The authorities of Uzbekistan plan to dramatically expand the role of the private sector in vocational education. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation and approved plans to increase the number of training and assessment centers operating under international standards from 50 to 200 within three years.
The annual coverage of private vocational education is set to rise from 45,000 to 500,000 people. To achieve this, over 300 training programs will be revised to meet international requirements. More than a thousand teachers and masters will undergo advanced training. The Employment Fund will allocate 500 billion soums for these measures.
Special attention is given to proposals from entrepreneurs. Key initiatives include tax and customs incentives, access to concessional loans, partial cost compensation, and support for infrastructure construction and land use. Private educational organizations will be exempt from customs duties on imported equipment, and a social tax of 1% will be set for foreign specialists.
Loans with a term of up to 7 years and a grace period of 2 years are provided. The state plans to compensate 7% of the interest rate on loans attracted for construction, renovation, and equipment of centers. Additionally, 50% of costs for attracting foreign teachers, 30% of costs for skills assessment equipment, and half of certification costs will be covered.
Entrepreneurs receiving support must organize training and practical classes on at least 60% of the area of built or rented buildings. They will be offered interest-free installment payment for land plots for up to 5 years, lease of vacant state properties for at least 5 years, and free use of premises in technical schools.
By the end of the year, $100 million will be attracted to equip private organizations. A venture fund of $5 million will be created to support graduates' projects. The “voucher for profession” program will receive 20 billion soums annually.
An Association of Private Vocational Education Organizations and the “Skills Park” ecosystem will be established. A digital platform for interaction with state bodies will be introduced to quickly resolve issues. The president approved the measures and instructed to align training programs with international standards.
Additionally, a new system of material incentives for secondary specialized and vocational education is being introduced. A national ranking of technical schools and academic lyceums will be formed annually, with leaders receiving significant funds for development.
Source: podrobno.uz