MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS

41 state property objects have been transferred to business entities at zero cost in Jizzakh region in 2015-2017.

The Actions Strategy initiated by the head of state, as well as the Presidential Decree ‘On measures to raise the efficiency of work with privatized enterprises’ within its framework, is an important guide to action in this area. It has expanded opportunities for using idle buildings and structures, creating favorable conditions for entrepreneurial initiatives.

The agreements on sales of state property at zero cost in exchange for investment and social obligations, concluded between the regional territorial administration of the State Committee for Support of Privatized Enterprises and Development of Competition of the Republic of Uzbekistan and 41 business entities, envisaged over 30.4 billion soums of investments in vacant facilities and creation of 1,700 new jobs. Over the past period, business entities invested 13.3 billion soums, and created over 1,000 jobs.

A building of the former supermarket was transferred to a private enterprise Hadicha Hamzayeva of Pakhtakor district at zero cost at the terms of organization of production and service in the district. The company invested 934 million soums of investments, opened a furniture shop and a service complex. Currently, it employs more than 30 people.

"Having received a vacant facility at zero cost in our community, we have seriously expanded our activities," said the head of the private enterprise Usmon Nosirov. “We have established a furniture shop, a beauty salon, a festivities hall. There are plans afoot to create new technological lines and open jobs for young people.”

A Fresh Style Limited Liability Company has efficiently engaged an idle building of the former machine and tractor fleet of Dustlik District, which was transferred at zero cost at the terms of investing $537,000. It was replaced by a finished knitwear manufacture with 800 jobs.

Nozimabegim Nasibasi enterprise, which acquired the building of the former club in the Gallaaral district at zero cost at the terms of investing 174 million soums, opened a sewing workshop there. Blankets, pillows and other garments made by more than 20 workers of the shop are popular owing to their quality.

Along with the entities that effectively use idle facilities and create new jobs, there are those who failed to achieve the expected result due to certain problems in maintenance of state property. Problems with the supply of raw materials, electricity, gas, and other shortcomings hinder the effective use of facilities.

“The acquisition of zero-cost property by entrepreneurs is not only an opportunity for business, but also a responsibility,” said A.Tursunov, acting head of the Territorial Department for Support of Privatized Enterprises and Development of Competition in the Jizzakh region. “Therefore, in order to address the problems with the support of privatized enterprises, we conduct a critical analysis of the progress achieved in the region. In doing this, we pay attention to the organization of a system-based and targeted support for the projects implemented under privatized enterprises, and implementation of contracts on real estate maintenance. We take measures to accelerate the launch of new projects in the facilities at zero cost. In partnership with banks, tax authorities, local administrations, we assist the entrepreneurs, who had received buildings at zero cost, in using the opportunities and benefits of lending and taxation.

Ultimately, experts say, free provision of public facilities to representatives of the private sector expands the ranks of property owners, and even better involve domestic and foreign investment in the production, thereby contributing to an increase in employment and welfare of the population.

Uzbekistan Today