O‘zbekiston Respublikasi Prezidenti Shavkat Mirziyoyevning Oliy Majlisga Murojaatnomasi

Dear deputies and senators!

Dear compatriots!

Dear guests!

Today we are all participants in the most important political event in the life of our Motherland.

For the first time, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan delivers a message to the parliament of the country - the Oliy Majlis.

It is known that in many developed countries there is a practice of addressing the head of state with a message to the national parliament on the most important and topical issues of political, socio-economic and democratic development.

I think that such a democratic method of government today is particularly in demand and consonant with the large-scale reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan, first of all, the principle of dialogue with the people, and serves to further improve the efficiency of our activities.

Along with members of the Senate and deputies of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, deputies of district, city and regional Kengashes, heads of executive authorities and economic management of all levels also participate in today's meeting.

Let me bring to your attention the Message on the main results of the work carried out in 2017, which marked the beginning of a new stage of our development, and the priority areas of socio-economic development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2018.

To accomplish the tasks envisaged for this year in the Action Strategy for the further development of our country, all the forces and capabilities of the state and society were mobilized.

The most important step on this path was the implementation of measures outlined in the State Program “Year of Dialogue with the People and Human Interests”.

It should be noted that our people widely support the ongoing large-scale reforms in the country. The first results of these transformations today are reflected in the lives of compatriots, their social activity and their confidence in the future are growing.

We make every decision concerning the life of the country on the basis of a direct dialogue with the people, taking into account the opinions of the public. The principle “It’s not the people who serve the state bodies, but the state bodies should serve the people” becomes the cornerstone of our activity.

Employees of state bodies, first of all, managers, not limited to desk work, go to the field, deal with practical solutions to the most pressing problems of the population.

In this sense, we can say with full confidence that in the history of Uzbekistan, 2017 was the year of creating a new system of direct dialogue with the people, effectively solving their life problems.

The national receptions and the Virtual Reception of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which are the basis of this system, have become a kind of democratic institution for dealing with citizens.

In a short time, more than 1.5 million citizens appealed to these receptions, many people's problems accumulated over the years were positively resolved, which testifies to the establishment of democracy in Uzbekistan not in words but in deeds.

Increasing the personal responsibility of local managers for the early correction of mistakes and shortcomings was the important result of the work of this system.

Taking into account the interests of the people, cardinal changes are also being carried out in the judicial and legal sphere, the prosecution system and the internal affairs bodies, which are the most important institutions for ensuring social justice.

We have already spoken about this in detail at a solemn meeting devoted to the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, therefore I believe that there is no need to dwell on this issue again.

This year, more than 1,100 people living in the country and not having the citizenship of Uzbekistan received this status. I think this is another confirmation of ensuring human rights and freedoms in our country.

In the economic sphere in 2017, we took the first steps to implement effective reforms that meet modern requirements.

Laws, decrees and decrees, comprehensively thought out programs for organizing our economy on a new basis and its further liberalization, improving its legal base, modernizing and diversifying production have been adopted and are being consistently implemented.

In a country, 161 large industrial facilities were commissioned in a short time. This will allow us to produce additional products for 1.5 trillion soums next year.

For example, a steam and gas installation is involved at the Tashkent Thermal Power Plant. Due to this, an additional 2.5 billion kilowatts of electricity will be produced.

Work is also continuing on the construction of a second combined-cycle plant at the Navoi Thermal Power Plant, a hydrometallurgical plant based on the Avminza-Amantai gold mines in Kyzylkum.

Currently, Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine has begun work on the development of the mines "Yoshlik-1" and "Yoshlik-2". Construction of such large facilities as the Sardobinsky, Central Fergana and Tupalang reservoirs is underway at an accelerated pace. The railway line Fergana - Margilan is electrified.

Due to the launch of another large facility - the Kandym gas processing complex, in 2018 4 billion 100 million cubic meters of natural gas, more than 67 thousand tons of condensate, more than 106 thousand tons of sulfur will be additionally produced. At Mubarek Gas Processing Plant, one of the locomotives of Uzbekistan’s economy, in the coming year, additional 6 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be commissioned at full capacity for sulfur removal.

Along with this, in the joint-stock company “Uzagrotehsanoat holding” in the new year the production of more than 5 thousand modern tractors, over 1 thousand cotton harvesting machines and more than 2 thousand trailers will be arranged.

There are many more such examples.

The most important thing in economic policy is to critically reconsider such an unacceptable method as the race for unrealistic numbers, the desire to pass off the utopian plans for reality. Achieving concrete results and ensuring the interests of a person are identified as the main goal of our reforms.

Thanks to the measures implemented in 2017, sustainable economic growth rates amounted to 5.5 percent, exports increased by 15 percent. Foreign trade surplus reached 854 million dollars.

We began free conversion of our national currency - sum. Legal entities and individuals received the opportunity to purchase and sell foreign currency in commercial banks without restrictions. Since the beginning of the liberalization of the sphere, the volume of operations for the purchase and sale of foreign currency increased by 1.5 times and amounted to about 1.3 billion dollars. At the same time, the foreign exchange reserves of our state increased by 1.1 billion dollars.

This year, the country has established 12 free economic and 45 industrial zones, which contributes to the accelerated development of our regions. Work is underway to organize another 50 new industrial zones in the near future.

During the year, the focus of our attention was on the creation of new jobs, which is extremely important for us. In 2017, through the construction of new industrial enterprises, the development of small businesses and private entrepreneurship, and the expansion of the services sector, more than 336,000 new jobs were organized. We have identified for ourselves the provision of employment as a priority task, and therefore we will continue to emphasize the growth of these indicators not only in quantitative but also in qualitative terms.

It also ensures the implementation of adopted programs for the reform of the social sphere as an extremely important area of ​​state policy.

It is known that for many years the housing problem remained the most acute among our population, especially public sector employees, low-income families. For the sake of justice, it must be admitted that we paid almost no attention to this issue. Considering the needs of people, this year we have begun the construction of affordable housing on updated projects on the basis of preferential mortgage loans.

In cities and villages, typical and multi-storey houses were built with a total living area of ​​over 3.5 million square meters. Compared with previous years, the volume of housing construction has increased dramatically, for example, relative to 2007 - by 20 times, in 2010, when the implementation of the housing construction program for standard projects was launched - by 3.5 times, and compared to 2014 - 2 times.

It should be emphasized that over the past 25 years, we first began the construction of multi-storey buildings with all the amenities at affordable prices for the population. In 2017, such multi-apartment houses with an area of ​​over 800 thousand square meters were built and commissioned.

Only in Tashkent this year, 420 thousand square meters of housing were erected - almost 3 times more than last year.

Taking into account that the issue of providing the population with affordable housing is still relevant, we will definitely continue this work in the new year on a larger scale.

Because people are not tomorrow, not in the distant future, but today they want to see positive changes in their lives. Our hardworking, kind-hearted and generous people have every right to do so.

Concrete measures have been taken to improve the environmental situation in the Aral Sea region. Under the Ministry of Finance, the Development Fund of the Aral Region was created, to which funds in the amount of more than 200 billion soums were directed.

These funds improve the water supply and the living conditions of the residents of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Khorezm region. Along with this, in these regions more than 3 thousand kilometers of internal roads have been thoroughly repaired and reconstructed.

This year we paid special attention to the construction of new and repair of existing educational institutions. 12 secondary schools were built, 320 were reconstructed, 152 schools were overhauled. In addition, 107 were built and reconstructed, 195 pre-school educational institutions were overhauled.

 

Considering the great role and importance of raising our children from an early age, we organized the Ministry of Pre-School Education. We need to strengthen the material and technical base of this sphere, including in the next 3-4 years we must build in all regions of the country and equip thousands of new kindergartens, raise the quality of education and training in them to a new level.

 

In accordance with the proposals of many parents, teachers and students, the general public, we have restored the 11-year general education.

 

To fill the needs of the local teachers in the Tashkent region organized Chirchik State Pedagogical Institute.

 

In addition, correspondence departments have been opened in 15 higher educational institutions, where more than 5 thousand teachers who have graduated from colleges can receive higher education.

 

In the education system, on the basis of innovative and creative approaches, specialized schools for in-depth study of the exact sciences, named after Muhammad Khorezmi and Mirzo Ulugbek, have been created.

 

Considerable work is also being done to further improve the system of higher education. In particular, the Program of Integrated Development of the Higher Education System was adopted in 2017-2021.

 

At the expense of the newly organized institutes and branches of universities, the number of higher educational institutions reached 81, branches in the regions - 15, branches of foreign universities - 7. In addition, it should be noted the agreement on the establishment of a branch of the Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys in the city of Almalyk, and in Tashkent - a branch Webster University USA.

 

Based on the needs of the real sector of the economy, correspondence and evening departments are open in some higher educational institutions.

 

Measures were taken to improve the system and strengthen the material and technical base of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, and a number of research institutes and centers were restored.

