EU SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE: UZBEKISTAN HAS IMPRESSIVE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

The report of the President Islam Karimov at the enlarged meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, dedicated to the socio-economic development in 2015 and the most important priorities of economic program for 2016, continues to receive feedback fr om the world community.

In particular, during the interview with news agency "Jahon" representatives of the European Union’s political circles shared their comments on the main provisions in the report of the Head of our state.

Peter Burian, EU Special Representative for Central Asia:

— I am pleased to state that in the last year of your country’s economy continued its sustainable development. I am encouraged by the fact that, despite the negative global economic trends, Uzbekistan has been highly estimated by the World Economic Forum and the World Bank ranking on the ease of doing business.

I had the honor to participate personally in the International Investment Forum in Tashkent wh ere the commitment of the republic’s leadership to further liberalization and modernization of the economy was demonstrated. The event showed the growing interest of the global business community to study of the local market opportunities.

I am convinced that the continuation of the comprehensive structural reforms will allow Uzbekistan to realize its impressive economic potential and attract more foreign investment, including from the EU.

We are ready to strengthen cooperation with your country and to be a valuable partner in the process of modernization of the republic through the exchange of experience and advanced technology. In addition, we are planning to carry out dialogue and cooperation to further improve the business environment in Uzbekistan which intends to vigorously continue the large-scale work on the implementation of economic reforms, strengthening human capital and increasing competitiveness, including in agriculture. I believe that the realization of the goals on doubling the volume of the country’s GDP by 2030, as well as rising the status of the state to the level of the countries with high income and developed economy are achievable. The EU is ready to effectively use their tools and mechanisms of cooperation to support the efforts of Uzbekistan.

In conclusion, allow me to congratulate the Uzbek people on approaching a significant date - the 25th anniversary of the state independence. I consider that this important anniversary provides a good opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements in a historically short period of time, but also to determine the best ways to further ensure economic success. In this context, Uzbekistan can rely on the continued support of the EU.

Stefano Manservisi, head of the office of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy:

— Economic reforms implemented in Uzbekistan are important steps that will certainly contribute to the achievement of positive results in the further improvement of the business climate, and promoting bilateral trade and investment between the EU and Uzbekistan.

In the current period of global economic challenges, we intend to contribute to the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan and implementation of national projects on technical assistance of the EU aimed at rural development. We are ready to assist the country in diversifying agro-industry and export.

Dominique Ristori, the head of the European Commission Directorate for Energy:

— Structural economic reforms, the protection of private property and business, as well as the development and modernization of the national infrastructure contribute to the attractiveness of Uzbekistan for foreign investors, including in the energy sector.

Encouraging foreign investment and further development of market relations are drafted to play a decisive role in job creation, economic growth of the country and ensuring the well-being of the people. Taking this opportunity I would like to wish Uzbekistan the successful implementation of the goals and tasks on advancement.

Jahon Information Agency, Brussels