Issue 1721 - 20.11.2024
20.11.2024

President participates in first session of new Uzbek Senate

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the inaugural session of the newly elected Senate of Uzbekistan’s new Senate. 

In his address, the President congratulated the senators on their honorable election and wished them success in their work. He expressed confidence that the senators would dedicate their knowledge, experience, and potential to building a New Uzbekistan, ensuring a peaceful, free, and prosperous life for its people. 

Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted the high professionalism of the fifth convocation of the Senate, which includes representatives from key sectors as well as prominent figures in politics, economics, science, and culture. 

Special emphasis was placed on the fact that every third senator holds an academic degree, while women make up 27% of the Senate, or 16 members. The involvement of women is critical in legislative activities and parliamentary oversight, particularly in matters of family, motherhood, childhood, women’s rights, and resolving social issues. 

The President noted that the recent elections marked the beginning of a new phase in the work of local councils (Kengashes). 

The composition and status of newly elected local council deputies differ significantly from previous ones. Nearly 60% of members were replaced, and over 3,000 citizens have become deputies for the first time. 

Particular attention was given to increasing the proportion of female deputies to 32% and tripling the number of deputies under the age of 30. These changes create essential prerequisites for organizing the Senate’s activities with new approaches and perspectives. 

In his speech, the President stressed the growing global challenges, including bloody conflicts, environmental and technological disasters, climate change, economic crises, terrorism, extremism, and refugee issues. 

In the face of such alarming challenges, only strong will, unity, solidarity, and hard work can ensure peace and progress in the country. 

The President expressed confidence that local council deputies deeply understand these challenges and the immense responsibility they bear. 

He commended the previous Senate for its valuable contributions to advancing the New Uzbekistan agenda, particularly in safeguarding women’s rights and protecting women and children from violence. Over the past five years, the upper house of parliament reviewed 106 reports and sent 1,300 inquiries to executive bodies. 

The international standing of the Senate has also strengthened. During this time, the number of inter-parliamentary friendship groups with foreign countries increased from 26 to 73. 

The Senate hosted major international events, such as the Asian Women’s Forum and the Central Asian Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Forum. The upcoming 150th anniversary assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, to be held in Tashkent next year, is of particular significance. 

It was noted that the Senate has established a positive practice of parliamentary oversight over the implementation of international agreements. 

As a result of constitutional reforms, the Senate’s composition was reduced, and its membership decreased from 100 to 65. 

At the same time, the powers and responsibilities of senators have significantly expanded. The Senate’s role in parliamentary oversight and the formation of several key state bodies has been notably enhanced. 

Previously, senators lacked clear authority to address issues identified during oversight activities or meetings with constituents. With the adoption of the updated Constitution, this issue was resolved by granting the Senate the right to introduce legislative initiatives. 

The President expressed confidence that the newly elected senators would actively participate in these processes. 

He outlined directions and opportunities for the Senate to leverage in its activities. 

The Constitution designates the Senate as the chamber of territorial representation. However, the previous Senate only began taking steps toward dialogue and cooperation with local councils. 

For example, despite local councils having authority to make decisions on over 15 issues, there is still no unified procedure for drafting, coordinating, and approving these decisions. 

It was also noted that systematizing best practices from local councils and implementing them in other regions, along with recognizing exemplary councils, would enhance overall effectiveness. 

According to the Constitution, the Senate hears reports from more than 10 high-ranking officials. However, these reports are often reviewed without in-depth analysis. 

In recent years, large-scale democratic reforms have significantly improved Uzbekistan’s standings in international rankings. 

The country has risen by 8 positions in the Rule of Law Index, 18 in the E-Government Ranking, 49 in Economic Freedom, and 10 in Logistics and Innovation rankings. 

While these achievements are important, it was emphasized that much work remains to be done in these areas. 

Uzbekistan is now advancing major initiatives from respected international platforms. 

Senators must actively communicate these initiatives to the people, as well as to foreign and local experts. Unfortunately, their role in this process has been insufficiently visible thus far. 

The hope was expressed that the new Senate will improve its performance in this regard. 

Comprehensive support for local councils’ activities should become a priority for the Senate. 

Going forward, the chairpersons of regional and Tashkent city councils of people’s deputies will no longer be khokims but deputies elected from among council members. The President noted that this political reform has fulfilled a 30-year dream of the nation. 