 

After a long break, elections to the Academy of Sciences have been held. A large number of talented scientists enjoying prestige at home and abroad have been awarded the high title of academician. In turn, we are entitled to expect from the Academy of Sciences practical results of promising research, new scientific developments.

All our consistent work is aimed at achieving one goal - Uzbekistan must become competitive on the world stage in the field of science, intellectual potential, modern personnel, and high technologies.

Dear friends!

 

Speaking about the development of the cultural and humanitarian sphere, first of all it should be noted that this year 12 important documents were adopted relating to issues of culture, art and literature, and the media.

 

In order to enhance the role and importance of creative unions in the life of the country, to strengthen their material and technical base, the Public Foundation for the Support of Creative Figures of Uzbekistan “Ilkhom” was created, and together with cultural and art institutions, large companies and banks - “Clubs of Friends”

 

In addition, the Writers Alley, the new building of the Writers' Union, in Karakalpakstan and a number of areas, creative schools named after our outstanding writers and poets have been created in Tashkent on the territory of the National Park. Also Kokand city, Khorezm and Jizzakh regional drama theaters were reconstructed, Fergana regional branch of the Uzbek State Institute of Arts and Culture was organized.

 

When we talk about projects that are important events in our spiritual life, it should be emphasized that work has begun on organizing the activities of such scientific and educational institutions as the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, the international research centers named after Imam Bukhari and Imam Termizi, Islamic academy.

 

Along with this, at the memorial complexes of our great thinkers, schools have been established for the study of Hadith, Islamic law, Sufism and other areas.

 

Of course, our activity in this direction has a deep scientific and practical basis.

 

It is known that our land, located at the crossroads of ancient cultures and civilizations, has cultivated thousands of scientists and thinkers, great poets and theologians. The invaluable heritage left by them, including in the field of the exact sciences and religious-philosophical knowledge, is today the spiritual heritage of all mankind.

 

At present, over 100 thousand ancient manuscripts are kept in the book collections of Uzbekistan. Unfortunately, these unique books have not yet been fully studied, they are waiting for their researchers and readers.

 

On the pages of these rare works you can find answers to many problems of our time. In particular, to this day, deep thoughts and ideas that have not lost their relevance, which reveal the truly humanistic essence of Islam, call on all people, regardless of their nationality, religion and social status, for good, charity and harmony.

 

At the same time, it should be frankly acknowledged that we, being the heirs of such unique property, have done far from everything to study them, to acquaint them with our compatriots, especially the younger generation, as well as the international community.

 

We talk a lot about the need to combat religious ignorance, against malicious currents - through enlightenment. This, of course, is correct. But where is this enlightenment, this knowledge — above all, is it not in such books left by our great ancestors to us?

All our practical actions in this field are aimed at achieving just such a noble goal and cause great interest and attention not only in our country, but also abroad.

Therefore, it is unacceptable that thousands of enlightened ulems in our society, which possesses such invaluable wealth, has advanced intellectuals, in our country, which undertakes important initiatives in this sphere, will receive adherents of religious fundamentalism.

Dear participants of the meeting!

In 2017, great work was also done in the field of physical education and sports.

All of us enjoy the sporting success of our youth. More and more new world and continental champions, international chess grandmasters declare themselves.

In the final year, the athletes of Uzbekistan achieved high results in various competitions in boxing, judo, taekwondo, weightlifting, freestyle wrestling, sambo.

2017 became a bright page in the history of Uzbek national kurash. At a meeting of the General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia in September in Turkmenistan, it was decided to include this sport in the program of the Asian Games. Thus, at the upcoming XVIII Asian Games in Indonesia in 2018, athletes from different countries will also take part in competitions in the Uzbek national kurash.

We are currently working on improving the activities of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan. Now the preparation for the Olympic Games and other prestigious competitions will be carried out on a new basis, fully meeting world standards.

Today, from this high rostrum, let me express my great gratitude to all our young athletes, their mentors and coaches for their achievements in the development of our national sport, and wish them new victories.

Dear compatriots!

Over the past period, we have achieved significant results in the development of friendly and mutually beneficial relations with foreign countries, primarily with neighboring countries.

In 2017, 21 high-level visits took place, meetings with leaders and representatives of more than 60 states and international organizations were held. As a result, over 400 agreements have been concluded, trade and investment agreements have been signed for a total of almost $ 60 billion.

For the purpose of timely implementation of the adopted documents, 40 “road maps” have been developed, which are carried out jointly with our foreign partners.

We have begun to implement the principle “The main priority of the foreign policy of Uzbekistan is Central Asia”. As a result, a completely new political atmosphere has been created in our region, and relations are being strengthened based on mutual trust and good neighborliness.

Strategic cooperation has been established with Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. A number of important documents on further deepening the strategic partnership with Kazakhstan were signed, economic agreements worth $ 2 billion were concluded. Cooperation with Tajikistan is being strengthened. The flights between the cities of Tashkent and Dushanbe are adjusted.

The signing of the Treaty on the State Border with Kyrgyzstan was a serious step in ensuring security and stability in Central Asia.

Signed important agreements on mutually beneficial cooperation with the neighboring Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, began practical work on new economic projects.

Also, effective agreements and agreements have been reached with Russia, the People’s Republic of China, South Korea, Turkey, the United States, European Union states, and Muslim countries.

Uzbekistan at the new level is developing cooperation with such international structures as the United Nations, the Islamic Cooperation Organization, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has been restored, partnerships with the European Investment Bank have been established. Interaction with the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Asian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is becoming dynamic.

The positive transformations taking place in the country increase interest in Uzbekistan in the international arena and serve to strengthen our status in the world community.

Of course, you can talk a lot about the work we have done during the year. However, we are well aware that all this is only the first steps on our chosen difficult, but the only true path.

Taking this opportunity, I express sincere gratitude to representatives of state and non-state organizations, business associations and companies, everyone who contributed to this noble cause, who actively participated in the implementation of the State Program “Year of Dialogue with the People and Human Interests”.

Dear participants of the meeting!

According to the good tradition that has developed in our country, now we have to consult about the name of the upcoming new year, 2018.

We thought a lot on this issue. We took into account the appeals and letters received during the year from our citizens to the People’s Reception and Virtual Reception of the President, government bodies, the opinions expressed during the meetings held at the places of interest, studied public opinion.

Taking into account all the suggestions and recommendations made, I propose to name the new, 2018 in our country the Year of support for active entrepreneurship, innovative ideas and technologies.

In this regard, I would like to briefly discuss the concept of active entrepreneurship. This is a direction in the economy when business activity is organized on the basis of innovative, modern approaches, advanced technologies and management methods.

When we say “active entrepreneurs”, we mean business people capable of producing competitive products, most importantly creating new jobs that benefit not only themselves and their families, but the entire society.

Our first priority should be to provide all-round support to entrepreneurs, in particular, in creating favorable conditions for the importation and introduction of high technologies into production, the latest scientific achievements.

We also need to create wide opportunities for them to improve their qualifications, internships at leading foreign companies and organizations, and mutually beneficial cooperation with them.

Today we are moving on the path of innovative development aimed at a radical improvement in all spheres of the life of the state and society.

And it is natural. After all, who wins in the current rapidly developing world? Only the state that relies on a new idea, a new idea, an innovation.

Innovation means the future. If today we begin to build our great future, then we must do it primarily on the basis of innovative ideas, an innovative approach.

That is why we organized the Ministry of Innovation Development and set specific tasks for it. We hope that this ministry will play the role of a kind of locomotive in the implementation of major projects not only in the economic sphere, but also in the life of our entire society.

In 2018, the focus will be on the development of research and innovation activities, the mobilization of the necessary financial resources for this, the full support of the participation of talented young people in this process, creative ideas and developments.

I. Priority areas for improving the system of state and public construction

Dear national representatives!

The need to effectively address the currently existing problems in society, the consistent continuation of large-scale reforms requires the creation of an entirely new system in the field of public administration.

I think that the time has come for the development and adoption of the Law “On Public Service”.

At the same time, along with other important issues, it is necessary to provide for the creation of a wage system and decent social security for civil servants, and at the same time - increasing the responsibility of officials.

In the field of management, first of all, we must introduce specific criteria and a procedure for improving the activities of the executive bodies, the rational use of human and material resources.

Secondly, it is necessary to clearly define the procedure for carrying out the tasks assigned to the executive authorities and the scope of their responsibility.

Thirdly, it is necessary to reduce the administrative influence on sectors of the economy and the widespread use of market mechanisms. That is, it requires restriction of state participation in the creation of business structures, the development of appropriate market mechanisms, the transfer of individual functions of the state to the private sector.

 

Fourthly, it is necessary to improve methods and techniques that ensure close cooperation between representative bodies and executive bodies, and to phase out excessively centralized control.

It is necessary to provide public services directly in the field, expanding financial and other opportunities for local authorities. It is necessary to optimize and simplify the existing procedures, introduce innovative forms of management.

