On September 1, 1991,the Republic of Uzbekistan declared its independence from the Soviet Union and began a rapid path toward modernization that continues today. Over green tea and dried apricots, I had the pleasure of interviewing His Excellency Ilhom Nematov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United States, Canada, and Brazil, about his Central Asian country and the path that led him into the diplomatic life.
Initially, we shared a touching moment about finding love at while at university. Ambassador Nematov met his wife Gulasal Nematova, an engineer, in 1968 while students at Fergana Polytechnic Institute. Graduating in 1973, the couple was blessed with four children and six grandchildren. Two of the lucky grandchildren enjoy the Washingtonian life today.
Early in his career, Ambassador Nematov acquired fluency in German and served in Bonn after joining the diplomatic life in 1989. From there, he worked in various missions abroad. In 1997, Ambassador Nematov received his first ambassadorial post and served as Uzbekistan’s highest representative in India for several years. His skills and doctoral degree in economics served him well in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Leaving the curries and heat of New Delhi behind for slightly warmer attire, Nematov held the post of Ambassador to the Russian Federation for two years before assuming his current role in February 2010.When asked to describe how each of these positions differed, Ambassador Nematov described India as a “huge, colorful, very fantastic, big democracy” and emphasized that the critical functions of his job are the same from country to country, but with valuable experiences that help whatever duty he may be asked to fulfill next.
A discussion on this rich history led Ambassador Nematov to discuss several reasons why Uzbekistan is such an incredible tourist destination and why I, the ever eager traveler, should make a visit one day. First, his country is an ancient. Though only technically twenty-one years old, Uzbekistan’s culture extend back to the Bronze Age or earlier. Uzbekistan became part of the Russian Empire in the 19th century as a constituent republic, following its history in the Persian Empire, Timurid Empire, and 16th century Eastern Turk nomad period. In particular, Ambassador Nematov emphasized the mixed culture of Greeks, Persians, Turks, Arabs, and other ethnicities. Next, the location is key. Uzbekistan is at the heart of Central Asia and the Silk Road with over four thousand unique monuments. For the traveler or businessperson, Tashkent easily connects to other neighborhood nations, China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and more. As his third reason, Ambassador Nematov concluded with a brief discussion on how very multinational Uzbekistan is with more than 130 nationalities and more than two thousand registered religious organizations. Though Muslims account for approximately 90 percent of the population, Ambassador Nematov stressed the constitutionally protected freedom of religion and noted many other faiths. All of this is more than national pride. For their priceless cultural monuments, Uzbekistan has been recognized by UNESCO with four cultural sites: Historic Centre of Bukhara, Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz, Itchan Kala, and Samarkand. In particular, the blue hues of the mausoleums and mosques greet visitors who enter Registan Square.
Not only is it the most populated country in Central Asia with more than 29 million people, Uzbekistan’s population is quite young and this prompted 2012 to be named “The Year of Strong Family” by Tashkent. More than 30 percent are under the age of eighteen, which Ambassador Nematov remarked was a “social problem” at times considering 60 percent of the total population is living in rural areas and there are approximately 500,000 new babies (the infant mortality rate is approximately 21 deaths to 1000 live births) every year with a life expectancy of around 72 years. As the children grow, they have one enormous advantage over many others in this world: literacy. In Uzbekistan, there is an astonishingly high literacy rate of over 99 percent--almost everyone can read and everyone can write. A positive holdover from a mandated Soviet curriculum, 12 years of education is compulsory and there are more than 60 universities with additional special programs as intentionally cultivated by President Islam Karimov. As Ambassador Nematov proudly highlighted, “we attach great importance to education because educated people are the future of Uzbekistan.”
