The Republic of Costa Rica holds an important place in the world as one of the most significant national supporters of ecological and animal protections. The protection and preservation of their natural environment and around the world has long been a core tenet within their national politics and diplomacy. This emphasis continues even in the Netherlands as Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro hosts events on this topic, including one on September 16, 2021, highlighting the harmful practice of âanimal selfiesâ and the importance of reducing direct human (read: tourist) contact with wildlife.
Because of the COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time and the limited space at the Embassy of Costa Rica, only a small group was able to physically attend the presentation, but far more had the good fortune to join digitally. Participating was a representative from Costa Ricaâs National Commission on Biodiversity, specifically the head of the âStop Animal Selfiesâ campaign; the Embassy staff; a representative from the World Animal Protection organization; and a representative of the Dutch animal rights political party, PvdD.
Objectives
Informe and educate tourists about appropriate wildlife tourism practices through observation and species conservation.
Protect tourists from possible risks associated with direct contact with wildlife.
Protect wildlife from practices that put it at risk, through capturing from the natural environment and mishandling in captivity.
Effectively implement national wildlife regulations.
This event aimed to express the importance of the issue of human contact with wildlife and to share the objectives of Costa Ricaâs national campaign on the subject. The project aims to educate tourists about responsible ecological tourism practices which emphasize conservation; to protect wildlife from harmful practices and mistreatment; and to remove Costa Rica as one of the top ten nations in which tourists take photos directly with wildlife. These are important issues for their government and should be for anyone interested in ecological protection.
The campaign also necessarily relies on a social media element, encouraging people to take a selfie with a toy animal and share with the hashtag #stopanimalselfies and with the caption, âI donât harm wild animals for a selfieâ for raising awareness of the issue and their website provides many resources for education on responsible wildlife tourism practices.
The project has been recognized by ecological groups around the globe for its importance, with Roberto Vieto, wildlife manager for World Animal Protection saying, âWe congratulate the Costa Rica government for leading this ambitious initiative and pioneering responsible tourism in the region and around the world.â
The event held in the Netherlands was an important opportunity to share and educate a wider community on this subject and, importantly, Ambassador Castro acts not just as an advocate for Costa Rica, but for ecological protection across the globe.
The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague will become a participant in the joint investigation team (JIT) on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine. The JIT, which was set up with Eurojust support on 25 March by Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine, aims to facilitate investigations and prosecutions in the concerned states as well as those that could be taken forward before the ICC.Â
ICC Prosecutor, Karim A.A. Khan QC
ICC Prosecutor Mr Karim A.A. Khan QC and the Prosecutors General of the three countries involved signed an agreement on the first-ever participation of the Office of the Prosecutor in a JIT, today. With this agreement, the JIT parties and the Office of the Prosecutor are sending a clear message that all efforts will be undertaken to effectively gather evidence on core international crimes committed in Ukraine and bring those responsible to justice.
The main purpose of the JIT is to facilitate investigations and international judicial cooperation. The agreement with the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the ICC will enable rapid and real-time coordination and cooperation with the JIT partner countries, in connection with investigations conducted by the OTP and competent national authorities.
The OTP is an independent prosecutorial and investigative office established by the Rome Statute of the ICC. On 2 March 2022, following the referral of the situation in Ukraine to the Prosecutor of the ICC by an unprecedented 39 States Parties, Prosecutor Khan announced the opening of an active investigation.
Prosecutor Khan and the Prosecutors-General of Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine at the signing ceremony today.
The need for closer cooperation on investigations into alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine was underlined last week during a coordination meeting at Eurojust between the JIT partners, the ICC, National Members of EU countries at the Agency and third states with Liaison Prosecutors at the Agency. Since 2018, Ukraine has been one of the 10 non-EU Member States that has a Liaison Prosecutor at Eurojust.
The Agency will support the JIT partners in the entire process with operational, analytical, legal and financial assistance. Eurojust also accommodates the coordination and cooperation between all national investigating and prosecuting authorities that have initiated investigations into core international crimes.
More than 530 people were returned to Uzbekistan in 2019-2021 from disadvantaged regions such as Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
This was noted at the thematic roundtable discussion by Akmal Saidov, First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Director of the National Center for Human Rights (NCHR).
The roundtable discussion was organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Commissioners of the Oliy Majlis for human rights and childrenâs rights, the NCHR, the UN OHCHR Regional Office for Central Asia. It was devoted to the issues of strengthening the role and capabilities of national human rights institutions in monitoring and evaluating activities for the reintegration and resocialization of repatriates from conflict zones.
As Mr. Akmal Saidov emphasized, the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, within the framework of a humane policy, carried out 5 special operations âMehrâ to evacuate citizens of Uzbekistan from the above countries. There are more than 120 women and about 380 children of the total number of those returned.
The Government of Uzbekistan adopted normative-legal acts for their social adaptation and created republican and territorial interdepartmental commissions, which carried out rehabilitation and social adaptation measures for repatriates, their employment, and placement of children in kindergartens and schools, etc.
On March 15, 2022, within the framework of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council, a report was heard by the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Fionnuala D. Nà Aoláin, following a visit to Uzbekistan on November 29 â December 7 last year.
She highly appreciated the activities of Uzbekistan Government in the repatriation and reintegration of women and children from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. According to her, the repatriation model created in Uzbekistan and based on the family and community is an example of best practices in repatriation, ensuring the best interests of the child and the full reintegration of women.
NCHR presents Uzbekistanâs experience in the repatriation of its citizens
More than 530 people were returned to Uzbekistan in 2019-2021 from disadvantaged regions such as Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
This was noted at the thematic roundtable discussion by Akmal Saidov, First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Director of the National Center for Human Rights (NCHR).
