Editor’s Note: The following Q & A interview with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was done by Salim Doniyorov, editor-in-chief of “Yangi Uzbekistan” newspaper Salim Doniyorov, ahead of Uzbekistan’s 30th-anniversary celebration of national independence on Aug. 31, 2021. It was edited for style and length. Mirzioyev became president following the 2016 death of Islam Karimov, who governed the Central Asian nation of 35 million people from late Soviet times until his death.
Q: Mr. President, in the past five years, democratic transformations have been taking place in our country. The “New Uzbekistan” concept is becoming a reality. What do you see as the essence of these reforms?
Shavkat Mirziyoyev: It should be noted first and foremost that any nation, any people with the great goal of building a free and just life of a just society in its country, is going through a difficult, thorny and complex path of development. The Uzbek people, always looking at the future with great hope and confidence, living and patiently overcoming all challenges, on Aug. 31, 1991, realized their sacred dream – our dear motherland gained independence. Undoubtedly, during the years of independence, our country has made historical efforts to build a new state and society, as well as high milestones have been reached thanks to the resolute will and enormous potential of our courageous and noble people. In a historically short period of time, our main law, the Constitution, was drafted and adopted. Our country as a sovereign state has taken a worthy place in the world community. The foundations of modern statehood have been laid and the constitutional system of Uzbekistan has been established. Three independent branches of government – legislative, executive, and judicial – were created. A truly constitutional state has been built.
The Armed Forces that are able to reliably protect the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the inviolability of our borders, the peaceful life of our people, and our national interests have been organized. The national currency – the Uzbek Soum — has been introduced. The gold and foreign exchange reserves were formed. Our ancient history, rich cultural heritage, national and religious values, and our identity have been restored.
‘Abandoning the totalitarian regime’
Our path has not been without some mistakes and shortcomings. The processes themselves, aimed at abandoning the totalitarian regime and building a democratic society, at that difficult and alarming time sharply posed various problems and tasks for us. There were cases when our knowledge and experience, will and firmness have been sufficient and sometimes not sufficient to meet these challenges successfully. Therefore, the revival of our country’s development to a new, higher level, the implementation of the new reforms for this purpose has become an objective necessity, a major strategic task.
By the way, the word “new” has a special meaning for us. Let us remember, for instance, that one of our most ancient holidays is called Navruz – the New Day. The values and traditions associated with this ancient holiday are so rooted in our lives that for centuries our people have lived with fervent hope and dream that, as the great poet and thinker Alisher Navoi said: “Our every day was like Navruz.”
Yet, we are well aware that at the beginning of the last century, our ancestors with the ideas of patriotism and national progress, boldly entered the arena of struggle under the flag of Jadidism – the movement for renewal and freedom, justice and equality, science and enlightenment, as well as national identity. The goal of these great people was to lead the people of Turkestan, who were trapped in a pool of ignorance and backwardness, on the path of universal development, equipping them with secular science and advanced professions.
The new type of schools, theaters, libraries and museums, newspapers and magazines founded by the Jadids, as well as the charitable societies for sending Turkestan children to study abroad, awakened our people from age-old ignorance and gave them unprecedented strength for the national liberation movement.
‘Bolshevik dictatorship’ thwarted progress
Unfortunately, the establishment of the Bolshevik dictatorship in our country, the continuation of the tsarist colonial policy in the new formation did not allow our enlightened ancestors to fully realize their goals. However, their noble aspirations have been preserved in the blood and historical memory of our people and they are still alive.
Therefore, it would not be a mistake to say that the idea of “New Uzbekistan,” which has taken a deep place in the hearts of our people and today becomes a national movement, is based on the dreams and aspirations of our great ancestors, through whose efforts the first and then, the second era of renaissance began in our national history.
As it is well-known that the territory of modern Uzbekistan in ancient times was the cradle of two great renaissance epochs – the first (enlightenment – 9th through 12th centuries) and the second (Timurid – 14th-15th centuries) renaissance. This is a historical fact, which was proven and recognized by the world of science.
Currently, another important process of revival is taking place in our country. Therefore, the words “New Uzbekistan” and “Third Renaissance” harmoniously resonate with our lives and inspire our people to great goals.
Today, Uzbekistan is becoming a country of democratic transformations, big opportunities, and practical deeds.
The New Uzbekistan is a state developing in strict compliance with the universally recognized norms in the field of democracy, human rights, and freedoms, on the basis of the principles of friendship and cooperation with the international community, the ultimate aim of which is to create a free, comfortable and prosperous life for our people.
