Dear forum participants!

Dear guests!

I sincerely congratulate you, all those who make a worthy contribution to the development of the holy religion Islam, on the opening of the international scientific-practical conference dedicated to the study of the scientific heritage of the great muhaddis Imam Termezi in the homeland of outstanding Muslim scholars - in Uzbekistan.

It is gratifying that today's authoritative forum is attended by renowned specialists in the field of Islamic studies - prominent scholars and ulema, experts and researchers. In your person we see the continuers of the good traditions of the great thinkers who are the pride of the Muslim world - Imam Bukhari and Imam Termezi.

May the Almighty bless you, I wish you happiness and prosperity!

Dear friends!

Speaking about our outstanding ancestors-scientists, bright representatives of the Islamic world of the Middle Ages, we, of course, among the first names of Hazrat Imam Termezi.

We are rightfully proud of this incomparable person, the favorite disciple of the great Imam Bukhari, who was honored with the high rank of Sultan of Muhaddis, who has been glorifying our region for twelve centuries with his undying works and high human qualities.

Imam Termezi is recognized in the world as one of the six great muhaddis, his collection of hadiths is among the most revered and reliable sources, and the Muslim Ummah bows before the name of this outstanding man.

Another practical expression of such recognition is the fact that the topic for discussion at today's conference was the unique works of Imam Termezi “Ash-Shamoil al-Muhammadiyya” and “Sunani Termiziyya”, as well as important issues concerning the scientific heritage of the Ulema Termezis and its relevance today.

Dear participants of the conference!

In recent years, a great work has been carried out in our country to study and popularize the invaluable heritage of many of our thinkers-theologians who made a great contribution to the development of the Islamic religion, to honor their memory, to improve the places associated with their life and activities, including Imam Termezi.

It should be noted that a magnificent memorial complex has been erected in his honor in Sherabad district of Surkhandarya province, and an international research center, a specialized Islamic secondary school and an Islamic institute have been opened in the city of Termez bearing his name.

These institutions, together with the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the Centre for Islamic Civilization, the Hadith Scientific School and other religious educational and research organizations, are studying the rich heritage of Imam Termezi in a comprehensive and in-depth manner. In particular, works of the thinker are published, scientific researches, books and artistic works are dedicated to him.

I hope that after familiarizing yourselves with the work carried out in this direction within the framework of the conference, you will express your opinions and proposals on further activation of cooperation in this field.

We, the heirs of great scientists, emphasizing that Islam is a religion of peace, goodness and humanism, on the way of realization of good hopes and aspirations of mankind, consider it our most important duty to jointly enrich this incomparable spiritual treasure and preserve it for future generations.

I express my deep gratitude to the scientists and ulema of our country and to you, dear guests, to all figures of science who show real dedication for such a noble goal.

The doors of the leading research and educational institutions of Uzbekistan are always open for you.

Greeting you once again from the bottom of my heart, I wish you health, new achievements in your scientific and creative activities, and a successful conference.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has been undergoing a transformational journey since it changed political leadership in 2016. The nation is implementing extensive reforms aimed at spanning anti-corruption measures, business climate enhancements, judicial reforms, improving labour conditions, administrative efficiency, protection of human rights, and good governance.

Central to these reforms is a comprehensive anti-corruption agenda bolstered by strong laws and strategic plans. Reforms have targeted diverse sectors, with a focus on improving public administration, ensuring quality public services and information access, and overhauling the judiciary. Over the recent years Uzbekistan has made significant efforts to help its people feel confident that leaders in the national public and private sectors operate in a transparent and ethical way.

As we know, international standards in this area focus on the following elements, which are intended to increase effectiveness of prevention and combating corruption:

• Imposing additional restrictions for civil servants;
• Increasing transparency in the private sector, e.g. identifying beneficial owners;
• Strengthening the role of financial intelligence units in combating corruption;
• Strengthening corporate and individual liability for corruption offences;
• Supporting collective action initiatives.

In line with the abovementioned standards, since the adoption of the law on anti-corruption in 2017, Uzbekistan has doubled its efforts to prevent corruption in the public sector and has widened international cooperation to achieve this end. Since coming to power in 2016, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has taken steps to liberalise the Uzbek economy and denounce corruption.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has begun liberalising the economy, which has started to attract significant investments from China and the EU and contributed to Uzbekistan’s strong economic growth. In particular, Presidential Decree of 2017 took steps to tackle the shadow economy by permitting the free purchase and sale of currency and the use of international mechanisms to set currency conversion rates. This decree eradicated the decades old “black market” where the difference between actual and official conversion rates was around 50%.

In 2020, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev established a new Anti-Corruption Agency via President Decree No.6013 and launched a mandatory online public procurement platform. The Anti-Corruption Agency is tasked with studying researching corruption, engaging with civil society, and enhancing transparency.

The number of arrests and prosecutions of public officials for corruption has increased. According to Prosecutor General’s Office, for example in 2022, there were a total of 3,116 convictions of public officials, of which 110 officials were from the national agencies, 264 from provincial agencies and 2,742 from city and district state bodies. The majority of these cases related to embezzlement (2,103), abuse of position (265), fraud (243) and bribery (169).

The fight against corruption has become a priority area of state policy in Uzbekistan. This can be seen in the conceptual regulatory acts adopted in recent years in this area, on the example of administrative reforms aimed at preventing corruption. The country has established an effective mechanism of countering corruption, including efficient normative-legal base and institutional foundations. More than 70 regulatory acts aimed at combating corruption in all sectors of state and public construction have served as a solid basis for the implementation of these reforms.

The Law on Combating Corruption, adopted in 2017 soon after Mirziyoyev came to power, is the main legal basis for countering corruption in Uzbekistan. The law requires state employees to inform their supervisors about corruption offences they may be directly or indirectly involved in and is meant to ensure protection for whistleblowers. Further, the law grants media outlets the right to request information on corruption offences from state agencies. It also envisages the mandatory examination of regulations being drafted by ministries and other state agencies to ensure they do not create new opportunities for corruption.