The roundtable discussion was organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Commissioners of the Oliy Majlis for human rights and childrenâs rights, the NCHR, the UN OHCHR Regional Office for Central Asia. It was devoted to the issues of strengthening the role and capabilities of national human rights institutions in monitoring and evaluating activities for the reintegration and resocialization of repatriates from conflict zones.
As Mr. Akmal Saidov emphasized, the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, within the framework of a humane policy, carried out 5 special operations âMehrâ to evacuate citizens of Uzbekistan from the above countries. There are more than 120 women and about 380 children of the total number of those returned.
The Government of Uzbekistan adopted normative-legal acts for their social adaptation and created republican and territorial interdepartmental commissions, which carried out rehabilitation and social adaptation measures for repatriates, their employment, and placement of children in kindergartens and schools, etc.
On March 15, 2022, within the framework of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council, a report was heard by the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Fionnuala D. Nà Aoláin, following a visit to Uzbekistan on November 29 â December 7 last year.
She highly appreciated the activities of Uzbekistan Government in the repatriation and reintegration of women and children from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. According to her, the repatriation model created in Uzbekistan and based on the family and community is an example of best practices in repatriation, ensuring the best interests of the child and the full reintegration of women.
By Obid Khakimov, director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
On April 8, 2022 the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a Decree in which goals are set extensively with specific timeframes for taking measures in a number of key areas of the country’s economic development to create favorable conditions for the development of the private sector, as well as measures to accelerate the process of privatization, the fight against corruption and demonopolization.
It should be noted that this Presidential Decree is directly related to the “Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026”. If briefly and abstractly, the goals of the Decree are aimed at achieving stable economic growth, increasing the competitiveness of the national economy and reducing the state share in the private sectorâs economy. At the same time, it provides the liberalization of the market of goods and services where the state share presents, the creation of equal conditions for business entities, an accelerated transition to market relations, a drastic increase of private investments, further conducting of privatization and poverty reduction.
Cancellation of benefits and exclusive rights
According to the Decree from May 1, 2022 privileges in the form of benefits and exclusive rights for a number of business entities, including foreign ones, will be gradually abolished. In addition, starting from July 1, 2022 customs duty benefits will be provided on the basis of the laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan only, meanwhile the getting of the Tariff and Non-Tariff Regulation Councilâs conclusion will be considered mandatory.
Auto industry, aviation and railways will be reformed
The reforms will also affect some of the most discussed industries, such as the auto industry, aviation and railways. By August 1, 2022 up to 10% of the shares of UzAuto Motors JSC will be secured for IPO on the local stock market and later a Strategy will be developed for the sale of the remaining share of UzAuto Motors JSC to strategic investors, including UzAuto Motors Powertrain JSC and Samarqand Avtomobil zavodi Ltd. By June 1, 2022 a Strategy for the transformation, development and privatization of Uzbekistan Temir Yullari JSC (railways) will be developed and by September 1, 2022 51% or more of the state share in the authorized capital of Uzbekistan Airways JSC will be put up for auction. In addition, by the end of 2022 the privatization of at least 49% of the shares of Uzbekneftegaz JSC and 51% or more of the shares of Thermal Power Plants JSC will commence that should also attract great attention of the investors and ensure companiesâ accelerated modernization.
New opportunities for public-private partnership
The Decree also pays a lot of attention to public-private partnership (PPP). According to the Decree, a drastic increase of the number of PPP projects in the field of drinking water, sewerage, heat supply and landscaping, road construction and aviation infrastructure is expected. In addition, domestic and international freight and passenger transportation by rail will also be transferred to the private sector on the basis of PPP or franchise. But this is not all. At the same time, from September 1, 2022 the priority of constructing new small and medium-sized hydroelectric power plants will be given to the projects with the participation of the private sector, including on the basis of PPP. Accordingly, by implementing such broad opportunities for partnership, all parties, including the end consumer, will receive more benefits and privileges from acting together than if separately.
Non-residents, residents and real estate
As it has already been emphasized, this Decree contains plenty turning points in the reform of many fields and spheres that will directly contribute to economic growth and attraction of investments. The document says that from May 1, 2022 the personal income tax rate on the income of non-resident individuals received from the sources in Uzbekistan will be set at 12% (now it is 20%). In addition, from May 1, 2022 foreign citizens are granted the right, without requiring a residence permit, to purchase real estate in the Tashkent region and in the cities of Tashkent and Samarkand in the equivalent of at least $150 thousand during construction and $180 thousand in operation, while in other regions â at least $70 thousand and $85 thousand respectively. At the same time, it should be noted that the acquisition of these real estate objects is not a basis for foreign citizens to obtain a certificate of permanent registration.
However, when foreign citizens purchase real estate in the Tashkent region or in Tashkent city in the equivalent of at least $300 thousand, they do receive a residence permit in Uzbekistan (now â in the equivalent of at least $400 thousand).
It is also worth noting that the Decree foresees the sale of non-agricultural land through auctions with the possibility of installment payments for up to 3 years. In addition, buyers who have made a one-time initial payment of at least 35% on state assets and non-agricultural lands are granted the right to mortgage property as collateral in bank lending.
The changes also affected the Heads of executive bodies and members of supervisory boards. Starting from April 1, 2022 a person appointed or reassigned as the Head of the executive body cannot become the Head again more than 2 consecutive terms. Also, according to the Decree, from July 1, 2022 at enterprises with a state share, a single policy of stimulating members of the supervisory board and remuneration of labor for members of the executive body will be established, moreover any additional payments to members of the executive body, except for wages and annual bonuses, will be canceled. In addition, it is regulated that the annual expenses of state-owned enterprises for sponsorship must not exceed 3% of the net profit received in the previous year. Another change also affected the sphere of antitrust measures, which will not be applied to entrepreneurs with sales revenue over the past year not exceeded 10 thousand BCV (basic calculated value) or 2.7 billion sums.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the window of opportunities shown by both time and the situation in the world is open and waiting for specific actions. The successful implementation of the measures foreseen by the Decree will not only attract great number of investments in the economy, but will also allow private businesses to take the advantages of all the opportunities that delivered to them thanks to the ongoing reforms.
