October 16, 2007

Politics:
President of Uzbekistan to pay state visit to Turkmenistan
CEC Holds Session In Town, Briefs Journalists On Its Results
Uzbek Ombudsman, Defensor del Pueblo of Spain ink agreement
Economics:
Cabinet sums up Uzbekistan's socioeconomic development in Jan-Sep 2007
Uzbekistan Harvests 3,6 m Tons of Cotton
Uzbek, Japanese businesses discuss cooperation in leather processing
Society:
President Felicitates Nation On ‘Grand Labor Victory’
Second Central Asian Forum of Partners in fighting HIV epidemic held

POLITICS

PRESIDENT OF UZBEKISTAN TO PAY STATE VISIT TO TURKMENISTAN

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov will pay a state visit to Turkmenistan on October 18-19 on the invitation of this country’s President Gurbanguli Berdymukhammedov, UzA reported.

The meetings in Turkmenistan will focus on expansion of Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation and important international problems representing mutual interest.

Signing of a number of bilateral documents aimed at deepening cooperation between the two states in various spheres is planned during the visit.

CEC HOLDS SESSION IN TOWN, BRIEFS JOURNALISTS ON ITS RESULTS

On October 15 this year the Central Election Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan held its session. The Chairman of the Central Election Committee Mirza-Ulugbek Abdusalomov presided over it.

In line with the Articles 14 and 24-1 of the Law “On elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan” the Central Election Committee of Uzbekistan adopted a resolution “On approving the list of political parties and voter initiative groups”, allowed to participate in the elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan”.

The report by Uzbekistan National News Agency of October 15 says that the same day session of the Central Election Committee of Uzbekistan tackled other issues within its powers.

According to the report, the same day on October 15 the foreign and local journalists were briefed about the Election’s Committee’s last meeting and issues addressed at it. The Chairman of the Central Election Committee M.Abdusalomov is reported to have told the journalists about 5 political parties and voter initiative groups, which were allowed to take part in presidential elections in the country, the procedures of collecting signatures in support of the nominated candidatures.

Also, the CEC Chairman told journalists about the establishment of district election committees of the respected representatives of local public, personal make-up of such committees and the way how they would work.

UZBEK OMBUDSMAN, DEFENSOR DEL PUEBLO OF SPAIN INK AGREEMENT

The Authorized Person of Oliy Majlis [parliament] of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights [Ombudsman] and Defensor del Pueblo (People's defender) of Spain have signed an Agreement on cooperation in Madrid, Spain, on October 11, 2007, according to the Uzreport.com Business Information Portal.

The document was signed by the sides guided by the desire to establish friendly cooperation aimed at the exchange of experience on the issues connected with providing an efficient protection of human rights in their respective countries and considering the similarity of actions implemented by both institutions.

In particular, the parties have agreed to carry out cooperation in such areas, as exchange of information on actions in the sphere of protection of human rights and freedoms; exchange of legislative acts concerning the organization, competence and activity of the parties, as well as other legislative documents on human rights issues; providing mutual information on important decisions taken by state bodies regarding the activities of the parties; organization of visits, conferences and trainings; providing mutual assistance in the protection of rights and freedoms of citizens of the parties' states; being in contact on issues regarding the membership of the parties in international organizations in the sphere of human rights and freedoms protection; preparation and edition of joint publications.

Once approved legal conditions requested by both legal systems, the Agreement entered into force from the date of signing. The Agreement was concluded for five years and will be automatically extended for more five years unless any of the parties informs by written notification three months before the termination of relevant period.

ECONOMICS

CABINET SUMS UP UZBEKISTAN'S SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN JAN-SEP 2007

Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a session on 16 October to discuss results of socioeconomic development of the country in the first nine months of 2007 and approve additional measures to ensure implementation of priority tasks of deepening economic reforms, determined by the President Islam Karimov at government meeting on 12 February 2007, UzA reported.

