UZBEKISTAN– OCTOBER 1-31, 2020

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 1 of 24

UZBEKISTAN– OCTOBER 1-31, 2020

UZBEKISTAN– OCTOBER 1-31, 2020 ... 1 Top news of the period ... 2

Uzbekistan elected to UN Human Rights Council for 2021-2023 for the first time 2

Clinical trials of vaccine against coronavirus planned in Uzbekistan 3

Politics and law ... 3

Ukraine International Airlines closes its representative office in Tashkent 3

USAID establishes a new bilateral mission in Uzbekistan 3

Uzbekistan simplifies procedure for registration of foreign citizens 4

Uzbekistan among TOP-10 countries with highest Law and Order Index 5

Uzbekistan set to reform power industry enterprises 5

China plans to test a recombinant vaccine against coronavirus in Uzbekistan 6

Uzbekistan improves in Freedom On the Net Ranking 6

Economy and finance ... 7

Uzbekistan’s economic outlook remains positive as the country continues market reforms 7

Central Bank presents three scenarios of macroeconomic development 8

The number of enterprises with foreign capital increases 10

Uzbekistan expands the list of offshore zones 11

Business ... 11

Sales of Volkswagen and Škoda cars to begin in Uzbekistan from 2020 11

Uzbekistan increases export of medicines almost by 4 times 12

World Bank projects Uzbekistan’s GDP growth at 5 percent in 2021 12

Uzbekistan sets minimum prices for raw cotton grown in the current year 13

PayPal to be allowed to operate in Uzbekistan, says official 14

Uzbekistan to build 12 large renewable energy facilities 14

Fitch expects Uzbekistan to be among few sovereigns to avoid economic contraction in 2020 15 Number of operating small enterprises and microfirms in Uzbekistan makes up 391,300 units 16

Production of motor oil and antifreeze started in Uzbekistan 17

Research Center for Plant Quarantine established in Uzbekistan 17

Toshshahartranshizmat plans to purchase 300 electric buses 18

Preparations are underway for a major congress and exhibition on hydropower in Tashkent 18

Uzbekistan increases export of medicines 19

Ferghana to start production of medical devices and equipment 20

Tourism and culture ... 21

Government to compensate part of expenses of the tourism sector 21

Planes and helicopters to be launched for excursions to the Aral 21

More than 1.35 million tourists have visited Uzbekistan in 9 months 21

Uzbekistan to celebrate the 580th anniversary of Alisher Navoi’s birth 22

The stolen glazed tiles will be returned to Uzbekistan 22

Visiting cards of Uzbek culture – ikat presented in London 23

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TOP NEWS OF THE PERIOD

Uzbekistan elected to UN Human Rights Council for 2021-2023 for the first time

169 states voted for the election of Uzbekistan to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC).

According to the Permanent Mission of Uzbekistan to the UN (New York), on 13 October, within the framework of the 75th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly, 15 members of the HRC were elected for the period 2021-2023.

For the first time in the history of our country, Uzbekistan put forward its candidacy for this body and took part in the elections.

It should be noted that the nomination of our republic’s candidacy for the HRC was enshrined in the State Program for the Implementation of the Strategy of Action in Five Priority Areas of Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021, adopted at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The UN Human Rights Council is the leading and most respected international human rights body. It consists of 47 states. The Council is competent to discuss all thematic issues and situations in the field of human rights around the world. The members of the Council are elected for a three-year term by a majority vote of the delegates to the General Assembly by direct secret ballot.

During the current elections, the respective states have been nominated to fill the vacant seats by UN regional groups.

It is noteworthy that if the pre-election situation in other regional groups was characterized by a lack of competition among the claimant states, then in the group of countries of the Asia-Pacific region, which includes the Republic of Uzbekistan, up until the last election day, tough competition remained - for 4 vacancies in the HRC, along with our republic, claimed by China, Nepal, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Following a secret ballot and in a tough competition, Uzbekistan received the largest number of votes from member states in its group and was elected to the HRC for the next three-year period, which begins on 1 January 2021. Along with our country, China, Nepal and Pakistan were also elected to the Council and gained the required number of votes.

The election of Uzbekistan to this authoritative body is a vivid confirmation and recognition of the wide support of the international community for the large-scale reforms being undertaken in the protection and promotion of human rights, as well as evidence of our country’s firm commitment to the goals and principles of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the strict observance of its international obligations in this area.

The promotion, observance and protection of human rights is considered as one of the priorities of the state policy of Uzbekistan. Today, a stable political system has been formed in the country that meets modern criteria of democracy and human rights. A unique model has been developed to ensure the systematic and consistent implementation of human rights standards in national legislation and law enforcement practice

Undoubtedly, being a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Uzbekistan will make a huge contribution to the work of this body and contribute to increasing the efficiency of its activities.

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 3 of 24 UzDaily – Uzdaily.com

Clinical trials of vaccine against coronavirus planned in Uzbekistan

On 21 October this year, the Ministry of Innovative Development held negotiations with representatives of the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese company Anhui Zhifei Longcom Biopharmaceutical to organize clinical trials of a recombinant vaccine against coronavirus in Uzbekistan.

The vaccine, developed by this company and currently undergoing clinical trials, is a genetically engineered protein of the surface antigen of the coronavirus, which has a high degree of safety compared to adenovirus and inactivated types of vaccines.

During the negotiations, it was noted that in case of successful completion of all phases of clinical trials, Uzbekistan will have priority in purchasing the vaccine in terms of timing and minimum price.

Specialists from the Ministry of Innovative Development discussed with Chinese partners the organization of the vaccination process and preparation for this process. The clinical trials are expected to be conducted on volunteers 18 years of age and older. Before the start of the trial, representatives of the People’s Republic of China will conduct a series of trainings on vaccination conditions.

UzDaily – Uzdaily.com

POLITICS AND LAW

Ukraine International Airlines closes its representative office in Tashkent

Ukraine International Airlines PJSC decided to stop the activities of its representative offices in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

According to the National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine, the reason for such decision was the reduction in the number of employees of the airline, the reduction in the cost of representations.

