8 May, 2006

Politics
President Karimov receives Russian First Deputy PM
Uzbekistan experience is very useful for Russia – Russian Deputy PM
CSTO confirms its readiness to develop cooperation with Uzbekistan
Italian Institute of Asia and Mediterranean Countries Secretary-General speaks of Uzbekistan's development

Economics
Uzbek head decrees to reorganize Tadbirkor Bank to Microcredit Bank
Karimov, Medvedev discuss energy cooperation
First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia visits Uzbek aircraft plant
TAPOiCh modernises IL-114-100 for Uzbekistan Airways
Uzbekistan Havo Yollari to receive nine IL-114-100 aircrafts in 2006/09
Uzbekistan seeking to increase gas output
Over 1,000 Austrian tourists visit Uzbekistan in March-May

Society
Uzbek medical workers visit Austria
New Generation 2006 exhibition to open soon

POLITICS

PRESIDENT KARIMOV RECEIVES RUSSIAN FIRST DEPUTY PM

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received First Deputy Prime Minister of Russian Federation Dmitriy Medvedev in Oqsaroy residence on 6 May.

"Your visit testifies about consequent development of relations between Uzbekistan and Russia," Islam Karimov said. "Present communications especially developing on the basis of Agreement on Allied Relations signed in November 2005."

Uzbek leader noted, that the present agreement is the basic legal document of mutual relations. The volume of mutual commodity circulation has increased by 23,5% year-on-year in first quarter of this year.

Uzbekistan and Russia cooperate also in political and humanitarian spheres. Intergovernmental, interdepartmental relations, contacts of public organizations and business circles are consequently developing.

Uzbekistan became the first country among the states of Central Asia, which was visited by D.Medvedev. He was appointed the First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia five months ago. He supervises the issues of education, public health, social security and agriculture.

During the talk the sides exchanged views on further expansion of bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Russia.

UZBEKISTAN EXPERIENCE IS VERY USEFUL FOR RUSSIA – RUSSIAN DEPUTY PM

Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Uzbekistan's experience in healthcare and education could be useful for Russia.

Russian official visited Academic Lyceum on computer technologies under Tashkent State Technical University. Alisher Karimov, First Higher Education and Special Secondary Minister and Director of the Centre on Secondary Professional Education, told the guests on national education model of Uzbekistan. Medvedev familiarized with classes and library.

Later, Russian official visited Scientific Centre on first medical aid in Tashkent and get acquainted diagnosis department, computer tomograph lab and other rooms of the centre.

"Today I've visited several rather interesting facilities in Tashkent. It was very interesting for me (I'm dealing with national projects in our country) to familiarise myself with Uzbekistan's experience in the health and education reform. This experience is rather curious and requires thorough examination," Medvedev said on Saturday.

CSTO CONFIRMS ITS READINESS TO DEVELOP COOPERATION WITH UZBEKISTAN

Heads of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) member-states confirm their readiness to develop cooperation with Uzbekistan, CSTO Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha said on Thursday in Minsk.

Bordyuzha is participating in the session of the International Anti-Terrorist Media Forum taking place in the capital of Belarus.

"The idea of cooperation with Uzbekistan in the solution of a number of specific issues was fully supported by the presidents of all CSTO member-states," he said.

"Presidents think the organization should cooperate with Uzbekistan in fighting political and religious extremism, and maintaining stability in the Central Asian region," CSTO General Secretary noted.

Providing specific examples of cooperation, he mentioned the consultations of the CSTO Central Asian security council secretaries and Uzbekistan recently held in Dushanbe "to discuss specific joint measures of providing stability in Central Asia".

Uzbekistan, Bordyuzha said, was a large, powerful state that had a strong political influence in Central Asia region. CSTO Secretary General added that if the practical steps taken bring countries of the Organisation and Uzbekistan to a new level of cooperation, he "would not exclude the possibility of Uzbekistan's joining the CSTO, if it is interested in doing so."

However, Bordyuzha said, for Uzbekistan, which has already entered the agreement on collective security, "to take urgent steps and enter the CSTO at this point would not be serious". He said, it was first necessary to confirm the general interest and general benefit of joint actions.

"Only joint actions of all states can ensure stability in Central Asia, even more so in the light of the growing tension in the region," he emphasized.

