Uzbekistan embarks on a year of efficiency and cost reduction for managers of the economic complex and all state-owned enterprises in 2024, the president stated. The plan aims for a minimum economic growth of 6% and 20 trillion soums reduction in production costs across major industries.
President directed a 15% reduction in the number of deputies within the economic sector of Uzbekistan’s government, currently comprising 40 such members, citing a lack of “modern thinking and efficiency in decision-making.” KPIs will be introduced for managers, influencing their salaries.
Uzbekistan stands for the “one China” policy and believes in Taiwan being an integral part of the PRC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan states. Vice President Lai Ching-te, who stands for the island’s independence, won the presidential elections in Taiwan last Saturday.
Activists, bloggers and artists held a flash mob #TozaHavoKerak in the Tashkent city center to draw attention to environmental problems, emphasizing poor air quality. They expect the authorities to take long-term and comprehensive solutions rather than one-off measures, they said. Photos included.
If people’s demand in news and analysis is not satisfied by local sources, this will be done by foreign ones, president of Uzbekistan told the Security Council. “This is impermissible,” he stressed.
Investments worth $2.1 billion are planned to be attracted to Karakalpakstan in 2024. Water conservation technologies will be introduced in six thousand hectares of land. 220 billion soums will be streamlined to citizens' initiatives.
U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Henick and USAID Mission Director David Hoffman shared their thoughts on air quality in Tashkent. Citizens should take personal interest as it affects “them, their family and their children” and urge the authorities to study the issue and take action, the ambassador noted.
People of Uzbekistan will be confident about their future if the country will strictly adhere to the rule of law, President Mirziyoyev stated, addressing the employees of the prosecutor’s office. “This goal is attainable,” he shared in his message.
Uzbekistan targets to create employment opportunities for 5 million people in 2024. Official unemployment rate currently stands at 1.3 million. Additional 2.4 million people are expected to step into the labor market during the year.
Uzbekistan leads global gold sales for the second consecutive month, having sold 11 tons in November 2023. Despite a rise in international reserves in December, the country’s “financial cushion” dropped by $1.2 billion in 2023 to $34.56 billion, marking the first decline since 2018.
Binance, international crypto exchange, has been fined in Uzbekistan for operating without a license, National Agency of Perspective Projects said.
Price limit of 8,000 Uzbek soums is planned to be imposed on the sale of AI-80 gasoline at all gas stations in Uzbekistan. Additionally, Tatneft, Lukoil, Gazpromneft and Saneg will participate in constructing over 80 gas stations along main highways to promote competition in the market.
The Tashkent city khokimiyat has decided to re-engage in the credit rating process with the international agency Fitch Ratings, which earlier withdrew the city’s ratings.
Inflation in Uzbekistan made up 8.77% in 2023, lowest since 2016. During the year, rice price grew by 38.7%, meat by 9.3%, milk by 13.3%, eggs by 11.7%, sugar by 11%. Gasoline prices increased by 19.1%, propane (as car fuel) by 29.4%.
As of 8 a.m. Wednesday morning, the PM2.5 particle concentration in the air of Tashkent reached 67.5 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding WHO recommendations by 18.7 times. At 4 a.m., this indicator in the Uzhydromet area was 87.5 micrograms per cubic meter.
In Samarkand, the 2023 World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships commenced with a press conference and opening ceremony. Reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen regards himself as a “significant favorite” in blitz, recognizing the potential of many players, including Nodirbek, in rapid chess.
Uzbekistan “will never be anyone’s colony,” head of Senate Tanzila Narbayeva stated at a meeting with young people in Tashkent.
At least 30% of leadership roles in state bodies by 2030 should be occupied by women, according to a document signed by president of Uzbekistan. Female clothing manufacturers will get partial rent coverage, others will be supported with futures for purchasing manufactured products.
The national commission on combating human trafficking and forced labor of Uzbekistan has been transformed into the National commission on the issues of combating human trafficking and decent work. Its tasks have been expanded to deal with irregular labor migration and other issues.
Friends Club has allocated 85 billion Uzbek soums to cultural institutions in Uzbekistan, the president stated. He emphasized the importance of transforming the patronage movement into a consistently functioning system.
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