The coronavirus pandemic has revealed all the benefits and accelerated the processes of digitalization around the world. On how to build an effective digitalization policy, and what steps are being taken in Uzbekistan in this direction, âDunyoâ IA correspondent talked with Farrukh Khakimov, Head of Department at the Development Strategy Center.
– For developing countries and for Uzbekistan, in particular, digital transformation has a potential to further modernize society and integrate national economy into the global processes, – says the expert. – In this vein, in the framework of the ongoing reforms and in the new Development Strategy of Uzbekistan for the coming five years special attention is being paid to digitalization of major spheres and to build a true information society in the country.
Uzbekistan prioritized digitalization and development of information-communication technologies (ICT) yet in early 2000s. For instance, Uzbekistan has been implementing an integrated program of National Information and Communication System Development 2013-2020, the National Action Strategy on Five Priority Development Areas 2017-2021, the âDigital Uzbekistan â 2030â Strategy and the latest the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026 to implement digital transformation in national economy, industry and society in general.
Consequently, in a relatively short period of time, Uzbekistan has achieved visible results in the sphere of digitalization and ICT development. In particular, substantial progress has been observed in introducing e-government and ICT in public sector for the last few years, when in 2013 was launched âSingle portal of interactive government servicesâ â central e-government service of the country.
Moreover, digital and IT infrastructure of the country has remarkably improved, considerable amount of resources were invested which built solid foundations for better ecosystem of the ICT.
As a result, in the country, according to the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistics, in the field of Information and communication during 2017-2021, the gross value added increased more than 2 times and reached 11.8 trillion UZS (more than 1 billion US dollars) in 2021.
In addition, since the creation of IT parks in Uzbekistan, the industryâs export volume has grown 50 times and reached 46 million US dollars. The number of park residents increased from 147 to 500, more than 300 new companies were opened and 8,500 highly paid jobs have been created. Currently more than 11 thousand young people work in IT parks.
The total length of fiber-optic communication lines in the country has been remarkably expanding since 2017. For instance, during 2017-2022 it has increased almost 6 times and reached 118 thousand kilometers as of January 2022.
Since 2017, the overall bandwidth speed of the international networks has been increased more than 28-fold â from 64.2 to 1800 Gbit/s in January 2022.
As of January 2022, in Uzbekistan following the public administration reforms and digitalization of the sphere 56% public services provided through the portal of interactive public services (e-government portal). The number of public services on the e-government platform of the country (my.gov.uz) reached 307 and 1.3 million citizens are actively using such electronic public services. Whereas, the total number of Internet users in Uzbekistan reached 27.2 million.
At the same time following the revealed vulnerabilities and challenges in the sphere, the government has revised and upgraded its national digitalization strategy under the impact of the global pandemic.
Meanwhile Uzbekistan recognized the power of digitalization in transforming society, whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has made that transformation essential.
In this vein, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyevâs Decree on October 5, 2020 has approved countries Strategy âDigital Uzbekistan â 2030â and âRoadmapâ for its implementation. According to the document from all state obligatory payments such as fees and fines are being made through provided online payment-services. Furthermore, in line with the Strategy âDigital Uzbekistan â 2030â more than 400 information systems, electronic services and other software products in various areas of socio-economic development are being carried out automatically.
Among expected results of âDigital Uzbekistan â 2030â Strategy are high-quality and inexpensive Internet and mobile communications, the reduce of the digital divide between cities and villages.
Adoption of the âDigital Uzbekistan â 2030â Strategy and the âroad mapâ for its implementation in 2020-2022 creates, first of all, a legal basis for the transition to a digital economy. The document includes such priority areas as the development of digital infrastructure, e-government, the national digital technology market, education and advanced training in the field of information technology.
The strategy considers approval of two programs: digitalization of regions and digitalization of industries. Thus, two approaches are considered as territorial and industrial. Undoubtedly it will provide the most comprehensive coverage and effective implementation of the document.
The most important conditions and guarantees for the successful implementation of the Strategy is to ensure funding and increase the digital literacy of the population. So, according to the document, the Ministry for Development of Information Technologies and Communications of the Republic of Uzbekistan, together with other relevant governmental bodies will take measures to complete the digitalization of preschool education, health care and secondary schools by the end of first stage of the implementation period.
The implementation of the Strategy will ensure the provision of high-quality digital services to the population, reduce corruption, increase the level of citizen involvement in government decision-making processes, modernize the system of higher and secondary education in order to ensure the competitiveness of citizens not only within the country, but also in the regional and global labour markets.
The Strategy contributes the implementation of other national strategic documents and programs and, first of all will be important for achieving the national goals and objectives in the field of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for the period up to 2030, as well as the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026.
The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026 which has been adopted on January 28, 2022 covers seven priority areas of further reforms regarding a good governance, public administration, the rule of law, economic development, social policy, spiritual enlightenment, security as well as an open, pragmatic and active foreign policy. In turn, the seven priority areas identify hundred target goals to be achieved by 2026.
Digitalization of several important spheres such as public services both at central and local levels by improving âe-governmentâ; the judicial system; law enforcement; the traffic control system; healthcare system; social services as well as social protection, banking and agriculture sectors and other main spheres of the national economy have been targeted in the new Development Strategy.