Currently, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan are members of the CSTO.

ITALIAN INSTITUTE OF ASIA AND MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES SECRETARY-GENERAL SPEAKS OF UZBEKISTAN'S DEVELOPMENT

Secretary General of the Italian Institute of Asia and Mediterranean Countries (IIAMC) Antonio Loke has visited Uzbekistan on the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He met the representatives of scientific and public circles of the Academy of State and Public Construction, Institute of Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan, and the Center of Political Studies, as well as students of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy. The activity of the institute represented by Loke aims to assist the development of bilateral relations with Arabic and Asian countries in political, economic and cultural spheres.

The specialists of the institute prepare country-specific information and analytical researches in various areas for the business circles of Italy, participate in the negotiations at the expert level. The institute constantly initiates conferences, seminars, round table discussions, organises the visits of politicians and entrepreneurs. Before leaving for homeland, Mr. Loke kindly agreed to have an interview with Jahon information agency:

- Mr. Loke, you visit Uzbekistan for the first time before the parliamentary elections in 2004. One and a half years later, you are again in our country. Therefore, I would like to ask a traditional question, could you please share you impressions about the trip round the country and the changes you have observed that have taken place over this period?

- I had the opportunity to meet and talk to many people in Tashkent and Samarkand. The first thing I noted was the increased confidence in the irreversibility of democratic reforms. Moreover, I have noted a growth in the civic consciousness – Uzbek people have begun to take an active part in building open society. I am sure that Uzbekistan is on the right track in its development.

- Did the trip strengthen you conviction expressed in the article "The fast train of Uzbek economy" about the fact that the priority economic reforms suggested by the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov rely on the firm ground of the results achieved in the economic sphere? Did you find any factual evidence to this argument?

- The facts and figures presented in the report of the President Islam Karimov at the final session of the government convinced me that the economic course of development chosen by your country is correct. I am full of optimism and confident in the fact that this country will achieve prosperity and well-being in the short future.

After the Second World War Italy was destroyed and suffered poverty. It did not have natural resources to rely on. But thanks to the development programme implemented, the country successfully rose up, and joined the number of the most developed industrial countries of the world. And this process was later called an "Italian miracle". In my article, I suggested that if Uzbekistan continues to follow its own model of development, soon enough the results will reflect in the growth of the nation's welfare, and development of the economy as a whole.

- The Institute that you administer assists Italian organisations in the development of cooperation with the Asian countries, particularly Uzbekistan. How would you describe the condition and prospects of intensification and further development of Uzbek-Italian cooperation?

- When I was flying to Uzbekistan, many passengers on my flight were Italian tourists. The following day, I met and talked to some of them in Samarkand. Among them were business people, and they happy visiting the fairy city on the Great Silk Road. In my opinion, businessmen always have that sixth sense that tells them where to direct their efforts and they visit the country that has earned a positive image in the world. I think, it will not take long for Italian business community to discover you country for themselves, and begin making their investments in Uzbekistan.

- Mr. Loke, you took an active part in creation of the Italy-Uzbekistan Friendship Society. Almost one year has passed since its formation. Could you please tell how did the idea of creating the association come up, who is now part of it, and what work has been done so far?

- One of the evidences of the developing cooperation between our countries is the establishment of Italy-Uzbekistan Friendship Society, which conducted its first session in the Italian parliament in 2005. Later, it initiated several events – conferences, seminars, meetings in different regions of your country. The society became an original forum for the development of cooperation between our countries. For instance, trade chambers of Italy and Uzbekistan are conducting large-scale work in Milan. In the south of the country, a series of Italian organisations are actively assisting the development of Uzbek-Italian cooperation. The members of our organisation are the deputies of Italian parliament, scientists, but mostly – the representatives of the business community of Italy. On my way to Tashkent, I was flying with a businessman who worked with Uzbek partners in machine-building, textile and food industry. During the talk, I confidently said that cooperation between our countries was expanding, and that the number of business partners would be growing.

- How do you see the future of Uzbekistan on the way of independent development? - 15 years of independence is a relatively short historical period in the development of a country. In my opinion, from the very beginning Uzbekistan chose the right way and what is even more important – it was confident about it. In order to build a free and open society, one needs to maintain a balance between the branches of government – and this is a complex process. Back in the days, the establishment of democratic institutions in Italy was assisted by the neighboring countries that had extensive experience of democratic development. Unlike us, Uzbekistan has to rely on its own experience in this process.

