26 May, 2006

Politics
President of Uzbekistan resolves to introduce new order of state registration of enterprises
President of Uzbekistan congratulates Pakhtakor with its 50th anniversary
EurAsEC Secretary-General confident about Uzbekistan's full accession to EurAsEC

Economics
"Potential of Ecotourism for Uzbekistan" intl conference held in Tashkent
Tashkent aviation production association named after V.Chkalov at Berlin Airshow 2006
Chinese ambassador visits Andijan to acquaint with city

Society
Youth of Uzbekistan: roles, tasks, responsibility
Westminster international university in Tashkent holds an open-doors
Teenage Orchestra Holds Concert in Tashkent

POLITICS

PRESIDENT RESOLVES TO INTRODUCE NEW ORDER OF STATE REGISTRATION OF ENTERPRISES

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov passed a resolution on 24 May 2006 purposed to improve the conditions for enterprise activity though reduction of administrative costs, elimination of bureaucratic barriers and obstacles in state registration and listing of enterprise entities.

In particular, the resolution establishes the new order of state registration of enterprise entities on notification basis to enter into force starting 1 September 2006.

According to the resolution, the state registration of entrepreneurs is to be conducted by the justice agencies or Inspections for registration of enterprise entities under city (district) khokimiats with simultaneous listing in tax and statistical bodies.

The period allowed for registration including the issuance of the certificate on state registration should not exceed two weekdays.

In view of this, the Ministry of Justice, Ministerial Council of Karakalpakstan, regional and Tashkent city khokimiats are instructed to check the material-technological base of registration bodies and take measures on their strengthening within two-month period. State Tax Committee is instructed to ensure the creation of the electronic mail communication between state tax inspections of cities (districts) and registration bodies for the acceptance of corresponding requests on attribution of taxpayers' ID numbers and transfer of this information to the registration bodies.

State Statistics Committee is to ensure the registration bodies' possession of statistics classifiers, containing statistical codes required for state registration on notification basis, and to create the necessary material-technological conditions for acceptance and processing of entrepreneurs' information requests for the avoidance of duplication of company names in the single state register of companies.

The Ministry of Justice together with State Demonopolisation Committee is to exercise control over the compliance with the notification-based order of registration, and regularly publish materials for awareness-raising purposes. (UzReport.com)

PRESIDENT OF UZBEKISTAN CONGRATULATES PAKHTAKOR WITH ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov congratulated Tashkent football club Pakhtakor with its 50th anniversary on 25 May.

In his congratulatory speech, the Uzbek leader said: "When we speak of Pakhtakor, we, first of all, think of a multinational sport team with a great reputation that holds a special place in the history of Uzbek football."

President Karimov said many bright football stars played for Pakhtakor and won in prestigious international competitions due to their firm will, spirit and skills.

The Uzbek head said Pakhtakor, as the leader of Uzbek football, had a positive impact on thousands and thousands of young people, and the club has become the forge of new generation of football players. He added that during its 50-year history, the club experienced sidereal time and serious ordeal.

"Today too it is painful to remember the year 1979, when the team lost its strongest players as a result of an airplane crash. But the memory of those talented and admired football players will live on in the hearts of our nation," says the President's message. "Remembering the hard road Pakhtakor team had passed before it earned its high reputation and recognition not only in Uzbekistan, but also far abroad, we recognize that an important task of today's generation is to revive the good name of the Uzbek football, and further enrich its history," said the President.

The President also noted that "the development of sport is one of the priority objectives of the government policy. This should help open a wide range of prospects for the all-round development of national football." Meanwhile, the President reminded the urgency of implementing the resolution "On additional measures to develop football in Uzbekistan".

In his message, President Karimov noted that he put a lot of hope in the activity of the to be created new Fund for Support of Football in Uzbekistan.

President Islam Karimov signed a Decree "On rewarding the groups of sportsmen and coaches, who demonstrate high achievements in the development of football in Uzbekistan, timed to the 50th anniversary of Pakhtakor football team." (UzReport.com)

EURASEC SECRETARY-GENERAL CONFIDENT ABOUT UZBEKISTAN'S FULL ACCESSION TO EURASEC

Secretary-General of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) Grigoriy Rapota said he was confident about the fact that by the end of the year Uzbekistan would ratify over 70 fundamental documents required for full-righted membership in the EurAsEC.