It is noteworthy that today such fundamental democratic concepts and phenomena as human rights and freedoms, rule of law, openness and transparency, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and belief, public control, gender equality, inviolability of private property, and freedom of economic activity are becoming an integral part of our life.
Q: In the process, the priority is given to the implementation of an important constitutional principle, according to which “it is not the people who serve the state bodies, but the state bodies must serve the people.” Why?
Shavkat Mirziyoyev: For many years, I have served in the positions of responsibility at all levels of government, from the lowest to the highest levels. I was also a deputy of the Oliy Majlis (the national parliament). Therefore, I can say with complete confidence that I, more than anyone else, know from the inside all the shortcomings and flaws of the old government system and problems that concern the population, even, how things are at the grassroots level. The wise words “justice is the basis of the state and the motto of the rulers,” inscribed on the portal of the residence of our great ancestor Amir Temur (1336-1405) – the Oqsaroy Palace in Shakhrisabz, carry a very deep meaning.
As you know, our ancestors from time immemorial instructed the younger generation: “Do not do evil. Build a temple of justice and fairness in your heart and soul of the people.” We have followed these simple and vital requirements in reforming the judicial and legal system. In particular, we put forward and began to implement the idea that there should be only one goal in the mind of a judge – justice, in the mouth – truth, in the soul – purity.
‘Democratic reforms have become irreversible’
It should be noted that for a long time, the state and the authorities were cut off from the life of the people.
From a political and legal point of view, the state is defined as “the body that expresses the will of the people.” Who does form the state? The people and their plenipotentiaries. So to who, then, should serve the state and its bodies in the first place? Certainly, to the people, citizens who voted for the officials and expressed confidence in them. Only state power based on such principles is truly a people’s democratic authority. The political and legal, social and economic, spiritual and educational roots of such a state and society will be strong and powerful. Therefore, we have set the main goal of all our reforms as to alleviate the concerns of our people, timely and effectively tackle their problems, as well as improve their living and quality standards.
I believe it is not difficult to understand that this was the aspiration that served as the basis for declaring 2017 in our country as the year of dialogue with the people and human interests, which was the year when I began my activity as the head of the state.
Certainly, it is too early to say that we have completely changed the old system and achieved our goal. We are just taking the first steps on this path. However, those who say that these changes are just a temporary campaign that will pass and be forgotten are mistaken. This is one of the priorities of the long-term, pragmatic, people-focused policy pursued by the president and his team. And together with our people, we will definitely accomplish it and we will never draw back. Actually, the fact that our democratic reforms have become irreversible is the most important result we have achieved today.
The openness and transparency in the activities of the state bodies in our country are expanding. The senators and deputies, ministers and khokims (governors and mayors), officials of all levels are meeting face-to-face with citizens and seriously engaged in solving their problems not just on paper but in practice. That is, the bodies of state power have opened up to the people, to every citizen and are actively engaged in a dialogue with them.
‘Freely admitted the existence of problems’
We have freely admitted the existence of problems in our lives with forced labor, especially among children, unemployment, poverty, corruption, housing, education and health, and we are addressing them along with our general public.
Today, people have a growing belief in justice and truth. They impartially assess the work of the leaders and officials at various levels, openly criticize their shortcomings. This is very important for our development. Since, like our famous poet Erkin Vakhidov, said: “A bitter truth is better than a sweet lie.”
Today, the people are awakening. Society is awakening. Without a doubt, a society, in which the sense of civil liability is ever awake, is a powerful force.
‘We still have a long and thorny way to go’
Tell me, was it possible to imagine such results a few years ago? Certainly, not. Therefore, there is every reason to say that today’s Uzbekistan is not Uzbekistan from the past and our people are no longer the same as they were in the past.
Along with this, we must not forget another truth: today’s Uzbekistan is not the Uzbekistan that we dream about. We still have a long and thorny way to go. Before, our path was not easy, and after it will not be easy, as well. However, we should not be afraid to move forward boldly, to make unconventional unexpected decisions if it is necessary, the end result of which is effective and goes in the interests of our people.
Recently we have made very important decisions on many issues, including such obsolete procedures as registration, sticker for traveling abroad, forced labor, public orders for cotton and grain.
Simply said, this did not make the sky to fall to the ground. On the contrary, the bureaucracy, abuse of official position, extortion, the life of our society has become freer, people are breathing easier. Both our people and the international community have appreciated our steps
New economic vision
The New Uzbekistan is, primarily, the new economic relations, the new economic vision. The economic system of our country is being completely restructured and if it is even difficult, we have begun to put into practice the market mechanisms.
