Uzbek head of state addresses health, economy woes in emotional declaration

09.07.2020

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the beginning of the video conference on 8 July, separately focused on the work being done in our country to combat coronavirus infection.

The head of state noted in particular:

- We are all witnesses today that the coronavirus pandemic, unfortunately, continues. The second wave of the disease, starting in several countries of the world, is causing serious concern.

The current situation shows that any “magic recipes” to counter this infection have not yet been developed.

The international community, the world’s largest research centers, the strongest scientists are working hard to find a cure. And we hope that the studies will soon yield their positive results.

At present, the number of infected people in our country has reached 10,982, and 6,890 have recovered.

The professionalism and courage of medical and sanitary-epidemiological personnel, the dedication of law enforcement officers, as well as strict discipline during the quarantine period make it possible to maintain a relatively stable epidemiological situation in our country.

But this should not be a reason for carelessness, a frivolous attitude to this issue.

In the first week of July, the number of people infected with coronavirus increased by 2167 people. Of these, 1267 (58 percent) cases were identified among the population.

This is the highest quarantine rate. Unfortunately, the number of deaths is increasing. This should be of serious concern to all of us.

From the very day that this virus was discovered in our country, we have talked and continue to say: it will be a very difficult test and a difficult struggle.

Much in this struggle depends on ourselves, our consciousness, patience and perseverance, our determination to act firmly and cohesively, with iron discipline.

But, unfortunately, many among the population do not fully comply with these requirements.

In particular, the number of cases of non-use or improper wearing of a medical mask, violation of sanitary and hygienic rules, a handshake, non-observance of social distance, and family events is unnecessarily increasing every day.

The principle of dividing territories into “green”, “yellow” and “red” zones does not work fully.

To change the situation, we must first of all strengthen public control.

Given the current situation, the Republican Commission, together with the khokims of regions, cities, districts and sector leaders, must take tough measures to contain the pandemic.

With appropriate field visits, the relevant managers should be introduced to monitor strict compliance with the established restrictions and the implementation of quarantine requirements by the population in each region assigned to them.

Of course, we will take appropriate measures to return to the country citizens of Uzbekistan who, for certain reasons, remain in neighboring countries.

Once again, I turn to our compatriots: one should not neglect a dangerous disease that claimed the lives of many thousands of people around the world.

If you notice even the slightest sign of illness, consult a doctor immediately.

Do not self-medicate at home. This can have serious consequences and result in death.

Do not be careless and indifferent to yourself and your family members!

Since the health and life of our people, our families and children is our main wealth, no one has the right to be indifferent to this critical problem and violate the quarantine requirements.

Nobody should forget about it, first of all, all the leaders and responsible persons.

In today’s difficult situation, we are all obligated to live according to the motto: “Our health, our child, our family — we must keep them!”

At the same time, we need to learn how to live and work in a pandemic in order to normalize life, restore the economy, and with iron discipline continue the work begun in this direction, taking all precautions.

The head of state noted that the only way out of a pandemic with a strong economy is to create an enabling environment for small businesses and entrepreneurship.

Despite the difficult situation, the necessary measures are being taken to fully support this area, but the corresponding work on the ground leaves much to be desired, it was noted at the meeting.

As a result of the relaxation of quarantine requirements, enterprises resumed their activities. Nevertheless, it is necessary to revive the activities of 69 thousand entrepreneurs. Local managers are responsible for ensuring the operation of at least 70 percent of enterprises over the course of 9 months, and by the end of the year - of all these entities.

Responsible persons of the republican level were instructed to conduct systematic work with enterprises traveling to the regions with enterprises whose revenue decreased.

As noted at the meeting, entrepreneurs in working conditions in accordance with the quarantine rules are faced with incomprehensible and conflicting requirements from the sanitary and fire authorities. Therefore, based on the appeals and proposals of entrepreneurs, it was entrusted to review the current procedures and clearly explain the procedure for working in the media and social networks.

Of the entrepreneurs registered last year, 23 thousand or 24 percent of the total number are not working today. Responsible managers were instructed to establish a dialogue with them and take measures to resume their activities as soon as possible.

It is indicated that in this case it is necessary to create wider conditions for entrepreneurs, to solve their issues, including those related to electricity, gas, water supply, road infrastructure, and lending.

The task is to develop a completely new system of support for small businesses starting their activities. This includes training entrepreneurs in special courses, company registration, and grants to cover part of the cost of purchasing equipment. It was emphasized that in order to ensure vertical implementation of this system, it is necessary to create regional units of the Agency for the Development of Entrepreneurship, which currently works only at the republican level.

Improving infrastructure, the rational use of land and buildings, the proper organization of management and public transport in 31 medium-sized cities with great potential for the development of services, the creation of numerous and well-paid jobs, will give an impetus to the growth of incomes.

At the meeting, instructions were given regarding the transformation of these cities into service centers, and the development of a program of targeted measures.

As a result of efforts made in recent years to reform the tax system, in 2019, 12 trillion soum remained at the disposal of enterprises. It is expected that in 2020 another 11 trillion soum will remain. Now the State Tax Committee faces a new task - to create a system dubbed Tax Service - Assistant Entrepreneur.

In addition, starting from 1 July, for the first time, a mechanism is introduced for returning part of the value added tax to entrepreneurs. This innovation will allow them to save 700 billion soum in the form of working capital in the third quarter of this year alone.

In this regard, the responsible persons were tasked with bringing to the attention of all entrepreneurs the capabilities of the new system and effectively organizing it in all regions.

In addition, the President pointed out the obstacles remaining in the field in the allocation of land, buildings and structures. The task was to speed up the process of putting them up for public auction and electronic auction.

“People should feel the changes in the sphere, it is necessary to widely cover this issue on television and on social networks,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Another important issue is ensuring the execution of the revenue side of the budget. The head of state gave a number of instructions to increase the effectiveness of measures in this direction.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing work to reduce poverty. The President noted the need for employing representatives of at least 257 thousand low-income families and providing loans to 37 thousand families as part of family entrepreneurship programs.

The sectors with the lowest employment rates for the poor are listed, and penalties have been taken against their leaders.

In particular, it was indicated that Nokirov, the prosecutor of the Yakkabag district, Mustafayev, the heads of the Guzar and Chartak regional departments of internal affairs Rakhmonov and Abduraiimov, the heads of the tax inspections of Mubarek district and the city of Kokand Temirov and Turdikulov would be dismissed from their posts.

The chief administrator of the Shurchi district Khudaibergenov, heads of departments of the interior of Kattakurgan, Kasan and Payaryk districts Otamurodov, Otakulov and Shermukhamedov, heads of tax inspectorates of Narpah, Galyaral districts and the city of Gulistan, Dekhkanov, Mamaev and Rajabov received a severe reprimand.

Reported by the Uzbekistan Daily.