Uzbekistan, July 1-31, 2018

Uzbekistan, Jan 1-31, 2019 newsreport 5/02/2019

UZBEKISTAN – JANUARY 1-31, 2019

Top News of the period ...... 2 Uzbekistan introduces a visa-free regime for citizens of another 45 countries from 1 February 2 Politics and Law ...... 2 Separate antitrust authority to be set up in Uzbekistan 2 Land privatization to be allowed in Uzbekistan as of July 1, 2019 3 Uzbekistan climbs 3 places in latest Democracy Index 3 Foreign nationals who buy real estate in Uzbekistan to get residency visa 4 Economy and Finance ...... 5 Tatneft plans to create a network of petrol stations in Uzbekistan 5 Uzbekistan climbs 12 places in updated Economic Freedom Index 5 Uzbekistan announces products exempted from VAT 5 Uzbekistan determined to improve air transport system 5 Andijon-Pharm free economic zone to appear in Uzbekistan 7 Business ...... 8 Uzbekistan, Agfa discuss cooperation in healthcare sphere 8 Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan creating joint business council 9 UK-based firm plans to launch private schools network 9 Issues of attracting foreign direct investment in carpet industry are discussed 10 EBRD invests in modern power generation in Uzbekistan 10 Tashkent to host “Uzbekistan 2035” International Forum 11 Deutsche Bahn to help reform Uzbek rail transport 12 Service is the fastest growing sector of Uzbekistan’s economy 12 Uzbekistan has prepared 19 projects for the Aral Sea Trust Fund 12 Tourism and Culture ...... 13 The Guardian included Samarkand to its top destinations for 2019 13 Tashkent set to host a world-class half marathon 13 Belgian journalist publishes article about Uzbekistan 13 Uzbekistan ranks 5th in Solo Travel Safety Report 2019 14 Tashkent business aviation airport to be completed in 2020 14

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Uzbekistan introduces a visa-free regime for citizens of another 45 countries from 1 February Uzbekistan introduces a visa-free regime for a period of 30 days for citizens of another 45 countries of the world from 1 February 2019. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree “On additional measures to accelerate the development of tourism in the Republic of Uzbekistan”. The document notes that the simplification of the visa regime and the rules of stay in Uzbekistan, along with the development of infrastructure and the promotion of the country’s tourist potential abroad, led to a twofold increase in the number of foreigners visiting the country - from 2.60 million in 2017 to 5.3 million in 2018. According to the document, from 1 February, a visa-free regime is introduced for a period of 30 days for citizens of another 45 countries of the world. The list includes Australia, Austria, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Vatican, Luxembourg, Hungary, Brunei Darussalam, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Canada, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden , Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, New Zealand, Portugal, Bulgaria, Republic of Cyprus, Malta, Poland, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Chile, Romania, Slovakia, United Kingdom, Brazil, Finland, Montenegro, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Estonia . It should be noted that Uzbekistan in February 2018 introduced a visa-free regime for a period of 30 days for citizens of seven countries - Israel, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and Japan. Later, this list was expanded and Tajikistan, France and Germany were included. From 1 February, citizens of 76 countries are granted the right to receive an electronic entry visa through the e-visa.gov.uz system. At the same time, from 15 March, Uzbekistan introduces double and multiple electronic entry visas for a period of 30 days. UzDaily – Uzdaily.com

POLITICS AND LAW

Separate antitrust authority to be set up in Uzbekistan A separate state anti-monopoly body is planned to be created in Uzbekistan through splitting the current State Committee for Assistance to Privatized Enterprises and the Development of Competition into several bodies, the draft 2019 State Program proposed. The new anti-monopoly body will be responsible for advancing competition, controlling the activities of natural monopoly entities, protecting consumer rights and regulating the advertisement market. In November 2012, the State Committee on De-monopolization and Development of Competition and the State Committee on State Property Management merged into the State Committee on Privatization, De- Monopolization and Development of Competition, which, in 2017, was reorganized into the State Committee for Assistance to Privatized Enterprises and the Development of Competition. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz

Land privatization to be allowed in Uzbekistan as of July 1, 2019 As of July 1, 2019, privatization of non-agricultural land plots will be allowed Uzbekistan for legal and natural persons. This is provided for by the decree of the President’s Measures to Fundamentally Improve the Processes of Urbanization Decree. According to the decree, as of July 1, 2019, legal persons - residents of Uzbekistan have the right to privatize land plots, on which are located the buildings and constructions, industrial infrastructure facilities, as well as surrounding land necessary for performing of production activities. At the same time, from July 1, 2019, individuals - citizens of Uzbekistan will be entitled to privatize the land plots provided to them for housing and maintenance of a residential house. For privatization of land, individuals and legal entities shall submit an application. Local authorities will decide on the privatization of land plots only if there are cadastral documents and for a fee. Privatized land plots shall become private property (objects of civil circulation) and are inviolable, and are also protected by the state, the decree says. The President of Uzbekistan instructed the Government to submit to the Legislative Chamber a draft bill on privatization of non-agricultural land plots by April 1. Also before May 1, the Government will have to amend the Land Code. Funds obtained from land privatization will be accumulated in the Urban Development Fund under the Ministry of Economy and Industry. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz Uzbekistan climbs 3 places in latest Democracy Index Uzbekistan has posted progress in the latest Democracy Index published by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) climbing three places to 156th among 167 countries. It should be noted Uzbekistan had occupied the 159th notch since 2012, while slightly improving in this year’s report. Kazakhstan took the 144th place, while Tajikistan was 159th, Turkmenistan – 162nd and Kyrgyzstan – 98th. There was little change at the very top and the very bottom of the index. Once again, Norway came out on top and North Korea bottom. One of the more notable moves was that of Costa Rica, the only country to join the ranks of “full democracies” in 2018, and to break into the top 20, rising three places from 23rd to 20th. Western Europe continues to feature heavily among the index’s “full democracies”; apart from North Korea, the bottom 20 features countries from the Middle East and North Africa, SubSaharan Africa and eastern Europe heavily. The EIU is the research and analysis division of UK-based The Economist Group, a sister concern to The Economist newspaper. The 2018 Democracy Index categorised 20 countries as “full democracies”, 55 “flawed democracies”, 39 “hybrid regimes” and 53 “authoritarian regimes” with Western Europe having the most number of ‘fully democratic’ countries. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz

Foreign nationals who buy real estate in Uzbekistan to get residency visa Nationals of 109 countries can get a residence permit in Uzbekistan when they purchase real estate. This was stated in the President's Additional Measures for Swift Development of Tourism in the Republic of Uzbekistan Decree of January 5. The right for residence permit is granted when purchasing real estate: • worth at least 400 thousand US dollars in Tashkent city and the Tashkent province in ; • worth at least 200 thousand dollars in Samarkand, Bukhara, Namangan, Andijan, Fergana and Khorezm provinces; • worth at least 100 thousand dollars in Karakalpakstan and other provinces. List of countries: Netherlands San Marino Australia Poland Seychelles Austria Norway Serbia Azerbaijan Thailand Singapore Algeria Sweden Slovenia Antigua and Barbuda Latvia Suriname Egypt Lebanon Tajikistan Argentina Lithuania Trinidad and Tobago Barbados Malaysia Fiji Belize Maldives Philippines Venezuela Mexico Croatia Vatican Mongolia Chile Luxembourg New Zealand Ecuador Hungary United Arab Emirates Russia Uruguay Portugal Romania Brunei Darussalam Albania Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Israel Bulgaria Saint Lucia Grenada Bosnia and Herzegovina Slovenia Greece Belarus Bahamas Georgia Guatemala Dominican Republic Sri Lanka Honduras United Kingdom of Great Britain and Dominican Republic India Northern Ireland Ireland Indonesia USA Iceland Kazakhstan Vietnam Italy Republic of Cyprus Tunisia Canada Colombia Turkey Kyrgyzstan The Republic of Korea Ukraine China Costa Rica Brazil Andorra Mauritius Germany Liechtenstein Macedonia Saint Kitts and Nevis Monaco Malta Finland Guyana Moldova France Belgium Nauru Montenegro Butane Palau Czech Denmark Panama Switzerland Spain Peru Estonia Morocco Jamaica Japan. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz

ECONOMY AND FINANCE

Tatneft plans to create a network of petrol stations in Uzbekistan Tatneft, one of the largest Russian oil holdings, plans to create a network of petrol stations in Uzbekistan. The Russian company has established Tatneft-AZS-Tashkent LLC, which will implement this project. The new company is registered in the city of Nurafshon, Tashkent region. According to Tatneft, work is currently underway to develop a business plan for the subsidiary. UzDaily – Uzdaily.com Uzbekistan climbs 12 places in updated Economic Freedom Index Uzbekistan has climbed in the latest Economic Freedom Index to 140th place among 182 countries with freedom score at 53.3. Its overall score has increased by 1.8 points, led by robustly higher scores for investment freedom, labor freedom, and business freedom. Uzbekistan is ranked 36th among 43 countries in the Asia–Pacific region, and its overall score is below the regional and world averages. In 2017 Uzbekistan ranked 152th, while in 2016 was the 166th freest. The new president has taken steps to improve ties with Uzbekistan’s neighbors and attract foreign investment by pledging to improve public administration, maintain macroeconomic stability, and reform such sectors as agriculture, finance, and banking. In September 2017, the exchange rate was liberalized and allowed to float, after which the currency depreciated by 50 percent. The country has a long history of corruption, protectionism, and government intervention in various aspects of the economy that has hampered growth. The rule of law remains very weak, damaged by a seriously deficient legal framework. Hong Kong once again holds the title as the world’s freest economy for the 25th year in a row. Singapore is ranked second with a score of 89.4 followed by New Zealand at 84.4. The Index of Economic Freedom is an annual index and ranking created in 1995 by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal to measure the degree of economic freedom in the world's nations. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz Uzbekistan announces products exempted from VAT Uzbekistan’s Finance Ministry has published a list of food products manufactured in the country, the sales turnover of which is exempt from value added tax (VAT), Trend reports with reference to the Uzbek media. The list includes meat (beef, lamb and chicken), live animals (cattle and poultry), meat, fish, potatoes, onions, eggs, all varieties of rice, sugar, bakery products (production and sale). The exemption from VAT applies to the wholesale and retail sales. AzerNews - azernews.az

Uzbekistan determined to improve air transport system A set of measures will be implemented in Uzbekistan to develop transport logistics, expand overseas and domestic routes and improve the quality of transport services. This is provided for by the Tourism Sector Development Concept for 2019-2025, approved by the President's Additional Measures for Swift Development of Tourism in the Republic of Uzbekistan Decree of January 5.