To note, the airline’s representative office in Tashkent was opened in March 2015.

kun.uz

USAID establishes a new bilateral mission in Uzbekistan

On September 30, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Acting Administrator John Barsa announced the establishment of new bilateral USAID missions in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan at an event hosted by the Heritage Foundation, the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent informed.

The announcement comes just months after the public launch of the United States Strategy for Central Asia 2019-2025 and is another example of USAID’s long-term commitment to the people of Central Asia.

“Missions are the hubs for USAID’s work and demonstrate that the United States is dedicated to building direct and meaningful relationships with a country’s government and people. In Uzbekistan and

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 4 of 24 Tajikistan, these missions will also help ensure that our work in the region is coordinated so that no country in Central Asia is left behind,” the Acting Administrator said.

Joined by Farhod Salim, Ambassador of Tajikistan to the United States, and Javlon Vakhabov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United States, Acting Administrator Barsa emphasized that USAID is building on past successes in the region and is looking toward the future, leveraging new opportunities for reform- oriented development not only as a means to strengthen economic growth, rule of law, and natural resource management, but to bolster fair trade, expand connectivity and energy markets and strengthen regional stability.

kun.uz

Uzbekistan simplifies procedure for registration of foreign citizens

The Ministry of Internal Affairs is instructed to develop, by January 1, a mechanism that would enable remote payment through the billing system of the state duty for services for registration of foreign citizens and stateless persons.

The Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a resolution on measures to simplify the procedure for registering foreign citizens and stateless persons in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The document approved the following provisions:

- on the procedure for temporary registration of foreign citizens and stateless persons who arrived from foreign countries at the Migration and Citizenship Registration Departments, accommodation facilities or medical institutions through the electronic system;

- on the procedure for registering foreign citizens and stateless persons at the place of permanent residence in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and regions;

- on the procedure for registering foreign citizens and stateless persons at the place of permanent residence in the city of Tashkent and the Tashkent region.

With the help of a special electronic program E-mexmon, foreign citizens arriving for a temporary residence can be registered by the administrators of the accommodation (hotel, hostel, recreation area, etc.) or individuals who have invited them to stay (at the time of arrival, if the period of stay in the country does not exceed 30 days).

If the period of stay of a foreign guest exceeds 30 days, the receiving individual must contact the territorial offices of the migration agency and register the foreign national.

Foreign citizens arriving on their own and planning to spend their holidays in tents or other places of accommodation can also use the E-mexmon program.

A certain category of foreigners are exempted from temporary registration, in particular:

- members of government delegations;

- people having UN passports;

- people accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

- children under the age of 16;

- people arriving on holidays or weekends for up to three days;

- aircraft crew members and others.

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 5 of 24 In connection with the pandemic, administrative measures for violating the rules of stay are not applied until the end of the quarantine period against foreign nationals whose temporary stay in the quarantine zone has expired, as well as the homeowners and officials who received them.

Citizens of foreign states with which a visa-free regime has been established, as well as foreign citizens who have a visa, can apply in the prescribed manner to the territorial internal affairs body to renew registration at the place of temporary stay through the inviting (receiving) of their individuals and legal entities.

kun.uz

Uzbekistan among TOP-10 countries with highest Law and Order Index

Gallup has published its annual global Law and Order Index.

The Law and Order Index is a composite score based on people's reported confidence in their local police, their feelings of personal safety, and the incidence of theft and assault or mugging in the past year. The higher the score, the higher the proportion of the population that reports feeling secure.

According to the rating, Uzbekistan entered the top 10 countries in the world in terms of security scoring 92 out of 100 possible.

Countries scoring highest and lowest on the index were also largely the same as in recent years. Scores worldwide ranged from a high of 97 in Singapore -- which tops the list nearly every year -- to a low of 43 in Afghanistan, which ranked alone as the lowest in the world for the second consecutive year.

Nearly seven in 10 people worldwide said in 2019 that they feel safe walking alone at night where they live (69%).

In most economically developed countries with a strong rule of law, the majority of residents said they feel safe walking alone at night in their area. This response was nearly universal in Singapore, at 97%, and topped 80% in many Western European countries.

kun.uz

Uzbekistan set to reform power industry enterprises

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting to discuss priority tasks in transforming electric power enterprises. The meeting participants discussed priority measures to increase energy efficiency, reduce costs and create a competitive market. The issue of modernizing the existing enterprises was paid a special attention, the presidential press service said.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed that joint-stock companies National Electric Networks of Uzbekistan, Regional Power Networks, Thermal Power Plants and Uzbekhydroenergo switch to a financial reporting system in accordance with world standards. This will prove an important factor in obtaining an international credit rating and issuing Eurobonds in the future. Responsible officials were instructed to devise a three-year financial model and business plans for the four companies mentioned above.

Directives were given on attracting foreign specialists to the boards and supervisory councils of enterprises to facilitate the transformation process.

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 6 of 24 Currently, due to the lack of rules for the operation of wholesale electricity market, long-term agreements on the purchase of energy at fixed prices are being concluded with investors. In the future, this approach may lead to competition hindrance. The President urged to develop a document defining the stages and rules for the transition to a competitive power market.

Instructions were given on the widespread introduction of advanced technologies into the industry and on the execution of digital transformation.

The meeting participants also discussed realization of new projects. Plans are underway, in particular, to build solar power plants in Jizzakh, Samarkand and Surkhandarya regions, wind power stations in the Bukhara region and Karakalpakstan, and thermal power plants in Syrdarya and Surkhandarya regions.

Mirziyoyev noted the importance of accelerating the implementation of these projects, attracting investments to them on the basis of public-private partnership.

kun.uz

China plans to test a recombinant vaccine against coronavirus in Uzbekistan

The Ministry of Innovation and Development held talks with representatives of the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese company Anhui Zhifei Longcom Biopharmaceutical on the organization of clinical trials of the recombinant vaccine against coronavirus in Uzbekistan.

The vaccine developed by the company and currently undergoing clinical trials is a genetically engineered protein of the surface antigen coronavirus, with a high degree of safety compared to adenovirus and inactivated types of vaccines, the Ministry informed.

“During the negotiations, it was noted that in case of successful completion of all phases of clinical trials, Uzbekistan will have priority in acquiring a vaccine at a minimum price,” the report says.

