1 June, 2006
Politics
Senate to hold its sixth plenary session on 9 June
Uzbekistan thinks it is early to create SCO inter-parliamentary assembly
Uzbek foreign minister, Italian envoy ink cooperation program
Economics
Uzbek GDP grows by 3.6 percent in first quarter
Uzbekistan’s industrial output rises by 7% in January -April 2006
Uzbek foreign trade in first quarter of 2006
Russia was largest trade partner of Uzbekistan in 1 quarter
Share of cotton fibre in Uzbek exports decreasing
UNDP hosts a round-table on enhancing the Uzbek export potential
Uzbek cars at international Kiev ?uto ?xhibition
Uzbek furniture exhibition opens
Round table in Tashkent to discuss creation of industrial zones
Society
Moscow State University’s branch in Tashkent to accept 80 students this year
UNICEF, Uzbek organization organize events to celebrate Children's Day
Children's world-2006" exhibition in Tashkent
Uzbek Art Evening in Moscow
POLITICS
SENATE TO HOLD ITS SIXTH PLENARY SESSION ON 9 JUNE
Sixth plenary session of Senate of Oliy Majlis (upper house of Uzbek parliament) will convene in Tashkent on 9 June, the Council of Senate adopted a corresponding decision on 30 May.
The plenary session will consider several laws, which were adopted by Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan (lower house) and directed to Senate.
In particular, the senators will discuss Law "On Employment of Population", Tax Code of Uzbekistan and Habitation Code of Uzbekistan, as well as other laws.
The Senate will also consider report of General Prosecutor of Uzbekistan on activity of prosecution bodies in Uzbekistan for 2005, report of chairman of State Nature Committee on activity of the committee in 2005, report of chairman of Central Bank of Uzbekistan on activity of Central Bank and Treasury in 2005.
The parliamentarians will also discuss introduction of changes to structure of Supreme Court, Supreme Economic Court, as well as appointment of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Israel and other issues of its jurisdiction. (UzReport.com)
UZBEKISTAN THINKS IT IS EARLY TO CREATE SCO INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY
Uzbekistan thinks it is early to create a structure of such level as inter-parliamentary assembly within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the speaker of Uzbek parliament's lower house Erkin Khalilov said.
"We think the creation of the SCO inter-parliamentary assembly is untimely, because in our opinion, regular meetings of the heads of SCO parliaments should be the main instruments of inter-parliamentary interaction," he said in Moscow.
Khalilov said SCO should focus its efforts on formation of the new concept of security in the region. In his opinion, this concept should be based on "confiding relations and equal partnership between the members of the organization."
"SCO should provide an active scheme of counterbalances at the regional level, allowing to ensure stability and security of all countries of the Central Asian region," said Uzbek parliamentarian.
Khalilov also emphasized the need for SCO to focus its efforts on provision of security at the regional level and prevention of "undesired scenarios in the socio-political situation in the region." (UzReport.com)
UZBEK FOREIGN MINISTER, ITALIAN ENVOY INK COOPERATION PROGRAM
Signing of the Program for cultural and science cooperation between the governments of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Republic of Italy for 2006-2010 took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Uzbek Foreign Minister Elyor Ganiev and Italian envoy to Uzbekistan Angelo Persiani have inked the document. The latter envisages further development of bilateral cooperation in the sphere of education, science and technologies, culture and art, archaeology, restoring, preserving and safeguarding the cultural heritage, and other.
Sides have expressed confidence that signing of the given document will open up the new opportunities to deepen and extend the interaction between the two countries in the aforementioned spheres. (“Jahon” Information Agency)
ECONOMICS
UZBEK GDP GROWS BY 3.6 PERCENT IN FIRST QUARTER
GDP of Uzbekistan is estimated to reach 3194,9 bln. Uzbek soums in market prices in the first quarter 2006. It means 3.6 percent more against the same period 2005. In January-March the GDP deflator index was 121.2 percent compare to the prices in the first quarter 2005.
The share of the non-state sector in the total amount of GDP is reported to have made up 70.4 percent. Industry and communication are among the sectors, which have had a profound impact o¬n the GDP growth with a 42.5 percent share in it.
Small entrepreneurship is estimated to have reached 30.1 percent in GDP, which is 1.9 percent more than last year.
More than 17 percent of GDP has made up in Tashkent. (“Jahon” Information Agency)
UZBEKISTAN’S INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT RISES BY 7% IN JANUARY -APRIL 2006
The volume of industrial output of Uzbekistan rose by 7 per cent to 4.465 trillion soums in January-April 2006, against the same period of 2005. The largest contribution was made by the fuel-energy complex - 28.9 per cent (27 per cent in January-April 2005). At the same time the shares of other branches were as follows: power industry 12.5 per cent (11.6 per cent), fuel industry 16.4 per cent (15.4 per cent).
