DECEMBER 4 – THE ELECTIONS OF PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN.. 1
Democratic, Upright, and Fair 1
Biographies of the Candidates for President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.. 2
Biography of the Candidate for President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Nariman Majitovich Umarov. 2
Electoral Programs of the Candidates for President of the Republic of Uzbekista.. 5
DECEMBER 4 – THE ELECTIONS OF PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN
Democratic, Upright, and Fair
A survey conducted by the Center for Public Opinion Survey “Ijtimoiy Fikr ^ has revealed the spirit of the, electorate arid the degree of their awareness of the election season, as well as their attitude towards media in covering the elections.
The survey helped identify high level of the citizens’ support of democratic transformations and reforms conducted during the years of independence in the country aimed at securing the Uzbekistani’s rights to take part in the political processes. Thus, the absolu1te majority of respondents (95%) consider presidential elections to be the mos important event in the socio-political lite of the country, feel the need to participate in the voting and demonstrate high level of awareness about the upcoming presidential ballot.
The survey demonstrates that the forthcoming, presidential elects are of great importance and is a lite-changing event in the life of every citizen. Participation in the elections gives people the opportunity to realize their civic duty and their basic constitutional rights. The Uzbekistanis living in all the regions of the country, both urban and rural residents, representatives of all age and social groups, men and women feel confident that their vote is important for the future of the country.
High level of the citizens electoral activity contributes to realization of the Program of activities on further improvement of the voters’ legal culture, which envisages conducting a broad-scale explanatory works among the electorate on the essence and meaning of national legislation in this area.
More than 89% of respondents in all regions of the country, including those who are going to cast their votes for the first time in their lives are award about the norms of legislation, which states that political parties registered with the Ministry of Justice not later than six months prior to beginning of election campaign, have, the right to nomination of their presidential candidates. They are well-informed about nomination of candidates by the highest bodies of political parties, which may nominate only one candidate or a nonpartisan to presidency of Uzbekistan from among the members of their respective parties. Moreover, 85.2% of respondents know that president of Uzbekistan is elected on the basis of universal, equal and direct suffrage by, secret ballot for a period of five years.
95% of respondents with the right to vote will definitely take part in the upcoming elections of a head of the state on the 4th of December, according to their statements. What does it mean for residents of Uzbekistan to take part in the presidential elections? 41.3% of respondents said that they would vote because it was their civic duty. 31.8% consider that participation in the elections is a manifestation of their responsibility for the future of the Republic. According to 21.3% of respondents voting at the elections is an opportunity to express their opinion and cast their vote for a worthy candidate.
Responding to the question as to what their expectations were with the elections, 41.2% of citizens expressed their confidence in the preservation of peace and security in the country, in the growth in the level and quality of life, and in the development of democracy and civil society.
When asked about qualities, which a presidential, candidate should possess, so that the voters cast their ballot for them, the survey participants named high level of intellect, firmness of character, honesty and integrity. Among priority competencies respondents highlighted strategic government-level thinking and experience in political leadership, high level of professionalism and knowledge of modern management skills, comprehensive education, and adherence to democratic principles, national and universal values.
Ensuring openness and political pluralism in covering the election campaign by mass media is an essential condition for the electoral activity of the population and citizens’ willingness and desire to participate in managing the affairs of the society and the state.
The citizens of Uzbekistan named the National Broadcasting Company of Uzbekistan the main source of information about the election campaign. The absolute majority of respondents, irrespective of their region and place of residence stated that they received information about the forthcoming elections from the programs and broadcasts of the national television, government radio stations and from periodical publications. The vast majority of respondents – 99.4% – follow the events associated with the election campaign.
The results of the study demonstrated high level of public confidence in the electoral system, their confidence that the elections will be held on a truly democratic basis and that they will be honest and fair.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)
Biographies of the Candidates for President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Biography of the Candidate for President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Nariman Majitovich Umarov
Candidate for the post of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan from Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party of Uzbekistan Nariman Umarov was born in 1952 in the city of Tashkent. He is an ethnic Uzbek. In 1974, he graduated from the Tashkent Polytechnic Institute and received academic qualification as an engineer-hydrogeologist. He is a Candidate of Sciences (PhD) in geological and mineralogical field.
Nariman Umarov started his career in 1974 at the Gidroingeo Research Institute, where he served as a senior technician up the ladder to the deputy directorship for scientific research. He was engaged in research in the field of improvement of irrigated lands, participated in the development of hydro-geological forecasts with regard to the drying Aral Sea as well as recommendations for the rational use of groundwater in various sectors of the economy.
In 1997-2009, Umarov worked as the head of State Specialized Inspection of Analytical Oversight under the State Committee for Nature Protection where he headed the development of a unified government system of monitoring the environmental situation.
In 2009-2013, while serving as Chairman of the State Committee for Nature Protection, he was directly involved in the development and implementation of the government environmental program.
Since 2009 Umarov has chaired the ECOSAN International Charitable Fund of Ecology and Health. In 2013, he was elected chairman of the Political Council of Adolat Social Democratic Party. In this capacity, Umarov participated in the development and implementation of a set of measures aimed at substantial consolidation of Adolat parliamentary groups in representative bodies of government.
In 2014, Nariman Umarov was elected member of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, and since 2015 has been Deputy Speaker of the Chamber and led the faction (parliamentary group) of Adolat SDPU.
In 2012, Nariman Umarov was awarded the Mehnat Shuhrati (The Glory of Labor) Order.
He is married and has three children. His spouse H.Khujaeva is a pensioner.
(Source: Republican Press Center on Covering the Elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
Biography of the Candidate for President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Hatamjon Abdurahmonovich Ketmonov
The candidate for the presidency of the Republic of Uzbekistan from the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan Hatamjon Ketmonov was born in 1969 in Andijan region’s Balikchi district. He is an ethnic Uzbek and holds higher education: graduated from Andijan State Pedagogical Institute of languages in 1993.
Hatamjon Ketmonov started his work experience in 1993 in a teaching position at the secondary school № 28 of Tashlak district in Ferghana region. In 1995-2004, he served as a chief specialist, head of division, and ultimately the deputy head of the Fergana regional public education administration.
In 2004-2013, Ketmonov worked as the deputy hokim (governor) of Andijan region. During this period he took an active part in the realization of practical measures on the development of social organizations, creating all favorable conditions for the enhancement of their role in addressing social and economic challenges in the region.
With his direct participation in the sphere, complex of measures was worked out and implemented to boost the efficiency of efforts of governmental and social organizations directed at fostering comprehensively advanced generation and improve their political, legal culture and self-consciousness.
Hatamjon Ketmonov was elected chairman of the Central Council of the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan in 2013.
During the past period he has significantly strengthened the potential of the party in the center and peripheries, and realized a complex of measures on improving the cooperation between party organizations with party groups of the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan in local Kengashes (Councils) of people’s deputies.
He was elected as deputy (member) of the Legislative Chamber (lower house) of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2014.
Ketmonov has been working as Deputy Speaker of Legislative Chamber and leader of the People’s Democratic Party group in the lower house since 2015. He is married and has three children.
(Source: Republican Press Center on Covering the Elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
Biography of the Candidate for President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev
Shavkat Mirziyoyev was born on July 24, 1957, in Zaamin district of Jizzakh region in the family of doctors. He is an ethnic Uzbek, and holds higher education. Thus, in 1981 he graduated from the Tashkent Institute of Engineers of Irrigation and Mechanization of Agriculture, and received a degree in mechanical engineer. Holds a title of Academic Candidate (PhD) in Technical Sciences, and Associate Professor.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev started his career in 1981 at the Tashkent Institute of Engineers of Irrigation and Mechanization of Agriculture, where he worked as a junior research fellow, senior lecturer, associate professor, and eventually Vice Rector for academic affairs.
In 1990, he was elected deputy of the Supreme Council of the republic, and at the same time served as Chairman of the Credentials Committee.
In 1992, Shavkat Mirziyoyev was appointed hokim (governor) of Mirzo Ulugbek district of Tashkent city. In 1996-2001, he worked as hokim of Jizzakh region, in 2001-2003 hokim of Samarkand region, and made a great contribution to the socio-economic development of the above-mentioned districts and regions.
While working in the executive branch, at the same time as deputy of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 1995-2003, he was actively and fruitfully involved in the elaboration and adoption of important legislative acts directed at the political and socio-economic development of the country and the implementation of democratic reforms.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev was approved as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2003, and three times (in 2005, 2010, 2015) was reapproved in his post by both houses of the Oliy Majlis.
From the first days of our Motherland’s independence Mirziyoyev earned high confidence of the first President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, by selflessly working as his colleague and ally.
As head of government, he has shown tremendous abilities and outstanding leadership in the implementation of wide-ranging socio-economic reforms, in the modernization and improvement of the country, the realization of major and unique projects, development and protection of private property, radical increase in the share of small business and private enterprise in the economy and consolidation of their legal security.
In his activities Shavkat Mirziyoyev has attached special significance to economic development on the industrial basis, to the improvement of the country’s exporting potential, the cardinal transformation of the agricultural sector, especially the extensive advancement of farming enterprise, profound processing of agricultural products, provision for food security of the nation and the guaranteed supply of goods to the population at reasonable prices.
In order to drastically uplift the living and working conditions of people, Shavkat Mirziyoyev took effective measures for large-scale construction and improvement works in all regions of the country, to improve the quality of public services, integrated development of cities and districts, including remote rural areas.
In his activities, along with socio-economic dimension, a significant emphasis is placed – as a priority focus – on the progress of education, science and healthcare in accordance with modern requirements, on the creation of conditions necessary for the formation of healthy and comprehensively advanced younger generation, protection of motherhood and childhood.
Much attention is paid by him to the further enhancement of the credibility of the unique institution of self-government – mahalla, other social organizations, to the consistent consolidation of their weight in the community through a broad involvement in the process of democratic reforms, as well as the preservation and enrichment of national spiritual values.
However, in addressing economic and social issues Shavkat Mirziyoyev directly supervised the efforts to build up comprehensive mutually advantageous cooperation with other countries, international organizations and financial institutions, as well as important agreements that serve the national interests and the economic development of the country.
On September 8, 2016, on the basis of a joint resolution of the Legislative Chamber (lower house) and Senate of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) of Uzbekistan passed at the joint session, Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev was temporarily assigned the duties and powers of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Mirziyoyev is married and has two daughters, one son and five grandchildren. His wife, Z.M. Hoshimova, has a qualification of an engineer-economist, currently housewife.
Over many years of fruitful work in government and administration, for enormous contribution to the development of the country, improvement of the welfare of people, Shavkat Mirziyoyev was awarded the Order “Mehnat Shuhrati” (Glory of Work) and “Fidokorona Khizmatlari Uchun” (For Selfless Service).