In particular, improvement of the e-government of Uzbekistan and bringing the share of electronic public services to 100 %, implementation of âMobile ID-identificationâ system of a person in the provision of public services, introduction of âdigital passport of citizensâ and âdigital authorityâ project have been prioritized to digitalize public administration and optimize administrative procedures at central and local levels.
By maintaining stable growth rates of it is planned to reach 4,000 US dollars GDP per capita and join the group of countries with âupper-middle incomeâ by 2030. In this regard, the development of the digital economy is also defined as the main âdriverâ with an increase in its share by at least 2.5 times by the end of 2026. Moreover, it is planned to expand the volume of the software products industry 5 times, and software export – 10 times, up to 500 million US dollars, the level of digitalization of production and operational processes in the real sector of the economy, in the financial and banking sectors to 70% by the end of 2026. Moreover, digitalization of urban planning and construction, development of cities in accordance with the concept of âSmart Cityâ has been prioritized.
Certainly, in the context of the global pandemic and in general digital technology and services play a central role in recovering from the pandemic and also building resilient economies. Therefore, expanded digitalization and digital transformation should be the main priorities for developing countries, like Uzbekistan. For the last decade, Uzbekistan has achieved remarkable results in the sphere of digitalization and ICT development, especially, in provision of digital public services. Meanwhile, along with ongoing cooperation with South Korea, Russia, Estonia, China it is necessary to attract more technologically advanced countries such as Germany, United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, Japan and others to ICT sector of the country by diversifying geography of international partners. Investing in digital eco-system, ICT infrastructure and qualified IT services will further facilitate modernization of national economy and accelerate inclusive growth in all spheres.
ByMukhsinjon Kholmukhamedov,Deputy director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan
The video conference held on April 15, 2022 under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was devoted to the issues of ensuring price stability in markets by increasing food production within the framework of food supply security of the country, as well as additional support for entrepreneurs.
It should be noted that during the reforms in the country, the business sector has traditionally been given increased attention. This is evidenced by the dynamics of growth of registered small business enterprises in Uzbekistan, when in 2021 there were 503 thousand companies (in 2016 – 278 thousand), and now there are about 1.5 million entrepreneurs who have created about 5 million jobs.
On August 20, 2021, during the first open dialogue with entrepreneurs, a large number of issues were raised in the sphere of taxation, land use, business facilitation, support for exports and other issues of concern to entrepreneurs. At that time, more than 15,000 appeals, questions and proposals from business were received in such areas as: financing and crediting of business, taxation, allocation of land, accessibility of infrastructure, obtaining licenses and permits. Then, following the results of the meeting, appropriate instructions were given and specific tasks were set.
During the video conference on April 15, 2022, additional measures to support entrepreneurs were also discussed. The President put forward a number of initiatives aimed at reducing the tax burden, inspections and requirements for entrepreneurs, simplifying the issuance of permits, supporting exporters, refunding VAT and increasing the attractiveness of credit, as well as critical comments on the work of state bodies at the local level to solve existing problems in the sphere of development of entrepreneurship and specified deadlines for their solution.
Taxes, inspections and authorizations
It is noteworthy that in the past three years the number of taxes in the country has been reduced from 16 to 9, and the rates of property, income and social taxes have been reduced by half. The meeting announced the simplification of the tax administration and inspection system for entrepreneurs from June 1, 2022. Thus, with the conversion of the property tax system to market principles, the practice of applying additional high tax rates to inefficient facilities will be abolished. In addition, innovations have also affected VAT, namely, enterprises with a turnover of more than 1 billion sum will automatically – without prior analysis and verification – be assigned the status of VAT payer, and taxpayers in the high-risk zone will be notified of this prior to the suspension of the VAT certificate.
Moreover, 22 types of audits would now be conducted only with the permission of the business ombudsman to prevent undue interference with business activities. In the same time, the task was foreseen to simplify the requirements for the issuance of various permits. For example, if we analyze the 200 sanitary standards in force today, it turns out that it is simply impossible to comply with 20. This is especially true for sanitary requirements for catering establishments, as well as for delivery services. Thus, as the main problems related to catering, attention was paid to the outdated legislation, a large tax burden (catering pays 7-9 types of taxes), which is why part of this business goes into «shadow», as well as numerous inspections, that create an enabling environment for corruption. To solve these problems, approaches will be revised, and outdated points and requirements in the legislation will be canceled.
In support of exporters
Support for exporters will be strengthened, in particular, by solving the problem of VAT refunds. Thus, for exporters, a simplified mechanism will now be used, namely, when 80% of VAT will be paid back within 7 days without additional checks (previously 60 days and the 7-day fast refund was available only for some categories of exporters). The last yearâs open dialogue with entrepreneurs set a task to introduce the procedure of VAT refund without additional documents, which will greatly facilitate the provision of reports for more than 14 thousand entrepreneurs. Obviously, the task will finally be accomplished this year.
Also in addition to this innovation should be recalled the Presidential Decree «On additional measures to support participants in foreign trade activities», signed on April 6, 2022, according to which until April 1, 2023 local enterprises, High value-added exporters will receive subsidies for transport costs, where they will account for 50% of transport costs for exports to the near abroad and 70% for exports to the EU. This will reduce logistics costs, increase the volume of exported products with high added value and increase its competitiveness in foreign markets. In addition, the meeting mandated the establishment of a permanent headquarters to liaise with exporters to address emerging issues immediately and in a timely manner. There will be a call center at the headquarters where you can reach the short number 1094.
Access to land and credit
At the meetings in the regions, entrepreneurs voiced more than a thousand problematic issues, among which the most often related to affordable credit, tax administration, as well as land allocation. Separately focus was on the issue of sale of land plots from e-auctions. Despite the fact that 35,000 plots of land were included in the electronic system, not a single land plot in Navoi, Syrdarya, Tashkent regions and the city of Tashkent was put up for auction. Khokims have been instructed to treat this issue with all seriousness and responsibility.
