Increasing procurement of agricultural products is today’s most important issue

On April 29, 2020, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a videoconference on the issues of guaranteed provision of food to the population and maintaining price stability during the pandemic

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: our compatriots show true patience and responsibility, kindness and care

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Uzbekistan is taking active steps to develop the construction of energy-efficient housing

Uzbekistan is taking active steps to develop the construction of energy-efficient housing

Climate change and carbon footprint reduction are among the most wide-spread topics of discussion in the world. There are many ways to address these global challenges at different layers raging from individual and state. Improving buildings and houses are some of those ways.

Uzbekistan is taking measures to develop the construction of energy-efficient housing starting from rural areas.

According to the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan dated November 14, 2018, starting from January 1, 2020 housing facilities should be equipped with energy-efficient and energy-saving building materials.

This document stimulated the joint project of the Ministry of Construction of Uzbekistan, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Environment Fund (GEF).

Within it, in 2019 a number of business trainings for bank workers specializing on “green mortgage” were organized in 12 regions of the country. Assistance was provided in the construction of 800 one-story 3-bedroom energy-efficient and low-carbon houses in the Ferghana, Samarkand, Bukhara, Surkhandarya and Khorezm regions.

3 200 people gained access to “green mortgage”.

In 2020, the joint project will continue to work in the construction of energy-efficient and low-carbon rural housing in another 5 regions of the country.

“Dunyo” IA

COVID-19: Foreign partners of Uzbekistan will provide more than 3 billion dollars

COVID-19: Foreign partners of Uzbekistan will provide more than 3 billion dollars

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the decree “On measures to attract external assistance to support the population, budget, basic infrastructure and business entities during the coronavirus epidemic”.

International financial institutions are ready to provide Uzbekistan with long-term loans and grant totaling more than 3 billion dollars. Agreements have already been reached.

A “Roadmap”, enclosed to this resolution, stipulates that 277,5 million dollars will go to strengthening healthcare system, 700 million dollars to business and banking systems support, 1,7 billion dollars and 150 million Euro to state budget support and 300 million dollars to utilities and energy enterprises areas.

Within the healthcare system, the country is planning to upgrade sanitary-epidemiological service, supply technical equipment and training of specialists in accordance with international standards and best practices, create world standard regional sanitary and epidemiological laboratories equipped, improve specialists’ capacity, attract experts with international experience, build modern clinics for the treatment of infectious diseases, especially for children and mothers.

“Dunyo” IA

UN and OSCE in Uzbekistan Representatives Heads got acquainted with newly created conditions for ethnic minorities

UN and OSCE in Uzbekistan Representatives Heads got acquainted with newly created conditions for ethnic minorities

UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan Helena Fraser and OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan John MacGregor joined by the representative of ministries and agencies paid a visit to Altinkul village in Pakhtakor district of Jizzakh region, built within “Prosperous Villages” Program.

This village was built within a few months in the abandoned wasteland. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was personally supervising the implementation of the construction project. Less than in year, this area saw 460 new cottages, consumer services utilities and textile factory that provided 500 new jobs.

Currently, 939 families live in Altinkul. Out of that number 301 families comprising 1 225 people are representatives of gypsy community that live in the village alongside with Uzbeks, Tajiks, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Tatars and others. This new village has become yet another bright example of Uzbekistan’s commitment to human rights and freedom protection of all ethnic groups and nationalities living in the country. It also reiterates commitment to continue reform agenda in improving well-being and quality of life.

During the event, representatives of international organizations and state agencies were shown the video displaying the construction process of this village. It featured scenes of Altinkul’s previous living conditions. Two years ago, the village was steeped with old barracks; no amenities and infrastructure was present here.

UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan Helena Fraser, while sharing her thoughts, noted that the UN puts a great emphasis on the issues of protecting the most vulnerable.

“Individuals with low income is our priority. I am very happy to see positive changes happening in the lives of people within “Prosperous Villages”. It is wonderful to see changes in lives of gipsy community that live alongside with other representatives of other nationalities. I am sure that other regions of the country will also see equal opportunities for people,” said Fraser. 