(Source: Republican Press Center on Covering the Elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
Biography of the Candidate for President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sarvar Sadullayevich Otamuratov
The presidential candidate from Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) Democratic Party of Uzbekistan Sarvar Otamuratov was born in 1973 in Tashkent. He is an ethnic Uzbek, and graduated from the Department of Sociology at the Philosophy and Economy Faculty of Tashkent State University, Banking and Finance Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Academy of State and Social Construction under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. He holds an academic title of Sciences Candidate (PhD) in Sociology.
In 1995-2006, Otamuratov worked as a leading economist, chief economist, deputy head of the department, deputy head of the Chief Monetary and Economy Department at the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In 2006-2009, he held senior positions in insurance companies.
In 2009 and 2014 Otamuratov was elected to the Legislative Chamber (lower house) of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) of Uzbekistan.
In 2010-2014, he was Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Economic Reforms of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.
In 2013, Sarvar Otamuratov was elected chairman of the Central Council of Milly Tiklanish Democratic Party of Uzbekistan.
Under his direct supervision, the party’s personnel composition was strengthened, the local party organizations’ interaction with the population was improved, activities of party groups in local Kengashes (councils) of people’s deputies toward the realization of goals and objectives of Milly Tiklanish Democratic Party were intensified. From 2015, he is concurrently a Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the republic and head of the parliamentary group (faction) of Milly Tiklanish Democratic Party.
In his post as head of the faction, Otamuratov organized focused work of its members on the development of bills aimed at reforming the social and information spheres, and implementing efficient parliamentary control in the center and local areas. Sarvar Otamuratov published a number of monographs, instruction manuals and articles on current topics: processes of identity development in conditions of globalization, the formation of citizens’, especially youth’s, active civic position, public opinion research.
Sarvar Otamuratov is married. He has two children.
(Source: Republican Press Center on Covering the Elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
Electoral Programs of the Candidates for President of the Republic of Uzbekista
Electoral Program of the Candidate for President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Nariman Majitovich Umarov
Power is in justice
Within a short historical period, for a quarter of century of state independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, systemic and wide-ranging reforms were carried out in the country aiming at building a democratic state, forming a just civil society, civil peace and national reconciliation, as well as improving the people’s welfare. Today, our young independent country has been developing steadily and consistently, deepening the processes of democratization and modernization in all spheres of society.
Despite the enormous challenges, threats and trials, challenges faced by our nation in the first years of independent development, we have achieved great success in all spheres of public life by building a completely new state and society ensuring people’s welfare. For the years of independence, the economy of Uzbekistan has grown almost six times. Backward agrarian republic with a оne-sided hypertrophied raw economy based only on growing cotton, having a destructive impact all the way, has turned into a modern industrial state with steadily rising economic indicators and improved living standards.
During the years of independent development, real per capita income in the country has increased more than 12 times; the wages, pensions and social benefits have significantly grown. Every year, nearly 60 percent of the state budget is allocated to the social sector – healthcare, education, and public services development, as well as to the social protection of the population. Such indicators, rare in the world, show that the individual citizen is at the center of the reforms. The main goal here is promotion and protection of the vital, legitimate interests of citizens. Above all, socio-political activity of our compatriots and their civil and legal consciousness has significantly grown for the past period.
Recognizing the reforms implemented in the years of independence, and their excellent results, we are in favor of further progressive development of our country, so that it became one of the most modern, highly developed and democratic countries. At the same time we need to set new goals and objectives, aimed at further improvement of the lives of our people. To achieve this, we must rise to a new, higher level. Based on the program objectives and tasks of our party, which declared itself opposition in the national parliament, we offer an alternative program for the voters. In our tough, rapidly changing time, in the age of economic globalization, we cannot stop on our achievements. Only a country that keeps pace with the swiftly transforming world can achieve success.
This program is built on the goals and objectives of Adolat Social Democratic Party and directed at the creation of a democratic state ruled by law with a just civil, highly moral and enlightened society with socially oriented market economy. We believe that “Justice is in the rule of law”, “Justice is the key criterion of our life”, “Justice must be guaranteed for each person” and rest on basic social democratic principles and values such as social justice, freedom, solidarity, and the creation of equal opportunities for all citizens.
We clearly declare that our major goal in the short term is to continue large-scale reforms in the socio-political, economic, social, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres of life in accordance with the fully justified Uzbek Model of development. In this context, we set the following priority tasks:
Our goal is building a constitutional democratic state and a strong civil society
Since ancient times, our people have striven for justice and truth, building a fair society. The country begins to flourish, and people become kinder and more humane only under the rule of law. Making progress and high achievements is only possible where justice exists. Thus, the systemic and widespread introduction of constitutional norms for constructing a democratic state ruled by law and a strong civil society, has been and will be our priority. At the same time, we are in favor of the idea of building a democratic state of law and a strong civil society, where social justice and solidarity dominate, without sharp stratification of people, and where the rights and freedoms of citizens are guaranteed.
Our goal is to provide decent public participation in government and governance. To do this, we will mobilize all our energy and will to the further enhancement of political reforms, consolidation and advancement of democratic values in the society and ensuring the rule of law, human rights and freedoms.
We are in favor of further reinforcement of the role of parliament, representative bodies at all levels as well as civil society institutions in the life of our nation. We support the principles of transparency, openness and accountability of public authorities and management bodies, and consequently. hold up to the further expansion of an open, direct communication between government bodies at all levels and the wider public. These measures in their turn will contribute to the efficiency of government bodies and the active participation of citizens in the discussion and decision-making processes considering the most pressing issues dealing with socio-economic development of the country and the elimination of all forms of bureaucratic obstacles and corruption.
In order to improve the efficiency and accountability of local government and management, we support the expansion of hokims’ powers in hiring and dismissing the heads of regional offices of ministries and agencies and consider strengthening their influence on human resources policies in the field. In this respect, it is important to carry out a deep stocktaking of the legal framework of activities of local bodies of government and management and to charge state administration in the regions with well-defined tasks, powers and functions. There is a need to specify the mechanisms of authority exercise, control and reporting in the legal documents as well as to ensure the coordination with the hokims when candidates are recommended for the posts of heads of regional offices of ministries and departments.
Ensuring social stability in Uzbekistan requires coordination and joint efforts of the central government, local government, business and civil society institutions to strengthen public control institution. Our primary focus is to conduct an expertise of legal acts on important economic, social and political issues, government social programs and regional development programs; the creation of more favorable conditions for the activities of NGOs and cementing the participation of the latter in addressing problems in healthcare, education and environmental protection, by means of involving a wider public.
It is impossible to imagine a democratic society without freedom of the press and freedom of expression. Building on the principle “Publicity is an important prerequisite for civil society”, we pay special attention to the further democratization of the information sphere, issues of freedom of expression and information. To enhance the competitive environment, ensure transparency and openness of the reforms and internal and foreign policy, it is necessary to bolster the activity of mass media. When providing public and parliamentary control over the activities of public authorities and management bodies and consistently shoring up the relationship of government and the wider public, our highest priority is to enhance the role of the media. We will attach special significance to the growth of competition in the dissemination of information, and enlargement of the retail network of periodicals.
Justice is in the rule of law
Legislation and judicial-legal sphere has always had a special meaning for us. Ensuring the rule of law guarantees the securing of human rights and freedoms. It enhances the chances of building appropriate state and a humane, just and free society ensuring social protection of citizens and a decent standard of living for our people. We thus take a stand in favor of just laws adoption and delivery of justice in the rule of law.
We will seek to regulate the basic social and economic relations only through legislation, as well as to reduce bylaws. The law should be the main tool for managing the affairs of state and society. Achieving high quality and enduring nature of laws, creating a reliable mechanism for their implementation, the ideas of justice and truth in the lawmaking process should be a key criterion.
We believe all citizens are equal before the law regardless of gender, race, ethnic origin, language, social status, in the protection of social justice, constitutional rights, legitimate interests and freedom. It is a priority for all government and controlling bodies, particularly law enforcement agencies.
We believe that where there is not a strong, fair judiciary, the violation of the requirements of law and justice are unavoidable. In this regard, we propose measures aimed at providing for the independence of the judiciary to ensure impartiality, objectiveness and transparency of the decisions taken by the courts. We must seek improvement in judicial training and retraining systems to increase their authority, ensure security and, crucially to improve the mechanisms of protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens through the courts.
We also need to take steps to enhance the reconciliation institution that has been affording results in law enforcement. At the same time, we must use all opportunities to improve the legal awareness and law culture of citizens, especially officials.
The confidence of our society members in the country’s Constitution and legislation is the belief in the great future of Uzbekistan. Therefore, we support further strengthening and monitoring of the law execution in the activities of government and regulatory and law enforcement agencies. Here we will seek to prevent distortion, arbitrary interpretation and application of the legislation. Bureaucratic obstructionism, formalism and corruption in the activity of government bodies and management agencies must be rooted out. We are committed to introduce practice of regular reporting by law enforcement agencies on issues of legality and the rule of law to the wider public, protect human rights and freedoms in their activities. In this connection, we stand for the enhancement of the role of national human rights institutions such as the Ombudsman and the National Center for Human Rights.
We support all measures aimed at the formation and development of law culture in the society to radically improve the legal advocacy of education and knowledge outreaching key concepts of legal documents and explaining the goals, objectives and nature of the adopted laws to the general public. Since only free and informed citizens who respect their own rights and duties can fully take advantage of them. We plan to work out and implement a special program involving civil society institutions, NGOs, media and other interested organizations.
Stable economy is a guarantee of the national development
We support the economic policy implemented in the country, continuation of macroeconomic stability, high economic growth, provision for fiscal sustainability and that of the national currency, consolidation of the banking and insurance systems, a conservative approach in obtaining loans from abroad, maintenance of a low level of public debt.
The modern social state shows successful performance only on the basis of advanced, effective and socially oriented economy. We believe that market economy and entrepreneurial initiative can become the most critical catalysts of principal values of social democracy – freedom, justice and solidarity.
We support the idea of market management, putting everything in order, and we believe that it is necessary to introduce the principle “competition – to the extent possible, public administration – as needed.”
We believe the future of Uzbekistan is in the innovation economy and innovative development, we recognize that the state plays an important coordinating role in the sustainable progress of innovation. The economy based on new technologies will contribute to the growth in the might of the country as well as increase of the welfare of the people and social stability. We propose to adopt a comprehensive program of measures to accelerate the development and widespread implementation of modern innovation and high technologies in our country. In particular, we offer the following:
– Improving the legal framework of innovation, including the adoption of normative acts in the sphere of scientific activity;
– Establishment of a single authorized body of innovation and innovative infrastructure;
– Creation of an Innovation Fund, which is formed by state budget funds, financial investments of enterprises and entrepreneurs, as well as charity and sponsorship;
– Implementation in the sectors of the economy of small, agile innovation projects with the participation of private business.