Last year the President instructed to auction objects of state property together with the land on which they are located as a single property complex, and entrepreneurs who bought the building, will also be able to own the land adjacent to it on the right of private property. A working group has already been established under the Cabinet of Ministers, which will coordinate the identification of vacant areas in the context of makhallas, the formation of projects involving professional organizations and the implementation of land plots.
In addition, the Head of State instructed to allocate additional funds to the State Fund for Support of Entrepreneurship and to increase the effectiveness of financial assistance. Thus, in the services sector, the National Bank of Uzbekistan will attract $200 million, which will be directed to entrepreneurs. The amount of the loan will be up to 5 billion sums, and the loan rate will not exceed 18% taking into account compensation from the fund. At the same time, $300 million will be allocated to finance small and medium-sized business projects in the regions. These funds will be placed in national currency at a 10% rate for a period of 7 years in banks offering the best conditions for entrepreneurs. At the same time, the rate of the credit provided to the entrepreneur will not exceed 14%. Non-bank financial institutions will also be given opportunities to finance business – this will be provided for in the new law. Mechanisms for crediting entrepreneurs in national currency are also being introduced, regardless of the currency in which banks attract resources, and tax benefits for entrepreneurs registered in economic zones will also remain. Special attention will be paid to the necessity of rational use of funds and only to the projects that will pay off, increase incomes and create jobs.
Business activity indicators continue to grow
It should be noted that over the years of the reforms, about 2 thousand laws, decrees and resolutions aimed at supporting the development of private business have been adopted. Special attention was paid to the elimination of numerous administrative barriers to business. 114 licenses and permits for 33 types of activities were canceled, procedures for obtaining permits were simplified and the terms of their issuance were reduced by an average of 2 times. Unnecessary checks have also been canceled, restrictions related to the turnover of cash, currency and raw materials have been lifted. The positive effects of these reforms can be clearly seen in various economic indicators calculated monthly by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, such as the Business Activity Index (IDA) and the Business Climate Index, implemented according to the methodology of the analog of the Business Climate Index of the IFO Institute in Germany (IFO Institut). Thus, in March 2022, IDA in the regions and the capital increased by 2.6% compared to the previous month, and the consolidated indicator of the business climate in February 2022 was 60 points, which assesses the state of the business climate in the country as positive.
Speaking about key business indicators in the regions and the capital, the volume of tax revenues in the period from January 1 to March 31, 2022 increased by 17.4% compared to the same period last year. This growth was achieved due to positive changes in the economy, the conjuncture of prices on the world gold market, improvement of the tax administration system, including the introduction of new administrative tools, digitalization and automation of processes, legalization of business activities and simplification of the procedure for compliance with the requirements of tax legislation. As for the receipts of customs payments for this period, they increased by 45.7%. This increase is due to an increase in the volume of taxable imports and the exchange rate, measures taken by customs authorities to simplify customs procedures, accelerate the release of goods into free circulation and the introduction of new methods of customs administration.
The volume of exports of goods has increased by 12.2% since the beginning of the year compared to the same period last year. It is due to the growing growth rates of exports of industrial goods, food products, chemicals and agri-food products. Not to forget about the volume of loans issued by commercial banks during this period, which increased by 8.5% compared to the same period last year due to lending to large projects in the real sector of the economy. It is also worth noting an increase in the volume of transactions on the Uzbek Republican Commodity Exchange by 43.8%, due to an increase in sales of such goods as gasoline, diesel fuel, rolled ferrous metals, cotton fiber, construction materials, etc.
Khokimiyats and public councils are given tasks
A large number of unjustified inspections of the activities of entrepreneurs by some khokimiyats were critically evaluated. Thus, 11,000 checks were carried out in Tashkent, 8,000 in Tashkent region, 7,000 in Fergana region and 6,000 in Surkhandarya region. Khokims were instructed to hold meetings with entrepreneurs within a week and solve their problems. Also, despite the measures taken, there are still a number of complex and important tax administration and burden sharing issues that require careful and constructive consideration. Therefore, a Public Council shall be established under the State Tax Committee, where regular meetings will be held with members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Tax Advisers, the Chamber of Auditors and the National Association of Accountants and Auditors, as well as scientists, entrepreneurs and public figures. In addition, in order to continue the dialogue with the business on the measures taken and on new software products, the Ministry of Finance and the State Tax Committee together with the professional organizations will hold regular meetings with entrepreneurs, as well as discuss their proposals and issues, including those coming through telegram channels to tax authorities.
***
Transformations aimed at eliminating numerous administrative barriers to business, non-interference in entrepreneurial activity and, in general, improving the business climate, will lead to significant positive changes both in the country’s economy and in business development. Active implementation will allow accelerated achievement of the large-scale goals set in the “Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026”.
This week I conducted my first official visit to Nigeria, on the invitation of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
I wish to thank the Nigerian authorities for hosting me and my delegation, and for their expressed commitment to ensuring justice for Rome Statute crimes in partnership with the International Criminal Court. My message was clear: accountability for atrocity crimes is essential. Impunity cannot be an option, and my Office will continue to fulfil its statutory obligations in relation to the situation in Nigeria, in cooperation with relevant national authorities.
This visit was driven by the need to continue my Officeâs engagement with the Nigerian authorities and clarify the status of the situation in Nigeria following the conclusion of its preliminary examination by my predecessor in December 2020.
