03 October, 2011
Politics:
The importance of ICT in political modernization
Blazing Manifestation of Ingenious Aptitude of Uzbek People
Core Objective: Boosting People’s Wellbeing
Uzbekistan, Brunei discuss trade-economic ties
Economics:
ADB-funded Uzbekistan Rail Project to accelerate regional trade
International Exhibition of Printing and Publishing starts in Tashkent
POLICY
The importance of ICT in political modernization
n September 29, 2011 the Committee on Information and Communication Technologies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis in cooperation with the Uzbek Agency for Communications and Informatization held a scientific and practical conference on «The importance of modern information and communication technologies in the processes of political modernization». It was attended by deputies of the Legislative Chamber, representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, state and economic administrations, political parties, professionals, leaders of research in the theory and practice of political system, civil society institutions and the mass media.
Participants of the conference noted that in Uzbekistan in view of international law the national legislation in the field of ICT is constantly improving. As a result, ICTs make a significant contribution to economic potential of the country. Productive capacity of enterprises of the information sphere is growing, new information systems and technologies in various sectors of society are introduced.
In the reports of the participants of conference issues were discussed on further improvement of legal frameworks and organization of the activity of information and communication technologies, ways of implementation an effective policy of modernization through the use of information resources. During the discussion issues of the development of online public services, creating the necessary conditions for the introduction of modern information technology were also widely covered. Suggestions were made on further development of the national telecommunications network and the national segment of the Internet as the basis of formation of a national infrastructure of information society.
During the conference ways of stimulating the process of creating qualitative content, corresponding the culture and traditions of Uzbek people, improving the spiritual and educational work with youth through the use of modern ICT were discussed. Speakers expressed their views on the subject of finding solutions to adequately reflected in the legal provisions that systematically and comprehensively regulate relations in the sphere of information, making proposals for projects of workable laws aimed at reforming the information sphere, ensuring freedom of expression and information.
According to the results of scientific-practical conference resolutions aimed at ensuring the widespread use of modern information and communication technologies in the processes of political modernization in the country were adopted.
(Source: parliament.gov.uz)
Blazing Manifestation of Ingenious Aptitude of Uzbek People
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov traveled to Namangan and Andijan regions on September 30 to review the course of socio-economic reforms and the resourceful beautification works in progress in these parts of the country.
The ample effects of reforms pushed forward in all areas of our nation’s life can be spotted in Namangan region, too. The people of this province have been rather enthusiastic and energetic in the process of extensive transformation and renovation; they have been making well-merited input into the consolidation of our land’s independence, into its socio-economic development, to fostering enlightenment – both moral and cultural.
The growth of gross regional product in the first half of this year has made 12.6 percent. Industrial output and consumer goods production has been displaying steady growth rates as well.
President Islam Karimov began his trip to Namangan with visiting the new model-design houses built in Namangan district’s Hanabad village.
Human interests permeate all the reforms undertaken in our country in any given sphere as the foremost priority object of transformation. It is for these very reasons that government programs have been executed consistently to change the appearance of rural areas, cardinally improve the living conditions of locals, including by instituting engineering and communications networks and expedient social infrastructure.
In line with presidential resolutions on Additional Measures to Expand the Scales of Housing Construction in Rural Areas (signed August 3, 2009), and on Additional Measures to Refine Projecting and Improve Hosing Construction in Rural Areas (September 8, 2010), as many as 500 model-design homes have been built and commissioned in Namangan region in 2010. Another 555 houses of this type are projected to erect this year in thirty-two residential quarters, 206 of which already been commissioned.
Occupants of the sixty abodes constructed in Namangan’s Hanabad suburb threw house-warming parties on the eve of the twentieth anniversary of national independence. Natural gas and water supply pipes along with internal-use roads have been laid here. Complex of trade and services, a mini market, an internet cafe, a home appliances repair shop, a beauty salon, a garment workshop, a mini bank have been built here in the block to meet the daily needs of locals.
The head of state insisted that an integrated approach be employed to housing issues, including the residents’ need in pre-school institutions, schools, rural medical units, cultural and public service facilities.
President Karimov noted in particular that the land areas allocated for housing have been increased from 400 square meters to 600, and new model-design houses contain special space for cars, the rooms are located with an eye to the lifestyle and traditions of our people, their area was enhanced to meet the demands and needs of inhabitants.
Islam Karimov called on a house owned by the family of Zokirjon Gaziev and enquired into the life of the family, the comfort and conveniences created in accordance with the refined project.