Fifth, it is necessary to reform the institute of the civil service, to introduce effective mechanisms to combat corruption.

Today, life itself requires us to create a professional, mobile, and results-oriented public service system, to develop an effective system that opens up a wide road for initiative, thinking in a new way, and dedicated personnel to the Motherland and the people.

In carrying out these tasks, the leadership for us should be the Concept of Administrative Reform in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

As is known, in order to effectively combat corruption in the country, a separate law was adopted.

The corresponding state program is being consistently implemented, which includes measures aimed at achieving specific goals in this area.

As a result, for 9 months of this year, the number of crimes related to corruption, compared with the same period last year, decreased by 33 percent.

We should consider such indicators as the first results of our long-term fight against corruption and work even more resolutely in this direction.

Dear friends!

I think it is appropriate to dwell separately on the role and importance of the parliament, deputies and senators in increasing the effectiveness of the reforms implemented by us.

During the meeting with members of the Oliy Majlis on July 12 of this year, it was especially noted that our country's parliament should become a true school of democracy, an initiator and a decisive force in the implementation of reforms, and we approved a program of practical measures.

But what is the benefit to our society from the execution of this program, which of the deputies or senators contributed to the alleviation of the lives of our people, the solution of their pressing problems in the areas of health, environment, public utilities, education and others?

Unfortunately, our people do not see specific examples of such care either in life or in print, or on television. Only on paper remained the call for our deputies, senators to become more active.

Of the 136 legislative initiatives received during the year, only 27 were put forward by deputies, and mainly related to the introduction of amendments and additions to existing laws based on decrees and resolutions of the President. This alone does not indicate a lack of effectiveness in the activities of our parliament?

Really, only decrees and resolutions of the President should be adopted for the implementation of reforms? After all, the parliament is called upon to develop effective laws aimed at a radical improvement in various spheres.

Unfortunately, the activity of our parliament is largely to hold formal meetings. Why are problems not identified or raised by the electorate by adopting appropriate laws or by decisively putting the issue before the executive branch?

Dear deputies, our people are waiting for you to answer these questions. Gone are the days when the opinion was prevailing, they say, we were elected as deputies or senators, now you can live in peace.

The parliament of our country was recommended to promote the introduction of a businesslike, constructive, self-critical spirit in the activities of local Kengashes, the work of the health care system, and the scope of early warning of crime and delinquency.

However, the role of parliament and deputies in these areas is not enough.

Today we cannot say that in any region the services rendered to the population by health care institutions meet the requirements of the time.

It would be expedient if the Legislative Chamber (N. Ismoilov) paid more attention to solving problems in this area. For example, it would be possible to create a separate committee on health issues in the lower house of the Oliy Majlis and organize the work of deputies - its members mainly in the field.

If you look at the reports, you get the impression that positive changes are taking place in the activities of local Kengashes, but this is expressed only in numbers. We need not numbers, but concrete results.

Only in the case when the situation in the regions improves, when the budget is enforced, crime decreases, new jobs will appear in the required quantity, and most importantly, people’s living standards will rise, only then can a positive assessment be made of the activities of local Kengashes.

Unfortunately, the activities of the Kengash of people's deputies are not organized at the proper level in any district.

The leadership of the Senate (N. Yuldoshev) expediently critically, taking into account the opinions of citizens, to consider the activities in this direction of the upper chamber and take the necessary measures to fundamentally change the work of representative bodies.

It is also necessary to prevent the weakening of the work on the prevention of crime in the regions and to increase the effectiveness of the fight against crime.

In the most important area of ​​activity of the parliament - lawmaking, there are also a number of errors and shortcomings.

It should be recognized that the adoption of laws and bylaws, which in most cases do not contribute to the solution of any specific issues, and sometimes contradict each other, in practice leads to many problems.

The question is, who needs the created inefficient working groups, as well as the “dead” laws that do not affect law enforcement practice and do not have enforcement mechanisms?

In order to prevent such negative phenomena, we must develop and implement a concept for improving lawmaking and rulemaking.

From now on, we will critically review the practice of adopting laws as part of the implementation of various programs.

We all must be well aware: the only source and author of the law should be the people.

From now on, opinions and proposals on each bill will come directly from citizens, local Kengashes of people's deputies.

In the process of adopting laws, we must effectively use the system of wide discussion of draft laws by the population. To organize such a discussion, the leadership of the Oliy Majlis needs to create special “platforms” on the Internet.

In order for citizens to express their position on important issues concerning the life of our state and society, it is advisable to create a special web page “My opinion”.

As an advanced mechanism of democracy, it is proposed to introduce a procedure for making a collective electronic appeal.

In other words, the compulsory consideration by the Oliy Majlis or Kengashs of people's deputies of initiatives put forward by groups of citizens should be fixed by law.

Recently, we created the Institute for Problems of Legislation and Parliamentary Studies under the Oliy Majlis. It is intended to become a kind of scientific center, deeply analyzing the various proposals received by the Oliy Majlis.

Another important issue is that in order to comprehensively examine the state of affairs in all spheres, develop effective measures and solve existing problems, it is necessary to further strengthen the role of the chambers of the Oliy Majlis and political parties.

Here you should also get rid of the practice of chasing the numbers. If instead of solving hundreds of problems on paper you actually solve at least a few problems, then voters will be satisfied with your work, dear deputies.

Most importantly, our citizens, by the example of their own life, should feel the transformations being carried out, to feel that there really are their representatives in the system of state power.

Ensuring interparty competition, creating equal conditions for all political actors is an important condition for strengthening the role of parliament.

As is known, the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan, organized in 2008, has turned into a real political force over the past period. However, it should be recognized that the inclusion of representatives of the movement in the lower house of parliament on the basis of a predetermined quota does not contribute to increasing their activity and initiative.

I think that the time has come to create equal conditions for all political forces and abandon the quota of seats in the Legislative Chamber for representatives of the Ecological Movement. The introduction of this change will enhance healthy competition in the political arena and will strengthen the Ecological Movement as a separate political force.

In this regard, I would also like to dwell on the electoral legislation that is important in our political life. 6 laws and a number of by-laws adopted in this area, unfortunately, have not yet been harmonized as a single document.

It is necessary to develop and adopt a uniform Electoral Code that meets international norms and standards.

Also today we should begin to develop a program of measures to prepare for elections to representative bodies of power, which will be held in 2019. In the program, special attention should be paid to the organization of this political process in an even more open spirit, which corresponds to the best practice.

Dear friends!

The next important issue we face in order to create even more favorable conditions for the population is a radical improvement in the quality and expansion of public services.

Therefore, at the Ministry of Justice, we have organized a new structure - the Agency of State Services, which will coordinate and supervise the work on their rendering by all government departments.

From now on, the centers of the state services of this Agency, which will begin to operate at the People’s Receptions, will provide prompt and quality services not only to entrepreneurs, but to all citizens.

A pressing issue is still planning the activities of state bodies, increasing its efficiency.

Currently, there is no specific criterion that allows an objective assessment of the activities of a particular department over the past period. For example, I still do not know by what criteria the work of the Ministry of Economy or another department is evaluated.

Therefore, ministries and departments, khokimiyats of all levels in determining the forecast parameters should outline specific quantitative and qualitative indicators of the expected results of their activities.

In this regard, it is necessary to revise the structure and tasks of state bodies. In order to prevent mistakes in this area, it is necessary to take deeply thought-out decisions, get a positive conclusion from the Commission on the implementation of the Concept of administrative reform.

To increase the effectiveness of the measures taken, ensuring the coordinated work of the executive bodies is extremely important.

Unfortunately, today the absence of a clear delineation of responsibility, the determination of its degree in areas of activity, and mechanisms of authority prevent to achieve this goal.

In this regard, in the field of public administration, it is necessary to introduce an effective decision-making system based on their openness and transparency.

It is advisable to revise the principles and mechanisms of interaction between the government and the Cabinet of Ministers. Each ministry is obliged to ensure the implementation of state policy in the sphere entrusted to it and be fully responsible for the final result.

It requires submission to the relevant ministries directly cooperating with the government and the parliament of agencies, committees, inspections and centers that operate in the status equal to the ministries. With this in mind, critical review and optimization of the tasks and structure of the government are necessary.

Such changes will serve to reduce more than a hundred state and economic bodies that perform almost identical functions.

One of the serious shortcomings of our activity is the excessive centralization of the functions and powers of the state.

For example, currently there are 64 types of licenses, of which 21 are issued by the Cabinet of Ministers and 40 by central departments. The issuance of three types of licenses refers to the powers of regional khokimiyats and only one - district khokimiyats.

This state of affairs can also be observed in the field of paperwork related to licensing procedures.

Only 11 out of 220 permits can be obtained in areas or cities. For the remaining 209, you have to contact the republican and regional bodies. Can this be called normal?

For example, to obtain a license to open a private kindergarten in the Shavatsky district, an entrepreneur must travel a thousand kilometers, travel to Tashkent and wait for months.