ECONOMICS

UZBEK HEAD DECREES TO REORGANIZE TADBIRKOR BANK TO MICROCREDIT BANK

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a decree to reorganize Tadbirkor Bank into Microcredit Bank on 5 May. The newly formed bank will render micro crediting and micro leasing services to boost entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan.

The decree entitled "On creation of joint-stock commercial Microcredit Bank" said it is directed to expansion of financial resources, allocated to small and private businesses, as well as farmers and creation of new jobs via stirring up individual labour, family business and home labour and ensure access to micro financial services of population, especially in rural areas.

The document supported decision of shareholders of Tadbirkor Bank and suggestion of Central Bank, Finance Ministry and commercial bank on creation of Microcredit Bank on the basis of Tadbirkor Bank.

The decree set main tasks of the new bank. It said Microcredit Bank would render wide-scale banking and consulting services to small and private businesses, as well as farmer to strengthen and expand their production activity.

The bank should also assist to expand entrepreneurship through stimulation and support of development of micro firms, family business and home labour with help of micro credits and micro leasing. At the same time, it should ensure repayment of credits.

Microcredit Bank should attract soft credits, investments and grants of international financial institutions and banks to expand services on micro crediting and micro leasing.

The document entrusted the bank to expand services volume through system of branches and mini-banks in places, first of all in rural areas.

The decree set that Microcredit Bank will earmark soft micro credits up to 200 times over minimal wage to start entrepreneurship activity for 18 months. At the same time, interest rate on credit should not exceed 5% APR.

The bank will also issue micro credits up to 500 times over minimal wage to expansion of activity and fulfill turnover funds of small businesses for 24 months under interest rate not above refinancing rate of Central Bank of Uzbekistan.

Microcredit Bank can render leasing services to small businesses. The businesses can receive leasing services up to 2000 times over minimal wage for three years under interest rate not above of 50% of refinancing rate of Central Bank of Uzbekistan.

The size of minimal wage equals to 9,400 soums. The refinancing rate of Central Bank is 16% APR.

The document said businesses, which repaid credits to starting business in time, have privilege to receive soft loans of Microcredit Bank to expansion of their activity.

The decree said Microcredit Bank should not allow bureaucratism and formalism. The document said that the businesses should submit only application, business-plan and document, approving security of repayment of credit.

The resource base of Microcredit Bank formed on funds of shareholders, directed to formation of charter capital, annual loans of Finance Ministry issued in 2007/10 at the volume of 10 billion soums for ten years under interest rate of 2% APR. The loans will be issued due to income of Central Bank directed to state budget.

State Employment Fund under Labour and Social Welfare Ministry will open credit lines to newly formed bank.

The Uzbek head granted tax holidays to the bank. The document said Microcredit Bank would not pay income and property tax till 1 January 2011, customs payments, except duties for customs registration, for imported banking equipment and technologies.

The bank will not also pay value added tax at realization of property, exacted in favour of the bank.

KARIMOV, MEDVEDEV DISCUSS ENERGY COOPERATION

Uzbek President Islam Karimov met Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Saturday to discuss energy cooperation between the two countries.

After the meeting Medvedev told journalists: "There are certain important and interesting spheres of cooperation – the gas sector, for example, in which Russia and Uzbekistan could develop interaction."

"Uzbekistan has sufficient gas reserves and Gazprom has traditionally purchased Uzbek gas. Thus we'll be able to develop our relations in this field, i.e. transportation and prospects for the joint development," the first vice-prime minister stressed.

In his view, "we may discuss other projects related to hydropower engineering and other sources of energy." "We considered these issues during our meeting. I hope that we continue further cooperation in this sphere," he added.

On the price for Uzbek gas and transit in 2006, Medvedev said, "This problem should be discussed by the corresponding companies."

He said Uzbekistan's experience in healthcare and education could be useful for Russia. "Today I've visited several rather interesting facilities in Tashkent. It was very interesting for me (I'm dealing with national projects in our country) to familiarise myself with Uzbekistan's experience in the health and education reform. This experience is rather curious and requires thorough examination."

