Should Uzbekistan provide English translations of legislative documents?

According to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment of Uzbekistan, 55% of investors in the country are from English speaking countries. There are also such countries as China, Korea, Japan and others. Negotiations with them are conducted in English too. 8-10% of investors are able to speak Turkish and 20% – Russian.

At the same time, the national database of legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Lex.uz website) has its normative and legal documents, which provides access to legal entities and individuals. In the “Arts in English” section of this website, there are also some legal texts in English.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Justice, translation of the legislation into other languages is a long-term process, and a special group of translators created under the Lex.uz website is constantly engaged in this.

“Whenever laws are translated into another language, they are posted on the site without delay. The existing laws are now available in three languages,” press secretary of the Ministry Sevara Urinbaeva said.

According to an assistant professor of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED), the candidate of juridical sciences Khaydarali Yunusov, absence of the English translation of the Codes (16 units) operating in Uzbekistan, of course, creates difficulties for foreign entrepreneurs and investors.

“An English translation of our laws will not only provide transparency in protecting and promoting the rights and interests of investing foreign entrepreneurs, but also can stimulate the interest of “sleeping” investors,” Khaydarali Yunusov said.

“Unlike other publications, legal documents cannot be implemented online or through specialized e-translation programs. In the legislation, correct translation of each legal term is of great importance as it should be interpreted properly. Unfortunately, most current conflicts arise from the misinterpretation of legislation norms or treaty provisions. Therefore, it is desirable to promote gradual dissemination of legislative acts in English, the associate professor of the UWED noted.

According to Mr. Yunusov, there is no standardized practice of translating the Codes into the English language. The English legislative techniques have been developed in India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, and advanced Arab countries due to historic conditions. The former socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe have rendered their legislation into English in order to join the European Union, thereby adapting their national legal systems to European standards.

The positive experience of the European Union is that the laws adopted within its framework are available in more than one language. An entrepreneur has the right to use the text that is convenient for him.