President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke out against distinguishing between foreign and domestic investors at a meeting with entrepreneurs and investors in New Tashkent on 12 October.
“Capital, advanced ideas and honest work have no nationality!” the president said.
Mirziyoyev proposed a new philosophy for Uzbekistan’s economy called “O‘Z” (first two letters of the country’s name). According to him, it combines the concepts of “Uzbekistan” (O‘zbekiston), “change” (O‘zgarish), “identity” (O‘zlik) and “responsibility” (Mas’uliyat).
The president stressed that everyone who invests in Uzbekistan, introduces modern technologies and creates jobs contributes to the country’s overall development, regardless of where they come from.
“Anyone who builds New Tashkent or Shirin (a new development in Samarkand — ed.) together with us is truly one of us!” the head of state said.
He also assured investors that their property and businesses would be protected by the law, the state and the president personally.
Talking to investors, Mirziyoyev said that the proposals raised at the meeting would be considered.
He said he would visit New Tashkent again in one month to check how instructions are being implemented.
He called on investors and entrepreneurs to unite around a new slogan: “Our own idea! Our own investments! Our own future! New Uzbekistan, New Tashkent — they are ours!”
Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that New Tashkent would see the implementation of numerous unique projects of national importance.
On Monday, the president attended a ceremony marking the launch of seven facilities worth $1 billion and the start of construction on 10 projects worth $2.5 billion in New Tashkent. These include residential complexes, infrastructure and business facilities, a park on the banks of the Chirchiq river, a central hospital and a school.
Investors in New Tashkent will be exempt from the requirement to landscape 30% of the land plots they purchase, with the state ensuring that 30% of the city’s territory is greened. The costs of green certification will also be reimbursed for non-residential projects worth more than $50 million. Major investors will receive individual assistance.
At the same meeting, Mirziyoyev instructed officials to simplify the implementation of investment projects in New Tashkent. Infrastructure fees for businesses will be reduced threefold to tenfold. Land will also be allocated through the Swiss Challenge mechanism. The city’s master plan may be adjusted to accommodate investors' proposals.