We do not support conducting fiscal policy by a sharp reduction in the budgetary sphere expenditures as the latter are an important factor of economic development, they ensure the solvency of the population, which, in turn, stimulates the production and ultimately provides for the wellbeing of the people.
We believe that there are untapped opportunities and challenges awaiting solution for active involvement of public funds, small businesses and enterprises in the financial market. Their solution will enable to boost the inflow of additional investment and financial resources in the economy development. It will serve as a continuation of the long-term strategy of relying on our own capacities and the maintenance of high rates of economic growth, so that in the future it will lead to a more active participation of small business and private entrepreneurship in the national and regional investment programs.
On the issue of implementation and development of the production localization program we, first of all, look from the perspective of the advancement of the national export-oriented economy, increasing the competitiveness of domestic goods on both global and regional markets, as well as the maintenance of balance between exports and imports.
In order to accelerate the development of remote regions and small towns, to avoid sharp economic and social disparities between the regions and the capital, we consider it necessary to move the central administrative bodies of large companies to small towns, and carry out extensive reconstruction of their social and productive infrastructure at the expense of the republican budget.
We also offer in the economic sphere:
– Widespread introduction of modern technologies aimed at saving electricity and heat. Stimulating competition in the energy market by making full and effective use of existing alternative energy sources;
– Development and adoption of legislative acts aimed at the development of alternative energy sources, including solar and wind power, the approval of the necessary standards and regulations in this area;
– Expansion of the production of solar cells and other core innovative technologies for renewable energy sources, designed for their wide introduction in the housing and utilities sector at an affordable price, based on the purchasing power of the population;
– Consolidation of government measures aimed at the effective promotion of the transition to “green economy” and related high technology, investment in the necessary infrastructure and the further development of environmentally friendly products through effective management and private investment;
– Profound study of investment proposals, the continuation of phased policy of privatization of enterprises and institutions, to ensure strict control over the implementation of the investors obligations on the production modernization, introduction of modern technology and advanced technology, to ensure the production of competitive products with high added value, and thus – protection of state property. Preserving the strategically important facilities in state ownership is based on their public benefit;
– Stimulation of the production of export-oriented products, the rational use of effective tools of economic policy, including the phased introduction of a progressive tax policy.
We stand for ecologically balanced development of the economy. We believe that an important task is to ensure a clean ecological environment by recycling industrial waste. In addressing environmental problems primarily the emphasis needs to be done on the economic aspects. However it is not recommended to shift the budget solution to all environmental issues and the related issues of protection of public health. We stand for the consistent implementation of the principle “polluter pays, and pays a lot.” We also believe that it is necessary to strengthen the effectiveness of environmental impact assessment of economic projects, to ensure its transparency, enlarge the involvement of NGOs, along with the scientific community and the deputy corps.
Environmental issues are one of the priorities in our economic and social policies, so we propose to develop and implement a special program for the comprehensive development of this sphere. There, in particular, will be outlined clear mechanisms to ensure the protection of the environment by reducing emissions of the industrial enterprises, increase the number and species of woody plants, retaining dust and absorbing pollutants, the creation of green areas in the suburbs and surrounding areas to industrial enterprises.
Strong social protection of citizens is bedrock of fair society
We fight for political, legal and social equality of citizens, relying on the principle “Social equality is equal rights and equal obligations”, for the creation of social state which guarantees the right to work taking into account the abilities and qualification of each citizen, delivery of extensive and equal conditions in order to receive the worthy salary and achievement of living standards depending on the amount and quality of the performed works.
We consider that the state must continue to guarantee the protection of economic and social rights of the citizen, stimulate his initiative, suppress abuses of employers, exercise supervision of the use of labor force which is not conformed to gender, age and abilities of individuals.
Based on the principles “Reforms are not for the sake of reforms, but for the people”, we offer the implementation and further realization of state social programs which is an important condition of increasing the level of life of the population. At the same time we should not resolve socio-economic problems only at the expense of the state. It is necessary to develop actively partnership among governmental institutions and private business, first of all in spheres of health care, science and education, building of roads, housing and public utility sectors. It is necessary to pay special attention to the development of special program for strengthening of social partnership between workers and employers, to improvement of working conditions at the enterprises, further increasing social responsibility of business structures.
Issues of forming a favorable business environment and boosting small business and private entrepreneurship in the country we consider also from the point of view of creation of new jobs, first of all for women, youth, graduates of colleges, ensuring their social protection. We need to work further on improvement of quality of life of our people, creation of new workplaces to temporarily jobless people, giving them opportunities for retraining and advanced training. We seek to secure for youth the workplaces with merited remuneration of labor, increasing public control over accomplishment of government programs on job placement of graduates of colleges and young specialists, ensuring full employment of the population, decreasing unemployment to the minimum indicators.
We pay special attention to the further enhancement and consolidation of normative acts directed at the social protection of the population, to issues of comprehensive support for the enterprises and organizations who provide for social protection of workers and employees, promote their intellectual opportunities, helping to train and upgrade qualification in higher and other educational institutions along with strengthening their health. Wellbeing of a family, living conditions of citizens and ultimately the stability of our society directly or indirectly depend on the employment of people, level of their salary and social security.
We are supporters of strict observance of the rights of workers in the relations between the employer and the employee, increasing responsibility of employers for failing to register employment relationships, violation of requirements for remuneration of labor, social insurance, and provision of pensions.
We are supporters of providing all social groups of the population with timely high-quality medical care. Recognizing that in the years of independence the means allocated for healthcare system almost doubled, reforms in this sphere are realized, remarkable results are achieved, we consider it important to further improve the medical services for the population. Only a country with the healthy and harmoniously developed population can be strong and powerful.
We support further improvement of quality of medical care to a wide strata of population, strengthening of system of medical support of children in schools and preschool educational institutions, tough suppression of illegal circulation of medications, implementation of counterfeited and inferior medicaments, regular improvement of activities of the screening and perinatal centers, female medical consultations, maternity complexes, gynecologic and patronage services.
We support the implementation of medical procedures, demand for which is high among the population, in particular transplantology, extracorporal impregnation and other modern medical services. Moreover, special attention will be paid to establishment of a cooperation with the advanced foreign medical centers, expansion of practice of carrying out surgeries by foreign doctors in clinics of Uzbekistan, to advanced training of our specialists by a regular job invitation of foreign doctors.
We support increasing activity of women in political life of society, step-by-step continuation of large-scale reforms on strengthening of their social protection. One of our major tasks are also creation of ample opportunities to women for receipt of profound knowledge and mastering a profession, gaining of facilities in the labor market, providing legitimate rights and interests of women. We are for further increasing of their role in the life of society and political, public and social status, more active involvement of talented and highly skilled women in the spheres of policy and public administration.
We also consider it necessary to enhance mortgage loans for the purchase and construction of housing, optimization of interest rates, toughening of control and responsibility for machinations in the housing market, further improvement of activities of a housing and public utility complex, implementation of regular control on growth of cost of public utilities, strengthening of the competition between the alternative organizations rendering services in this sphere.
Modern, highly intellectual professionals guarantee sustainable development of society
We cannot forget that the 21st century is a century of globalization and the Internet when intellectual work has a highest importance, and scales and topicality of the competition in the world market continue to increase. The human capital is the main national property therefore its rise and all-round development. The essentially important national objectives in training a new generation of progressive, intellectually advanced professionals capable of modernizing the country, solving complex and large-scale challenges in the development of democratic society.
As our purpose is the building of the constitutional democratic state with the advanced industry, innovative economy, we will pay special attention to training of the highly qualified personnel, who graduated from higher educational institutions, possess modern knowledge and high intelligence. Such people will not ask and wait for the help from the state, and due to the knowledge, initiative, commitment and sharpness will create new workplaces, they will participate actively in the development of the country.
For the purpose of expansion of a scope of the higher education among population, and providing people with life-long education we set the following main objectives:
– to continue reforms in the sphere of public education, to achieve establishment of principles of social justice and equality in general secondary schools, optimization of number of pupils in classes, increase in quantity and quality of electronic educational programs and multimedia products, improvement of quality and level of a scope medical services in educational institutions. In this direction, we plan to develop and realize the program of complex development of general secondary schools;
– for providing the worthy place of our country among the developed countries by transition to innovative economy and achieve step-by-step increase in number people with the higher education, enhancement of system of allocation of state educational grants and a private sector;
– to strengthen innovative infrastructure of higher educational institutions, to stimulate creation of the small innovative enterprises, to develop pilot and experimental productions on their base, to increase innovative activity of teachers and workers, to strengthen relations of higher education institutions with science, industry and economy;
– to review a quota system of accepting in higher educational institutions, to increase quality of selection of talented youth by provision of the right of entering higher education institutions to everyone;
– to simplify system of notification of diplomas of our citizens graduated in foreign higher education institutions;
– proceeding from economic benefits of certain regions step by step to transfer higher educational institutions from the capital to the relevant regions;
– to develop modern methods of distance education in enhanced way;
– to enhance specialization in fields of activity by transformation of higher educational institutions into corporate higher educational institutions;
– to stimulate innovative activities of the scientific and production enterprises and associations, to raise competitiveness of scientific research and development;
– to enhance system of the state and non-state professional education, to organize short-term study for the purpose of timely adaptation of a labor to the requirements of the employer and the market.
Peaceful foreign policy built on national interests is our priority
We are supporters of peace-loving foreign policy. Our task is the enhancement of Uzbekistan’s integration into the world community, more active participation of our country in activities of the international organizations. We support mutually beneficial development of the bilateral and multilateral relations in the world community taking into account national interests and on the basis of Concept of foreign policy activities of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
We will also further increase the prestige of our state on the world scene,and we will not allow participation of Uzbekistan in various military blocks and the coalitions as well as we will not establish connections with movements and organizations with military intentions. At the same time we will consistently strengthen political, economic, humanitarian connections of Uzbekistan with the foreign states.
The Central Asian region is important for the national interests of the Republic of Uzbekistan, so the consolidation of friendship and cooperation with neighboring countries is a priority for the foreign policy of our country. We support an open, friendly and pragmatic policy of Uzbekistan towards its immediate neighbors, in favor of the solution of pressing political, economic and environmental problems based on mutual interests of the region by the way of constructive dialogue and international law. We support the efforts of the international Community directed to strengthening of a role of the UN in the world as important step on the way of creation of a new democratic world order. We will continue to promote the idea of creating a nuclear-free world, the creation in Central Asia of a zone free from nuclear weapons. Our priority is the development of mutually beneficial international cooperation in order to implement social and humanitarian projects within the framework of the UN sustainable development. In this regard, we consider it important to further expand partnerships with UN agencies, specializing in the field of social and humanitarian issues (UNESCO, ILO, WHO, WIPO and others), active participation in the implementation of joint projects in the social sphere.
