Uzbekistan Local Politics - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 13 - 18 of 65

World Bank Helps Uzbekistan With Digital Inclusion Project

The World Bank has given Uzbekistan a soft loan of $50 million to grow its digital economy. The loan will help employ about 9,000 young people -- including 4,500 women and 360 persons with disabilities -- in IT-related services. The funds will also be used to create 11 IT service centers, and train 6,200 people in digital skills, communication and foreign languages. The program, which will run until 2029, foresees the creation of a legislative framework in the IT sphere. The IT sector's contribution to Uzbekistan's GDP remains insignificant -- it was just 1.9% in 2022.

Central Asia Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Local Politics

EU Supports Uzbekistan’s Anti-Corruption Efforts

The European Union, an EU Consortium under the leadership of GIZ (Germany), UNDP Uzbekistan, and the Anti-Corruption Agency of Uzbekistan, have joined forces to bolster Uzbekistan’s anti-corruption efforts. Funded by the European Union, "Improving Governance in Uzbekistan," was officially launched on 19 April, and targeting all 14 of Uzbekistan’s regions, will run until 2026. As reported by the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan, the campaign will be actioned through two closely related projects. The first, “Inclusive corruption prevention,” will be implemented by the EU Consortium under the leadership of GIZ in partnership with Regional Dialogue and the Central Finance and Contracting Agency of Latvia. The budget of 4,550,000 euros is co-funded by the German government. The second, “Strengthening the National Anti-Corruption Ecosystem in Uzbekistan,” costing 2,500,000 euros, will be implemented by UNDP. Operating in tandem, the projects aim to address critical challenges faced by anti-corruption efforts including weak institutionalization and gaps between national and regional levels of their implementation. Ms. Charlotte Adriaen, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, expressed her optimism about the campaign, saying, “This initiative signifies EU’s continued support of the ambitious reform program in Uzbekistan. Supporting efforts in fighting corruption will be essential for ensuring sustainable and equitable development.” Speaking on behalf of Anti-Corruption Agency, director Mr Burkhanov outlined expansive plans to address the issue including the introduction of the Integrity Assessment initiative and ensuring that corruption reforms reach all regions. In addition, the agency is set to introduce digital technologies and artificial intelligence into the anti-corruption system, enhance cooperation of civil society institutions and increase their effectiveness, and introduce a coordinated system for cooperation with donors supporting anti-corruption.

Central Asia Uzbekistan Local Politics Uzbekistan Business & Economy Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbekistan to Raise Energy Prices for First Time in Five Years

Electricity and natural gas tariffs in Uzbekistan will increase from May 1, and social consumption quotas will also be established. The price increase will be the first since August 2019. The quota for electricity use was defined up to 200 kWh per month, for gas -- from March to October -- up to 100 cubic meters, and from November to February, up to 500 cubic meters. The authorities attribute the price increase to inflation, which has cumulatively reached 66% over the past five years. At the same time, most energy companies are suffering severe losses, with state company JSC Thermal Power Plants reporting losses of 1.6 trillion sum ($125 million). The Uzbek government has announced assistance to the vulnerable in the form of raising the official poverty line, pensions and allowances. "About $80 million has been allocated from the state budget to support low-income families. These funds have clear sources and will be allocated in a timely manner and without any delays," Economy and Finance Ministry spokesman Khurshed Mustafayev said.

Central Asia Uzbekistan Local Politics Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbekistan Proposes Ban on E-Cigarettes

Uzbekistan is drafting a law banning the import, sale and production of electronic cigarettes and tobacco heating systems. The bill has been published on the regulation.gov.uz portal and its discussion will last until April 18, The Times of Central Asia has learned. The draft law mentions that over the past seven years, "modern" or "innovative" types of nicotine and tobacco products have appeared in Uzbekistan. The result is a dramatic increase in the number of smokers -- especially among children and young adults. According to an explanatory addendum to the bill, interest in e-cigarettes is skyrocketing among high school students. The number of devices seized from students during raids in schools and public places has increased every year since the government has been keeping track. There were six cases in 2019, 27 in 2020, 31 in 2021, 856 in 2022, and 1,040 in 2023. Among the 18-29 year old population, the use of tobacco heating systems is more than 2.5 times higher than in the 30-69 year old population. Unless action is taken, the bill states that one in five young people will suffer from nicotine addiction in the future. "This law prohibits the circulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems, liquids for them, and electronic cigarettes on the territory of the republic," the bill says. Once passed, Uzbek e-cigarette smokers will face heavy fines and criminal liability for breaking the new law.

Central Asia Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbekistan Strengthens Measures Against Extremism

As part of new urgent measures in Tashkent, authorities searched 45 houses, according to a report by the Main Department of Internal Affairs (MDIA) of the city. The searches were carried out at the houses of citizens who had previously joined extremist radical groups, and suspects were arrested. Over the past three months, 50 criminal cases have been initiated involving religious extremism and terrorism, while administrative reports were drawn up in connection with 188 violations. Legal measures were taken against a total of 264 individuals. In the MDIA report, citizens were asked to refrain from joining various radical groups and not to promote foreign ideas through social networks. Earlier, in order to better ensure the safety of citizens in the capital, the MDIA announced that employees were conducting operations in an enhanced manner in shopping complexes, entertainment venues, markets, and other public places.

Central Asia Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Business & Economy Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbek Enterprises That Employ Returned Labor Migrants to Receive Subsidies

Uzbekistan has adopted a presidential decree entitled, “on the improvement of labor migration processes and additional measures to support persons engaged in temporary work abroad,” according to a report released by the Ministry of Justice. In accordance with the decree, a subsidy of 500,000 Uzbek som ($39.50) per month will be paid to employers for each worker who has returned from labor migration from June 1, 2024 (including federally funded organizations, state enterprises, and legal entities with a state share of 50% or more in the charter capital excluding individuals). Persons who have returned from labor migration are classified as those who have worked abroad for three or more months and returned to their place of residence less than a year ago. According to this decree, the subsidy will be paid out to employers for each person hired from June 1, 2024, to January 1, 2026; the basis for subsidy payment will be an employment contract concluded with a person returning from labor migration and registered in the Unified National Labor System (yagona milliy mehnat tizimi). From June 1, 2024, the following social benefits will also come into effect: - free medical examination of persons returning from labor migration and their family members, and; - the practice of providing free medical care to persons who have returned from labor migration and are suffering from a socially significant disease (as defined by the government). Additionally, starting from June 1, citizens going to work abroad will receive compensation to partially cover their expenses related to passing foreign language or professional qualification exams, formalizing a work visa, and purchasing a ticket.