In particular, Uzbekistan’s booming and educated population creates both a problem and opportunity where the government is actively trying to sow economic opportunities and diversity its industries. In one example offered by the Ambassador, the “economy of Uzbekistan was totally occupied by cotton production”, estimated at some 80 percent prior to independence. With the modernization of industry and new factories, cotton only accounts for 11 percent today though Uzbekistan is still the fifth-largest exporter of this crop. Shifting from the white gold, Uzbekistan has been making great strides in electronics, environmental technologies, food production, and the pharmaceutical industry. Aside from the big names however, more than 50 percent of Uzbekistan’s total GDP is coming from small scale businesses founded upon partner investments. These partners are attracted by Uzbekistan’s strategic geopolitical location, rich mineral resources, and favorable free economic zones like Navoiy and Angren. In exchange, Uzbekistan strives for a more multi-faceted economy, exports oil production technology and natural gas, and works to offer employment options for its people. In business, these efforts have attracted such notable companies as The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, General Motors, and more.
Protecting such people and resources is no easy task for such a young nation, but Uzbekistan is trying to overcome several criticisms. “From the first day of independence, the government of Uzbekistan committed to build a secular and democratic state based on a market economy and rule of law,” said Ambassador Nematov as he went on to note that democracy is always at the heart of his nation’s internal and external policies. He also highlighted President Karimov’s five principles for economic development as led by the government: de-ideologization of the economy, supremacy of laws, step-by-step reform, state regulation during the transition period, and strong social policy. Through this and other mediums, the human rights question is being addressed. In our conversation, Ambassador Nematov cited his country’s subscription to United Nations conventions concerning human rights and their direct dialogue with the European Union on democracy and the rule of law. In 2008 Uzbekistan abolished the death penalty and established habeas corpus, a direct reflection of the tolerant Uzbek people. Ambassador Nematov continued and was clearly proud of how his nation spent large amounts on social reforms that “introduced and adopted lot of action plans to protect human rights, the rights of vulnerable people, rights of children, and rights of women.”
With the emphasis on economics and agricultural production, it would be a mistake to think Uzbekistan is a male-centric country. Loosely quoting the French novelist Honore de Balzac, Ambassador Nematov passionately explained “First of all, a woman is a mother. Mother is the future and the future is the hand of the mother. Without the mother, we cannot think about the future.” Extending this analogy, the government and president have made favorable opportunities for women a priority and went as far to proclaim International Women’s Day on March 8th a national holiday. Indeed, women have more rights than men in Uzbekistan and hold many top government positions, according to Ambassador Nematov. When asked if a female president might one day be in Uzbekistan’s future, Nematov pleasantly replied “let us see, who knows, no one can predict."
As a landlocked nation, Uzbekistan’s interest in foreign affairs and security extends far beyond contemporary talking points. To be sure, Uzbekistan has been a partner with the United States and has sought closer ties with this ally. Ambassador Nematov, always the economist, verbally diagrammed how Uzbekistan’s export potential depends on one of two routes: north through Kazakhstan to Russia and Europe, and south via Afghanistan in what is the “closest route for our goods to reach seaports in the ocean.” Conflict in their backyard with the Taliban, al-Qaeda, or the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan is as much as about the economy and the future of its people as it is ideology. In addition and referencing internal security, Ambassador Nematov warned that destabilizing Uzbekistan means destabilizing the whole of Central Asia owing to its unique position. Summarizing a brief discussion on the 2005 civil unrest and violence in Andijan, Ambassador Nematov was resolved that “it was a tragedy for us but it happened against the will of the people.”
We ended our interview on a more fun and hungry note. As Uzbekistan had a major birthday this year, I inquired about their award winning wine industry which led to a conversation on all kinds of fruits and vegetables. In addition to their sweet grapes, Uzbekistan produces more than eight million tons each year of unique fruits that include over 100 types of melons. There is even a tomato called “heart of bull” that I look forward to trying when I have the opportunity to visit this fascinating country. Though Uzbekistan is not without its share of problems, Ambassador Nematov is most optimistic and encouraged by the plethora of democratic reforms that have taken place in such a relatively short time. After all, many areas of the United States and other nations still have the death penalty.
This article was originally published in the Diplomatic Courier's November/December 2012 print edition. Some errors originally included in the print edition have been corrected.