This year, 33 powers of the khokims were transferred to the councils, with an additional 17 planned for transfer. For instance, local councils will approve the rates of seven types of local fees, such as surcharges on drinking water tariffs and rental rates for state-owned properties and markets. 

New mechanisms, such as council inquiries and inspections, will strengthen oversight of the activities of local executive bodies. 

It was proposed to introduce semi-annual press conferences where local councils report on their work, enhancing transparency and accountability.

All these measures underscore that the process of decentralizing public administration and bringing it closer to the people in our country has become irreversible.

It was emphasized that both khokims and kengash chairs must prioritize the interests of their region’s population and work as a unified team.

At the same time, according to the Constitution, khokims are responsible for ensuring strict compliance with legislation at the district, city, and regional levels, as well as for the socio-economic, cultural, and environmental development of their territories.

The Senate, for its part, must actively assist local authorities and kengashes in their joint activities by properly organizing their relationships and supporting the establishment of these processes.

The President called for preparations for reforms that would eliminate the possibility of khokims leading district and city kengashes.

In line with the updated Constitution, local kengashes recently reviewed and approved territorial development programs presented by khokims upon their appointment.

The public expects deputies to exercise active and proactive oversight of the implementation of tasks outlined in these programs and to carry out deputy and kengash oversight effectively.

Starting in 2025, it is planned to allocate 100% of land taxes, property taxes, and turnover taxes, as well as at least 50% of personal income taxes, to districts and cities. This will enhance the role of local kengashes in these areas.

As a result, in 2025, district and city budgets will increase by 9.4 trillion soums, representing a 47% growth.

These reforms will significantly expand the ability of districts and cities to independently address their problems and will require kengashes to use the newly created opportunities wisely, advancing well-founded initiatives to resolve issues that concern the population.

The Senate, in turn, must systematically analyze the activities of local kengashes in these areas and provide them with support.

Under the updated Constitution, the Senate bears significant responsibility for ensuring that local kengash decisions comply with the law.

Given that these kengashes adopted 34,400 decisions last year alone, the importance of this task is clear.

The Senate must establish an effective system to ensure transparency, legality, and adherence to the rule of law in this sphere.

Senate committees serve as the heart of the upper chamber and its driving force. Over the past five years, each committee conducted an average of 37 oversight and analytical activities to investigate and resolve issues on the ground.

However, it is worth asking whether these oversight activities yield the expected results and whether specific local issues are resolved following their implementation—this question should be of utmost concern to senators.

In this regard, it was emphasized that the time has come to institutionalize the framework for committee hearings at the legislative level.

Our country is implementing major programs to reduce poverty and ensure social protection for the population.

Four years ago, 23% of our population was living below the poverty line. Since then, 3.5 million new jobs have been created, and the poverty rate has decreased to 11%. Over the next three years, it is planned to reduce this figure to 7%.

To combat poverty and provide social protection, 500 billion soums will be allocated from the budget next year.

Additionally, a unified Social Card will be introduced starting next year, covering 65 types of social services and assistance, along with about 50 types of benefits.

Support measures for citizens facing difficult social situations due to loss of income or health will be gradually expanded. A law on "Social Insurance" will be adopted for this purpose.

The range of social services and assistance for people with disabilities will also be expanded to ensure their social adaptation.

Currently, many children with disabilities are educated in conditions of social isolation. To enable their attendance at regular schools, barrier-free conditions and necessary resources will be created, and special educators and psychologists will be involved.

There are cases of pressure and violence against children in our society.

The President emphasized the need for a strict fight against such vices, which are incompatible with our culture. This issue will be personally overseen by the President.

As a result, legal measures have recently been established to guarantee the protection of children’s rights, life, health, honor, and dignity from all forms of violence, both physical and psychological.

The Prosecutor’s Office must strengthen measures to protect the rights, freedoms, and legal interests of victims of violence.

Over the past five years, the Absence of Corruption indicator in Uzbekistan has improved by 23 positions, and in 2023, the country ranked 66th out of 140 countries, showing significant positive results in this area in Central Asia.

An Openness Index has been introduced to assess the transparency of the activities of government bodies and organizations.