In this regard, it is worth noting that Altinkul is not the first village built for the most vulnerable communities in Uzbekistan. Two years ago, new houses were built for Tajik living community in “Tong Yulduzi” village in Chinaz district. Similar projects initiated by the head of state in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Andijan region, Manas village in Jizzakh region, Gagarin city in Mirzachul district and other parts of Uzbekistan. Currently, a makhalla neighboring to Almazar is witnessing construction of additional 400 houses specifically built for those vulnerable, persons with disabilities and families that lost breadwinners.

Foreign diplomats were impressed by the factory in Altinkul that became a workplace for women living in the community. Now, they have opportunity to pay their rent for housing. Representatives of international organizations also got acquainted with samples of finished products manufactured at the factory. They praised the working conditions and product quality.

OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan John MacGregor said that Altinkul is one of the examples of wide-scale reforms in the country.

“It is gratifying that the country is paying attention to the interests of small nations and nationalities. Noteworthy that these people feel the difference which makes them believe in themselves; it gives them hope that their children and grandchildren have bright future. Not only they have a house, but also a workplace. The factory we have been to provides 500 jobs for women and girls that is close to European standards. The attention, good living conditions and a job are key factors of a sustainable life. I would like to commend these efforts,” said MacGregor.

It is worth noting that in December 2019 in Geneva at a meeting of the 100th session of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the delegation of Uzbekistan, led by the director of the National Center for Human Rights A. Saidov, presented a report on the implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Foreign diplomats expressed a common opinion on the importance of continuing efforts that reflect priorities of the head of state’s policy as well as tolerance and understanding in Uzbekistan.

“Dunyo” IA

Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis approved government’s proposal on Uzbekistan joining Eurasian Economic Union as an observer

Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis approved government’s proposal on Uzbekistan joining Eurasian Economic Union as an observer

On Tuesday, April 28, Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis (parliament) approved the proposal of the Cabinet of Ministers on Uzbekistan’s participation in Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) on an observer status.

132 out of 150 deputes participated in voting: 86 in favor, 32 against, 14 abstained.

Now, the Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan has to review the issue of cooperation with EAEU.

Back in March, the government of Uzbekistan approved the proposal for cooperation with the EAEU as an observer state and sent it to Parliament for consideration. The decision was made following the study of 16 major sectors of the economy, as well as the streamlining of customs tariffing and foreign trade policy, labor migration, standardization and veterinary medicine, sanitary and phytosanitary inspection and other issues.

Plans of acquisition of an observer status in EAEU was shared by the President of Uzbekistan during his Address to Oliy Majlis. In it, he noted that cooperation with EAEU wouldn’t mean the loss of independence.

The head of state said that “final decision on Uzbekistan’s membership should meet people’s interests” and Parliament is the body to review the proposal.

“Dunyo” IA

Progress in geology reviewed

On April 27, 2020, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting to review the work carried out in geology and upcoming tasks in the sphere

Tashkent Pharma Park pharmaceutical cluster is a territory of international standard quality

Tashkent Pharma Park pharmaceutical cluster is a territory of international standard quality

Within the implementation of Decree of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev “On the creation of an innovative scientific and production pharmaceutical cluster” dated January 28, 2020, an agreement was reached with Economic Development Cooperation Fund of the South Korean Eximbank to finance scientific and educational structures with a long-term loan amounting 136 million dollars.

On April 17, construction of the Tashkent Pharma Park innovative scientific and production pharmaceutical cluster kicked-off in Zangiata district, Tashkent region. It has become the first significant step in combining powers, services, resources and skills in the area.

During the videoconference held on this occasion, President of Uzbekistan got acquainted with the plans and work on project’s implementation comprising innovative and high-quality indicators.

In the near future Tashkent Pharma Park will have an effective infrastructure to produce innovative medicines, medical products equipment, the training of modern personnel and the further development of the scientific potential of the pharmaceutical industry.

To this end, around 80 hectares of land have been allocated in the Zangiata district. Thus, the implementation of 14 investment projects totaling 276 million dollars will lead to the establishment of Central Asia’s only modern pharmaceutical cluster employing more than 1,700 people. The cluster will consist of a technological park (30 hectares) and an industrial zone (49 hectares).

The technological park will house sectors of academic, scientific activity and medicines development. Plans include in particular the creation of Pharmaceutical Technical University.