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Interview with H.E. Ilhom Nematov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United States
November 30, 2012
On September 1, 1991,the Republic of Uzbekistan declared its independence from the Soviet Union and began a rapid path toward modernization that continues today. Over green tea and dried apricots, I had the pleasure of interviewing His Excellency Ilhom Nematov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United States, Canada, and Brazil, about his Central Asian country and the path that led him into the diplomatic life.
Initially, we shared a touching moment about finding love at while at university. Ambassador Nematov met his wife Gulasal Nematova, an engineer, in 1968 while students at Fergana Polytechnic Institute. Graduating in 1973, the couple was blessed with four children and six grandchildren. Two of the lucky grandchildren enjoy the Washingtonian life today.
Early in his career, Ambassador Nematov acquired fluency in German and served in Bonn after joining the diplomatic life in 1989. From there, he worked in various missions abroad. In 1997, Ambassador Nematov received his first ambassadorial post and served as Uzbekistan’s highest representative in India for several years. His skills and doctoral degree in economics served him well in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Leaving the curries and heat of New Delhi behind for slightly warmer attire, Nematov held the post of Ambassador to the Russian Federation for two years before assuming his current role in February 2010.When asked to describe how each of these positions differed, Ambassador Nematov described India as a “huge, colorful, very fantastic, big democracy” and emphasized that the critical functions of his job are the same from country to country, but with valuable experiences that help whatever duty he may be asked to fulfill next.
A discussion on this rich history led Ambassador Nematov to discuss several reasons why Uzbekistan is such an incredible tourist destination and why I, the ever eager traveler, should make a visit one day. First, his country is an ancient. Though only technically twenty-one years old, Uzbekistan’s culture extend back to the Bronze Age or earlier. Uzbekistan became part of the Russian Empire in the 19th century as a constituent republic, following its history in the Persian Empire, Timurid Empire, and 16th century Eastern Turk nomad period. In particular, Ambassador Nematov emphasized the mixed culture of Greeks, Persians, Turks, Arabs, and other ethnicities. Next, the location is key. Uzbekistan is at the heart of Central Asia and the Silk Road with over four thousand unique monuments. For the traveler or businessperson, Tashkent easily connects to other neighborhood nations, China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and more. As his third reason, Ambassador Nematov concluded with a brief discussion on how very multinational Uzbekistan is with more than 130 nationalities and more than two thousand registered religious organizations. Though Muslims account for approximately 90 percent of the population, Ambassador Nematov stressed the constitutionally protected freedom of religion and noted many other faiths. All of this is more than national pride. For their priceless cultural monuments, Uzbekistan has been recognized by UNESCO with four cultural sites: Historic Centre of Bukhara, Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz, Itchan Kala, and Samarkand. In particular, the blue hues of the mausoleums and mosques greet visitors who enter Registan Square.
Not only is it the most populated country in Central Asia with more than 29 million people, Uzbekistan’s population is quite young and this prompted 2012 to be named “The Year of Strong Family” by Tashkent. More than 30 percent are under the age of eighteen, which Ambassador Nematov remarked was a “social problem” at times considering 60 percent of the total population is living in rural areas and there are approximately 500,000 new babies (the infant mortality rate is approximately 21 deaths to 1000 live births) every year with a life expectancy of around 72 years. As the children grow, they have one enormous advantage over many others in this world: literacy. In Uzbekistan, there is an astonishingly high literacy rate of over 99 percent--almost everyone can read and everyone can write. A positive holdover from a mandated Soviet curriculum, 12 years of education is compulsory and there are more than 60 universities with additional special programs as intentionally cultivated by President Islam Karimov. As Ambassador Nematov proudly highlighted, “we attach great importance to education because educated people are the future of Uzbekistan.”
