07 October, 2011

Politics:
Meeting at the Oqsaroy
The role of international standards in strengthening the cooperation in the field of books and information exchange, as well as the development of national legislation
Prime Ministers of Uzbekistan and Vietnam discuss bilateral ties
Uzbekistan, Vietnam discuss issues of fostering trade-economic ties
Samarkand Square opened in French city
Economics:
New enterprise starts production of parts for Spark cars
AGMK to invest US$90m to gold production capacities
Society:
Exhibition demonstrates potential of the Uzbek press
Uzbekistan consumers got reimbursement of financial and moral damage worth more than 1.6 billion soums

POLITICS

Meeting at the Oqsaroy

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with Nguen Tan Zung, Prime Minister of Socialist Republic of Vietnam, at the Oqsaroy on October 3.

Greeting the guest, the head of our state noted that despite the geographic distance between our countries, expansion of comprehensive and long-term cooperation with Vietnam – one of the rapidly developing nations in South-East Asia – has always been regarded important in Uzbekistan.

A solid footing of the current bilateral contacts was laid during the 1996 visit by Uzbekistan’s President to Vietnam, when the Agreement on Interstate Relations and Cooperation was signed. The interaction is characterized today as pragmatic and equally advantageous, built on mutual respect and confidence.

A positive experience has been accumulated between Uzbekistan and Vietnam in reciprocal support in the international arena. Positions and approaches of our countries match on fundamental issues of regional and international nature.

The first visit by Vietnam’s head of government to Uzbekistan is considered in our country a significant event in the development of relations between the two nations, primarily in terms of enhancing trade-economic ties and stepping up a good base for their longer-term advancement.

Prime Minister Nguen Tan Zung conveyed gratitude for a warm and goodwill welcome and congratulated the head of Uzbek state on the twentieth anniversary of independence, outstanding results of which the Vietnamese official encountered during his visit.

It was stressed at the meeting that the two parties wield all the capacities and conditions to attain the common goal, that is, dynamic buildup of trade and investment cooperation.

The investment interaction has been consolidating currently between Uzbekneftgaz national holding company and PetroVietnam. Geological prospecting has been underway at Kossor investment block of Ustyurt region as part of agreement inked in January 2010.

The launching of regular air cargo transportation between Navoi and Hanoi airports is evaluated as a promising track of cooperation. The sides discussed possibilities of establishing most favorable routes for shipment of goods from the two countries to Central and South-East Asian markets.

The documents signed during the current visit have been given a high appreciation in this context. The deals are to facilitate consolidation of interaction in such areas as trade and investments into hydrocarbon sector, textile industry, agriculture and other spheres. Equally satisfying have been the outcomes of the recent fifth session of Joint Intergovernmental Commission on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation during which the sides agreed to boost economic and investment interaction.

The parties deliberated on a wide range of issues of shared interest during the detailed and open exchange of views.

(Source: press-service.uz)

The role of international standards in strengthening the cooperation in the field of books and information exchange, as well as the development of national legislation

On October 3 this year, the Committee on International Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a seminar on «The role of international standards in strengthening the cooperation in the field of books and information exchange, as well as the development of national legislation».

It was attended by members of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, members of the Uzbek Agency for Press and Information, the National Book Chamber of Uzbekistan, republican publishing houses, the leaders of responsible organizations and agencies, members of the mass media.

The main objective of the workshop - ensuring compliance with international law of publishing, book sphere and exchange of information, improving the foundations of national legislation, strengthening of international cooperation in the field.

As members of the Committee on International Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations noted, an important task today is to adopt new laws aimed at ensuring the enforcement of such priorities as strengthening the legal basis for ongoing reforms in the sphere of information, widespread adoption within the scope of market mechanisms, ensuring economic stability of editorial, increasing competition in the information sphere, defined in the Concept of further deepening democratic reforms and establishing civil society in the country, forwarded by the President of our country at a joint session of the Legislative Chamber and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis. At the same time, the need for radical reform of the publishing activity in the process of liberalization of all spheres of our life, its liberalization on the basis of democratic and international standards, strengthening the independence and freedom of publishing on a legal basis was emphasized. Particularly it was noted that in our country one of the first in the CIS countries was adopted the Law «On Publishing Activities», appropriate regulations and state standards were developed, which are an important factor in the coordination of legal relationships in publishing field.

