"NEW POSSIBILITIES OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION BETWEEN CHINA AND UZBEKISTAN"

Weekly newspaper "Liaowang" published an article under such a headline which was prepared by the Head of department of Central Asia at Chinese Academy of Contemporary International Relations Din Xiaoxing.

As noted in the material, since the first days of independence Uzbekistan successfully addresses the task of strengthening the state, conducts large-scale reforms in the socio-political and socio-economic spheres on the basis of President Islam Karimov developed a unique model of development. As a result, the country has made significant progress in ensuring the sovereignty, dynamic progress and the preservation of peace and tranquility.

"In recent years, Uzbekistan confidently demonstrates high economic growth, which is maintained at not less than 8%, - the author writes. - Republic has turned from the previously backward agrarian country into an industrial country with a diversified economy. We appreciate the dynamic development of industries such as chemical, automotive, oil and gas, textile, food.

In order to maintain a high growth dynamics in the country to take effective measures aimed at further liberalization of the economy, a significant increase in the share of products with high added value in industrial production, processing of agricultural products. Moreover, as Chinese expert says, strenuously developing transport communications and infrastructure construction, build new roads and railways. Particular attention is paid to the full support of small and private businesses, whose share in GDP currently stands at 56%. According to Ding Xiaoxing, efforts to improve the investment climate in the country are praiseworthy.

The article stresses that in Uzbekistan great importance is attached to social protection of citizens. Annually about 1 million jobs are created, welfare of citizens is being increased. Life expectancy increased from 67 years in the first years of independence, up to 73 today.

"Repeatedly visiting Uzbekistan, I have witnessed great changes - columnist writes. - Actively developing and full of vitality capital, Tashkent. The country built high-speed railway - the first in Central Asia, on which distance from Tashkent to Samarkand can be reached in 2 hours. The company "Chzhuntye suydao tszituan" involved in the construction of a tunnel length of 19 kilometers on the railroad Angren-Pap. In general, the potential of Sino-Uzbek cooperation in building transport infrastructure in the Eurasian region is enormous.

According to the analyst, Uzbekistan is an important partner of China in the field of investment. The country continues to attract foreign investment by providing a set of privileges for foreign entrepreneurs. Moreover, three special economic zones in Navoi, Angren and Jizzakh have been established. "Penshen Industrial Park" with participation of Chinese companies is successfully functioning on the territory of SIZ "Jizzakh", providing employment to several thousand people.

It is noted that in recent years have repeatedly met the leaders of the two countries. It is hoped that the two countries will be able to develop even closer cooperation in all spheres on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. "Uzbekistan is the largest country in Central Asia with high intellectual potential. Our countries have all the opportunities for further expansion of relations in all spheres", - Ding Xiaoxing summarizes.

"Liaowang" weekly published from 1981. It is a leading socio-political publication of China, regularly publishing articles by renowned commentators and experts on various issues.

Jahon Information Agency, Beijing