Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 16-17 September 2020, an international scientific and practical online conference "Impact of the pandemic on Central Asia: first lessons, coronacrisis and prospects for transformation" was held.

The authoritative forum, organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan together with the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and the UN Development Program, was attended by more than 210 prominent parliamentarians, representatives of academia, heads and specialists of non-governmental organizations and research centers, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Uzbekistan, experts from nearly 20 countries of the world.

At the opening of the Forum, the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbaeva, First Deputy Chairperson of the Senate Sodik Safayev, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdujabbor Abduvakhitov, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Matilda Dimovskaya, Founder and Chairperson of the Institute of Central Asia and the Caucasus Frederick Starr (USA) took part.

At the conference, which covered such spheres as international relations, geopolitics, economics, law, attention was paid to the first lessons of the ongoing pandemic, ways out of the crisis and issues of increasing preparedness for such emergencies.

Drawing on the experience of Central Asian countries, participants discuss in detail the lessons learned from the pandemic and recommendations for the future, mitigation issues, strategic prospects for regional cooperation in the fight against coronavirus, multilateral partnerships in emergencies, and the role and importance of international organizations.

Speaking about the experience and international initiatives of Uzbekistan in this direction, it was noted at the forum that the words of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev fully reflect the content of our country’s efforts in this direction: “In today’s difficult situation, it is vital for us to effectively address two important, extremely urgent tasks. We are simultaneously dealing with the solution of the problems of protecting the health and life of the population and the restoration of the economy, creating conditions for people to work and earn money. "

In particular, the National Action Plan, implemented in Uzbekistan during the pandemic, made it possible to mobilize all available resources, unite the forces of the government and civil society. At the same time, special attention is paid to mitigating the impact of the pandemic on the economy. A number of business aid packages with a total volume of over US$4.8 billion have been adopted.

Our country was able to avoid the worst-case scenario and achieve one of the lowest death rates from COVID-19 in the world. The government of Uzbekistan also provided humanitarian assistance to 11 foreign countries. Leading financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund note that Uzbekistan is one of the few countries in the world that has not allowed a slowdown in economic growth, and predict its significant growth.

During the forum, it was especially noted that thanks to the consistent reforms carried out in Uzbekistan in recent years, our country is successfully confronting the crisis and overcoming its consequences.

They also spoke about the provision of mutual practical assistance by the countries of Central Asia in solving the problems facing each country in the context of the crisis, in particular in the return of citizens to their homeland, the restoration of transport corridors, and the provision of humanitarian aid.

Particular emphasis is placed on establishing mutual exchange of experience and cooperation between countries in overcoming the socio-economic difficulties caused by the pandemic.

In addition, the forum will discuss in detail the strategic prospects for regional cooperation to counter the spread of coronavirus infection. At the same time, the subject of discussion will be the issues of strengthening multilateral ties between the states of Central Asia on social and economic issues, ensuring full compliance with the national interests of states, developing new vectors of cooperation.

As a result of the forum, a resolution was adopted, which will reflect the proposals and recommendations made by the participants.