Uzbekistan Local Politics - The Times Of Central Asia

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Surveillance Cameras to be Installed in Samarkand Region to Combat Fly-Tipping

The Ministry of Ecology in the Samarkand region is taking measures to combat the problem of the illegal dumping of waste, with the Central Office of Dispatching and Online Monitoring developing a plan to install online surveillance cameras to help prevent fly-tipping. To begin with, 25 cameras will be installed in Samarkand in the most polluted and densely populated areas. Subsequently, it is planned to install 100 cameras throughout the region to ensure comprehensive control over the environmental situation. The surveillance system will be based on the database of the regional Department of Internal Affairs. A list of people and the registration plates of cars that disrespect the environment will be created. Inspectors from the Department of the Ecology will then contact the offenders and draw up appropriate administrative protocols. Such an online surveillance system is already successfully operating in other regions of Uzbekistan, such as Tashkent and its environs, as well as in Namangan, Andijan, Syr Darya and the Surkhandarya regions.

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Uzbekistan to launch an entrepreneurship sustainability rating

As reported by the press service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on its website, Uzbekistan plans to launch a rating of entrepreneurs' sustainability by March 1, 2024, which will constitute a new incentive for entrepreneurial activity in the country. The rating list is planned to have four main categories, which in turn will be based on 23 criteria, including such areas as the duration of activity, level of profitability, payment discipline, participation in providing employment and the level of wages. The list will be compiled on the basis of data from fundamental state services, such as tax, justice and judicial authorities, among others. The aim of the project is to motivate entrepreneurs to join the ranks of disciplined businessmen. Accordingly, benefits of securing a top spot on the list will include: Exemption from all types of tax audits; Value Added Tax will be returned to these entrepreneurs in full amount within 24 hours, and overpayment of other types of taxes in three days; Customs and tax authorities will be able to offset VAT on import and sale of goods; The term of payment for acquired state property or land plots purchased at auction will be extended from three to five years; Annual interest will not be charged on the remaining amount if the initial installment is not less than 15%. The press service also notes in regards to this rating that entrepreneurs will be evaluated not by the tax service, but by an electronic system, which in turn will increase the level of fairness of accrual of subsidies, benefits and preferences. In addition, the rating will give entrepreneurs reliable information about competitors as well as provide warnings about possible risks, dubious transactions and unfair competition. This is expected to reduce the level of "shadow economy", according to the report.

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Uzbekistan Modernizing Defense Industry

The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev on January 11th visited the production cluster of the Defense Industry Agency located in the Tashkent region. At the initiative and under the supervision of Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is reforming and modernizing its armed forces to fully meets modern requirements and guarantee the nation’s independence and sovereignty, the presidential press service stated. For this purpose, in January 2023 the President transferred the Defense Industry Agency to the Ministry of Defense. The Agency has since launched the production of several types of military-technical products, supplied modern equipment to troops, and updated existing models of weapons. An equipment repair plant and the central storage base for automotive equipment of the Ministry of Defense have been transferred to a cluster territory. Enterprises located in the new cluster repair and modernize weapons and military equipment, radars, optical devices, and artillery. During his visit, Mirziyoyev was shown samples of upgraded equipment and weapons, and devices that are part of the “Soldier of the Future” complex, which was developed by specialists to meet global standards. The President also launched an enterprise producing a new range of military hardware. Established in 1992 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, January 14th will mark the 32nd anniversary of the founding of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Twelve months military conscription is compulsory for males at the age of 18, with the option of paying for a shorter service of one month whilst remaining in the reserves until the age of 27. Upon completion of their service, privileges in employment and admission to higher educational institutions are granted. The armed forces constitute an acting personnel of 48,000, with 20,000 in reserve. In the 2024 Military Strength Ranking released by the Global Firepower, Uzbekistan ranked 65th among the 145 countries listed. Elsewhere in Central Asia, Kazakhstan ranked in 58th place, Turkmenistan 83rd, Kyrgyzstan 100th, and Tajikistan 107th. Despite the modernization drive, however, this position marked a decline in Uzbekistan’s ranking, down from 62nd place in the previous year.