Specialists from the Ministry of Innovation Development discussed the organization of the vaccination process with Chinese partners and preparations for it. Clinical trials are expected to be conducted on volunteers aged 18 years and older. Before the trials begin, representatives of the People’s Republic of China will conduct a series of trainings on vaccination conditions.

kun.uz

Uzbekistan improves in Freedom On the Net Ranking

Uzbekistan’s rating on the World Internet Freedom Index has improved by 1 score in a report by U.S.- based watchdog Freedom House announced.

The annual survey ranks 65 countries against a 100-point scale — with higher scores equalling a greater degree of Internet censorship.

Internet users are classified as “free,” “not free” or “partially free” based on criteria such as rights violations and countrywide Internet access.

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 7 of 24 Uzbekistan now ranks 57th, with a score which technically improved, from 26 in 2019 to 27 in 2020 —

“saw a slight opening of the space for free expression online,” according to the report. While its scores remain low and online expression tightly controlled, there have been some efforts at liberalization.

Importantly, a bevvy of websites that have long been unofficially blocked have been unblocked. And while some topics — for example forced labor in the cotton industry — are receiving greater and more open coverage in Uzbek media, other subjects remain taboo or subject to pressure if raised.

During the coverage period, Uzbekistan registered “another incremental increase” in internet freedom, its fourth consecutive improvement in its Freedom on the Net score, the report said.

Access rates in the country continued to grow, although authorities have not loosened their grip over the information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, despite pledging to do so. In a welcome move, the government unblocked another tranche of websites in December 2019, although it also moved to impose new restrictions on bloggers, perhaps out of recognition that an ever-increasing number of citizens consume news from independent Telegram channels and other social media platforms. Citizens continued to face legal and extrajudicial consequences for their online activities, as evinced by March 2020 revelations that journalists and human rights defenders had been the targets of a sophisticated phishing campaign.

While ongoing reforms under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have led to improvements on some issues, including a modest reduction in media repression and reforms that mandated more female legislative candidates, Uzbekistan remains an authoritarian regime with little movement toward democratization.

tashkenttimes.uz

ECONOMY AND FINANCE

Uzbekistan’s economic outlook remains positive as the country continues market reforms

The latest edition of the World Bank’s Economic Update for the region released today indicates that, in 2020, Uzbekistan is projected to remain one of two countries in the Europe and Central Asia region that will experience economic growth, despite the global economic recession driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the most severe crisis Uzbekistan has faced since the economy’s recovery from the breakup of the Soviet Union. It has adversely affected the country’s growth and resulted in declines in employment, wellbeing, and incomes of citizens.

In the first half of 2020, GDP growth was nearly zero, compared with growth of 5.8 percent in the first half of 2019. Investment in fixed capital decreased by 12.8 percent in the same period. The unemployment rate increased sharply from 9.4 percent in the first quarter of 2020, to 15 percent in the second quarter.

Higher gold production and growth in agriculture helped offset a sharp fall in industry and services.

Despite a 19 percent decline in remittances, a cumulative increase of 17 percent in social payments and a 10 percent increase in minimum wages since February have helped preserve private consumption.

Lower remittances and a wider trade deficit widened the current account deficit to 7.7 percent of GDP in the first half of 2020. Exports fell by 22.6 percent in the same period, due to global supply chain disruptions and a fall in key commodity prices (natural gas, metals). Imports fell by 15 percent due to a sharp fall in machinery and capital imports.

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 8 of 24 Lower revenue collections and large anti-crisis spending contributed to a fiscal deficit of about 5 percent of GDP in the first half of 2020. About 2.5 percent of GDP was directed to additional health spending, increases in low-income allowances, support to enterprises, and an expansion of public works. Despite a large revenue increase from higher gold exports, weaker economic conditions and tax deferrals contributed to a two-percentage point year-on-year decline in revenues as a share of GDP.

Annual inflation was eased down to 11.6 percent in August 2020 allowing the Central Bank of Uzbekistan to cut its policy rate twice in 2020, from 16 to 15 percent in April, and to 14 percent in September. Anti- crisis credit lines to firms helped increase credit to the economy by 18 percent in January-August 2020.

“The COVID-19 crisis in Uzbekistan has almost entirely extinguished GDP growth in 2020, and increased poverty levels for the first time in over two decades. To mitigate the economic, social, and health consequences of the pandemic, the Government has been taking anti-crisis policy measures. Despite the current challenges, the authorities have reconfirmed their strong commitment to continue reforms in key sectors of the economy to achieve stronger growth and improve wellbeing of citizens. This is very important to ensure a more resilient and inclusive post COVID-19 recovery,” noted Marco Mantovanelli, World Bank Country Manager for Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan’s outlook remains positive as market reforms continue to shift the economy towards greater resource efficiency and private sector growth. The lifting of lockdowns in the third quarter of 2020, robust agricultural production, and a partial recovery of remittances will result in stronger economic activity in the second half of 2020 in contrast to the first one.

Annual GDP growth is projected between 0.4 and 0.8 percent this year considerably lower than in 2019, when it reached 5.6 percent. Uzbekistan along with Tajikistan are the only states among 23 countries in the Europe and Central Asia region that are expected to demonstrate growth in 2020 (Table 1). Assuming that lockdowns will not be reintroduced across the country, GDP growth is projected between 4.8 and 5.0 percent in 2021.

Inflation will moderate over the medium-term but remain elevated by further price reforms. The current account deficit is expected to be around 6 percent of GDP in 2020 due to a recovery in remittances and a lower trade deficit. It is projected to remain at this level over the medium-term as imports of machinery and equipment resume post-COVID-19. This deficit is expected to be financed by higher public borrowing and gradually by rising foreign investment.

The projected fiscal deficit of 7.5 percent of GDP in 2020 will moderate in 2021-22 as anti-crisis spending is gradually reduced and revenues recover. It is projected to decline over the medium-term.

The wider deficit in 2020 and the medium-term will be financed by increased external borrowing, and public external debt will increase to 34.7 percent of GDP in 2020. Although the debt has increased since 2017, it is expected to stabilize over the medium-term.

tashkenttimes.uz

Central Bank presents three scenarios of macroeconomic development

In all three scenarios, the Central Bank's target of 5% inflation by the end of 2023 and its ongoing goals to ensure the stability of the banking and payment systems will remain unchanged.

