In particular, the meeting participants were presented with the new draft Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Special Economic Zones”, developed by IFC experts in line with international standards and best practices.
The draft Law introduces such provisions as:
- Allowing a wide range of SEZ activities;
- Ensuring effective protection of private property rights;
- Creation of an autonomous administrative authority;
- Establishment of effective and efficient One Stop Shops/Business Service Centers of SEZ;
- Transparency and predictability;
- Transparent criteria for selection/appointment of SEZ land plots;
- Transparent selection criteria for developers/operators;
- Market-oriented licensing procedures – rules for conducting competitive bidding in SEZ;
- Establishment of the right to land ownership;
- Allowing multiple forms of public-private partnerships;
- Development of effective mechanisms to combat land speculation.
Also, the participants were provided with information on the activities and accomplishments of the FIC Secretariat.
“Since the beginning of this year, the Secretariat has established 6 working groups and subgroups to identify and discuss the most pressing issues and proposals related to improvements in different business areas and sectors of economy. At the same time, one-to-one meetings with some 25 foreign companies/ FIC members were arranged and 85 proposals and recommendations were received”, – said Golib Kholjigitov, Head of FIC Secretariat.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Zeppelin/Caterpillar, Coca Cola, Silverleafe, Mitsubishi Corporation, Suez, White & Case, Mitsui & Co, as well as representatives of government bodies and international financial institutions.