Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Atomic Energy Agency is being created in Uzbekistan on the basis of the Atomic Energy Development Agency. 

This is stipulated by the decree of the President of Uzbekistan on improving the system of public administration and control in the field of subsoil use, industrial, radiation and nuclear safety, as well as the use of atomic energy.

According to the document, the Atomic Energy Agency is moving from the structure of the Ministry of Energy to the Cabinet of Ministers. The Atomic Energy Agency will lead state policy in the field of the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes.

The agency and its structures are allowed to enter into direct contracts with companies specialized in providing the necessary services, including marketing, engineering and other services in the development of concepts, parameters and conditions of projects. The agency will also be able to create (participate in the authorized capital) business companies, enter into direct agreements with these companies and participate in the financing of projects in economic sectors.

The director of the Atomic Energy Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers will be equal in status to the first deputy minister (previously he was equal to the minister).

The Nuclear Energy Development Fund is being transformed into the Nuclear Energy Development Fund. The fund will receive 5% of dividends accrued on the annual profit of Navoiyuran. The Foundation may also receive loans, grants and other targeted funds, charitable donations, etc.

The fund’s funds will be used to strengthen the agency’s material and technical base, wages, incentives and social protection of workers, cover expenses for foreign business trips and other purposes.

The director of the agency receives the right to engage as consultants specialists from government bodies and organizations, design institutes, scientific and educational institutions, as well as leading international and foreign companies in the field of the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes by concluding direct agreements. He will also be able to hire highly qualified foreign specialists and pay for their work in national or foreign currency at the expense of the agency’s extrabudgetary funds and other sources.