Information on state procurement is posted on the website www.d.xarid.uz. The open data portal (data.gov.uz), the registered database of legal entities and commercial entities (my.gov.uz) and other platforms play an important role today in ensuring the principles of openness and transparency and public control, which are the most effective tools for combating and preventing corruption. Licensing and permitting procedures have also been radically improved to completely improve the business and investment climate, remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers and outdated regulations.

According to the National Database of Legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, other important legislative acts in the area of anti-corruption include:

• the Constitution (last amended in May 2023)
• the Criminal Code
• the Law on public civil service
• the Law on public procurement
• the Law on public-private partnerships
• the Law on distributing legal aid information and ensuring access to it
• the Law on the openness of state authorities and administration
• the Law on e-government
• the Law on public control
• the Law on countering legalisation of income derived from criminal activities, financing of terrorism and financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (last amended in January 2019), which provides a legal framework for anti-money laundering.

The Civil Service Law, which entered into force in 2022, forbids civil servants from accepting gifts, from engaging in business activities and from opening foreign bank accounts or purchasing real estate abroad. It also introduces a system of mandatory declaration of civil servants' assets and income.

Under Article 7 of the 2017 Law on Combating Corruption, state agencies responsible for implementing the law on combating corruption include the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) established in 2020, General Prosecutor’s Office, the State Security Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the Department on Fighting Economic Crime under the General Prosecutor’s Office.

There is also a National Council on Combating Corruption and its territorial bodies that aim to coordinate the efforts of all the relevant institutions and develop state anti-corruption programmes. The ACA serves as the working body of the Council, which is headed by the Chair of the Senate. The ACA has a preventive mandate authorising it to request state agencies to provide documentation on their expenditure of public funds, sales of state assets and public procurement as well as on their investment projects and implementation of state programmes. It can also consider appeals of citizens and legal entities on corruption issues and conduct administrative investigations into corruption offences, the results of which should then be shared with law enforcement bodies.

Uzbekistan is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) as well as to the Istanbul Anti-Corruption Action Plan, which is the main subregional initiative in the framework of the OECD Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ACN). Uzbekistan has recently become a member of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities.

It should be emphasised that each regulatory legal act in Uzbekistan is being developed based on the principle – “legislation free from corruption”, systemic preventive measures in the practice of combating corruption are being strengthened, and the public oversight is supported by establishing interaction mechanisms with civil society institutions.

The mentioned and other measures have contributed to improving the fight against corruption in the country. This has also been evidenced in better positions of the country in international rankings. According to international governance indices, Uzbekistan has been improving its efforts to curb corruption. In recent years the country improved its ranking Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by 42 positions. In 2023 alone the country improved its ranking there by 5 positions.

To sum up, we can conclude that Uzbekistan’s path towards creating effective financial, legal and institutional mechanisms of countering corruption has given its results. Although, it should also me noted that fighting against corruption is not merely a task for several years. It is an ongoing process and the government of Uzbekistan remains committed to take new steps for ensuring the success of its anti-corruption reforms in line with the international standards in this field.

Nilufar Doniyorkhodjaeva

Head of Department

Development Strategy Center

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Qiu Dongyu on September 5.

The head of the authoritative branch structure of the United Nations system is in Tashkent within the framework of the ongoing International Forum on Food Security and Sustainable Development Goals for Landlocked Countries.

At the beginning of the meeting, the UN High Representative expressed his deep gratitude to the head of our state for supporting the successful holding of the forum, which is attended by representative delegations from more than 30 countries of the world.

In the course of the conversation, the sides considered issues of further expanding the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and FAO in effectively responding to contemporary challenges and threats.

The sides noted with satisfaction the fruitful results of practical interaction achieved in recent years. Thus, the qualitative indicators of implementation of the country cooperation program for the period until 2025 have doubled.

There are 34 projects in the active phase of implementation. Over the last year, 7 new projects were launched, including in the field of agriculture, school feeding, veterinary medicine, agrochemistry and other spheres.

The importance of preparation and adoption of a new five-year partnership program was emphasized.

Special attention was paid to promising joint projects and activities in the field of digitalization of the agro-industrial complex, exchange of advanced knowledge and experience, attraction of innovations and investments in improving the fertility of the land fund, cultivation and processing of organic agricultural products, modernization of irrigation systems, creation of modern clusters and logistics centers, research and development.

There was also an exchange of views on the global and regional situation related to food security.

There are about a thousand manufacturing enterprises operating in the electrical engineering sector of Uzbekistan, most of them small, producing over two thousand types of products. Almost all enterprises in the industry are privately owned. The total number of people employed in the industry exceeds 35,000.

The 76 largest enterprises in the industry, which produce over 90% of all electrical engineering products, are members of the Association of Electrical Engineering Manufacturers (UzEltechSanoat). Of these, 18 enterprises manufacture electrical wires and cables, 27 enterprises manufacture household appliances, and 32 enterprises manufacture power transformers and other electrical products.

The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026 aimed to increase industrial production by 1.4 times by 2026, including doubling the production of high value-added products in the electrical engineering industry and tripling exports.

The Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy, adopted in September 2023, will ensure the achievement of all the goals outlined in the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan. It also sets the task of increasing copper processing in the electrical engineering industry to 300,000 tons per year and raising the localization level of manufactured products to an average of 65%.

Therefore, Uzbekistan pays special attention to the development of technologically advanced industries, including electrical engineering, and provides state support.

Over the past seven years, the President of Uzbekistan has adopted several legislative acts providing customs and tax benefits to enterprises in the electrical engineering industry, as well as subsidies to cover transportation and other expenses.