It should be noted that the establishment of legal frameworks on copyright gave a legal basis in our country's accession to international organizations and conventions (multilateral agreements) in this field. On this basis, today protection of copyright in the frame of international law is provided. Deserves special attention that possibility of using works of foreign authors without restrictions is created.

Head of our state pays great and constant attention to reduction of our national legislation into line with international norms and treaties. The Republic of Uzbekistan joined the «Berne Convention on Protection of Literary and Artistic Works», «Paris Convention on Protection of Industrial Property», «Convention of World Intellectual Property Organization», «Promoters' convention of the World Intellectual Property Organization», «Madrid Agreement on International Registration of Marks» and to a number of other international treaties in this area.
One of the main instruments of global importance aimed at protection of copyright is the Berne Convention on Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. Uzbekistan has acceded to this convention in 2004, and since 2005 has assumed certain obligations of it. This convention, as a universal legal instrument directly applicable to the acceding countries, or by reflecting its rules in national law of the sphere. Joining our country to this document not only guarantees the protection of works of foreign authors in Uzbekistan, but also works by Uzbek authors in foreign countries. In addition, from October 1, 2006 Uzbekistan became a member of the ISBN (International Standard Book Number), from April 1, 2008 - ISSN (International Standard number of periodicals.)

At the workshop issues were discussed on the fact that the laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan «On Publishing Activities» and «On Copyright and Related Rights» reflected the norms on order of production and distribution of publishing products on the basis of international legal practice, the dissemination of foreign publishing products in the Republic of Uzbekistan, subject to the publishing contract, the timing of publication, the information about the output of publications, rights and responsibilities of the manufacturer's publications, electronic versions of printed publications. Over the years, on the basis of these laws, a number of regulatory documents, 15 state standards were developed.

Speakers of the meeting with the critical and analytical perspectives, discussed issues about the number and specialization of existing in our country, publishing and printing companies, the needs of the population in print media, the level of awareness of the publishers accepted in our country, legal documents in the publishing field, work carried out in the country after accession to the Berne Convention, book production imported and exported to foreign countries, as well as bringing in investment to this sphere.

At the end of the seminar, held in the form of lively discussions, questions and answers, appropriate decisions were made by the Committee.

(Source: parliament.gov.uz)

Prime Ministers of Uzbekistan and Vietnam discuss bilateral ties

Nguyen Tan Dung, Prime Minister of Vietnam, held negotiations with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyayev in Tashkent on 3 October 2011.

During the meeting, the sides considered current state and perspectives of trade-economic relations between Uzbekistan and Vietnam, as well as long-term cooperation in investment sector.

The Vietnamese side, taking into account huge potential of Uzbekistan in science and education, called to develop close relations among higher education establishments, scientific-research institutes and academic circles of two states. In economic sphere, the sides are expressing interest in expanding cooperation in such sectors as chemistry, cotton-growing, nano technologies and energy.

Nguyen Tan Dung said: “I am happy to visit such beautiful country as Uzbekistan. We are satisfied with gradual development of cooperation between two states in trade-economic and humanitarian spheres. I am sure that the visit will enrich our interactions. We are interested in further expanding and strengthening mutual beneficial cooperation with Uzbekistan in oil and gas, textile, automobile, education, tourism and other sectors.

During the negotiations, the sides exchanged opinion on bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and Vietnam in petrochemical, cotton-growing, light industry, ICT and tourism. The special attention was paid to support and stimulate mutual beneficial relations among business circles, increase bilateral trade turnover, number of joint venture, etc.

The sides exchanged opinion on fostering investment cooperation, stimulating direct contacts among businesses, investing to projects at Navoi free industrial and economic zone.
After the talks, the sides signed inter-governmental agreements on cooperation in quarantine of plants and agreement on cooperation among higher education establishments of two countries.

(Source: UzDaily.com)

Uzbekistan, Vietnam discuss issues of fostering trade-economic ties

Business forum of business circles of Uzbekistan and Vietnam was held in Tashkent on 3 October 2011, UzA news agency reported.

The event was dedicated to development of bilateral trade-economic and investment cooperation. Representatives of ministries and departments, as well as companies of Uzbekistan and Vietnam, responsible for such sectors as foreign economic relations, investment and trade, banking-finance sector, education, tourism, ICT, light industry and others participated at the forum.