Heads of central economic ministries and departments in their reports noted that the system measures on implementation of seven important priorities of economic programme for 2007 ensure dynamic achievement of indicators of macroeconomic development of the country, successful realization of main directions of tax and budget policies, timely performance of the state budget of Uzbekistan for 2007.

Thus, according to data of Economy Ministry, State Statistics Committee and Finance Ministry of Uzbekistan for January-September 2007, the gross domestic product grew by 9.8%. Economic growth was achieved due to increase of the volumes of industrial production by 11.9%, agriculture – 3.5%, construction work – 20.4%, retail trade turnover – 18.4%, paid services – 25.2%.

Foreign trade turnover is increasing first of all due to growth of exports – by 41.8%. The state budget was performed with proficit, inflation level did not exceed the forecast parameters.

Favourable investment climate and conditions for attraction of investments allowed to increase the volumes of investments by 31.3%, including direct foreign investments – more than twofold.

The measures taken on support of entrepreneurship, liberalization of their operation conditions and reduction of tax burden provided for the increase of the share of small business in GDP up to 43.1% against 39% in the corresponding period of 2007.

Participants of the session noted that adoption and implementation of a number of important presidential decrees maintained significantly further strengthening of address measures on social support of various groups of the population, gradual realization of target national programmes in the field of education, staff training and healthcare. Within the "Year of social protection" state programme alone, the government directed 370 billion soums to social actions, including 153 billion soums at the expense of state budget funds.

In the reporting period, in accordance with territorial programmes of ensuring employment, some 490,000 new work places were created this year, including 82,000 work places on labour contracts with enterprises, 120,000 work places – in the sphere of service. Work record cards were opened to 275,000 citizens working in the field of cattle breeding.

Heads of complexes and departments of the Cabinet of Ministers, corresponding ministries, have been entrusted to work out a system of criteria and evaluation of introduction and development of information and communication technologies in governance bodies, banks and financial institutions, in rural area, as well as at large productions. These measures should be the basis in preparation and realization of the Uzbek ICT Development Programme for 2007-2015.

UZBEKISTAN HARVESTS 3,6 M TONS OF COTTON

The cotton growers in Uzbekistan are reported to have harvested by October 15, 2007 more than 3 million 600 thousand tons of raw cotton.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Economy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the dekhkans (peasants) and farmers of the country have sown the cotton plant this year in the area worth 1 million 440 thousand hectares.

The support of the farming movement, the on-time supplies of seeds, mineral fertilizers, as well as the fuel and lubricants to the agricultural enterprises have provided for the raise of the production efficiency.

During the harvesting period all and every attention has been paid to the timely collection of harvest with no any losses. In this, the reports say, it was of a profound importance the beforehand preparation of all cotton receiving stations in the country as well as addressing the technical logistics.

The radical reforms now underway in the agricultural and industrial sphere led by the Uzbek Leader, and especially, the enormous attention being paid to the development of farms, now render their positive results.

“Farming is an affair, which requires generous and hard labor, endurance, tenacity and selflessness,” – President Islam Karimov said while speaking to farmers during his recent trip to Jizzakh and Syrdarya provinces.

100% of this year’s harvest has been collected by farmers. And this testifies to the fact that such movement is a power, which would determine the fate and prospects of agriculture, according to the reports.

The diligent and entrepreneur cotton growers of Uzbekistan hardened with the life’s trials have grown up the high harvest this year. This way they have worthily contributed to the further prosperity of the country and raising the well being of the people.

Yet there is more of cotton in the fields, the reports reiterate, however the harvesting is still underway. The dekhkans and farmers remain diligent so that to timely harvest the rest of the cotton in the fields while not allowing for any losses along such enduring process.

UZBEK, JAPANESE BUSINESSES DISCUSS COOPERATION IN LEATHER PROCESSING

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and Vatan Charity Fund held a conference on cooperation between Uzbek and Japanese companies in the sphere of processing and manufacturing of leather products.