The document notes that “the lack of coordination of the passenger transportation system” hinders the swift development of Uzbekistan’s tourism sector. The concept provides for the transformation of Uzbekistan into a major regional “hub”. For this purpose, it is planned to expand the geography and number of direct flights, including to the historic cities of Uzbekistan, to improve the quality and cut the cost of air travel. It is planned to form a convenient and affordable transport logistics system, including air, rail and road transport, with the creation of comfortable conditions for traveling between Uzbekistan’s provinces and other countries. As part of the concept, a passenger traffic development program should be adopted, subject to approval by international treaties. It will include such provisions as the establishment of regular transport links, enhancing connectivity between different types of transport, reconstruction of existing and the construction of new roads, connecting tourist centers, improvement of roadside infrastructure (camping, service, public catering, medical and sanitary points). The measures are to be developed aimed at optimizing prices, attraction of large international air carriers, launching low-cost flights. In addition, new railway lines are to be built and the existing ones to be improved and the network of high-speed trains will be expanded. The decree has formed the Working Group responsible for fundamental enhancement of the Uzbekistan’s logistical attractiveness, as well as coordinating work on attracting foreign airlines to flights to local airports, with the Deputy PM Aziz Abdukhakimov assigned as the chair. The main tasks of the Working Group will be: • radical improvement of Uzbekistan’s transport system aimed at increasing the trade in goods, the number of passengers and boosting investments, primarily from Europe and Southeast Asia; • attracting airlines to promote pilgrim tourism, including the opening of regular flights from Indonesia; • identification of new flight routes in order to boost tourists inflow; • development of a flexible system of discounts and waivers for foreign carriers in order to launch new routes at Uzbek airports; • increasing the passenger load on long-haul routes by creating connecting flights, including during the “off-season” period; • negotiating with foreign and local airlines, as well as reviewing their proposals and their rational distribution among airports; • simplification of the charter flights harmonizing mechanism; • introduction of the “open sky” policies at selected airports; • reviewing the regulatory framework to facilitate the creation of local airlines; • drafting documents to ensure intermodal transport within the country (bus, rail and air); • cutting airline costs and optimizing air ticket prices; • increasing the number of domestic flights; • improving the procurement mechanism of jet fuel from foreign suppliers to ensure transparency and competition in the procurement process.

In accordance with the decree, a single of the Uzbekistan’s transport e-portal should be created within three months, where it will be possible to purchase tickets with convenient connections (bus, air and rail). The portal should operate on blockchain technology. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz Andijon-Pharm free economic zone to appear in Uzbekistan In the Andijon region of Uzbekistan, a new free economic zone (FEZ) "Andijon-Pharm" will be created, according to the presidential decree. Pharmaceutical companies from India will be strategic partners in its creation. Among its main tasks are attracting investments and advanced technologies from Indian leading companies to create modern production facilities for the production of pharmaceutical products and medicines with high added value, including in the form of in-bulk. The term of FEZ "Andijon-Pharm" functioning will be 30 years with the possibility of its subsequent extension. During this period, a special tax and customs regime will be in effect on the FEZ territory. Depending on the amount of their investments, the participants of the zone will be exempt from land tax, profit tax, tax on property of legal entities, tax on the improvement and development of social infrastructure, single tax for micro-firms and small enterprises, as well as mandatory deductions for various periods. state funds. If an investor invests from $300,000 to $3 million, he will receive benefits for three years, from $3 to $5 million for five years, from $5 to $10 million for seven years, from $10 million for ten years. In addition, they will be exempted from paying customs duties on imported raw materials, materials and components in the part of products aimed at export for the entire period of the FEZ activity. For the first time in the country history, the functions of the FEZ Directorate can be transferred to foreign companies, primarily Indian, with experience in the development and management of economic zones. As many as seven free economic zones were created in Uzbekistan at once in May 2017, which specialize in the cultivation of medicinal plant materials in special natural conditions, as well as its processing. These are the zones "Nukus-Pharm", "Zomin-Pharm", "Kosonsoy-Pharm", "Sirdaryo-Pharm", "Boysun- Pharm", "Bustonlik-Pharm" and "Parkent-Pharm". Diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and India were established on March 18, 1992. Total trade turnover between two countries was $323.6 million, from which $291 million was imports from India and $32.6 million were exports to India. Uzbekistan exports to India beans, balsams, raw silk, earth metals, fertilizers and other goods. The main products imported from India are medicines, ferrous metals, various technological equipment, spare parts for cars. According to Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment & Trade, 113 companies created with participation of Indian capital are working in Uzbekistan, out of which 19 companies are with 100 percent investment. AzerNews - azernews.az