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan on October 22 approved the main directions of monetary policy for 2021 and the period 2022-2023.

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"2020 was a very difficult year for our country and the global economy. The crisis, which began under the influence of the global pandemic, is characterized by simultaneous deterioration of both internal and external economic conditions and fluctuations in supply and demand. The global economy and the main foreign trade partners of our country are experiencing economic decline against the background of a sharp slowdown in economic activity, falling commodity prices and instability of financial markets," the Central Bank notes.

Taking into account the degree of uncertainty, the forecasts were developed based on three different scenarios:

• main (a gradual recovery of the economy);

• optimistic (faster recovery);

• risky (slower recovery).

In all three scenarios, the Central Bank's target of 5% inflation by the end of 2023 and its ongoing goals to ensure the stability of the banking and payment systems will remain unchanged.

Main scenario

If the situation with the pandemic gradually improves. As the economies of foreign trade partners recover gradually, external demand will reach the pre-crisis level in the second half of 2022.

Economic activity and aggregate demand in the country will approach pre-crisis levels by the end of 2021, and the economy will return to its potential level by 2023.

Budget revenues will restore. The consolidated budget deficit is projected to fall to 2.5% of GDP in 2022.

Structural reforms will continue and regulated prices will be liberalized in 2022-2023.

The current "relatively tight" monetary policy environment will continue until the end of 2021.

Optimistic

If the situation around pandemic improves faster, and there will be no quarantine anymore, antiviral vaccines and medicines will be available globally from the second half of 2021.

Due to the gradual recovery of the economies of major trading partners, external demand is expected to reach pre-crisis levels in the second half of 2021, and the price of gold will decline as the global economy recovers.

Domestic economic activity and aggregate demand are expected to approach pre-crisis levels by mid- 2021, and the economy will reach its potential by 2022.

At the same time, in contrast to the main scenario, it is planned to revive the growth rates in the transport, services and tourism sectors.

Together with the recovery of economic activity, state budget revenues will grow relatively faster, and the consolidated budget deficit will decrease to 2% in 2022.

At the same time, the logical completion of the process of liberalizing regulated prices in 2022-2023 and attracting FDI are among the key factors of economic growth.

In the case of an optimistic scenario, the current "relatively tight" monetary policy conditions will be maintained. At the same time, the inflation rate in 2021-2022 will be slightly lower than in the baseline scenario.

Risky

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 10 of 24 If the global situation will worsen and global constraints will continue in the years 2021-2022.

The economies of foreign trade partners will recover slowly, external demand will reach the pre-crisis level only in the second quarter of 2023, gold prices will continue to grow.

Under the risky scenario, domestic economic activity and aggregate demand are projected to reach pre- crisis levels only by the end of 2022, the economy will reach its potential level after 2023, and the consolidated budget deficit will remain at 6-7%.

Under this scenario, the process of liberalizing regulated prices is likely to be delayed until 2023.UzDaily – uzreport.news

The number of enterprises with foreign capital increases

As of 1 October 2020, the number of newly created enterprises and organizations with the participation of foreign capital in the republic amounted to 1237 units.

According to the State Committee on Statistics, as of 1 October 2020, the number of enterprises and organizations registered in the republic is 11.9 thousand, of which 11.3 thousand are operating. This figure increased by 1.8 thousand compared to the corresponding period last year.

Number of enterprises working with foreign capital, by country:

China - 1757 Turkey - 1464 Korea - 863 USA – 276 Germany-193 Others - 6776

Number of newly created enterprises with foreign capital by industry:

Trade - 371 Industry - 343 Construction - 135

Agriculture, forestry and fisheries - 94 Accommodation and catering services - 53 Information and communication – 42 UzDaily – Uzdaily.com

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Uzbekistan expands the list of offshore zones

Uzbekistan has expanded the list of offshore zones. Corresponding changes were made to the Regulation on the procedure for monitoring the validity of the conduct of foreign exchange transactions by legal entities and individuals.

American Samoa, Aruba, Guatemala, Dominica, Kiribati, Monaco, Alderney Channel Island, Pitcairn, San Marino, Saint Martin (Sint Maarten), Uruguay and the Philippines were included to the list of offshore zones, foreign exchange transactions with which are subject to monitoring.

The document clarified the tax authorities, which receive information from the branches of banks and territorial departments of customs authorities, - territorial state tax departments and the Interregional State Tax Inspectorate for Large Taxpayers.

According to the document, banks must report if during a calendar year the amount of transfer of a resident individual abroad to the accounts of individuals exceeds 100 million soums (previously - equivalent to US$10,000).

Now the customs authorities must report on the revealed facts of unreasonable overstatement and understatement of the invoice value of goods, both during their import and export.

According to Norma.uz, the document introduced a new monitoring mechanism. When studying the information received, tax authorities rely on information from electronic information databases and other information available to them. If violations of the procedure for conducting foreign exchange transactions are detected, a request is sent to an economic entity:

in electronic form to the taxpayer's personal account - it is considered received after reading, but not later than 3 days from the date of departure;

by registered mail, if the subject does not have a personal account, it is considered received 5 days after it was sent.

The requested documents and information must be submitted to the tax authority within 5 working days after receiving the request. In some cases, additional information is requested from banks and customs.

In the course of monitoring, measures of legal influence are not applied, the activities of the economic entity are not suspended. If monitoring confirms the fact:

committing an offense - the tax office takes measures within its powers or transfers materials to law enforcement agencies;

money laundering, terrorist financing or proliferation of weapons of mass destruction - the tax authorities shall notify the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor's Office within 3 days.

BUSINESS

Sales of Volkswagen and Škoda cars to begin in Uzbekistan from 2020

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a resolution on measures to implement a project to organize Volkswagen production in Uzbekistan.

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 12 of 24 It should be recalled that in March, Uzavtosanoat and Volkswagen Group Rus signed an agreement on the production of light commercial vehicles in the Jizzakh free economic zone. The project is being implemented on the basis of the Jizzakh Automobile Plant LLC.

According to the document, the project will be implemented in two stages.