The Vietnamese delegation received information on priority directions of attracting investments to economy of Uzbekistan.
The guest also got acquainted with privatization process in Uzbekistan and ongoing economic reforms, development of small and private business.

During the forum, the sides discussed issues of developing trade-economic and investment cooperation, including in fuel-energy, banking-finance, automobile, ICT, agriculture and other sectors.
At the end of the forum, the sides signed several agreements on cooperation in oil and gas industry, automobile industry, banking-finance and insurance sectors.

(Source: UzDaily.com)

Samarkand Square opened in French city

Samarkand Square has been opened in northern-eastern district of Truyere, French city of Digne-les-Bains. The French side invested about 500,000 euros to construction of square.

Jahon news agency reported that officials, political, business and cultural circles of Digne-les-Bains and French mass media participated in the opening ceremony.
Serge Gloaguen, mayor of Digne-les-Bains, said that opening of Samarkand Square in France is key event in history of the French-Uzbek bilateral relations.

He said that the decision of city administration and Municipal region Provence-Alpes-Cote d\'Azur on creation of Samarkand Square is acknowledgement of the French side of rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Samarkand. He added that opening of the square is gift for dynamically developing Uzbekistan.

(Source: UzDaily.com)

ECONOMY

New enterprise starts production of parts for Spark cars

Avtosanoat Komponent LLC launched production of components for automobiles in Qoqand city, Ferghana region of Uzbekistan.

The enterprise will produce 39 types of components for Chevrolet Spark automobiles, UzA reported. The capacity of the enterprise is 45,000 components a year.

As earlier reported, GM Uzbekistan presented Chevrolet Spark on 25 August 2010. A day later, the Uzbek carmaker started to sell new model across Uzbekistan.

Chevrolet Spark means expressive and energetic. Its sharp and cut forms broke traditional notion about city car design. Spark continues revolution in design of Chevrolet and attracts attention to cheap cars segment. The model is the smallest automobile in Chevrolet history.
This five-door hatchback looks larger than its forerunner Matiz. The length of automobile rose by 145 mm and wheelbase grew by 35 mm.
Chevrolet Spark is modern automobile with modern exterior and interior despite small size. Spark can compete with such models as Hyndai i 10 or Opel Agila in design of saloon. Chevrolet Spark has five-step manual gearbox, while model with 1 liter engines has automatic gearbox. Engines of Chevrolet Spark consume low fuel. The model consumes 5.5 liter of fuel at the speed of 90 km per hour, while in the city – about 7.6 liter.

GM Uzbekistan and General Motors Daewoo Auto and Technology (South Korea) signed an agreement on supply of machinery and equipment for organization of production of Chevrolet M300 on 26 September 2008. The Government of Uzbekistan adopted a resolution on organization of production of this model at Asaka Plant in January 2009.

Total cost of the project is around US$124.455 million. GM Uzbekistan will produce 50,000 cars annually and part of which will be exported. The project was financed due to own resources of the venture’s founders and UzAvtoSanoat. GM Uzbekistan produced 1,212 cards of Chevrolet Spark.

(Source: UzDaily.com)

AGMK to invest US$90m to gold production capacities

Almalyk Mining and Metallurgy Combine (AGMK) will invest US$990 million to modernization of gold production capacities.

The company developed feasibility study on modernization of gold production capacities for next five years to support capacities of the enterprise in good level and compensate exhausting ore base.

In particular, the modernization programme envisages intensification of mining works at Kyzylolma and Kochbulak mines, as well as construction of new underground mine Kayragach in Tashkent region with the capacity of 80,000 tonnes of ore a year. Total volume of investment to this part of programme makes up US$65 million in 2011-2015.

Within the modernization programme, it is also planned to carry out reconstruction of Angren gold mining plant with the cost of US$25 million. In particular, it is planned to install new flotion machines, construction of crushing-batching complex, etc.

In 2012, AGMK is planning to start construction works at mines. The construction period is three years.

The modernization programme will be financed due to own resources of AGMK and loans of the Uzbek banks.

Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine is one of the largest producer of nonferrous metal in Central Asia and only copper producer of Uzbekistan. AGMK produces 90% of silver and 20% of gold in Uzbekistan. The company has two mining enterprises, two concentrating plants and two metallurgy plants.

