NEWS
On November 6th–7th 2024, Tashkent hosted the «European Economic Days in Uzbekistan» forum, attended by representatives from government agencies, the business community, international organizations, and leading European companies. The event was organized by the European Uzbek Association for Economic Cooperation (EUROUZ) in collaboration with the country’s authorities.
As part of the event, a panel discussion on «Government Relations & Advocacy Activities in the Interests of the State and Society» was held on the 7th of November. The sponsor and organizer of the session was the international consulting firm Edward’s East Strategies.
The panel discussion was moderated by Odiljon Azimov, partner at Edward’s East Strategies. The session was attended by top executives from major companies and expert organizations from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan:
- Golib Khodzhigitov — Advisor, Head of the Digital Technologies Working Group, Committee for the Development of Competition and Protection of Consumer Rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
- Yulia Kusidi — CEO of the European Business Association of Kazakhstan (EUROBAK);
- Sergey Krassovsky — Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs Department, JSC «UZBAT A.O.»;
- Nikholbek Ganiyev — Head of Legal Support and Risk Management Department, Summit Motors Central Asia;
- Saidamirkhon Rakhimov — Director of Government Relations, Beeline Uzbekistan;
- Mirshokhid Aslanov — CEO of the Center for Progressive Reforms.
For the first time, the topic of GR and lobbying in Uzbekistan was publicly addressed, reflecting the growing interest in this field. The speakers noted that the government is becoming more open to proposals and ideas from business, creating a favorable environment for bilateral dialogue and cooperation. The country’s authorities are facilitating the liberalization and harmonization of economic legislation, creating more favorable conditions for business.
Uzbekistan is on the verge of joining the World Trade Organization, which is attracting the attention of multinational companies, increasing foreign capital inflows, and becoming an important factor in the development of GR and lobbying. These conditions are increasing the demand for public relations and government relations specialists to strengthen the position of industries and individual companies in the market.
A special emphasis was placed on regulating the GR and lobbying sectors in Uzbekistan. The participants pointed out that although there is no comprehensive lobbying law, the legal framework for the work of specialists is outlined by several regulatory acts.