At the first stage, in 2020-2021, it is planned to import finished Volkswagen and Škoda cars. Dealer and service networks will also be created in Fergana, Tashkent and Jizzakh.

Until November 2021, it was instructed to develop, coordinate and conclude an investment agreement on the transition to the second stage of the project.

“The second stage will provide for the organization of a full production cycle (starting from 2022). Issues related to the volume of investments and export of automobiles will also be settled,” Oybek Ayubov, Director General of the Jizzakh Automobile Plant, said.

In addition, under the decree, more than 40 gas filling stations will also be created in Uzbekistan, which will sell gasoline and diesel fuel of Euro-5 standard.

kun.uz

Uzbekistan increases export of medicines almost by 4 times

In January-August 2020, Uzbekistan exported $11.5 million worth of medicines to 11 countries, which is four times more compared to the same period last year, the State Statistics Committee reports.

The main sales market was Kyrgyzstan, where Uzbek products worth $3.4 million were imported.

Kazakhstan ranked second – $2.1 million, followed by Afghanistan ($1.5 million), Turkmenistan ($1.2 million) and Tajikistan ($1.1 million).

At the same time, according to the State Statistics Committee, Uzbekistan slightly reduced imports.

During the reporting period, medicines were purchased for $565.2 million, which is 6.8 million less.

The largest deliveries arrived from India. This year, Uzbekistan purchased medicines from this country for

$102.9 million, from Russia – for $59.9 million, Ukraine – $46.1 million, Latvia – $46 million, China – $34.1 million.

kun.uz

World Bank projects Uzbekistan’s GDP growth at 5 percent in 2021

Despite the global economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Uzbekistan will become one of the countries to demonstrate economic growth in 2020, follows from the WB Europe and Central Asia Economic Update.

It is noted that the coronavirus pandemic has become the most serious crisis threatening Uzbekistan since the recovery of the national economy after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It has had a negative impact on the growth of the country’s GDP and has led to a decline in the employment, welfare and income of citizens.

In the first half of 2020, GDP growth was almost zero, compared to 5.8 percent in the first half of 2019.

Fixed investment fell by 12.8 percent over the same period. The unemployment rate soared from 9.4 percent in the first quarter to 15 percent in the second quarter.

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“The crisis caused by the pandemic almost completely slowed down GDP growth in Uzbekistan in the current year. It increased poverty for the first time in more than two decades. The Government has taken a number of anti-crisis measures to mitigate the impact on the economy, social welfare and health of the population. Despite the current challenges and difficulties, the country’s leadership reaffirmed their commitment to continuing reforms in key sectors of the economy to achieve higher rates of GDP growth and improve the living standards of citizens. After the end of the pandemic, it is extremely important to ensure the recovery of the economy, making it more stable and inclusive,” Marco Mantovanelli, head of the World Bank office in Uzbekistan, said.

Uzbekistan’s economic outlook remains positive, as market reforms increase the incentives in the economy for more efficient use of resources and private sector growth, the WB notes. Easing the lockdown measures in the third quarter of 2020, sustained agricultural production and a partial recovery of remittances will lead to increased economic activity in the second half of 2020.

Annual GDP growth is forecasted to be between 0.4% and 0.8% this year, which is much lower than in 2019 when it reached 5.6%. The pace of the recovery will depend on the duration of the pandemic, access to vaccines, and the rise of international trade and investment flows. Assuming limited further lockdowns, an easing of the pandemic, and a broader global economic recovery, GDP growth is projected between 4.8-5.0 percent in 2021. Inflation will moderate over the medium-term but remain elevated by further price reforms.

kun.uz

Uzbekistan sets minimum prices for raw cotton grown in the current year

In accordance with the presidential decree “On measures to widely introduce market principles in the cotton sector”, dated March 6, 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction, the Council of Farmers, Dehkan Farms and Landowners and the Uztukimachiliksanoat Association have been tasked with announcing the minimum prices for raw cotton based on the analysis of world market prices.

In accordance with the presidential decree of May 5, 2020 “On urgent measures to support the textile and clothing industry”, it is noted that cotton grown in Uzbekistan will be sold at a rate pegged to prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

As of October 23, the New York Mercantile Exchange quoted the average futures price of 1 ton of cotton fiber (Strict Low Middling) at $1,375.7, provided that it is delivered to Galveston, Houston (Texas), Memphis (Tennessee) and New Orleans (Louisiana) ports of the United States.

Taking into account the prices formed in the world market, the proposals of cotton and textile clusters, cooperatives and farms, the ministries and departments responsible for the above decision, as well as the processing of raw cotton, logistics and other related costs, the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan announces that the minimum price for 1 ton of raw cotton produced in Uzbekistan, including value- added tax, has been set at 4522.5 thousand soums.

Based on this minimum price, the entities that grow and receive raw cotton independently determine the prices of other high or low grade cotton raw materials within the framework of the contractual relationship on the basis of mutually beneficial agreement.

kun.uz

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PayPal to be allowed to operate in Uzbekistan, says official

Today a meeting with press was held at the Ministry for the Development of Information Technologies and Communications.

During the meeting, the Minister Shukhrat Sadikov said that the international online payment system Paypal would be allowed to operate in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan remains the only country in Central Asia that has banned PayPal.

“We are receiving questions about when Paypal will start working in Uzbekistan. This is not only a matter for our ministry, but also for the Central Bank. The issue will be decided through an interagency

agreement. There are other problems as well. These are the PayPal’s terms and conditions, as well as the requirements of the Central Bank," said Shukhrat Sadikov.

The minister said that the Central Bank is currently holding negotiations with PayPal.

In addition, during the tour of IT Park, journalists and bloggers were able to get acquainted in detail with the project for further infrastructure development of IT Park.

Currently, large-scale construction work is underway at the technopark, with its territory to be expanded and a number of infrastructure facilities to be added. 17 buildings will be built in stages, including 20-25- storey office buildings, a 22-storey hotel, a university, a conference hall, a coworking center and other facilities.

The complex will also have cafes and restaurants, shops, a mosque, sports grounds and recreation areas.