(Source: Republican Press Center on Covering the Elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
Electoral Program of the Candidate for President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Hatamjon Abdurahmonovich Ketmonov
The program embodies such noble ends as strict adherence to the norms of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, protection of national interests, preservation and consolidation of the country’s independence, promotion of prosperity and peace in the republic, civic and interethnic harmony as well as social stability, which help address the chief strategic objective – to have Uzbekistan join the ranks of advanced democratic nations and secure a well-deserved standing in the world community.
The program is built on the ideological principles and policy priorities of the Peoples’ Democratic Party of Uzbekistan. These priorities derive from the decision taken by the parliamentary group of the party to declare itself opposition to the Bloc of Democratic Forces made up of the majority in the parliament, including:
– Consolidation of the regulative role of the state in executing the strong social policy directed at the enhancement of the living conditions of all strata of population, particularly the vulnerable layers of the society, on the basis of socially-oriented market economy, deriving from the growing economic potential of the country;
– Elaboration and implementation of justified and modern mechanisms of defining the standards of minimal consumer expenditure;
– Optimization of the costs of public utility services through the development of government tariff regulations on providing public services;
– Realization of new methods of organization of population employment, bolstering the parliamentary control over the execution of the program designed to create jobs;
– Provision of mutual interconnectedness of key criteria of the most critical social-economic program on creating jobs for graduates of secondary special education institutions.
The top priority for us is, first of all, protection of interests of those layers of society that should be supported by the state and society.
In order to further this goal we consider it essential to pay special attention to the array of social-economic problems. In particular, a critical prerequisite for the protection of interests and improvement of living conditions for the vulnerable layers of society is the creation of worthwhile workplaces. Therefore, we suggest that the significance of supporting the citizens’ personal initiative and enterprise and their striving for well-paid work cannot be overestimated.
As a crucial issue we consider the creation for adolescents, regardless of their social background, equitable, socially adopted conditions of choice of occupation, guaranteed complete education and employment after graduation.
In the sphere of social protection we deem it essential to realize strong social policy, which includes issues of forming an effective system of pension provision and social allowances that guarantee the complete satisfaction of the needs of people in retirement, the disabled, the children left without parental custody, other social groups of vulnerable part of the population. Along with this, we are for the provision of the quality of social and public utility services, their availability for the needy.
Our major slogan is “Our goal is to further uplift the level and quality of life of the people!”
In order to implement such large-scale and socially-oriented tasks we have identified the following priority areas:
Our priority remains the further implementation of the concept “From a strong state to a strong civil society.” To this end, measures will be taken for the development of effective mechanisms of public control, elevation of the role and importance of mahalla institution in our society, expansion of its powers and stance, and consolidation of its material-technical base.
We consistently continue working to enhance the role of the media, to further strengthen their economic fundamentals and material base as well as the protection of professional activities of journalists.
- It is necessary to ensure the constant improvement of the employment system, implementation of modern methods of addressing this challenge.
To achieve objectives in this field we put forward the slogans: “Employment is our most basic duty,” “Employment is the most effective way of social protection!”, “A decent job for everyone!”, “A decent wage for each person!” For these purposes we offer the following:
– assessment of the implementation of social and economic programs on the basis of indicators of creation of stable workplaces as one of important criteria of efficiency of their accomplishment;
– transition to new approaches in the development and execution of annually adopted state programs of creation of workplaces and employment of the population and prevention on this basis of outflow of labor force abroad. At the same time it is necessary to pay main attention to issues: complete study, evaluation of the demand and supply in the labor market; correct and accurate determination of the current and prospective directions of progress in the case of elaboration of programs of social and economic development of territories;
– reinforcement of measures to ensure employment of the workable population in enterprises offering stable jobs with decent wages, primarily on high-tech businesses, providing processing of rich domestic mineral resources and agricultural products, and enterprises and organizations of the sphere of services, active involvement in these areas of the country’s available labour resources;
– expansion of the practice of providing preferential micro-loans in order to ensure self-employment of graduates of professional colleges, as well as creating favorable conditions to encourage their individual labor and entrepreneurial activity, the exemption from fees set in starting their own business as well as from all taxes, for a certain period, to complete the activities;
– in working out investing programs on the development of perspective production, ensuring their interrelation with programs of training of specialists with secondary vocational and higher education institutions, and also with local programs of employment;
– fixing specific corporate entities and employers to profile colleges and creation of a permanent sheaf “enterprise-college”;
– ensuring interrelation of training and acquiring modern professions with the implementation of priority social and economic programs;
– enhancement of practice of stimulation of corporate entities and organizations paying tuition fees of students of higher educational institutions for training specialties in which these entities feel the need;
– enhancement of the system of taxation for the purpose of creation of privileges and stimulation of entrepreneurship entities creating stable workplaces with worthy salary and working conditions;
– improvement of the accounting system of the current and future needs of businesses and organizations in the frames in determining the areas of training of specialists with higher and secondary special education;
– perfection of the efficiency of women’s employment through further development of small business, home-based work, family business. Creating a more favorable environment for a wide realization by women of the rights and benefits secured for them by the labor legislation;
– ensuring full employment, improving the legislative framework of employment of persons engaged in temporary employment, the development and introduction of regulatory frameworks addressing issues related to their pensions and social security;
– reduction in the scope of the legislation is not designed labor relations agreements between employer and employee by establishing various benefits. Increased the liability of enterprises for violation of safety rules, the establishment of strict state control in these areas;
– development of mechanisms to create specialized enterprises for disabled persons, including through the development of the network for these companies at the expense of centralized state investment;
– extension of the scope of works at home persons with disabilities (disabled) by the legislative establishment of large enterprises to establish a quota for their home-based jobs.
- Our main priority in economic policy is the further improvement in living standards of the population, in particular its needy segments, through a combination of increasing financial and economic capacities of our country with a strong social policy. The slogan aimed at the vital interests of our people – “economic reforms – social efficiency!” – captures the essence of our approach to the economic reforms implemented in the country.
According to the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, increased purchasing power will increase domestic demand, which is the driving force of economic progress, a solid foundation for building a consistent pace of development of the real sector of the economy.
To this end, we propose the implementation of economic reforms following:
– Strengthening strict control over the targeted use of budgetary funds, particularly funds allocated to the social sector;
– Increasing the use of the economic capabilities of the state on ways to improve the living standards of all segments of the population, primarily low-income;
– Focusing the attention to the issues of formation of the competitive environment, which contributes to the quality produced by economic entities of products and services through the use of modern techniques and technologies, reduce costs, expand export opportunities, increasing purchasing power;
– Developing measures aimed at the organization of production based on modern techniques and technologies, by attracting foreign direct investment;
– Further enhancing the participation of commercial banks in the financing of investment projects, the simplification of business entities of credit system, based on macroeconomic situation – the definition of interest rates at a minimum, prevent the emergence of bad debts and increased their investment activity by improving the quality of banking services;
– Improving the public procurement system by expanding the areas open and transparent electronic trading, creating conditions for free competition between suppliers.
Engagement of free labor force for the development of promising enterprises and industrial complexes is important to ensure consistently high economic growth rates.
For this purpose we propose the following:
– Financial and economic incentives for the production by enterprises to process local raw materials, competitive in the domestic and foreign markets, consumer goods with high added value, improving the efficiency of concessional lending;
– Raising the responsibility of public authorities and management of the development and implementation of regional programs of development of production of goods and services aimed at saturation of the domestic market due to its own products, to prevent price increases;
– Encouraging family businesses and home-based work in the processing of the country’s agricultural products;
– Maintaining tax policies that promote integration of operating in our country, small businesses, the introduction of the category of enterprises the concept of “medium-size enterprise”, that is, define the criteria for large, medium and small enterprises, the development of the system of taxes and benefits, serving as consolidation and further development of small enterprises.
In addition, for the purposes of modernization of the construction sphere as an important factor of accelerated economic development and job creation, the development of a broad construction companies, providing their respective current requirements specialists, technical equipment, we propose:
– to improve logistics of building organizations, the introduction of new technologies in the industry, reducing the tax burden in order to create conditions that allow the recruitment of qualified professionals;
– instead of outdated construction standards, rules and regulations used since the days of the former regime, to switch to a worldwide system of Eurocodes;
– to boost attention to the issue of training at the appropriate level of qualified specialists in accordance with the prospects of the construction sector, the establishment of the system of professional development in foreign countries;
– to create conditions for Uzbek companies to export construction and services to foreign markets through the application of new innovative technologies and materials, ensure the competitiveness of domestic experts on the construction services market.
III. It is necessary to further increase the efficiency of social protection of low-income families, the elderly and the disabled. In this direction, we put forward the slogan “We will fight for a strong social protection of low-income people!”
To further this goal we offer the following steps and actions:
– direction of the social support system in the prevention of dependency among those in need of social assistance sectors of the population, support their employment and entrepreneurship, promotion of initiative. In our opinion, “Social support – the path to the initiative!”;
– direction of benefits and material assistance to mainly low-income families, the elderly and children in need of financial assistance;
– adoption of measures to enhance the role of the mahalla as a center of social protection of the population based on the principles of social justice, transparency and openness, kindness and mercy;
– further development of the practice of allocation of preferential loans and interest-free loans employable citizens seeking to organize their own business;
– introduction of financial assistance monthly payments replacement mechanism and social benefits to poor families a lump sum payment of the total amount of funds in the same period, provided their intended use for their own businesses;
– provision of further improving the effectiveness of state and public control over the formation of prices for socially important goods and essential services, so that the rise in prices and tariffs on them does not exceed the rate of inflation;
– in order to ensure the availability of social housing, improve the mechanisms of directing a portion of funds received from privatization of state property, the formation of the housing stock;
– improvement of appropriate infrastructure in order to address the prevention of traffic jams on the streets and roads of big cities, resulting from the increase in the country’s vehicles, the implementation of major repairs of footpaths, as well as the construction of eco-friendly bicycle paths, promoting healthy lifestyle;
– achievement of cost optimization of utility services to the population through the development of cost-effective stand-alone (local) forms of the provision of public services not related to the branch of engineering infrastructure;
– improvement of the mechanisms of state regulation of prices and tariffs of utilities (gas, electricity and heat supply, sewerage, waste, etc.), provided to the population by natural monopoly entities;
– consolidation of the regulatory role of the state in the implementation of strong social policy, limiting the commercialization of leading social spheres to meet this priority, improving business responsibility in ensuring all members of society reliable social guarantees. The implementation of this task, we are guided by the slogan “Strong social protection our main target!”
– the basis of such slogans as “Decent pensions for senior citizens”, “We are responsible for the wellbeing of the elderly!” is the idea of the creation of decent living conditions for the older generation, who have made a significant contribution to the development of the country, leaving a free and prosperous homeland to the younger generation.
Today, our main objectives include issues to ensure full participation of disabled persons in social life. To create favorable conditions for persons with disabilities is necessary to ensure the availability of social facilities, all buildings and structures of a special entrance for the disabled – ramps, as well as adapt to footpaths. To this end, consider it necessary to conduct an inventory of all buildings and structures in terms of having the entrance for the disabled, the adoption of a special state program on adaptation for disabled, device paths for them.