Specifically, until January 1, 2027, enterprises in the electrical engineering industry have received a 50% reduction in profit and property taxes. Additionally, benefits for exemption from customs duties on imported raw materials, components, and equipment for their own production needs have been extended.

Furthermore, several programs have been approved for the implementation of investment projects in the electrical engineering industry, focusing on technical and technological upgrades of existing facilities and the creation of new production lines.

Due to these measures, over the past 7 years, the volume of attracted investments in the industry has amounted to $935 million, of which about $400 million are foreign direct investments.

Additionally, more than 260 new investment projects worth over $800 million have been launched, including 50 cable production projects worth $120 million, 115 household appliance projects worth $380 million, 40 power equipment projects worth $60 million, and 58 other electrical engineering projects worth $250 million.

As a result, over 13,000 new jobs have been created, bringing the total number of jobs in the industry to 35,000.

As a result of implementing investment projects for modernizing and creating new production facilities, the production of new types of electrical engineering products has been mastered, particularly household appliances (washing machines, electric stoves, vacuum cleaners, hoods, water heaters, new models of refrigerators and washing machines under the Samsung brand, SMART HD TVs, built-in hobs and gas stoves, etc.); industrial air conditioners; new types of electrical cables (high and low voltage, used in solar energy systems, household appliances, as well as self-supporting insulated cables); dry transformers; electronics (monoblocks, SIM cards, electronic boards for household appliances); smart meters for electricity, gas, and water consumption; parts for solar panels and renewable energy stations; elevators and escalators; water pumps, etc.

Overall, from 2017 to 2023, the production volume of the electrical engineering industry increased 7.1 times to $1.98 billion, including a 5.5-fold increase in wires, cables, and copper products to $792 million; an 8.2-fold increase in household appliances to $633 million; and a 9.3-fold increase in power and technical equipment to $567 million.

The contribution of the electrical engineering industry to the development of the economy is also growing, and although the share of the industry's value added in the economy is still less than 1%, it has grown 1.5 times in recent years.

The growth in the production of electrical engineering products has contributed to an increase in export volumes, which have grown 5.5 times to $1047 million over the specified period, including a 4-fold increase in wires, cables, and copper products to $576 million; a more than 10-fold increase in household appliances to $214 million; and a 12-fold increase in power equipment and other products to $257 million.

It should be noted that the significant growth (more than 10 times) in the export of household appliances occurred due to the creation of new production facilities in Uzbekistan by Artel Electronics. In particular, the export volume of refrigerators increased 15 times to $58 million, televisions 6 times to $52 million, electric stoves 4.5 times to $40 million, washing machines 5 times to $20 million, air conditioners 4 times to $15 million, etc.

Moreover, not only the geography of export countries has expanded, but also the range of electrical engineering products supplied to foreign markets. Currently, about 200 types of various electrical engineering products are exported to almost 70 countries. The number of exporting enterprises in the electrical engineering industry has grown to 100.

In January 2024, a Presidential Decree "On Additional Measures for Further Increasing the Production and Export Potential of the Electrical Engineering Industry" was adopted, outlining target indicators for the industry's development in the coming years.

Specifically, in 2024, the plan is to increase the volume of production by almost 30% to $2.6 billion, exports by 43% to $1.5 billion, and the volume of copper processing into finished products to 140,000 tons. In 2025, the goal is to increase production to $3.2 billion, exports to $2.0 billion, and copper processing to 160,000 tons.

To achieve these targets, the Program for Creating New Production Capacities and Diversifying Production in the Electrical Engineering Industry in 2024-2026 and Beyond has been approved. The program aims to implement a total of 294 investment projects worth over $4 billion in the coming years.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the necessary conditions have been created in Uzbekistan for enterprises in the electrical engineering industry to increase production volumes and expand the supply of their products to both domestic and foreign markets.

Therefore, goals have been set to increase exports not only to traditional but also to new markets. In particular, there are plans to increase the export of electrical engineering products to European markets, considering the GSP+ preferential trade regime granted to Uzbekistan, as well as to South Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

Yuri Kutbitdinov,

chief Research Officer of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the President of the

Republic of Uzbekistan

Dear compatriots!

I cordially congratulate you, all our multinational people with the Constitution Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan celebrated on December 8.

Undoubtedly, this year we all feel the significance of this holiday especially deeply. After all, above all, it takes place in the context of historic transformations in the political-legal, socio-economic and spiritual spheres of our life. 

It should be emphasized once again that the elections to the Oliy Majlis and local Kengashes, held in the spirit of open and competitive contest on October 27 this year, became an important step towards the implementation of our updated Fundamental Law. As a result of the elections, which vividly demonstrated the high political culture, unity and cohesion of our hardworking and tolerant people on the path of building the New Uzbekistan, a new system of representative power has been formed in the country. Its constitutional rights and powers have been strengthened and its responsibility has increased manifold.

One more important aspect: we have moved from the practice of the recent past, when khokims were simultaneously in charge of local councils, to a new system in which, for the first time, councils are headed by chairmen elected among deputies. 

The transfer of more than 30 powers of khokims to local councils testifies to an even broader establishment of the principles of democracy in our society.  

In accordance with the constitutional provision that the people are the only source of state power, we will resolutely continue our reforms aimed at expanding the powers of the Parliament and local Kengashes, further increasing their activity, creating the necessary conditions for effective activity, in short, turning them into the true voice of the people. 

Dear friends!

Large-scale measures are taken in the country for consistent implementation of the priority principles of ensuring human rights, interests and dignity enshrined in the Fundamental Law. 

Thanks to the selfless labor of our people, in recent years the national economy has doubled, the per capita income has reached 3 thousand dollars, the poverty rate has decreased from 23 to 11 percent, the coverage of preschool education has exceeded 74 percent, higher education - 39 percent, and this is undoubtedly a historic result. 

