On the eve of the 25th Anniversary of State Independence of Uzbekistan, UzA correspondent talked to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Uzbekistan Christopher Allan.

The United Kingdom is one of the major trade partners of Uzbekistan in Europe. The agreements signed between our countries on avoidance of double taxation, prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital, mutual stimulation and protection of investments, cooperation in the spheres of economy, education, science and culture, air transport, and tourism are an important legal basis for development of the bilateral relations. Mutual understanding and constructive approach constitutes the basis of Uzbek-British dialogue, which provides for gradual intensification of ties in various areas.

On the eve of the 25th Anniversary of State Independence of Uzbekistan, UzA correspondent talked to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Uzbekistan Christopher Allan.

– Dear Mr. Ambassador, our interview is being held on the eve of the Independence Day. In this regard, how do you assess the results of the reforms implemented in the days of Independence in different spheres, particularly in economic sphere?

– The economy of Uzbekistan has huge investment potential and we can see that the country welcomes investment projects. A number of sectors, such as automobiles, agricultural machinery, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals have developed significantly over the years since independence. In the past year we have seen Uzbekistan moving up from 105 in 2015 to 87 in 2016 on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking. That improvement was made possible through reforms aimed at reducing the number of barriers to starting new businesses, registering property, getting credit and so on. It is really important that the government continues these reforms to improve the business environment further. A range of initiatives implemented during the years of independence such as the establishment of a free industrial economic zone in Navoi, special industrial zones in Angren and Jizzakh, and a focus on diversification and modernization, also help contribute to a sustainable future economy. The development of corporate governance and introduction of an online one-stop shop for new businesses, as well as the privatisation programme launched last year, are all playing an important role.

– Since the first day of Independence, Uzbekistan is paying close attention to the development of cooperation with the UK. What do you think are the priority directions that the two countries should develop?

– The UK is pleased to have been a partner of Uzbekistan since its independence, and we hope we have helped to contribute to some of its achievements. Our relations today cover many areas, including the political, commercial, security, educational and cultural spheres. On security issues, we are strengthening our dialogue - deepening our analytical exchanges on Afghanistan and co-operation on a range of shared regional concerns. We are also working together to tackle organised crime such as drugs and people-trafficking. We have regular exchanges with Uzbekistan’s Parliament, its Central Election Committee and its National Human Rights Centre, supporting governance reform and universal values. And we continue to strengthen cooperation with Uzbekistan on trade, economic and investment relations, in particular through the Uzbek-British Trade and Industry Council.

– The year of 2016 was marked as the “Year of healthy mother and child” by the President Islam Karimov. We would like to know your opinion on the work that is being implemented in Uzbekistan under this initiative and in this direction?

– Since gaining independence, Uzbekistan has achieved the United Nations Millennium Development Goals on reducing child mortality and improving maternal health. And still Uzbekistan continues to develop the healthcare system. It is important to note that the programme for the year highlights not only the need for medical support, but also pays important attention to increasing sporting activities among young women and girls and includes activities to increase women’s participation in society, professional training and their return to work after childbirth, should they wish to do so. Women’s economic empowerment can make a major contribution to societies and economies, and I am sure that Uzbekistan is right to prioritise further progress in this area.

– What could you say about the intellectual capacity of the youth in Uzbekistan and their achievements in different spheres?

– Living in Tashkent, it is impossible not to be struck by Uzbekistan’s great potential for the future. Its young people are well-educated, full of ideas and globally aware and the spirit of entrepreneurship is here in abundance. With 70% of Uzbekistan’s population below the age of 30, Uzbekistan’s youth are an incredible asset to the country. This year there were the highest number ever of applications to Uzbekistan’s universities, demonstrating the importance that the country’s youth attach to education. Every year more students speak English to a good standard and I am stuck by the high quality of applications we have for university courses in the UK through our Chevening Scholarship programme. All of this is testament to the quality and international aspirations of an emerging generation of talented Uzbeks.

– Your holiday greetings to the people of Uzbekistan.

– I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to the people of Uzbekistan on the 25th Anniversary of its independence, and for all that you have achieved. There is so much to be proud of in the relationship between our countries and, I hope, so much more to look forward to over the next 25 years.