appropriate market mechanisms and transfer certain functions of the state to the private sector.
Fourth, it is necessary to improve the methods and techniques that ensure close cooperation between representative and executive bodies, and step-by-step abandon the excessively centralized management.
It is necessary to provide government services directly on the ground, expand financial and other opportunities for local authorities. It is necessary to optimize and simplify the existing procedures, introduce innovative forms of management.
Fifth, it is necessary to reform the civil service institution, introduce effective mechanisms to combat corruption.
Today, life itself requires us to form a professional, mobile and result-oriented system of public service, develop an effective system that opens a broad path for initiative-minded people who think in a new way, devoted to the homeland and the people.
In the implementation of these tasks, Concept of Administrative Reform in the Republic of Uzbekistan should serve as a guideline.
As you know, in order to effectively combat corruption in the country, a special law was adopted.
A state program, which includes measures aimed at achieving specific goals in this sphere, is being consistently implemented.
As a result, for 9 months of this year, the number of crimes related to corruption decreased by 33 percent in comparison with the same period last year.
We should consider such indicators as the first results of our long struggle against corruption and work in this direction even more resolutely.
Dear friends!
I think it appropriate to dwell on the role and significance of the Parliament, deputies and senators in enhancing the effectiveness of the reforms we are implementing.
During the meeting with the members of the Oliy Majlis, which took place on
12 July, it was emphasized that the Parliament of our country should become a true school of democracy, the initiator and decisive force in the implementation of reforms, and we approved a program of practical measures.
What is the benefit to our society from the execution of this program, which of the deputies or senators contributed to the relief of life of our people, the solution of their pressing problems in the spheres of health, ecology, communal services, education and others?
Unfortunately, our people do not see concrete examples of such care in everyday life, in the press or on the television. The call on our deputies and senators to become more active remained only in the paper.
Of the 136 legislative initiatives that were submitted during the year, only 27 were introduced by deputies, and these initiatives mainly concern the introduction of changes and additions to existing laws based on decrees and decisions of the President. Doesn’t this fact alone indicate to the lack of effectiveness in the activities of our Parliament?
Is it necessary to implement only the decrees and resolutions of the President to implement reforms? After all, the Parliament is supposed to develop effective laws aimed at radical improvement of various spheres.
Unfortunately, the activity of our Parliament is mainly limited to hold formal meetings. Why are the problems identified or raised by the electorate not resolved through the adoption of relevant laws or bringing the issue to the attention of the executive branch?
Dear deputies, our people are waiting for you to answer these questions. Gone are the days when there was an opinion, they say, we are elected deputies or senators, now we can live peacefully.
The Parliament of our country was recommended to promote the introduction of a businesslike, constructive, self-critical spirit in the activities of local Councils, the work of the health care system, the sphere of early warning of crime and delinquency.
However, the role of Parliament and deputies in these spheres is not enough.
Today we cannot say that in any region the services rendered to the population by health care institutions meet the requirements of the times.
It would be advisable if the Legislative Chamber paid more attention to solving problems in this area. For example, it would be advisable to set up a separate health committee in the lower chamber of the Oliy Majlis and organize the work of deputies – its members mainly on the ground.
If you look at the reports, you get impression that there are positive changes in the activity of the local councils, but this is expressed only in figures. We do not need numbers, but concrete results.
Only when the situation in the regions improves, the budget is enforced, the crime decreases, new jobs are created in the required quantity, and, most importantly, people’s standard of living is improved, then can the work of local councils be evaluated positively.
Unfortunately, in none of the districts the activities of the Councils of People’s Deputies are organized at the proper level.
The leadership of the Senate should critically, taking into account the opinions of citizens, consider the activities of the upper house in this direction and take necessary measures to radically change the work of the representative bodies.
It is also necessary not to allow to weaken the work on preventing unlawful acts in the regions and increasing the effectiveness of the fight against crime.
There are also a number of mistakes and shortcomings in lawmaking, which is the most important direction of the activity of the Parliament.
It should be recognized that the adoption of laws and by-laws that in most cases do not contribute to the resolution of any specific issues, and sometimes contradict with each other, in practice leads to a multitude of problems.
The question is who needs the ineffective working groups that are being created, as well as the “dead” laws that do not affect law enforcement practice and do not have enforcement mechanisms?
In order to prevent such negative phenomena, we must develop and implement the concept of improving lawmaking and rulemaking.
Henceforth, we will critically review the practice of enacting laws in the framework of implementing various programs.
We must all be well aware that the only source and author of the law must be the people.
From now on, opinions and proposals on each bill will come directly from citizens, local Councils of People’s Deputies.
In the process of adopting laws, we must effectively use the system of wide discussion of draft laws by general public. To organize such a discussion, the leadership of the Oliy Majlis needs to create special forums on the Internet.
For citizens to express their position on important issues related to the life of our state and society, it is advisable to create a special web page “My opinion”.
As the advanced mechanism of democracy, it is proposed to introduce the procedure for introducing collective electronic treatment.
In other words, Oliy Majlis or Councils of People’s Deputies should be legally bound for the mandatory consideration of initiatives put forward by groups of citizens.
Recently we have created the Institute of Legislation Issues and Parliamentary Studies under the Oliy Majlis. It is called to become a kind of scientific center, deeply analyzing the various proposals coming to the Oliy Majlis.
Another important issue is that further strengthening of the role of the chambers of the Oliy Majlis and political parties is necessary in conducting comprehensive study of the state of affairs in all spheres, proposing effective measures and solutions to existing problems.
It is also necessary to get rid of the practice of ‘chasing numbers’. Instead of solving hundreds of problems on paper if you actually solve at least a few problems, then the voters will be satisfied with your work, dear deputies.
Most importantly, our citizens in their everyday life should feel the ongoing transformation; feel that they have their representatives in the system of state power.
Ensuring inter-party competition, creating equal conditions for all political actors are among important conditions for strengthening the role of the Parliament.
As is known, the Environmental Movement of Uzbekistan, organized in 2008, has turned into a real political force over the past period. However, it should be recognized that the inclusion of representatives of the movement in the lower house of parliament on the basis of a predetermined quota does not help to increase their activity and dynamism.
I think that the time has come to create equal conditions for all political forces and stop quoting places in the Legislative Chamber for representatives of the Ecological Movement. The introduction of this change will strengthen the healthy competition in the political arena and will serve to reinforce the Ecological Movement as a separate political force.