In order to dynamically continue the reforms, to apply in practice the norms of the Constitution in the new edition, the issues of entrepreneurship development and, on this basis, increasing the population's income, strengthening the atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony in families and mahallas, and comprehensive support for representatives of the older generation, women and youth will continue to be at the center of our attention. 

The Fundamental Law stipulates that Uzbekistan is a social state, therefore, further improvement of cities and villages, construction of new residential buildings, health care, education, culture, art and sports institutions, modernization of road and communication networks, strengthening of targeted social protection will be of paramount importance for us. In particular, the priority task is to increase twofold the amount of funds allocated to the health sector, transition to a health insurance system and provide the population with fully guaranteed medical services. 

Within the framework of programs in the field of education, we will bring the coverage of higher education to 50 percent in the coming years. In 2025 alone, 4 trillion soums will be allocated from the state budget for the repair of existing kindergartens and construction of new kindergartens and schools.

Another important area is support for those in need of social protection, for which it is planned to allocate a total of 46.5 trillion soums and lift 1 million citizens out of poverty.

We will also raise to a new level the work on creating even more favorable conditions for persons with disabilities, their socialization, and in general on ensuring inclusiveness in society. Necessary measures will also be taken to reform the pension system. 

As you know, the new version of the Fundamental Law for the first time enshrines the rights of citizens in the sphere of ecology, emphasizing the state's obligations to protect the environment and maintain the ecological balance. 

We have declared 2025 the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy in the country and have set clear objectives in this field. I am confident that this will serve as an important basis for implementing the relevant constitutional norms and principles. 

I take this opportunity to urge you, dear compatriots, all our people to take an active part in the development and implementation of the State Program of the coming year. 

We have no right to forget that the protection of nature is the protection of the humans, our future. We must protect our priceless wealth - fertile fields, clean springs, rivers and lakes, mountains and plains, create new gardens and parks, green territories, so that our motherland Uzbekistan becomes even more beautiful, and future generations live in a free and prosperous country. 

Dear compatriots!

Our Constitution has always been and remains a reliable guarantor of strengthening national independence, preserving peace and stability in the country, interethnic friendship and harmony, ensuring the irreversibility of the ongoing reforms. 

We are proud of our Fundamental Law - a vivid symbol and practical embodiment of the legal consciousness and will of the people. I believe that studying every article, every norm of this unique legal document, showing respect for them should become a sacred duty and a life principle for all of us. 

I am convinced that by working in good faith, recognizing our responsibility, we will be able to further increase the effectiveness of the reforms carried out and will definitely achieve the great goals before us.

Once again I sincerely congratulate you, dear compatriots, with Constitution Day, wish you all health, peace and prosperity to your families.

May the authority and glory of our Motherland grow!

May the people of Uzbekistan - the creator of all our achievements - be happy! 

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In connection with the advent of Eid al-Adha, the holy holiday of Eid al-Adha, which embodies such noble values as mercy, generosity, humanism and harmony, and promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance in society, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has received heartfelt congratulations from the heads of foreign States and governments, respected public and religious figures and heads of leading international and regional organizations.

In their messages, they express to the head of our state and the multinational people of Uzbekistan words of sincere respect, wishes for peace, well-being and prosperity, as well as reaffirm their commitment to the full strengthening of relations of friendship and multifaceted cooperation.



Congratulations, in particular, were sent to:

The Minister, Two Holy Shrines, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia;

Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia;

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey;

Abdelfattah Al-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt;

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev;

President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov;

President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon;

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov;

National leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov;

Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates;

Vice President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum;

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs of the United Arab Emirates;

Shaikh Seif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior of the United Arab Emirates;

Turki bin Muhammad bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of State and member of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia;

Emir of the State of Kuwait Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah;

Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Muborak Al-Sabah;

King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan;

King Muhammad VI of Morocco;

Abdelmajid Tebboun, President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria;

Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine;

Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev;

Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, Khusraw Noziri;

Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hussein Ibrohim Taha;

Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board.

Congratulations continue to pour in.