BUSINESS

Uzbekistan, Agfa discuss cooperation in healthcare sphere On 12 January 2019, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Belgium Dilyor Khakimov met with the general director of the international company Agfa Jan Lius, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan said. During the conversation, the parties exchanged views and studied ways of expanding cooperation of Uzbekistan with the company founded in 1894, which produces goods for creating, processing and reproducing images, in particular, in medicine. The parties highly appreciated the reforms in Uzbekistan in the field of public health, carried out under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Following the talks, the parties agreed in principle to develop a joint action plan on expanding cooperation. The Belgian company’s delegation plans to visit Uzbekistan in February to determine the specific needs and priorities of our country’s health system. UzDaily – Uzdaily.com Netherlands’ giant can start producing chips in Uzbekistan The popularity of potatoes and the prospects for its processing in Uzbekistan was discussed at a meeting in Utrecht (Netherlands) of representatives of the Uzbek embassy in the Benelux countries and the Netherlands' company Kiremko. Founded in 1965, Kiremko company is one of the leaders in potato processing in the world. It develops, manufactures and installs equipment for the production of mashed potatoes, french fries and chips, as well as vacuum-packed potatoes with the possibility of different cutting options and consumption period. Kiremko also provides project management services, including the establishment of production lines, and assists in providing engineering and technological support to joint ventures abroad. The company has joint ventures in Russia, India and China. During the negotiations, the Dutch side was presented information on the work being carried out in Uzbekistan to attract modern technologies to the agro-industrial sector, modernize production processes, and expand export-oriented products. The management of the Dutch company expressed its readiness to establish contacts with the Association of Uzbek Potato Producers and to consider the possibility of organizing training sessions on the production and storage of seed potatoes for representatives of the association. The parties also discussed the prospects of creating a joint production for processing potatoes in Uzbekistan. “For the first time, I had a chance to visit Uzbekistan a year and a half ago. I had very good impressions about the country, its investment potential and the created business climate, and there were prospects for cooperation with Uzbek partners. We plan to work more actively with potato producers in Uzbekistan so that in the future we can implement a project to create a potato processing plant in the country and establish a line for the production of french fries and chips,” said the regional sales manager of Kiremko Twan van den Berg. The 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and the Netherlands, which have always developed on the basis of mutually beneficial cooperation and mutual

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Uzbekistan, Jan. 1-31, 2019 page 8 of 14 respect, has been marked in 2017. The Netherlands attaches great importance to cooperation with Uzbekistan within the EU. The Netherlands is the second largest exporter of agri-food products in the world. The agricultural sector has a high level of mechanization. In agriculture, only 2 percent of the working population is employed, but the sector produces significant surplus value, both for the food sector and for export. The Netherlands is the 20th largest economy in the world and the fifth largest economy in the Eurozone. AzerNews - azernews.az Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan creating joint business council Creation of the Turkmen-Uzbek Business Council was announced at the government meeting in Ashgabat, Trend reports with reference to the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan (UIET). This structure is being created in accordance with the agreement between the chambers of commerce and industry of the two countries signed during the state visit of the Turkmen president to Uzbekistan in April 2018. The main goals of the council include strengthening of fruitful cooperation between the business communities of the two countries, organization of joint conferences and exhibitions promoting the goods of Turkmen producers in the Uzbek market, as well as supporting development of entrepreneurship. In April 2018, the two countries signed contracts and memorandums that envisage joint projects worth a total of over $250 million. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, which have impressive reserves of hydrocarbon resources, are in favor of diversification of energy flows. The implementation of the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan–China gas pipeline project, which was put into operation in 2009, is a good example of this. Ashgabat is ready to intensify cooperation in the framework of the project on the supply of electricity from Central to South Asia through the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan route. At this stage, the two countries are also discussing a project to establish the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan– Iran-Oman transport route. This will significantly increase international transit traffic and provide a new communication corridor to world markets. Trend News Agency - trend.az UK-based firm plans to launch private schools network The UK-based Acumen Education is intending to open a network of affordable private schools and one premium-class school in Uzbekistan together with MBU Capital, an investment company, the Uzbek Ministry of Public Education said. The delegation of Acumen Education and MBU Capital arrived in Uzbekistan Monday to explore Uzbekistan's public education sphere and local conditions. The delegation included the founder, executive director and chief investment specialist of MBU Capital, Mohammed Iqbal, and the executive director of Acumen Education, Mark Labovich. On the same, Deputy Minister of Public Education of Uzbekistan Atabek Nazirov hosted the delegation of the two companies to discuss plans for opening schools in Uzbekistan. The executives of the two companies reportedly told they were now considering investing in a network of affordable private schools, a premium-class school and the opening of a university in Uzbekistan.

