Uzbekistan and Latvia intend to create a modern transport and logistics center; A draft resolution on improving activities of FEZ “Navoi” published for discussion; Uzbekistan and ADB discuss strengthening cooperation and technical cooperation; Development Bank to be created in Uzbekistan;
Uzbekistan and Latvia intend to create a modern transport and logistics center
A meeting with the head of the SIA SV Gulbis (Latvia) Vyacheslav Novikov was held at the Uzbekistan Temir Yollari (Uzbekistan Railways).
It was noted that for construction of a new complex, a total area of 16 hectares was allocated, of which 20 thousand square meters for a container terminal. The project includes the creation of a closed storage area of 25,000 square meters, including 14,000 square meters for certain types of products, as well as the introduction of an automated warehouse management system. In addition, the premises will be located to build service center, customs control and administration.
The new logistics center will receive up to 3 million tons of cargo a year, respectively, 350 new jobs will be created. It is planned to create a number of conditions for trucks. The center will be equipped with technological equipment imported from Sweden and Germany.
A draft resolution on improving activities of FEZ “Navoi” published for discussion
A draft resolution of the President of Uzbekistan “On measures to improve the activities of the Navoi free economic zone” was published for discussion.
The document was developed in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On measures for further improvement of the system of coordination and management of free economic zones” dated 21 December 2018.
The document proposes to transform the State Unitary Enterprise Navoi Free Economic Zone Directorate into Joint-Stock Company Navoi Free Economic Zone Directorate (Navoi Directorate of FEZ).
It is expected that this step will make it possible to simplify the management system and improve the activity of the Navoi free economic zone, improve conditions for attracting investments, and ensure accelerated implementation of investment projects within the territory of the Navoi free economic zone.
Uzbekistan and ADB discuss strengthening cooperation and technical cooperation
The Ministry of Finance hosted a meeting with representatives of the Asian Development Bank, headed by Werner Lipak, Director General for Central and West Asia.
The meeting was devoted to further strengthening cooperation and technical cooperation in such areas as public-private partnership (PPP), energy, transport, agriculture and the improvement of the public procurement system and regulatory acts governing public procurement.
Noting the importance of developing PPPs, Werner Lipak welcomed the introduction of additional measures that would be useful to support investment projects, as well as the development of the newly created PPP Development Agency under the Ministry of Finance.
During the negotiations, it was noted that in the near future, the bank will allocate international experts to provide advisory support to the Ministry in the development of PPP and public procurement systems.
Development Bank to be created in Uzbekistan
The President of Uzbekistan instructed the Central Bank to create a Development Bank with a capital of $500 million, Chairman of the Central Bank Mamarizo Nurmuratov said at a session of the International press-club.
“The bank’s activities will comprise of pre-export lending, post-credit services, export subsidies and logistics. Preparation has been going on for a long time, works are beginning now,” Marmarizo Nurmuratov said.
Deputy Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Executive Director of the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan (FRDU) Shukhrat Vafoyev noted that it is necessary to use aggressive models of financial support for exports.
“We must support exports and the support must be aggressive. We have big tasks and assignments. We are entrusted jointly with the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy and Industry to develop a comprehensive export support system. If an applicant has any problems, then our doors are always open to welcome,” he said.