In this connection, I would also like to dwell on electoral legislation, which is of great importance in our political life. The 6 laws and a number of by-laws adopted in this sphere, unfortunately, have not yet been harmonized as a single document.
It is necessary to develop and adopt a single Electoral Code that meets international norms and standards.
Also today, we should begin to develop a program of measures to prepare for elections to representative bodies of power, which will be held in 2019. In the program, special attention should be given to organizing this political process in an even more open spirit, which corresponds to best practice.
Dear friends!
The next important issue before us is a radical increase in the quality and expansion of public services in order to create even more favorable conditions for the population.
Therefore, under the Ministry of Justice, we have organized a new structure – the Public Services Agency, which will coordinate and supervise the work on their provision by all government departments.
Henceforth, the centers of public services of this Agency, which will begin to operate under the People’s Receptions, will provide prompt and quality services not only to entrepreneurs, but to all citizens.
The actual issue is still the planning of the activities of government bodies, increasing their effectiveness.
At present there are no specific criteria for objectively assessing the activities of a particular state body. For example, I do not know by what criteria the work of the Ministry of Economy or another department is evaluated.
Therefore, ministries and departments, hokimiyats (local governing bodies) of all levels should outline specific quantitative and qualitative indicators of the expected results of their activities in determining the forecast parameters.
In this connection, it is necessary to review the structure and tasks of state bodies. In order to avoid mistakes in this area, it is necessary to take well thought out decisions and receive a positive conclusion from the Commission on the implementation of the Concept of Administrative Reform.
To ensure the effectiveness of the measures taken, it is extremely important to ensure coordinated work of the executive authorities.
Unfortunately, today lack of a clear delineation of responsibility, the definition of its degree in terms of activities, mechanisms of authority impedes achieving this goal.
In this connection, in the sphere of public administration, it is necessary to introduce a system for taking effective decisions based on their openness and transparency.
It is advisable to revise the principles and mechanisms of interaction between state bodies and the Cabinet of Ministers. Each ministry is obliged to ensure the implementation of state policy in the sphere entrusted to it and be fully responsible for the final result.
It is required that agencies, committees, inspections and centers, which operate in a status equivalent to ministries and directly cooperate with government and parliament, are subordinated to relevant ministries. In view of this, a critical review and optimization of the tasks and structure of the government is necessary.
Such changes will serve reducing more than a hundred bodies of state and economic management, performing almost identical functions.
One of the major shortcomings of our activities is the excessive centralization of the functions and powers of the state.
For example, at present there are 64 types of licenses, 21 of them are issued by the Cabinet of Ministers and 40 are by central departments. The issuance of three types of licenses is done by the regional hokimiyats and only one – by district hokimiyats.
Similar situation is observed in the sphere of processing documents related to licensing procedures.
Only 11 of the 220 permits can be obtained in districts or cities. For the remaining 209 one has to apply to the republican and regional bodies. Is this normal?
For example, to obtain a license to open a private kindergarten in Shavat district, an entrepreneur must overcome a thousand kilometers, travel to Tashkent and wait for months.
The same happens in issue of selection, placement of personnel, allocation of credit and financial resources, approval of many important decisions at the local level.
How can you understand that local authorities do not have the authority even to solve simple matters?
All this has a negative impact on the independent work of the structures in solving urgent social and economic problems on the ground.
It is necessary to abandon the excessive centralization of public administration and transfer many powers of central bodies to territorial bodies.
Taking into account all these circumstances, the position of deputies of regional, city and regional hokims (governors) for attracting investments was introduced. In addition, a resolution was adopted on further increasing the responsibility of tax, financial and economic bodies for the formation of local budgets, the creation of additional reserves. The powers of local authorities in reforming the budgetary system have been expanded.
Now the heads of the regional, city and regional hokimiyats should take advantage of the opportunities provided and take responsibility for solving urgent problems on the ground.
One of the urgent tasks in the near future is complete transfer of authority to the hokims of districts and cities in the selection and placement of personnel responsible for the social and economic development of territories.
From now on, the appointment and discharge of the heads of local departments of public health, public education, economy, finance, tax inspection and other structures will be carried out by the district hokim.
Similar powers of regional and Tashkent city hokimiyats will also be revised.
Along with giving such wide powers and independence to local leaders, we must also radically increase their responsibility for the end result.
Another important task is connected with the division of powers of hokims as leaders of executive and representative government.
In recent years, the role of the Councils of People’s Deputies, the powers of the people’s representatives have been strengthened. The powers of political parties have been gradually expanded in the formation of local government bodies; parliamentary control over executive bodies has been strengthened.
At the same time, it must be admitted that the practice, according to which hokim is simultaneously the leader of both the local Council and the executive body, does not comply with democratic principles.
It is known that hokims report to local Council on important and urgent issues of territorial development. And the Councils, in turn, take appropriate decisions.
Perhaps, it is worth asking: is it possible to consider it normal when the hokim gives an assessment of his own activity?
Today, life itself proves that such a system negatively affects the activity of both khokims and local Councils.
Therefore, at present we are working to resolve this issue at the legislative level.
Our important task should be creating conditions for the implementation of public control through its representatives over the activities of the hokims for the development of the territories, the implementation of the local budget, and the solution of communal issues.
In today’s reality, reporting, openness and responsibility of officials to society are important conditions for the effective functioning of the state apparatus.
From this point of view, in the near future it is necessary to create a single online platform for the implementation of all public procurements and sales of state property. This will reduce budget expenditures, effectively manage state property and save large financial resources.
Dear compatriots!
It should be specially noted that in the reforms aimed at building an open civil society, ensuring the protection of human rights and freedoms, an important role belongs to non-state non-profit organizations.
Currently, there are more than 9,000 NGOs, branches and representative offices of 29 international and foreign non-governmental organizations in the country.
Separate decrees and resolutions have been adopted to improve the activities of such non-governmental non-profit organizations as the Nuroniy Foundation, the Youth Union, the Council of Farmers, Farm and Household Landowners, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Republican Council for Coordinating the Activities of Citizens’ Self-Government Bodies, and their support.
However, despite such measures, the participation of public organizations in systematic study of the population’s problems, their resolution, especially in supporting women in difficult social situations, preventing crime and wrongdoing among young people and women, their employment is not at a proper level. These organizations mainly deal with formal events.
