- Background information.
According to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan published on October 27, 2020 No.PD-6096 "On measures to accelerate the reform of enterprises with the participation of the state and the privatization of state assets” and the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated February 11, 2021 No. PD-6167 "On measures to further accelerate the privatization of state assets" in Uzbekistan, the practice of introducing modern methods of privatization of state assets with the involvement of international consulting, audit and investment firms, investment banks and other specialized companies (hereinafter referred to as-professional institutions) has begun.
In addition to that, it is necessary to ensure information support to actively cover privatization processes, in order to present Uzbekistan as reform-oriented and an attractive country for business in Central Asia, and position investment opportunities by attracting investors and interested business circles to the privatization of state assets, by coverage in the leading international media.
In this regard, the State Assets Management Agency (Agency), together with “UzAssets” JSC, intends to attract an international PR company (or a Consortium) to conduct an information campaign in the media; organize thematic conferences and seminars; undertake marketing of assets in order to attract a wide range of foreign and national investors, as well as ensure timely reporting on the processes and results of the privatization program in the Republic of Uzbekistan
2. Goals.
1. Media coverage and publication of articles and reviews in authoritative international publications (for example: Forbes, Bloomberg, FT, Economist, bneIntellinews, Global Capital, Global Banker, Debtwire, etc.) about the reforms conducted by President Mirziyoyev, active work carried out by the State Assets Management Agency and implementation of plans for privatization, with a focus on economic liberalization and improving the investment climate in Uzbekistan.
2. Marketing of public assets on sale, in the form of presentations, infographics, brochures, e-newsletters and analytical publications in English on an ongoing basis, to attract target audiences of investors, funds, intermediaries and companies providing professional services for M&A, IPO/SPO in the international arena.
3. Organizing investment and thematic forums, conferences, round tables on privatization processes, with the participation of international partners, IFIs (WB, EBRD, ADB, etc.), audit companies and consultants for broad coverage of the achieved results, discussion of methodological issues and sharing international experience, ensuring open dialogue with potential investors and stakeholders, with the involvement of national and international media outlets.
3. Scope of work.
The implementation of this Terms of Reference (hereinafter - TOR) is designed for 8 months, with the involvement of an international PR company (a consulting firm). The scope of work will include the following areas:
|
I. Marketing |
||||
|
№ |
Activity |
Time frame* |
Expected results |
|
|
1.1 |
Preparation of printed materials, brochures, e-newsletters, bulletins, presentations. |
Regularly after contract signing |
brochures, bulletins and analytical publications on state assets on sale and privatization plans
key details of the 2021-2025 privatization plan will be highlighted |
|
|
1.2 |
Optimization of mediums of communication and own resources and tools for wide and optimal coverage of privatization agenda (SAMA, UzAssets websites) |
1-2 months after signing the contract |
Improved website interfaces and content, in given languages. Increased traffic. |
|
|
1.3 |
Producing promotional videos about assets on the sale |
Regular basis after signing the contract |
A 3-5 minute videos (EN, RU) aimed at familiarizing the target audience with the privatization program. Videos will be optimized for posting on a new websites and on social networks |
|
*) from the date of signing the contract
|
II. Investment and thematic forums, conferences, round tables, conducting roadshows |
|||
|
№ |
Activity |
Time frame* |
Expected Result |
|
2.1 |
Thematic workshops (3-4) |
Every 2 months after signing the contract |
Activities on privatization processes, with the participation of international partners, IFIs (WB, EBRD, ADB, etc.), audit companies and consultants. Discussion of methodological issues and study of international experience in the field of privatization |
|
2.2 |
Annual high-level conference on implementation of the privatization program |
4 months after contract signing |
With participation of the government, IFIs, international experts, investors, senior management. Extensive coverage of the results and privatization program. |
|
2.3 |
Regular conferences with investors, including remote (Zoom) and roadshows, in cooperation with asset financial/privatization advisors. |
Every month after signing the contract |
Open dialogue with potential investors and stakeholders, as well as with national and international media. |
|
III. Media coverage and publications in authoritative international media |
|||
|
№ |
Activity |
Time frame* |
Expected Result |
|
3.1 |
Training of Agency representatives in working with international journalists. Crisis communications, preparation of briefings, interviews, press releases, posts on social networks. |
On a regular basis |
Agency employees will gain additional knowledge and best practices in crisis communications, preparing interviews and briefings, and working with national and foreign journalists. |
|
3.2 |
Publication of articles and reviews in foreign media (increasing the flow of news about the privatization program of the republic of Uzbekistan) |
Approx. 2 articles every month
|
Publication of articles and interviews by the Director of SAMA and management of UzAssets. Possible topics include 1) the privatization and liberalization program of the national economy 2) Uzbekistan's efforts to strengthen corporate governance in state-owned enterprises, 3) review and extensive coverage of assets for sale. |
|
3.3 |
Engagement with international media outlets |
Every month after signing the contract |
Organization of press-tours and online interviews for Agency officials with key local and international journalists. Raising international public awareness of the privatization program, media coverage. |
*) when necessary
Organization of work
- The project must be implemented in accordance with the Privatization Program and the above-mentioned work plan, on time and within the allocated budget;
- Effective interaction with all project participants (integrated communications organization, public relations and investor relations, stakeholders, media, State Asset Management Agency, UzAssets etc.);
- In order to fulfill this ToR, the consultant interacts with the Agency and UzAssets regarding all technical and organizational aspects.
Consultant Performance Indicators.
The consultant's performance will be measured by the timely preparation of plans/reports within the scope of this TOR and in accordance with item 3, Scope of Work, of this TOR.
- Expected results
The quality of marketing materials on privatized state assets will be improved and brought in line with international standards.
The privatization process through marketing and PR will be widely publicized to ensure the involvement of more investors in the process.
Agency team will gain great experience working with the public, including representatives of foreign media.
An increase in the flow of positive news about the privatization program and its results in the Republic of Uzbekistan, in reputable international media.
Holding thematic seminars and a large annual conference on privatization.
- Qualification requirements for a PR consultant (or Consortium).
Having a team of highly qualified international experts in communications, marketing and event management with experience in advising governments;
Russian, Uzbek and English languages are mandatory;
The consultant team is required to have residents in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
- The term of the contract.
The duration of the contract is 8 months from the date of signing, with possibility of extension.
- Resources provided by the Agency.
7.1 Creation of a working group with specialists of the Agency, JSC "UzAssets" for coordination of work with the consultant within the framework of the TOR;
7.2 Ensuring communication and interaction of the consultant with local stakeholders, government agencies, SOEs, SAMA, UzAssets management to ensure successful implementation of the project.
- Terms of service financing:
The sources of funding for services may be international financial institutions and the Agency's own resources.
The consultant is accountable to the Agency and reports in accordance with the Work Plan, presenting reports on executed work. At the same time, the consultant must:
- Provide on time the developed materials specified in Paragraph 3 "Scope of Work" of the ToR;
- Provide summary reports on the project progress within 5 working days after the reporting period;
- Develop a final project report within two weeks of the completion of the project.
All plans/reports must be written in Russian and English and sent by e-mail to the Agency.
- Submission of proposals
Please send your proposals no later than close of business on 3 March, 2021 to the following contact persons:
Mr. Shokhrukh Okhunov, Head of Department of International Relations and Protocol. Tel: +998 71 259 21 87, Email: cooperation@dakavtiv.uz.
Mr. Akram Mukhamatkulov, Acting First Deputy Chairman of JSC "UzAssets" Investment Company. Tel: +998 71 259 22 38 Email: a.mukhamatkulov@uz-assets.uz.