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Government to Support Projects of Young Investors and Entrepreneurs

On December 25th, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Khurram Teshabayev took part in a dialogue between the Ministry and young Uzbek investors and entrepreneurs, the Ministry’s official website reported. The event gathered senior officials of the ministry and more than 500 representatives of the younger generation - successful investors and business people from all regions of the country, in online and offline formats. Opening the meeting, Teshabayev emphasized the importance of involving young people in entrepreneurial and investment activities, saying that a number of opportunities have been created in Uzbekistan to realize the potential of young people, including within the framework of the “Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy”. Today, the task of providing comprehensive support to young entrepreneurs and investors has been elevated to the level of state policy, the Deputy Minister said. Youth industrial-entrepreneurial zones with preferential treatment for manufacturers have been created, a fund to support young entrepreneurs has been established, which provides assistance in the implementation of investment projects and entrepreneurial initiatives, covering the production of products and the provision of services, startup projects and scientific research. Young entrepreneurs can receive support both by obtaining an infrastructurally developed territory for organizing production facilities, and in the form of financial assistance for the implementation of projects for the production of import-substituting products that are in high demand in foreign markets. To date, the Fund for Support of Young Entrepreneurs has allocated funds for the implementation of about 700 youth projects, with about 150 of them located in Youth Industrial Zones.

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President Reiterates Resolve to Combat Crime and Corruption

The authorities have taken firm measures to crack down on organized crime in Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said, commenting on a drive to combat corruption and crime in the country. Mirziyoyev made the remarks on December 22nd, at an extended meeting of the National Council on Spirituality and Education. In his speech, President Mirziyoyev said, “We can never remain on the sidelines. Be it criminal gangs calling themselves ‘street gangs,’ corrupt officials, or those who break the law and cause harm to the state and society. Our streets, our neighborhoods, our lives should literally be peaceful and clean, free of crime. In the new Uzbekistan, the law must prevail, and punishment for crimes must be inevitable. And, of course, it will be so.” On December 22nd, Uzbek media reported that the former governor of the Izboskan District in the eastern region of Andijon, Serobiddin Ismoilov, was arrested two days earlier on charges of abuse of power. The reports come days after officials announced the arrest on corruption charges of former Agriculture Minister, Aziz Voitov; former Bekobod District chief, Shuhrat Mirzaev; the deputy governor of the Namangan region, Saidahmad Sultonov; the former governor of the Bukhara district, Khairullo Joraev; and several top Customs Committee officials.

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USAID Launches New Project to Empower Communities in Uzbekistan

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched the Local Governance Activity in Uzbekistan, the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan has stated. Implemented by Chemonics International, the project will work closely with national government counterparts to improve the responsiveness and accountability of local governments, enhance citizen engagement, and promote a more inclusive and equitable decision-making processes. As a significant step towards strengthening collaboration and advancing local governance goals, the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan and USAID signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the project launch ceremony on December 14th. The MOU outlines the framework for collaboration between the two parties, focusing on enhancing the legal and regulatory environment for effective local governance, promoting citizen participation, and strengthening the capacity of local government institutions. “Empowering local communities to participate actively in governance is essential for building a more responsive and accountable government,” said USAID Mission Director in Uzbekistan, David Hoffman. “This activity will work to strengthen the voices of citizens, particularly women, youth, people with disabilities, and minority groups, ensuring that their needs are heard and addressed at a local level.” The Local Governance Activity will identify and address the diverse needs of various stakeholders, including citizens, entrepreneurs, marginalized populations, activists, influencers, media, and other government entities. Through this inclusive approach, the activity will ensure local governance reforms are tailored to the specific needs and realities of Uzbek communities. Additionally, it aims to strengthen collaboration with national counterparts, ensure that the project’s activities are aligned with the Uzbekistan Strategy 2030, and that outcomes are sustainable beyond the project’s lifespan. Through collaboration, innovation, technical expertise, and a focus on user-centered approaches, the Local Governance Activity will work to address the diverse needs of Uzbek communities and contribute to a more inclusive, responsive, and accountable government.