- Expansion of opportunities for the population of for a quality education and affordable health care is also the focus of our constant attention.Based on this, we consider it necessary to undertake following measures:
In the education sector:
– to create opportunities for a free and equal education of all sectors of society, taking into account the demographic changes in the region – to further develop the practice of early construction of pre-school institutions, secondary, and higher education;
– expansion of the network of state preschool educational institutions operating on the basis of free and preferential payments;
– measures to ensure the full educational literature colleges and academic lyceums;
– based on the needs of businesses and organizations – to stimulate the issue of target enrollment in higher education institutions in certain specialties;
– further development of an inclusive education system, covering the provision of disabled children need special literature and textbooks, providing incentives for teachers in this area, further expansion of learning opportunities in higher education of students with disabilities (people with disabilities);
– establishment of legislative bases of the organization of home work as a caregiver family preschool education for women, having pedagogical education, but is temporarily not working due to childcare.
In the healthcare sector:
– expansion of opportunities available and timely first aid to the population, especially residents of remote villages, improvement of rural health units;
– consolidation of the system of control over the implementation of legislation governing the provision of skilled care on a preferential basis and free of charge;
– intensification of state and public control over the activities of pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies, as well as the prices of drugs, restrictions on advertising of medicines;
– amplification of state and public control over ensuring the availability of public health facilities in the list of essential drugs and preferential selection of certain categories of persons.
- Formation of a democratic state ruled by law and open civil society is the principal objective. To this end we propose to:
– seek adoption of laws in the field of regulation of socially important issues primarily of direct action, that is, without reference rules;
– consistently develop practices ensure the participation of civil society in an open and constructive discussion of laws and other regulations, the performance of public administration;
– establish mandatory public discussion of draft normative legal acts on the provision of targeted social protection of vulnerable groups, as well as on issues affecting the most important aspects of social and economic life of the country and are of particular public interest;
– further increase the rights and powers of political parties and deputy groups in matters of influence on the decision on the ground of current economic and social problems related to the interests of the permanent voters;
– adopt measures for the development based on modern information and communication technology network of points providing free public access to a single portal of interactive public services;
– extensively develop the practice of social partnership between the state and civil society institutions;
– develop measures to increase the availability of judicial mechanisms for the protection of citizens’ rights and improve the quality of execution of judgments by strengthening judicial control in these matters;
– secure widespread introduction of information and communication technologies in the judicial process, including the implementation of an electronic management system of citizens’ appeals in the courts and obtain court documents.
- In foreign political activity we propose the following:
– open and pragmatic policy towards the neighboring countries, the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with them in trade-economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres;
– promotion of international initiatives in improving the environmental situation in the region, the rational use of water resources of trans-boundary rivers in Central Asia;
– active participation of Uzbekistan in providing for regional security and stability. Given this, it is essential to develop and consolidate interaction with Central Asian nations and other countries of the world as well as prominent international organizations in countering terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, human trafficking and other threats.
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Implementation of priority policy directions outlined in the program will serve for the comprehensive development of the country, perfection of the social effectiveness of reforms in all sectors, elevation of living standards, enhancement of democratic reforms and the advancement of civil society.
(Source: Republican Press Center on Covering the Elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
Electoral Program of the Candidate for President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev
Our principal objective is the consistent continuation and enhancement of the democratic reforms initiated by the first President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, to ensure peace, stability and harmony, consolidate the economic power, deliver decent living conditions for our people.
On the basis of comprehensive analysis of possible obstacles to the dynamic development of our country we have identified five priorities in our electoral program that cover all spheres of life of the country and are aimed at preventing possible threats and challenges, addressing issues in the realization of short and long-term key priorities as well as ensuring the further development of the country.
- IMPROVEMENT OF THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONCEPT “FROM A STRONG STATE TO A ROBUST CIVIL SOCIETY”
Priorities in the development of the political system is to build a democratic state ruled by law and a strong civil society, the realization of hopes and aspirations of citizens, the accomplishment of their initiatives, the expansion of civic participation in the political life of the country.
We believe it is necessary to bolster the role of the Oliy Majlis of the republic in the system of government, to extend its powers in addressing the most critical issues in the internal and foreign policies, as well as in exercising parliamentary control over the activities of executive bodies.
Considering the importance of boosting the multi-party system, the growing influence of political parties in government and society, the shaping healthy competition among parties to enhance the effectiveness of representative bodies, we are in favor of shoring up the role of party groups in the activities of Kengashes (councils) of people’s deputies, especially in the expansion of their clout in overseeing the activities of public authorities in local areas.
Achieving these goals is critically dependent on the efficient operation of public administration and the personnel. In this regard, we will initiate the adoption of legislative acts aimed at its further improvement and increased efficiency.
At the same time, we consider it necessary to cardinally revise the institutional framework of the economic activity of management bodies, and to provide for extensive introduction of proven market mechanisms and modern corporate governance principles to this area.
We support the transfer of authority from the center to local areas. We will therefore improve the system of powers, tasks and functions of hokimiyats at all levels to ensure the execution of laws, coordination of the activities of public authorities, comprehensive development of territories and implementation of socio-economic programs.
It is necessary to radically revise the logistics of hokimiyats and system of payment to their employees. To this end, we consider it expedient to adopt the Law “On bodies of local government” in the new edition.
In the focus of our attention will be the creation of an effective system of training independently and newly thinking professionals with higher responsibility, integrity, initiative, advanced management methods, who are devoted to their country and people.
We will basically fight for the eradication of official red tape and irresponsibility of civil servants in the consideration of citizens’ appeals. The people will assess the activity of government officials on the basis of credibility and effectiveness in addressing the concerns of the population.
In order to increase the responsibility of staff of public institutions and cement the guarantees of their rights, we will initiate the adoption of the Law “On civil service”.
Our priority remains the further implementation of the concept “From a strong state to a robust civil society.” To this end, measures will be taken for the development of effective mechanisms of public control, for the enhancement of the role and importance of the institution of mahalla in our society, expansion of its powers and authority, and the consolidation of their material-technical base.
We will consistently continue to work to enhance the role of mass media, boost up their economic fundamentals and material base, and protect the professional activities of journalists.
- Securing the supremacy of law and furthering the reform of the judicial system.
The implementation of the principle “Power is in justice!”
Ensuring the supremacy of law in the society is a guarantee of the effectiveness of enduring reforms, and is a crucial factor in uplifting the living standards, cementing peace, harmony and stability in the country.
Therefore, the principal objective sought by reforms in the judicial sphere is to secure genuine independence of the judiciary, protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, and provide for well-built judicial safeguards.
In this regard, particular significance will be attached to increasing the term of office of judges, to forming a judge corps capable of taking fair decisions in strict accordance with the laws, who have a strong will, high moral and professional qualities. Important emphasis will be placed also on the introduction of advanced scientific and technological means as well as information and communication technologies in judicial investigative activities.
Vital task is to secure strict compliance with constitutional provisions in the independence of the judiciary and the principle of inevitability of punishment for interfering in the activities of the administration of justice.
We consider it as our primary mission to ensure openness and transparency of the activities of law enforcement agencies, widespread use of effective mechanisms of interaction between civil society, media and the public.
It is necessary to reform the scope of bar (advocacy) associations for the full-fledged implementation of the principle of equality of parties in delivering justice, and thus numerous measures should be taken to enhance and expand the role of advocacy powers in judicial and investigative activities.
In order to provide for the effective operation of judicial services of government bodies it is of urgent interest for us to organize retraining and advanced training of law professionals.
We will continue with the policy of liberalization of criminal penalties, by transferring certain offenses to the category of those not so dangerous to society, and by enhancing the use of the institution of reconciliation.
Another priority is the struggle against corruption and organized crime, as well as effective prevention of criminal offense.
In the organization of these works the major attention will focus on the efficient use of powers of mahalla, elevation of the legal culture in society, consolidation among citizens of the sense of respect towards the law, intolerance for violation, as well as timely prevention of crime and effectiveness of its prevention. All of these have assigned important place in our program.
III. Enhancement of economic reforms, promotion of macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth
Based on the proven practice of the principle “Political independence cannot be achieved without economic independence”, we consider it necessary to pay primary attention to the unconditional implementation of the following strategic objectives in the socio-economic development of the country.
First, it is of great importance to further strengthen the macroeconomic stability and preserve the sustainability of economic growth, secure the steadiness of the national currency and prices in the domestic market.
In the financial sector we will focus on the expansion, through the balanced development of industries and regions, of the revenue base of local budgets, providing for the solution of social issues. Growth in the capacity of local budgets should first of all serve for boosting the living conditions and quality of life.
Second, the key factor is the promotion of the national economy’s competitiveness in the global market, modernization and diversification of sectors and industries, enhancement of export capacities, enlargement of investment activity.
The central and essential challenge is the implementation of specific programs targeted at more than doubling the gross domestic product by the year 2030, bringing the industry’s share in the economy to 40 percent.
Therefore, 8 special programs have been adopted and being realized to boost the chemical industry, processing of non-ferrous and rare metals, hydrocarbon raw materials, textiles, leather and footwear sectors, pharmaceuticals, fruit and vegetable processing and manufacturing building materials. Over the next five years, 657 investment projects worth about 40 billion US dollars are to be implemented, which will help increase the volumes of industrial production 1.5 times. In addition, the elaboration of a textile industry development program directed at deep processing of local raw materials has been complete. It is crucial to implement 140 investment projects worth 2 billion 300 million US dollars. As a result, the volume of production of ready-made textile goods is expected to increase threefold.
We have set another important task – accelerated advancement of the pharmaceutical industry. The implementation of 67 regional projects will make it possible to develop the production of 162 new drugs in the country imported now from abroad, and increase the total volume of medicine production 2.5 times. At the same time, essential medicines will be provided by the state-owned pharmacy network at fixed prices.
In order to attract foreign investment and advanced technologies, there are free economic zones effectively operating in Angren, Tashkent region, as well as Navoi and Jizzakh. The benefits granted enable enterprises to implement innovation projects successfully. In order to extend this good practice we plan to create free economic zones in Urgut, Samarkand region, and Gijduvan, Bukhara region, as well as in Kokand, Ferghana region.
Third, we will continue to systematically work on the perfection of the system of employment. The program of job creation measures will facilitate the employment of 390,000 people on the constant basis in 2017, another 200 thousand people will be engaged in seasonal and temporary jobs in agriculture and construction, and 309,000 people are to work owing to the development of private subsidiary farming enterprises, handicrafts and family entrepreneurship.
Fourth, we consider it critically important to continue reforming the agricultural sector.
