LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN OCTOBER 3, 2024 № LRU-970 ABOUT THE CREATIVE ECONOMY

LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

OCTOBER 3, 2024

№ LRU-970

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ABOUT THE CREATIVE ECONOMY

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PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

APPROVED BY THE SENATE ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

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Chapter 1. General Provisions

Article 1. Purpose of this Law

The purpose of this Law is to support and develop the creative economy and regulate relations in this area.

Article 2. Legislation on the creative economy

The legislation on the creative economy consists of this Law and other legislative acts.

If an international treaty of the Republic of Uzbekistan establishes rules other than those provided for by the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the creative economy, then the rules of the international treaty shall apply.

Article 3. Basic concepts

The following basic concepts are used in this Law:

creative industry – a set of types of economic activity related to the creation, production, storage, distribution and promotion of goods (works, services) based on the priority of creativity, intellectual abilities, as well as intellectual property and having economic value;

creative industry park – an organizational and legal entity operating on the principles of extraterritoriality within the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan with the aim of creating favorable conditions for the development of the creative industry;

creative industry entities – individuals and legal entities engaged in the creation, production, storage, distribution and promotion of creative products;

creative economy – a branch of the economy aimed at creating goods (works, services) with economic value as a result of human potential based on creativity, intellectual abilities, as well as innovations and technologies;

creative product – goods (works, services) that have economic value, as well as other objects of civil law transactions in the field of creative economy.

Article 4. Basic principles in the field of creative economy

The creative economy is based on the following principles:

legality;

openness and transparency;

freedom of creativity;

equality;

legal protection of creative products.

Article 5. Principle of legality

Relations in the field of creative economy must be carried out in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, this Law and other legislative acts.

Article 6. Principle of openness and transparency

Information in the creative economy must be open and transparent. Information that constitutes state secrets and the disclosure of which is restricted by law is an exception.

State bodies are obliged to create conditions for creative industry entities to obtain and freely use information in ways stipulated by legislation on the openness of the activities of state authorities and administration, as well as on guarantees and freedom of access to information.

Article 7. Principle of freedom of creativity

The creative economy is based on freedom of scientific, technical and artistic creativity.

All persons are free to choose and carry out activities in one or more areas of the creative industry, as well as to create a creative product.

Freedom of creativity should not be directed towards actions that damage the honor, dignity and business reputation of others, encourage or promote illegal actions, and should not contradict public morality.

Article 8. Principle of equality

Creative industry entities are equal in carrying out their activities, including the use of state-provided support measures and infrastructure.

Article 9. Principle of legal protection of a creative product

Creative products are the result of intellectual and creative activity and are protected in accordance with the law.

Article 10. Spheres of the creative industry

For the purposes of this Law, the creative industries include:

literary creativity;

applied arts and crafts;

architecture, design and urbanism;

audiovisual arts;

performing arts;

organization of concert and entertainment activities and cultural events;

fashion and design art;

activities of museums, art galleries (exhibitions) and information and library activities;

creative activities in publishing and printing;

creative activity in the field of mass media and creative activity carried out through transmission via the worldwide information network Internet;

production activities;

creative activities in the field of digital technologies;

creative activities in the field of advertising;

activities to preserve art objects and cultural heritage sites;

fine arts.

Chapter 2. State policy in the field of creative economy

Article 11. Main directions of state policy in the field of creative economy

The main directions of state policy in the field of creative economy are:

creation of the necessary conditions for citizens to demonstrate their creative and intellectual potential in the creative industry;

increasing the turnover of creative products by transforming the creative industry into one of the active sectors of the economy;

creating equal opportunities for creative industry entities to receive state support;

development of small and medium-sized businesses through support of creative industries;

support for science and scientific activity in the field of creative economy and assistance in the implementation of creative ideas and projects;

creation of the necessary infrastructure for creative industry entities;

ensuring the use of scientific and technological achievements and innovative approaches in the creation of creative products;

improving the education system, introducing modern educational programs in the creative industry with the aim of developing competencies in this area;

elimination of restrictions on the realization of creative potential and opportunities of creative industry entities;

ensuring broad recognition of national culture and national brands in the international arena.

Article 12. Strategies for the development of the creative economy

Strategies for the development of the creative economy are developed and implemented on the basis of modern achievements in order to develop human capital, the country, and implement a unified state policy in the field of the creative economy.

Strategies for the development of the creative economy can be adopted for the near and long term.

Creative economy development strategies define the goals and objectives facing the state and society, target indicators for the relevant period, as well as action plans for their implementation.

Draft strategies for the development of the creative economy are developed on the basis of proposals from government agencies, scientific organizations, creative industry entities, non-governmental non-profit organizations and experts.

