Ministries in Uzbekistan empowered to pass regulations independently

The independence of ministries and government departments in Uzbekistan will be significantly increased, allowing for more efficient decision-making processes. Bureaucratic procedures will be streamlined, and institutions will be given greater flexibility for proactive governance. These changes are outlined in the presidential decree “On Measures to Increase Efficiency, Proactivity, and Effectiveness in the Public Administration System”, signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The decree introduces a revised framework that defines which matters will be regulated by government resolutions, departmental directives, and documents issued by local government authorities.

Importantly, ministries and departments will now have the authority to adopt regulatory legal acts within their respective areas of responsibility. This will enable them to independently manage and regulate their sectors more effectively.

Additionally, the decree provides for the possibility of amending departmental documents during their registration with the Ministry of Justice. When aligning such documents with international standards, legal norms may also be incorporated into them.

It is worth recalling that the same decree also approved a new structure for the Presidential Administration. As part of the reform:

•  284 staff positions were eliminated across the Administration and its affiliated bodies.
•  Redundant roles were optimized.
•  Five priority areas were identified: education, business, the judiciary, healthcare, and water resources.
•  Five deputy positions were introduced for the Head of the Presidential Administration.

Furthermore, the Agency for Information and Mass Communications (AOKA) under the Presidential Administration will be dissolved. A new National Content Production Center will be established in its place.