Minister of Ecology: Moratorium on construction of cement plants may be announced in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan plans to ban the construction of cement plants, Minister of Ecology Aziz Abdukhakimov shared. Out of the 47 existing plants, 23 have suspended operations, he noted. A study of 25 cement producers revealed that 90% of them violate environmental requirements.
Uzbekistan rises in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index
Uzbekistan secured 121st position out of 180 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. The country has risen five positions over the year. Experts from the organization outlined the necessity of “comprehensive reforms” to further fight corruption.
Josep Borrell: “Central Asia is the cornerstone between Europe and Asia”
Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell stated at the Central Asia-EU Global Gateway Investors Forum that more needs to be invested in physical connections between these regions “to overcome past dependencies and find new alternatives for transport, energy and supply chains.”
Hotel for passengers opens at Tashkent International Airport
24-room hotel has opened in the departure terminal of Tashkent International Airport. Each room has an individual boarding invitation system, single bed, coat rack and table. The interior was designed by artist Bobur Ismailov. Photo report prepared by Gazeta.uz.
Construction in Uzbekistan to be turned into “corruption-free sphere”
The president of Uzbekistan has announced measures to make the construction industry “corruption-free.” From July 1, all construction contracts will be digitized, contractors will receive financing through e-invoices only. A project office is being established under the Ministry of Construction.
Head of Senate explains delay in signing law “On Conflict of Interests” into effect
In June 2023, Senate passed the law “On Conflict of Interest”, forwarding it to the president of Uzbekistan. Despite the 30-day window for the president to sign or return the document, a decision is pending. Head of the Senate Tanzila Narbayeva revealed ongoing examination of the law by AP experts.
EBRD approves new five-year strategy for Uzbekistan
EBRD has approved a new five-year strategy for Uzbekistan. Key priorities include supporting decarbonization, water efficiency and renewable energy, private sector development and business climate improvements.
Uzbekistan, China announce “all-weather” strategic partnership
Presidents of Uzbekistan and China signed a joint statement as an outcome of a summit in Beijing that declared an “all-weather” comprehensive strategic partnership.
Tashkent administration reveals plans to build “cable taxi”
Cable taxi line mirroring ground transport may be built in Tashkent, potentially along New Uzbekistan Street. Authorities promise to share project details with the public. Agreement with Beijing North Bartholet Cableway Technology Co., Ltd. was secured by city delegation led by the acting hokim.
Uzbekistan’s gas sales to China drop by half in 2023 compared to 2022
Uzbekistan’s natural gas supplies to China almost halved in 2023, reaching $563.5 million. In December, exports amounted to $54.5 million.
What Uzbekistan traded with foreign countries in 2023
Uzbekistan’s 2023 trade turnover increased by 23.8% to $62.6 billion, yielding a record $13.7 billion trade deficit. Record gold exports reached a third of total volume, while those of textile and manufactured goods declined. Imports surged for food, oil and gas.
Poverty line increases in Uzbekistan
Minimum monthly expenditure basket in Uzbekistan has been raised by 9.3%, from 568,000 to 621,000 soums (from $45.78 to $50.05). This indicator is used to determine the poverty line in the country and considers the inflation rate.
Uzbekistan, EU eager to speed up signing Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
Special representative of the president of Uzbekistan on foreign policy Abdulaziz Kamilov and representative of the European Commission Zivka Petkova expressed interest in promptly signing the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the EU during a meeting in Brussels.
Tashkent khokimiyat claims to be developing measures for environmental improvement
Tashkent khokimiyat asserts its commitment to developing measures for improvement of the city’s environmental situation involving foreign experts. Some clauses might be considered as “robust,” the administration noted, referring to the research-based strategy to be presented to the public soon.
“2024 will be year of efficiency and cost reduction in economy,” says President Mirziyoyev
Uzbekistan embarks on a year of efficiency and cost reduction for managers of the economic complex and all state-owned enterprises in 2024, the president stated. The plan aims for a minimum economic growth of 6% and 20 trillion soums reduction in production costs across major industries.
Uzbekistan plans 15% reduction in deputies within government’s economic sector
President directed a 15% reduction in the number of deputies within the economic sector of Uzbekistan’s government, currently comprising 40 such members, citing a lack of “modern thinking and efficiency in decision-making.” KPIs will be introduced for managers, influencing their salaries.
“We firmly support ‘One China' policy,” MFA of Uzbekistan on Taiwan’s elections
Uzbekistan stands for the “one China” policy and believes in Taiwan being an integral part of the PRC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan states. Vice President Lai Ching-te, who stands for the island’s independence, won the presidential elections in Taiwan last Saturday.
Flash mob for clean air by activists: “We need long-term solutions, not one-off measures”
Activists, bloggers and artists held a flash mob #TozaHavoKerak in the Tashkent city center to draw attention to environmental problems, emphasizing poor air quality. They expect the authorities to take long-term and comprehensive solutions rather than one-off measures, they said. Photos included.
President Mirziyoyev: “If we do not satisfy demand for news and analytics, others will do it for us”
If people’s demand in news and analysis is not satisfied by local sources, this will be done by foreign ones, president of Uzbekistan told the Security Council. “This is impermissible,” he stressed.
In 2024, Karakalpakstan plans to attract investments worth $2.1 billion
Investments worth $2.1 billion are planned to be attracted to Karakalpakstan in 2024. Water conservation technologies will be introduced in six thousand hectares of land. 220 billion soums will be streamlined to citizens' initiatives.
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