Under the auspices of UNESCO, the “Sharq Taronalari” XIII International Music Festival will be held from August 26 to 30 in the ancient and unique city of Samarkand, known as “The Pearl of the Earth.”
“Sharq Taronalari” is considered one of the largest festivals in Central Asia. The main objectives of the festival are to promote the achievements in national music art to the wider public, to preserve and develop the cultures and traditions of nations, to support talented youth in the fields of music and singing, and to expand international creative ties while promoting the ideals of peace, friendship, and mutual tolerance.
Established in 1997 and held for the first time, the “Sharq Taronalari” International Music Festival welcomed musical groups and performers from 31 countries; by 2019, the number of participating countries had increased to 75 during the XII “Sharq Taronalari” festival.
The XIII International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari”, scheduled for August 26-30, 2024, is expected to be attended by more than 300 representatives from about (As of August 1, 62 countries have expressed their desire to participate in the festival, and applications for participation in the festival continue to arrive these days) 70 countries.
As of today, “Sharq Taronalari” has taken its place among the famous festivals not only in Central Asia but on a global scale. This is vividly evidenced by the increasing number of participants and the countries expressing desire to participate each year, alongside the growing level of the program’s quality.
The following program is planned for the XIII International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari”:
On August 26, a solemn opening ceremony of the XIII International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari” will be held in the city of Samarkand.
On August 27-28, an International Scientific and Practical Conference on the theme “Music Culture of Eastern Peoples: Principles of Creative Convergence in the Processes of Globalization” is scheduled, expecting the participation of musicologists, scientists from research centers, professors and teachers from musical higher education institutions, and researching doctoral and master’s students.
From August 27-29 (at 7:00 PM), a competition will be held among the participants of the XIII International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari,” where the performances will be evaluated by an International Jury in two directions:
Professional (classical) level of folk music and song;
Music and song created by modern composers.
For reference. (Order No. 354 of April 25, 2019, on the approval of the regulations for the holding of the “Sharq Taronalari” International Music Festival (lex.uz))
To evaluate the performances of the competition contestants, an International Jury consisting of no less than seven members will be formed by the Organizing Committee.
The Jury will include highly qualified foreign and local musicologists, renowned artists, composers, and representatives from organizations of international art festivals in foreign countries.
During the evaluation process, the national identity of the songs, the harmony and meaning of the lyrics, the level of the performer’s skills, cultural attire, and stage movement will be the main criteria for the competition.
For the performance, a live ensemble of no more than 12 musicians will be allowed to participate.
The performances of the competition participants will be evaluated by the International Jury in two directions:
Professional (classical) level of folk music and song;
Music and song genres created by modern composers.
Winners of the competition will be awarded diplomas, statuettes, and cash prizes in the following amounts by the Organizing Committee:
“Grand Prix” — 10,000 US dollars;
1st place (in each genre) 2 x 5,000 — 10,000 US dollars;
2nd place (in each genre) 2 x 3,500 — 7,000 US dollars;
3rd place (in each genre) 3 x 2,000 — 6,000 US dollars;
The “Grand Prix” will not be awarded if no worthy candidate is found according to the decision of the International Jury.
According to the decision of the International Jury, only the “Grand Prix” prize will not be shared; the cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places may be shared.
Participants who took part in the competition but did not win will receive a diploma of participation in the “Sharq Taronalari” International Music Festival.
Winners of the competition must participate in the concert program of the solemn closing ceremony of the “Sharq Taronalari” International Music Festival.
Participants who have won the competition (laureates) cannot participate in this competition in the following years but may be invited to the festival as honored guests. Participants who participated in the competition and did not place are entitled to participate in the next competition.
Participants recognized by the organizers, creative unions, foundations, and independent jury members and fans will be awarded special diplomas and cash prizes of 500 US dollars in categories such as “Youngest Participant,” “Best Participant Recognized by Fans,” “Best Instrumental Music Performer,” and other nominations.
Each participant of the festival will receive a certificate of active participation in the “Sharq Taronalari” International Music Festival.
Note: Participants who have won the competition (laureates) cannot participate in this competition in the following years but may be invited to the festival as honored guests. Participants who participated in the competition and did not place are entitled to participate in the next competition.
On August 30, the solemn closing ceremony of the “Sharq Taronalari” XIII International Music Festival will take place in Samarkand, where the winners will be announced and awarded.

List of winners (festivals I and XII) at the “Sharq taronalari” International Music Festival from 1997 to 2019List of award winners at the “Sharq taronalari” I International Music Festival.