The same facts are observed in the selection, placement, allocation of credit and financial resources, the approval of many important decisions at the local level.

How can you understand that the local authorities do not have the authority even to solve simple issues?

All this has a negative impact on the independent work of the structures in solving urgent socio-economic problems on the ground.

It is necessary to abandon the excessive centralization of state administration and to transfer many of the powers of central bodies to territorial bodies.

Taking into account all these circumstances, the post of deputy district, city and regional hokims to attract investments was introduced. In addition, a resolution was adopted to further increase the responsibility of tax, financial and economic bodies for the formation of local budgets and the creation of additional reserves. The powers of local authorities in reforming the budget system have been expanded.

Now the leaders of district, city and regional khokimiyats should take advantage of the opportunities provided and take responsibility for solving the urgent problems on the ground.

One of the urgent tasks in the near future is the complete transfer of authority to district and city hokims in the selection and placement of cadres of managers responsible for the socio-economic development of territories.

From now on, the appointment and dismissal of heads of local departments of health, public education, economics, finance, tax inspection and other structures will be carried out by the district hokim.

Similar powers of regional and Tashkent city khokimiyats will also be revised.

Along with giving local leaders such broad powers and autonomy, we must also drastically increase their responsibility for the end result.

Another important task is related to the division of powers of khokims as leaders of the executive and representative authorities.

Recently, the role of the Kengashes of people's deputies and the powers of the people's representatives have been strengthened. The powers of political parties in the formation of local authorities have been gradually expanded, parliamentary control over executive authorities has been strengthened.

At the same time, it must be admitted that the practice, when a hokim is at the same time the head of both the local Kengash and the executive body, does not comply with democratic principles.

It is known that the Khokims report to the local Kengashes on important and topical issues of territorial development. And the Kengashs, in turn, make the appropriate decision.

It is probably worth asking the question: can such a procedure be considered normal when, as a result, the khokim himself evaluates his activities?

Today, life itself proves that such a system negatively affects the activities of both khokims and local Kengashes.

Therefore, we are currently working on resolving this issue at the legislative level.

Our important task should remain to create conditions for exercising public control through our representatives over the activities of khokims on the development of territories, the execution of the local budget, and the solution of communal issues.

In today's realities, it is the accountability, openness and responsibility of public officials to society that are an important condition for the effective functioning of the state apparatus.

From this point of view, in the near future on the Internet you need to create a single platform for the implementation of all government procurement and the implementation of state property. This will reduce budget expenditures, effectively manage state property and save large financial resources.

Dear compatriots!

It should be especially noted that in the reforms aimed at building an open civil society, ensuring the protection of human rights and freedoms, an important role is played by non-governmental non-profit organizations.

Currently, there are more than 9,000 NGOs in the country, there are branches and representative offices of 29 international and foreign non-governmental organizations.

Separate decrees and resolutions on the improvement of the activities of such non-governmental non-profit organizations as the Nuroniy Foundation, the Youth Union, the Council of Farmers and Dekhkan Farms and Land Owners, the Chamber of Commerce, the Republican Council for the Coordination of Citizens' Self-Government, and their support were adopted.

However, despite such measures, the participation of public organizations in the systematic study of the problems of the population, their solution, especially in support of women in difficult social situations, prevention of crime and crime among young people and women, and their employment is not well felt. These organizations are mainly involved in formal events.

I think that relevant conclusions will be drawn from today's criticism, and NGOs will intensify their work.

In order to organize effective cooperation with non-governmental non-profit organizations, I consider it expedient to establish under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan an Advisory Council on the development of civil society.

I want to dwell on another pressing problem in this area. There is still no specific legal mechanism for the implementation of public control over the activities of state bodies.

This, in turn, impedes the objective assessment by non-state non-profit organizations of the fulfillment of tasks assigned by state bodies and officials.

Proceeding from this, in order to introduce effective and practical mechanisms for exercising public control in state and public administration, I propose to speed up the adoption of the Law “On Public Control” and create public councils under all state bodies.

These public councils must ensure the openness of the activities of state bodies and play the role of a liaison with the population.

At present, the mass media are an important and effective factor for strengthening democratic principles in the life of society.

In order to form professional and modern journalism, it is necessary to pay attention to the financial support of the media, in particular, new non-state information and analytical sites, and to create a special state fund for this purpose.

Today in our country there are more than 1,500 media. They differ in the form of ownership, direction, method of information transfer. Of course, all of them require highly qualified personnel. Unfortunately, in the country there is no corresponding basic higher educational institution, which would centrally solve these large-scale tasks at a high level.

In this regard, I consider it necessary to form the University of Journalism and the media.

Ii. Priority areas for ensuring the rule of law and further reforming the judicial and legal system

Dear deputies and senators!

I do not get tired of repeating one truth: our main task should be to establish the principle of justice in the life of society.

This year began a large-scale work to ensure the true independence of the judiciary. In particular, in order to further improve the structure of the courts and the system of selection and appointment of judges, the Supreme Judicial Council was established.

The Council established an effective public control over the selection and appointment of judges.

We need to continue reforms in this industry. I believe that for this, it would be advisable to create a commission under the Oliy Majlis to assist in ensuring the independence of the judiciary.

This commission, on the basis of a synthesis of citizens' appeals, questions raised during direct meetings, and a parliamentary inquiry, should analyze the real situation and, together with the Supreme Court and the High Judicial Council, take measures to solve the identified problems.

To ensure the true independence of the judiciary, it is first necessary to protect judges from factors affecting the administration of justice. It is important to identify cases of intervention in the investigation and work of the court, to strengthen the responsibility for this and to ensure the inevitability of punishment.

We will continue to consistently work on the implementation of the Habeas Corpus Institute and strengthen judicial control during the investigation. On this basis, it is necessary to transfer to the courts the right to issue a sanction to conduct a search and wiretap telephone conversations of persons suspected of committing a crime.

We will pay particular attention to the liberalization of certain acts and their exclusion from the category of crimes, and the mitigation of criminal punishment from the point of view of humanism.

In this regard, it is necessary to adopt and implement the Concept for the development of criminal and criminal procedure legislation in 2018-2021.

Following the traditions of mercy and generosity of our people, it is necessary to revise the statute of limitations for bringing to criminal responsibility.

At the same time, in order to train highly qualified judges, we need to establish the Academy of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

As noted at the ceremonial meeting devoted to the Constitution Day, in Uzbekistan henceforth categorically will not be allowed cases of torture, mental and physical pressure, other types of violence against persons arrested and prosecuted.

An employee who has committed such an act, or a person who has completed someone's “order”, will be brought to justice without fail.

Of particular importance is the further improvement of legislation on the execution of criminal punishment, taking into account the creation of additional mechanisms to ensure the rights of convicts.

On the basis of a critical study of the system of institutions for the execution of sentences, it is planned to adopt a program of appropriate measures in 2018–2022.

In order to prevent the violation of human rights, all temporary detention facilities and pre-trial detention centers, penitentiary institutions will be equipped with video surveillance equipment.

Starting from the next year, we will provide traffic police and traffic police officers with internal cameras with video cameras that allow you to record the progress of their official duties, especially communication with citizens. This system will serve to prevent bribery and abuse.

Currently, the outdated location of road patrol posts between regions restricts freedom of movement and has a negative impact on trade and economic relations, the development of domestic and foreign tourism.

Today in our country there are more than 60 such posts. For example, an ordinary citizen will drive 17 posts from Khorezm to Tashkent, and 8 posts from the Fergana Valley.

In this regard, it is necessary to eliminate all road patrol posts at the borders of the regions, significantly reducing the number of fixed patrol posts.

Based on the objectives of building a democratic state, we must improve the system of legal training, designed to have comprehensive knowledge, high qualifications, meeting international standards, committed to their profession.

At present, about 600 students are annually admitted to higher educational institutions in the legal profession, which is only one percent of the total number of students entering all higher educational institutions of the country.

Can this satisfy the ever-growing need of our state and society for lawyers?

Of course not.

Along with the expansion of the teaching and methodological base of the Tashkent State Law University, branches of prestigious foreign universities in this area should be opened in the country.

As is known, in recent years, certain work on the development of the legal profession has been carried out in our country. We must take measures to further improve the activities of lawyers in the provision of consulting services and legal assistance to business entities.

We need to create conditions for lawyers to expand their activities on the most demanded types of consulting services, in particular, to assist entrepreneurs in obtaining permits, representation in state bodies, pre-trial settlement of disputes, provision of legal services in labor issues, improving legal literacy of the population.

Unfortunately, in most cases, the main task of law enforcement and judicial authorities remains the implementation of repressive measures.

In this regard, I want to emphasize: our people are tired of accountability on the basis of contrived pretexts and false evidence. Let it be well remembered by all law enforcement officials.

The time has passed for intervention in all spheres, hiding behind the "office" and acting in their own interests, neglecting the interests of the Motherland and the people.