I think that the relevant conclusions will be drawn from today’s criticism, and NGOs will step up their work.
In order to organize effective cooperation with non-governmental non-profit organizations, I consider it practical to create an Advisory Council under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Development of Civil Society.
I want to dwell on one more urgent problem in this area. So far, no specific legal mechanism has been created to implement public control over the activities of state bodies.
This, in turn, hinders the objective assessment by non-state non-profit organizations of the performance by state bodies and officials.
Based on this, in order to introduce effective and practical mechanisms for implementing public control in public and public administration, I propose to accelerate the adoption of the Law on Public Control and create public councils with all state bodies.
These public councils should ensure the openness of the activities of state bodies and act as a liaison with the population.
The mass media are an important and influential factor in strengthening democratic principles in our society.
In order to form a truly professional and modern journalism we need to focus on financial support of mass media, in particular new non-government information and analytical websites and create a separate state fund to this end.
Today, there are more than 1,500 media outlets in our country. They vary depending on the form of ownership, specialization and forms of broadcasting. Obviously, they all need highly qualified professionals. Unfortunately, there is no basic institution of higher learning that could solve this large-scale task in the country.
In this regard, I believe it is necessary to establish a University of Journalism and Mass Communication.
- II. Priority areas of ensuring rule of law and further reforming the court-judicial system
Dear deputies and senators!
I never become tired of repeating one idea: our prime goal must be to ensure justice in our life.
This year a large-scale work was started to ensure the true independence of the judiciary. In particular, the Supreme Council of Judges was established, in order to further improve the structure of judges, select and appoint candidates for positions of judges.
The Council established effective public control over the selection and appointment of nominees for judges.
We must continue reforms in this area. To this end, I consider it necessary to create a Commission under the Oliy Majlis for the support of independence of the judiciary.
The commission must consider appeals received from people, summarize the issues raised during dialogue and communication with people, analyze the situation through parliamentary inquiry and solve problems in coordination with the Supreme Court and the Supreme Council of Judges.
In order to ensure the true independence of the judiciary, first of all, judges should be protected from factors affecting access to justice. It is extremely important to identify cases of interference in the activity of the court, toughen responsibility and ensure that punishment is inevitable.
We will consistently continue to work on the implementation of the Habeas
Corpus Institute and strengthening judicial control over investigation. Therefore it is necessary to transfer to the court the right to obtain permission to search and tap the phone conversations of suspects.
We will pay special attention to the elimination of certain deeds from the category of offences and their liberalization, changing the criminal punishment based on humanistic point of view.
To this end, we need to adopt and implement the Concept of improvement of criminal and criminal-procedural legislation for 2018-2021.
Based on such eternal values of our people as forgiveness and tolerance, we need to revise the terms of bringing to criminal liability.
At the same time we need to establish the Academy of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which will train highly qualified judges.
As it was noted at the meeting on the occasion of the Constitution Day, from now on we will not allow any form of torture, psychological and physical pressure and other forms of inhuman violence against persons arrested and convicted in Uzbekistan.
An officer who commits such acts or any person who fulfills somebody’s malicious “order” will inevitably be brought to liability irrespective of who he or she is.
It is important to further improvement of criminal justice legislation, including establishing additional mechanisms to ensure the rights of prisoners.
Based on critical examination of the system of penal institutions, we intend to adopt a Program of relevant activities for 2018-2022.
In order to prevent the human rights violations, all temporary and pre-trial detention facilities and penal institutions will be equipped with video surveillance equipment.
Starting from 2018 we will be providing traffic police and patrol police with video cameras, which will allow them to tape their conversations, especially with citizens. This system will help prevent cases of bribery and abuse of official duty.
At present, the old disposition of road checkpoints in the regions restrict the freedom of movement and impact the development of trade and economic relations, internal and external tourism.
Today there are over 60 such posts across the country. In order to come from Khorezm to Tashkent one needs to pass 17 checkpoints. And a person travelling from Fergana Valley will have to pass 8 of such checkpoints.
In this regard, it is necessary to remove all road patrol checkpoints in the regions and drastically reduce the number of fixed checkpoints.
Based on tasks on building a democratic state, we need to improve the system of training of lawyers, who need to be well-educated, highly qualified, self-sacrificing professional and meet international standards.
At present annually about 600 students are admitted in law specialty of higher education institutions in Uzbekistan. This is only 1 percent of the total number of admitted students.
Do you think that it is possible to satisfy the ever growing demand of our state and society for lawyers? The answer is definitely “no”.
Along with expanding the educational and methodological base of the Tashkent State Law University, it is important to establish in our country the branches of large
and respectable foreign higher education institutions in this sphere.
It is well known that in recent years certain work has been carried out in our country to develop the school of lawyers. Now we need to take measures to improve the work of lawyers in providing advisory services and legal assistance to entrepreneurs.
We need to create condition for lawyers to expand their activities in particular on the most demanded types of legal advisory services including on registration of entrepreneurship, assistance with state bodies, pre-trial settlement, legal advice on labor issues, increasing the legal awareness.
It is regrettable, that until now the main task of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary has been to punish people in many cases.
In this regard, I would like to emphasize: law enforcement officials should be well aware that our people are tired of being responsible for imagined and fake evidence. Let all law enforcement bodies pay careful attention to this.
The time has passed when it was possible to intervene in all the fields for the sake of one’s own benefits but overlooking the interests of the Homeland and people.
From now one no one should be held liable for fake evidences and slander. We have to create reliable guarantees for unconditional performance of the norms of Constitution and laws.
We must create a system in which a law enforcement agency does not go beyond its competence and duplicate the functions of the others.
For instance, the internal affairs bodies should ensure public order and security and national security service – protect the state from internal and external threats. The prosecutor’s office must oversee the implementation of laws. The main objective of the courts is to establish justice, take a legal, just and fair decision on each case.
To this end we have done extensive work over the past year to radically reform the work of the courts, prosecutors and internal affairs bodies.
The functions of these agencies are clearly defined and their activities are directed to serve the interests of the people.
But it is still too early to say that of adopted laws, decrees and decisions in this regard have been fully implemented.
In spite of the measures taken, the internal affairs bodies have not yet turned into an institution that sincerely takes care of people.
