Ambassador’s message to readers of the British-Uzbek Society Newsletter on Uzbekistan’s Independence Day and Tashkent’s 2200th Anniversary

Dear Reader,  

On September 1, 2009 we celebrate the 18th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Over the past period our republic under the leadership of the President Islam Karimov has made considerable progress and become politically advanced state with high level of economic growth and rising international reputation.

The path to today's success was tough and thorny. During rather a short historical period, we had to solve critical issues of transition and building a new sovereign state. Despite that some perceived our principles sceptically we have not turned off the chosen way. Having avoided «revolutionary» shocks we not only saved our economic potential, but further strengthened it. Today «Uzbek model» is recognized as one of the most effective ways of reforming of economy, what was especially apparent in the conditions of current global financial crisis.

Here are some facts: during last 4 years the GDP growth has been exceeding 7% annually and reached 9% in 2008 and 8,2% in the first half of 2009. We achieved grain and energy independence. The proportion of small and medium businesses in GDP increased from 3% in early 1990s to 48,2% in 2008. Around 300 investment projects worth more than $ 24 billion are being implemented in the country.

We are especially proud of our results in the field of education. After adoption of the National Program for Cadres Training in 1997 there was created a new world level system with 12 years compulsory free education including 9 years primary-secondary school and 3 years professional colleges or lyceums. European standards of bachelor's and master's degrees were introduced into the higher education sector. There are functioning 60 national universities and branches of Russian, British, Italian and Singaporean universities in Uzbekistan. Graduates from these establishments enjoy a high demand in Uzbekistan and abroad, in particular many of them work in leading British and international businesses.

Today we also celebrate the 2200th Anniversary of Tashkent city. Our capital is distinguished by its unique historical heritage and modern dynamism. Tashkent being known as a Star of Orient and a Bridge between East and West, today is the biggest megapolis in Central Asia and a natural crossroad for regional and international relations.

These and many other achievements allow us to be confident in the future of Uzbekistan as a democratic country with developed market economy, as well as to advance mutually beneficial cooperation with the United Kingdom and other foreign countries.

Availing myself of this opportunity I am glad to congratulate the Chairman of the Society Dr. Hartley Booth and the Newsletter editors with the publication of its 10th issue. The Newsletter plays an important role in the Society, informing its members and wider audience about events in Uzbekistan, as well as our joint economic and cultural activities. I wish the editors further success! 

Otabek Akbarov

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United Kingdom 

London, 31 August, 2009