(Source: UzDaily.com)

SOCIETY

Exhibition demonstrates potential of the Uzbek press

The National Forum and Exhibition “Press of Uzbekistan” were held in Tashkent last week. The events were organized by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, Cabinet of Ministers, Uzbek Agency for Press and Information, Public Fund for Support and Development of Independent Print Media and Information Agencies and other organizations.

At the opening ceremony, deputy speaker of the Legislative Chamber Ismoil Saifnazarov, chairman of the Legislative Chamber Committee for information and communication technologies Abdurashid Juraboyev, chairman of the Creative Union of Journalists Sherzod Gulomov, editor of the Yerkin Qaraqalpaqistan newspaper Kenisbay Reyimov and others said that the reforms in the media sphere in Uzbekistan were giving positive results.

The Constitution and about 10 legislative documents related to media serve as an important guarantee of the citizens’ rights to freedom of speech. The media laws are being currently reviewed with the purpose of the further liberalization of the sector.
In the last 10 years, the number of print media in Uzbekistan has increased two times and electronic media seven times. The country’s media broadcast and are published in seven languages of nations living in Uzbekistan.

About 100 print publications, as well as news agencies operating in Uzbekistan demonstrated their products and services at the exhibition.
Reports on topics like freedom of speech and press, state support of the media and development of independent electronic media were heard.
(Source: UzA News Agency)

Uzbekistan consumers got reimbursement of financial and moral damage worth more than 1.6 billion soums

The National Press Center of Uzbekistan held a press conference on "Education and information activities, implemented to protect the rights and interests of consumers, improve the legal knowledge and consumer awareness".

The press conference was opened by the chairman of the Federation of Consumer Protection of Uzbekistan Akrom Mirazizov. He noted that owing to the legal framework established in our country, in particular, the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Protection of Consumers' Rights", and targeted educational efforts consumer culture of the population is constantly rising. In addition, cooperation between NGOs, government agencies, citizens' self-and regulatory bodies strengthens.

Currently the Federation of Consumer Protection in Uzbekistan includes 14 regional associations, 196 district (urban) societies, and around 9000 base stations were organized in mahallas, enterprises, organizations and institutions. For the past period of this year almost 95% of the total number of appeals to these organizations resolved in favor of consumers. Financial and moral damage caused to consumers was reimbursed with more than 1.6 billion soums (October 05, 2011. 1 USD = 1750,27 UZS).

In order to increase consumer awareness of the federation and its regional associations and societies in the field conduct plenty of educational and promotional activities. So, this year alone representatives of the Federation and its association in the field and district (urban) societies prepared 2,899 reports, conducted 686 training seminars and 3,306 interviews.

As noted at the press conference the Federation works closely with government agencies, self-governing and regulatory bodies and public organizations for the establishment of effective mechanisms for consumer protection. Those include the State Committee on De-Monopolization and Competition Development, Uzstandart agency, the Ministry of Health, the Central Council of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan and the Social Democratic Party Adolat.

In accordance with long-term and current plans problems of trade and services related to consumer protection, which can be solved in close cooperation with partner organizations are being studied.

It should be noted that current events provide concrete results, as evidenced by the figures. This year 7,293 appeals of consumers were received, 94.6 percent of them were been resolved in favor of consumers. Regulatory agencies have offset the caused damage in the amount of 1.626 billion soums.

Active promotion of legislation on consumer protection is carried out. So, in order to improve the legal knowledge of consumers the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Protection of Consumers' Rights" was issued in a booklet and more than 2,500 copies of the color posters, 8 titles of manuals and 10,000 pamphlets. In addition, 30 thousand copies of manuals in Uzbek and Russian languages under the rubric of "Consumer's Small Library" were produced. Those include "Trade labels and bar coding", "100 Questions - 100 Answers", "Consumer and medications", "Social protection of disabled consumers", "Rational use the postal service", "Medical Services and the patient", "Consumer rights in catering and trade", " Us the consumers", which were distributed among the population for free.

By the initiation of the Federation, since beginning with the 2009/2010 academic year, the curricula of academic lyceums and professional colleges will include a 17-hour special course on consumer protection legislation.

(Source: UzReport Agency)