Medvedev described his trip to Uzbekistan as "rather positive and fruitful for developing Russian-Uzbek relations and promoting traditional friendly cooperation".

Karimov said he is very glad to meet the first vice-prime minister in Tashkent and considers his visit one step towards strengthening Russian-Uzbek relations.

He noted that in the first quarter of the year trade turnover between the two countries increased by 23.5%. At the same time, Karimov said he is convinced that these possibilities "have not been exhausted yet."

FIRST DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF RUSSIA VISITS UZBEK AIRCRAFT PLANT

First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitriy Medvedev visited Tashkent Aircraft Production Plant named after Chkalov (TAPOiCh) on Saturday, 6 May.

Medvedev was accompanied by head of Federal Industry Agency of Russia Boris Alyoshin and director-general of TAPOiCh Vadim Kucherov.

The Russian officials acquainted with work of the plant and shops on production of IL-114 and Il-76 aircrafts.

Tashkent Aircraft Production Plant named after Chkalov (TAPOiCh) was foundedon the basis of Russian aircraft plant, evacuated to Uzbekistan in 1941 from Moscow region. Currently, the plant produces Il-76 (transport aircraft), IL-114 (passenger aircraft) and wings for An-70 aircrafts.

The Uzbek government holds 51% of shares, staff – 10%, National Bank of Uzbekistan for Foreign Economic Relations and Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade – 6.7%. It is planned to sell remaining 25.6% to strategic foreign investor.

TAPOICH MODERNISES IL-114-100 FOR UZBEKISTAN AIRWAYS

Tashkent Aircraft Production Plant named after Chkalov is carrying out the assembling of new comfortable airliner IL-114-100 for Uzbekistan Havo Yollari (Uzbekistan Airways).

The aircraft will be equipped with western made technique of Rockwell Collins Company production and the modernized equipment of Russian production which is already delivered to Moscow for testing.

Within the framework of modernization the cabin crew design renovation is also planned. The compactness of the technique will provide more space for the passengers' needs. Uzbekistan Airways plans the formal acceptance of the aircraft in July – August 2006.

UZBEKISTAN HAVO YOLLARI TO RECEIVE NINE IL-114-100 AIRCRAFTS IN 2006/09

Uzbekistan Havo Yollari (Uzbekistan Airways) will receive nine Uzbek-made aircrafts within 2006/09, a presidential resolution said.

Uzbek head signed the resolution on development of service sector in Uzbekistan on 17 April 2006, which envisages measures to boost the sector in the country in 2006/10. The document envisages to increase share of services in GDP to 49% by 2010.

The document said Uzbekistan Havo Yollari would update its aircraft fleet for internal flights with domestic IL-114-100 aircrafts. The resolution said the Uzbek company will get two IL-114-100 aircrafts annually in 2006/08 and three aircrafts of the same model in 2009.

The measure will allow to develop air transportation of passengers in internal market and increase transportation volume 1.2 times.

Tashkent Aircraft Production Plant named after Chkalov (TAPOiCh) produces IL-114-100.

Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan and Germany stand for business environment development

An event of strategic importance to the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan was held on 5 May at Dedeman Silk Road Hotel. Conference entitled "The Role of Commerce and Industry Chambers in Creation of Favourable Business Environment and Enterprise Development" was organized by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan together with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, German Embassy in Uzbekistan, and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Germany.

"I am very glad, that such a large number of media representatives are attending this event, because with the help of media people learn about the changes that take place as a result of such meetings. This conference has an undoubtedly high value, because we will be talking about the economy. Uzbekistan is observing high rates of economic growth, and this is largely due to the important role of entrepreneurs, who are basically the initiators of progress. The development of partnership is important for both countries," said the regional authorized representative of Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Central Asia, Kazakhstan and Southern Caucasus Hans Keiser.

"Germany has many chambers, some of which are over 100 years old. If an entrepreneur starts an activity, the function of the chamber is to assist him in the promotion and business development. In Uzbekistan, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce has existed for only two years, but this is ok that it is young - the most important thing is that it exists. Entrepreneurs have to stay in constant contact with the chambers and always turn to them for help.