Today, such problems as the cashing in of money from debit cards through the ATMs, various rates of the national currency on the black market and in banks, buying foreign currency, acquisition of citizenship, acquisition, and registration of housing and property in any region of Uzbekistan are things of the past.
The reforms have a positive effect on the interests of all segments of the population: the entrepreneurs are gaining freedom and new opportunities to develop their businesses, peasants, and farming enterprises, the clusters are becoming the owners of the crops they have been growing. Although under the previous Soviet regime, we had no right to take a step without an order from “above.” It got to the point that we planted cotton on the roofs of our houses, but our welfare did not improve at all. The schoolchildren were herded into cotton fields. As our beloved poet, Abdulla Aripov once wrote with a deep pain and regret: “The Uzbeks were scattered over millions of furrows.” For a hundred years we bent over to pick cotton.
No one is forced to pick cotton anymore
Until recently, about 6-7 million people were forced to participate in the cotton harvest every year. It has been three years since they have stopped doing it. No matter how difficult it may be, we have introduced the proven and effective market economy methods in this area, including the cluster system. With the help of clusters, we strive to receive from each hectare, 50 centners of cotton and 100 centners of grain, and we will definitely achieve these goals.
Unfortunately, the acute problems that needed an urgent solution have been accumulated in other areas, as well. We could imagine that this is the order of things, i.e. not to notice and ignore the problems. However, this would be a betrayal, both in relation to ourselves and in relation to our people, to the future.
I want to state explicitly: by nature, I am a person who absolutely does not tolerate falsehood. Our people have laid a trust in me and to justify this high trust, to create decent living conditions for the people are the meaning and purpose of my life. Since I have taken responsibility for the destiny of millions of people, I cannot go the other way and leave everything as it was before.
I repeat once again: we must complete the work before us by ourselves, with our strength, for no one will come from outside and solve any problem for us.
Q: What are the highest priority tasks we face at the current stage of development of our country?
First: Social policy
Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Social policy is one of the most important priorities of the state policy in our country and will remain so in the future. Today, the most important areas of our economic strategy are a comprehensive increase in the well-being and living standards of people, which demands the creation of new jobs, sources of income, poverty reduction, and the development of our villages and cities. Our noble values – the support for the elderly, disabled people, people in challenging situations, giving them attention and care – today have a new substance, practical actions. In 2021, the construction, repair and improvement work for 20.8 trillion ($195 million) Uzbek soums will be carried out in 7, 794 villages and makhallas (the local neighborhood community area) of all cities and regions. It should be noted that such funds have never been allocated for the improvement of villages and makhallas, and most importantly, their development has not been given serious attention in the history of our country.
Certainly, there are still some shortcomings and weaknesses in the social protection system. We will gradually eliminate them, improve this system until it reaches a satisfactory level in all respects. When implementing the systematic measures aimed at direct and targeted material support of low-income citizens, the main emphasis is placed not on subsidizing the poor, but on creating the necessary conditions and opportunities for them to earn income.
Second: Economic competitiveness
The second priority task: the identification of growth points in the field of economic development and giving them special attention, thereby increasing the competitiveness of the economy of New Uzbekistan is of high importance.
For example, the textile industry, which is very important to us. Our enterprises will be able to compete with manufacturers from leading countries only if they fully master all technological processes from cotton cultivation to its extensive processing, to the production of the final product, and dramatically increase exports and profits.
In order for the rich raw materials and mineral resources of our motherland to work for the benefit of our people, highly efficient production facilities based on modern technologies are being created. Owing to our efforts, in recent years, such large and unique facilities as the Kandym Gas Processing Complex, the Tashkent Metallurgical Plant have been launched, and along with these, the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Plant and the Uzbek Metallurgical Plant have been expanded. As a continuation of this work, as you know, in cooperation with leading foreign companies, the construction work of a new copper-enrichment factory at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgy Plant for $2 billion has begun.
In the process of privatization, which is of particular importance in the modernization and diversification of our economy, not only do we give a priority to the sale of state-owned enterprises, but also apply completely new approaches that serve to increase their competitiveness and strengthen our national economic interests. It is of paramount importance to create the guarantees to ensure transparency and efficiency of the sale of state assets, as well as broad public participation in this process.
Third: Public health & government support
The third priority task: under current conditions of the global pandemic, we see our main goals as protecting public health and preventing entrepreneurship from being left alone with its problems. Since, there are jobs, family incomes, their current and future life in every business structure.