The work of the prosecution authorities to ensure the priority of the rule of law in society is insufficient.
The courts have not yet become a place of justice for all cases.
We can’t say that the activities of all the staff in these agencies are fully mobilized to protect the constitutional rights of citizens.
Therefore, we will consistently continue reforms in this area in the future.
The work of judiciary and the law enforcement agencies will be evaluated only by our people.
The only and most stringent requirement for the courts is to serve the legitimate interests of citizens and protect their rights in any case.
Most importantly, we should not allow a single body to collect all the powers and resources and prevent violation of the principle of checks and balances.
It should be noted that the bodies of the National Security Service have been acting till the present day on the basis of the Regulation approved by the Government 26 years ago.
This Regulation has not been changed for a quarter of a century and all issues have been regarded as a threat to national security and it led to the unjustified expansion of the agency’s powers.
However, the tense situation that is developing in some parts of the world is aggravating migration processes leading to the spread of terrorism and extremism and turning them into one of the global problems.
In these circumstances our national statehood, our independence, peaceful life of our people must be a priority task for us. From this point of view and taking into account the contemporary threats it is time to reform the National Security Service. In this regard, I propose to draft and adopt laws “On Law Enforcement Bodies” and “On National Security Service”. I believe that the adoption of these laws will create solid and reliable guarantees for further strengthening the constitutional rights and freedoms as well as well-being of our citizens.
III. Priority directions of economic development and liberalization
Dear friends!
We all understand that any reform and change cannot be achieved without sustainable economic development.
Last year we began extensive work on in this direction.
However, we still have many tasks to strengthen our national economy and bring our country to the ranks of developed countries.
Today, the number of dynamically developing countries is growing owing to introduction of innovative models of development, advanced ideas, export of know-how and smart technologies.
Unfortunately, the work being done in this direction in our country is not satisfactory.
According to IMF, Uzbekistan ranks 134th in the world ranking on GDP per capita.
However, Uzbekistan is rich in natural resources and possesses with huge economic potential. There are large reserves of natural resources such as gold, silver, copper, uranium, oil, natural gas and coal. In general, all the elements in Mendeleyev’s chemical chart can be found in our country.
Where else can you find it such a fertile soil, sunny comfortable climate of four seasons and unique nature as in our country?
The important thing is to use this priceless treasure wisely and effectively in the interests our people. But we must admit we are lagging behind in this matter.
For example, the volume of gas production in our country in 2017 amounted to 56.5 billion cubic meters. However, the sphere has not been modernized for many years. That’s why the loss is very big – 20-23%.
Of course, all of us should think and worry of wasting much of this wealth.
Economy is based on clear calculations. In our work careful calculation should be given priority.
For example, we need to produce 66 billion cubic meters of gas in 2018. Out of it 17 billion cubic meters will be delivered to “Uzbekenergo” company. It generates 56 billion kilowatt of electricity. Unfortunately, we have outdated transmission lines. As a result, 15-20% of electricity is lost in the network without reaching the consumer.
I give another example: enterprises affiliated to “Uzkimyosanoat” company consume about 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas a year. On this basis mineral fertilizers are produced. Due to untimely collection of funds from farmer entities, “Uzkimyosanoat” company has debts for natural gas of 890 billion soums as of 1 December 2017.
It is clear, that under the market conditions both the supplier and the consumer should fully comply with their contractual obligations to avoid such situations.
A serious problem is the outdated management system, untimely introduction of effective mechanisms to support innovative ideas. In addition, technological backwardness, lack of resource and energy-saving technologies and alternative energy sources also hamper economic development.
Furthermore, serious mistakes made in the definition and implementation of large-scale projects and inefficient use of foreign loans hinder the development of the economy.
For example, according to many experts and specialists, most of the loans taken during 25 years did not yield economic benefits. For example the Ustyurt Gas Chemical Complex built in Karakalpakstan does not provide the expected economic benefits. Some “clever individuals” from the Ministry of Finance used to scream to whole world that this was the best project in the world. But where is the result?
Similar situation can be seen in social programs related to the most acute needs of our people. For example, over the past 10 years more than 618 million US dollars of foreign loans were attracted within the framework of 17 projects to provide drinking water to the population. Had such amount of currency spent for achieving the effective, concrete results in improvement of live standards of our people, today we naturally would have thanked to the leaders of the economic complex who have initiated this work. Unfortunately, this has not happened. Many of the started projects have not been completed.
First of all, we need to create an effective system of attraction of foreign loans and investment, learn how to use each and every penny.
In this context, it is crucial to prepare an innovation program for state renovation, to prepare a new generation of cadres who effectively use innovations and investments and prepare a new class of investors. To do this we need a well-designed national program on technological development of Uzbekistan and modernization of the domestic market.
This program should enable Uzbekistan to faster join the ranks of the world’s developed countries.
Of course we all know that in our country low prices for basic energy resources are not justified from the point of market economy.
For example, the 1 megawatt of electricity in Uzbekistan for population and industrial enterprises costs $25. In Germany the price is $332 for population and $144 for enterprises; in Russia $47 and $51, in India $68 and $87, respectively.
The cost of 1000 cubic meters of natural gas in Uzbekistan is $329, in Sweden – $1552, in Portugal – more than $1132, Italy – $1045, Germany – $785, UK – more than $770. This figure is more than $83 in Russia and $45 in Kazakhstan. It is worth noting that in our country the cost of energy resources and natural gas is several times less than in developed countries. However, due to lack of rational use of resources, there are difficulties with reducing costs, achieving product growth.
In order to increase the efficiency of the use of energy resources, we need to reform the energy system of our country, develop a clear strategy in this direction.
First of all, it is necessary to privatize inefficient and unprofitable enterprises, stop monopoly. It is also important to create a competitive environment in the electricity sector and encourage the use of alternative energy sources. For this, it is necessary to switch to market mechanisms for financing production with the involvement of the private sector.
Taking into account the fact that we declared 2018 as the Year of Support of Active Entrepreneurship, Innovative ideas and Technologies in our country, the focus of our attention will be on the development of active entrepreneurship. The necessary measures will be taken to support this area, remove obstacles to the accelerated and sustainable development of business entities.
Unfortunately, there are still many problems with doing business.
Why the development of entrepreneurship in our country does not meet expectations? Openly speaking, the state bodies are partly responsible for this. Still there are unnecessary procedures, many executives at local levels pursue their own interest.