Chapter 3. Regulation in the field of creative economy

Article 13. Powers of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the field of creative economy

Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan:

ensures the implementation of a unified state policy in the field of creative economy;

determines measures of state support for the creative economy and the procedure for their provision;

defines the types of economic activity in the creative industry;

approves strategies for the development of the creative economy and state programs;

adopts regulatory and legal acts in the field of creative economy;

takes measures to create the necessary infrastructure in the field of creative economy;

determines the procedure for the creation of creative industry parks and the organization of their activities;

coordinates the activities of republican executive bodies in the field of creative economy;

determines the procedure for the activities of the Republican Council for the Development of the Creative Economy.

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan may also exercise other powers in accordance with the legislation.

Article 14. Republican Council for the Development of Creative Economy

The Republican Council for the Development of the Creative Economy (hereinafter referred to as the Republican Council) is a voluntary advisory body on issues of development of creative industries.

The composition of the Republican Council includes representatives of relevant government bodies and civil society institutions, leading entrepreneurs in the creative industry, as well as international and local experts, and is approved by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Republican Council:

develops proposals for the development of the creative economy and support for creative industry sectors;

develops proposals for defining types of economic activity in the creative industry;

identifies promising directions and growth points for the creative industry;

develops recommendations for improving the activities of creative industry parks and receives information about their activities.

The working body of the Republican Council is the Fund for the Development of Culture and Art under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Article 15. Powers of the republican executive bodies in the field of creative economy

Republican executive bodies, within the limits of their powers:

participate in the implementation of a unified state policy in the field of creative economy;

ensure the implementation of legislation on the creative economy;

participate in the formation of creative products and in financial support in the field of creative economy;

coordinate the activities of creative industry entities under their jurisdiction in the creation, production, storage and distribution of creative products.

Republican executive authorities cooperate with other government bodies and organizations to develop the creative economy.

Republican executive bodies may also exercise other powers in accordance with legislation.

Article 16. Powers of local government bodies in the field of creative economy

Local government bodies, within the limits of their powers:

participate in the implementation of a unified state policy in the field of creative economy in the regions;

implement measures to develop the creative economy in the regions;

approve regional programs in the field of creative economy and ensure their implementation;

promote the activities of creative industry entities.

Local government bodies may also exercise other powers in accordance with legislation.

Article 17. Participation of non-governmental non-profit organizations in activities related to the development of the creative economy

Non-governmental non-profit organizations:

provide assistance to creative industry entities in realizing their creative potential;

develop initiatives and proposals for the development of the creative economy;

participate in the implementation of public control in the field of creative economy.

Chapter 4. State support for the creative economy

Article 18. Directions of state support for the creative economy

The state comprehensively supports the development of the creative economy and the creation of favorable investment and business conditions in the creative industry.

State support for the creative economy includes the following measures:

provision of benefits to entities in the creative industry in accordance with the procedure established by tax legislation;

provision of financial support through a system of state subsidies, state grants and state social orders;

provision of benefits when using infrastructure and state property;

information support for creative industry entities;

protection of the property of creative industry entities, registration of intellectual property objects, simplification of procedures in the field of intellectual property.

The procedure for adopting state support measures is determined by legislation.

Article 19. Benefits and preferences for creative industry entities

The state can provide creative industry entities with benefits and preferences on taxes and other payments and tariffs.

Article 20. Support for education in the field of creative economy

Support for education in the field of creative economy is provided in the following forms:

improvement of state educational standards and educational programs for the training, retraining and advanced training of personnel in the creative industries;

support for the activities of educational organizations in the creative industry;

support for dual education in the creative industries, including ensuring the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills;

creation of specialized programs of additional education on specialized topics in cooperation with leading international educational organizations;

creation of educational, methodological, scientific and practical literature.

Support for education in the field of creative economy can also be provided in other forms provided for by law.

Article 21. State support for the popularization of national and universal values ​​in the creation of creative products

The state supports the creation of a creative product aimed at popularizing national and universal values, preserving and enriching the spiritual and cultural potential of the people of Uzbekistan, protecting cultural heritage, and developing feelings of patriotism and love for the Motherland among young people.

Chapter 5. Creative Economy Infrastructure

Article 22. Composition of the creative economy infrastructure

The infrastructure of the creative economy includes a complex of economic, social, cultural and digital resources aimed at supporting and developing the sphere.

The infrastructure of the creative economy can be in the form of creative industry parks, creative industry clusters, art residences, creative industry centers, innovative equipment and technologies, digital programs and platforms, and other forms.

Article 23. Creative industry clusters

A creative industry cluster is an organizational and legal entity representing a set of creative activity entities participating in the creation of creative products in the relevant territory, formed for the purpose of effective interaction, joint use of capacities, and exchange of knowledge and competencies.

