SAMARKAND: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has said that they consider the fact that this year’s Meeting of the Board of Governors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development takes place in the ancient and unique Samarkand as an expression of high trust and respect for the country and its reforms.
He was addressing the meeting of the Board of Governors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. He noted, “I believe there is a profound symbolic meaning in the fact that the city of Samarkand was chosen as a venue for today’s conference. For centuries this majestic city located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road has been a centre of trade, economic, cultural, scientific and technological exchanges between the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa, connecting East and West, North and South.”
The Conference was attended by over 2,500 guests from all regions of the world, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev hoped that they will continue these noble traditions at a new phase, as well as strengthen the bridge of friendship and solidarity among our peoples.
He stressed that in an era of ever-intensifying geopolitical tensions, such open and close dialogues and further expansion of friendly relations are indispensable for all countries.
President said, “In this sense, it is of great significance that the main theme of today’s high-profile conference has been named “INVESTING IN RESILIENCE”.
He highlighted that everyone can see that global economic problems are exacerbating. Climate change and environmental risks are increasing, while natural resources are becoming increasingly scarce. He added that in such a complex situation, more investments in new technologies and projects are required so that todays and future generations can pursue a decent life.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev said, “In this context, today’s important conference shall bring multilateral and long-term relations among countries to a new level, further increase investments for the development of our economies, and make an invaluable contribution to the progress of all member countries.”
He emphasized one point that today’s Uzbekistan is not yesterday’s Uzbekistan. He said, “Today, we have completely abolished forced labour and child labour to ensure in practice that human rights are regarded as the supreme value.”
He said that Uzbekistan will improve the investment and business climate in the country and create a more favourable environment for investors through an integrated system.
Wherever the investors are, they will be provided with the necessary assistance and services in 14 regions, 208 districts and cities, as well as in all embassies of Uzbekistan abroad, through the “single window” established at the Ministry of Investment.
By the end of the year, the International Commercial Court will also be established in cooperation with international experts, which will be for the first time in our history.
He said, “By the end of last year, Uzbekistan joined the ranks of the Bank’s top five major partners. In terms of an annual volume of investments, Uzbekistan became the Bank’s largest business partner in Central Asia.”
He added that in addition, they have launched a special program in cooperation with the Bank for the effective use of their country’s natural resources, attracting investors with the latest technologies.
He concluded, “Today’s International Conference is creating a historic opportunity to elevate the cooperation between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and our country to a new level.
At the same time, I am confident that visits of representatives of the governments of 71 countries to Samarkand will give a great impetus to launching mutually beneficial projects with them as well.