Henceforth, no one should be held accountable on the basis of bogus evidence, slander and defamation. It is necessary to create reliable guarantees to ensure that the norms of the Constitution and laws are strictly observed.

We must create such a system, according to which no law enforcement agency will go beyond its authority, duplicate the functions of another.

Thus, the internal affairs bodies should be involved in ensuring public order and security, and the national security bodies should protect the state from internal and external threats. The prosecutor's office is called upon to supervise the execution of laws. The main task of the courts is to ensure justice, making a legal, reasonable and fair decision in each case.

To this end, throughout the year, large-scale work is being carried out to fundamentally reform the activities of the courts, the prosecutor's office, and the internal affairs bodies.

The specific tasks of these departments are defined, their activity is aimed at serving the interests of the people.

Of course, it is too early to say that the laws, decrees and decrees adopted in this area are fully implemented.

Despite the measures taken, the internal affairs agencies have not yet become a structure that truly cares about the people.

The activity of the prosecutor’s office to ensure the rule of law in society is insufficient.

The judiciary also did not become institutions where justice prevails in all circumstances.

It cannot be said that the activities of all the workers of these departments are fully oriented towards the protection of the constitutional rights of our citizens.

Therefore, in the future we will steadily and consistently continue reforms in this area.

Evaluation of the work of judicial and law enforcement agencies will be given by the people themselves.

For them, the only and highest requirement should be serving the interests of citizens and the rigorous protection of their rights.

The main thing is not to allow the concentration of all powers and resources in the hands of one department, violation of the principle of checks and balances.

It should be noted that, at present, the bodies of the National Security Service operate on the basis of the Regulation approved by the government 26 years ago.

It should be emphasized that for more than a quarter of a century this Regulation has not changed, and any problems were assessed as a threat to national security, which led to the unjustified expansion of the powers of this department.

At the same time, the unstable situation in some regions of the world leads to increased migration processes, and this, in turn, contributes to the spread of terrorism and extremism and their transformation into a problem of global scope.

In such circumstances, the priority should be the preservation of our national statehood, independence, peaceful and peaceful life, the security of our people.

It is from this point of view, given the increasing threats of our time, it is time to reform the activities of the National Security Service.

In this regard, I propose to develop and adopt laws “On law enforcement agencies” and “On the National Security Service”.

I think the adoption of these laws will create strong and reliable guarantees for the further strengthening of constitutional rights and freedoms and the prosperous life of our citizens.

Iii. Priority directions of development and liberalization of the economy

Dear friends!

We all understand well that any reform and any changes cannot be made without a stable economy.

Last year we began large-scale work in this direction.

At the same time, we still face many tasks to strengthen the national economy in order to enter a number of developed countries.

Today in the world there are a growing number of countries dynamically developing through the introduction of models of innovative development, export of advanced ideas, know-how and smart technologies.

Unfortunately, it cannot be said that the work carried out in our republic in this direction is satisfactory.

According to the International Monetary Fund, Uzbekistan occupies 134th position in the world ranking of 187 countries in terms of gross domestic product per capita.

At the same time, Uzbekistan has the richest natural resources, significant economic potential. In its depths there are large reserves of gold, silver, copper, uranium, oil, natural gas, coal and other minerals. In our country, you can find all the elements of the periodic table.

Tell me, where else is there such a fertile land, an optimal climate with a large number of sunny days a year?

The point is to rationally and effectively use this invaluable wealth in the interests of the people. However, it must be admitted that we are still lagging behind in this matter.

For example, in 2017, the volume of natural gas production in the country amounted to 56.5 billion cubic meters. But due to the unrealized modernization of the industry for several years, its losses remain extremely high - 20-23 percent.

Naturally, this state of affairs should alarm us all.

The economy, above all, is based on an exact calculation. In each of our business, the calculation should come first.

For example, in 2018, we must produce 66 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Of these, 17 billion cubic meters will be supplied by Uzbekenergo JSC. Due to this, 56 billion kilowatts of electricity will be produced. Unfortunately, we have outdated power lines. As a result, losses of 15-20 percent of electricity do not reach consumers, it is useless to spend on the network itself.

Or one more example. Enterprises that are part of JSC “Uzkimyosanoat” consume 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Mineral fertilizers are produced on this basis. The farms did not timely pay for their delivery, as a result of the Uzkimyosanoat enterprise, as of December 1, 2017, 890 billion soums were owed for natural gas.

It is clear to everyone that under market conditions, both the supplier of products and the consumer must fulfill their contractual obligations in a timely manner and in full in order to prevent such situations.

A serious problem remains the outdated management system in the economy, the inactive introduction of innovative ideas. Also an obstacle to economic development is the lag in technology and the use of alternative energy sources.

Moreover, the development of the economy is hampered by serious mistakes made in determining and implementing promising large-scale projects, the irrational direction of foreign loans.

For example, according to experts and specialists, most of the loans received over 25 years did not produce the planned economic effect. For example, the Ustyurt gas-chemical complex built in Karakalpakstan does not bring the expected economic benefits. And some of the “figures” from the Ministry of Finance once said to the whole world that this is the best project in the world. But where is the specific result?

This situation is observed with a number of social programs related to the immediate needs of people. For example, in order to provide the population with drinking water over the past 10 years, in the framework of the implementation of 17 projects, more than $ 618 million of foreign loans were attracted. If such a volume of currency was aimed at improving the living conditions of the people with the achievement of a specific effect, one would have to say thanks to the initiators of these projects - the leaders of the economic complex. But, unfortunately, not one of the initiated projects has been completed.

First of all, we must create an effective system for attracting foreign loans and investments, learn to use every cent prudently.

From this point of view, the formation of an innovation program, training of the new generation, effectively using innovations and investments, support for the development of a class of owners, become important.

This requires a well-thought-out program for the technological development of Uzbekistan and the modernization of the domestic market.

The implementation of this program should create new opportunities for Uzbekistan to find a worthy place in a number of developed countries of the world.

We are well aware that the low prices for the main energy resources in our country do not justify themselves in a market economy.

For example, in Uzbekistan the price for 1 megawatt / hour of electricity for the population and industrial enterprises is $ 25. In Germany, for the population - 332 dollars, for enterprises - 144 dollars. In Russia, respectively, 47 and 51 dollars, in India - 68 and 87 dollars.

Also, the price of 1,000 cubic meters of natural gas in Uzbekistan is 32.9 dollars, in Sweden - 1,552 dollars, Portugal - more than 1,132 dollars, Italy - 1,045 dollars, Germany - 785 dollars, England - more than 770 dollars. In Russia, this figure exceeds $ 83, in Kazakhstan - $ 45. As you can see, the prices for electricity and natural resources are several times lower than in developed countries. However, due to the inefficient use of resources, it is difficult to achieve a reduction in the cost of production.

To increase the efficiency of energy use, we need to reform the country's energy sector, develop a specific strategy in this direction.

First of all, it is necessary to privatize inefficient, unprofitable enterprises, to eliminate the monopoly, to create a competitive environment in the field of electricity supply, to stimulate the use of alternative energy sources. This requires a transition to market-based financing mechanisms for production, with extensive involvement of the private sector.

In connection with the announcement of 2018 as the Year of Support for Active Entrepreneurship, Innovative Ideas and Technologies, comprehensive measures will be taken to support this sphere, eliminate barriers and obstacles to the dynamic and stable development of business entities.

Unfortunately, there are still a lot of problems in business development.

Why in our country the development of entrepreneurship is not up to par? Frankly, we ourselves, government agencies, are partly to blame for this. The procedures that no one else still retains, many local officials pursue their own mercenary goals.

When it comes to this, the words of a well-known statesman and political figure Winston Churchill are involuntarily recalled: “Someone considers an entrepreneur to be a cow that can be milked all the time. And only a few understand that an entrepreneur is a workhorse that drags the burden of the economy on itself. ”

I think there is no need to comment on these words.

The demand of a market economy is such that access to resources and opportunities must be the same for all, with no benefits.

From this point of view, it is not fair to say that the import of products necessary to meet the needs of our population is concentrated in the hands of individual groups and has become a source of unjustified enrichment for them.

By providing special benefits to some enterprises, we ourselves impede free competition and thus adversely affect price stability.

From now on, we will give up this practice. In this question equal conditions will be created for all. Benefits will be provided not to individual enterprises, but in order to stimulate certain types of production and services. It is absolutely unacceptable that due to such privileges important areas of the economy be completely monopolized.

In order to create equal and fair competition, a draft decree “On measures to further effectively ensure the food security of the country” has been developed and submitted for public discussion.

It is known that the complexity of our customs procedures is one of the main factors hindering the development of entrepreneurship.

According to the World Bank, Uzbekistan is ranked 175th among 190 countries in processing export-import documents.

For example, one hour is enough for customs clearance in Belgium; it takes us almost a month.

