Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - A round-table discussion was held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in the UK on socio-political and socio-economic reforms in Uzbekistan, as well as the upcoming elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, IA Dunyo reported.

The event, organized by the diplomatic mission of our country together with the British-Uzbek Friendship Society and the American University in London, was attended by representatives of business circles, think tanks and the UK media.

The participants were acquainted with the results of large-scale transformations being implemented in the republic on the basis of the Strategy of Action, as well as promising areas of reform for the coming years.

Of particular interest was the draft strategy for the comprehensive socio-economic development of the country until 2030, as well as the concept of developing a higher education system, which envisages that in 10 years, higher education enrollment in school graduates will reach more than 50 percent. In this context, great potential was noted for further intensification of Uzbek-British cooperation in this area.

Those present were also informed about the holding of elections of deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and local kengashes in December of this year, which will be held in accordance with the new Electoral Code.

At the event, Christopher Allan, Director of the Department of Global Strategy at the UK Department for International Trade, spoke at the event. He shared his views and assessments of the processes in Uzbekistan, in particular in the field of modernizing public administration, liberalizing the economy, reforming the judicial system, ensuring human rights and strengthening freedom of speech. Highly appreciating the country’s achievements in these areas, Mr. Allan emphasized that today Uzbekistan is entering an even more responsible stage of reform. In particular, the privatization of the economy and the reform of the banking and financial sector are ahead.

The former diplomat expressed confidence that Uzbekistan is successfully implementing reforms. Firstly, there is a firm political will for the leadership of the country. Secondly, Uzbekistan learns from the experience of those who have moved from an administrative-command system to an open market economy. Thirdly, the republic has sufficient monetary and financial reserves to mitigate the negative impact of reforms on socially vulnerable segments of the population. Fourth, the international community and international financial and economic institutions are ready to provide all possible support to the country.

Speakers’ speeches grew into an active discussion. Those present received answers to their questions.