You may ask, "why does your foundation involve in this?" The reason is that the foundation was originally established to assist favourable economic development.

After the Second World War Konrad Adenauer led the country towards freedom and democracy. At this time the Germans realized that his foreign and domestic policies harmonically combined consistent administration and economic prosperity, social peace and justice. I hope we will successfully establish equal partnership between our countries and that the economies of both will be developing simultaneously," he said.

"Entrepreneurship is of special economic importance not only to the business environment but also to the social. In Uzbekistan entrepreneurship assists the process of formation of real owners, who support their families. 54% of the Uzbek population makes up the country's workforce. That is why entrepreneurship is especially important for Uzbekistan, as it provides both jobs and income," said the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Uzbekistan Okiljon Abidov.

Pursuant to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of 7 July 2004 "On creation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan" the Chamber of Commodity-producers and Entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan ended its activity and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan became its full-righted assignee. Its constituent meeting was held on 21 September 2004. In the course of the conference participants discussed the charter of the chamber, and elected the administrative officials.

"The main objectives set for the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan are the same as in the other countries – to assist the development of enterprise, particularly small and private business; to create favourable conditions for further development of private enterprise; to improve business environment; to assist the establishment of business contacts between the entrepreneurs of the country and foreign partners," said Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan Nabijon Kasymov.

The statistics from Samarkand region show fast development of enterprise. It is worth mentioning that Samarkand region has ancient traditions in business development; the majority of the population is engaged in the activity of the enterprise sector; a stable tendency towards the increase in the number of entities engaged in the sector of small enterprise is observed in the region. Currently, some 677,500 people are employed in the region, and this indicator is the second highest in the country. The share of small enterprise in the regional GDP makes up 52.6%, compared to the country average of 35.6%. Of the total number of people employed in small business and private enterprise, 35% are engaged in industry, 11% in construction, another 35% in trade and public catering services. The number of farms in the region has exceeded 9,000 employing over 62,400 people. These figures are based on the results of the research conducted in Samarkand region in November 2005 by the ILO, Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and CRRN.

The Conference conducted at Dedeman Silk Road Hotel is of special importance to Uzbekistan, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in particular, as it is expected to bring about positive results and assist in promoting the reputation of Uzbek businesses in the European market.

UZBEKISTAN SEEKING TO INCREASE GAS OUTPUT

An Uzbek gas processing company is seeking to increase the output of the country's natural gas deposits.

Uzbekneftegaz (Uzbek Oil and Gas) national holding company wants to further improve the quality of fuel and manufacturing products in its process line under its new development programme.

Most of the efforts have been undertaken at the Muborak gas processing plant, located in the Kashkadaryo region, which produces about 70% of all gas processed in the country. The plant is also the leading producer in sulphur (93%), stabilized condensate (17%) and liquefied gas (11%).

"Ten and 15 tonnes of liquefied gas had been processed before this equipment was installed," Bakhtiyor Sherov, the plant's chief engineer said, on Uzbek Television. "We are processing up to 85 tonnes of condensate per day after the installation of this facility."

The gas company installed a propane cooling system, making it possible to process at least 60 tonnes of additional gas condensate per day. Sherov explained that with this facility it would allow the company to "fully dry all gas being processed in our plant. This would make it possible to receive an additional 150,000 tonneas of gas condensate."

OVER 1,000 AUSTRIAN TOURISTS VISIT UZBEKISTAN IN MARCH-MAY

Direct charter flights of Austrian Airlines connected famous Austrian cities Vienna, Graz, and Linz with ancient cultural centers of Uzbekistan – Samarkand and Urgench.

Over 1,000 tourists from Austria visited ancient Khiva's Ichan Kala and Samarkand's Registan square within joint programme of charter flights of Austrian Airlines, organized in cooperation with Austrian tour operator GTA-SKY-WAYS and its local partner Sogda Tour from Samarkand.

The Austrian company carried out six charter flights to Uzbekistan on Boeing-737 and A-322 and delivered 150-172 Austrian tourists to Uzbek cities. Within one-week tour, Austrian tourists acquainted with sights of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

Saad al-Hayre, director of Sogda Tour, said Austrian tourists were polled on their impression of the visit and 95% of them told that they would recommend tour to their friends and relatives.