“Back in the day, all we could do is dream of a home like this,” the hostess Muhayyohon Gazieva said. “On the eve of the 20th anniversary of independence we moved in to this modern and comfortable house. We thank you for your great care and constant consideration for the rural people.”
The President stressed that population in the countryside deserves to live in conditions not inferior to those in urban centers.
“New houses should be built in a way that not merely the current occupants, but also their grand- and great-grandchildren could live in comfort,” the head of state pointed out. “Such happy life will help foster culture and enlightenment in people. The core goal pursued by our reforms is to create all the encouraging environment for the wellbeing of our people.”
President Islam Karimov spoke with farmers at Baraka farmer entity in Namangan district. Uzbekistan’s leader suggested that the farmer movement is important in the economic as much as in the political life of state and society.
Baraka farmer entity can serve as example of outcomes of wide-ranging opportunities created by the government for the support and promotion of farmer movement.
The farm and its workers were able to harvest 67 metric centners of grain on average from every one of thirty hectares. A rich cotton yield has been cultivated also on this farm’s 31.7 hectares of soil.
The farm has its own bio-laboratory that provides it with lacewing and trichogram to fight cotton pests. The biological means to counter the vermin are supplied to other famer entities as well.
“As a result of materialization of this project to produce means to fight agricultural pests, our farm has made 12 million soums of pure income, and eight new jobs were created,” the farm manager Olimjon Isaev informed. “The application of biological methods instead of chemicals has saved us 60 thousand soums on average for every hectare.”
The head of our state underscored the need for popularization of this experiment and expansion of these techniques’ application.
“In this regard, all aspects should be taken into account, including the advantages of biological means as compared to chemistry-based techniques, their role in preserving clean environment and economic expediency,” Islam Karimov said.
Successful outcomes of cotton harvesting season were given special emphasis during the talk with farmers.
President Islam Karimov suggested that “our blessed land is the source of our wellbeing. All the economic and normative conditions are created for efficient land utilization. For many years in the past, as we all perfectly know, the land used to be treated from narrow consumer-satiable perspective, and agricultural and technical requirements were disregarded. Moreover, the eroding irrigation facilities used to lead to harvest loss and mineralization of soil. That’s the reason we’ve attached a priority consideration to preserving the lands and improving their reclamation.”
The use of one species of cotton for long time is known to affect the quality of fiber and its value indicators. Therefore, the head of state stressed in particular the elaboration of new higher-yield sorts of cotton that meet the climatic and soil characteristics of regions. Due directives were given in this respect to those in charge of this sphere. The President said he preferred that cutting-edge technologies be employed more extensively and agro-technical requirements be complied with when processing land.
Promotion of small business and private entrepreneurship has been granted a particular magnitude in the process of wide-scale reforms in progress under the leadership of President Islam Karimov.
In excess of 1,300 small enterprises were set up in Namangan region in the first half of 2011 as part of “Year of Small Business and Private Entrepreneurship” national program. Especially worthy of attention have been the accomplishments made by clothes factories of the region. Customer-friendly women’s and children’s wear, suits, coats produced at more than 30 enterprises like Istiqlol, Iftihor Kiyim Sanoat, Zamin Lux Textile, Textile Libos, Lux Plus Service are in demand not only in the Uzbek market, but also abroad. The men’s suits sown in Namangan under their own trademarks and meeting world standards, are successfully competing in international markets.
Islam Karimov got familiarized with the activities of Istiqlol venture in Namangan district. Tens of types of suits, jackets, coats are produced at this factory located in Kumkurghan village with latest technologies.
According to chief executive of the company Bakhtiyor Umarov, “thanks to the grave importance displayed by the head of state to support entrepreneurs and introduction of new technologies, this industry sector has been advancing dynamically. Our goods fully meet international standards in design and quality. Our customer range has been expanding as a result. In accordance with agreements reached with enterprises in Russia, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries, we export the major part of our produce.”
Istiqlol factory was named winner in its nomination at the national round of Tashabbus-2011 review contest for President’s prize. Its CEO Bakhtiyor Umarov was awarded first place in the Best Entrepreneur nomination and honored with presidential prize, a Spark car.
“Clothes beautify the people. A nicely dressed person has a good mood as well. Today, the people’s, especially the youth’s, demand for the apparel has changed, as has their attitude to its design and appearance,” Islam Karimov noted. “We can be confident that our youths are second to no one in the ability to dress neatly.”
