In particular, MPs considered draft laws “On self-governing bodies of citizens” and “On election of chairpersons of citizens’ gatherings and their advisors” in new editions.

At the session, MPS underlined that it is important to strengthen role of NGOs and self-governing bodies of citizens to ensure further democratization and formation of civil society in Uzbekistan.

MPs said that it is necessary to extend functions of self-governing bodies – mahallas – and ensure their close cooperation with state bodies.

The draft law “On self-governing bodies of citizens” in new edition is directed at raising role of self-governing bodies of citizens in implementing measures on social support of populations, expand their role in public control and development of business, including family business.

The self-governing bodies will also receive additional authority to control over adherence of rights and freedoms of businesses. The mahallas will have right to create consulting centers, which will organize training courses for citizens, which was launch own business, and inform them about existing preferences for entrepreneurs, help youth to find jobs, etc.

The self-governing bodies will carry out support to social vulnerable layers of population, help in employment, and support elder people and people with disabilities.

The draft law “On election of chairpersons of citizens’ gatherings and their advisors” in new edition will help for further development of civil society institute in Uzbekistan. The document is directed at further improving election of chairpersons of citizens’ gatherings and their advisors.

The draft law introduces several additional requirements to candidates to chairpersons of the citizens’ gatherings. In particular, the candidate should live in one place for five years and have work experience in state organizations or NGOs, or in business sector.

The draft law “On introduction of changes and amendments, as well as abolishment of some legislative acts of Uzbekistan” was developed to strengthen rights and interests of businesses, improve business climate, and develop small and private businesses.

The document introduced changes to laws “On social protection of people with disabilities of Uzbekistan”, “On employment of population”, “On exchanges and exchange activity”, “On standardization”, etc.

The draft law “On introduction of changes and amendments to the Economic Procedural Code of Uzbekistan” was developed to improve legal proceedings at economic courts, simplify document turnover between court and process participants.

The document envisages that economic courts can use modern communication technologies to contact case participants, send them copy of judicial documents via email. Introduction of electronic document turnover at economic courts are directed at ensuring accessibility and transparency of trials. Besides, in line with the amendments, disputes between shareholders and public companies will be considered at the economic courts.

After the discussions, the Legislative Chamber approved the concept of the draft laws and passed them in the first reading. The corresponding committees were entrusted to prepare documents to the second reading.