Speaking of this, we recall the words of a prominent statesman and the politician Winston Churchill. He wrote: “Some regard private enterprise as if it were a predatory tiger to be shot. Others look upon it as a cow that they can milk. Only a handful see it for what it really is – the strong horse that pulls the whole cart”.
I think there is no need to comment his words.
The requirement of a market economy is that access to resources and opportunities must be equal for all, without giving preferences to anyone.
From this point of view, it cannot be fair that imports of products for the needs of the population are concentrated in the hands of some groups and it has become a source of tangible income for them.
Granting privileges to some enterprises, we ourselves limit the environment of free competition and therefore create a negative impact on price stability.
Now we will abandon this practice. Equal conditions will be created for all. Privileges will be granted not to certain enterprises, but to encourage special types of production and services. However, these privileges cannot be used for complete monopolization of the main spheres of economy.
In order to create an equal and fair competitive environment a draft of the Decree “On Measures for Further Effective Provision of Food Security of the Country” was developed and presented to the discussion of general public.
It is known, that the complexity of customs procedures is one of the main obstacles to entrepreneurship.
According to the World Bank report, Uzbekistan ranks 175th among 190 countries in processing export-import documentation. For example, you need 1 hour for customs clearance in Belgium, but in our country it takes whole month.
Imported goods are subject to a separate customs inspection. Why should one cargo be inspected several times on the territory of our country? Who is interested in this? After all, every test requires cost.
In addition, depending on their type, goods cannot be transported out of warehouses without compliance, hygienic or veterinary certificates. Aren’t all customs warehouse equipped with express laboratories? How open and transparent are these processes, why are the concerned agencies not worried about this?
In all developed countries, the customs inspection is carried out on the basis of a hazard warning system. This saves the resources of the government and the time of entrepreneurs. But we have not yet implemented such a system.
Starting next year, we will introduce a warning system for customs clearance for business entities. In other words, depending on how honest entrepreneurs are, they will pass through the “green” and “red” corridors.
In this connection the Cabinet of Ministers is required to prepare within two months period relevant draft Decree and submit it for approval.
At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen counteraction to illegal inspections, unreasonable interference in the activities of private business, radically revise the system of inspections of the activities of business entities. The work of the Republican Council for supervising the work of regulatory bodies does not meet the requirements of the time.
Think about it, the working agency as well as the controlling body conducting the largest number of inspections, is the tax authority itself. It can itself issue a permit for verification and itself conducts the inspection, where is the logic here?
In this connection, I consider it expedient to transfer the issuance of permits for verification to a special electronic information system and mandate for control to the General Prosecutor’s Office.
In connection with declaration of 2018 as “Year of Support of Active Entrepreneurship, Innovative ideas and Technologies” we will halt for two years the inspection of the financial and economic activities of all business.
It is required that, under the leadership of the Prosecutor General, the heads of supervisory bodies meet every month with active business entities, listen to their problems, take measures to identify and eliminate the shortcomings that impede their legitimate activities.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry should not sit idle in providing reliable protection of the rights of entrepreneurs. At the same time, it should not limit itself with discussions of shortcomings committed by state bodies or officials, the Chamber needs to critically discuss offenses, in particular, crimes committed by entrepreneurs. The community of entrepreneurs must ensure goodness among themselves.
Another important issue is the cardinal transformation of the activities of the Center for Coordination and Development of the Securities Market for the further development of the stock market and the stock exchange in our country.
We will continue to work on transferring unused assets of state property to the private sector on the basis of joint partnership.
It is necessary to create a unified procedure for the allocation of land plots, including for entrepreneurs, through electronic and online auctions. To this end, starting in 2018, an system for the sale of state assets through electronic trading platforms will be created.
A strong and stable banking and financial system plays important role in the development of the economy. We cannot completely get rid of the “shadow economy” without increasing the confidence of the population and business entities in the banking system.
In the implementation of tasks to develop the banking system in 2018, the main attention should be paid to ensuring efficient and mutually beneficial cooperation between banks and business entities.
Despite hesitations and “advises” of some “experts” who opposed the reform of the foreign exchange market, we started the process of currency liberalization on the basis of international standards in a short time. But we are well aware that this is only the beginning of reforms in the monetary policy of our country.
Currency policy should fully meet the interests of business and economic development, give a positive impetus to investment activity.
In 2018 we will abandon tough measures in the conduct of tax policy since budgetary sustainability is vital for the smooth functioning of the public system during the reform period.
We need to do a lot to improve the tax system to make our country attractive for investors who intend to implement large investment projects in Uzbekistan. It is necessary to reduce and simplify the tax burden for all categories of businesses, thereby expanding the production and tax base.
The small and medium-size businesses that build facilities for their needs should be given the right to defer a single tax payment within a certain period of time. It is also necessary to encourage small businesses to pay value added tax.
At the same time, it is necessary to move to a policy of stimulating rapidly developing and growing enterprises.
I propose to abandon individual tax exemption and move to the practice of applying them only for certain sectors of the economy.
Most importantly, from the point of view of investors, the tax system should be clear and understandable for a long time. Therefore, it is necessary to apply a carefully thought-out, long-term policy in the tax system.
We need to revise the country’s budget system, ensure that budget revenues and expenditures are open and transparent for our people.
It should be noted that the Senate approved the most important laws concerning the State Budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2018 and the improvement of the tax system.
When signing these laws, I will pay special attention to what extent they reflect the interests of our people, provide for specific measures to create even more favorable conditions for entrepreneurs and investors, as well as the development of the territories. If necessary, I am ready to review these laws in terms of the interests of ordinary people and entrepreneurs.
Do you know what our biggest problem is?
We do not have an elaborate, long-term and unified concept for the development of investment programs.
During each state visit, we conclude agreements worth several billions of dollars to attract foreign investments.
However, the implementation of these agreements is very slow. This is because there is no well-functioning system in this area.
In current investment programs there is no information on any particular project. When developing programs, the Ministry of Economy and local authorities are still chasing after numbers.
In this purpose they include in the program even those projects that do not bring economic benefits, have no prospects and sources of funding, unnecessarily overstate the cost of projects, in short, they are engaged in fraud.
It’s time to get rid of this unpleasant practice. We decided to eliminate these cases and attract investments in the real sector of the economy, introduce a completely new mechanism for project development.