It also became known that at present 416 companies have become the residents, employing over 5 thousand experts. Of these, 14 were created with the foreign capital, and 54 - from scratch. Since the beginning of the year, IT Park residents have created over 750 new jobs, the volume of software products and services produced topped to 346.2 billion soums, US$ 34 million and exports - 8.4 million dollars.

tashkenttimes.uz

Uzbekistan to build 12 large renewable energy facilities

Uzbekistan in the coming years will see the implementation of 12 major projects worth some $3.56bn in the field of renewable energy sources. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Energy on October 9.

The largest of them was initiated by ACWA Power. A $1.3bn project is currently underway for the construction of two wind power plants with a capacity of 1 thousand megawatts in Navoi and Bukhara regions.

In the Republic of Karakalpakstan, it is planned to build two Koratau-2 and Koratau-3 wind farms with a total capacity of 300 MW for $300mn, another 500 MW wind power plant worth $550mn is being implemented with Masdar in the Navoi region. The same company has an intention to build a 100 MW solar power plant in Navoi region for $110mn.

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 15 of 24 In the Samarkand region, Total Eren is building a 100 MW photovoltaic plant at a cost of $100mn. Two photovoltaic plants will be built in the Samarkand and Jizzakh regions under the Skalling Solar-2 project with a capacity of 200 MW each. The total investment will amount nearly $360mn.

Moreover, it is planned to build two solar power plants (Sherabad-1 and Sherabad-2 projects) for 500 MW with a total investment of $415mn in Surkhardarya region.

uzreport.news

Fitch expects Uzbekistan to be among few sovereigns to avoid economic contraction in 2020

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Uzbekistan's Long-Term Foreign-Currency (LTFC) Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BB-' with a Stable Outlook.

Uzbekistan's ratings balance a robust sovereign balance sheet, low government debt and a record of high growth relative to rated peers against high commodity dependence, high inflation and structural weaknesses in terms of low GDP per capita and weak institutional and governance levels relative to rated peers.

The resilience of Uzbekistan's ratings to the global pandemic reflects the sovereign's robust external and fiscal buffers, access to external financing and a diversified commodity export base. High gold prices have benefitted exports, public finances and international reserves. The strength of the fiscal and external balance sheets mitigates risks related to a wide current account deficit, which Fitch expects to persist, and a continued rise in the government debt ratio.

Fitch expects Uzbekistan to be among the few sovereigns to avoid an economic contraction in 2020.

After dropping to 0.2% in 1H20, Fitch forecasts growth to reach 0.5% in 2020, reflecting weaker household consumption and investment, due partly to containment measures against the COVID-19 pandemic, and lower external demand. Fiscal and monetary anti-crisis measures, a sharp increase in gold prices and lower-than-anticipated decline in remittances have supported economic activity.

Under baseline scenario, growth will accelerate to 5% in 2021 and 5.5% in 2022, whereas World Bank has been expecting gowth in 2021 between 4.8 and 5.0%. The forecast of EBRD is even less – 4.5. The April report compiled by Fitch expected Uzbekistan`s economy to grow 6.8% in 2021.

Fitch forecasts the overall deficit to narrow gradually to 5% of GDP (4.6% consolidated) in 2021, and 4.4%

(4% consolidated) in 2022, as revenue growth will partly accommodate the government's plans to support the recovery through social spending and investment.

The government debt set to reach 36% of GDP (including 11.2% of GDP in external guarantees) in 2020, up from 28.6% (including 8.7% in external guarantees) in 2019. Fitch projects Uzbekistan's general government debt at 42% of GDP in 2022, still below the forecast 57% for the 'BB' median. However, the debt ratio would have doubled since 2018, highlighting the fast pace of borrowing even prior to the COVID-19 crisis. The debt burden is also exposed to exchange-rate depreciation, as it is almost entirely foreign currency-denominated, closely linking macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability.

Higher gold prices have cushioned the impact of the crisis on external finances. Fitch forecasts international reserves to reach $33.4bn (15.4 months of current external payments (CXP)) by end-2020.

Gold currently accounts for 54% of gross international reserves, while UFRD cash holdings represent 32%.

As import demand recovers, Fitch expects international reserve coverage to decline but remain more than

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 16 of 24 double the forecast 'BB' median in 2021-2022. Sovereign net foreign assets will reach 22.8% of GDP in 2020, still strong relative to 'BB' peers', but Fitch expects this to deteriorate over 2021-2022 due to increased external borrowing.

The current account deficit will widen to 6.3% of GDP in 2020, almost double the projected 3.2% 'BB' median. Increased gold exports (56% of total) have only partly compensated for the decline in other exports and remittances, while imports of goods and services have fallen significantly (-19% yoy in January-August). Fitch projects the current account deficit to widen to 7.9% of GDP in 2021 and 7.3% in 2022, significantly higher than 'BB' peers; as the recovery in import demand will outpace that of external demand.

Uzbekistan's net external creditor position is forecast at 36% of GDP in 2020, significantly stronger than that of peers (net debt of 24%), but external liabilities have increased rapidly not only due to government borrowing but higher external debt from the banking sector. Net foreign direct investments (FDI) set to almost halve to 2.1% of GDP in 2020 (3.9% in 2019) and average 3.1% in 2021-2022, directed to energy sectors like hydrocarbons and renewables.

The banking sector has preserved stability, supported by the policy response from the CBU, including liquidity injections. Capitalisation levels (capital adequacy ratio of 19.4% at end-August) remain above regulatory requirements after a significant capital increase in 2019. Although non-performing loans (NPLs) remain low (2.4% in July), asset quality will likely deteriorate due to a weaker macroeconomic outlook, and continued exposure to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and foreign-currency risks.

Presidential elections are scheduled for 2021, and Fitch's base case is that President Mirziyoyev will seek and obtain a new term. Fitch also considers that the government remains committed to the reform programme initiated in 2017 to improve macroeconomic stability and growth prospects, decrease the state's role in the economy and address institutional and governance weaknesses.

The autumn edition of the World Bank’s Economic Update released on October 7 also forecasts that Uzbekistan is one of only two countries in Europe and Central Asia that will see positive economic growth this year as.

uzreport.news

Number of operating small enterprises and microfirms in Uzbekistan makes up 391,300 units

The largest number of operating small enterprises and microfirms by region was in Tashkent city - 82 301 units. or 21.0% of the total, in the Tashkent region - 38,097 units. or 9.7% and in the Fergana region - 33 307 units. or 8.5%.