They were briefed on the public education system of Uzbekistan, priorities for the development of school education and possible models of cooperation with the UK companies to open affordable private schools in Uzbekistan. Atabek Nazirov stressed that the Ministry of Public Education of Uzbekistan is ready to support the companies in the implementation of this project and in getting the necessary information about the Uzbekistan education system. The delegation of Acumen Education and MBU Capital will stay until January 26 and are scheduled to hold meetings and negotiations in the Uzbek government bodies and financial institutions, as well as to visit a number of schools in Tashkent and Samarkand. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz Issues of attracting foreign direct investment in carpet industry are discussed The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Belgium held a meeting with the CEO of the Belgian holding group Van de Wiele Charles Beauduin to attract foreign direct investment in carpet weaving sector of the country during which a request was made to assist in obtaining relevant information on possible investment projects, establishing production through the latest Belgian technologies for further development. As reported by the Press Service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, representatives of Van de Wiele intend to visit Uzbekistan in case of interest of the Uzbek side. Van de Wiele has been working in Uzbekistan market since 2003, delivering carpet weaving equipment. To date, there are already more than 130 looms in Uzbekistan manufactured by this holding. The country has established close cooperation with more than 20 active buyers, mainly located in Samarkand, Bukhara, Jizzakh, Navoi and Tashkent regions. Uzbekistan is among the five largest markets for the company, along with Iran, Turkey, China, Morocco, etc. About 3 thousand people are working in the company around the world, including about 750 people at the plant in Kortrijk city. The annual turnover of the company is about 500 million euros. The holding owns factories in Belgium, Germany, Italy, China, France, the United States and Turkey. Uzbekistan News Agency – Uza.uz EBRD invests in modern power generation in Uzbekistan The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide Uzbekistan with a loan of $ 240 million under a state guarantee, the EBRD reported. This is the largest bank loan at the moment. The funding will allow the state-owned vertically integrated power utility responsible for the majority of the country’s electricity generation, transmission and distribution to finance the installation of at least 900 MW combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT) and related infrastructure. The project will be co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Uzbek Fund for Reconstruction and Development (UFRD). Ensuring uninterrupted and sustainable energy supply remains a major challenge in the region. The investment will address a major issue for the region, namely the provision of uninterrupted and sustainable power supply, which will support economic growth and improve the wellbeing of the population.

The new project will help improve the efficiency and reliability of the power supply in Uzbekistan and contribute to the government’s objective to create new modern power generation capacities across the country. This is particularly important for Uzbekistan, the most populated state in Central Asia. Currently, energy losses of up to 20 percent are experienced due to unreliable power supply and obsolete facilities across the country. The new high-efficiency CCGT design will help reduce carbon intensity to around 350 kg CO2/MWh, which is approximately half the current average across the power sector in Uzbekistan. The project will enable a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of the national power sector. To date, the EBRD has invested €1.3 billion in 70 projects of the Uzbek economy. Uzbekistan joined the EBRD on April 30, 1992. A new approach by the Uzbekistan authorities has allowed the EBRD to re-engage in the country, open a new Resident Office in Tashkent and prepare a new Country Strategy adopted by the Board of Directors in September 2018. The document identifies the following operational and strategic priorities for the EBRD’s work in Uzbekistan: enhancement of competitiveness by strengthening the role of the private sector’s role in the economy, promotion of green energy and resource solutions across sectors, support increased regional and international cooperation and integration. AzerNews - azernews.az Tashkent to host “Uzbekistan 2035” International Forum The second International Forum is planned to be held in Tashkent on February 5-6, for discussing proposals on the concept of the Strategy for long-term development of Uzbekistan. It will be attended by representatives of deputy corps, government bodies, scientific-educational institutions, international organizations, experts. “Uzbekistan 2035” International Forum is the next stage in the work on the Concept for Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan 2035. The concept will be discussed at the forum, after which the final document will be presented to the attention of the country’s leadership. The first international forum was held on June 28-29, 2018, within which the main approaches to development of the document were discussed. Within the framework of the “field research”, meetings were held in ministries and agencies, source data collection was organized, on the basis of which an analysis of the current state of the economy was conducted, taking into account the suggestions and comments of experts, a preliminary version of the Development Strategy Concept of Uzbekistan 2035 was prepared. In December 2018, a presentation of the draft Development Strategy Concept was held for representatives of the President’s Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan. “Buyuk Kelajak” international non-governmental non-profit organization was registered at the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan on April 14, 2018. The analytical body of the organization is the expert council, uniting more than 240 compatriots from more than 30 countries, experts with successful experience of working abroad. The purpose of the organization is to assist the ongoing reforms in economic and social spheres, providing expert support in improving the effectiveness of conducted reforms. Uzbekistan News Agency – Uza.uz