Imported goods undergo a separate customs check. Why on the territory of our country the same cargo is checked several times? Who is interested in this? After all, each check requires costs.

In addition, depending on the types of goods, they are not allowed out of the warehouse without certificates of conformity, hygiene or veterinary medicine. Do we not have every customs warehouse equipped with an express laboratory? How open and transparent are the customs processes, why are the departments in charge silent about this?

In all developed countries, customs inspection is carried out on the basis of data from the security alert system. This saves both state resources and the time of entrepreneurs. But we still have not implemented such a system.

Starting next year, we will introduce it for entrepreneurs, that is, the order of passage along the “green” or “red” corridor will be established depending on the integrity of the entrepreneur.

In this regard, the Cabinet of Ministers (A.Aripov) is charged with drafting a relevant resolution within two months and submitting it for approval in the prescribed manner.

At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the fight against illegal inspections, unwarranted interference in the activities of private business, and to revise the system of verification of business entities.

It is necessary to recognize that the work of the Republican Council for the coordination of the activities of supervisory authorities does not meet the requirements of the time.

Think about it yourself, and the working body, and the supervisory body that conducts the largest number of inspections, is a tax authority. It itself allows checks and checks itself, where is the logic?

Therefore, I think it is advisable to switch to an electronic system for issuing permits for inspections and entrust the implementation of appropriate control to the General Prosecutor’s Office.

At the same time, based on the announcement of 2018 as the Year of Support for Active Entrepreneurship, Innovative Ideas and Technologies, we intend to stop audits of financial and economic activities for 2 years. How do you look at it?

It is necessary to recognize that the work of the Republican Council for the coordination of the activities of supervisory authorities does not meet the requirements of the time.

Think about it yourself, and the working body, and the supervisory body that conducts the largest number of inspections, is a tax authority. It itself allows checks and checks itself, where is the logic?

Therefore, I think it is advisable to switch to an electronic system for issuing permits for inspections and entrust the implementation of appropriate control to the General Prosecutor’s Office.

At the same time, based on the announcement of 2018 as the Year of Support for Active Entrepreneurship, Innovative Ideas and Technologies, we intend to stop audits of financial and economic activities for 2 years. How do you look at it?

It is necessary that the heads of regulatory agencies, headed by the Prosecutor General, hold monthly meetings with active business entities, listen to their concerns, take measures to identify and eliminate shortcomings that hinder their legitimate activities.

In the reliable protection of the rights of entrepreneurs, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry should not stand aside. At the same time, it should not be limited to discussing the shortcomings made by state bodies and officials, but strictly condemn unseemly acts, especially crimes committed by businessmen. Simply put, the business community itself must ensure the purity of its ranks.

Another important issue is that for the further development of the stock market and stock exchange in the country, it is necessary to radically review the work of the Center for the coordination and development of the securities market.

We will continue to work on the transfer of empty state-owned objects to the private sector through partnership.

It is necessary to establish a uniform procedure for granting land plots, including for entrepreneurs through electronic trading and auctions on the Internet. To this end, from 2018, a system for the sale of state assets through electronic trading platforms will be created.

A reliable and stable banking and financial system plays an important role in economic development. Without increasing the confidence of the population and business entities, we will not be able to completely free ourselves from the “shadow” economy.

In the implementation of the planned tasks for the development of the banking system in 2018, the main focus should be on ensuring fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation between banks and business entities.

Despite the doubts and “advice” of individual “experts” who oppose the reform of the foreign exchange market, we quickly began to liberalize the currency in accordance with international standards. But we are well aware that this is only the beginning of reforms in this area.

Monetary policy should fully meet the interests of business development and the economy, be a positive incentive for investment.

In 2018, we will abandon drastic measures in the implementation of tax policy, since during the period of reforms, the stability of the budget is vital for the smooth operation of the state system.

In order to increase the attractiveness of the country for investors intending to implement large investment projects in Uzbekistan, we have much to do to improve the tax system. It is necessary to reduce and optimize the tax burden for all categories of business, on this basis to expand production and taxable base.

Subjects of small business and private entrepreneurship, building objects for their own needs, must be granted the right to installment payments of the single tax payment. At the same time, it is necessary to stimulate the payment of value-added tax by small enterprises.

In addition, it is necessary to pursue a policy of stimulating dynamic, consolidating enterprises.

When granting tax incentives, I propose to abandon individual privileges and switch to using them only for certain sectors of the economy.

The main thing, from the point of view of investors, the tax system for a long time must remain definite and understandable. In this regard, the tax system should be carefully designed, long-term policy.

We must revise the budget system, ensure transparency for the people of budget revenues and expenditures.

It should be noted that at the meeting of the Senate, the most important laws concerning the State Budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2018 and the improvement of the tax system were approved.

When signing these laws, I will pay special attention to the extent to which they reflect the interests of our people, provide for specific measures to create even more favorable conditions for entrepreneurs and investors, as well as the development of territories. If necessary, I am ready to revise these laws in terms of the interests of ordinary people and entrepreneurs.

Dear friends, what do you think our biggest problem is?

We do not have a carefully planned, long-term unified concept for the formation of investment programs.

During each of the state visits, we conclude agreements to attract foreign investments worth several billion dollars. But their implementation is slow, since we do not have an effective system in this area.

In current investment programs do not contain information relating to a particular project. While forming the programs of the Ministry of Economy, local khokimiyats are still chasing numbers.

To this end, they are engaged in the inclusion in the program of non-profitable, unpromising projects with unclear sources of funding, baseless overestimation of the cost of projects, in a word, fraud.

It is time to curb such phenomena. We made a decision on their elimination and attraction of investments into the real sector of the economy, introduction of completely new mechanisms for the formation of projects.

We have completely abandoned the adoption of fictitious investment programs, hastily designed only for a “tick”. Henceforth, long-term development concepts will be developed. To this end, the State programs for the development of the Republic of Uzbekistan were adopted as a first step, and a Fund for their financing was established.

In the development of the economy, one of the most important tasks is to use public funds in the form of investments, to increase people's interest in entrepreneurship.

To this end, I propose to open an Internet investment portal on the Internet, providing local and foreign investors with the necessary statistical data and providing information about the conditions created in the country for doing business.

Based on foreign experience, all investors need to create a free 24-hour mobile telephone service. You also need to think about the incentive system for foreign investors, so that they are not in a hurry to withdraw their capital and seek to reinvest.

It is necessary to increase the activity of khokims, heads of state bodies and organizations in terms of expanding cooperation with foreign investors, creating new types of production, jobs.

Starting next year, a rating will be published for local conditions created for investors, and the activities of regional leaders will also be assessed on the basis of these indicators.

As is known, the embassies of our country operate today in 33 countries of the world. In this regard, the question arises: does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs fully use the existing opportunities to increase the investment attractiveness of our country, to attract foreign investments widely? Does the work of advisors on trade and economic issues of embassies meet modern requirements?

Unfortunately, for our diplomats, the issues of economics and investment remain secondary. They are engaged only in "politics". The embassies lack specialists in economics, finance, and investment.

In this regard, I propose to introduce a system for assessing the economic knowledge and skills of each embassy employee upon appointing him to the position.

Dear friends!

It should be noted that in the foreign economic sphere there are not yet involved great opportunities and reserves.

To this end, we continue to expand trade and economic ties with the Central Asian states and our major partners - China, Russia, South Korea, the United States, Turkey, the countries of the European Union.

Next year, special attention should be paid to the formation of reliable transport, including transit, corridors for the supply of foreign trade cargo of Uzbekistan to the largest markets in the world and the region.

At present, our main cargo passes through the transit corridors of Kazakhstan, with most of them going through the Saryagach station, and we cannot say that this route completely suits us.

The insufficient number of electric locomotives for the transportation of goods from this station to the territory of Uzbekistan, the lack of modern terminals, the employment of railway networks - all this leads to a long idle load and negatively affect our economy.

Therefore, we need to diversify logistics routes and conduct targeted negotiations with our neighbors.

As part of the “One Belt, One Road” project with the People’s Republic of China, it is necessary to increase the capacity of the transport and communications infrastructure of Uzbekistan.

We should seriously think about obtaining preferences for the transportation of our main export cargoes through the territories of transit states, in particular, Turkmenistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

We also need to stimulate the initiatives of foreign and local investors to implement specific logistics projects.

At the same time, in order to support national freight forwarders and create convenience for business entities, we propose to create a National Logistics Portal.

Next year we will resume negotiations on joining the World Trade Organization. In order to further stimulate exports, it is necessary to bring the technical regulation system in line with international standards. One of our main tasks is to bring high-quality and certified products under the Uzbek brand to the external market.

Currently, one of the promising sectors that bring high income to the national economy is tourism.

Uzbekistan is a country with a huge tourism potential. More than 7.3 thousand objects of cultural heritage are located here, a large number of them are included in the corresponding UNESCO List.

However, using the possibilities of the unique nature of our country, beautiful recreation areas, you can create new directions for the development of tourism.