Also, by type of economic activity, the largest number of small enterprises and microfirms is in trade - 123 466 units. or 31.6% of the total, industry - 79,230 units. or 20.2%, construction - 39 641 units. or 10.1% and agriculture, forestry and fishery - 38,125 units. or 9.7%.

In January - September 2020, 70,251 small enterprises and microfirms were created in the republic. In particular, the largest number of newly created small enterprises and microfirms falls on the city of Tashkent - 10 786 units. or 15.4% of the total, Samarkand region - 6,558 units. or 9.3%, and Surkhandarya region - 6 395 units. or 9.1%.

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 17 of 24 The largest share of newly created small enterprises and microfirms by type of economic activity falls on trade - 25,987 units. or 37.0% of the total, industry - 14,540 units. or 20.7%, agriculture, forestry and fisheries - 11 841 units. or 16.9% and construction - 4,701 units. or 6.7%.

In the context of districts and cities, the largest number of newly created small enterprises and microfirms was in Andijan - 1,584 units, in Samarkand - 1,564 units. and in the Chilanzar region - 1408 units.

In January-September 2020, the number of operating business entities per 1,000 people reached 15.0 units.

In terms of districts and cities, the highest indicator is in the Yakkasaray region - 60.8 units, in the Bektemir region - 57.9 units. and in Mirabad district - 47.4 units.

Production of motor oil and antifreeze started in Uzbekistan

UNG Petro LLC under Uzbekneftegaz JSC has established the production of engine oils, antifreezes and other liquids necessary for a car.

At present, the enterprise has started production of Titan 15W-40 engine oil.

This product is considered an all-season universal mineral-based engine oil, designed for lubrication of gasoline and diesel engines of modern passenger cars and trucks of domestic and foreign production operating in severe operating conditions.

Research Center for Plant Quarantine established in Uzbekistan

A presidential resolution “On measures to further improve the activities of the state plant quarantine service” was adopted.

In accordance with the resolution, the Uzbek leader formed:

Research Center for Plant Quarantine on the basis of the Scientific Center for Plant Quarantine in the system of the State Plant Quarantine Inspectorate (Inspectorate);

the territorial branches of the Center, equipped with modern laboratories, in the Termez, Nukus and Samarkand branches of the Tashkent State Agrarian University, as well as the Andijan Institute of Agriculture and Agrotechnology.

One of the main tasks of the Center and its territorial branches is the analysis of phytosanitary risk on the territory of the republic and the development of scientifically grounded phytosanitary measures aimed at preventing the penetration of harmful organisms that can cause significant economic damage.

From 1 January 2021, it is allowed to issue conclusions for exported fruits and vegetables and other materials by accredited quarantine laboratories created by the private sector.

From 1 April 2021, a quarantine control system is being introduced, the use of "service dogs-detectors", if necessary, fumigation (disinfection) of the body (cargo compartments) of vehicles (aircraft, railway cars and containers, trucks) importing products from foreign countries.

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 18 of 24 On 1 November 2020, persons who discovered harmful organisms on their territory, voluntarily applied to the Inspectorate for phytosanitary field control and eliminated their consequences are released from administrative liability.

Starting from the 2021/2022 academic year, personnel training will be carried out:

in the direction of education "Quarantine of plants and agricultural products" in the Nukus branch of the Tashkent State Agrarian University;

middle level in the specialties "Plant Protection Laboratory Assistant" and "Agronomist for Plant Protection and Quarantine" in all professional educational institutions of agricultural profile, based on the needs of the Inspectorate for mid-level personnel.

On 1 December 2020, on the basis of the automated information system “e-Fitouz”, a system will be created and launched, covering the entire chain “from field to export”.

Toshshahartranshizmat plans to purchase 300 electric buses

Toshshahartranshizmat plans to purchase 300 large-capacity electric buses and charging stations in 2021- 2023.

The Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan has published for discussion a draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers on the program of renewal of the rolling stock of enterprises of Toshshahartranshizmat in 2021- 2023.

The draft resolution notes that large-capacity electric buses produced in Belarus and China in 2019-2020 were successfully tested in Tashkent.

According to the document, for Toshshahartranshizmat in 2021-2023, it is proposed to annually purchase 100 large-capacity electric buses and charging stations. The supplier is proposed to be determined through a tender.

The total cost of the project will amount to 1 trillion. soums. In particular, it is planned to spend 325.5 billion soums annually for the purchase of 100 electric buses and about 30.5 billion soums for the purchase of charging stations.

The project is expected to be financed with a loan from Uzpromstroybank. The loan will be allocated for a period of 7 years at the refinancing rate of the Central Bank (currently 14%), with a margin of no more than 0.5%.

The document proposes to allocate funds from the state budget to repay the loan and interest.

Preparations are underway for a major congress and exhibition on hydropower in Tashkent

In preparation for the V International Congress and Exhibition “Hydropower. Central Asia and the Caspian” hosted a webinar with the participation of potential exhibitors from various countries.

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 19 of 24 The holding of this traditional congress of an international scale in the energy sphere, which for the first time is dedicated to hydropower, is scheduled in Tashkent on 17-18 February 2021.

The main participants are representatives of the Central Asian and Caspian regions - Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Armenia, Russia, Georgia, Turkey.

In 2021, the main strategic partner is Uzbekhydroenergo JSC.

During the webinar, the head of the department of Uzbekhydroenergo JSC H. Khasanov informed the participants about the preparations for the upcoming event. It was also about the implementation, with the support of the state, of reforms in the country's hydropower industry, new promising projects

Projects successfully implemented in the field of hydropower were noted, including the construction of small HPPs "Kamchik", "Zarchob" HPP-1, the commissioning of which is scheduled for this year, the new large HPP "Mullalak", the project for which is currently at the stage of exploration. exploration work.

During the event, webinar participants received comprehensive answers to their questions.

The International Energy Congress and Exhibition covering the regions of Central Asia and the Caspian Sea is a productive platform for exchange of views, fruitful cooperation and dialogue on the development of the energy sector in the countries of the region, the construction and modernization of energy facilities, and discussion of problems and prospects in this area.