The number of small businesses and private entrepreneurship in the New Uzbekistan has more than doubled in recent years. More than 50% of these enterprises were established only in the last three years. Moreover, this serves as a solid foundation for strengthening an important social layer – the middle class in our country. Therefore, the support for business, protection of entrepreneurship and private property remain the main issue of all the economic reforms. Gone are the days when business was remembered only when it came to paying taxes and inspections. So, we have done a lot to optimize the tax legislation. However, there are still challenging tasks ahead, and we will definitely realize them. There are still cases when some local authorities interfere in the work of entrepreneurs, put pressure on them/ This must be admitted. We are working to finally eradicate such problems. If we do not support the entrepreneurs, create favorable conditions for them, increase the number of private enterprises, the local budgets of cities and districts will remain insolvent.
All of us should deeply realize that supporting entrepreneurship is the most effective way to improve the well-being of citizens, our people, and at the same time, it is the ultimate goal of building the New Uzbekistan.
I am confident that further liberalization of the life of our country, further promotion of openness and transparency, expansion of public control will play an important role in eliminating the existing shortcomings and deficiencies in this area.
Fourth: Food security
The fourth priority task: the pandemic has coincided with a period of fundamental changes in agriculture. It has made it clear that ensuring food security and developing the agricultural sector in accordance with the modern requirements is becoming the most topical task for all mankind, including us.
Our country has enormous potential, experience and traditions in the sphere of agriculture. However, there have been no market approaches and financial incentives, sufficient funds and scientific innovations have not been attracted for the development of the industry for a long time. As a result, the soil degraded and the fertility of the land declined.
Imagine that during the years of independence, that is, over the past 30 years, the population of Uzbekistan has increased by 15 million people. This is the population of one average country. Moreover, over time, as life changes, consumer demand and people’s demands grow. And certainly, the land and water resources do not get more. These resources are limited not only to us but throughout the world. Henceforth, we must build up our intellectual potential, knowledge, and experience, turn these factors into points of economic growth and a resource of development.
How can this be achieved? Certainly, through knowledge and experience, constant self-improvement, research, the desire for innovation, the introduction of high technologies and effective implementation of reforms.
Therefore, we have begun a comprehensive and systematic transformation of the agricultural sector. Our main goal is to make this industry to be one of the main drivers of the economy. For this purpose, the agriculture development strategy for 2020-2030 clearly defines the main objectives of the industry development. In particular, a plan is envisaged for the accelerated development of agriculture, the food sector, and villages in the coming decade.
The important steps are being taken to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the agricultural sector by organizing work on a completely new basis, creating thousands of new jobs in this area, and improving the standard of living in rural areas.
Fifth: Medicines and vaccines
The fifth priority is to protect the health and life of our people during the pandemic. For this, a reserve of 3 trillion Uzbek soums was formed in the state budget for 2021. With these funds, many measures are being taken in the field of medicine, including vaccination of the population from coronavirus.
Since April 1 this year, the vaccination of our population against coronavirus has started and is ongoing.
Sixth: Spiritual and educational work
The sixth priority task: we strive to strengthen the spiritual and educational work in the new conditions. This approach is a solid foundation for our current and future development. In this regard, the construction of the New Uzbekistan means an in-depth study of our recent and distant history, our unique cultural wealth, and, relying on this, continue our path of independent national development at a new stage.
Today, for an objective and unbiased study of our national history, there are the Cultural Values Research Center of Uzbekistan located abroad, the Center of the New History of Uzbekistan at the Academy of Sciences, and the «O’zbekiston tarixi» (‘The History of Uzbekistan’) TV Channel. With the aim of study and popularization of the religious and scientific-spiritual heritage of our great muhaddith ancestors (“the Hadith Scholars”), who made immense contributions to the development of Islamic civilization, the International Research Centers of Imam Bukhari in Samarkand and Imam Termiziy in Surkhandarya, as well as the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan in Tashkent and the Imam Maturidi International Research Center are operating.
The Center for Islamic Civilization, which is being constructed in Tashkent, will play an important role in an in-depth study and international promotion of the rich religious and spiritual heritage of our people, as well as educating the young generation in the spirit of national and universal values.
Q: In the course of building the New Uzbekistan, special attention is paid to foreign policy, the development of friendly cooperation with neighboring and other countries. What are the interconnectedness and harmony of domestic and foreign policies in this direction?