The practice of accepting investment projects developed in a reckless manner and for the sake of diverting the eyes, is completely discontinued. From now on, the concepts of long-term development will be developed. As a first step in this direction, the State Development Programs of the Republic of Uzbekistan have been adopted and a financing fund for these programs was established.
One of our most important tasks in the development of the economy is to mobilize the population’s funds as investments, to strengthen the sense of entrepreneurship in people.
To this end, I propose to open an Investment Portal on the Internet that will provide local and foreign investors with necessary statistical data, provide information on the conditions of doing business.
Based on foreign experience, it is necessary to organize free 24-hour mobile communication services for all investors. It is also necessary to think about creating a system of benefits for foreign investors that encourages them to reinvest, rather than export their capital.
It is important to intensify the work of hokims, government agencies and organizations in attracting investment, cooperating with foreign investors, creating new types of production and increasing employment.
Starting from the next year, the results of the rating will be announced to identify the conditions created on the ground for foreign investors, and the activities of regional executives will be assessed by these standards.
As you know, today our embassies operate in 33 countries of the world. But does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs make full use of its opportunities to promote an increase the investment attractiveness of our country, attract foreign investment? Is the activity of the embassies councilors on trade and economic issues satisfactory?
Unfortunately, the issues of economy and investments have become secondary for our diplomats. They are only concerned with politics. The embassies have a shortage of specialists in economy, finance and investment.
Therefore, it is necessary to introduce a separate system for assessing the knowledge and skills of each employee in the sphere of economy before they start working in embassy.
Dear friends!
It is important to emphasize the remaining vast untapped potential and resources in the foreign economic sphere.
In this regard, we will continue to expand trade-economic relations with Central Asian states and major partners – China, Russia, South Korea, United States, Turkey and European Union member-states.
In the forthcoming year we need to pay special attention to consistent development of reliable transport and transit corridors that will ensure access of Uzbekistan’s foreign trade goods to main world and regional markets.
Today, our main goods are transported via transit routes of Kazakhstan, especially, most of the cargo crosses through the “Saryagash” station, and we hardly can affirm that this route fully meets our demands.
While importing goods to the territory of Uzbekistan through this station, lack of electric locomotives, modern terminals, railway traffic congestion result in long term cargo delays. In its turn, this has a negative impact on economy of our country.
For that reason we should diversify logistic routes, hold practical negotiations with our neighbors in this regard. It is necessary to increase the potential of our country in the field of transport and communication infrastructure within the framework of the “One Belt, One Road” project initiated by China.
We should earnestly consider the possibilities of obtaining preferences in exporting our main goods through the territories of transit states, particularly, Turkmenistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
We also need to encourage the initiatives of foreign and local investors on implementation of concrete logistical projects.
Furthermore, in order to support national carriers and to create additional opportunities for entities of entrepreneurship, we must establish the National Logistics Portal.
In the forthcoming year we will restart negotiations on accession to the World Trade Organization. In order to further encourage export, it is necessary to adjust respective technical regulations system to international standards. One of our core objectives is to deliver quality and certified products to foreign markets under the Uzbek brand.
Today one of perspective sectors, which generate high revenues to national economy, is tourism.
Uzbekistan possess with vast potential in the sphere of tourism. There are more than 7 thousand 300 cultural heritage sites, significant number of them is included to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Using the opportunities of a unique nature of our country, excellent resort zones, we can create new directions of tourism.
We should pay special attention to development of pilgrimage tourism, ecological, educational, ethnographic, gastronomic tourism and other directions of tourism by means of attracting of world brands into the sphere.
We should take into consideration that fostering public private partnerships will expand potential in development of this sphere.
It is necessary to develop and intensify Small Hajj program, which envisages pilgrimage to holy shrines and monuments in the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent.
Along with this, it is essential to unveil wide opportunities in the sphere of internal tourism as well.
Deputy Prime-Minister Mr. S.Kholmuradov and Chairperson of the State Committee on Tourism Development Mr. A.Abduhakimov must elaborate and submit respective documents to address these issues within a week.
Dear participants of the meeting!
I would like to draw your attention to the most important tasks in the leading sector of our economy – agriculture. We discussed it in detail during the meeting on the occasion of the Day of workers of agriculture, held on 9 December. Without repeating what was said, I think it is necessary to highlight the following important issues.
It is well-known that today more than 51 percent of the country’s population lives in rural areas. However, agricultural products comprise not more than 17 percent of the GDP. The volume of processing of agricultural products doesn’t even reach 10 percent. The same indicator amongst developed countries accounts for more than 50 percent.
In this connection, we should elaborate a comprehensive program on further reforming agriculture, paying special attention to food security.
It is necessary to pay attention to introduction of strict control against production of genetically modified products.
Indeed, the increasing volumes of imported fruits and vegetables into markets of our country for the past years should warn us.
To break this negative attention we should revive disappearing ancient sorts of products, establish efficient and effective selection work, ensure wide introduction of scientific achievements and innovations in agriculture.
It is known that textile industry of our country has a capacity to process up to 1 million 400 thousand tons of cotton fiber. It fully meets demands of country’s manufacturers of finished products.
However, there is a number of problems in management of cotton processing industry. This, in its turn, results in decreasing profitability of cotton production and processing.
In view of addressing the challenges in this sphere, and further encouraging local producers, a separate Presidential Decree was adopted.
To this day, raw cotton was sold to our textile factories through “Uzpakhtasanoat” joint-stock company. According to the decree, from now on, textile factories have opportunity to purchase raw cotton directly from farmers under direct contracts.
We started a pilot program on production of raw cotton, formation of prices and sales based on market requirements within the framework of establishing cotton-textile clusters in Navoi, Bukhara and Syrdarya regions.
It is an imperative that we apply such best practices across our country in the future.
What concerns the stockbreeding sphere we should create respective favorable conditions in order to increase the number of cattle and poultry, and to ensure quality and productivity.
There is a necessity to establish specialized livestock complexes, high-tech poultry farms, as well as greenhouses in each district in the near future.
At present, we export fruit and vegetable products worth 1.5-2 billion USD. However, in this sphere there is an opportunity to export products worth 10-15 billion US dollars a year.
“UzAgroExport” joint-stock company, commodity exchanges, agro firms and wholesalers should play a greater role in the production and export of products.
