4 May, 2006
Politics
On official visit of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to Pakistan
Economics
NBU signs mutual understanding memorandums with two Pakistani banks
Internet Users And Mobile Communication Subscribers Increase In Number
Russian Gazprom Makes Its way To Usturt
Society
City of Karshi prepares to celebrate its anniversary
Builders from around Uzbekistan build central stadium in Karshi
Motorcycle expedition "Seven deserts of the world" heads for Uzbekistan
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day to be celebrated in Tashkent
POLITICS
ON OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF UZBEKISTAN ISLAM KARIMOV TO PAKISTAN
President Islam Karimov visited the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on May 2-3 on official visit. This visit opens new horizons of developing bilateral relations, based on common history and common interests.
The meeting with Pakistani President Parvez Musharraf one on one, and talks with official delegations, are good opportunities to review relations and find ways of cooperating better.
Cooperation is growing. In cooperation with Central Asia, Uzbekistan holds a special place for Islamabad. The heads of state have common views on political questions. For example, at the UN General assembly, Pakistan spoke in support of Uzbekistans position after the Andijan events. Pakistan also supports of our initiatives the framework of the SCO. The Pakistani leadership cherishes Uzbekistans help in connection with the recent earthquake in October 2005. Gratitude for this brotherly help found embodiment in a Joint declaration signed by the presidents. Relations between two countries are in agreement, based on trust and sincerity. The common desire for bilateral and region cooperation, broadening dialog, and improving the legal basis of cooperation were discussed.
The presidents drew attention to security issues, especially in Afghanistan. Both countries have had to deal with terror. International terrorists attacked Uzbekistan and Pakistan with their long range plans.
President Karimov noted that the basis of progress is peace and stability. Without this, it will be hard to restore Afghanistan and renew the infrastructure there. Instability there affects the entire region, including Central Asia and South Asia.
The Presidents discussed cooperation in restoring Afghanistan. They agreed to cooperate in the framework of regional and international organizations. They also agreed on reforming the UN and cooperating in the SCO.
The project for regional transport-communications improvement is still ongoing. They agreed to stimulate cooperation in this direction.
It is no secret that Karachi and Gvadar are important to Uzbekistan and Central Asia for exports to the world market. The development of trade routes from Pakistan to Central Asia has great significance for inter-regional economic relations.
In 2005 trade turnover increased 10.7% over 2004, and the indicator for January-February this year increased over last year by 3.2 times.
The presidents discussed increasing JVs and improving all round business, to facilitate the visa regime, and to regularly organize business forums, a cooperative exchange and interbank relations.
Cooperation in energy is important. Expansion of relations between academic circles and institutions of learning, tourist companies, cultural and art figures, and media were discussed.
A Joint declaration on the results of the visit was signed by the Presidents, as well as a Protocol on the Interstate agreement on cooperation in the struggle with international terrorism, the Interstate agreement on cooperation in SME support and private entrepreneurship, an Interstate agreement on cooperation in quarantining plants, a Memorandum on mutual understanding to broaden trade-economic and investment cooperation, a Memorandum on cooperation between the Ministry of agriculture and water resources of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of food, agriculture and animal husbandry of Pakistan, a Memorandum on cooperation between the State tax committee of Uzbekistan and the Main office of revenues of Pakistan on methodological and informational cooperation in foreign trade statistics, a Memorandum on cooperation between the Trade-industrial chamber of Uzbekistan and the Federation of trade-industry of Pakistan on creation of a Joint working council, a Memorandum on understanding between the National bank of foreign economic activity of Uzbekistan and the National bank of Pakistan, a Memorandum on understanding between the NBU and Habib Bank Ltd.
The presidents met with the media, noting that the talks were fruitful and included discussion of regional and international issues of mutual interest. On many issues the views coincided.
"The talks proceeded in a spirit of mutual respect and trust and were fruitful," said President Karimov. "We discussed the current level of cooperation and raising it to a new level. On many international questions we agreed, especially on strengthening security and stability in Afghanistan and the development of cooperation in international organizations."
President Karimov said Uzbekistan approves of Pakistans actions against terrorism.
President Musharraf noted that the battle with terror demands new tactics, and that results will only be achieved working together.
"It is not the business of one state alone," said President Musharraf. "Security organs should work closely together, and exchange information. First we must liquidate the financial sources of terrorism."
President Musharraf noted that Pakistan is ready to develop mutual relations and regional and international cooperation with Uzbekistan in all spheres, and will take all opportunities to work out accords.
During the visit, President Karimov met with Prime minister Shavkat Aziz. During the meeting it was noted that the development of Uzbek-Pakistani relations was proceeding, and that our countries have great potential to broaden trade-economic, and humanitarian-cultural cooperation.