The conference was held at Inconel business centre on 16 October. It was aimed to establish cooperation between Uzbek and Japanese companies in the manufacturing of leather clothing, and goods, and set up joint ventures in the spheres of textile and leather goods production.
The main issues concerning bilateral cooperation, as well as the establishment of contacts with Uzbek partners were discussed during the forum.

SOCIETY

PRESIDENT FELICITATES NATION ON ‘GRAND LABOR VICTORY’

As has been reported, this year by October 15 the dekhkans and farmers in Uzbekistan harvested over 3,6 million tons of raw cotton. On the occasion of such grand win for the entire nation given the traditional sunny and warm days for Uzbekistan during this period of the year President Islam Karimov addressed to the diligent workers of farm and others the message of felicitation.

“Today is a landmark day in the life of our country, which gives us the feeling of joy and pride. The cotton-growers of the country, while having collected the high hirman (harvest) of more than 3 million 600 thousand tons, secured the big labor victory. From the bottom of my heart I sincerely congratulate you all, the entire nation on this achievement – the result of a truly valorous and selfless work,” – the message read in particular.

While accentuating the public attention on the very fact that this year’s harvest has fully been grown by farmers the President wrote: “The vast harvest of this year for the first time in the history of Uzbekistan has been grown for the 100 percent by farming entities, which are an absolutely new form of ownership in the countryside”.

“To that is the witness that the average crop yield throughout the nation has made up 26 metric centners per hectare, this indicator has been on the rise from year to year, and 86% of the currently collected harvest, which stands against 74% of the last year’s, was collected as the highest quality (first-sort) cotton,” – the text of the message further read.

President has especially highlighted the hardworking and diligent farmers, who served as an example for the rest of the nation with their labor bravery, including “the cotton growers in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, Bukhara, Andijan, Surkhandarya and Jizzakh provinces that have made a considerable contribution to the high harvest of the nation”.

“Today thanks to such strives and efforts the Uzbek cotton on its quality and competitiveness secures the solid and worthy place in the world markets. The active participation of big foreign companies that trade with cotton fiber in the International cotton fair, which has already been held in Tashkent for the third time in a row, and the practical results secured along this path, testify to the aforesaid,” – the message has further read.

Further, President believed that it was “both duty and honor” for the entire nation to thank the Almighty for He “safeguards the people of Uzbekistan, bestows success and welfare”.

“As I once again congratulate the people of Uzbekistan on the grand labor victory, I wish you all a good health, happiness and success, peace and tranquility, and prosperity to your households,” – the message concluded.

SECOND CENTRAL ASIAN FORUM OF PARTNERS IN FIGHTING HIV EPIDEMIC HELD

The representatives of public and non-government structures of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, jointly with international organizations operating in the region will gather on 18-19 October in Tashkent to participate in the Second Central Asian Forum of Partners working to counteract the HIV epidemic in the region, Uzreport.com Business Information Portal reported.

The forum is being organized within the frame of the measures envisaged by the Central Asia AIDS Control Project (CAAP) with the assistance of the UNAIDS.

It is planned that the forum will bring together more than a hundred participants who will discuss the results of the work carried out in the region after the First Central Asian Forum of Partners working to counteract HIV epidemic held in December 2006 in Samarkand.

The Central Asia AIDS Control Project's Executive Director, Professor Tilek Meymanaliev said that during the two days of the forum, participants will discuss the improvement of the interaction and harmonization of the activity of international organizations, projects and national partners for more efficient utilization of resources being appropriated for counteracting the HIV epidemic. International donor organizations will speak about the measures and events being planned in each country of the region for 2008 to meat the goals of the Country Strategies of Fighting HIV.

Also, on 19 October a meeting of the Regional Coordinating Committee of the Central Asia AIDS Control Project will be held in Tashkent. The committee includes the representatives of the governments of Central Asian countries including Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers of Health, and the UNAIDS coordinator.