Effective realization of agricultural products is a very important issue. To this end, it is necessary to create a single database on the volume and quantity of products grown on farms.
Dear deputies!
I would like to briefly dwell on accelerated economic development of the regions.
In this connection I believe it to be reasonable to expand powers, capabilities and responsibility of local authorities.
In 9 districts of our country no single enterprise with foreign investment was established so far. Direct investments are mainly concentrated in Tashkent city, Tashkent and Samarkand regions as well as the Fergana valley.
In the regions, it is necessary to fully implement projects of modern production and engineering-communication networks in the regions through strengthening of public-private partnerships.
However, it is worth noting that there is not enough work done.
Therefore, we need to develop and implement the Concept on Introduction of Public-Private Partnerships.
One of the major areas of our economy’s untapped directions with huge potential is construction industry.
Reformation and further development of the construction sector will be one of the main objectives for the next year. We should seriously think over formation of a up-to-date constructor organizations and modern generation of constructors.
To this end, the program of innovative development of construction industry till 2030 will be developed.
We will create all the necessary conditions for attraction of qualified specialists from abroad as well as for professional development of local specialists in foreign countries.
Next year, work will continue to further improve the architectural appearance of our cities and villages.
We must not forget: any building, whether it is a kindergarten or a hospital, in addition to performing its immediate functions, externally affects the mood of people. Therefore, we should abandon the old templates and introduce innovative approaches to the design of social facilities, the construction of which is planned in the regions.
Taking into account the needs of the population, especially young families, owners of old houses and citizens of other categories, we must continue in a rapidly manner building affordable and high-quality housing.
Specific plans have been developed to increase the construction of standard and affordable housing by 1.5 times in 2018 as compared to 2017.
Another important issue related to this sphere is that it is necessary to radically review the activities of private homeowner associations. We count on effective and proactive work in this direction of the new Ministry of Housing and Communal Services.
In the next year, projects to provide the population with clean drinking water and sanitation will be implemented in many localities, primarily in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Bukhara, Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya and Syrdarya regions. This will provide about 580 thousand inhabitants of the regions with drinking water supply.
Dear participants of the meeting!
In 2018, in order to build new roads, further develop the transport and logistics infrastructure, improve the quality of services provided, we plan following:
first, restore railways with a length of 180 kilometers and electrify more than 200 kilometers of railways;
second, organize the movement of the Tashkent-Urgench-Khiva high-speed train and the Tashkent-Samarkand-Bukhara-Urgench-Khiva tourist train, to put into operation the Southern Station of Tashkent and the new station of Khiva;
third, electrify the lines of Bukhara-Misken and Karshi-Kitab, and also connect them with Shakhrisabz through a new network of railways;
fourth, speed up the construction of Sergeliy and Yunusabad lines of Tashkent Metro, the elevated metro line along the large ring road of our capital;
fifth, organize large automobile and railway transit hubs by building a modern infrastructure with quality service.
Unfortunately, in recent years, little attention has been paid to introduction of strategic aerospace technologies to the leading sectors of our economy.
In order to develop this field, which is an essential condition and factor of modern development, we need to create our land-based national space infrastructure with production capacity by attracting foreign investors to implement projects based on public-private partnerships.
It is necessary to develop scientific-research institutes involved in this area and to strengthen their capacity.
We need to establish a separate state aerospace agency and address the challenges associated with development of this field.
- Priority directions of development of social sphere
Dear members of parliament!
Dear deputies of regional and district councils!
Based on advanced international experience we must define legal notions of “consumption basket” for determining necessary income required for adequate living standard of citizens, and establish mechanisms for their practical implementation.
In the meantime, practical measures will be taken to gradually increase real incomes of the population, wages, stipends, pensions and social allowances as well.
Despite our recent efforts in the sphere of human health protection, unfortunately, there are still many challenges remaining at local level.
Taking this into consideration, we should adapt to our conditions the concepts of “Smart Medicine” and “Single Medical Information Center” that will provide remote medical prevention, providing for quality and modern medical care for the population of the regions in accessible manner.
It is important to intensify our efforts to attract foreign investors to foster development of private medicine and create conditions for effective employment of foreign specialists in the country.
It is well-known that supplying the population with medicines is one of the topical issues that people face. In order to address this issue in the near future, we will put into operation 2 thousand social pharmacies, which can provide the population with medicines at low prices.
Today it is an imperative to thoroughly analyze services of screening centers, which play an important role in protecting health of mothers and children.
In 2018 we plan to establish inter-district perinatal centers on the basis of 46 district and municipal medical associations. They will be equipped with modern medical equipment, highly qualified personnel.
Moreover, it is planned to establish modern diagnostic laboratories for early detection and prevention of diseases in rural health centers, based on latest medical science achievements.
For full coverage of the population with telecommunications services it is planned to install 2,000 kilometers of fiber optic communication lines in remote areas, an increase in the Internet speed by 2.5 times and the introduction of more than 4,000 mobile communication support stations.
As a result of these measures, more than 600 community areas will have access to the Internet and mobile communication services.
Measures will be developed and implemented to ensure cultural entertainment and meaningful leisure of the population.
In order to improve the system of protection and rational use of cultural heritage objects, the Program for the Support of Archaeological Research and Storage of Archaeological Findings should also be adopted.
We shall ensure unconditional fulfillment of our decisions on the material and moral support of compatriots who work selflessly in the field of science, culture, art and literature. In particular, all measures will be taken to improve their housing conditions, social and medical services, increase the amount of royalties, realize the potential of young talents.
In order to strengthen the material and technical base of physical culture and sports, a specialized school of higher sports skills will be built in the new year in the Olympic and national sports in Nukus, the sports complex ‘Yoshlik’ in Urgench, universal sport complexes in the cities of Tashkent, Andijan, Samarkand, Bukhara, a sport and recreational complex and a multi-purpose indoor swimming pool in Karshi.
Dear friends!
We are determined to elevate to a new level the work on upbringing young generation as harmoniously developed, physically healthy and spiritually strong individuals. Therefore we adopted the new law “On State Youth Policy”. On its basis, we introduce new practical approaches in this sphere.
Today, many young people are studying and working abroad. Of course, there are many of them who found their recognition. But, missing homeland is a strong feeling that accompanies anyone who is away from home.
