MPs discussed the draft law “On introduction of changes and amendments to law of Uzbekistan “On railway transport”, which is directed at ensuring security at railway transportation”. The document was developed to improve national system of railway transport infrastructure security to prevent emergency situations, creating threat to life and health of people, public security and stability.

After discussions, MPs passed the law, which will be sent to Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.

They also discussed a draft law “On holding under arrest at investigation on criminal case”, which is directed at forming legislative base for activities of jails, ensuring rights and freedoms of persons under arrest, harmonization of national laws to international standards. The logic continuation of this document was a draft law “On introduction of changes and amendments to some legislative acts of Uzbekistan in connection with adoption of the law “On holding under arrest at investigation on criminal case”. It envisages introduction of changes to Criminal Procedural Code and Administrative Liability Code.

MPs passed these documents and directed to the Senate for approval.

After, members of lower house of parliament discussed several documents directed at further deepening market reforms and developing economy of Uzbekistan, implementing the state programme “The Year of small business and private entrepreneurship”.

In particular, MPs discussed a draft law “On introduction of changes and amendments to Law “On licensing separate types of activities”. The document clarifies several clause directed at increasing efficiency and simplifying licensing procedures. It is planned to introduces changes to the law to cut expenses of businesses for obtaining licenses.

The document was passed by MPs and directed to the upper house of parliament for consideration.

MPs considered a draft law “On introduction of changes and amendments to some legislative acts of Uzbekistan in connection with decrease of inspections of businesses activities”. The changes are directed at limiting interference of controlling bodies to activities of businesses.

MPs passed these documents and directed to the Senate for approval.

Legislative Chamber also discussed the draft laws in the first reading. The draft law “On exchange of credit information” is directed at creating effective system on credit information exchange such as execution of liabilities, solvency, financial terms, reputation and others. In line with the law, the credit information can be gathered only by credit bureau.

The draft law “On Competition” was developed to implement the Concept on further deepening democratic reforms and forming civil society in Uzbekistan and directed at preventing monopoly activities in markets, improving legal regulation of relations in this area. One of peculiarities of the law is that antimonopoly regulation will be covered with financial services market. The draft law includes separate chapter of antimonopoly regulation of tenders and exchange operations to ensure openness and transparence.

The draft law “On introduction of changes and amendments to some legislative acts of Uzbekistan in connection with further improving microfinance sector” envisages introduction of effective mechanisms of regulation and supervision of this sector in line with international principles and standards. They are directed at developing microfinance market, strengthen corporate management at off-banking credit organizations, increasing trust of population to credit unions through creation of Fund on guaranteeing deposits. The corresponding changes will be introduced to laws “On Central Bank” and “On credit unions”.

MPs approved concept of all three above mentioned draft laws and passed them in the first reading. MPs also considered other issues of their jurisdiction.