S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)

Uzbekistan Initiatives 2021 – “Year of Supporting Youth and Improving Population Health”

18 February 2021

Uzbekistan Ambassador to Singapore, Kakhramon Shakirov, briefed Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, Executive Deputy Chairman, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), on 11 February 2021 on the speech of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Parliament of Uzbekistan. This address by the Uzbek President is considered the most important socio-political event in Uzbekistan.

The President of Uzbekistan outlined what was achieved in 2020 and the plans and objectives of the Government for 2021. The central theme for government initiatives in 2021 is “Year of Supporting Youth and Improving Population Health”.

Accessible health care is deemed the most important goal of the Uzbek government in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Uzbek citizens working in foreign countries have returned home due to the severe economic downturn brought by COVID-19. The President announced new provisions to improve health coverage for the Uzbek people.

The President also emphasized education for the Uzbek children starting from kindergarten to university. The emphasis is on affordability of education, digital knowledge, and science and innovation.

On the business and economic front, President Mirziyoyev highlighted several reform measures to reduce state monopoly and to increase private-sector participation in entrepreneurial and industrial activities. To facilitate trade, steps are undertaken to reduce taxes, and to provide incentives for attracting more investments in the production of goods for export. A major effort is being exerted to gear up the Uzbek economy for WTO membership and enhanced economic cooperation with the European Union.

The President committed his government to develop better infrastructure such as more techno parks, small industrial zones, regional clusters and logistic centres. There will be more transparency in policy development and implementation.

According to the President, other reforms for better relations with the media and NGOs as well as improvements to the judiciary and governance system of Uzbekistan have already been mapped out. The President assured his people that these will be systematically implemented.

Ambassador Ong thanked Ambassador Shakirov for the timely briefing. Amb Ong stressed that the well-being of citizens, education and skill training for the people, open and transparent economy, and commitment to multilateralism are essential elements for the progress of any country in the existing global economy. The leadership in Uzbekistan has stated its determination to advance national development and further integrate the country into the international community. This is good news for the people of Uzbekistan and their friends around the world.