Development program of reforming farms, designed for 2017-2020, is projected to be approved in order to optimize sown areas and promote phased reduction of cotton crops. Key task is the management of land and water resources, introduction of modern intensive agricultural technologies, improvement of the storage infrastructure and deep processing of products.
In the center of our attention is the expansion of land acreage assigned for vegetables, legumes and fodder crops, creation of intensive orchards and vineyards, amplification of production of export-oriented fruits and vegetables, foods and animal goods, as well as the organization of a network of small industrial enterprises and enhancement of agricultural services. For these purposes, more refrigerated warehouses are planned to be built with a storage capacity of 200 thousand tons of products.
One of the principal challenges is to perfect the agricultural funding system. Its realization must provide for guaranteed and sustainable yields, development of the entire agricultural sector and, crucially, create favorable conditions for growth in the material incentives for farmers and elevation of living standards in rural areas. This should be a solid foundation for ensuring food security.
Fifth, it is imperative to take a set of measures to reduce the level of state presence (involvement) in the economy, promote and protect private property. It is necessary to remove all barriers and constraints to the development of private ownership and entrepreneurship.
The priority of our policy and primary goal will be to provide greater freedom for small business and private enterprise, prevent unlawful interference in their activities. In addressing these challenges, we will pay particular attention to fundamental revision of the business monitoring system.
We can achieve improvement of the business environment and the accelerated development of economy through the consolidation of the judicial protection of entrepreneurs and liberalization of their liability, increasing at the same time the liability of officials for illegal interference in economic activities, introduction of modern tax administration regulation and banking, and simplification of the procedures of granting authorization documents and licenses.
Sixth, we intend to adopt a separate program of accelerated development of the tourism industry in 2017-2021, advancement of which is of great importance for the country’s economic growth.
As part of this program, we consider it necessary to perk up the management system in this area, simplify the procedure of registration and issuance of visas for tourists, develop new tourist routes, secure the speedy perfection of travel infrastructure to attract foreign investment, and create special economic zones for tourism development.
For these purposes, we consider it essential to initiate the elaboration of draft law on tourism in a new edition. The bill will envisage the creation of opportunities for entrepreneurs, and critical revision of the activities of Uzbektourism national company.
Seventh, a crucial challenge is to further the comprehensive development of cities and districts.
We intend to adopt a program for the integrated advancement of districts and cities in 2017-2021 on the basis of in-depth analysis, taking into account features, capacities and needs of each territory, in the context of each mahalla. As a result of these programs, every one of the 81 districts that receive subvention will be completely self-sufficient, and will significantly reduce the amount of subventions to 41 districts and towns.
Priority tasks include the transformation of our capital Tashkent into one of the most beautiful and comfortable cities not only in the region, but also in the world. To this end, extensive works in construction and beautification will consistently be continued using the cutting-edge achievements of national architecture and modern urban planning.
We plan to work out an extremely vital program for the construction, in the near future, of 500 modern multi-storied apartment buildings in Tashkent’s Sergeli district. That will provide about 30 thousand families, first and foremost those with low incomes, with new housing.
Priority will be given to the establishment of new parks and recreation areas throughout the city and the expansion of green areas, improvement in the quality of public and commercial services, construction of new transport and communication networks, creation of new kinds of modern services, cultural facilities, routes, ground high-speed metro.
A critical goal is to make sure that measures taken in the economic field benefit every one of our compatriots, all our people, and have positive effect on their prosperity and daily life. In this regard, the efforts to gradually increase wages, pensions, stipends and allowances will be continued. It is also necessary to implement a set of measures to boost the volumes and expand the range of consumption goods, including foods, at reasonable prices.
- DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIAL SPHERE. IMPLEMENTATION OF ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MAXIMS “REFORMS ARE NOT FOR THE SAKE OF REFORMS, BUT FOR THE GOOD OF THE PEOPLE”
We need to implement a number of targeted programs nationwide to address pressing social issues concerning the vital interests of each individual and family.
Given the demand and needs of the rural population, a program has been adopted to launch building affordable housing on updated model design in rural areas, under which it is planned to build in 2017 a total of 15 thousand convenient and affordable one- and two-storied modern houses of four types of new sample for low-income families with a twofold reduction in the size of initial payment.
In addition, a draft program is under consideration currently for the construction of 945 apartment buildings in urban areas in 2017-2020. Likewise, 50 thousand multi-storey houses containing affordable apartments for low-income families will be built in Tashkent city and the Republic of Karakalpakstan as well as in regional centers and big cities.
Contemplation and implementation of the program of expansion and modernization of water supply systems in rural areas is contribute to the solution of particularly urgent problems we face. About 9,000 kilometers of water supply networks, 1,400 water wells and 3,600 water facilities will be built and reconstructed in the next five years. This will further provide 3.2 million inhabitants of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Andijan, Jizzakh, Navoi, Syrdarya, Samarkand, Tashkent and Khorezm regions with clean drinking water and raise the coverage in the country from the current 67 percent to 84 percent. These challenges will be addressed by the Ministry of Housing and Public utility Services being established and a special fund “Toza suv” (Clean water) under the Ministry of Finance.
In order to secure and stabilize the supply of electricity to the population and businesses we are planning to develop a program of improving the provision of urban and rural areas with electric power. Such issues as the enhancement of power generation capacities, construction and reconstruction of 25,300 kilometers of low-voltage electric systems, replacement of 5,600 obsolete transformer substations will be placed special emphasis in the program.
As part of the program it is planned to construct and reconstruct 1,700 km of regional and local public roads for further development of road transport infrastructure. Also, it is scheduled to overhaul and repair 10,400 kilometers of inter-farm rural roads, pavements of streets in cities, district centers, urban villages and rural areas that are important to residents. For the implementation of this program, the organizational structure and activities of the Road Fund under the Ministry of Finance and Uzavtoyul company will be drastically revised.
Basing on the program for the further improvement of transport services, 74 bus stations in cities and villages will be reconstructed. Additional conditions for the comfort and safety of passengers will be created. 3,000 buses and 5,700 minibuses will be acquired. New bus routes have been launched and old buses have been replaced by new ones.
The development of the infrastructure of air and rail links, along with the creation of a new terminal of Tashkent International Airport, also provides for the completion of construction and electrification of the railway line Bukhara – Miskin, electrification of railways Karshi – Termez, Pap – Namangan – Andijan – Kokand.
Implementation of the Program for further improvement of sanitary decontamination and salvaging solid waste will enable us to step up the cleanliness and comfort of our cities and villages, eliminate unauthorized premises for domestic waste hazardous to health. In all regional centers, cities of Kokand, Margilan, Angren, Bekabad, Almalyk and Khiva, 168 special stations will be created for the collection of household waste. Organizations involved in waste treatment will receive additional 405 pieces of modern special machinery.
Measures are to be worked out and implemented to improve the system of coal delivery to the population. Artificial inflation of its cost will be prevented.
We will focus on strengthening the material and technical base of preschool upbringing and education system, the development of which is attached a particular importance in social policy. In particular, 2,200 government kindergartens for 1.109 million people will be built, repaired and equipped.
In order to further reform the healthcare sector and fundamentally improve the quality of medical services, concrete measures will be taken in the near future to improve the performance of rural medical stations, emergency stations, specialized medical centers, as well as the development of private medical institutions.
Attention and care for women remains one of the priorities of government policy. Our objective is to boost the status of women in the socio-political life of the country, who play invaluable role in promoting peace, atmosphere of kindness and compassion in our society, fostering healthy and comprehensively advanced generation. Creating opportunities for women in the form of new jobs, facilitating their working and living conditions, protecting their health, assisting in realization of their abilities and capacity, will be constant and main tasks for us.
Respect and honor for the senior generation, including provision of comprehensive care for them and improvement of their living conditions, health promotion, remains as before one of our most important priorities. We will take additional steps to create decent living conditions for our esteemed veterans, venerable aksakals and mothers, and we consider it our sacred duty.
We also plan to adopt a specific program to provide medical care for the elderly, lonesome and persons with disabilities. Particular attention will be paid to elevating the status of the Nuroniy Foundation and bolster its material and technical capacities.
In the spiritual-enlightenment sphere the most critical and urgent goal is to nurture independently thinking youth commanding modern knowledge and professions, in the spirit of respect for national and universal values, to foster young men and women devoted to the Motherland and its people. It is necessary also to intensify efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle among young people.
In furthering these objectives we rely on the national traditions formed over many centuries and the rich spiritual legacy of our ancestors. Policy in this area will continue in strict accordance with the requirements of the new law on youth policy in Uzbekistan.
By adopting a program of further development of the system of higher education institutions in the years 2017-2021 we will strive to solve the existing issues in this sphere and raise higher education to a qualitatively new level.
It is necessary to transform the Kamolot Youth Social Movement into an organization that would facilitate the fullest realization of the abilities and potential of the younger generation and in fact defend its interests. In this context, we are going to pay special attention to working with the unorganized part of young people, and securing their greater involvement in activities of Kamolot.
We intend to mobilize all energy and capacities for the creation of an environment completely conducive for representatives of academia, education, for our dedicated and talented scientists.
We consider as a priority the creation of high technologies and scientific developments for economy sectors and our lives. Along with the promotion of latest achievements in the information and communication sector we will pay great attention to uplifting children’s and young people’s interest in reading books, and further encourage the reading culture among the population. To do so, it is essential to step up the works directed at posting in the internet and popularizing the best samples of national and world literature.
A special place in our program is devoted to issues of constant attention to creative intellectuals who uphold spiritual-moral enrichment with their unique talents and skills. We believe it is important that our policy in the spiritual-educational sphere support the work of artistic organizations, creative associations, bolster their material-technical capacities and infrastructure, and promote the best works of creative intellectuals in our country and abroad.
We will focus on the promotion of gifted young people entering the world of culture, arts, literature and the press, on the improvement of their living conditions, on the elevation of the quality and effectiveness of the nation’s artistic competitions and festivals, revision of the size of copyright payments awarded for artistic works, and protection of intellectual property rights. We plan to implement special programs to further uplift the material and technical base of cultural and sports facilities, theaters and museums.
Providing for security.
Religious tolerance and interethnic harmony.
Foreign policy priorities.
Our activities in ensuring security are built on the principle “The people of Uzbekistan need peace and harmony”.
Life itself shows that our multiethnic nation is able to overcome difficulties and hardships on its way and wields modern thinking and outlook. Our people’s social and political activeness and legal culture have been rising, so has the feeling of engagement in the events around them.
Amid an intricate state of affairs in the world, when threats of terrorism, extremism and radicalism are rather high, comprehensive consolidation of our defense capabilities and potential of armed forces is the vital condition and serves to guarantee security and stability of the country along with the prosperity of our people.
There are more than 130 ethnic and sub-ethnic groups residing in Uzbekistan in the atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding, and this fact is considered one of the principal accomplishments made in independence years.