1997 Position held Full name Country Awards
(US)
Gran pri Simara Imanova Azerbaijan 10.000
1-place Munojat Yo'lchiyeva Uzbekistan 5000
Shannu Khurana India 5000
2-place Se Liin China 3500
Shahrom Noziriy Iran 3500
3-place Aleksandr Samojikov Russia 2000
B.Ganbat Mongolia 2000
Ramazan Stamgaziyev Kazakhstan 2000
Special Jury Prize Turkmenistan music group "Neksiya" automobile
Egyptian national music ansam
UNESCO trophy
Afganistan music group
List of awards at the “Sharq taronalari” II international music festival. 1999
Gran pri Nasiba Sattorova Uzbekistan 10.000
1-place Muhammad Omon Saudi Arabia 7000
Yun Kong Son Korea 7000
2-place “Lashari” ensemble Georgia 5000
Jaspinder Narula Xonim India 5000
3-place Olim Boboyev Tajikistan 2000
Ustod Ali Hamidxon Pakistan 2000
List of awards at the “Sharq taronalari” III International Music Festival. 2001
Gran pri - - -
1-place Alim Gasimov Azerbaijon 7000
Sohibjon Niyozov Uzbekiston 7000
Abdunabi Ibrohimov Uzbekiston 7000
2-place “Lashari” ensemble Georgia 5000
Madkhushri Ramsonder Badaltjavhariy India 5000
3-place Milliy musiqa ensemble Greece 3000
Nohide Tokguz Turkey 3000
Special Jury Prize "Altay" group Russia 1000
"Музыканты" group Kyrgyzstan 1000
Festival organizing committee trophy "Angan al-Shabab" group Egypt Maxsus mukofot
List of awards at the "Sharq taronalari" IV International Music Festival. 2003
Gran pri "Uranhay” ensemble Russia (Tuva Republik) 10.000
1-place Dilnura Mirzaqulova Uzbekiston 7000
Fozil Jamshidiy Iran 7000
2-place Ozoda Ashurova Tajikistan 5000
Zabit Nabizade Azerbaijan 5000
3-place Milliy musiqiy ensemble Afganistan 3000
An'anaviy musiqiy ensemble Bangladesh 3000
UNESCO trophy Abduhoshim Ismoilov Uzbekiston 1000
Musiqiy ensemble India 1000
Roman Kehman Israil 1000
List of awards at the “Sharq taronalari” V International Music Festival. 2005
Gran pri - - -
1-place Aygun Biylar Azeribajan 7000
Nodira Pirmatova Uzbekiston 7000
2-place "Viulan" group Italy 5000
Kuwait Academy of music string instrument ensemble Kuwait 5000
Urna Chahar Tuhchi Mongolia 5000
3-place Korean music group South Korea 3000
Shilpakala Academy musical group Bangladesh 3000
"Nazaret" Orchestra Israil 3000
Special Jury Prize National Brass Band Egypt 2000
UNESCO Special Prize musical group led by Hanif Nabizoda Afganistan 1500
List of awards at the “Sharq taronalari” VI international music festival. 2007
Gran pri Kuwait Music Institute group Kuwait 10.000
1-place South Korean music institute group South Kora 7000
2-place "An-Nil " national musical instrument group Egypt 5000
Music group Italy 5000
3-place "Ratang" group Keniya 3000
"Seri Maharani Gazal" group Malasia 3000
China National Youth Center Group China 3000
YUNESKO sovrini Youngest participant Arzu Aliyeva Azerbaijan 2000
List of awards at the “Sharq taronalari” VII international music festival. 2009
Gran pri Honored Artist of Turkmenistan Lale Begnazarova Turkmenistan 10.000
1-place Gochag Askerov Azerbaijan 7000
People's artist of Uzbekistan Matluba Dadaboyeva and ensemble of folk instruments Uzbekistan 7000
2-place "Vinalog" rok-pop group South Korea 5000
"Shem Tov Levi" ensemble Israil 5000
3-place Ensemble of folk instruments of the State Institute of musical arts Kuwait 3000
Laura Molika Italy 3000
Special Jury Prize "Kunsu" opera artists China
"Borte" group Mongolia
"Big Mountain" group US
Musiqiy group India
"Shilpakala" national ensemble of the Academy of music Bangladesh
List of recipients at the “Sharq taronalari” VIII international music festival. 2011
Gran pri "Park Jong-Vuk va Park Jonguk" South Korea 10.000
1-place "Dunhuang nude vords" China 7000
"Aysva" Lithuania 7000
2-place "Lider" musiqiy group Russia 5000
"Sato" musiqiy group Uzbekistan 5000
"Ovoi mehriboni" music group Iran 5000
3-place "Talilema" Madagascar 3000
"Chvenburebi" Georgia 3000
"Galkinish" group Turkmenistan 3000
UNESCO Special Prize Ilyos Arabov Uzbekistan
Jivan Gasparyan Armenia
Nazeket Teymurova Azerbayijan
For his contribution to the development of National Music "Huk Mongol" Mongolia
"Dror" Israil
"Yorqin ijrolar"
"Varsi brazers" India
Fan recognition "Hidden Dragen" Japan
Samarkand City Hall Award Afghanistan Institute of Arts team
Registan award of Samarkand regional government Xurshed Ibragimov Tajikistan
Special Jury Award "Bogʻ aro" Uzbekistan
List of awards at the “Sharq taronalari” IX International Music Festival. 2013
Gran pri Rashmiya Agarval India 10.000
1-place "Sadoi Pamir" group Afganistan 7000
"Lanaya" group Burkina Faso 7000
2-place "Pentan" group Great Britain 5000
"Sarihyun Gayageum Byungchangdan" group Republic Of Korea 5000
National opera and drama theatre team China 5000
3-place Abror Zufarov Uzbekistan 3000
"Chikuyusha" group Japan 3000
Catch-pop String-strong Austria 3000
Special award winners Sanam Marvi Pakistan
Galit Giat Israil
Taul Triini Estonia
Nadi Singapura Singapore
Salomat Ayapov Karakalpakstan
Sedar Hills US
"Sharq taronalari" List of awards at the X international music festival. 2015 < BR >
Gran pri "Jiangsu" women's orchestra China 10.000
1-place "Shamisenʼ group Japan 7000
2-place Chelm Poland 5000
Silver Sepp Estonia 5000
3-place "Quelite" Costa Rica 3000
UNESCO Special Prize "Ayqulash yulduzlari" Uzbekistan 1500
Samarkand City Hall Award Didgori Georgia
Samarkand regional government award "EVA" ensemble Bulgaria
Special Jury Award Afrikan voice JAR
Festival Direction award" Sharq taronalari Birjan Baziljanov Kazakhstan
Ministry of culture and Sports Award "Sedaa" Mongolia
Special awards Pung Ryu Republic Of Korea
Lingua Franca ansambli Greece, Cyprus
"Baxshi" trio Turkmenistan
"Laus Nova" group Italy
Yulduz Turdiyeva Uzbekistan
"Buta" team Azerbaijon
Ucell Communications special award Modern Maori Quartet New Zenland
List of awards at “Sharq taronalari” XI international music festival.
Gran pri Sohib Poshazoda Azerbaijan 10.000
1-place Mohichehra Shomurodova Uzbekistan 7000
"Keosong"people's artistic collective South Korea 7000
2-place Kyrgyz artistic team Kyrgyzstan 5000
Litwa artistic team Litwa 5000
3-place "Nagesh" artistic team Iran 3000
Indonesia artistic team Indonesi 3000
Turkish artistic team Turkey 3000
List of recipients at the “Sharq taronalari” XII International Music Festival.
Gran pri Mehrinigor Abdurashidova Uzbekistan 10.000
1-place "Qomuzchilar" duet Kyrgyzstan 5000
Parviz Gasimov Azerbaijon 5000
2-place "Archabil" group Turkmenistan 3500
"Xatan" group Mongolia 3500
3-place "Ayarxan" group Russia 2000
"Badaxshon" group Tajikistan 2000
Azizjon Abduazimov Uzbekistan 2000
Ulugʻbek Elmurodzoda Uzbekistan 2000

Note: The Ministry of Culture https://t.me/madaniyatvazirligi you can get more information on the official Telegram page based on the hashtag #Sharq_taronalari

The Resolution signed by the President of Uzbekistan “On measures to introduce a system of continuous improvement of knowledge of the population and civil servants in the fight against corruption” caused an interested discussion in the international expert community.

Alexander Klishin, adviser at the UN Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions:

– This initiative marks a significant step in the fight against corruption not only for Uzbekistan, but also on the international arena. The Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy is a leading initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at introducing a system of continuous improvement of knowledge among the population and civil servants in the fight against corruption.

The initiative is perfectly aligned with global efforts to promote integrity, transparency and accountability across all sectors of the economy. Uzbekistan has once again reaffirmed its commitment to building a society free of corruption, where integrity, transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of public administration. The Anti-Corruption Virtual Academy fully embodies these values and serves as a commendable example for other countries.