The share of light industry declined to 20.7 per cent (21.2 per cent), non-ferrous metallurgy 14.1 per cent (15.6 per cent), machine engineering - 11.7 per cent (12.3 per cent), food industry 6.7 per cent (7.4 per cent), chemical industry 6.2 per cent (5 per cent).
The share of companies with foreign investments in the total volume of industrial production made up 18.5 per cent (18.7 per cent). The highest growth in the production in monetary values was observed in the chemical industry 12.77 per cent, machine engineering 10.4 per cent, power industry 9.3 per cent, and light industry 6.5 per cent.
Non-ferrous metallurgy recorded a decline of 0.2 per cent, and fuel industry output decreased by 0.5 per cent. The volume of industrial production in Uzbekistan increased by 7.3 per cent in 2005, against 2004 figures, and totaled 10.9 trillion soums. The growth of industrial production in 2006 is predicated at 9 per cent. (UzReport.com)
UZBEK FOREIGN TRADE IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2006
Foreign trade turnover of Uzbekistan made up US$2.38 billion in January-March 2006 or increased by 4.1% year-on-year.
Uzbek State Statistics Committee said in its quarterly report that the trade turnover with CIS states made up US$894.4 million in the reporting period or up 21.2% year-on-year. Trade turnover with non-CIS states comprised US$1.49 billion or dropped by 4.1%.
The report said the Uzbek exports increased from US$1.32 billion in the first quarter of 2005 to US$1.38 billion in the same period of 2006. The growth rate made up 4.4%. At the same time, Uzbekistan exported products and services worth US$916 million (down 7% year-on-year) to non-CIS countries and US$470.1 million (up 37.3% year-on-year) to CIS states.
The volume of import of Uzbekistan increased by 3.6% year-on-year to US$999.7 million in the reporting period. The volume of import from CIS states made up US$424.3 million in January-March 2006 against US$395.3 million (up 7.3%). Uzbekistan imported goods and services from non-CIS states for US$ 575.4 million (up 0.9% year-on-year).
The committee said the share of non-CIS states in Uzbek foreign trade turnover shrank from 67.8% in the first quarter of 2005 to 62.5% in the same period of 2006. The report said 66.1% (74.2% in 2005) of Uzbek exports went to non-CIS states. The share of non-CIS states in imports of Uzbekistan also dropped from 59.1% in 1Q 2005 to 57.6% in 1Q 2006.
The committee's report 50% of Uzbek foreign trade turnover fell to share of Europe in January-March 2006 against 58.2% in the same period of previous year. The share of Asia increased from 37.5% in three months of 2005 to 46.1% in the same period of 2006.
The share of Africa and America made up 0.3% (0.2% in 2005) and 3.6% (4%) respectively in the reporting period. The share of Australia and Oceania dropped from 0.1% to 0. (UzReport.com)
RUSSIA WAS LARGEST TRADE PARTNER OF UZBEKISTAN IN 1 QUARTER
The Russian Federation became the largest trade partner of Uzbekistan in the first quarter of 2006, according to data of the Uzbek State Statistics Committee.
Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Russia made up US$529 million in January-March 2006 or increased by 23.4% year-on-year. The share of Russia in Uzbek foreign trade turnover made up 22.2%.
The committee's report said the Uzbek exports increased from US$186.9 million in the first quarter of 2005 to US$261.8 million in the same period of 2006. The volume of Uzbek imports from Russia also rose from US$241.8 million to US$267.2 million in the reporting period. (UzReport.com)
SHARE OF COTTON FIBRE IN UZBEK EXPORTS DECREASING
The share of cotton fibre in Uzbek exports decreased from 27.3% in January-March 2005 to 26.7% in the same period of 2006. At the same time, the volume of export of cotton-fibre increased by 2.1% year-on-year.
Energy resources and services also had the largest share in Uzbek exports – 11.8% and 11.7% respectively. At the same time, the share of energy resources increased from 11.2% in January-March 2005 to 11.8% in three months of 2006, while services rose from 7.2% to 11.7%.
The share of non-ferrous and ferrous metals in Uzbek exports grew from 9.7% in the first quarter of 2005 to 10.1% in the same period of this year. The share of machinery and equipment remained at the level of 7.7%.
The exports of consumer goods also increased, according to Uzbek State Statistics Committee's quarterly report. The share of consumer goods in export rose from 2.9% to 3.8% in the reporting period.