Markus Kumfofer, executive director of GTA-SKY-WAYS, said Austrian Airlines is not carrying out its first charter flights to Uzbekistan, but added that it is first flights of Austian company with GTA-SKY-WAYS. He said the flights were carried out from the end of March to the beginning of May.

Kumfofer said he also is visiting Uzbekistan and acquainting with ancient cities of Great Silk Road. He added that this tourism product is competitive at the Austrian tourism market. He said that the company is planning to carry out eight charter flights to Uzbekistan next spring.

He said that Uzbek national tourism administration's support allowed to create "green passage" to Austrian tourists.

Speaking about problems, Kumfofer said customs and border procedures, service of foreign tourists at airport, as well as bad infrastructure at Urgench-Bukhara road damages to tourism image of Uzbekistan.

But he said that these two problems of Uzbek tourism compensated with bright impressions from historic, cultural and architectural heritage of the country, as well as hospitable and amazing people.

Representative of Austrian firm discussed these and other issues on expansion of tourists inflow from Austria to Uzbekistan with its Uzbek partner – Sogda Tour, Uzbektourism and Uzbekistan Havo Yollari (Uzbekistan Airways).

Austrian company is planning to form sustainable market for Uzbek tourism product and expand retail sales network via tour agencies and partners like Raif reisen, OMATC, Renta reisen, Verehr Benro and others.

SOCIETY

UZBEK MEDICAL WORKERS VISIT AUSTRIA

A group of Uzbek medical workers visited Austria in April on invitation of Austrian Federal Health Ministry.

The report said the Uzbek medical workers familiarized with healthcare system of Austria, modern methods of treatment in obstetrics and pediatrics, as well as visited medical establishments in Vienna and other cities.

NEW GENERATION 2006 EXHIBITION TO OPEN SOON

The First International Exhibition New Generation 2006 will be held on 10-12 May at Intercontinental Hotel in Tashkent.

International Exhibition Group and IEG Uzbekistan Subsidiary are organising the event. Official support is provided by the Ministry of Culture and Sport, Ministry of Public Education, and Children's Sport Development Fund of Uzbekistan.

The exhibition will be divided into three main sections - Sport and Recreation, Education and Children and Youth Products.

New Generation 2006 is the project touching upon youth interests. According to the exhibition organizers these aspects are determining in the formation of favourable environment for bringing up healthy generation.

The organisation of the exhibition evoked high interest of companies engaged in the production of different types of sports gear. Thus, among domestic companies the biggest stand belongs to KP RTO VT Company specializing in the production of a whole range of sporting goods for schools and other facilities. Hojaobod factory is the single producer of all types of sport "sand pits for jumping".

The lovers of active sport and real "men's" sport will appreciate the products of Aliev Private Company specialized in the production of boxing gear - starting from boxing gloves to rings. Inter Agro Service JV is the dealer of Belarus Motovelo LLC, the largest producer of motorcycles and bicycles on the territory of Eastern Europe. Parents will easily find high quality, reliable bicycles for their kids at this stand.

Companies from Moscow will introduce high quality surface coverings for sporting structures.

Moscow based Masterfibre Company, the leader in the market of seamless porous coverings of rubber granules for sport, recreation and production facilities. The coverings are highly durable. Another company from Moscow operating in the market of sport coverings is Bamard Company.

The national stand of Bangladesh representing six companies will also be displayed at the exhibition. These companies will demonstrate products of textile, daily and sports clothing.

Besides, Russian "Yolochka" Company will participate in the sector "Children's and Youth Products". The company produces Christmas tree decorations made of glass, which should attract the attention of the young visitors. The products of this company have received the status of National Art Craft of Russia.

In the framework of the exhibition, the Queen of the Sound Group and IEG Uzbekistna will hold the Second Championship of Uzbekistan in Automobile Sound.

On the first day of the exhibition, 11 May, the organizers will hold competition among musical automobile systems fro the best sound quality according to Russian Fast Sound Quality system.

The following day, musical systems will compete for the maximum sound pressure (Sound Pressure Level) inside a vehicle in accordance with the rules of the Russian SPL Club.

According to the results of the competition, the winners will receive cups, medals, diplomas and sponsors' prizes.

The contest will be conducted on the area in front of the Intercontinental hotel complex.