That is why we need to keep in touch with them, protect their rights and interests, and enhance the work on supporting those who want to return to our country.
To this end, we should establish the International Association of Youth of Uzbekistan and create necessary conditions for its effective functioning.
It is reasonable that young people should be in constant contact with persons of their age abroad in the fields of science, culture, business, sports and others. This creates a great opportunity for them to demonstrate their capacities globally. Therefore, it is planned to hold the Central Asian Youth Forum next year in Samarkand.
One of the most important outcomes of the reforms undertaken throughout this year is undoubtedly complete elimination of child labor and forced labor in our country.
It is noteworthy that such positive changes were recognized by the International Labor Organization and other agencies.
We will continue to focus our attention on deeper teaching of English and other foreign languages as priority. At the same time, we will strengthen our work on training and professional development in those specialties required for us.
Speaking about this, we should recognize the importance of upbringing harmoniously developed individuals who can continue the works of our great forefathers.
Nevertheless, we have no right to forget that the intellectual and cultural potential of our people is our great asset and educate on this basis the gifted and talented youth plays crucial role. Through this approach the developed countries have come to this level of development.
Unfortunately, some scholars in our country who have great scientific potential are going abroad. They work in large foreign companies and banks, prominent universities and international organizations. During my visits to foreign countries, I personally met and talked with dozens of fellow countrymen.
Currently we are creating all necessary conditions to provide consular and other services to our citizens abroad, their easy travel to Homeland and participation in its development. We will further expand these efforts in the future.
In this regard, I propose to develop a concept of public policy in the field of cooperation with our compatriots living and working abroad.
- Priority directions in the sphere of ensuring security, interethnic accord and religious tolerance, and also in foreign policy.
Deputies and senators!
We all know that in the context of globalization economic competition is becoming more intense, information attacks and terrorist threats are growing.
In different parts of the world, in particular in the Middle East, bloody conflicts are continuing. Unfortunately, the numbers of conflict hotspots is going up.
Taking into account such alarming situation in the world we must strengthen peace and stability in our country, intensify our efforts to fight against various security threats.
First of all, we need to further enhance the efficiency of established practice, in particular responsibility of deputy hokims who deal with religious matters.
It is important that leaders of local self-governing bodies, police inspectors, religious workers, public consultants on religious education and spiritual education, youth activists and women’s organizations works closely in this direction.
If we organize our work in such a manner and if we are not indifferent to this matter, and if we all protect our own children, home and local community from such threats, I am sure that we will be successful.
We need to further improve the work on social rehabilitation of citizens who have been misled by the ideas of extremism and return them to a healthy life.
In order to prevent aggressive ideas disseminated through information resources, special units should be established within law enforcement agencies.
Further strengthening in our society the interfaith and civil solidarity we consider as one of the most important tasks.
For this purpose, we we will adopt necessary measures on improving the organizational and legal mechanisms of the work of religious organizations in our country.
Dear participants!
I also wanted to stress that the organizational structure of the defense system of the country, its military-combat situation, the level of morale and spiritual preparedness of soldiers and officers are far behind the requirements of today’s rapidly changing period.
In the meantime, recently concrete steps have been taken to reform the national army, and the radical change of the image of the Armed Forces has started.
The newly-reaffirmed Defense Doctrine plays an important role in increasing the efficiency of the reforms in military. This doctrine defines the principle of openness of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, the development of friendly relations with all countries, first of all, close neighbors. Strengthening our Independence and sovereignty of our state defined as priority tasks.
Taking into consideration the peculiarity of the geo-strategic location of our country, as well as the military-political situation in the region, the tasks and structures of the Armed Forces have been revised. The National Guard has been set up, and complex measures are being taken to provide the army with new weapons and modern military equipment.
The State Committee for Defense Industry was established.
The Academy of Armed Forces has undergone a radical reorganization on the basis of systemic changes in military training.
A great deal of work on social protection of servicemen, their families and veterans is underway.
56 multistory houses are being built for military personnel in 2017. We will expand this work in the future.
At the same time, we are well aware that in the field of defense we have new and important tasks.
First of all, we need to do much more to ensure the effective and timely implementation of the concept of the National Security Concept and the Defense Doctrine.
The most important tasks remain further strengthening the defense capacity of our country, increasing the operational capabilities and potential of Armed Forces.
We need to adopt a State Program to form and develop defense-industrial complex to provide the Armed Forces with modern weapons and military equipment.
In accordance with the Strategy of Action adopted in our country, we consistently pursue the policy of comprehensive development of friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries, first of all neighboring countries, and international structures.
We take the necessary measures to timely and qualitatively implement the agreements concluded by the Republic of Uzbekistan with all foreign states and international organizations and financial institutions.
I would like to take this opportunity to express sincere gratitude to the representatives of international organizations, ambassadors of foreign countries supporting the reforms in our country.
Dear and esteemed compatriots!
Implementation of the plans and projects outlined in my Address will undoubtedly contribute to bring the development of our country to a new and higher level, and also will assist further improving the well-being of our people.
At the same time, we all understand well that we have to create the appropriate legal framework and mechanisms for the full and effective implementation of these priorities.
Therefore, Prime Minister A.Aripov, State Advisers U.Ismoilov, O.Murodov and Secretary of Security Council V.Makhmudov are requested to adopt by 10 January 2018 a plan of action on implementing the priority tasks arising come the Address for further accomplishing by all state and economic management bodies, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, hokims of regions and Tashkent city.
Dear compatriots!
Of course, the year 2018, which will be a crucial stage in implementing the goals and objectives stated in the Address, will not be easy for us. I must say this openly. However, under any conditions we will not abandon our chosen path, we will firmly pursue our goals and overcome difficulties. There no logic to think that someone from outside will come and solve our problems. They can be solved only by ourselves.
All of us should understand one simple truth: today we talk about the fate and future of our people, our Homeland, the happiness and prosperity of our dear children.
We have to mobilize our intellect, knowledge and experience, our love and devotion to our Homeland in order to achieve our noble goals.
I am confident, that if we believe in ourselves, if we do not deceive ourselves, if we work honestly, we can definitely reach our goals for which we are striving for.
My confidence comes from the strong will and creative potential of our noble people, who have gone through many trials first and foremost.
I wish you all strength, energy, health, happiness and prosperity on the path of achieving our goals.
