Reports of rising Chinese national presence in Uzbekistan have provoked accusations against the government about territorial risks. Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Bekzod Khidoyatov addressed these claims, asserting that foreign investment, including from various nations, is a natural process tied to Uzbekistan’s economic development, and urged citizens to dismiss panic and misinformation.
Recent reports on social media suggest a growing presence of Chinese nationals in Uzbekistan and claims regarding the alleged transfer of Uzbek territory to China. These rumors have led to accusations against the Uzbek government for its lack of action and control over the situation. In light of these developments, Platina.uz sought an official response from Bekzod Khidoyatov, the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary.
In his statement, Khidoyatov indicated that Uzbekistan is experiencing a global investment shift. He attributed the growing number of investors to the country’s evolving economy and open policy. He noted that an array of investors from countries such as Germany, France, Turkey, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia are also engaging in business in Uzbekistan.
The Press Secretary remarked that just as Uzbek entrepreneurs operate abroad, it is commonplace for foreign nationals, including Chinese, to conduct business within Uzbekistan. He emphasized the presence of Uzbek communities in various countries, thereby normalizing the influx of foreign nationals, including students.
Khidoyatov highlighted that it is unjustified to view the presence of Chinese nationals as a threat, linking the current concerns to manipulative campaigns motivated by third parties. He affirmed that China is a historical partner of Uzbekistan, respecting its sovereignty, and emphasized the existence of a special agreement concerning territorial integrity.
In illustrating his point, he mentioned the significant number of international students in Uzbekistan, including over 6,000 from India, to counter the narrative that foreign presence equates to territorial acquisition. He urged the public to remain patient and critically assess the veracity of such information while dismissing the notion of panic regarding the inflow of foreign nationals into Uzbekistan.
The increasing presence of foreign nationals in Uzbekistan, particularly from China, has raised concerns and sparked speculation regarding territorial integrity. However, the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, Bekzod Khidoyatov, reaffirmed that the influx of investors is a positive development in Uzbekistan’s economic landscape. He advised the public to resist misinformation and highlighted the importance of understanding the international nature of modern economies.
Original Source: zamin.uz
