@leginf

Benefits and preferences in the free economic zones

2019-01-15T13:47:07.928Z

In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of 26.10.2016. No.DP-4853, enterprises-participants of free economic zones are exempt from payment:

land tax, income tax, tax on property of legal entities, tax on improvement and development of social infrastructure, single tax payment for microfirms and small enterprises, as well as mandatory contributions to the Republican Road Fund and extra-budgetary Fund for reconstruction, overhaul and equipment of secondary schools, professional colleges, academic lyceums and medical institutions under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
customs payments (except for customs clearance fees) for equipment, raw materials and components imported for their own production needs;
customs payments (except for customs clearance fees) for construction materials not produced in the republic and imported within the framework of projects, according to lists approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan;

Benefits in the free economic zone are granted for a period from 3 to 10 years depending on the amount of investments made, including the equivalent (USD):

from 300 thousand dollars to 3 million dollars – for a period of 3 years;
from 3 million dollars to 5 million dollars – for a period of 5 years;
from 5 million dollars to 10 million dollars – for a period of 7 years;
from 10 million dollars and above – for a period of 10 years, with application of the profit tax rate and the single tax payment in the amount of 50 parcent below the current rates for the next 5 years.

The enterprises participating in the free economic zones are exempt from paying for the entire period of activity of free economic zones from paying customs duties (except for customs clearance fees) on imported raw materials, materials and components in terms of products sent for export.

The state provides a guaranteed connection of enterprises-participants of the free economic zones to the engineering and communication networks with timely connection to the production sites and their uninterrupted functioning.

A new political party is created in Uzbekistan

2019-01-11T13:31:31.937Z

In accordance with the Article 6 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On political parties”, an initiative group was formed from among the citizens of the country on creating the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan.

On January 8, Tashkent hosted a constituent congress of the new party. Issues such as establishment of the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan, approval of its charter and program, election of members of the central council and the central control-auditing commission were considered.

Delegates noted that the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan faces ambitious and responsible tasks. Assistance in achieving the sustainable development goals of the country, creating favorable living conditions for people of Uzbekistan, mobilizing all forces of society for preserving unique nature, development and implementation of national and regional programs, increasing the level of environmental culture in society are among them. The Ecological Party of Uzbekistan is also committed to educating youth in the spirit of love for nature and respect for its resources. Solving problems that have arisen as a result of the Aral Sea desiccation, mitigating consequences of the Aral Sea disaster is one of the main goals.

At the congress, a decision was taken on establishing the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan. Members of the central council, the control-auditing commission of the party were elected. The party’s charter and program, as well as relevant decisions on other issues considered at the congress were adopted based on proposals and recommendations of the delegates.

On the same day, a plenum of the Central Council of the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan was held, at which organizational issues were considered. In particular, members of the executive committee of the Central Council of the party, the chairman of the executive committee and his deputies were elected.

Boriy Alikhonov was elected Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Central Council of the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan.

Source: UzA.

Uzbekistan introduces restrictions on energy drink advertising

2019-01-11T04:07:58.504Z

On January 9, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law on introducing amendments and addenda to a number of laws, in particular, to the Laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On quality and safety of food products” and “On advertising”, as well as to the Administrative Responsibility Code.

Manufacturers of energy drinks (drinks containing caffeine in excess of 150 mg/l, and (or) other components in an amount sufficient to exert a tonic effect on the human body) should now indicate a warning on the container, that is, contraindications to this product.

Substances that make up energy drinks do not represent a physiological need for a person and may have a negative effect on children and adolescents’ body, pregnant and lactating women, elderly people suffering from nervous, cardiovascular diseases, insomnia.

In order to protect the younger generation, a norm has been introduced prohibiting the sale of energy drinks to persons under eighteen. Moreover, sanctions will be applied in case of violation of this norm. Starting from January 10, 2019, if the seller (citizen entrepreneur) sold an energy drink to a teenager, he would face a fine of five to ten, and an official from seven to fifteen minimum wages.

At the same time, the Law “On Advertising” is supplemented with a new article 22-1 “Energy drinks advertising”. According to this supplement, from January 10, 2019, it is mandatory to indicate a warning about the dangers of excessive consumption of such drinks when advertising energy drinks, as well as information about persons to whom they are not recommended.

In addition, energy drinks advertising should not demonstrate the process of drinks consumption, create an impression that this process is important for achieving social and sports success or improving the physical and mental state of consumers.

According to the new rules, the following are prohibited from January 10, 2019:

energy drinks advertising on television and radio from 7:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m.;
gratuitous distribution of energy drink samples in order to advertise among persons under 18;
sponsoring events designed primarily for persons under 18, if the name, trademark or image of energy drinks are used;
distribution, including sale of goods (T-shirts, hats, games, etc.) among persons under 18, using a name, trademark or image of energy drinks;
energy drinks advertising in print publications, intended primarily for children and adolescents, as well as in medical, sports and education institutions.

