In an exclusive interview with UzNews.uz, the Deputy Ministry of Communications and Mass Media Alexey Volin spoke about the prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the media field, the possibility of improving the speed of the Uzbek Internet and joint projects of the two countries.

At the beginning of the interview, the Russian deputy minister expressed satisfaction that during the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Uzbekistan “projects in the media sphere were mentioned in a positive way’’. Answering the question about the evaluation of the past Russian-Uzbek media forum and the International TV Festival TEFI-Sodruzhestvo, Volin, in particular, said: “The forum was held in a very specific and businesslike atmosphere. There was no abstract talk about how important it is to be friends and love each other. There was a completely professional conversation about how to shoot, how to submit content, how to work on the Internet, how to sell advertising, how to develop digital television. We need to continue communication and work”.

The deputy minister praised the development of the Uzbek telecommunications market, noting that it “became understandable and relatively transparent.” “You can begin to work on it according to clear rules,” he said.

The Russian official noted several promising areas of cooperation between the two countries:

– creation of joint TV channels;

– contractual relations between Uzbek operators and Russian TV channels;

– co-production of  films and programs;

– development of technological platforms for the distribution of video and audio products;

– legal services of satellite television;

– cooperation through news agencies;

– exchange of experience in the field of digital television;

– professional forums and conferences;

– personnel training;

– etc.

Answering the question of an Uzbek journalist about the possibility of Russia’s participation in speeding up the Internet in Uzbekistan, Alexei Volin said: “With the speed of the Internet, there are still very big problems. Frankly speaking, it does not fly. We can help. Our companies have experience in developing the mobile Internet. But it is necessary that they do not have fears for the stability of their business. ”