Deutsche Bahn to help reform Uzbek rail transport Experts and consultants of Deutsche Bahn, the largest railway operator in the EU, will help Uzbekistan Railways to draft its development strategy, the first deputy chairman of the Uzbek Investments Committee, Laziz Kudratov said at a meeting of the International Press Club on Wednesday. According to him, Deutsche Bahn's restructuring expertise wiould be useful for improving and optimizing the Uzbek railway operator. “We hope that Deutsche Bahn will help us enhance the efficiency of our railways,” he added. It should be noted that the draft State Program “Year of Active Investments and Social Development” provides for the creation by July 1 of a body implementing unified price policies in the fields of air, rail, road transport and the metro. According to the draft, Uzbekistan Airways and Uzbekistan Railways will be handed over to this new authority. In addition, Uzbekistan Railways will be moving toward outsourcing its railway stations, hotels, dining cars, as well as container terminal services, with their gradual sale to foreign and local investors. Deutsche Bahn is the largest railway operator and infrastructure owner in Europe. Deutsche Bahn was the largest railway company in the world by revenue in 2015. It carried 4.6 billion passengers in 2017. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz Service is the fastest growing sector of Uzbekistan’s economy The service sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy of Uzbekistan. According to the State Statistics Committee, in January-November 2018, according to preliminary data, the volume of rendered market services was equal to 132733.7 billion UZS. Compared to the same period last year, the growth rate was 108.8%. The highest growth rates were recorded in financial services (127.0%), services in the field of architecture, engineering surveys, technical tests and analysis (126.8%), communication and information services (116.4%), health services (114.6%), services in education (109.5%). Uzbekistan News Agency – Uza.uz Uzbekistan has prepared 19 projects for the Aral Sea Trust Fund Uzbekistan has prepared US$ 60 million worth of 19 projects as part of the Multi-partner Trust Fund for Human Security for the Aral Sea region, part of which to be used for planting a forest on the dried bottom of the Aral Sea, the Deputy PM/Chairman of the Investments Committee Sukhrob Holmuradov said on Thursday. He underscored that it was crucial to find innovative approaches to address the Aral Sea problem. He also sought for support from the UN bodies to help attract Animal Planet, National Geographic, Wild BBC channels to shoot documentaries about the Aral Sea disaster. The fund is said to be planning to attract US$ 123.2 million over five years to create jobs and improve social and natural conditions in the Aral Sea region, where over 2 million people live. The Government of Uzbekistan transferred the first tranche of US$ 6.5 million to the Fund, with finance deals reached with the governments of Norway, Japan, South Korea, Germany and Switzerland. The Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Human Security for the Aral Sea region was set up at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in November 2018 under the auspices of the UN. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz

