ILO chief: We intend to actively expand cooperation with Uzbekistan

It should be reminded that the delegation of Uzbekistan participates in the 106th session of the International Labor Conference (ILC), which began its work in Geneva on 5 June.

The delegation included Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbaeva, Minister of Employment and Labor Relations Aziz Abdukhakimov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Alisher Shaykhov and Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of Trade Unions Bakhtiyor Mahmadaliyev.

ILO chief was informed in detail about the ongoing reforms in the field of social and economic development of Uzbekistan and ensuring decent employment of population, in particular, latest decrees of President Shakat Mirziyoyev aimed at further improving social and labor sphere, ensuring timely payment of wages, pensions and scholarships, as well as improving health services of the population, ensuring gender equality.

Ryder said that relations with Uzbekistan are “very important” for the ILO. According to him, the sides achieved significant success in many areas of cooperation, and now new opportunities are opening, especially in matters of employment, labor protection, gender equality.

Head of the ILO in a positive way noted the Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021, in which the social sphere is identified as one of the five priority areas. He highly appreciated implementation of the ILO Country Program on Decent Work in Uzbekistan, implementation of labor standards in accordance with international standards.

ILO Director-General separately thanked the leadership of Uzbekistan and the Government of the country for ratifying ILO’s fundamental Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize in Trade Unions of 1948. “We hope that the work on studying compatibility of other ILO conventions with the national legislation of the Republic will continue,” the head of the ILO said.

In this context, Ryder stressed need to expand bilateral cooperation, including in the agenda issues of further improvement of the legal framework, employment, including among women, as well as the protection of the world of work and social protection of the population. “We must not stop at what we have achieved, we should go forward and develop partnership.”

Ryder expressed interest in further development of cooperation with Uzbekistan and joint development of plans for practical measures.