In continuation of the work begun on actively attracting world brands to this area, it is necessary to pay attention to the development of pilgrimage, environmental, educational, ethnographic, gastronomic and other types of tourism.

We must bear in mind that the use of public-private partnership offers great opportunities for increasing the potential of this sphere.

It is necessary to develop the program of “small hajj”, which consists in pilgrimage to holy places and familiarization with the monuments of Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent.

It should also more fully utilize the possibilities of domestic tourism.

Deputy Prime Minister S. Kholmurodov and Chairman of the State Committee for the Development of Tourism A. Abdukhakimov should develop and submit documents on these issues in a week.

Dear participants of the meeting!

I would like to touch on such an urgent topic as the key tasks facing the leading sector of our economy - agriculture.

We spoke at length about this at the December 9 meeting devoted to the Day of Agricultural Workers.

Without repeating what has already been said, I consider it necessary to draw your attention to the following important issues.

As is known, today more than 51 percent of our country's population lives in rural areas. However, the share of agricultural products in the gross domestic product of the country does not exceed 17 percent. And the volume of processing of products of the agricultural sector does not reach even 10 percent. Although in developed countries, this figure exceeds 50 percent.

In this regard, I consider it necessary to develop a comprehensive program for the further reform of agriculture, attaching particular importance to ensuring food security.

Attention should be paid to the establishment of strict control over the prevention of the cultivation of genetically modified food products.

Of course, we cannot but be disturbed by the fact that in recent years more and more imported fruits and vegetables have been growing on the markets of our country.

In order to overcome this negative trend, we should, first of all, restore our endangered traditional varieties of fruits and vegetables, establish rational and effective breeding work, widely introduce scientific achievements and innovative developments in the field.

As is known, the textile industry of Uzbekistan is capable of processing up to 1 million 400 thousand tons of cotton fiber. This is enough to fully satisfy the raw material needs of domestic producers of finished products.

However, there are still many problems in managing cotton fiber processing, which leads to a decrease in the profitability of the production and processing of raw cotton.

In connection with the need to solve problems in the industry and stimulate domestic producers, a separate presidential decree was adopted.

To date, we have sold cotton raw materials to domestic textile enterprises only through Uzpakhtasanoat Joint-Stock Company. According to the decree, they will now be able to purchase raw cotton directly in farms on the basis of direct contracts.

As part of the organization of cotton and textile clusters in Navoi, Bukhara and Syrdarya regions, testing of the system of growing, pricing and selling cotton raw materials on the basis of market mechanisms has begun.

Time itself requires mastering this positive experience across the country.

As for livestock, it is necessary to create conditions for the growth of livestock, as well as the productivity of poultry, improving the quality of products.

In the near future, we need to create specialized complexes for fattening livestock in each district, high-tech poultry farms and greenhouse farms.

Currently, we are exporting fruits and vegetables for 1.5-2 billion dollars. In this context, I would like to note: we have every opportunity to export these products for 10-15 billion dollars a year.

Joint-stock company Uzagroexport, stock exchanges, agricultural firms and wholesale purchasing companies should play a major role in its procurement and export.

However, it is very important to effectively organize the sale of agricultural products. To this end, it is necessary to create a single database on the volumes of products grown in the context of farms.

Dear deputies!

I would also like to briefly dwell on the tasks of accelerated economic development of the regions.

In this regard, I consider it expedient to expand the powers, opportunities and responsibilities of local government bodies in this matter.

To date, in 9 regions of the country, not a single enterprise with the participation of foreign investments has been organized. Direct investments mainly fall on the city of Tashkent, Tashkent, Samarkand regions and the Fergana Valley.

Regional projects on the organization of modern production and engineering and communication networks should be implemented on the basis of expanding public-private partnerships.

However, it should be noted that the work in this direction is not carried out at the proper level.

Therefore, we need to develop and implement a Concept for the implementation of public-private partnerships.

An important area of ​​the economy, which has a large but not fully exploited potential, is construction.

Next year, the reform and accelerated development of this sphere will become one of the main tasks. We must seriously think about the creation of modern construction and contracting organizations and the preparation of a new generation of builders.

To this end, a program of innovative development of the construction industry until 2030 will be developed.

We will create all the necessary conditions for attracting highly qualified foreign specialists and internships of domestic specialists abroad.

Next year, work will continue to further improve the architectural appearance of our cities and villages.

We must not forget: any building, be it a kindergarten or hospital, besides fulfilling its immediate functions, its appearance affects the mood of people. Therefore, you should abandon the old templates and introduce innovative approaches to the design of social facilities, the construction of which is planned in the regions.

Taking into account the needs of the population, especially young families, owners of old housing and citizens of other categories, we must continue to build affordable and high-quality housing at a high rate.

To this end, specific plans have been developed to increase the construction of model and affordable housing by 1.5 times in 2018 compared with 2017.

Another important issue related to this area is the need to radically review the activities of partnerships of private homeowners. We look forward to effective and proactive work in this direction of the new Ministry of Housing and Communal Services.

Next year, in many localities, primarily in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Bukhara, Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya and Syrdarya regions, projects will be implemented to provide the population with clean drinking water and sewage. This will provide drinking water supply to about 580 thousand residents of the regions.

Dear participants of the meeting!

In 2018, in order to build new roads, further develop the transport and logistics infrastructure, and improve the quality of the services provided, we plan:

first, restore the 180-kilometer railways and electrify more than 200 kilometers of railways;

secondly, to organize the movement of the high-speed train "Tashkent-Urgench-Khiva" and the tourist train "Tashkent-Samarkand-Bukhara-Urgench-Khiva", to commission the South Station of Tashkent and the new station of Khiva;

thirdly, to electrify the Bukhara-Misken and Karshi-Kitab lines, as well as to connect them with Shahrisabz through the new railway network;

fourthly, to speed up the construction of the Sergeli and the second line of the Yunusabad line of the Tashkent metro, the elevated line of the metro along the large ring road of our capital;

Fifth, to organize large road and rail transit hubs by building modern infrastructure with high-quality service.

Unfortunately, in recent years, not enough attention has been paid to the introduction of strategic aerospace technologies into the leading sectors of our economy.

For the development of this progressive sphere, it will be necessary to attract foreign investors to implement projects based on public-private partnerships and create a national ground-based space infrastructure for production purposes.

At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the capacity of research institutes in this direction.

We must create a separate state body for aerospace activities, which will allow us to comprehensively solve all the issues of the development of the sphere.

Iv. Priority areas of social development

Dear Members of Parliament!

Dear deputies of regional and district Kengashes!

On the basis of advanced foreign experience, we need to be fixed in the legislation and create mechanisms for the practical application of the concept of "consumer basket" necessary to identify the level of income sufficient for a decent life of the population.

Practical measures will also be taken to gradually increase the real incomes of the population, wages, scholarships, pensions and social benefits.

Despite the recent important measures taken to protect public health, unfortunately, many problems in this area remain unresolved on the ground.

With this in mind, we must adapt to our conditions and implement the concepts of "Smart Medicine" and "Single Health Information Center", which will provide high-quality and modern assistance in a form convenient for regional residents, carry out early detection and remote prevention of diseases.

For the development of private medicine, it is important to attract foreign investors, creating conditions for the effective work of foreign specialists in the country.

Everyone knows that providing the population with medicines is one of the most pressing problems for people. In order to address this issue, 2 thousand social pharmacies will soon be built and opened, which will provide the population with high-quality medicines at affordable prices.

Today, life itself requires a fundamental review of the activities of screening centers, which occupy an important place in maternal and child health care.

In 2018, on the basis of 46 district and city medical associations, inter-district perinatal centers are to be organized, which will be provided with modern medical equipment and staffed with qualified personnel.

In order to effectively use the achievements of medical science in practice, it is provided in rural medical centers to organize modern diagnostic laboratories for the early detection and prevention of diseases.

For the full coverage of the population with telecommunications services, it is planned to lay 2 thousand kilometers of fiber-optic communication lines in remote areas, an increase in Internet speed by 2.5 times and the commissioning of more than 4 thousand base stations of mobile communication.

As a result of these measures, more than 600 locations will have access to the Internet and mobile services.

Measures will be developed and implemented to ensure cultural recreation and meaningful leisure of the population.

In order to improve the system of protection and rational use of cultural heritage sites, the Program of Support for Archaeological Research and Storage of Archaeological Findings should also be adopted.

Unconditional fulfillment of resolutions adopted by us on the material and moral support of compatriots who selflessly work in the field of science, culture and art, and literature will be ensured. Including all measures will be taken to improve their living conditions, social and medical services, increase the size of copyright payments, realize the potential of young talents.

In order to strengthen the material and technical base of physical culture and sports in the new year, a specialized school of higher sports skills in Olympic and national sports in Nukus, the Yoshlik sports complex in Urgench, universal sports complexes in the cities of Tashkent, Andijan, Samarkand, Bukhara, a sports complex and a multi-purpose indoor swimming pool in Karshi.