This international event is held annually in order to actively attract new innovative technologies to the field, to further strengthen the established cooperation ties.

In 2021, the Congress will conduct its work in the following areas:

- experience in the construction of new large and medium-sized hydroelectric power plants;

- practical work on the modernization of existing HPPs;

- construction of small and micro hydropower plants;

- digitalization of existing hydroelectric power plants;

- modernization and technical re-equipment of HPP equipment, systems for efficient management of production assets;

- development and optimization of a strategy for digitalization and automation of hydropower plants;

- improvement of the system of diagnostics and monitoring of objects;

- localization of production, etc.

Uzbekistan increases export of medicines

For 8 months of 2020, Uzbekistan exported medicines to 11 foreign countries in the amount of US$11.5 million. Compared to the same period of last year, this figure increased by US$8.5 million, or almost 4 times.

According to the State Statistics Committee, over the past 8 months, Uzbekistan has exported the largest amount of medicines to the following countries:

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 20 of 24 Kyrgyzstan - US$3.4 million

Kazakhstan - US$2.1 million Afghanistan - US$1.5 million Turkmenistan - US$1.2 million Tajikistan - US$1.1 million Turkey - US$956,700

For 8 months, Uzbekistan imported medicines from 55 foreign countries in the amount of US$565.2 million. This is US$6.8 million less than in the same period of last year.

Over the past 8 months, Uzbekistan imported the largest number of medicines:

India - US$102.9 million Russia - US$59.9 million Ukraine - US$46.1 million Latvia - US$46.0 million China - US$34.1 million UzDaily – Uzdaily.com

Ferghana to start production of medical devices and equipment

The project is being implemented in cooperation with South Korean companies in the small industrial zone "Logistics base". According to entrepreneur Nurmatjon Komilov, who invested 13 billion soums in the enterprise, the volume of foreign investment will amount to $3.2 million.

Starting from January 2022, the production of medical devices and equipment will be launched in the Baghdad district of the Ferghana region. This was reported by the press service of the Agency for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry.

The project is being implemented in cooperation with South Korean companies in the small industrial zone "Logistics base". According to entrepreneur Nurmatjon Komilov, who invested 13 billion soums in the enterprise, the volume of foreign investment will amount to $3.2 million.

The project will be implemented in three stages. After mastering the production of medical equipment, it is planned to start milk processing and confectionery production at the second and third stages. After the full launch of the enterprise in March 2024, 245 jobs will be created. Annual production will amount to 12.5 billion soums and $3.5 million.

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TOURISM AND CULTURE

Government to compensate part of expenses of the tourism sector

The Government of Uzbekistan has adopted a decree on supporting tour operators and developing the tourism infrastructure during the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of Justice informs.

In accordance with the decree, a part of the following interest expenses on loans that exceed the CB refinancing rate will be reimbursed:

- interest expenses for the period from June 1, 2020, to January 1, 2022, on previously issued loans for the construction of accommodation facilities;

- interest expenses on loans issued to meet new sanitary and hygienic standards;

- interest expenses for the period from June 1 to December 31, 2020, on loans issued to replenish working capital in the amount of up to 1 billion soums.

In addition, interest costs on previous loans for the construction of housing facilities are reimbursed fully for the period from March 1 to June 1, 2020.

These compensations are allocated regardless of the volume of loans, as well as the number of such subsidies granted previously.

kun.uz

Planes and helicopters to be launched for excursions to the Aral

It is planned to launch flights by plane and helicopter to travel to the Aral Sea.

It is planned to launch flights by plane and helicopter to travel to the Aral Sea. For this purpose, a new helipad has been built in Muynak.

According to Muynak District Hokimiyat, by helicopter you can visit the water area of the Aral Sea, greenhouses on the territory of the citizens’ assembly of Kiziljar village, and a livestock complex in Kazakdarya village. Helicopter landing sites are open here.

According to the entrepreneurs who will organize excursions to the Aral Sea, to travel by plane over the Aral Sea or the Ustyurt plateau, it is necessary to take off from Muynak district. This will save both time and money.

Uzbekistan National News Agency – uza.uz

More than 1.35 million tourists have visited Uzbekistan in 9 months

Foreign tourists who visited Uzbekistan in January-September 2020 made up 1.35 million. Compared to the same period of 2019, this indicator decreased by 72.6%.

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Uzbekistan, Oktober 2020 page 22 of 24 According to the State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, foreign citizens who arrived in Uzbekistan from the CIS countries reached 1.29 million people, which reached 95.6% of their total number, from other countries – 59,200 people (4.4% of their total number).

The dynamics of the number of foreign citizens arriving in Uzbekistan demonstrate a decrease in the period from January-September 2019 to January-September 2020 by 3.58 million people.

Uzbekistan to celebrate the 580th anniversary of Alisher Navoi’s birth

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has adopted a Resolution on the wide celebration of the 580th anniversary of the great poet and thinker Alisher Navoi’s birth.

According to the document, the Order of Alisher Navoi will be established in order to evaluate the great contribution of the country’s citizens and other states, as well as scientific and creative institutions in the deep study and popularization of the creative heritage of Alisher Navoi.

The possibility of carrying out construction and improvement works in the memorial complex of Alisher Navoi in the city of Herat of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will also be studied.

The Ministry of Culture, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Academy of Sciences and the State Customs Committee, were instructed to take measures to acquire facsimile copies of Alisher Navoi’s author’s manuscripts stored in foreign countries and other manuscripts of his era.

The stolen glazed tiles will be returned to Uzbekistan

The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, with the assistance of the Embassy of the country in the United Kingdom, in cooperation with the British Museum, is working to identify and return illegally seized exhibits.

According to Dr Hartwig Fischer, the Director of the British Museum, over the past decade, the British Museum helped to return more than 2,500 historical items to Iraq, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and other countries. For example, in 2017 the British Museum assisted in the identification and successful repatriation of the stolen tile from the Chashmai-Ayub mausoleum in Bukhara. After the investigation by the law enforcement agencies of Uzbekistan, the criminals were brought to justice. Currently, this tile is placed at the State Art Museum of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.