Uzbekistan embarks on a transformative journey to enhance local state authorities and decentralize state administration with the launch of the project, "Development of Local State Authorities and Decentralization of State Administration," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan reported.
The initiative, announced on December 14, unfolded during a collaborative event organized by the Ministry of Justice and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This project, with a total cost of $15.2 mn, is a joint effort between the Ministry of Justice, the Academy of Public Administration, the Public Service Development Agency, and the United States International Development Agency (Chemonics International).
The primary objectives of the project encompass refining the operations of executive authorities, establishing transparent criteria for the efficient use of human and material resources, fostering close collaboration between representative and executive bodies, implementing a decision-making system rooted in transparency, and dismantling excessive centralization in public administration.
As part of the ongoing administrative reforms in Uzbekistan, recent changes have seen a significant reduction in the number of executive bodies answerable to the government – from 61 to 28, including the downsizing of ministries to 21 and the complete abolition of 20 offices. This streamlined approach aims to cultivate a more compact executive power, fostering a professional state management system that aligns with the needs of the population and emphasizes high performance.
The newly launched project aligns seamlessly with these reforms, contributing towards the overarching goals of optimizing administrative processes. Notable aspects of the project include addressing the transition challenges, eliminating redundant tasks and functions, enhancing collaboration between state bodies and civil society institutions, and promoting accountability and public oversight.
During the launch event, a memorandum of understanding was formalized between the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan and the U.S. Agency for International Development. This document underscores the importance of refining the normative legal framework to bolster the effectiveness of local state power activities, encouraging citizen participation, and strengthening the capacity of local state power bodies.
Uzbekistan's commitment to modernizing its administrative framework, evidenced by both its recent reforms and the initiation of this project, signifies a proactive approach to governance, ensuring that state structures are agile, accountable, and responsive to the needs of its citizens. The collaboration with international partners, especially USAID, underscores the global significance of fostering effective, transparent, and decentralized governance structures.
USAID and Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, with a population exceeding 45% of Central Asia's total, stands at the core of regional development. The concerted efforts of USAID in collaboration with the Uzbek government address pivotal areas for the nation's progress. Initiatives promoting agricultural development, increased trade, and enhanced private sector competitiveness aim not only to create jobs but also to dissuade citizens from seeking employment abroad, thereby reducing the risk of human trafficking.
A critical priority is tackling tuberculosis, with nearly one in seven cases being multidrug-resistant. USAID's multifaceted approach extends beyond health concerns, encompassing governance improvement, justice sector reforms, civil society strengthening, educational enhancements, and the expansion and refinement of English language instruction.
Traditionally reliant on cotton and wheat, Uzbekistan's agricultural sector is undergoing transformation with USAID partnering with the government and private sector in ventures related to horticulture, viniculture, agro-processing, packaging, and quality certification. Facilitating trade, USAID aids traders in finding new markets for their products, fostering economic diversification.
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