Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug 31
By Fakhri Vakilov-Trend:
On August 30, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree on the development of space activities in the country, according to which an Agency for Space Research and Technology (“Uzbekcosmos”) will be created under the Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports citing Uzbek media.
The decree notes that active investment policies and measures to improve the standard and quality of life of the population require the engagement of unused opportunities of high-tech and large-scale areas of activity, such as innovation, nanotechnology, nuclear energy, and the space industry.
The Agency "Uzbekcosmos" is defined by the government as a body responsible for the development and implementation of a unified state policy and strategic directions in the field of space research and technology. Among its main tasks:
- realization of state programs for the development of the space industry in Uzbekistan;
- development of the infrastructure of the space industry, space research and technology, research and development, experimental design and innovative work;
- assistance to state bodies in increasing the efficiency of solving problems through the use of stratospheric and other unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as spacecraft for remote sensing of the earth and satellite communications;
- attracting foreign investment and advanced technologies in the field of space activities, including on public-private partnership.
Decision-making on strategic issues in the development of the space industry will be based on the conclusions of the Scientific, Technical and Expert Council of Uzbekcosmos Agency. It will include representatives of the ministries for the development of information technology and communications, defense, innovative development, etc.
The decree also approved the Roadmap for the development of the space industry in Uzbekistan for 2019-2020.
Until November 1, it is planned to develop a draft law "On Space Activities", and before July 1, 2020 - a draft State Program for the Development of the Space Industry in Uzbekistan for 2020-2030.
The program should include issues such as the construction of space industry facilities and related infrastructure, as well as the training of specialists in universities and training centers in the field of space research and technology.
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