Uzbekistan initiates programme to help cushion COVID-19 impact

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The government of Uzbekistan is establishing a nationwide movement billed ‘Kindness and Support’ to help the country weather the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement to Bernama, Uzbekistan’s Embassy in Malaysia said that the initiative – the brainchild of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev – is intended to further ensure the sufficient supply of food and medical facilities to families in need and to temporarily jobless individuals.

It also encouraged entrepreneurs to help in supporting families in their neighbourhood – for instance, by helping 10 households or hiring some family members, especially during Ramadan.

“In turn, the government will provide entrepreneurs tax, leasing, credit preferences as well as access to necessary resources.

“The initiative expects to be implemented in close collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry representative offices, banks and social protection-related agencies.

“The Head of state expresses confidence that the ‘Kindness and Support’ nationwide movement will become a bright example of the country’s and nation’s strength,” it said. 

Meanwhile, Mirziyoyev – in his address at the Extraordinary Summit Meeting of the Turkic Council – had proposed to form a permanent common system of epidemiological monitoring within the framework of the Turkic Council.

He also said an extensive mutual exchange of information and experience in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of especially dangerous infections, epidemiological studies and scientific research in this area should be established among the ministries of health of member states. 

Mirziyoyev called on the need to make full use of the capabilities of the cargo transportation infrastructure and transport communications besides providing practical assistance in facilitating the passage of vehicles through checkpoints in order to ensure uninterrupted supply of necessary food products, medicines and medical devices for the people.

He also said the help of international organisations is crucial in mitigating the effects of the pandemic.

“In this regard, we are in favour of further enhancing the status and powers of the World Health Organisation, as well as establishing partnerships between this prominent international organisation and the Turkic Council,” he added. 

The Summit was held via a video conferencing service and was participated by seven heads of states of the Council’s member states on April 10.

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