Attention is being paid to the implementation of modern scientific achievements in agriculture, deepening scientific research, and expanding international cooperation in the agrarian sector.
Attention is being paid to the implementation of modern scientific achievements in agriculture, deepening scientific research, and expanding international cooperation in the agrarian sector.
The Minister of Agriculture met with members of the delegation led by Fu Gao, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Microbiology, and Li Xiaomin, Vice President of Zhejiang University. This meeting took place as part of efforts to develop agricultural science.
During the negotiations, prospects for implementing joint projects in combating salinization and desertification, developing water-saving irrigation technologies, creating drought-resistant crop varieties, improving soil fertility, remote monitoring, and agricultural biotechnology were discussed, according to information from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Currently, numerous scientific works are being carried out jointly with the Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on land restoration in the Aral Sea region, growing salt-tolerant plants, and implementing smart irrigation technologies in cotton farming.
Representatives of the Chinese delegation noted that the scientific works of Ibrohim Abdurakhmonov in the field of plant biology, especially wheat genetics, enjoy high international recognition. They also emphasized his significant contribution to the clinical trials of the ZF2001 vaccine against COVID-19.
Furthermore, during the discussions, possibilities for cooperation with leading higher education institutions in China were considered.
The Institute of Fiscal Analysis has proposed introducing a tax on interest income from bank deposits, which is currently subject to personal income tax.
At the 'Fiscal Dialogue' event held in Tashkent, specialists from the Institute of Fiscal Analysis suggested applying a 5 percent tax on interest income received by individuals from bank deposits, similar to personal income tax. The Institute emphasizes that such regulation could ensure neutrality in the tax system by taxing income from bank deposits in the same manner as dividends.
It is important to note that this proposal does not yet have legal force and is only at the discussion stage. Its implementation will require amendments to the Tax Code and adoption of corresponding decisions by the Legislative Chamber and the Senate.
According to the current Article 378 of the Tax Code, the interest income of individuals from bank deposits is exempt from personal income tax. However, according to Article 381, a tax rate of 5 percent applies to dividends and certain types of interest income. The Institute of Fiscal Analysis proposes extending this same taxation model to interest on bank deposits.
In the Institute's opinion, the exemption of income from bank deposits from taxes has been a privilege since 1998. Revising this privilege would allow for the formation of a unified approach to all investment income and increase revenues to the state budget.
However, this proposal is not yet an official decision, and its socio-economic impact requires comprehensive study. Some economists express concerns that this initiative may create certain risks for the banking system.
Firstly, there is a risk of reducing the real income of depositors. If an additional 5 percent tax is imposed on this income, it could occur against a backdrop of decreasing inflation and changes in monetary policy, leading to a drop in deposit rates.
Secondly, since bank deposits are one of the most important and stable sources of financing for banks, a reduction in deposit volume could affect the ability to finance sectors of the economy. In recent years, state economic policy has focused on increasing the share of non-cash transactions, stimulating the use of funds by the population through the banking system, and expanding financial intermediation.
Specifically, restrictions on cash payments for certain goods and services were introduced on April 1, 2026, aimed at reducing the circulation of cash and increasing operations through the banking system. Experts believe that introducing a tax on interest income may prompt some citizens to transfer funds from deposits to other financial instruments or prefer keeping cash, which would negatively affect the deposit base and the resource capacity of banks.
Over the past ten years, significant changes have taken place in all spheres of the country, including the approach to labor, improvement of working conditions, and raising the social status of representatives of various sectors.
The importance of a healthy social environment is emphasized. Society demonstrates imbalance if every segment of the population is not treated with consideration for its dignity. In this context, the social protection system is recognized as one of the most developed areas currently. Thanks to the new policy of New Uzbekistan, based on the principle of human value, equality and transparency are growing in society. This is the result of hard work and strong political will.
Previously, people with disabilities lived in isolation, feeling forgotten. Today, they are provided not only with attention but also with opportunities to enhance their abilities and contribute to the development of society. Even persons with disabilities now hold responsible positions in prestigious organizations, which is achieved through phased reforms.
Firstly, the National Agency for Social Protection was established, which took control of people with disabilities. Furthermore, the Center for Social Services for People in Need of Social Protection was founded under this agency, ensuring systematic coverage of vulnerable segments of the population. This is evident in the care provided to people in severe emotional crisis, as well as to women and children. Additionally, the disability determination system was radically modernized: it was completely converted to an electronic format, which allowed the elimination of excessive bureaucratic hurdles and guaranteed the prevention of third-party interference.
Thus, one of the key achievements of New Uzbekistan is the progress in the social protection system, which contributes to the formation of an inclusive environment in society. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed that instead of providing material assistance to people with disabilities, they should be actively involved in the labor market and provided with favorable conditions. He noted that the most important thing for people with disabilities is the provision of opportunities, which in turn fuels hope and belief in the future.
At least six people have died and about two hundred citizens have sustained injuries of varying severity as a result of a large-scale forest fire that engulfed the northern and northeastern regions of Jazoir.
The country's Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that over one hundred victims of the natural disaster were hospitalized, and their health condition is currently assessed as stable.
According to data from the Civil Defense Service, more than 1500 major fire outbreaks were registered in the area. The fire destroyed vast forest areas, palm groves, and agricultural fields, turning them into ash. Additionally, over 150 residential homes sustained serious damage after residents were urgently evacuated to safe locations.
Rescuers emphasize that the high temperature, exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, combined with strong winds significantly complicates the process of extinguishing and controlling the fire.