Anas Fayyad Qarman, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Uzbekistan:

– We are pleased to know the adoption of the Resolution of the President of Uzbekistan regarding the Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy. We view this measure as an important step towards further strengthening the anti-corruption ecosystem.

We have been cooperating with the Anti-Corruption Agency in various areas a long while, including the development of a compliance control system in government agencies and organizations. We are also jointly developing various digital solutions to combat corruption in the public sector. In my opinion, a distinctive feature of a new Academy is its availability to both civil servants and ordinary citizens.

Antti Karttunen, Head of OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan:

– The initiative of the President of Uzbekistan to create a Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy is a time requirement and will help find answers to many questions related to this area.

Like the Law ‘On Conflict of Interest’ recently signed by the President, it is another important step in the fight against corruption in Uzbekistan.

We look forward to continuing to support the improvement of legislation in the field of combating corruption, as well as to improve the qualification of employees of government bodies and organizations through the Virtual Academy and support all other efforts of Uzbekistan in this area.

Tuija Brax, Director of the Rule of Law Center, former Minister of Justice (Finland):

– It is my great honor to express a few words about the new Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy in Uzbekistan. We have been cooperating with the Anti-Corruption Agency of Uzbekistan for several years now, and I was greatly impressed by the initiatives of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to combat corruption in the country, measures to improve legislation in this area and efforts to raise public awareness. The new Virtual Academy is a unique opportunity to raise awareness, develop special courses for different target groups, and also attract young people to study this field, since ultimately it is about the future of Uzbekistan.

Quentin Reed, Professor of Oxford University, INGO Regional Dialogue’s Anti-Corruption Specialist (United Kingdom):

– I am happy to hear about the President signing the Resolution, which provides for the establishment of the Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy. International NGO Regional Dialogue and the Anti-Corruption Agency have been cooperating for several years in developing preventive anti-corruption measures in Uzbekistan. We express our readiness to provide full-fledged support in the development of educational modules and programs within the Virtual Academy, as awareness-raising, education and training are key tools in the prevention of corruption. Appropriate anti-corruption system cannot be established without them. This is particularly important for public servants, especially those in vulnerable situations, but I would also pay particular attention to citizens.

Nuripa Mukanova, Secretary General, the Anti-Corruption Business Council under the President of Kyrgyzstan:

– My congratulations to the people of Uzbekistan and the Anti-Corruption Agency on the establishment of the Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy. The opening of this Academy is important for both Uzbekistan and the countries of Central Asia. This is a very important anti-corruption measure and platform for increasing the capacity of all those directly involved in anti-corruption issues, as well as those who want to increase their capacity, knowledge and skills in the field of combating and preventing corruption. This platform will also allow young people who study and then enter public service to improve their anti-corruption skills.

Dunyo IA

Today, elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis and kengashes of people's deputies are being held in our country.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev together with his family members visited polling station No. 59 in Mirzo-Ulugbek district of the capital and took part in the voting.

Article 128 of the Constitution of our country states that citizens have the right to elect and be elected to the representative bodies of state power. The right to vote, equality and freedom of expression are guaranteed by law.

Five parties are running in the elections: the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Business People - Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, the Milliy Tiklanish Democratic Party, the Ecological Party, the People's Democratic Party and the Adolat Social Democratic Party.
This important event is taking place in the context of increased social and political activity in our country, under the slogan “My Choice - Prosperous Motherland”.
For the first time in the history of Uzbekistan, elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis are held on the basis of a majoritarian-proportional, that is, mixed electoral system. 75 deputies are elected directly under the majoritarian system, i.e. by voting for their preferred candidates, and the remaining 75 - under the proportional system, when votes are cast for political parties.

Over the past period, the electoral legislation has been radically improved in line with advanced democratic standards. In particular, a new system of electoral bodies headed by the Central Electoral Commission had been introduced, and, in order to enhance the role of women in society, it had been established that the proportion of women among political party candidates should be at least 40 per cent.
Another notable aspect of the current elections was that the interaction between the participants in the process had been fully digitalized through the E-Saylov information system.
This information system has raised the openness of the elections to a higher level.

All polling stations have created conditions for voters in accordance with the law. There are 5,770 district and 11,028 precinct election commissions organized in the field, including 57 polling stations in 40 foreign countries.
More than 850 foreign and international observers from the CIS, SCO, Organization of Turkic States, as well as a full-scale mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights are taking part in monitoring the election process.
The head of state talked to citizens who came to the polling station. He thanked them for their active participation in the elections with a sense of involvement in the fate of their native country and their district.

Social policy in our country contains a wide range of issues on poverty alleviation, job creation, and support for socially vulnerable groups of the population. Investments in human capital are both a contribution to the social and economic sectors of the country's development. Moreover, according to a study by the Institute of Macroeconomic and Regional Studies under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, improving the quality of human capital leads to an increase in the inflow of foreign direct investment by 0.51 percent.
Article 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the new wording, adopted following the results of the national referendum, once again confirmed the commitment and orientation of the state to care for its citizens from the first days of their birth, regardless of their social status. It should be noted that the state did not come to this principle immediately, as the domestic social policy was formed step by step, i.e. in the process of long negotiations, permanent compromises and economic opportunities.
The enshrinement in the Constitution of the statement that Uzbekistan is a sovereign, democratic, law-based, social and secular State increases its social obligations.
It should be noted that a social state in the general sense guarantees quality education, qualified medical care, comprehensive support for families, children, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities, provides housing and employment for those in need, creates safe working conditions and reduces poverty.
All of the above-mentioned state guarantees began to be reflected in the last decade of our country, which entered the world history as New Uzbekistan.
First, the Strategy of Action on Five Priority Areas of Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021 and the Strategy for the Development of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026 identify as priority tasks: building a humane state by elevating human honor and dignity and further developing a free civil society; turning the principles of justice and the rule of law into a fundamental and necessary condition for the country's development; accelerating the development of the national economy and ensuring high growth rates; carrying out the development of the country's economy; and ensuring the development of the national economy.