Foreign trade turnover of Uzbekistan made up US$2.38 billion in January-March 2006 or increased by 4.1% year-on-year. The report said the Uzbek exports increased from US$1.32 billion in the first quarter of 2005 to US$1.38 billion in the same period of 2006. (UzReport.com)
UNDP HOSTS A ROUND-TABLE ON ENHANCING THE UZBEK EXPORT POTENTIAL
On 30 May 2006 the round table called "Uzbekistan private sector export potential development" was held in the conference hall of UNDP. It has become the first of the series of thematic round tables, to be held within the framework of joint project of UNDP and The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan "Business Forum of Uzbekistan", the activity of which is aimed at private sector support and development.
Importance of issues included into the agenda was stipulated by private sector stirring up processes, first of all small private enterprises, in implementation of foreign–economic activity, necessity of effective export strategy realization.
Participants discussed such issues as creating favorable environment and improvement of national exporters promotion institutions' activity, publishing a special "Guide on export operations implementation", practice and prospects of utilizing opportunities of Internet and information technologies for private sector export development.
Nowadays export is a powerful stimulating factor contributing to the economic growth, development of industrial production, as well as improving the quality of products according to international standards. Further increasing of export levels will raise the national economy's investment attractiveness, stir up the business activity in the domestic market, create new jobs, increase the inflow of state budget and enhance foreign investments.
The experience of foreign countries points to the necessity of constant improvement of private sector support system in export activity. In particular, with the help of specialized structures it is necessary to assist exporters in promoting their goods and services to the external markets, in constant provision of necessary market information free of charge, in providing opportunities for insurance, export financing and legal assistance.
Representatives of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan, international organizations, exporter-enterprises and other interested organizations participated in this round table. (UzReport.com)
UZBEK CARS AT INTERNATIONAL KIEV ?UTO ?XHIBITION
Nine hundred car companies from 30 countries around the world presented their new models at the 14th International Kiev auto exhibition – SIA 2006 in the Ukraine.
Along with Aston Martin DB 9 Coupe, Citroen C6, Dadi Shuttle, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Hyundai Accent, Nissan 350 Z the "Nexia" and "Matiz" of the Uzbek "UzDaewooAuto" are also presented at the "Expocenter Ukraine". The Uzbek cars are exhibited in the largest pavilion of the saloon and considered to be o¬ne of the most popular among the specialists and guests of the SIA 2006.
The Uzbek carmakers have been participating in the Kiev auto saloon for the second time this year. In 2003 they presented "Matiz" cars and "UzOtoyo'l" buses as well as an evacuator, fire and bread-carrier trucks o¬n UzOtoyo'l chassis.
The reports suggest that the demand for Uzbek cars has been o¬n the constant rise in the Ukraine. This year the amount of cars sold in the local market has increased more than fivefold compare to the previous year. The service and supply system has been put in place throughout the country with the distribution network further expanding. (“Jahon” Information Agency)
UZBEK FURNITURE EXHIBITION OPENS
Third Specialized Uzbek International Exhibition Furniture and Production Technology – MebelExpo Uzbekistan 2006 – launched in Tashkent on 1 June.
Three-day exhibition, which is held at UzExpoCentre, will allow specialist and visitors to acquaint with new furniture models for home and office, purchase furniture and establish partnership relations or sign agreement with manufacturers.
The event will also present wide range of equipment and spare-parts for furniture production.
The exhibition is organized by ITE Group Plc (Great Britain) and ITE Uzbekistan and it will wrap up spring exhibition season in Uzbekistan. Tashkent city administration, Fayz holding company and Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry support the exhibition.
Some 20 companies from Belarus, Germany, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Uzbekistan are participating in the event.
Over 50% of companies represent Uzbekistan and 30% are representatives of Germany. The company said the area of the exhibition expanded 2.5 times this year, which shows great interest to the exhibition.
Mukarram Azimova, director-general of Fayz holding, said at the opening ceremony of the exhibition that 50 years ago there was no wide choice of furniture and now the situation changed. Furniture industry is developing, she said.
Azimova said the potential of furniture industry are in hands of private companies and enterprises. Several Tashkent enterprises can compete with others, she added. Head of Fayz recalled that 3-4 years ago furniture to educational and medical establishments imported and now they are produced in Uzbekistan. (UzReport.com)
ROUND TABLE IN TASHKENT TO DISCUSS CREATION OF INDUSTRIAL ZONES
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and Association of Business Incubators and Techno Parks of Uzbekistan will hold a round table dedicated to potential of creation of industrial and technologic development zones in Uzbekistan, as well as issued on special industrial zones on 29 May.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and Association of Business Incubators and Techno Parks of Uzbekistan are developing issues on creation of special group on realization of project on creation of national innovation system.
The round-table is the first step on the way of creation of industrial and technologic development zone in Uzbekistan and issues on special industrial zones.