As reported by the Information Service of the State Competition Committee, in case of violation of the requirements on energy drinks advertising, distributors of advertising and advertisers will be liable in the prescribed manner.

The State Competition Committee will carefully monitor the energy drinks advertising.

Source: UzA.

A new system will be organized for expanding the scale of investment projects

2019-01-09T07:08:54.292Z

At the meeting that was held on January 8 under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, it was noted that from now on a new system will be organized for expanding the scale of projects involving foreign direct investment in the regions and industries, establishing strict control over their implementation.

In accordance with it, at the first stage, khokims of regions, visiting once a week one district or city, having established interaction with ambassadors, organize work on attracting foreign direct investment. In the same way, industry leaders visit one region once a week and, together with local enterprises, organize activity for accelerating implementation of existing and formation of additional investment projects. If necessary, train local executives and entrepreneurs in development of investment projects. The Prime Minister and his deputy, with participation of ambassadors, regularly discuss the state of using foreign investments attracted to regions and industries. According to the results, remuneration or punishment measures in the form of withholding 50 percent of wages will be taken against khokims and industry leaders.

Heads of republican agencies assigned to the regions, together with regional khokims and ambassadors, studying the state of implementation of projects involving foreign direct investment in each district (city), take concrete measures on their acceleration, as well as develop proposals on additional projects and attract foreign investors.

At the second stage, the State Investment Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan summarizes proposals on investment projects received from the regions and industries, evaluates their effectiveness and forms a single electronic online database.

At the third stage, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors assigned to the regions attract foreign investors to projects included in the single electronic database.

At the fourth stage, the Cabinet of Ministers takes measures on concluding relevant agreements with foreign investors on implementation of selected promising projects and approves roadmaps for taking control over their implementation.

The President noted that for further intensifying the attraction of investors to developed projects, it is necessary at least once a year to hold investment forums in each region with participation of foreign investors, as well as to ensure participation of domestic entrepreneurs in large international investment forums abroad. The State Investment Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been instructed to form schedules for holding investment forums in the regions this year.

– The most important thing is to locate investment projects correctly. The only requirement of investors is the availability of necessary infrastructure where the project is expected to be implemented. Therefore, a resolution of the President was recently adopted for improving the process of urbanization in our country. If to attract investors to where there is a convenient infrastructure, we can achieve a systematic development of the industry. Where there is industry, there will be jobs and incomes, housing and social facilities will be built, towns will appear, – said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Source: UzA.

The Association of the enterprises of electrical engineering has been established

2019-01-06T10:19:26.140Z

Presidential Decree "On measures for further development and enhancement of export potential of the electrotechnical industry" has been adopted.

According to the Decree:

On the basis of JSC "Uzeltekhsanoat" the Association of Electrical and Electronics Industry of Uzbekistan has been established;

The real estate and shareholding (shares) of the joint-stock companies belonging to JSC "Uzeltekhsanoat" were transferred to the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for privatization of enterprises and development of competition.

The main objectives of the Association "Uzeltehsanoat" are to assist in attracting investment, primarily in attracting foreign investment for the production of high-tech products, modernization, technical and technological re-equipment of the industry, creating joint ventures with leading foreign specialized companies.

Also, the resolution states that the "Sino" state-owned shareholding will be given to investors at the zero redemption price at the time of payment of the debts of the enterprise to the creditors, with the condition of investing the enterprise's activities.

Enterprises that produce electrical products, which are part of the "Uzeltexsanoat" Association, customs declaration on import of components, raw materials and materials for their core and supporting production, as well as imported construction materials, by January 1, 2022 since the date of its receipt, has been given an opportunity to postpone the value added tax up to 120 days.

According to the Decree until 1 January 2022:

"Uzeltexsanoat" Association is exempted from payment of property tax and profit tax for legal entities;

deductions from the tax base on profits of legal entities on the contracts with the Association "Uzeltehsanoat".

Moreover, the "Roadmap" will be approved in the electrotechnical industry for realization investment projects on technical and technological renovation and organization of new industries. The roadmap includes the following:

Implementation of 22 investment projects in the amount of 153.8 million US dollars for 2019-2021 for technical and technological renewal and modernization of existing electrical engineering enterprises;
Increasing the production of finished electrical products with high added value by 2021;
Reaching the volume of exports of finished electrical and electronic products to US $ 400 million In 2021;

Attracting foreign investors to the joint implementation of perspective innovative projects in the amount of $ 500 million.

A 30-day visa-free regime will be introduced for more than 45 countries

2019-01-06T05:39:54.008Z

The Presidential Decree "On additional measures for the rapid development of tourism" in Uzbekistan was adopted.

Together with the Decree, the National Concept of Tourism Development in the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2019-2025 and the Plan of measures have been approved.