Secondly, the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction has been established, the Ishga Markhamat monocenters have been launched, the “iron” “women's” and “youth” notebook systems have been set up, one hundred percent pensions are paid to working pensioners, the Social Protection Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been approved, and the problem of poverty in the country has been recognized. Moreover, the post of assistant khokims has been introduced, who are responsible for poverty reduction, developing entrepreneurship, organizing jobs and increasing the incomes of citizens. Most importantly, a new system of caring for the population has been created.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a video conference call on May 15, 2023 to discuss measures to reduce poverty and provide employment. Following the recognition of the existence of poverty in the country, a system to reduce it was introduced. At the beginning of last year, all districts in Uzbekistan were divided into five categories and given differentiated benefits based on the pace of socio-economic development. As a result, one million people have been lifted out of poverty.
Thirdly, education and medicine are the most important and comprehensive social spheres. In order to accelerate reforms and improve efficiency in these sectors, relevant project offices have been established.
Undoubtedly, investment in human capital is the best contribution to the future. In this regard, unprecedented reforms have been carried out in the area of continuous improvement of the system of continuous quality education and training of qualified personnel. As a result, preschool education coverage has increased from 27 to 74 percent, 11-year compulsory schooling has been resumed, the workload of school teachers has been optimized, and forced labor has been abolished.
Changes in the higher education system in recent years have also shown significant positive results. As a result, enrollment in higher education has increased from nine to 42 per cent, and the number of higher education institutions has grown from 77 to 212.

Our country pays great attention to the medical sphere, which directly affects the quality of life. Over the past seven years, the financing of the health care system has increased from 5.9 trillion to 33.5 trillion soums, i.e. six times. Hospitals are being equipped with modern equipment and new facilities are being built. In order to bring medicine closer to the people, on-site screening examinations are being conducted.
It should be noted that Uzbekistan is working on targeted support for socially vulnerable segments of the population. This is evidenced by the addition of a new wording to article 57 of the Constitution on State measures aimed at improving the quality of life of socially vulnerable categories, creating conditions for their equal participation in public and State life with other citizens, and expanding their opportunities to independently provide for their basic living needs.
One of the main innovations is article 42 of the Basic Law, which states that the minimum wage shall be determined taking into account the need to ensure a decent standard of living. From December 1, 2023, the minimum wage is equal to 1.05 million soums, while the cost of consumer expenditures is set at 568 thousand soums per person per month.
In addition, according to the Presidential Decision “On measures to further improve the system of social services and assistance to the population” of September 28, 2023, a new system of social assistance by the employees of the social service centers “Inson” of the National Agency for Social Protection has been introduced in 28 districts (cities) on a pilot basis since October 15 last year. The employees are responsible for keeping records and register of lonely, elderly and disabled persons in need of care, which helps to develop a plan of individualized social services by taking into account the degree of need for care. At the same time, assistance to the lonely elderly included in the Unified Register of Social Protection is provided on the basis of a contract.

On November 15, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on issues of uninterrupted energy supply to the population and sectors of the economy, improving efficiency at enterprises in the sphere.

The relevant tasks were identified at a video conference held on June 10. Today, the responsible persons reported on the work accomplished in fulfillment of these tasks and preparations for the autumn-winter season.

It was noted that gas is supplied in volumes commensurate with the growing demand of the population and sectors of the economy. As a result of the modernization of industries and increasing the energy efficiency of the economy, there is a decrease in losses. For example, in recent years, gas consumption for the production of industrial products has decreased by 1.6 times.

There is still a lot of work ahead. It is necessary to ensure a stable supply of energy to the population in the current season and subsequent years, and prepare a sufficient reserve for this.

These issues were discussed in the context of industries at the meeting.

According to calculations, 21 billion cubic meters of gas will be supplied to consumers this year during the winter season. If the air temperature drops sharply, the population's demand will increase even more. The responsible persons outlined a plan of action in such a situation by month and by district.

A separate reserve is provided for uninterrupted power supply to social institutions and enterprises. A system has been created for the targeted supply of natural gas to thermal power plants, chemical and metallurgical enterprises, as well as gas filling stations.

It was pointed out that it is necessary to resolutely continue the work started on accounting and control of gas in industries and further reduce losses. The task has been set to implement the identified gas saving opportunities in Andijan, Navoi and Tashkent regions, as well as other regions.

The Head of State gave instructions to responsible persons on organizing work at the level of districts and mahallas, solving issues related to energy supply directly on the ground, coordinating demand and consumption, and preventing interruptions.

The meeting also touched upon the processes of transformation in the gas sector. It was decided that industry enterprises will enter the international financial market and independently raise funds for modernization.

Digitalization and public-private partnerships offer the greatest opportunities in updating and regulating gas supply networks. In this regard, proposals were considered to attract private operators to the industry.

The President instructed to reduce the costs in the context of each industry and enterprises, optimize costs and accelerate the transformation process. The importance of expanding exploration activities with the involvement of leading foreign companies was emphasized.

The state visit of the President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Seok-yol at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has ended.
During the three-day visit, high-level talks were held, at the end of which the leaders signed a joint statement on further deepening and comprehensive expansion of the Special Strategic Partnership. A bilateral set of documents was received.
The heads of state participated in a joint business forum with the participation of representatives of leading Korean companies and banking and financial institutions.
The presidents visited the Technopark in Tashkent and got acquainted with the existing potential for industrial cooperation.
Today, the dialogue between the heads of state continued in Samarkand. The presidents and their wives got acquainted with the historical and architectural masterpieces of the ancient city.
After the end of the visit, President Yun Sok Yol and his wife were escorted by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his wife at the airport.