Consolidation of interethnic harmony and friendship in the country, contributed also by the 137 ethnic cultural centers operating in Uzbekistan, will remain one of the priorities of our policy.
There are currently more than 2,200 religious organizations and 16 confessions carrying out their activities in the country. Cementing the atmosphere of tolerance in the society, ensuring equal rights for citizens regardless of their beliefs is one of our priority goals.
We have fought and will continue to fight against destructive powers who discredit our sacred faith of Islam with their wrong interpretations and malicious actions.
We assure that we shall decisively rebuff the enemy in making any attempt to infringe on the sovereignty and independence of our country.
The essential part of our electoral program in foreign affairs is to follow all the foreign policy principles and objectives worked out by the first President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The foundations of our policy in the international arena contain key principles such as non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, settlement of conflicts with peaceful and political negotiations as well as practical cooperation with other states and the world community.
Uzbekistan will not accede to military-political blocs, nor will it allow for the deployment of military bases and facilities of other countries in its territory or its own armed forces in the territory of other countries.
We consider our primary task in furthering the foreign policy goals is to further strengthen the friendly and mutually advantageous relations with all nations, first of all with neighboring states and international institutions.
* * *
We have identified the most important goals and priority tasks in reforming all spheres of life of the society and state in our electoral program.
For the complete realization of basic objectives we have elaborated draft strategic guidelines on five priority directions for the development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021.
In the realization of all the abovementioned extensive plans we first of all rely on high spirituality, intellectuality and constructive potential of our people, all of our compatriots.
A vital prerequisite for achieving all noble goals of ours is the courage, vigor, strong will and resoluteness of our people. The most critical component is people’s confidence in the bright future of the independent Uzbekistan.
We are all united under a common aspiration, namely, the prosperity of our Motherland! Serving our homeland and people faithfully is our sacred duty!
(Source: Republican Press Center on Covering the Elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
Electoral Program of the Candidate for President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sarvar Sadullayevich Otamuratov
Uzbekistan as a modern state with robust political, economic and social systems has been confidently going along its own path to development. In the years of national independence, wide-ranging reforms were spearheaded in all spheres of life. The sense of civic involvement in the fate of the country has been consolidating in the hearts, minds and thoughts of our people. The weight of civil society institutions has been growing. Essential institutional, legal and other prerequisites are created for political parties, nongovernmental organizations and the media to take active role in nation building. In order to ensure the sustained continuation of reforms built on five principles widely recognized internationally as a guide for action for the advancement of our country and as a dynamic thrust for gracious deeds, we consider it is necessary to bolster the high legal and political culture in the society and secure spiritual upsurge building on extensive experience garnered in independence years, promote economic and social development, and shore up the historical and cultural heritage rich in moral and spiritual values and traditions.
Our goal is to further the idea “From national revival to national prosperity”, and in internal politics to ensure steady enlargement of the economy, cement peace and tranquility in the country, boost the welfare of the people. In foreign policy, it is to protect and promote national interests, preserve and enrich the national cultural, spiritual and moral values, customs and traditions of the people of Uzbekistan.
In order to achieve these noble goals it is necessary to fulfill the following tasks:
- IN THE SPIRITUAL-ENLIGHTENMENT SPHERE,we believe it is important to consolidate the progress made in this area and promote their further enhancement. Since people with a high sense of self-awareness, who honor their values and traditions, appreciate and preserve historical memory, will achieve progress in economic, social and humanitarian spheres.
We always gave priority to strengthening the national consciousness, sense of national pride and dignity, and therefore such vital issues will be in the focus of our attention in the future. National revival is first and foremost national consciousness. Building on this idea, we support the following:
– careful preservation and augmentation of the unique and great historical, cultural and intellectual heritage, traditions of our people, together with wide-scale popularization of their achievements among the younger generation. Protection of national interests and national values is our principal objective;
– detached and systematic study of the history of our people in line with principle “A nation oblivious to its own history has no future”. When evaluating the past and present of the Uzbek people, to ensure disavowal of unilateral approaches and subjectivity, counter the falsification of facts and distortion of the history of Uzbekistan;
– complete stocktaking of cultural heritage, improvement of the works in this direction, organization of comprehensive categorization of sites possessing the characteristics of cultural heritage, of artifacts, collections and archive documents stored in museums, archives, libraries and other premises, perfection of corresponding legislation;
– considering the global importance of the historical and cultural legacy and monuments of the Uzbek people implementation of effective measures for the preservation of national identity of our cities, including the adoption and realization of government programs aimed at promoting respect for the architectural monuments and their restoration, inclusion of monuments in the UNESCO World Heritage List;
– organization of the fund for reconstruction and overhaul of the material and cultural heritage through taxes and mandatory payments paid by business entities engaged in tourism activities
– in collaboration with relevant organizations actively strive for returning the scientific and artistic works related to the history of our people and created by our academics, thinkers, writers, poets, as well as valuables stored in libraries, archives and museums in foreign countries to Uzbekistan;
– further encourage the revival and development of national crafts, preservation of the traditions of national art school, which, in their turn, represent the high culture and craftsmanship of the Uzbek people and are distinct with high aesthetic quality;
– in line with the principle “The comprehensively advanced generation is the backbone of the nation” and in order to protect the consciousness of the younger generation from the harmful influence of mass culture alien to our people, implant the idea of national revival in their hearts and minds, and education in the spirit of respect for national values. At the same time, our primary goal is to assist in the creation and promotion of new products in cinematography, theatrical and pop art describing with the help of artistic images the rich and unique history, culture, traditions and the best customs of our people;
– develop a set of measures aimed at the further development of the state language, which has a long and rich history and been revived thanks to the national independence, and that meets the requirements of all spheres of modern development in the period of globalization. To enhance the quality and purity of language, reinforce its status as state language and achieve full compliance with its requirements together with further enhancement of linguistic culture;
– secure full-fledged use of the Uzbek language in basic science as well as in the field of modern information and communication technologies, banking and finance, law, diplomacy, military affairs and other extremely important sectors, which requires the creation of modern textbooks, etymological and comparative dictionaries, system development terms, phrases, concepts and categories. We plan to establish a special commission in this area;
– develop and implement measures aimed at preventing violations of the rules and regulations of the Uzbek literary language in the media, as well as in the content of news reports, outdoor advertising and commercials placed in public places above the roadway of streets and roads;
– for maximum satisfaction of educational and spiritual needs of the younger generation, cover all areas of science, education, literature and the press – to significantly boost the publication of books, newspapers and magazines in Uzbek in the Latin script;
– develop and realize projects based on the promotion of national qualities as generosity, hospitality, mutual respect, tolerance, kindness, charity, which serve for the spiritual development of our people and consolidation of stability in society;
– internationally promote the successes and achievements of the people of Uzbekistan in culture and arts, creation of films narrating the lives and works of great scientists, figures of culture, literature and arts, great statesmen and military commanders, who were born, lived and worked in the territory of modern Uzbekistan and made a significant contribution to the advancement of world civilization. Search for sources of funding these efforts. Attract foreign film studios, celebrated directors and actors, promote those films in the international community;
– establish and bolster spiritual-enlightenment centers that contribute to raising the spiritual-ethical standards, especially among young people, enhance the information-rich library stock of the Alisher Navoi National Library;
– identify and improve the burial places of our great scientists and thinkers who were born and raised in this land, but lived and worked in foreign countries and found eternal rest there;
– taking advantage of the capacities of social sciences and humanities in the advancement of the country and the formation of younger generation’s world outlook – to support publication and popularization of fundamental works in this field with an eye to their importance in the education of youth in the spirit of patriotism, national consciousness and universal values, and formation of ideological immunity in them from the ideas and ideologies contradicting the national interests;
– foster the young generation in the society, family and the educational system in the spirit of love and respect for the book. Delivery of economic incentives, provision of tax and other preferences to authors of works, printing houses, publishers producing books on the history, spiritual and cultural heritage of the people of Uzbekistan;
– further enrich the spiritual world and cultural enlightenment of children, create conditions necessary for them to be informed about the best samples of national and world musical culture;
– profound study of not only the national music, but also many other areas of world music, secure the participation and triumph of our singers and musicians, especially young ones, in prestigious international competitions and festivals.
We stand for the further development of our spiritual-enlightenment life. In this regard, for the spectators to return to theaters, it is important first and foremost to increase the number of performances staged at a high artistic level and dealing with topics contemporaries are concerned, bolster the theatrical culture of the population, especially young people, and, in pursuing this important goal, organize Open Days in all theaters of the country;
– on the basis of such family traditions of our people as respecting and honoring the elders, mutual consent, child care – to extensively assist the endeavors to strengthen the institution of the family and family values, boost care for young families, provide them with legal and social protection, deliver conditions necessary to shore up the number of healthy and strong families;
– actively contribute to efforts aimed at preventing downbeat phenomena still present in family life (like holding pompous wedding parties and other wasteful events).
- IN THE POLITICAL AND JUDICIAL SPHERES, embodying the statehood traditions developed in our country and people for centuries, civil society and in the years of independence, as well as modern democratic values, expressing the rights and interests of citizens, we will implement the following tasks in the political and judicial sphere:
– further consolidation of the current political system, priorities of the national idea, spiritual and moral foundations of our society. Our main goal is to build a modern advanced democratic state;
– cement the atmosphere of tolerance prevailing in the society, cohesion and solidarity of all citizens of Uzbekistan, regardless of ethnic origin, religion, social status and background;
– further improvement of mahalla as the national democratic institution – historically based on noble and progressive traditions of the Uzbek people, strengthening its institutional and economic framework, its role in ensuring the direct participation of citizens in matters of local importance, as well as the revival and enrichment of national and spiritual values, local customs and traditions;
– boost the legal awareness and law culture of the population to secure firm stability and supremacy of law in society. In this regard, the adoption of systematic and coherent set of measures aimed at further improving the system of law education in the country, development of continuous study of the Constitution and the foundations of human rights and democracy;
– On the basis of national values, skills and traditions – the development of pre-trial settlement system of disputes concerning family, inheritance, housing and other domestic issues, also by seeking compromise and reconciliation between the parties for the peaceful resolution of all conflicts, as well as by strengthening the role of the mahalla, guardianship institutions and non-profit organizations.