Istiqlol employs largely the graduates of professional colleges. The head of nation enquired into conditions created for them in the enterprise. The President expressed his high appreciation of the abilities of young people at the industrial unit to aptly work with Japanese and German-made equipment.
Islam Karimov reviewed the creative and beautification works carried out in the city of Namangan.
The appearance of this urban center has radically transformed for the better as an outcome of wide-ranging efforts undertaken in line with August 6, 2009, presidential resolution on the action plan to face-lift and develop social infrastructure in the city of Namangan for 2009-2012.
The area of Namangan airport has been perfected with modern lightening and gardening systems. The road leading from the airport to Dustlik Avenue has been reconstructed. So has the Ferghana ring road, including with the construction of an overpass.
Yashil Dehqon Bozori (Green Agriculture Market) in Davtatobod district, along with Chorsu and Sardoba marketplaces have undergone extensive construction and overhaul works, too.
Kamolot and Kichkintoy youth gardens and parks have been set up downtown Namangan. Nodira information and library center, Babur Recreation Park, Alisher Navoi regional theater of musical drama and comedy have been reconstructed.
Uzbekistan’s leader visited the overpass erected on Dustlik Avenue that has led to the abolition of traffic jams in the city, and increase in the safety of roads.
The overpass has also allowed for moving the cargo and passenger traffic on the Andijan-Tashkent route from Namangan’s central streets to the ring road.
Islam Karimov traveled also to the Barkamol Avlod (Advanced Generation) municipal sports complex in Namangan. During the conversation with young athletes attending ping-pong, boxing, gymnastics, handball, swimming classes, the President said the triumphant performances of our children at international competitions help reinforce the sense of pride.
The exchange of views on the care displayed in the country toward the youth, on the inspirations of young men and women in the science area was continued during the President’s meeting with a group of gifted young people in the Yoshlar Markazi (Youth Center).
Islam Karimov pointed out that “the youth are a decisive force of today and the future. First and foremost, you should always bear in mind what great ancestors you are a posterity of, and aspire to be their deserved successors.”
The head of Uzbek state met with region’s leadership at Namangan municipal administration to discuss the course of socio-economic reforms, execution of action plans, programs of measures, presidential resolutions.
President Islam Karimov traveled to Andijan region on the same day.
Immense has been the contribution of Andijan region residents to the tremendous accomplishments made by our people during independence years. Each of the twenty years of independent development has been written with gold letters in the life of Andijan people.
On the initiative of President Islam Karimov, massive constructive works have been carried out lately in Andijan region whose nation-wide significance has been mounting by the year. The growing comfort of towns and villages, the residential houses, education and healthcare institutions being erected, the modern enterprises, the broad streets and roads, parks and gardens have radically transformed the appearance of Andijan and been suggestive of the rising welfare of local population.
The gross regional product growth rate reached 11.7 percent in the first half of 2011. Solid development rates are registered in industrial and consumer goods production, in public and private services.
As a result of the dynamic advancement of small business and private entrepreneurship, their share in the gross regional product has been at 45.9 percent.
President Karimov reviewed the residential houses built on model design in Urikzor mahalla of Andijan district.
Two suburban quarters are being constructed in this district on model design. In particular, the eighty-two cozy homes erected in Urikzor mahalla on the territory of Hartum rural assembly of citizens, were commissioned on the eve of the twentieth anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence.
“We take a great pleasure to see the happy life of our compatriots in these kinds of modern houses,” the President said. “Our nation has been distinct from the ancient times with its penchant for constant beautification and construction. These noble traditions are there among our people to these days.”
Islam Karimov visited the family of Omadhon Hamidova, head of Omad-97 farmer entity, who lives in one of the new state-of-the-art houses.
“I used to think in the past that these sorts of homely and pleasant houses with all amenities can only be in European countries,” Omadhon Hamidova shared her impressions and thoughts.
“Owing to our independence, we have opportunity to dwell in these modern homes. After all, the popular belief had it until quite recently that we, the rural folk, can be pretty content with clay-built houses. Thanks to the care by our President, we realized profoundly that everything, every effort in our country is indeed made for the good of people, for their wellbeing. Even the Europeans can envy us now.”
The head of state articulated his opinion of the fact that in the course of projecting and construction, everything, every minor detail was attended with care.