Answering Interfax agency's questions about the pace of Uzbekistan's accession to the EurAsEC, Rapota emphasized that "Uzbekistan is actively working towards this goal, and it is apparent that the political administration of the country is interested in accession to the EurAsEC."

"I am sure that Uzbekistan will fulfill its obligations," said Secretary-General of the organization. (UzReport.com)

ECONOMICS

"POTENTIAL OF ECOTOURISM FOR UZBEKISTAN" INTL CONFERENCE HELD IN TASHKENT

An international conference entitled "The Potential of Ecotourism for Uzbekistan" was held on 23 May at the conference hall of the Markaziy Hotel in Tashkent. The meeting was organized by the Ecosan International Organisation and the International Center of Ecotourism "Ecosan-Tour" in fulfillment of the resolution of the President of Uzbekistan "On measures to speed up the development of services sphere in the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2006-2010".

The abovementioned resolution outlines serious shortcomings in the development of services sphere, poor use of the capacity available in the sector as a potential source of jobs and income for the population, as well as funds for the local budgets. The document specifically stresses the slow development of this sphere in rural areas, where many traditional types of services, not requiring high capital investments and attractive for private enterprise, are not sufficiently developed.

The experience of several foreign countries shows that the development of ecotourism is an important factor in the development of services sphere, particularly in distant regions, where there are practically no other opportunities.

The aim of the conference "The Potential of Ecotourism for Uzbekistan" is to stimulate the discussion of issues concerning the development of existing and creation of new ecotourism-excursion routes to different regions of Uzbekistan, elaboration of regional programmes on the development of ecotourism and meeting the ecotourism potential of Uzbekistan, a country with one of the best conditions in Central Asia; development of domestic and departing tourism, expansion of international cooperation in attraction of foreign investments for development and implementation of local programes and projects aiming at the development of ecotourism infrastructure, increase of the flow of tourists to the country and optimization of employment for the population. The Chairman of the Ecosan International Organisation Yusufjan Shadimetov opened and chaired the meeting. The administration and representatives of the Committee for Agriculture, Water Management and Ecology of the Senate of Oliy Majlis (parliament) of Uzbekistan, Uzbektourism National Company, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Management, State Nature Committee, as well as Ambassadors of Turkmenistan and Italy to Uzbekistan participated in the event.

It was noted during the conference that the world practice showed that ecotourism covered more than 10% of the total tourism market, and its growth rates exceeded the industry's growth rate 2-3 times.

"Ecosan international organizations and the International Center of Ecotourism "Ecosan Tour" give their best efforts to further develop this sphere. For this purpose, we organize the Days of Ecological Tourism, ecological expeditions, international missions to the regions of Uzbekistan, develop new ecotourism routes, implement projects such as "Youth and Ecotourism", "Ecotourism and Health", etc," said the Chairman of Ecosan International Organisation Yusufjan Shadimetov.

One of the ecotourism routes was presented to the attention of the participants by the Director-General of the International Center of Ecological Tourism Shavkat Shadimetov. The route passes through the eastern part of Tashkent region located in the mountain formation of Western Tien Shan, and connects two lively mountainous regions – Beldersai and Kumushkan. The route can be used for hiking, cycling, and horse-riding. The advantage of this route is its safety, as the passing does not require special preparation or mountaineering gear.

This route is included in the list of ecotourism routes of "Ecosan Programme on development of services sphere and ecotourism service for 2006-2010". The presentation of the programme was held at the meeting. The aim of the programme is to develop ecological tourism, assisting in provision of stable development, improvement of ecological situation, attraction of additional financial resources, including foreign investments, etc.

Participants of the meeting discussed and approved the programme presented and confirmed the urgency of its implementation. A thematic exhibition organized by the Ecosan Tour Center, Nature Museum, State History Museum of Uzbekistan, Ugam_Chatkal National Park and other agencies was also held as a part of the conference. (UzReport.com)

TASHKENT AVIATION PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION NAMED AFTER V.CHKALOV AT BERLIN AIRSHOW 2006

One of the biggest and oldest air-shows of Europe ILA 2006 was held in Berlin. The Russian Federation acted as an official partner and commissioner of the cargo jets made by the Uzbek state joint-stock company “Tashkent aviation production association named after V.Chkalov” (TAPOICh).

Three hundred and forty aircraft and helicopters of more than 1000 producers from 42 countries around the world were exhibited at the air-show. The TAPOICh presented its modern IL-76TD-90VD cargo jet.