In particular, Uzbekistan’s booming and educated population creates both a problem and opportunity where the government is actively trying to sow economic opportunities and diversity its industries. In one example offered by the Ambassador, the “economy of Uzbekistan was totally occupied by cotton production”, estimated at some 80 percent prior to independence. With the modernization of industry and new factories, cotton only accounts for 11 percent today though Uzbekistan is still the fifth-largest exporter of this crop. Shifting from the white gold, Uzbekistan has been making great strides in electronics, environmental technologies, food production, and the pharmaceutical industry. Aside from the big names however, more than 50 percent of Uzbekistan’s total GDP is coming from small scale businesses founded upon partner investments. These partners are attracted by Uzbekistan’s strategic geopolitical location, rich mineral resources, and favorable free economic zones like Navoiy and Angren. In exchange, Uzbekistan strives for a more multi-faceted economy, exports oil production technology and natural gas, and works to offer employment options for its people. In business, these efforts have attracted such notable companies as The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, General Motors, and more.
Protecting such people and resources is no easy task for such a young nation, but Uzbekistan is trying to overcome several criticisms. “From the first day of independence, the government of Uzbekistan committed to build a secular and democratic state based on a market economy and rule of law,” said Ambassador Nematov as he went on to note that democracy is always at the heart of his nation’s internal and external policies. He also highlighted President Karimov’s five principles for economic development as led by the government: de-ideologization of the economy, supremacy of laws, step-by-step reform, state regulation during the transition period, and strong social policy. Through this and other mediums, the human rights question is being addressed. In our conversation, Ambassador Nematov cited his country’s subscription to United Nations conventions concerning human rights and their direct dialogue with the European Union on democracy and the rule of law. In 2008 Uzbekistan abolished the death penalty and established habeas corpus, a direct reflection of the tolerant Uzbek people. Ambassador Nematov continued and was clearly proud of how his nation spent large amounts on social reforms that “introduced and adopted lot of action plans to protect human rights, the rights of vulnerable people, rights of children, and rights of women.”
With the emphasis on economics and agricultural production, it would be a mistake to think Uzbekistan is a male-centric country. Loosely quoting the French novelist Honore de Balzac, Ambassador Nematov passionately explained “First of all, a woman is a mother. Mother is the future and the future is the hand of the mother. Without the mother, we cannot think about the future.” Extending this analogy, the government and president have made favorable opportunities for women a priority and went as far to proclaim International Women’s Day on March 8th a national holiday. Indeed, women have more rights than men in Uzbekistan and hold many top government positions, according to Ambassador Nematov. When asked if a female president might one day be in Uzbekistan’s future, Nematov pleasantly replied “let us see, who knows, no one can predict."
As a landlocked nation, Uzbekistan’s interest in foreign affairs and security extends far beyond contemporary talking points. To be sure, Uzbekistan has been a partner with the United States and has sought closer ties with this ally. Ambassador Nematov, always the economist, verbally diagrammed how Uzbekistan’s export potential depends on one of two routes: north through Kazakhstan to Russia and Europe, and south via Afghanistan in what is the “closest route for our goods to reach seaports in the ocean.” Conflict in their backyard with the Taliban, al-Qaeda, or the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan is as much as about the economy and the future of its people as it is ideology. In addition and referencing internal security, Ambassador Nematov warned that destabilizing Uzbekistan means destabilizing the whole of Central Asia owing to its unique position. Summarizing a brief discussion on the 2005 civil unrest and violence in Andijan, Ambassador Nematov was resolved that “it was a tragedy for us but it happened against the will of the people.”
We ended our interview on a more fun and hungry note. As Uzbekistan had a major birthday this year, I inquired about their award winning wine industry which led to a conversation on all kinds of fruits and vegetables. In addition to their sweet grapes, Uzbekistan produces more than eight million tons each year of unique fruits that include over 100 types of melons. There is even a tomato called “heart of bull” that I look forward to trying when I have the opportunity to visit this fascinating country. Though Uzbekistan is not without its share of problems, Ambassador Nematov is most optimistic and encouraged by the plethora of democratic reforms that have taken place in such a relatively short time. After all, many areas of the United States and other nations still have the death penalty.
This article was originally published in the Diplomatic Courier's November/December 2012 print edition. Some errors originally included in the print edition have been corrected.