Islam Karimov stressed that “the level of living conditions and culture of community in the countryside has risen infinitely. Our people deserve to live in conditions not inferior to any others.”
Along with modern houses, socio-cultural, healthcare institutions, service points and other facilities have been built in the new mahalla. The locals are provided with natural gas, drinking water, power, transport and communications. The music and arts school constructed here proved a nice gift for the children.
In the city of Andijan, Islam Karimov took a tour of the reconstructed Uzbekistan Street and the modern buildings erected along it.
Adhering to the presidential resolution on advanced development of public services infrastructure in residential quarters of Andijan region for 2011-2015 signed June 18, 2010, across-the-board construction and beautification works are underway in the region. In line with the abovementioned document, 1,200 housing and trade facilities, other production and cultural-services amenities have been built in Andijan region for a short span of time.
In this respect, the Uzbek leader said, “Andijan should be distinct with its urban-planning traditions, with its look. Automobile traffic and its growing intensity ought to be taken into consideration in constructing and overhauling roads. In this regard, the project of housing development on Uzbekistan Street can serve as example not merely for Andijan itself, but also for other cities of our nation.”
The head of state gave necessary recommendations to further improve the traffic conditions, create more extensive opportunities for providing the population with trade and communal services, to refine adornment and landscape gardening.
All this constitutes another glowing manifestation of ingenious aptitude of our people.
(Source: press-service.uz)
Core Objective: Boosting People’s Wellbeing
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov traveled to Namangan and Andijan regions on September 30 – October 1 to review the course of socio-economic reforms and the creative beautification works in progress in these parts of the country.
The plentiful effects of reforms carried out in all areas of life of the country can be observed also in Andijan region. Farmers of this province have been making remarkable accomplishments in cultivating cotton and grain, melons and vegetables.
On the second day of his trip to Andijan region, President Karimov spoke with farmers and agrarian specialists on the fields of Obod Diyor Ilhomi farmer entity in Shahrikhan district.
The head of state insisted that “today’s farmer should go hand in hand with the times and have a thorough understanding of modern requirements.
“In this regard, farmers should assume the role of decisive force in raising the wellbeing of the people as much as ensuring economic stability in the country, politics, socio-economic development of each region.”
Obod Diyor Ilhomi farmer entity led by Ahmadjon Razzakov is one of the most advanced in its kind in the district. Members of this farm that has 69.9 hectares of land in its disposal, yield more than 35 metric centners of cotton and 60 centners of grain per hectare every year.
C-6524 high quality cotton species have been sown this year on the farm’s 35.4 hectares. The cotton harvesting season is currently in full swing.
“Farmers can be prosperous if they have a deep sense of responsibility to the land they cultivate. And profoundly misled is a person who chooses to be a farmer in order to accumulate wealth straightforwardly. The farmer should labor conscientiously and love the land and care for it,” the head of state said.
Uzbekistan’s leader suggested that kengashes (councils) be set up to comprise advanced farmers and specialists in order to address pressing issues faced by farmers, to tackle problems timely and in concerted manner. And that such kengashes could become critical in fostering the farmer movement, propagating the experience of progressive farmer entities who have displayed high efficiency and productivity, and in augmenting the sector to meet latest requirements.
“The future of famer movement is contingent on not merely the cultivation of land,” Islam Karimov stressed. “Farmers should assume a leading role in reprocessing the agricultural goods they reap, meaning that they should be involved in industrial production. That would be important for the good of the people and building up the economic power of the nation. Take, for example, cotton: as many as ninety-two types of goods are produced from this crop alone. This figure is clearly indicative of the significance of reprocessing industry.”
That can also be seen in the increasing volumes of industrial production in Andijan region at large. The share of this sector in gross regional product currently makes 23.6 percent, whereas back in the day this figure did not exceed 9 percent.
As the head of Uzbek state put it, “contemporary developments require that revenues from crops cultivated on strenuous labor be shored up.
“In terms of quality, the Uzbek cotton is valued rather high in the world market. Consequently, equally high should be both its price and the interests of our cultivators.”
President Islam Karimov met with Andijan region’s mid-level and senior leadership.
The course of socio-economic reforms, execution of action plans, programs of measures, presidential resolutions have been discussed during the meeting in great detail.
President Karimov’s trip to Namangan and Andijan regions has been full of meetings and conversations with locals. Due reflections and views have been expressed during those talks on how to address the challenges and prospective tasks. It was noted with great satisfaction that the appearance of our urban centers and rural areas has cardinally transformed for the better. So has the lifestyle, worldview, consciousness and thinking of our people during the twenty years of independent development.