During my visit I was pleased to meet with their Excellencies Mr Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federation, Prof. Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo, Vice President of the Federation, Hon. Geoffrey Jideofor Kwusike Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr Benjamin Ogu Okolo, Acting Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice in the absence of Hon. Abubakar Malami SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
In these discussions, I recalled that the legal criteria to open an investigation into the Situation in Nigeria were met in relation to allegations of crimes committed in the course of the non-international armed conflict between the Nigerian security forces and Boko Haram. We were in agreement that the principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Statue required such crimes to be addressed through domestic proceedings, or failing that, by my Office. We explored in this context different avenues to close the impunity gap and deliver on the legitimate expectations of justice from victims and survivors on all sides.
We also discussed ways in which crimes committed by non-State armed groups associated with Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (âISISâ), Al-Qaida, including Boko Haram, could be effectively addressed through joint efforts by the numerous affected States within the regions of West Africa, the Sahel and beyond. It is clear that the actions of such entities do not respect geographic borders. International cooperation, collective action are therefore essential in ensuring those responsible for atrocities are held to account in accordance with the rule of law.
During my visit I have furthermore shared with the Nigerian authorities my vision on the role regional organisations such as ECOWAS and the African Union could play in the global fight against impunity for serious international crimes in partnership with my Office.
In all discussions, I reminded Nigerian authorities of their legal obligations under the Rome Statute to conduct effective, genuine and meaningful national investigations and prosecutions with respect to the potential cases identified by my Office, particularly in relation to members of the Nigerian security forces. I have pledged in this regard to provide Nigerian judicial authorities with the necessary technical assistance and knowledge transfer within the available means of my Office. As I have repeatedly stated, the meaningful realisation of the vision set out in the Statute can only be achieved by deepening cooperation and by finding common ground wherever possible, even in difficult circumstances. I will therefore continue to look for ways and means to engage in dialogue to promote complementarity, whether at the current threshold where we stand or in the context of an opened situation.
We have furthermore agreed with Nigerian authorities on the next immediate steps to inform any future decision I will be making on the situation. I have proposed clear timelines in this respect and welcome Nigeriaâs commitment to conclude a formal agreement with my Office on these issues in the near future.
I trust that this visit opens a new chapter of enhanced collaboration and cooperation between Nigeria and my Office that will serve the interests of the victims of alleged crimes committed in Nigeria and beyond. After over a decade of communications and exchanges between my Office and Nigerian authorities we need to now move with urgency to deliver on our joint commitments to justice and translate these into concrete actions.
IHE Delft Interview with Mr. Al-Hamdani, Alumnus & Water Resources Minister of Iraq.
Iraq needs to develop capacity so that it can handle water-related challenges arising from climate change and the absence of agreements with upstream countries, Iraqi Water Resource Minister Mahdi Rashid Al-Hamdani said during a visit this week to IHE Delft â his alma mater.
The visit by Minister Al-Hamdani and a delegation from the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) focused an ongoing capacity development project and explored opportunities to further strengthen collaboration between MoWR and IHE Delft as well as other institutions in the Dutch water sector.
âIraq is an arid country, located downstream from two main rivers – Tigris and Euphrates. This means that more than 80% of our water comes from upper-basin countries like Turkey, Syria and Iran. However, currently there is no international agreement to manage and share water, between these riparian countries,â the minister said at a livestreamed seminar at IHE Delft.
Droughts resulting from climate change has worsened the situation, he said, noting that the country needs capacity to ensure equitable water access for all parts of Iraq, including those south of Baghdad.
Collaboration Needed
IHE Delft, the MoWR and other partners are working together to enhance the capacity of the water sector in Iraq through tailor-made trainings and research initiatives. The project, initiated in 2019, is funded by the Dutch Foreign Ministry under IHE Delftâs Water and Development Partnership programme.
IHE Delft Rector Eddy Moors said Iraqâs situation underlined the need for different sectors to collaborate: the water needs of the countryâs agriculture sector, which is working hard to improve food security, must be balanced with needs to reduce water use. âI admire the ambition of Iraq to improve water use efficiency by more than 30 percent in the coming decade,â he added
Since graduating from IHE Delft in 2007 with an MSc in Water Management, Minister Al-Hamdani has fostered close collaboration with the Institute.âSince Iâm an IHE alumni, I have a good understanding of what IHE can do for our country. The cooperation with IHE is central to our efforts,â he said. Currently, 18 IHE Delft alumni work at MoWR.
In Slovenia, the year of 2022 has been dubbed âsuper election yearâ because parliamentary, local and presidential elections will be held in it.Â
Ninth parliamentary elections since the declaration of independence of the Republic of Slovenia will he held on 24 April 2022. The elections will be organized according to the proportional electoral system in eight constituencies, comprising of 11 election districts. The total number of eligible votes if 1,699,433.
Each constituency is assigned 11 representative mandates (one per district), which will subsequently be divided at the level of the constituency and the state level among political parties proportionally to the share of votes won. In addition to 88 representatives, separate elections are organized for two representatives of ethnic communities (Italian and Hungarian), which will be elected according to the majority system in two separate electoral units (so called ethnic community electoral units). Hence, members of ethnic communities will vote two times at the elections for the Slovenian parliament, which amounts to positive discrimination. The election threshold is 4%.
All political parties whose lists get supported with signatures of three representatives or 100 voters at the state level and 50 at the constituency level, can run at the elections. The requirement for nonpartisan election lists is 1000 signatures of voters in each of the 8 constituencies.
