"Uzbekistan" publishing house published the book by President Islam Karimov entitled "Uzbekistan: 16 years of independent development" in the Uzbek and Russian languages, UzA reported.

The book contains the report of the head of the state at the joint session of the Oliy Majils, Cabinet of Ministers and the President’s Office held on 30 August 2007.

The report analyzes the country’s development and achievements in the years of independence, and sets tasks for the future.

The President divides the years of independent development of Uzbekistan into two periods, each having an important meaning in the state’s history.

The first period – 1991 to 2000 – was characterized with the initial reforms and changes related to forming the bases of national statehood. The book reveals the difficulties and controversies of the period and underlines its importance in laying the foundation of the new society.

The second period – 2001 to 2007 – is called the time of active democratic reforms and modernization of the country. These years are noted for ensuring stable development of the economy, reforms in the political life and legislative, juridical and social spheres.

Outlining the tasks currently faced by the country, Islam Karimov draws attention to the fact that Uzbekistan needs to have a concrete, clear and thoroughly developed strategy and a program of actions in order to join the list of the world’s developed states.