Dear friends!

We have set ourselves the task of raising to a new stage our work on educating the young generation of harmoniously developed, physically healthy and spiritually mature individuals. To this end, the new edition adopted the Law "On State Youth Policy". On its basis, new methods of working with young people are being actively implemented.

Today, many of our young people receive education and work abroad. Of course, among them there are those who have found their calling there, live well. However, homesickness - a strong feeling that never leaves a person if he is away from home.

Therefore, we need to establish permanent contact with compatriots living abroad, strengthen the work to protect their rights and legitimate interests, support those who want to return to their homeland.

To this end, the International Youth Association of Uzbekistan should be formed and appropriate conditions should be created for its effective activity.

It is advisable that our young people engage in an active dialogue with foreign peers in the fields of science, culture, sports, entrepreneurship and other areas, which will enable them to more clearly demonstrate their potential. To this end, next year it is planned to organize in Samarkand the Youth Forum of Central Asia.

One of the most important results of the reforms implemented this year is undoubtedly the complete cessation of child and forced labor in our country.

We are pleased that these positive changes are recognized by the International Labor Organization and other structures.

We will continue to give priority to the deep study of English and other foreign languages. At the same time, we will organize large-scale work on the training and advanced training of personnel in the specialties in demand in our country.

Speaking about this, it must be admitted that the issue of educating comprehensively developed personalities who are worthy to continue the work of our great ancestors is very important for us.

We have no right to forget that the intellectual and cultural potential of our people is truly priceless wealth, and the education on this basis of talented, talented youth is crucial. Thanks to this approach, developed countries have reached their current high level.

Unfortunately, some of our scientists and young people with great scientific potential, go abroad. They work in large foreign companies and banks, prestigious universities, international organizations. During my overseas visits, I personally spoke with dozens of such compatriots.

At present, all the necessary conditions are being created for rendering consular and other services to compatriots abroad, opportunities for free visits to the Motherland, participation in the development of the country, and in the future we will expand the scope of this work.

In this regard, I propose to develop a concept of state policy on cooperation with compatriots living and working abroad.

V. Priority directions in the field of security, interethnic harmony and religious tolerance, as well as in foreign policy

Dear deputies and senators!

As is known, in the conditions of current globalization, economic competition is becoming more acute, informational and terrorist threats are intensifying.

Bloody clashes and conflicts continue in various regions of the world, particularly in the Middle East. Unfortunately, the number of such lesions is growing.

Given this alarming situation, we must in every way strengthen peace and stability in the country, strengthen our efforts to combat various security threats. This is a time requirement.

First of all, for this purpose, the efficiency of the formed system should be further improved, especially the responsibility of deputy khokims dealing with religious issues.

In particular, aksakals of makhallas, preventive inspectors, imam-khatibs, counselors of citizens' gatherings on religious education and spiritual and moral education, activists of youth and women’s organizations should carry out relevant joint work.

If we organize the work in this way, we will not be indifferent to this issue, first of all, we ourselves will take care to protect our children, our homes and communities from such threats and challenges, then I am sure they will bypass us.

We will continue to improve the work of social rehabilitation, the return to a normal, healthy life of those who have come under the influence of extremist ideas.

To prevent information threats and attacks through various information resources, special departments should be organized as part of law enforcement agencies.

The issues of strengthening interfaith and civil accord in our society will continue to be considered one of the most urgent tasks.

To this end, the necessary measures will be taken to improve the organizational and legal mechanisms for the activities of religious organizations in the country.

Dear participants of the meeting!

Another important question to which I would like to draw your attention: the organizational structure of the defense system of our country, the fighting capacity, the level of spiritual and moral training of soldiers and officers do not meet the requirements of the current rapidly changing time.

At the same time, it should be noted that in a short time, as a result of the adoption of comprehensive measures to reform the national army, the appearance of our Armed Forces has changed dramatically.

The adopted new defense doctrine will serve to enhance the effectiveness of reforms in the military sphere. This document enshrines the principles of openness in the foreign policy of Uzbekistan, the development of friendly relations with all, primarily with neighboring countries. The most important task is to strengthen the independence and sovereignty of our state.

Taking into account the peculiarities of the geostrategic position of our country, as well as the military-political situation in the region, the tasks and structures of the units of the Armed Forces were revised. The National Guard was created, comprehensive measures are being taken to equip the army with new weapons and modern military equipment.

Organized by the State Committee of the defense industry.

On the basis of systemic reforms in the sphere of training military personnel, the activities of the Academy of the Armed Forces are radically transformed.

Considerable work is being done on the social protection of servicemen and their families, veterans.

In 2017, 56 high-rise buildings were built for military personnel, and in the coming year, work in this direction will be continued to an even greater extent.

At the same time, we all are well aware that today we face new and important tasks in the defense sphere.

First of all, much remains to be done to ensure the effective and timely implementation of the National Security Concept and the Defense Doctrine.

Further strengthening the defense capability of our state, increasing the combat power and potential of the Armed Forces are the most important tasks for us.

We need to adopt a State program for the formation and development of the defense-industrial complex to provide the Armed Forces with modern weapons and military equipment.

In accordance with the Strategy of Action adopted in our country, we will consistently continue the policy of comprehensive development of friendly, mutually beneficial relations with all countries of the far and near abroad, primarily with neighboring countries, as well as with international organizations.

We will take all necessary measures for the timely, full-fledged and high-quality implementation of treaties and agreements concluded by the Republic of Uzbekistan with other states, international organizations and international financial institutions.

Taking this opportunity, let me express my sincere thanks to the representatives of international organizations, ambassadors of foreign countries who support the reforms being carried out in our country.

Dear friends !

The implementation of large-scale plans and projects set forth in the Message presented to your attention today will undoubtedly bring the development of the country to a new, higher level, will further enhance the well-being of our people.

At the same time, we all well understand that for the full and effective implementation of these critical tasks we must create the appropriate legal framework and mechanisms.

In this regard, Prime Minister A.Aripov, State Counselors U.Ismoilov, O.Muradov, Secretary of the Security Council V.Makhmudov are charged with ensuring approval by January 10, 2018 of comprehensive measures for the unconditional implementation of all state and economic management bodies, and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic Karakalpakstan, khokims of regions, the city of Tashkent, districts and cities of priority tasks arising from this Message.

Dear compatriots!

Of course, we realize that the year 2018, which will be a decisive stage in achieving the goals defined in the Message, will not be easy for us. I say it openly. But under no circumstances will we divert from the path we have chosen, we will consistently move towards our goals, steadily overcoming difficulties. Indeed, in this life, nothing is given for nothing. You should not expect someone to come and solve our problems, only we can do this.

We all must deeply realize one truth: today we are talking about the fate and future of our people, our Homeland, the happiness of our dear children.

And we need to work selflessly in order to achieve our great goals, directing all our knowledge and experience, love and devotion to the Motherland to this.

I am convinced that, remaining faithful to ourselves, not engaging in self-deception, working honestly and in good faith, we will surely reach all the frontiers we strive for.

First of all, the firm will and the enormous creative potential of our people, who overcame many trials with honor, lend me confidence in this.

I wish you all strength and energy, good health, family happiness and well-being on this good journey.

 

Дй государственный педагогический институт. 
Кроме того, в 15 высших образовательных учреждениях открыты заочные отделения, где более 5 тысяч педагогов, окончивших колледжи, смогут получить высшее образование. 
В системе образования на основе инновационного и креативного подходов созданы специализированные школы по углубленному изучению точных наук, носящие имена Мухаммада Хорезми и Мирзо Улугбека. 
Осуществляется также значительная работа по дальнейшему совершенствованию системы высшего образования. В частности, принята Программа комплексного развития системы высшего образования в 2017-2021 годах. 
За счет вновь организованных институтов и филиалов вузов количество высших образовательных учреждений достигло 81, филиалов в регионах – 15, филиалов зарубежных университетов – 7. Кроме того, следует отметить договоренности о создании в городе Алмалыке филиала Московского института стали и сплавов, а в Ташкенте – филиала Вебстерского университета США. 
Исходя из потребностей реального сектора экономики, в некоторых высших учебных заведениях открыты заочные и вечерние отделения. 
Были приняты меры по совершенствованию системы и укреплению материально-технической базы Академии наук Узбекистана, восстановлена деятельность ряда научно-исследовательских институтов и центров в ее составе. 
После многолетнего перерыва проведены выборы в Академию наук. Большое число талантливых ученых, пользующихся авторитетом в стране и за рубежом, удостоены высокого звания академика. В свою очередь, мы вправе ждать от Академии наук практических результатов перспективных исследований, новых научных разработок. 
Вся эта наша последовательная работа направлена на достижение одной цели – Узбекистан должен стать конкурентоспособным на мировой арене в области науки, интеллектуального потенциала, современных кадров, высоких технологий.