However, it was emphasized that there are still unresolved issues in this area.

Although last year corruption-related crimes decreased by 12%, 6,500 people were held accountable for corruption-related actions.

It was noted that parliamentary oversight in the fight against corruption needs to be strengthened, and the participation of society in this process should be increased.

The President urged the Senate to develop specific measures to raise legal awareness and culture among citizens and civil servants, to foster intolerance toward corruption in society, and to instill the concepts of lawfulness, honesty, and conscientious work in the minds of young people.

The system of electing all members of the Supreme Council of Judges by the Senate contributes to ensuring the real independence of the judiciary. However, the constitutional powers of the Senate should not be limited to merely approving candidates. It was emphasized that the Senate should establish a practice of reviewing candidates’ activities and assessing their work, as well as providing conclusions on their candidacies within the committees of the upper chamber.

Furthermore, it was noted that the time has come to establish separate laws that define legal guarantees for ensuring the status of judges and involve the judicial community in the process of allocating funds for the financing of the judicial system

Reported by the Uzbekistan Daily.

Uzbekistan General

20.11.2024

Government of Uzbekistan resigns

On 19 November 2024, the Government of Uzbekistan resigned before the new composition of Parliament.

As a reminder, on 27 October 2024, following parliamentary elections, the composition of the chambers of Parliament was updated.

According to Article 116 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Article 7 of the Law...

On 19 November 2024, the Government of Uzbekistan resigned before the new composition of Parliament.

As a reminder, on 27 October 2024, following parliamentary elections, the composition of the chambers of Parliament was updated.

According to Article 116 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Article 7 of the Law...

20.11.2024

President of Uzbekistan signs law identifying “undesirable” foreign nationals

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a law amending and supplementing the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In recent years, some foreign nationals have made public statements and taken actions aimed at undermining the state’s sovereignty,...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a law amending and supplementing the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In recent years, some foreign nationals have made public statements and taken actions aimed at undermining the state’s sovereignty,...

Finance and Investment

20.11.2024

Uzbekistan economic growth forecasts at 6.0% in 2025, 6.3% by 2027

Uzbekistan's government has released its macroeconomic forecast for 2025, projecting a 6.0% economic growth rate. Growth is expected to reach 6.1% in 2026 and 6.3% in 2027. These figures reflect continued progress across key sectors, supported by targeted reforms and investments, despite global economic challenges and inflationary pressures.

In absolute terms, Uzbekistan’s Gross...

Uzbekistan's government has released its macroeconomic forecast for 2025, projecting a 6.0% economic growth rate. Growth is expected to reach 6.1% in 2026 and 6.3% in 2027. These figures reflect continued progress across key sectors, supported by targeted reforms and investments, despite global economic challenges and inflationary pressures.

In absolute terms, Uzbekistan’s Gross...

20.11.2024

Business activity in Uzbekistan’s regions shows positive trends

Based on data from the Central Bank, the Tax and Customs Committees, and the Republican Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange, experts from the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) conduct a comprehensive monthly analysis of business activity levels across all regions of Uzbekistan.

This holistic approach to research allows for...

Based on data from the Central Bank, the Tax and Customs Committees, and the Republican Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange, experts from the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) conduct a comprehensive monthly analysis of business activity levels across all regions of Uzbekistan.

This holistic approach to research allows for...

20.11.2024

Uzbekistan to boost district and city budgets by 50% in 2025

Starting in 2025, Uzbekistan’s district and city budgets will see a significant increase, with revenues projected to grow by 1.5 times. This boost will result from a new fiscal policy that allocates specific tax revenues to local governments, granting them greater financial autonomy and responsibility.

Under the new framework, 100% of...

Starting in 2025, Uzbekistan’s district and city budgets will see a significant increase, with revenues projected to grow by 1.5 times. This boost will result from a new fiscal policy that allocates specific tax revenues to local governments, granting them greater financial autonomy and responsibility.

Under the new framework, 100% of...

20.11.2024

Uzbekistan’s state debt to rise to $45bn

By the end of 2025, Uzbekistan’s public debt is projected to reach $45.1 bn, according to forecasts from the Uzbek Ministry of Economy and Finance. This state debt will represent 36.7% of the country’s GDP.

External debt is expected to rise from $33.9 bn by the end of 2024 to $39.4 bn in...