The sides said that increasing trade turnover would act to use new possibilities to develop economic relations. They discussed investment cooperation, and stimulating direct ties in SME and private enterprises.
President Karimov received the chairman of the Pakistani National assembly Chaudri Amin Husein. The president said their exchange of information and experience in legislation had great significance to strengthen interstate relations.
Mr. Husein congratulated the President on the visit, noting that the National assembly is interested on all round development of cooperation with the Oliy Majlis.
During the talks, they discussed strengthening the legal basis of relations and developing interparliamentary ties.
President Karimov received the Federal minister of water resources and energy, the co-chairman of the Uzbek-Pakistani interstate commission on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation Laikat Ali Djatoi. They discussed cooperation in water-energy and further improving the work of the interstate commission.
This ended the official visit of President Karimov to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. To date, 26 documents have been signed and relations will no doubt continue to improve. The agreement of the presidents on many questions will serve to cement interstate ties and develop economic relations. Thus, the visit brought Uzbekistan and Pakistan closer.
ECONOMICS
NBU SIGNS MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING MEMORANDUMS WITH TWO PAKISTANI BANKS
The National Bank of Uzbekistan for Foreign Economic Activity (NBU) signed memorandums on mutual understanding with the National Bank of Pakistan and Habib Bank Ltd. The press service of the Uzbek bank said the documents were signed on 2 May.
The memorandums are intended to strengthen economic relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, and foster continuous strong cooperation and strategic partnership in the financial markets of the world. According to the agreements signed between the banks of the two countries, the latter would develop long-term relations in different spheres based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, respect and trust.
In order to support trade and economic relations between the two countries and build-on bilateral cooperation, the issues of project financing, as well as the opening of credit lines for the stimulation of bilateral trade are to be elaborated on in the framework of the memorandums.
INTERNET USERS AND MOBILE COMMUNICATION SUBSCRIBERS INCREASE IN NUMBER
The number of internet and mobile communication users in Uzbekistan has exceeded 1 million, according to information provided at the Uzbek Agency for Communication and Informatization.
"In the first quarter of 2006, there were 1,08 million registered internet users in the Republic, while the number of mobile communication subscribers reached 1.3 million", - said the agency representative, in a move to make the information more precise.
The internet user figure is calculated oŽn the basis of data furnished by operators and providers of data transmission networks, plus the Agency's own estimates.On the average, 4-5 users are considered to visit an internet collective access center each day. Actually, this indicator is many times as high, observed the Agency's representative.
"This calculation is in line with estimates provided by independent experts, including foreign oŽnes", - he added.
The number of mobile communication subscribers in Uzbekistan is determined oŽn the basis of the quantity of functioning terminals (mobile phones), declared by domestic mobile communication operators at the Republic's radio-frequency bodies. This makes it possible to accurately calculate the exact number of mobile communication subscribers in the country.
In other CIS members states, however, this indicator is determined in a different way, with the number of contracts signed between users and service providers and the number of SIM cards sold taken as the basis for its calculation.
Unfortunately, this calculation method fails to take into account the number of temporarily suspended contracts or the number of currently inactive users of mobile communication, accentuated the expert.
"If we base our calculations oŽn this method, the number of mobile communication users in our Republic would have long exceeded 2 million", - said the Agency's representative.
"It is necessary to mention that all data oŽn internet users and mobile communication subscribers in the country, presented by the Uzbek Agency for Communication and Informatization are thoroughly verified. And even such an understated estimation testifies to a dynamic development of the market for information technologies and a sound upward tendency", - concluded the expert.
RUSSIAN GAZPROM MAKES ITS WAY TO USTURT
Russia's Gazprom plans to complete by June the negotiations oŽn a produce sharing agreement, encompassing the deposits located in the Usturt region of Uzbekistan, Mr. Alexander Ryazanov, Deputy Chairman of Gazprom's Board of Directors, has been quoted as saying by Business Partner.Uz newspaper.
"The negotiations are presently well under way and we hope to finalize, prior to July 1, the stage that deals with the conclusion of a produce sharing agreement oŽn the Usturt region of Uzbekistan, where we expect to discover substantial gas resources", - Mr. Ryazanov has been reported as further indicating.
It will be the second PSA signed between the National Holding Company Uzbekneftegaz and Gazprom oŽn the development of gas condensate deposits in the Usturt region. Its total value exceeds US $1 billion.
Gazprom and Uzbekneftegaz signed the first PSA in April 2004. It stipulated the complete development of the Shakhtakhty gas condensate deposit in the Usturt region for the term of 15 years. To implement this project, US $15 million worth of direct investments will be made between 2004 and 2007. The total volume of extracted gas will be exported.
