The Russian Chamber of Commerce has voiced its concerns about the actions of Uzbek authorities against cellular provider Mobile TeleSystems, which has been forced to write off $1 billion.
"In our opinion, the measures undertaken by the law enforcement agencies of Uzbekistan do not facilitate the development of a favorable investment climate in the country or the enhancement of mutually beneficial business cooperation between Russian and Uzbek entrepreneurs," the presidium of the board of the chamber said in a statement, Interfax reported.
Starting in June, simultaneous unscheduled inspections were performed by more than 10 regulatory bodies in relation to MTS subsidiary Uzdunrobita, which is the largest mobile operator in Uzbekistan.
The Uzbek prosecutor's office sanctioned the seizure of original documents and property inventories, and arrests and mass interrogations of Uzdunrobita employees were carried out.
MTS sees "the intention of certain influential forces in Uzbekistan to take away the company's business in the country," a statement said.
According to MTS, over the last several years, similar scenarios of raids on businesses followed by the arrest of companies' managers and mass inspections have been played out in Uzbekistan.
It compiled a list that includes Wimm-Bill-Dann, Carlsberg, American telecom company MCT and production company Newmont Mining, India's Spentex Industries, Israel's Metal-Tech, Britain's Oxus Gold and Kazakhstan's United Cement Group.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