Creative industry clusters can be created with the participation of public or private investment.

The main areas of activity of creative industry clusters are:

combining the potential of creative industry entities to create goods (works, services) that are in demand on domestic and foreign markets;

organization of educational, consulting and information services for creative industry entities;

joint promotion of the results of creative activities on the market.

Creative industry clusters may also operate in other areas not prohibited by law.

Article 24. Creative Economy Support Funds

Creative economy support funds are created to finance expenses related to the creation, production, storage, distribution and promotion of projects in the creative industry on domestic and foreign markets.

The main areas of use of funds for supporting the creative economy are:

implementation of activities in the field of creative economy;

financing and commercialization of projects in the creative industries;

financial incentives for creative industry entities, improving the qualifications of personnel and strengthening their material and technical base.

Creative economy support funds may allocate funds on a repayable or gratuitous basis, and also act as guarantors for the obligations of creative industry entities.

The creation, reorganization and liquidation of funds to support the creative economy are carried out in accordance with the law.

Chapter 6. Creative Industry Park

Article 25. Procedure for the creation, organization of activities, monitoring and evaluation of the activities of the creative industry park

The procedure for the creation and organization of the activities of the creative industry park is determined by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The creative industry park is managed by a directorate.

The Republican Council monitors and evaluates the activities of the creative industry park.

The Directorate of the Creative Industry Park provides the Republican Council with information on its activities and results at least twice a year.

Article 26. Objectives of the Creative Industry Park

The objectives of the creative industry park are:

creation of favorable conditions for the development of creative industries;

attracting investment into the creative economy;

ensuring the availability of necessary resources and infrastructure for residents of the creative industries park;

development of an ecosystem to increase the turnover and export of creative industry products, including the creation of electronic platforms and online markets, as well as their integration into international platforms;

creation of jobs in the creative industries;

conducting an analysis of the labor market in the creative industry, and assisting in the training of personnel in this area, improving their qualifications, including the harmonization of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills;

stimulating innovation and creativity in the creative industries.

Article 27. Rights and obligations of residents of the creative industry park

Residents of the Creative Industries Park have the right to:

use the infrastructure of the creative industries park, including shared workspaces and equipment;

receive consulting services on business development and intellectual property protection;

participate in programs for taking measures (acceleration) to improve and strengthen education and new ideas, organized by the creative industry park management.

Residents of the Creative Industries Park are required to:

comply with the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan;

to use the resources of the creative industry park rationally;

organize master classes in relevant areas of the creative industry.

Residents of the creative industries park may have other rights and bear other obligations in accordance with the law.

Article 28. Residents of the Creative Industry Park

Residents of the creative industry park may be creative industry entities whose business plan in the creative industry has been approved by the creative industry park management, and whose income from activities in the creative industry is at least eighty percent of the total annual income received.

Legal entities with a state share in the authorized capital (authorized fund) cannot be residents of the creative industry park.

Residents of the creative industry park may also be subject to other requirements stipulated by legislative acts.

Article 29. Interaction of the creative industry park with other entities

The Creative Industry Park can cooperate with educational and scientific organizations, business incubators and accelerators.

The Directorate of the Creative Industry Park may enter into agreements with domestic and international partners to exchange experience, attract investment and for other purposes in accordance with the procedure established by law.

Chapter 7. Final Provisions

Article 30. Formation and use of creative economy indicators

Statistical authorities keep records of indicators reflecting the state of the creative economy, including:

the share of the creative economy in the gross domestic product, including the volumes of production, sales and foreign trade turnover of creative products;

number of creative industry entities;

employment in the creative industries;

volume of investments in creative startups and projects.

The effectiveness of state policy in the field of creative economy is assessed using a system of creative economy indicators.

Article 31. International cooperation

International cooperation in the field of creative economy is carried out through the establishment and development of cooperation with foreign countries and international organizations.

Article 32. Dispute resolution

Disputes arising in the field of creative economy are resolved in accordance with the procedure established by law.

Article 33. Responsibility for violation of legislation on creative economy

Persons guilty of violating the legislation on the creative economy are held accountable in accordance with the established procedure.

Article 34. Ensuring the implementation, communication, and explanation of the essence and meaning of this Law

The Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and other interested organizations shall ensure the implementation, dissemination to the executors and explanation to the population of the essence and significance of this Law.

Article 35. Bringing legislation into line with this Law

To the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan:

bring government decisions into compliance with this Law;

ensure the revision and repeal by the republican executive authorities of their regulatory legal acts that contradict this Law.

Article 36. Entry into force of this Law

This Law shall enter into force on the day of its official publication.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh. MIRZIYOYEV