As previously reported by Spot, Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a speech at the first session of the newly elected Oliy Majlis.
The head of state highlighted the reorganization of the parliamentary committee system in the Legislative Chamber. For the first time, a Committee on Entrepreneurship, Competition, and Industry has been established, with the primary goal of enhancing the business environment.
It is planned to involve deputies in the new system actively in the development of state investment programs. Their opinions should be taken into account, the president emphasized.
Committee members must work with a sense of responsibility and avoid "empty speeches and populism," the president stated. It is proposed to create public councils for each committee to strengthen dialogue with the public.
According to the new Constitution, oversight of the state budget execution has become an exclusive function of the Legislative Chamber. Mirziyoyev called for enhancing efforts in this direction, particularly by implementing the practice of presenting government reports alongside audit conclusions.
A separate parliamentary commission is proposed to be tasked with harmonizing legislation with the norms of the World Trade Organization. Another commission should focus on accelerating the transition to a "green" economy and mitigating climate impacts.
Mirziyoyev also introduced a number of new legislative initiatives. In particular, it is planned to allow regions to retain revenues from land and property taxes, turnover tax, and 50% of personal income tax.
There is a need to adopt laws on mandatory health insurance and support for private education. The introduction of market mechanisms in the electricity sector must be regulated to launch a wholesale electricity market by 2025.
The president called for defining the legal foundations of relationships in the areas of franchising, startups, capital markets, fintech, and marketplaces. He specifically highlighted the need to regulate the use of artificial intelligence.
The activity of the parliamentary opposition was another topic of the speech. To stimulate it, Mirziyoyev proposed granting it at least one chairmanship of a committee and two vice-chairmanships, as well as expanding their rights to submit parliamentary inquiries.
Earlier, Spot reported on the planned actions to prepare for accession to the WTO.