“The university will train highly qualified personnel based on international educational standards in the field of medicine, medical equipment and technology, cosmetology, industry and business management,” says Aziz Dustmatov, the head of department at the Agency on Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry under the Ministry of Health. “In particular, specialists in the field of biotechnology and microbiology will build capacity in accordance with international and high scientific requirements. Innovative and effective educational programs aimed at improving the system will be implemented with partners from South Korea and the UK. Thus, the necessary conditions will be created for the integration of pharmaceutical education, science and industry.”

Until recent years, a semi-synthetic and synthetic approach has been applied in creation new types of medicines. This method of obtaining biologically active substances, however, is outdated. Over the past 10 years in this way only 4-5 new molecules were obtained which proves its exhaustion. Currently, biotechnological approaches are widely used to develop the medicine as an area. Research centers and laboratories that will be created in the cluster will focus on the search of new medicines and their production.

The new educational institution will lay the foundation for basic and applied research in the field of drug development, medical devices and equipment for the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

“Uzbekistan has extensive experience and practice in the area of medicine production,” says Sardor Koriev, the director of Agency on Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry. “An absence of clinical testing and industrial production of new products, however, hindered the full implementation of scientific research. For instance, there are no vaccine production lines in the country. The creation of the cluster, in particular, as a specialized educational institution and laboratory, will play an important role in training specialists, modern standardization, quality control and medicine production.”

In the industrial zone, capacities will be built for the production of innovative drugs by leading pharmaceutical companies. Production will include drugs against oncological and cardiovascular diseases as well as the development of a novel coronavirus vaccine.

Particularly, 5 investment projects worth 80 million dollars began the production of innovative medicines, medical devices and equipment. Partners include World Medicine (Turkey), Union Korea Pharm (South Korea), Farmak (Ukraine), Ego Zlín and ProSpon (Czech Republic).

“Foreign direct investments are attracted to implement these five investment projects,” says Dilshod Akbarov, head of the department of the Agency on Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry. “Within their framework, the production of medicines, medical devices and equipment used in the treatment of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, oncological, cardiological and endocrinological diseases, as well as products for traumatology, will be launched.”

Notably, foreign investors involved in these projects are among the world leaders in this field. In particular, World Medicine exports its products to 35 countries and has an annual turnover of 500 million euros. The Ukrainian company Farmak produces 262 types of medicines, 9 types of medical products, and supplements for treating diabetes. The company is a leader in the production and export of all types of medicines in Ukraine. The Czech company Ego Zlín is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of personal protective equipment, work clothing, bio-boxes, mobile hospitals and their equipment for medical, natural disasters, emergencies, military targets and various epidemiological situations.

High quality pharmaceutical products will increase the export capacity of Uzbek manufacturers in the global pharmaceutical market.

The Pharmacopoeia Center, which will be created within the cluster, will coordinate injection of internationally recognized quality standards in the activities of local enterprises and establish scientific and practical cooperation with them.

The center will comprise 12 main departments and create new jobs at its first stage for around 400 qualified specialists. In the near 5-7 years, the number will increase to 600-650.

“The State Pharmacopoeia will be introduced at the Pharmacopoeia Center, which will solve many problems in the pharmaceutical industry,” says the Agency on Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry worker Khabibula Djalilov.  “It will also allow domestic pharmaceutical companies to export their products to about 100 countries that have recognized and supported the European Pharmacopoeia.”

In future, foreign clinics and medical centers will be opened here, and the cluster infrastructure will be further developed.

“The Tashkent Pharma Park cluster is one of the largest joint projects of Uzbekistan and South Korea,” shares the Chairman of the Association of Orthopedic Specialists of the Republic of Korea Yoon Taek Rim. “The project, which is being implemented as a zone of high-tech research and production, will unlock markets not only of the CIS countries, but also of other Asian countries. I believe that large-scale projects to protect public health will be implemented within the framework of the new cluster. We are ready to actively support scientific research in this direction.”

The innovative scientific and production pharmaceutical cluster Tashkent Pharma Park is the first and unique scientific town that will lay a solid foundation for the future of the entire industry. This will contribute to the rapid development of the pharmaceutical industry in Uzbekistan by attracting foreign investment and technology, introducing innovative solutions and high technologies based on international experience.

