President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on measures to develop private vocational education. The discussion focused on new steps to expand the private sector's capacity in providing educational services.
It was noted that over the next three years, the number of training and assessment centers opened under international standards is planned to increase from 50 to 200, with annual coverage of private vocational education reaching 500,000 people. Currently, this figure stands at 45,000.
More than 300 training programs will be revised and aligned with international requirements. At least 1,000 teachers and masters will undergo advanced training. To finance these programs, 500 billion soums will be allocated from the Employment Fund.
The presentation also reviewed proposals and issues raised by entrepreneurs during meetings. Topics included customs duties and social tax benefits, preferential loans, compensation for certain expenses, and interest-free installment payments for land plots.
In this regard, it was proposed to exempt equipment for private vocational education institutions from customs duties and set the social tax rate for foreign teachers at 1%. Preferential loans for up to 7 years with a 2-year grace period will be provided, and 7% of interest expenses on loans will be compensated.
Fifty percent of costs for attracting foreign specialists, 30% of costs for qualification assessment equipment, and 50% of costs for internationally recognized certificates will be compensated.
Entrepreneurs benefiting from these incentives must organize vocational training on at least 60% of the built or rented premises. Interest-free installment payments for land purchases for up to 5 years, rental of vacant state properties, and free use of vacant spaces in technical schools will be allowed.
To equip private vocational education institutions, $100 million will be attracted by the end of the year. A $5 million venture fund will be established to support graduates' projects. Starting this year, 20 billion soums will be allocated annually for the 'professional voucher' program.
The presentation also covered plans to establish an association of private vocational education institutions, create a 'Skills Park' ecosystem, and launch a digital communication platform for prompt resolution of sectoral issues.
The president approved the presented measures and gave specific instructions to responsible officials on developing private vocational education, adapting curricula to international standards, and effectively utilizing the opportunities created for entrepreneurs.
Source: www.gazeta.uz