III. The motto of our party in the economic sphere is “SPIRITUAL REVIVAL OF THE PEOPLE IS THE BASIS OF ECONOMIC REFORMS”. On this front we will further the following goals:
– using the approach to economic development built on the requirements and trends of the 21st century – augmentation of the efficiency of national manufacturing industry through its technical and technological modernization, reduction of non-productive costs, introduction of new technologies, and provision of benefits for taxes and obligatory payments for prospective industries operating in various regions of the country;
– formation of competitive transnational companies, which will become a symbol of our national economy, secure the adoption of systemic and targeted measures to promote products labeled “Made in Uzbekistan” in world markets through the effective support of domestic manufacturers that produce import-substituting goods, likewise by reducing tax burden, applying customs privileges and preferences, special grants and other forms of government support;
– balanced development of the capital city and regions, towns and villages of the nation, prevent some territorial disparities in economic and social development;
– deriving from the difficult geographical location of Uzbekistan as a landlocked country and poor logistics infrastructure – elaboration of programs aimed at providing forwarding companies with tax incentives and preferences in order to increase the export potential of our country and reduce the domestic cost of production on the external market, advance and enlarge the system of leasing heavy vehicles;
– protection of the national market from the penetration of goods (works, services) of low quality that do not meet international standards, and consolidation of the legal foundations of favorable and attractive investment climate;
– satisfaction of the needs of our people, especially youth, for modern and high-quality clothing of domestic production, enlargement of the number of textile enterprises of modern and mobile nature, support for the introduction of modern technologies with deep processing of local raw materials;
– amplification of the efficiency of state-owned companies and enterprises with dominant share of the state by providing for transparency of financial and economic activity;
– comprehensive support for growth in the influx of domestic private investment in the national economy;
– realizing that the advancement of the national economy depends on highly qualified professionals – the radical consolidation of the system of training technicians, engineers, finance experts, economists and managers in corporate governance, programmers with advanced knowledge and skills, accumulation of support for talented youth studying in foregoing areas.
Uzbekistan is known to have a long history and unique cultural and historical heritage. All of these allow us to develop the enormous potential of the tourism industry and turn the country into one of the world centers of travel industry.
Tourism as a factor that accelerates the development of the economy and plays an important role in solving economic and social problems, which makes it possible to create additional workplaces, secure employment for the economically active population, improve the welfare of the nation, and which has a stimulating effect on the development of many related fields of economic activity and infrastructure. Moreover, tourism is also a powerful tool for education and formation of the spiritual foundations of civil society.
This said, we propose the implementation of a comprehensive plan of measures, including the following issues:
– provide for further development of the travel infrastructure, availability of tourist facilities, convenience of transportation systems, hospitality and tourism logistics, introduction of modern information technologies to the various areas of the tourism industry;
– improve the quality of services offered to the facilities of tourist activity, international airports and train stations, as a major factor in maintaining the international prestige and attractiveness of our country both for foreign guests and locals;
– create all necessary conditions for extensive enlargement of active forms of tourism, provide with a range of travels to the unique nature conservation areas, including ecotourism.
- Bolstering the living standards is our strategic aim IN THE SOCIAL SPHERE. In this respect, we consider the following as the priority tasks:
-adoption of a government program designed to provide for food safety, pressing as it is today across the entire world, inclusion of the issue of expanding the diet of the population in it, increase the volumes of domestically produced quality and safe foodstuffs, limit the use of genetic modification methods in the production of foodstuffs, and also raise the population’s feeding culture;
-elaboration of concrete and effective measures to prevent early marriages and early childbirths, bolster agitation and propaganda work in this direction, public inspection, as well as form a sense of intolerance to early marriages among population;
-delivery of networks of schools of political leaders contributing to the development of leadership skills among women in society, reinforcement of women’s participation in governance;
-maintenance of the nation’s gene pool and nurturing healthy generation, prohibition of sale of insalubrious power drinks to teenagers and boost the education and awareness raising activity in this direction. Consequent realization of the principle “Strong is the country where people are healthy and comprehensively advanced!”;
-usage in construction and design work of the traditions of national architecture and advanced foreign experience, assistance in the realization of major projects on restoration of historical cities and «museums under open sky”;
-improvement of the systems of passenger transport, including in the remote and difficult-to-access districts of the country, providing for a favorable transport passage for students of professional colleges and academic lyceums;
– creation of organizational and legal conditions for the expansion of self-employment of the electoral part of population, first of all women and young people, through the development of crafts, domestic enterprise and work at home;
-further perfection of legislation to strengthen the family and family values. Consistent continuation of large-scale works to raise care for young families;
-in order to further improve the architectural appearance of our cities, to prevent violations in all regions of our country, especially in multi-storey buildings, norms and rules of technical operation of the housing stock – the establishment of effective state control over observance of housing legislation;
-enlargement of budget expenditures to the development of cultural institutions, children’s centers “Barkamol Avlod”, music and art schools, including those in remote rural areas;
-assistance in the formation of highly intelligent society through the introduction of modern advanced scientific achievements in the educational process, further development of national science, attraction of talented, gifted young people to scientific research;
– revitalization of the institution of mahalla in addressing issues related to the spiritual and moral enlightenment of citizens, children and young people, in creating new jobs, increasing the efficiency of work in the social sphere, improving public security and law enforcement on the ground;
-consistent continuation of effective assistance to children, women and persons suffering from serious diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV / AIDS), strengthen parliamentary and public control over the observance of their legitimate rights and interests.
- Given that the 21st century has been marked as the age of information, important IN THE INFORMATION SPHEREbecomes comprehensive support for the realization of a long-term strategy for the development of national information and communication sector, designed to ensure the national interests and preserve the cultural identity of the nation. To achieve this, the following issues are pressing:
-addressing the challenge of the development of national information systems and national information resources, ensuring national information security. Improving the national information space, which is a solid foundation for development, achieving its continuous improvement;
– ensuring a high level of public access, particularly in rural areas, to information;
– working out national information systems and national information resources, integrating inter-agency systems and information systems, particularly in the development of the national segment of the internet;
– delivering a creative information environment, effective information-educational atmosphere in order to attract young people to it, protecting children from information harmful to their physical, spiritual and moral development;
– bolstering the information support for the formation and advancement of the national idea in public consciousness, widespread and profound affirmation in the minds and in the spiritual world of every citizen of our main goal to build a free and prosperous life in the country.
- One of the priorities is the development of all types of sports, especially the Olympic and national sports, based on the maxim “NOTHING CAN BE SO EFFECTIVE TO GLORIFY A NATION THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AS SPORTS”.
At the same time, there needs to be a system of sports promotion by the example of the tremendous success of Uzbek athletes on the world stage, which serves for boosting the pride of the nation, fostering youth in the spirit of patriotism and cohesion of the people in the name of a common goal, furthering the efforts to create documentary and feature films, scientific popular works about the life and activities of athletes, which are the pride of our homeland.
Following the principle “Strong is a country where children are healthy and harmoniously developed”, all-round promotion of children’s sport, which has acquired the status of national objective in our country, to create favorable conditions for extensive involvement of children and young people in regular exercises and sports.
Supporting the further development of the three-tier system of mass attraction of children and young people to sports – the contests “Umid Nihollari”, “Barkamol Avlod” and the Universiade, and the participation of students in international tournament.
Comprehensive consolidation of relations with the International Kurash Association, international and national Olympic committees in the inclusion of kurash, embodying national values, courage and boldness, ideas of patriotism and humanism, into the list of Olympic Games, given that the number of federations worldwide on this sport is already about 130.
VII. IN THE FOREIGN POLITICAL ACTIVITY, we support the peace-loving policy of Uzbekistan that does not participate in military-political blocs, and we believe that the key objectives of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy are furthered today in thorny conditions, in a situation where threats to security and stability in the region are still pressing.
The rich historical heritage of Uzbekistan, its spiritual and moral traditions and values, an invaluable contribution to the world culture became the main and important factor in the formation of the republic as an equal actor of contemporary international relations, to pursue active foreign policy and foreign economic activity.
We believe an important task is the implementation of activities to further enhance the international prestige and standing of Uzbekistan – the land of great scholars and thinkers, which has an enormous and unique natural resources, economic and intellectual potential.
In carrying out effective foreign policy we support the following objectives set out in the party’s election program:
– resolute defense of national interests as part of the activities of foreign affairs ministry and other government bodies. Our motto is: the national interests are above everything else;
– extensive promotion of the achievements of culture and arts of the people of Uzbekistan, the formation of Uzbekistan’s positive image in the international arena;
-development of international cooperation to ensure the full protection of the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of citizens and corporate entities of the Republic of Uzbekistan in foreign countries;
-effective response to the information expansion from other states;
-broad diversification of economic, technological, transport and other relations of Uzbekistan in order to reduce dependence on individual partners or groups of countries;
-consolidation of our country’s international image as a reliable, responsible political and trade-economic partner;
– revival of the ancient cross-border route in the history of civilization – the Great Silk Road, which unites the East and West, and has become a milestone in the institutional enlargement and enhancement of economic, political, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as the promotion of the robust brand of the “Great Silk Road”.
Our principal idea is selfless service to Uzbekistan’s national interests with the employment of all our energy and the potential for the further consolidation of peace and harmony, sustainable economic development, elevation of people’s well-being and the prosperity of the Motherland.
Our uniting goal and priority is the interests of Uzbekistan and once again the interests of Uzbekistan.
(Source: Republican Press Center on Covering the Elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
investments
Objectives for the Future
Effective projects on active attraction of foreign investments and modern technologies, upgrade of manufactures, technical and technological extension, development of small business and private entrepreneurship are keys to the success of the domestic light industry. Deputy Head of Uzbekyengilsanoat Company Avaz Muhiddinov has shared his ideas on the new objectives and development thrusts for the industry:
“Over the years of independence, the industry has disbursed more than $2.5 billion of investments, and implemented nearly 200 large-scale investment projects. Over the years, enterprises under Uzbekyengilsanoat have produced industrial output for more than 31 trillion soums (currency rates of CB RU from 25.11.2016, 1$= 3157.50 soums), consumer goods – for 13 trillion soums.
Today, the company merges more than 380 textile, sewing and knitting enterprises, as well as for silk manufactures. Almost 360 of them are small business entities and private enterprises. Over the past three quarters of the current year, the volume of production has exceeded 2.7 trillion soums, consumer goods – 1.2 trillion soums.
Exports stand as a major factor of development. Presently, the company enterprises export their products to more than 60 countries. In the first nine months of 2016, exports amounted to $767.3 million with 17.9 percent growth YOY. Over the reported period, the number of exporting enterprises increased by 38 and reached 250.
Meanwhile, the company has been actively increasing exports of finished products. To date, the share of products with high added value in total exports has been 42%.
At the present stage, the domestic light industry focuses on modernization, technical and technological upgrade of production, opening of new international markets, strengthening of international cooperation and involvement of foreign partners in innovative projects.
Channeling foreign investments, establishment of new joint ventures and expansion of existing facilities pave the way for raising competitiveness. Since the beginning of the year, the light industry has invited $153.7 million of investments, carried out 25 investment projects, created more than 2,000 new jobs.
Enhanced processing of cotton fiber enables the elaboration of follow-up programs. In particular, the implementation of 77 projects totaling nearly one billion dollars is currently underway in the textile industry in the framework of measures on structural reformation, modernization and diversification of production for 2015-2019.
The implementation of 140 projects in textile, garment and knitwear industry totaling $2.2 billion is scheduled for 2017-2021 as a follow-up development of the industry.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)
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