Ulugbek Shonazarov,

Dunyo IA

Uzbekistan allocates more than 3,5 trillion soums to support construction area for the time of pandemic

Uzbekistan allocates more than 3,5 trillion soums to support construction area for the time of pandemic

The leader of Uzbekistan raised the issue of steady removal of quarantine regime in districts, regions and cities that saw positive shift in regards to novel coronavirus outbreak while using all the possible measures to preserve jobs and prevent economic crisis. If resumed back to regular life, businesses and enterprises, nevertheless, will have to adhere to sanitary rules.

Besides, considering construction area being one of the drivers of employment and economic stability as well as high demand from citizens in accessible living, a number of measures have been taken to prevent the downfall of construction area at times of coronavirus.

Particularly, government allocated 3,6 trillion soums (more than 335 million dollars). Additionally, 1,5 trillion soums (147 million dollars) from Anti-Crisis Fund will go on construction of engineering and communications infrastructure. That includes 500 billion soums (around 50 million dollars) on 55 projects in the area of water supply and 1 trillion soums (98,5 million dollars) on 1,547 projects in road construction. Government creates necessary conditions to increase the income of local budgets, including building up resources for road construction and other infrastructure objects.

In the near future, construction objects will be allowed to resume their work with full compliance with quarantine rules.

“In general, the construction sector, whether it is housing or infrastructure related building, is a great reserve for creating new jobs, generating demand and supply in the market, and ultimately ensuring economic growth. If industry local leaders, aware of the responsibility assigned to them, will organize their work correctly, we will emerge from the economic crisis with minimal losses,” said President Mirziyoyev.

Thus, Uzbekistan is taking decisive measures and continuing its work to ensure country’s prosperity.

“Dunyo” IA

Uzbekistan takes practical measures to ensure employment at times of novel coronavirus

Uzbekistan takes practical measures to ensure employment at times of novel coronavirus

On April 22 President of Uzbekistan held a meeting devoted to issues of employment, informs “Dunyo” IA correspondent with the reference to the Press-service of the President of Uzbekistan.

As stated at the event, quarantine measures impacted on the volume of production and services as well as the number of unemployed. Tax revenues in some regions decreased by 30–40%, in a number of districts and cities - by more than 50%.

Government is taking necessary measures to address this challenge. Particularly, a number of families with children who are entitled to benefits and financial assistance has increased. The terms of payments on household loans extended by 3.26 trillion soums. 141.8 thousand citizens provided with employment at the expense of the Employment Promotion Fund and the Public Works Fund.

However, changing environment requires additional measures. Entrepreneurs and farmers should help poor families do household chores in their yards, allocate plots in their lands for re-cultivating crops and promote home-based work. Such entities will be given a deferral or installment plan for taxes or loans.

President of Uzbekistan spoke on possibility of creating 14 thousand new jobs via setting up agricultural cooperatives and home greenhouses. Uzbek leader ordered to cover 110 thousand people with seasonal job; 167 thousand – community job. 52 thousand more jobs could be created by building orchards and vineyards, 785 thousand in silk industry and 75 thousand in construction and infrastructure areas.

Service industry was also on the agenda. 13 thousand catering businesses, 45 thousand in the area of trade, 19 thousand – service, 7 thousand in transportation area either suspended their work or lost profit.

Freelance workers will also be supported. Currently, people are allowed to do 24 types of jobs compared to 85 types in individual enterprises. President ordered to extend the list and introduce registration system for freelance workers.

Nowadays, handcrafting provides jobs to more than 25 thousand people and this number increases to 80 thousand, if mentees are included. During the event, the Shavkat Mirziyoyev ordered to organize remote learning courses on handcrafting for youth and women.

“Hunarmand” Association, Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade are responsible for creating online platform to help sale handcrafting items overseas.

A plethora people in Uzbekistan are providing design, translation, programming, marking, teaching and other services through internet. These specialists are facing challenges in setting up a bank account and receiving payments. Responsible individuals are assigned to encourage young people to find profit via intellectual labor in the internet, provide benefits for them, and introduce popular foreign payment systems.

“Dunyo” IA