Page 742 – The Times Of Central Asia

20 Aug 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Local Politics, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Uzbekistan Targets Economic Growth and Poverty Eradication

September 26, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

According to a report newly published by the US Department of State, titled “2024 Investment Climate Statements: Uzbekistan”, the country aims to develop its economy, work towards eliminating poverty and achieve above-average income status by 2030.

The government regards foreign direct investment as key to attaining its goals, and increasing interest has been expressed by American investors. Although challenges remain, Uzbekistan has the potential to become a regional economic leader thanks to its large and growing population, rich natural resources, and developed infrastructure.

Bilaterally landlocked, the economy largely depends on trade with regional neighbors and thus, Uzbekistan cannot provide stable employment for its rapidly growing population of 37 million. State policy aims to ensure social stability and stabilize growth rates by directing public and private investments to areas that will create new jobs and strengthen the country’s economic sovereignty.

The Government of Uzbekistan (GOU) manages investment flows through annual and mid-term investment programs, mainly concerning developments in infrastructure, industrialization, and natural resource projects. The current National Investment Program for 2023-2025 comprises nearly 800 projects worth $55.4 billion. Medium-term targets for 2030 are eradicating poverty and becoming a high-middle-income country.

Foreign ownership and the control of airlines, railways, long-distance telecommunication networks, and other sectors related to national security require special GOU permission. By law, because foreign nationals cannot obtain a license or tax permit for individual entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan, they cannot be self-employed and must be employed by a legally recognized entity.

The law in Uzbekistan states that local companies with at least 15% foreign ownership can qualify as having a foreign investment. The minimum fixed charter-funding requirement for a company with foreign investment is 400 million UZS (USD 1 equals 12,500 UZS as of March 2024). Minimum charter funding requirements can differ for business activities subject to licensing. For example, that for banking activities is 100 billion UZS; for microcredit organizations, 2 billion UZS; for pawnshops, 500 million UZS; for production of ethyl alcohol and alcoholic beverages,10,000; for lotteries, 200 million UZS; and for tourism operators, 400 BCRs; Base Calculation Rates (BCR) (one BCR equals 340,000 UZS or about $27, as of March 2024). Foreign investment in media enterprises is limited to 30%.

The government closely monitors foreign investment in strategic sectors such as mining, energy, transport, banking, and telecommunications. There is no straightforward screening process, and some laws are designed to protect domestic industry and limit foreign competition, such as banning 529 imported goods in 2021. The ban applies when there are at least two domestic suppliers but no restrictions are imposed on US investors.

Uzbekistan has laws to protect entrepreneurs and investors, including “On Competition” and “On Investments.” However, the rules can be complex and sometimes contradictory. In some cases, businesses must comply with government decisions that are unavailable to the public. Foreign investors often seek benefits through Presidential Decrees to avoid such issues, though these can be easily revoked.

The regulatory system reform is still in progress. The government’s “Uzbekistan 2030” development strategy includes a range of reforms to further improve the business environment, suppress unlawful interference by government authorities in the activities of businesses, decentralize and democratize the public administration system, and expand public-private partnerships. Meanwhile, current legislation still contains unclear or incomplete definitions and references, which leave room for misinterpretation. In some cases, private businesses may face difficulties associated with legislation enforcement.

By way of providing guidance, the World Bank’s Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance offers further information on Uzbekistan’s regulatory system.

20 Aug 2024

Education, healthcare, Central Asia, Uzbekistan Environment, Environment, Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Features, Uzbekistan Home, Uzbekistan Life & Culture, Features

UN Launches Projects to Improve Health and Environment in the Aral Sea Region

October 7, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

The UN has launched two new projects to address environmental and health issues in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan. These projects are “Enhancing Climate-Resilient and Safe Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Health Services for the Most Affected Communities in Four Districts of Karakalpakstan,” and the joint project between its development programme (UNDP) and its food and agriculture organization (FAO), “Building Knowledge and Skills of Local Partners and Communities to Address Environmental Insecurities through Innovative Air, Land, and Water Management Solutions in the Aral Sea Region.”

“The launch of these projects marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to address the Aral Sea Region’s profound environmental and health challenges,” said Sabine Machl, the UN’s Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan. “By fostering resilience through innovative solutions in water management, health services, and community empowerment, we are laying the groundwork for a sustainable future in Karakalpakstan.”

The project between the UNDP and FAO aims to increase the knowledge and skills needed by local partners and communities to solve environmental security problems. It also aims to develop practical solutions for managing air, land and water, enabling communities to adapt to and mitigate climate change. In addition, within the project’s framework, special attention will be paid to introducing new approaches to water treatment, forest restoration, and soil stabilization in the region.

These activities have the potential to directly benefit over 376,000 residents of the three northern districts of Moynaq, Kungrad, and Takhtakupir in Karakalpakstan, particularly women in at-risk communities. The indirect impact will extend to 200,000 more people and build on the results of the previous projects.

On 16 August, the UN programme “Laying the Foundations for People-Centered, Climate-Resilient Primary Health Care and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Practices at Healthcare Facilities and Schools” was officially completed.

During his visit to Karakalpakstan on August 19, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the establishment of the Aral Sea Region International Innovation Center to improve the ecosystem and create new varieties and seeds in a saline, water-less environment. $80 million will be allocated to mitigate the consequences of climate change in the Aral Sea region.

The Times of Central Asia has published several articles about the problems arising from the drying up the Aral Sea and the work being done to combat this.

20 Aug 2024

Home, healthcare, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Features, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees, Kyrgyzstan Features

Central Asia Takes Steps to Ward off Mpox after WHO Declares Emergency

August 20, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Central Asian countries have prepared mpox test kits and taken other precautions since the U.N. World Health Organization said last week that the sharp increase in cases of the virus in Africa posed an international health emergency.

Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are among countries in the region that say they have not registered any suspected cases of the virus. They are heeding the advice of WHO, which is appealing for a coordinated international response to prevent its wider spread. The U.N. health agency also declared a global health emergency because of mpox in 2022, and cases were reported around the world before declining.

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Health said on Monday that it has increased sanitary and quarantine measures at airports, railway stations and border crossings, and is focusing on people coming from countries where cases of mpox have been reported.

“Today, sanitary and quarantine points are equipped with thermal imagers and contactless thermometers for the timely detection of people with fever,” the ministry said. It added that WHO had assisted with the delivery to Kyrgyzstan of 3,000 PCR tests for detecting mpox in 2022. Some 500 tests were available as of Monday and efforts are underway to procure more tests, according to the ministry.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are also conducting similar precautionary measures.

Timur Sultangaziyev, Kazakhstan’s deputy health minister, said methods for detecting people infected with the mpox virus are based on the COVID-19 pandemic and treatment guidelines are in place, according to the Kazinform News Agency.

Health officials in Uzbekistan said they are planning for a 21-day medical observation period of anyone who has had contact with a patient sick with mpox. Like other Central Asian countries, they plan to build up their reserve of test kits for the virus. Medical specialists are also being trained in how to handle the disease.

Mpox has been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or DRC, for more than a decade, with cases increasing each year, according to WHO. The number of cases reported so far this year is more than last year’s total, with more than 15,000 cases and at least 500 deaths, according to WHO. Some other African countries have reported a far smaller number of cases.

The DRC outbreak is being driven by two strains – one that mostly affects children, and a new one that “primarily affects adults and is spreading rapidly, sustained largely, but not exclusively, through transmission linked to sexual contact and amplified in networks associated with commercial sex and sex workers,” WHO said.

Mpox symptoms can include fever, skin rash, lesions and chills. Most treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. The disease can spread through close contact with an infected animal or person.

20 Aug 2024

Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan Environment, Local Politics, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Local Politics, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

More Mudflows Flood Homes in Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul Region

October 8, 2024
By Anton Chipegin

Powerful mudslides caused by heavy rains are again causing damage in Kyrgyzstan’s northern Issyk-Kul region. A state of emergency has been declared in three districts.

The mudflows descended in several locations in the south and north of the Issyk-Kul region, flooding highways and mountain passes. In the town of Cholpon-Ata, water from the canal has reportedly flooded the streets. Several resorts and vacation homes have also been flooded, and there are power outages in the region. Eyewitnesses have reported that Lake Issyk-Kul has turned green.

It is known that dozens of people have been evacuated from the flooded areas.

Seven hundred fifty-five rescuers and military personnel are clearing up the damage, but heavy rains are still forecast for the coming days. Other parts of Kyrgyzstan, such as Naryn and Jalal-Abad in the center of the country, are also susceptible to mudflows.

“We urge citizens to be vigilant and observe precautionary measures,” rescuers have appealed to citizens.

20 Aug 2024

Central Asia, International Affairs, Business & Economy

Russia Wants to Ban Migrants’ Families

December 19, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

Russia is considering a bill that could restrict the right of migrant workers to bring their families into the country. The initiative from LDPR deputies, led by Leonid Slutsky, has already sparked active discussions among politicians and society.

The main goal of the proposed law is to reduce the inflow of uncontrolled migration and the ensuing public tension. Particular reference is made to the many migrant families living in Russia who accumulate debts for public utilities and create enclaves where local laws and customs are often ignored. The bill suggests that with the exception of highly qualified specialists, the presence of a work contract or a patent, should no longer be a reason for migrants to move their families to Russia.

This bill is not the only measure aimed at tightening the migration policy in Russia. In 2022, a “controlled stay” system was introduced, strengthening control over migrants on the country’s territory.

In recent years, Russia has also introduced labor migration quotas limiting the number of jobs available to foreign nationals, especially in construction, trade, and other low-skilled sectors. These quotas were further tightened, resulting in fewer migrants entering the country.

Another measure was the introduction of compulsory health insurance for migrants, adding a financial burden to those coming to work in Russia. In addition, strict language and cultural integration requirements have been introduced, including mandatory Russian language training and exams on the country’s history and culture.

Such actions have drawn criticism from human rights activists, who believe that the restrictions could increase social tensions and make life difficult for migrants already living in Russia.

20 Aug 2024

Justice, Tajikistan Justice, Home, Tajikistan Local Politics, Tajikistan, Local Politics, Tajikistan Home

New York NGO Calls on Tajik Authorities to Release Journalist Ahmad Ibrohim

August 20, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

The New York-based press freedom NGO the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Tajik authorities to release journalist Ahmad Ibrohim. Ibrohim is the founder and editor-in-chief of Paiq, the only independent newspaper in Tajikistan’s Khatlon region.

According to Radio Ozodi sources, Ibrohim was detained on August 12. CPJ expressed concern that his arrest underscores the dangers journalists in Tajikistan face.

CPJ’s Program Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia, Gulnoza Said, said Tajik authorities should release Ibrohim and seven other journalists imprisoned for their professional activities, and ensure media freedom.

Officials have not yet provided information about Ibrohim’s detention, and his relatives refuse to comment. However, a source in the security services said that a criminal case had been opened against him under Article 320 of the Criminal Code (bribery), allegedly for attempting to bribe a government official to extend Paiq’s registration.

This is not the first instance of government pressure on Paiq. In 2014, the regional prosecutor’s office stopped the newspaper from operating, citing problems with renewing its registration. Despite this, Ahmad Ibrohim continued to work, remaining one of the few independent journalists in the region.