By the end of 2025, Uzbekistan’s public debt is projected to reach $45.1 bn, according to forecasts from the Uzbek Ministry of Economy and Finance. This state debt will represent 36.7% of the country’s GDP.

External debt is expected to rise from $33.9 bn by the end of 2024 to $39.4 bn in...

Agriculture

20.11.2024

Uzbekistan to export saffron to India

Groceries Impex CEO Vipin Aggarwal arrived in Jizzakh region to become familiar with the activities of the enterprises of the BMB Holding system. 

The Groceries Impex was founded in 2009. It is a leading company in India in the wholesale trade of saffron and spices.

An entrepreneur from India got acquainted with...

Groceries Impex CEO Vipin Aggarwal arrived in Jizzakh region to become familiar with the activities of the enterprises of the BMB Holding system. 

The Groceries Impex was founded in 2009. It is a leading company in India in the wholesale trade of saffron and spices.

An entrepreneur from India got acquainted with...

20.11.2024

Farmers in Uzbekistan gain modern knowledge in conservation agriculture

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, conducted a training seminar on conservation agriculture practices for farmers in Qamashi district, Kashkadarya region.

This training seminar was organized as part of the implementation of Resolution No. 102 of the Cabinet of Ministers...

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, conducted a training seminar on conservation agriculture practices for farmers in Qamashi district, Kashkadarya region.

This training seminar was organized as part of the implementation of Resolution No. 102 of the Cabinet of Ministers...

Energy Industry

20.11.2024

Electricity production from renewables in Uzbekistan to reach at least 40 percent by 2030

The production of electricity from renewable energy sources in Uzbekistan will amount to at least 40 percent by 2030, the Deputy Energy Minister of Uzbekistan Umid Mamadaminov said during the Ministerial Dialogue on Promoting Energy Transition Based on Renewable Energy Sources in Central Asia, Trend reports.

News ID : 7507

“Uzbekistan is...

The production of electricity from renewable energy sources in Uzbekistan will amount to at least 40 percent by 2030, the Deputy Energy Minister of Uzbekistan Umid Mamadaminov said during the Ministerial Dialogue on Promoting Energy Transition Based on Renewable Energy Sources in Central Asia, Trend reports.

News ID : 7507

“Uzbekistan is...

Communications and Transportation

20.11.2024

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan team up to enhance trade via Aktau Sea port

Uzbekistan is taking steps to expand its export capabilities through the Aktau Sea port on the Caspian Sea, aiming to enhance container transportation and boost trade. Recently, a delegation from Uzbekistan engaged in talks with representatives of Kazakhstan's Aktau Sea Trade Port. The discussions focused on the port's current infrastructure,...

Uzbekistan is taking steps to expand its export capabilities through the Aktau Sea port on the Caspian Sea, aiming to enhance container transportation and boost trade. Recently, a delegation from Uzbekistan engaged in talks with representatives of Kazakhstan's Aktau Sea Trade Port. The discussions focused on the port's current infrastructure,...

20.11.2024

China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project nears final stages, set to transform regional trade and connectivity

Negotiations on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway project are in their final stages, signaling the imminent start of a transformative infrastructure venture that will boost trade and connectivity across the three nations. According to Railway Supply, the project’s completion is poised to reshape regional trade routes and economic ties in Central Asia.

The three countries,...

Negotiations on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway project are in their final stages, signaling the imminent start of a transformative infrastructure venture that will boost trade and connectivity across the three nations. According to Railway Supply, the project’s completion is poised to reshape regional trade routes and economic ties in Central Asia.

The three countries,...

Regional News

20.11.2024

Loan terms in Russia decrease, rates rise

In October, cash loan rates updated historical highs. Against the background of stricter regulation and the deterioration of the situation of borrowers, bankers are forced to reduce both the volume and timing of loan disbursements. The peak of the recession is expected at the beginning of next year: in January,...

In October, cash loan rates updated historical highs. Against the background of stricter regulation and the deterioration of the situation of borrowers, bankers are forced to reduce both the volume and timing of loan disbursements. The peak of the recession is expected at the beginning of next year: in January,...