The following political parties, coalitions and lists will participate in the parliamentary elections: â DeSUS â Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia /DemokratiÄna stranka upokojencev Slovenije/ â Homeland League /Domovinska liga â Dom/ â Resni.ca Movement /Gibanje Resni.ca/ â Freedom Movement /Gibanje svoboda/ â The Left /Levica/ â Boris PopoviÄ’s List â /Digitalizirajmo Slovenijo/ â Marjan Å arec’s List â LMÅ /Lista Marjana Å arca/ â Dr. Aleksandra Pivec’s Party – Our Country /NaÅ¡a deÅŸela/ â Our Future and Good State /NaÅ¡a prihodnost in Dobra drÅŸava/ â Nonpartisan People’s List Movement for a Sound Society / Nestrankarska ljudska lista Gibanja zdrava druÅŸba/ â New Slovenia- Christian Democrats /Nova Slovenija – krÅ¡Äanski demokrati/ â Pirate Party of Slovenia /Piratska stranka Slovenije/ â Let’s Unite Slovenia /PoveÅŸimo Slovenijo/ (Concretely /Konkretno/, Green /Zeleni/, SLS, NLS, NS) â Slovenian Democratic Party / Slovenska demokratska stranka (SDS)/ â Slovenian National Party /Slovenska nacionalna stranka (SNS)/ â Social Democrats â SD /Socialnidemokrati/ â Alenka BratuÅ¡ek’s Party â SAB /Stranka Alenke BratuÅ¡ek/â Vesna â Green Party /Zelena stranka/ â For People of Slovenia /Za ljudstvo Slovenije (ZLS)/ â Alliance âLets Liberate Slovenia /ZavezniÅ¡tvo osvobodimo Slovenijo â ZOS/United Slovenia Movement/Gibanje zedinjena Slovenija (ZSI)/ and Party of Slovenian People /Stranka slovenskega naroda (SSN)/.
Complicated situation on Slovenian political scene
After the 2018 parliamentary elections, a minority government headed by Marjan Šarec (LMŠ) was established. Šarec made a strategic mistake when on 27 January 2020 he stepped down from the position of the president of the government. He calculated that his resignation could lead to early parliamentary elections, after which he would once again come to the position of the president of the government. Such a reckless move enabled Janez Janša (SDS) to come to power and form a right-center government, together with the Modern Centre Party /Stranka modernega centra/ (now Concretely /Konkretno/), New Slovenia /Nova Slovenija/ (NSi) and Party of Pensioners /Stranka upokojencev DeSUS/.
At the very beginning of the mandate, JanÅ¡a’s government faced the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and attributed its unreadiness to cope with the pandemic the government to Å arec’s government. Slovenia undertook rigorous measures in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. However, majority of the measures proved to be excessive, some even unnecessary, while many were illegal and unconstitutional. Furthermore, questionable and dubious spending, that is misuse of public money was also recorded during the pandemic.
Despite the promises made that the government would unify the citizens and the announcements that the coalition parties will act as a corrective to the government headed by Janez JanÅ¡a and his Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), the practice was completely different. Janez JanÅ¡a is regarded as an ally and satellite of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (Fidesz), who is Putin’s key satellite in the European Union and NATO. This connection quickly became evident on the Slovenian political scene, particularly through the actions undertaken by JanÅ¡a’s government and creation of an atmosphere in the society that had earlier also been typical of JanÅ¡a’s rule. Analysts believe that this needs to be understood in the context of the fact that Budapest had become a center of âThe Internationale of Crimeâ, while key actors in these financial (Russian) transactions have been identified as âPutiniansâ.
A step further was made. A period of divisions and radicalization of the Slovenian society, establishment of Orban’s model of rule and introduction of some different and alleged European values into the Slovenian social space begun. The suitable and obedient, but inexperienced, got appointed to positions. Pressure was put on the judiciary, while appointment of EU-delegated prosecutors was avoided. Pressuring and subordination of the media also became evident (most prominent cases include the RTV Slovenia broadcaster and the Slovenian News Agency – STA), as well sa untransparent use of budget funds and creation of a new social elite on the basis of personal criteria and preference of Janez JanÅ¡a. In fact, JanÅ¡a introduced in Slovenia an autocratic, chancellor-model of government in which all decisions are made by one single person â Janez JanÅ¡a. The abuse of the repressive police apparatus and security-intelligence services, which keeps surveillance on opposition politicians, reporters and civil society, has also become evident. On many occasions Slovenian and foreign organizations dealing with human rights and status of democracy warned about the developments in the Slovenian society. Drops in ratings of Slovenia were also recorded in a number of areas. At the same time, during the rule of Janez JanÅ¡a, the speaker of the parliament, who is a member of an opposition party, served a major part of his mandate. This indicates that there is no clear parliamentary majority.
Slovenia between Brussels and Budapest
The close connection between the current Janez JanÅ¡a’s government and the Visegrad group of states (Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia), particularly Hungary and its Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is of no surprise. The credit for this connection can be attributed to the former Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski (VMRO-DPMNE), to whom Viktor Orban has been providing refuge in Hungary for several years already, despite the international arrest warrant. What is typical for the Visegrad Group is that all member states are net receivers of European funds and, generally, as a rule, oppose the official Brussels on important issues, where it is necessary to demonstrate unity within the EU and adopt decisions on the future of the EU. The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party, who had already left the largest political group in the European Parliament, the European People’s Party (EPP), are the most prominent actors in such activities.
Viktor Orban is known as the main man of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the EU and NATO-u. Early last year, the so-called ânon-papersâ attributable to the Slovenian Prime Minister Janez JanÅ¡a were leaked to the public, which further deteriorated the very tense situation in the Western Balkans. The existence of the ânon-paperâ was confirmed also by the President of the European Council Charles Michel. Subsequent developments and tensions in the Western Balkans were in line with the contents of the respective ânon-papers.â It is also worth noting that Slovenia, together with Hungary and Croatia, blocked the decision on EU sanctions to Milorad Dodik (SNSD), Member of the BiH Presidency, who is also known as Putin’s satellite in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hence, it is obvious that Putin had launched his satellites into the orbit of European and Balkan politics.