Shavkat Mirziyoyev: First of all, it should be noted that from the early days since our country has embarked upon the new era, we attach priority importance to the implementation of an open, pragmatic and constructive foreign policy, strengthening close friendly relations and cooperation with all progressive countries of the world, especially with neighboring states. Uzbekistan has been and remains committed to this strategic course and fully accomplishes its obligations to its partners and international organizations.
Over the past short time in historical terms, the political role and status of our country in the Central Asian region and in the international arena have increased significantly. The spirit of trust in Uzbekistan and the desire for cooperation with our country have increased in the world.
First, the problems accumulated over the years in our relations with neighboring countries have been resolved. The borders were opened. The broken bonds between the neighbors, brothers, a father and a son, relatives were restored. The people began traveling freely from one country to another. The visa issues have been resolved. The trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties are developing at an accelerated pace.
Our countries, since ancient times linked by the ties of friendship and fraternity, have started to closely cooperate on the regional and global issues, the socio-economic development. The term “the Central Asian spirit” has appeared in the world’s political science. The regular Consultative Meeting of the Heads of the Central Asian States, which took place on Aug. 5-6 this year in Turkmenistan, filled this process with new substance.
Another aspect is that Uzbekistan today, with its far-sighted policy, has become an active participant in the political processes in our region and in the world. Our cooperation with the United Nations, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Islamic Cooperation Organization and other international and regional organizations has risen to a new level.
Currently, the Foreign Policy Concept of the Republic of Uzbekistan is being improved. This important document pays special attention to strengthening the centuries-long ties of friendship and good-neighborliness, strategic partnership, and mutual trust. The multifaceted and mutually beneficial relations with the main foreign partners of Uzbekistan such as Russia, China, the United States of America, Turkey, Germany, France, Great Britain, South Korea, Japan, India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and other states are further expanding. Uzbekistan, as the closest neighbor of Afghanistan, is interested in the early establishment of peace and stability in this country.
Fight against corruption
In recent years, a sustained effort has been made to combat corruption – an illness which is hindered the country’s development in the era of the fundamental reforms. Let me give an example. In 2020, 1,723 officials of the different levels were brought to the criminal liability for the committed crimes. The damage amounted to 500 billion Uzbek soums. Moreover, for five months of 2021, criminal cases have been launched against 1,696 officials, the damage by whom amounted to 450 billion Uzbek soums. Certainly, the material damage will be recovered from the perpetrators. The policy of eradicating corruption from society will be resolutely continued in the future.
Q: When we speak about the achieved successes for over the last years in the sphere of ensuring the human rights and freedoms in our country, firstly, there is a point about the undertaken large-scale work in terms of creating the conditions for education, labor, protection of the health of women, realization by them of their talent and abilities, protection of motherhood and childhood, and the gender equality. What is the reason behind this?
Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Certainly, there is a very simple reason for it. Since, the development level and the culture of people, the country and the society, primarily, are defined by the attitude towards women. A sacred abode by the name of a family and our priceless wealth – the children are linked with a woman. If our women are happy, then society will be happy. In a country, where women in all of the spheres and branches enjoy the same rights as men, where they are respected and esteemed, there will be peace and tranquility, development and progress.
Q: What about the elder generation?
Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Big work is being carried out in our country to support the representatives of the elder generation, create necessary conditions to ensure a purposeful life for them. In particular, we have addressed the difficulties and problems related to the registration of pensions and allowances, their timely payment with using various social services.
Q: On the eve of the greatest and the dearest holiday – Independence Day, we publish in our newspaper the best wishes of our fellow citizens of the most diverse professions. As the president of the country, what would you wish our people in this sacred holiday for all of us?
Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Certainly, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of our country we sum up the outcomes of the development of all spheres and branches, as well as set the specific plans for the future. In particular, we will stick to our main goal of ensuring the rights and freedoms, as well as the lawful interests of each person in our country, achieving a more free and prosperous life to our people. The highest goal for me, in which there is my mission as the president of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to serve from the bottom of my heart and diligently for the sake of a dream of our people about the peaceful and prosperous, free, and flourishing life….I am confident that under the sacred flag of boundless love and devotion to one’s motherland, by using all our knowledge and experience, as one people, as one nation – we will certainly achieve the set noble goals. The New Uzbekistan will turn into a comprehensively flourishing and well-off country with strong potential and worthy authority in the world arena. I not only believe in this but stand ready to put to use along this path all my knowledge and experience. I call on all of our fellow citizens to join these great ranks – the ranks of the builders of the New Uzbekistan.