(Source: press-service.uz)
Uzbekistan, Brunei discuss trade-economic ties
The First Uzbek-Bruneian Business Forum was held at the International Center of Forums of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei, Jahon news agency reported.
Representatives of ministries and departments, as well as companies of Brunei, interested in establishing trade-economic, investment and tourism cooperation with Uzbekistan, participated at the forum.
During the forum, the Uzbek side presented information on economic development of Uzbekistan, state programme “The Year of small business and private entrepreneurship”, investment opportunities for foreign investments, Navoi free industrial and economic zone, as well as tourism potential.
Director of Department of economic cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Vincent Kong underlined that the first business forum will serve as platform for discussion of the mutual beneficial trade-economic cooperation between two states.
Within the business forum, the bilateral meetings with Bruneian businesses, such as Mashhor group of companies, working in supply and assembly of oil and gas equipment, and Antony travel tour, tour organizers, were held.
The sides discussed cooperation in such areas as oil and gas sector, agriculture, food and textile industries, tourism, etc.
(Source: UzDaily.com)
ECONOMY
ADB-funded Uzbekistan Rail Project to accelerate regional trade
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is extending US$100 million to upgrade a key railway in Uzbekistan which will stimulate local growth and boost regional trade, the bank said in a statement.
ADB's Board of Directors has approved the loan for the Railway Electrification Project which will finance the electrification of a 140-kilometer stretch of rail line between Marakand in Samarkand province and Karshi in Kashkadarya province. The railway is part of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Corridor 6 that runs north to south, linking Europe, through Central Asia, to the Middle East and South Asia. In Uzbekistan, the route carries about 10 million tons of freight annually, including about 1.6 million tons of humanitarian relief goods for Afghanistan—more than half its imports.
The northern part of the railway is electrified, but the southern part, including the section from Marakand to Karshi, uses diesel locomotives which are slower and carry less freight. In addition, passenger and freight traffic has been growing steadily, putting existing facilities under strain and creating bottlenecks.
"This upgrade will improve regional connectivity along a vital transit route, cut transport costs, lessen greenhouse gas emissions and boost trade," said Zheng Wu, a Transport Specialist at ADB's Central and West Asia Department.
The project runs through remote, underdeveloped districts in the two provinces and better transport links will allow them to step up exports of their main commodities including cotton, horticulture products, marble, oil and gas. The ongoing upgrade of the line, including a separate section being cofinanced by the Government of Japan, will also allow Afghanistan to take advantage of the ADB-funded Hairatan to Mazar-e-Sharif railway, which provides a critical link to Uzbekistan and beyond.
Along with physical improvements, which include an overhead power line, traction substations, modern signaling and telecommunication equipment, the project will provide training and other support to state-run rail operator, Uzbekistan Temir Yullari, to manage the new system. ADB is the lead development partner in Uzbekistan\'s rail transport sector and the project builds on two earlier railway modernization and rehabilitation investments.
The Government of Uzbekistan and Uzbekistan Temir Yullari will provide counterpart funds equivalent to US$76 million for a total investment cost of US$176 million. The state rail operator will execute the project which is due for completion by March 2016.
(Source: UzDaily.com)
International Exhibition of Printing and Publishing starts in Tashkent
The XII international exhibition of printing, publishing, advertising, design and stationary products started at Uzexpocenter in Tashkent.
Over 80 local and foreign companies presented their production at the event, the purpose of which was to familiarize general public with the capacity of local media, development process of publishing market and the country’s export potency.
The company Hilton Trade produces 50 kinds of plants, more than 30 types of advertising equipment and about 20 kinds of souvenirs. Last year, the company produced products and offered services totaling 200 million soums. At this exhibition, it offers printing inks, banners and billboards with running text, photo paper and other products.
“We regularly participate in the traditional printing industry trade show,” said commercial director of the company Office Market Mamasaid Khasanov. “Our company produces more than a 1,000 species of invitations, stationery and promotional products.”
“Our company is engaged in publishing of books and works of art on high quality paper,” said the head of the Ukrainian company Lily Holding Group Marina Batsura. “We have several types of paper, designed for children who love to draw and professional artists.”
During the exhibition, which will run through 30 September, participants will get acquainted with the achievements of publishing and printing business and will have the opportunity to purchase modern technologies.
(Source: UzA News Agency)