20.11.2024

Industry in Russia measures scientific depth

More than two thirds of the total funding for research and development in the Russian manufacturing industry (in 2023, the figure was 393 billion rouble, which in constant prices is 3.5 times higher than it was in 2010) is accounted for by only four types of activities: These are the...

More than two thirds of the total funding for research and development in the Russian manufacturing industry (in 2023, the figure was 393 billion rouble, which in constant prices is 3.5 times higher than it was in 2010) is accounted for by only four types of activities: These are the...

20.11.2024

Speech of head of Central Bank in the Russian State Duma reassuress investors, but not for long

The new day brought new unrest to the market, both geopolitical and economic. An hour after the start of trading, the market dropped below 2,700 points again.

The media reported that Vladimir Putin approved the new nuclear doctrine of Russia. Among the highest priorities of which is deterrence from aggression against...

The new day brought new unrest to the market, both geopolitical and economic. An hour after the start of trading, the market dropped below 2,700 points again.

The media reported that Vladimir Putin approved the new nuclear doctrine of Russia. Among the highest priorities of which is deterrence from aggression against...

20.11.2024

Russian containers need investments in foreign infrastructure

Given the growing share of Russia in container turnover with the BRICS+ countries, analysts and market participants see potential in the development of terminal infrastructure abroad. According to Trust Technologies and Delo Group, Russian companies should develop sea terminals in transit countries, as well as create foreign joint ventures to...

Given the growing share of Russia in container turnover with the BRICS+ countries, analysts and market participants see potential in the development of terminal infrastructure abroad. According to Trust Technologies and Delo Group, Russian companies should develop sea terminals in transit countries, as well as create foreign joint ventures to...

20.11.2024

Russia expects decrease in cargo turnover of seaports in 2024 by couple of percent, and resumption of growth in 2025

seaports in 2024 compared to 2023, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Transport Alexander Poshivai told reporters.

"There will be a decrease of a couple of percent (this year). We will find out exactly how much after confirming the results of the year," Poshivai said on the sidelines of the Transport...

seaports in 2024 compared to 2023, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Transport Alexander Poshivai told reporters.

"There will be a decrease of a couple of percent (this year). We will find out exactly how much after confirming the results of the year," Poshivai said on the sidelines of the Transport...

20.11.2024

Fixed Capital Investments in Russia in 2025 remain at high level in economy as whole

The Central Bank believes that fixed capital investments in in Russia in 2025 will remain at a high level in the economy as a whole, despite the expensive loan, said the chairman of the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina during a speech in the State Duma.

"Serious structural shifts are taking...

The Central Bank believes that fixed capital investments in in Russia in 2025 will remain at a high level in the economy as a whole, despite the expensive loan, said the chairman of the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina during a speech in the State Duma.

"Serious structural shifts are taking...

20.11.2024

Trading on Chinese stock exchanges ends with increase in quotations

Trading on Chinese stock exchanges ended today with an increase in quotations. The Shanghai Composite index, reflecting the situation on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, increased by 0.67 percent. compared with the results of the previous trading day, it amounted to 3,346.01 points.

The Shenzhen Component indicator, which is an indicator of...

Trading on Chinese stock exchanges ended today with an increase in quotations. The Shanghai Composite index, reflecting the situation on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, increased by 0.67 percent. compared with the results of the previous trading day, it amounted to 3,346.01 points.

The Shenzhen Component indicator, which is an indicator of...

20.11.2024

Chinese economy continues to recover and improve in November-December

Thanks to the effective implementation of the stimulus package, China's economy is expected to maintain the pace of recovery in November and December, and its condition will continue to improve, Li Chao, an official representative of the State Committee for Development and Reform of the People's Republic of China, said...

Thanks to the effective implementation of the stimulus package, China's economy is expected to maintain the pace of recovery in November and December, and its condition will continue to improve, Li Chao, an official representative of the State Committee for Development and Reform of the People's Republic of China, said...

20.11.2024

China conducts operation to support activity in government bond market

The Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China announced on Monday that it will conduct an operation to support activity in the government bond market.

As explained in the department, this step is aimed at increasing the liquidity of the secondary market of government bonds and improving their yield...

The Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China announced on Monday that it will conduct an operation to support activity in the government bond market.

As explained in the department, this step is aimed at increasing the liquidity of the secondary market of government bonds and improving their yield...