“This model is equipped with the new PS-90A-76 aviation engines of the Perm motor factory (Russia). These engines meet all of the international requirements and reduce the fuel consumption up to 23 percent and increases the cargo capacity from 40 to 60 tons”, Mr. J.Gulyamov, the production director of TAPOICh, said.

During the show Uzbek specialists held several meetings with the representatives of various firms and companies, which have manifested interest in the purchase of Uzbek cargo jets, the report concluded. (“Jahon” Information Agency)

CHINESE AMBASSADOR VISITS ANDIJAN TO ACQUAINT WITH CITY

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of China to Uzbekistan Yu Hongjun visited Andijan region.

Andijan has economic relations with Sintsyan-Uygur autonomic region of China. Cotton growers and silkworm breeders of Andijan study experience of Chinese colleagues. In turn, representatives China study from Andijan people secrets of biological methods of solution of agricultural problems, also adopt achievements of Andijan people in gardening.

Seven joint Uzbek-Chinese enterprises function in the region, including those on processing cocoons. These new joint ventures process half of all crops of cocoons of the region. Additional capacities will provide an opportunity for deep and full processing, UzA reported.

"Although China and Uzbekistan has no general border, we always were close to each other," said Yu Hongjun. "This is because of ancient and rich history of two countries, mutual support and respect. China supports measures undertaken by Uzbek government against extremists in May 2005 in Andijan. We highly appreciate the efforts of Uzbekistan on maintenance of peace and stability in Central Asia. The ambassador also visited number of enterprises, familiarized with the activity of joint ventures in Andijan region."

The ambassador visited a number of enterprises and farms of Andijon Region. He got familiarized with the activities of joint ventures and also had a sightseeing tour in Andijan town. (UzReport.com)

SOCIETY

YOUTH OF UZBEKISTAN: ROLES, TASKS, RESPONSIBILITY

Forum titled “Youth of Uzbekistan: roles, tasks, responsibility” started in Tashkent on the initiative of National association NGO of Uzbekistan, Institute on studying civil society, Liberally-democratic party of Uzbekistan and "Kamolot" youth movement. Leaders of youth nongovernmental and noncommercial organizations and public associations, active workers of " youth wing " of political parties of Uzbekistan, self-government institutions of citizens, young scientists, creative workers, businessmen, representatives of mass-media participating in the forum.

The prior aim of the action is to exchange opinions concerning stirring up the activity of youth, their participations in solution of issues on formation the basis of a civil society, implementation of social and economic and political reforms. (UzA)

WESTMINSTER INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY IN TASHKENT HOLDS AN OPEN-DOORS

The day of open doors was held at the Westminster International University in Tashkent. Such events have already become a kind tradition, which helps prospective students to obtain a thourough information about the university. And, the prestige of the university is said to have been rising year by year.

The fact that not o¬nly Uzbek students, but also those from foreign countries attend this educational institution witnesses to the aforesaid.

The classes at the university are taught in English with teachers paying a special attention to student independent studies.

Within the framework of the open-doors day the prospective students and their parents learned about conditions available to students at the institution. Besides, they contacted with teaching faculty at the university among whom there are high-qualified foreign specialists and gained answers to their questions.

This year the WIUT is expected to enroll 160 freshmen. And forty percent of them will have the state grants to attend the university. (“Jahon” Information Agency)

TEENAGE ORCHESTRA HOLDS CONCERT IN TASHKENT

The concert of the unique teenage orchestra held at the State Academic Ballet Theater (GABT) named after Alisher Navoi in Tashkent o¬n May 24 this year.

Probably the youngest orchestra in the history of music consists of 60 pupils of special music academic lyceum in Tashkent. They are from 8 to 16 years of age. The most astonishing fact is that the young professionals between the ages of 8 to 10 conduct the orchestra.

The orchestra was first introduced to the public by the “The forum of culture and art” foundation o¬n May 6, 2005. After the premiere the band was widely recognized in the country as much as abroad. Up to now the young musicians acted at the shows dedicated to the main holidays of the country such as the Independence Day and Day of Constitution.

According to the newspaper, this year o¬ne more young conductor joined the band. Nilufar Mukhiddinova is a student of orchestra’s director Mr. Vladimir Neymer. She held her first “exam” at the show in GABT o¬n May 24. (“Jahon” Information Agency)