Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 16 June 2020, under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a video-conference on the development of services and domestic tourism was held.

At the beginning of the event, the head of state separately dwelt on the epidemiological situation in the country and drew attention to the fact that in recent years the number of people infected with coronavirus has increased markedly, moreover, many cases are detected among the population.

In particular, over the past two weeks in the city of Tashkent, 482 out of 551 cases of infection were found among the population. It is regrettable that in 57 cases, the source of infection remains unknown. Such an alarming picture is also observed in Tashkent, Navoi and Kashkadarya regions.

“All of this suggests that the situation with coronavirus is becoming increasingly complex,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev. - The moment has come for a significant increase in vigilance and responsibility in the fight against the pandemic. At this stage, we must strictly follow the quarantine rules, no matter how difficult it is. Each of us must carry out our work carefully, carefully considering the consequences, deeply aware of the responsibility not only to ourselves, but also to the family and children. Otherwise, all our efforts will come to naught. I am sure that our generous and courageous people, having gained a lot of knowledge and experience during this time, will worthily overcome this stage.

The Republican special commission has been instructed to strengthen disinfection and sanitary control in enterprises and markets, in shopping malls and organizations that resume business, and to expand awareness-raising among the population through the media, as well as in labor collectives. The importance of regular testing among employees of all institutions providing services and whose activity involves direct contact with the population is emphasized.

The service sector is one of the main sources of employment both in cities and in rural areas. Its share in the gross domestic product of our country is 35 percent. According to the International Labor Organization, an increase in the service industry by 1 percent will reduce the number of poor by 1.5 percent.

At the meeting, it was noted that the possibilities of the service sector in Uzbekistan are not fully utilized. It is indicated that local services such as repair of household appliances, dry cleaning, computer design, accounting, advertising, paid medical care are not sufficiently developed.

This indicates the huge potential in the service sector. According to estimates, at least 160 thousand jobs can be created in this sector of the economy.

So, at present, 21 young freelance programmers are working in the city of Tashkent, Bukhara, Navoi and the capital regions. These specialists export services for US$50,000 a year and are in the top 3 percent of the Top Talent rating.

The head of state noted the importance of supporting such talented youth, creating conditions for training the population in providing modern services.

The Deputy Prime Minister was instructed to develop, together with the khokims, a program for developing the services sector in each district and city. At the same time, the task was set to streamline this area, to bring its methodology and statistics in line with international standards.

The development of the sphere is impossible without financial support. For this reason, the President of Uzbekistan signed a decree providing for the allocation from the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of more than US$100 million or more than 1 trillion soums of credit resources for projects in the service sector. These funds will be allocated both through state and private banks with a rate of no more than 15 percent.

It was emphasized that regional leaders should effectively seize this opportunity and formulate specific projects that will allow creating more jobs in the service sector as soon as possible.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid special attention to the issues of training and employment of graduates.

This year, more than 451 thousand graduated from schools, 188 thousand boys and girls graduated from colleges. Even taking into account the increase in admission quotas this year, 103 thousand will be able to enter higher education institutions, and 90 thousand of them will go to technical colleges. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the employment of the rest of the youth. In addition, this year 71 thousand students graduate from universities.

- Which of the khokims is puzzling over this problem, who personally met with the graduates? Where and to whom will our young men and women apply for employment tomorrow? Is there a reserve of jobs for them in the region? - the head of state raised a question.

So, in Surkhandarya region, about 2 thousand students complete pedagogical directions. Currently, there is a shortage of teachers in rural schools of Saryasi, Altynsay and Uzun districts. It is emphasized that the khokim of the region and the leaders of the sectors should meet with these graduates and help them in finding employment. The Deputy Prime Ministers were instructed to stimulate young professionals who decided to work in remote areas, to introduce a system of providing them with primary material assistance and housing.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations has been instructed to create Ishga Markhamat monocenters in Karakalpakstan and in all areas, to open training centers for professions and business fundamentals for young people, as well as training courses in makhalla guzars.

As you know, on 8 June, the President of Uzbekistan signed a decree "On measures to simplify state regulation of entrepreneurial activity and self-employment." According to the document, the types of activities that self-employed persons can engage in are increased from 24 to 67, requirements for obtaining permits and taxes are minimized. It was noted that this is a huge reserve for employment.

The Central Bank was instructed to allocate 300 billion soums of credit resources for self-employed persons within the framework of family entrepreneurship programs, and the Ministry of Finance was to introduce a system of subsidies for unemployed citizens starting a business to cover their costs associated with renting buildings for 3 months.

The meeting also discussed the development of domestic tourism.

Calculations showed the possibility of providing employment for more than 200 thousand people in this area. It is expected to create many jobs in related industries, such as catering, transportation, retail.

It was noted that in each region there are many opportunities for this, including tourist attractions. For example, in Yangikurgan district of Namangan region through the restoration of 16 sanatoriums 1,500 people can be provided with work, about 8 thousand can be employed in Bostanlyk district of Tashkent region by creating tourist camps using lightweight structures. Moreover, tourism opportunities in the ancient cities of the country are not fully utilized. Many compatriots have not had a chance to visit them.

The State Committee for Tourism Development is instructed, together with ministries, departments and khokimiyats, to open new routes for domestic tourism, increase the number of tourist centers of light construction, and develop medical and health tourism. The khokims and sector leaders were instructed to ensure strict observance of quarantine rules at all tourist sites, in hotels and restaurants. 

Deputy Prime Ministers, officials in charge of the sphere and khokims provided information on the issues discussed at the video conference.

Taking advantage of the presence of relevant leaders at the meeting, a discussion was held on questions of harvesting grain.

It was noted that due to heavy rainfall in the spring and the supply of a sufficient amount of material and technical resources and mineral fertilizers, it was possible to obtain a rich grain crop despite the pandemic conditions.

It is indicated that there are all the possibilities to complete the harvest season earlier than usual, for which it is necessary to organize the work correctly. Instructions were given for the consistent plowing of fields and planting of repeated crops.