“Anti-Crisis Program in Uzbekistan”

Interview with the Head of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the International Organizations in Vienna, Dr. Ravshanbek Duschanov, by SOCIETY Editor-in-Chief Mag. Gertrud Tauchhammer.

Mag. Gertrud TAUCHHAMMER: Mr. Duschanov, thank you for agreeing to give an interview to our magazine. In recent years Uzbekistan has demonstrated strong economic growth despite the global financial crisis. What do you think is the secret of the success of your country?

Dr. Ravshanbek Duschanov: First of all, I would like to point out that we are on the eve of 20th anniversary of Independence of Uzbekistan to be celebrated in September 1. During this short by historical standards time the huge work in all areas of Uzbekistan have been done.

Indeed, economic growth in Uzbekistan in recent years is more than 8% annually. In particular, last year this figure was 8.5%. In addition, export growth last year was 10.8%, which contributed to the growth of international trade balance increase of 1.8 times. And this is despite the global financial crisis. International experts suggest that the crisis has affected Uzbekistan minimally. Together with a statement of positive indicators, I should note that behind these significant results is a vast work of the state to promote economic growth and development, as well as to prevent and reduce the impacts of global crisis on Uzbekistan. In particular, in Uzbekistan, the President of our country, Islam Karimov formed "The concept of the further deepening of democratic reforms and the development of civil society in the country," which calls for further reforms in various sectors of society. Development and implementation of the "Anti-Crisis Program in Uzbekistan" also supposes reformation of economy in order to prevent and reduce the impact of the crisis. In addition, the Uzbekistan´s government is paying attention on small and medium-sized business, which is one of the main factors of economic development. Thus, 2011 was declared as the Year of Small Business and Private Entrepreneurship. The set of government programs to promote economic growth and development and their effectiveness, I think, has been contributed to these positive changes in socio-economic environment of our country.

Mag. Gertrud TAUCHHAMMER: One of the urgent issues of social discussions at present is the issue of transboundary waters, including in Central Asia. What do you think about the construction of Rogun Hydropower Plant in Tajikistan?

Dr. Ravshanbek Duschanov: Under the project, Rogun Hydropower plant is a type of high-altitude HPP with 335 meters rock dam. If the project is completed, the dam of hydropower will be the tallest in the world. Hydropower project has been criticized because of the location in a zone of high seismic activity, landslide and debris flow processes and the availability under the base of the dam Ionakhsh tectonic fault, filled with rock salt. According to the estimates of distinguished experts, the exploitation of Rogun on the Vakhsh River in Tajikistan will interrelate risks and threats to existing natural balance, and the economic situation not only in Uzbekistan but Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. Experts believe that if a cascade of hydropower plant on the Vakhsh River will actively generate electricity in the area, the possible flooding could hit 28 districts and cities of Uzbekistan. In addition, the threat of flooding will affect power lines, agricultural lands and irrigation canals, put into question the work of railway lines. Total loss from water quality deterioration, loss of crops and the area of reservoirs and fish resources, reduction of the area riparian forests, reed beds, natural grassland, reduction and extinction of rare animals and birds for five years will amount to 18 billion 238 million U.S. dollars or, 36 billion dollars annually.

I think that what happened in Japan, the powerful earthquake that caused the failure of one of the world's largest nuclear power plant, made the world take a fresh look at the possible consequences of the disaster. In this regard, I believe that it is necessary to take seriously the opinion of the Honorary Director of Research Institute of Seismology, Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Sabit Negmatullaev, who concluded that over the next 10 years in the Pamir-Hindu Kush mountain range can be a strong earthquake, similar in strength to that was in Japan.

A good example - evidence of our irresponsible attitude to environmental issues - is the tragedy of the Aral Sea, which is almost during the lifetime of only one generation, has evolved from once a unique and one of the most beautiful seas to the drying and disappearing basin.

In these circumstances, any attempt to implement the projects that were developed 30-40 years ago, during the Soviet period, for the construction in the upper reaches of these rivers the large-scale hydropower plants with huge dams, especially considering that the seismicity of the upcoming construction zone is 8-9 points - all of which can cause irreparable environmental damage and the cause of the most dangerous man-made disasters.

It would be much more rational, as recommended by many international environmental organizations and respected experts, to construct on these rivers the same power capacity and safer, more economical small hydropower plants.

Mag. Gertrud TAUCHHAMMER: In connection with the problems that still exist in Afghanistan, including drug trafficking and terrorism, is becoming increasingly popular initiative "6 +3" proposed by Uzbekistan. Could you tell more details about it and its benefits?

Dr. Ravshanbek Duschanov: Questions on stabilization and improvement of the situation in Afghanistan continue to be among the important foreign policy priorities of the countries bordering Afghanistan. In this regard, Uzbekistan is interested in promoting international involvement in Afghanistan in order to create a stable foundation for the development of Afghanistan in the political, socio-economic and humanitarian spheres in the long term. In this regard, it is important to note that there is no military solution for the existing problems in Afghanistan.

In the current situation it is extremely important to find alternative ways of achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan. Among them, in our opinion, the significant role could be played by the establishment under the auspices of the UN the Contact Group "6 +3" proposed by Uzbekistan in 2008.

Meaning and essence of the initiative of the President of Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov is built on the sense that Afghanistan’s troubles must be addressed by the Afghans themselves with the assistance of those nations who are inherently interested in seeing the end to the war and a peaceful future in Afghanistan. In this case, one should primarily refer to the United States, NATO, Russia, who are in effect involved in the peacemaking mission, as well as Afghanistan’s immediate neighbors.

The central objective of “6+3” contact group is to propose to the confronting parties a Program of Secession of Hostilities in Afghanistan, to seek out compromise solutions to key issues and disagreements dividing the country, to ensure security and provide required guarantees taking into account the interests of every party.

At the same time, the first and foremost emphasis in the Program must be placed on rendering economic assistance, implementing socially oriented, infrastructural and humanitarian projects, addressing unemployment, tackling the most pressing tasks in fighting poverty, misery and lawlessness. It is necessary to demonstrate a complete respect for the ages-old traditions, customs and values of Islamic religion adhered to by the people of Afghanistan.

Mag. Gertrud TAUCHHAMMER: I think our readers will be interested to know your opinion on the trends of development of bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Austria.

Dr. Ravshanbek Duschanov: I am pleased to note the dynamic development of Uzbek-Austrian relations in the economic, political and cultural spheres. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Austria has been increased from year to year as well as the number of Austrian tourists wishing to visit our country.

In particular, in cooperation with the Economic Chamber of Austria in May this year was organized the Uzbek-Austrian business forum, which goal was to introduce to Austrian business circles the economic and investment potential of Uzbekistan and the development of possible ways of cooperation. Also, the work on preparation of the next session of Intergovernmental Committee is of particular importance.

However, it should be noted that the potential for the development of relations between our countries does not match the existing opportunities. Austrian companies could more intensively use of the opportunities available in Free Industrial Economic Zone “Navoi” and more actively participate in investment projects in Uzbekistan.

Speaking about investment opportunities of Austrian economy for Uzbekistan, it should be noted that Austria is specialized in the design and manufacture of complex industrial products, especially capital goods and innovative industrial technologies. Key industries include mechanical engineering, electrical, chemical, food and other industries. In my view, these areas could become a good basis for implementing joint projects in Uzbekistan.

In conclusion let me to wish you and to your edition all success and prosperity.