All the activities clearly show that the Slovenian foreign policy has directly or indirectly been in the function of Putin’s policy within the EU and on the West Balkans, which is aimed at destruction of the unity within the EU and destabilization. Hence, it has been successful in completing the task so far. Therefore, the recent âexcursionâ of the Slovenian Prime Minister Janez JanÅ¡a to Kyiv is regarded in international circles with caution and suspicions. As a result of such a policy, Slovenia has lost the position it had enjoyed in the West Balkans, and due to the close connections with Victor Orban, as Putinâs satellite, international circles regard Slovenia with major reservations and utmost caution. In this context, it is important to understand that JanÅ¡a’s engagement in Ukraine and the attempt to include Ukraine in the Slovenian election campaign is an experiment of improvision and unseriousness. It is crystal clear that a country of the size and stature in international relations, such as Slovenia, currently cannot resolve the burning global problem â as is the Russian invasion on Ukraine. Furthermore, several years ago Slovenian Prime Minister Janez JanÅ¡a âslippedâ and insulted the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as US President Joseph Biden.
JanÅ¡a’s adventurism in foreign policy reflected also on his relations with China because of his solo stances on Taiwan, which triggered strong response by the Chinese authorities. Nevertheless, in such circumstances JanÅ¡a nominated Slovenia for the position of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2024-2025 period, which is an act of foreign-policy amateurism. One should also not neglect the fact that in the past Slovenia had already unsuccessfully applied for the position of a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2012-2013 period.
A state that is a full-fledged member of the EU and NATO, as well as aspires to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council should pursue a more appropriate foreign policy engagement.
Analysts believe that at the upcoming parliamentary elections the citizens of the Republic of Slovenia will decide on the future of their country. Specifically, will the future of their country be directed towards the very core of the EU and cooperation within EU institutions or towards Budapest and Victor Orban.
Change of mindset of Slovenians
The revision of Slovenian history by the current Slovenian government is aimed to present the defeated forces from World War II as the winners. This is a twisted act. Awakening of the defeated fascist ideologies has become a constant of the current government and it triggers strong reactions at social and political level. Slovenians as a nation are profound antifascists and very sensitive when it comes to falsification of history.Â
Features of the autocratization process[2] are also apparent through the intensive attacks on the civil society, attacks on the reporters and censorship in the media. According to the report on the status of democracy by the University in Gothenborg, the states[3] with increased media censorship by the government are Mauritius, Poland and Slovenia. The countries that are most rapidly plunging into autocracy include Afghanistan, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Myanmar and Slovenia. According to the global Human Freedom Index, Slovenia has dropped to the 36th position, which indicates a descending trend. Furthermore, according to Gallup, Slovenia is among the top ten countries when it comes to anti-American sentiments.
Analysts believe that just as he himself had announced, Slovenian Prime Minister Janez JanÅ¡a needs five years for the experiment of âliberationâ of Slovenia. In this context, he naturally plans to change the mindset of Slovenians as a profoundly antifascist nation into something diametrically opposite. Slovenians need a vision for the future, not falsification of history.
Slovenian mistrust in established political parties
In Slovenia, in the fourth election cycle the voters showed mistrust in established political parties. This is a consequence of their actions so far, because they did not offer innovative political programs, new faces and a more certain future to the citizens. It needs to be emphasized that while in 2004, when it became an EU member, Slovenia was the leading country in the group of 10 newly integrated countries by all indicators, it is now in the middle of the rankings. As a politician and president of a political party, Janez JanÅ¡a is the only one in the EU with an almost 30-year mandate, which is a novum in democratic societies. This is an indicator of incapacitated democracy and leads to autocracy.Â
Analysts believe that Slovenia is faced with a serious crisis of political elites, which commenced with the departure of prime minister and president of many years, Janez Drnovšek, from the political scene. As a result of such a situation, in each election cycle the voters seek new trustworthy individuals. At the current elections, they see Robert Golob as such an individual and his recently established Freedom Movement is the favorite in the parliamentary elections.
Slovenia to face political changes
The data presented by the Chair of the Commission for Prevention of Corruption (KPK)Â Robert Å umi[4] , according to which Slovenia is at major loss because of corruption and loses up to 3.5 billion Euros per year (which practically is the entire budget of the Republic of North Macedonia) offers an illustration of the situation in Slovenia.Â
Public opinion polls indicate that the Freedom Movement has a lead, and is followed by the Slovenian Democratic Party. Namely, the parliamentary elections will factually be a contest between two main political contestants. Specifically, Golob’s Freedom Movement and JanÅ¡a’s SDS, which diminishes the chances of smaller parties to pass the election threshold.
Analysts believe that Slovenia needs competent politicians with democratic capacity to achieve the much needed social consensus on the future. Slovenia needs a higher level of political culture, as in the current mandate of JanÅ¡a’s government it had reached the lowest level since it gained independence. After the elections, Slovenia will need a âconclaveâ of key actors of the Slovenian state and society to decide on how is Slovenia to stop its further regression and ensure its future. The announced political changes in Slovenia also open the possibility of repetition of âTrump’s syndromeâ in the transfer of authority. It is possible that the current government will not recognize the results of the elections and bring into question the legality and legitimacy of the election process and in such a way try to justify the defeat at the elections to its voters. Parliamentary elections will also have a direct impact on the local and presidential elections scheduled to take place in the second half of 2022.
Published by IFIMES – The International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) from Ljubljana, Slovenia, regularly analyzes developments in the Middle East, the Balkans and around the world. In the eve of the regular parliamentary elections, scheduled to take on 24 April 2022 in the Republic of Slovenia, IFIMES made an analysis of the pre-election situation in the country. Â Â Â Â Â