TOURISM AND CULTURE

The Guardian included Samarkand to its top destinations for 2019 The Guardian published its top 40 destinations to go on holiday in 2019, which included Samarkand. Since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took over from Islam Karimov in 2016, cautious change is afoot in Uzbekistan, the article said. For tourists keen to experience the country’s famous hospitality, impressive architecture and Silk Road legacy, things are fast improving. New e-visas are a breeze compared with the old process and a key border crossing has reopened at the Tajik town of Penjikent, making it easy to combine a visit to Samarkand with a trek in Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains. Getting there, and around, is easier, too. Turkish Airlines has launched an Istanbul-Samarkand route, meaning the jewel in Uzbekistan’s crown is just one stop from London; and the train network, linking tourist-friendly cities, is largely efficient. But, missing the capital, Tashkent, would be a mistake, not least because now photography is allowed on the handsome Tashkent metro, which includes Alisher Navoiy station, dedicated to the 15th century poet, with scenes from the poet’s work decorating the walls. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz Tashkent set to host a world-class half marathon The first Tashkent International Half Marathon is scheduled for March 24. Officials of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) are now in Tashkent measuring the route for the half marathon. "Certain requirements and standards are to be met to hold a world class marathon: in terms of length of the route, its condition, organizational quality, athletes’ safety and other factors. Subject to all conditions reached, the International Association of Athletics Federations issues a Label giving the right to host a marathon". Tashkent is also expected to host the famous Shanghai Marathon this year. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz Belgian journalist publishes article about Uzbekistan Belgian journalist published an article “Uzbekistan: A Journey Through The Silk Road” in Belgian travel magazine “Travel Magazine” after the visit to in the annual 24th Tashkent International Tourism Fair TITF- 2018 “Tourism on the Silk Road” in Tashkent. The article presents information on the tourist potential of such cities as Tashkent, Samarkand, Khiva, Namangan region and Chimgan. The author draws attention not only to cultural and educational, but also to other types of tourism: health, gastronomic, ecological, active and extreme. In addition, the author cites the names of Belgian companies that could help in organizing a tour to Uzbekistan. Travel Magazine is one of the leading professional print and electronic publications in Belgium and Luxembourg. The beginning of the activity is 1992. The publication publishes the next issue of its journal every three weeks in Flemish and French in 10,000 copies. UzDaily – Uzdaily.com

Uzbekistan ranks 5th in Solo Travel Safety Report 2019 Uzbekistan ranked 5th in the Solo Travel Safety Report 2019, produced by travel website Wegoplaces.me, which offers independent adventurers a guide to where to go and how to stay safe around the world. Singapore scored highest with a score of 97, followed by Norway, Iceland, Finlan and Uzbekistan. This report explores an overview of the safest, riskiest, most peaceful and hostile countries. It also provides helpful tips for solo travel from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Data has been sourced from the Gallup Global Law and Order Report, Global Peace Index 2018 and guidelines from the FCO. Gallup asked residents of 142 countries questions about how safe they feel walking alone at night, their confidence with local police, whether they had been assaulted or mugged and more. They compiled “positive” responses to four questions into a Law and Order Index score for each country. The higher the score, the higher the proportion of the population that reports feeling safe. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz Tashkent business aviation airport to be completed in 2020 The phase I of the construction project of the business aviation airport in place of the former Tashkent- Vostochny airfield is scheduled to be completed in 2020, Uzbekistan Airways, the main contractor said. The project is implemented in pursuance the Presidential deceree dated June 30, 2017. The military transport aviation deployed at the aerodrome had been relocated. The cost of the phase I is estimated at US$ 140 million dollars, of which US$ 65 million is contributed by the Uzbekistan Fund for Reconstruction and Development. The new airport will have two terminals. The first is designed for welcoming the heads of state, officials and delegations, the second is for business executives and other passengers. The new airport will host an administrative, catering buildings, refueling complex, transformer substations and other facilities. The airport will be able to receive and service all types of aircrafts, including the Airbus A380. Two 4 km runways are built to meet international requirements to ensure high level of flight safety. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz