Increasing the level of localization of finished products plays an important role in further dynamic and sustainable development of the economy, reducing its dependence on external factors, accelerating the introduction of new efficient technologies in production processes.
That is why localization is one of the main directions of industrial development in Uzbekistan, which ensures wide use of local raw materials and production resources, an increase in production of modern competitive goods on this basis. In addition, a regulatory and legal framework has been created and operating effectively in the country, which is aimed at increasing the level of localization of production of finished products, components and materials.
On the initiative of UzLiDeP faction of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, a round table organized by the Committee for Industry, Construction and Trade was devoted to the current state of localization of production of finished products, components and materials.
Participants of the roundtable, which involved representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers, relevant ministries, departments, committees and organizations, as well as experts and scientists noted that due to the measures taken in the country to deepen the localization of production of finished products, components and materials and to expand inter industry cooperation in 2010-2016, enterprises implemented 1948 localization projects, as a result import-substituting products worth $7.6 billion were produced.
Over the past period, the volume of domestic production of localized goods increased 3-fold, and it has solved not only economic, but also social issues, as over 13 thousand new jobs were created within the program.
“Due to expansion of localization over the last three years, imports of more than one hundred commodity groups have been excluded; import of more than 350 types of products has decreased by half. This year more than 960 similar projects are planned. As a result, imports are expected to fall by 23%”, said Fazliddin Ruziev, the head of the department of the Ministry of Economy of Uzbekistan.
The participants emphasized that approaches to implementation of localization programs ensured transparency, efficiency, simplification of procedures and ultimately served to increase the effectiveness of measures aimed at further deepening the localization of production in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
At the same time, participants stressed the need to use some unused reserves and opportunities to ensure further accelerated development of this sphere. In particular, deputies spoke about the importance to inform business entities about the specifics of the localization program, the tax and customs benefits and preferences provided within the program, mechanisms for including in the program. They also talked about the importance of eliminating unnecessary barriers in the organization of production and sales of products, more prompt resolution of issues that entrepreneurs may have during the production of localized products.
As a result of the round table, the participants developed recommendations on further development of this sphere and improvement of its regulatory and legal framework. (UzReport/Business World Magazine)