Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Delegations from the Council of People’s Deputies of Tashkent Region and the Council of Gyeongsangnam-do Province in the Republic of Korea discussed prospects for interregional cooperation and the exchange of experience in local governance.
The meeting took place on 12 October at the building of the Tashkent Region Federation of Trade Unions. It was attended by 21 South Korean deputies and nine deputies from Tashkent Region.
Representatives of the Uzbek side outlined reforms aimed at improving the work of local representative bodies. Presentations were delivered by O. Anarov, head of the Secretariat of the Council of People’s Deputies of Tashkent Region, and B. Makhamadaliev, chairman of the Council of People’s Deputies of Kibray District.
The discussions covered the expansion of the powers of local councils in Uzbekistan, stronger parliamentary oversight and more effective protection of residents’ interests. Participants also considered gender equality in local governance, greater participation by women in public and political life, and support for young people.
South Korean deputies presented their country’s experience with local representative bodies, explaining their powers and role in territorial administration.
Participants included Park In, chairman of the Korea–Central Asia Parliamentary Friendship Group and a member of the Education Committee; Lee Gwang-myeong, a member of the group and deputy chairman of the Coordination Committee for Affairs, as well as a member of the Planning and Public Administration Committee; and Kim Bong-nam, a member of the group and deputy chairman of the Education Committee. They highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation between the representative bodies of the two regions.
Particular attention was given to exchanging experience among deputies and staff members of the councils’ secretariats.
Other topics included the introduction of digital technologies in local governance, handling citizens’ appeals and improving parliamentary oversight mechanisms.
The participants also explored opportunities to develop economic, investment and technological cooperation and strengthen ties between educational institutions, young people and specialists.
Potential areas of cooperation included the use of modern technologies in agriculture and joint initiatives in culture and tourism.
One of the central issues was a proposal to sign a Statement of Intent on Friendship and Cooperation between the Council of People’s Deputies of Tashkent Region and the Council of Gyeongsangnam-do Province.
The document is expected to provide a framework for regular contacts between the representative bodies and the development of joint initiatives.
Following the meeting, the sides stressed the need to continue exchanging experience and further explore cooperation opportunities in the areas discussed.
