President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting of the National Anti-Corruption Council on March 5, where the work done to create a corruption-free environment in Uzbekistan was assessed, and future tasks were set. The meeting underscored the crucial role of combating corruption in enabling reforms and strengthening the country’s economy.
In his address, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that corruption remains the largest barrier to successful reforms. He highlighted the comprehensive legal and institutional frameworks established in recent years, including the creation of the National Anti-Corruption Council and the Agency, as well as responsible committees in the chambers of parliament. An open system for public discussion on corruption, with increased media involvement, has been established.
The president pointed out several notable achievements in the fight against corruption. One of the major reforms has been the introduction of auction-based land allocation and the “Transparent Construction” program, which have increased efficiency and reduced corruption. Additionally, the digitization of public procurement, which saved UZS 14 trillion ($1bn) in 2024, has helped further streamline the economy.
Mirziyoyev highlighted how technology is improving service delivery to citizens. For instance, all banks now issue consumer loans of up to UZS 100mn ($7,800) online within five minutes, and the education system has seen major digital reforms. These steps are not only reducing bureaucracy but also encouraging entrepreneurship, with nearly 200,000 new entrepreneurs entering the market as a result of a reduction in the number of required documents and permits.
A key initiative to enhance service delivery to the public was also highlighted. The cancellation of over 120 types of documents and 160 licenses has encouraged around 200,000 new entrepreneurs to enter the market. As a result, the number of enterprises with foreign participation has increased nearly fivefold, and electronic government services have grown significantly.
The president also acknowledged the increased confidence of the population, entrepreneurs, and international partners, evidenced by the $120bn invested over the last seven years, which has helped the economy more than double in size, reaching $115bn in 2024.
However, the head of the state stressed that the fight against corruption is a continuous effort, with law enforcement agencies primarily focused on punishment, rather than preventing corruption at its roots. To address this, the working methods of the Anti-Corruption Agency will be adjusted, with a pilot project transferring compliance control of five key ministries to the agency. Additionally, efforts will focus on tackling domestic corruption, particularly at the district and neighborhood levels, where 75% of corruption crimes occur.
In order to strengthen the fight against corruption, the composition of regional anti-corruption councils will be renewed, and new procedures will be introduced to ensure transparency in public procurement and the acquisition of public assets. The creation of an Expert Commission and an electronic platform to track market prices in public procurement aims to limit corruption in this sector.
Mirziyoyev called for a united effort in the fight against corruption, encouraging a broad coalition of society—from community leaders and intellectuals to government officials—to work together to tackle this pervasive issue.
“If we all act as a single force, we will certainly achieve great positive results. Therefore, community activists, enlightened people, intellectuals, writers and poets, art and culture workers, entrepreneurs, celebrities, leaders, deputies and senators - in general, the entire community should unite and view corruption as a "cancer in the body of society,” head of the state voiced.
As part of the ongoing reforms, 55 specific initiatives were outlined, with the development of new laws and decrees to strengthen the anti-corruption framework. A system will also be put in place to allow citizens to evaluate public services, with measures introduced to address poor performance by government officials.
These measures aim to further improve Uzbekistan’s standing in international rankings, setting the stage for the country to host the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) conference in 2027.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)