According to the Decree:

From February 1, 2019, the list of countries receiving the e-Visa will be expanded;
From March 15, 2019, the system of types of e-Visas, which will be valid for 30-days, and additional category of visas for special groups of foreign Citizens will be introduced.

In accordance with the decree, from February 1, 2019 a 30 day visa-free regime will be introduced for the citizens of 45 countries.

Below is a list of these countries:

Australia
Austria
Argentina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
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
Great Britain
Brazil
Finland
Montenegro
Czech Republic
Switzerland
Estonia

Tashkent to open Greece Visa Center

2019-01-05T17:12:23.438Z

The Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Greece organized a presentation on opening of the Greece Visa Center in the city of Tashkent. The opening of the Greece Visa Center in Uzbekistan was initiated and worked out by the Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Athens following the visit of the Deputy Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Tourism Development A.Akkulov to Greece in May 2018.

According to the Tourism Development Committee, on January 21, Global Visa Center World outsourcing company of Greece will launch a visa center in Tashkent to provide Uzbekistan citizens with services for obtaining Schengen visas for entry into Greece. More than 200 people from among the representatives of Greece travel companies, state and public organizations, and the Greece mass media took part in the presentation.

At the event, the Consulate General presented information about Uzbekistan, the tourism industry of the country. Guests of the presentation became familiar with measures taken by the country’s leadership on accelerated development of economic and tourism spheres in Uzbekistan.

It was noted that opening of the Visa Center of Greece will give additional impetus to relations between the countries both in tourism and in business development.

Global Visa Center World’s CEO and Vice President Dimitris Platis noted that the government of Greece, considering Uzbekistan as one of the main countries in Central Asia, decided to open a Greece Visa Center in Tashkent, which would undoubtedly promote the development of bilateral cooperation.

Source: UzA.

Lawbreaker was detained for holding 5000 units of “Tramadol” psychotropic drugs in Kokand

2019-01-02T10:41:55.337Z

In Fergana region, within the framework of the operative event held jointly with the officers of Internal Affairs and SSS, it was discovered that a female resident of Kokand city, T. K. was preserving 5000 units of “Tramadol” psychotropic drugs at her home. Illegal medications were seized as material evidence.

At the same time, law enforcement officers inspected another resident of Kokand Yu.Yu.’s house with attesting witnesses. They found 200 units of “Tramadol” and 28 units “Lyrica” psychotropic drugs hidden in the house.

Currently, investigative actions are underway on the above-mentioned cases.

For information, the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On amendments and addenda to certain legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan" of 22 October 2018 envisages the illegal circulation of psychoactive drug substances. In addition, psychotropic pills "lyrica", "sonata" and "tramadol" are recognized as drug analogues as per the law.

Meanwhile, anyone dealing with “Tramadol” will be prosecuted in accordance with relevant articles of the Criminal Code. Additionally, one can be brought to an administrative penalty for the illicit sale of "Lyrica".

Source: Kun.uz

President proposes to introduce the practice of approving the Cabinet of Ministers’ members by the Oliy Majlis

2018-12-28T15:07:59.801Z

– Reform is an update, a change. The society, above all, we ourselves, the leaders must change so that the reforms gave a positive result. If a person changes, the country changes too, – said Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his Address to the Oliy Majlis.

The Head of the state noted that time itself requires leaders and deputies of all levels, leading experts to organize their activities on the basis of critical analysis, strict discipline, personal responsibility. Future ministers must feel accountable to parliament, prove that they are worthy of this position.

In this regard, the President proposed to introduce the practice of approving members of the Cabinet of Ministers by the Oliy Majlis.

Source: UzA.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan addresses the Oliy Majlis

2018-12-28T06:36:14.639Z

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addresses the Parliament of Uzbekistan.

The Head of the state focused on activities carried out in the past year.

– There is a deep meaning in the sacred Hadith of the great Imam Bukhari: “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended”.

Naming 2018 as the Year of supporting active entrepreneurship, innovative ideas and technologies, we implemented 76 thousand projects worth 21 trillion UZS and 1 billion USD under the corresponding State program, which speaks of the scope of our activity, which we started with good intentions, – said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

It was noted that due to measures taken, real incomes of the population increased by 12 percent compared to 2017. Part of tax revenues that exceeded the forecast parameters remains at the disposal of local budgets, due to which the regions received an additional 5.5 trillion UZS. This is 6 times more compared to the last year, and 32 times more than in 2016.

More than 2,600 business projects have been implemented at places within the framework of “Every family is an entrepreneur” and “Youth is our future” programs. 416 villages acquired a new look as a result of “Obod qishloq” (“Prosperous village”) and “Obod makhalla” (“Prosperous neighborhood”) programs.

On December 22, 2017, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the Oliy Majlis for the first time in the history of the country. The Address of this year also analyzes activities carried out in 2018, outlines plans for the next year, the main directions of domestic and foreign policy of the country, which causes great interest among all.

Source: UzA.