SOCIETY
CITY OF KARSHI PREPARES TO CELEBRATE ITS ANNIVERSARY
An airport is like a symbolic entry gate to a city. The reconstruction of such gate to the city of Karshi has been completed. The airport now complies with the modern standards. For the finishing touch, the surrounding territory is currently being developed.
Mustakillik (Independence) square of the city of Karshi has also gained a new look. Bituminous concrete pavement was removed, and green alleys were planted instead. The buildings located nearby, including the House of Officers (Community Center) and Tong Hotel, were repaired. Central market was built according to a special project.
Repair and reconstruction works were also implemented at the Children's Recreation Park in the center of the city. New rides have been installed for the children. Central Park of Alisher Navoi has also been reconstructed the "Lake Complex" in the center of the park has turned beautiful, small paths were sanded, boardwalks were built, and new street lamps were installed around the park. An amphitheatre building to seat 3,000 is under construction.
Work is carried on on the development and expansion of the main broad streets of the city Nasaf, Uzbekistan, and Amir Temur. Karshi railway station has also been repaired and reconstructed. Large-scale reconstruction work in the railroadmen's town and Locomotive Complex is nearly finished.
BUILDERS FROM AROUND UZBEKISTAN BUILD CENTRAL STADIUM IN KARSHI
The construction of the new 16,000-seat central stadium has finished in the city of Karshi. The new structure is equipped with modern technical equipment and gear, and provided with water and electricity. The surrounding area has also been developed.
Construction organizations "Kashkadaryoneftgazsanoatkurilish" (Kashkadarya Oil and Gas Industry Construction), Karshi Forestry, builders from the city of Tashkent, Khorezm and Bukhara regions, as well as specialists of Uzbekneftegaz (Uzbek Oil and Gas) National Holding Company, riggers of Uzbekenergo Company, and builders of Bukhorogazsanoatkurilish (Bukhara Gas Industry Construction) and Urgench Janubgazkurilish (South Gas Construction of Urgench city) joint stock companies participated in the construction process. The workers of Karshikukalamzorlashtirish (Karshi Greenery Planting) Company contributed significantly to the development of the area.
The new stadium fully corresponds to the modern standards. Besides, Nasaf stadium, a swimming pool, and a 600-seat riding-hall for the sport college of Olympic reserve have been built in the city. A number of other buildings have been erected, repaired and reconstructed.
MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITION "SEVEN DESERTS OF THE WORLD" HEADS FOR UZBEKISTAN
Famous travelers of Russia, twin-brothers Sergey and Alexander Sinelniks are heading the team of five motorcyclists, intending to travel across the Kyzyl Kum, Kara Kum, Libyan, Riyadh, Nubian, Sahara, and Namibian deserts by Samson-type motor land rovers.
The travelers have traveled around the world on motorcycles; have been to 35 countries, five continents.
The total length of the track of the unique motorcycle expedition named "Seven deserts of the world" will roughly total 14,500 km. The expedition will start in Central Asia Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. The team left Uralsk on two motor land rovers, and after crossing the Kazakh town of Atyrau, it has already gotten to the side of the Caspian Sea. It then turned towards the East and is now heading for Uzbekistan.
After the motor land rovers cross Kyzyl Kum, which should be somewhere in the mid-May, the team will arrive at the borders of Turkmenistan.
WORLD RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT DAY TO BE CELEBRATED IN TASHKENT
A charity concert to mark the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day will be held at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan on 8 May. Also, in commemoration of the day, an exhibition entitled "Humanity and charity in daily life" will be organised by the Red Cross International Committee Office in Central Asia with participation of the Red Crescent Society of Uzbekistan.
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day has been observed in more than 190 countries of the world for many decades, attracting public attention to the existing social problems aiming at relieving people from suffering, and providing stability of their future.
Red Crescent Society of Uzbekistan provides voluntary assistance to the government of the country in solving the most urgent social problems of the population. This year, declared by the government the Year of "Charity and Medical Workers", is no exception. RCS Uzbekistan volunteers look after single seniors in need. 255 patronage sisters of the society provide assistance to 2,486 seniors at home.
Along with practical assistance, the society conducts large-scale awareness raising projects for the population in the issues of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis prophylactics, explains the rules of first medical aid, behaviour in the conditions of the emergency situations, and distributes knowledge in international humanitarian law and the activity of the People Search Service that revives family ties broken as a result of conflict situations and disasters.
The theme of this year's World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is "Universal assistance through volunteering". Volunteers are the main force that relies on the ideas of humanity, providing support to people regardless of the conditions they are in.
Representatives of ministries and departments, International Red Cross Committee, a number of international and public organisations will participate in the events dedicated to the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.
The opening of an exhibition, congratulation speeches of veterans and volunteers of the Red Crescent Society are included in the programme of events.