The aim of the round table is joint development of recommendations on improvement of economic legislation, formation of business climate for further development of innovation base in Uzbekistan.
The round-table will work on regular basis and its members will represent state bodies, public organizations, private sector, international financial organizations and donors. The participants will develop recommendations and proposals on creation of innovative projects on high technological production. (UzReport.com)
SOCIETY
MOSCOW STATE UNIVERSITY’s BRANCH IN TASHKENT TO ACCEPT 80 STUDENTS THIS YEAR
National University of Uzbekistan started to accept document from applicants, wishing to study at branch of Moscow State University named after Lomonosov in Tashkent. The documents accepted on 20 June-1 July.
The branch of Russian university opened in Tashkent this year in line with presidential resolution "On organisation of activity of branch of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov in Tashkent" dated 24 February.
The students are accepted to faculties on psychology and applied mathematics and computing. The Russian university will accept 80 students this year, but the building of the university designed to accept some 1,000 students.
The new building of the Moscow State University's branch in Tashkent will be located near Road-Transport Institute in Tashkent.
Resolution "On organisation of activity of branch of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov in Tashkent" said the university's main activity would be training high skilled specialists in accordance with norms of Moscow State University and general international requirements, demanded by Uzbek National programme on training specialists.
The document approved structure of organisation commission on foundation of branch of university. The resolution set that the branch will train specialists of all level, including scientific-pedagogical specialists.
The resolution said the diploma of the branch of Moscow State University admitted as document on higher education in Uzbekistan.
The activity of the university will be financed from funds of the State Budget, issued by Higher and Secondary Special Ministry as grants, and funds received from students, who entered university on payment basis.
The document said the students, who received grant of the Uzbek government, will have to work at educational establishments, enterprises and organisations of Uzbekistan for at least three years. (UzReport.com)
UNICEF, UZBEK ORGANIZATION ORGANIZE EVENTS TO CELEBRATE CHILDREN'S DAY
On the occasion of the International Child Protection Day, the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, Uzbek Children Fund and UNICEF Uzbekistan have organized a programme of events with the support of other governmental organizations, local NGOs and International organizations to celebrate Children's Day (1 June), the press release of UNICEF office in Uzbekistan said.
The programme includes a variety of children centered activities all over the country, which include meetings with children, charity events, art and sports competitions, cultural events and other recreation programmes benefiting children. Also, Women's Committee of Republic of Uzbekistan and UNICEF support social mobilization events accompanied by the role plays by adults and children, concerts by children, drawing, singing, performance, and sports competitions among children, which are based on the Convention of the Rights of the Child. UNICEF is providing presents for children such as books, albums, t-shirts and more.
The week culminates with a major concert featuring children and professional actors at the Turkiston Summer Concert Hall in Tashkent City on 1 June 2006, presenting a program that have been specially prepared to celebrate Children's Day.
Other activities taking place over the week or on 1 June, includes charity and special events for disabled, orphaned and vulnerable children, free admission to cultural events for orphans and vulnerable children, meetings between children and children's writers and poets, meetings between specialist and parents on child issues, exhibition of paintings at the Republican Palace of School Children and others.
The funding and arrangement of activities has been covered by the Uzbek Children's Fund, Makhalla Foundation, Women's Committee, Kamolot Youth Movement, the Ministry of Culture and Sport and local khokimiyats, with the support of UNICEF Uzbekistan. (UzReport.com)
CHILDREN'S WORLD-2006" EXHIBITION IN TASHKENT
"Children's world-2006 " exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Public education, was opened in the Central institute of retraining and improvement of qualification of workers of public education named after Abdulla Avloniy.
During the opening ceremony it was marked, that the education of harmoniously developed young generation in Uzbekistan is included within priority directions of policy of Uzbek President Islam Karimov.
The exhibition presents subjects, furniture, sports stock, toys and about two hundred methodical tools, intended for preschool educational establishments. They are produced by more than twenty enterprises, organizations and educational centers of the country.
Production of " El-holding " Company and private industrial enterprises " Toy bola ", " Kurgoni Kalon" has caused big interest of the visitors.
Opinions of teachers-tutors, parents and methodologists on the production presented here will be considered within the two days in the exhibition. The exhibition also foresees the signing of agreements between preschool establishments and manufacturers on delivery of production. (UzA)
UZBEK ART EVENING IN MOSCOW
Uzbek Art evening, organized by " Culture and Art Forum of Uzbekistan " Fund, was held in "Forum-hall" in Moscow. Its visitors became leading Russian politicians, diplomats, businessmen, journalists, and actors.
The special cosiness at the evening was created with the Uzbek national fabrics by which "Forum-hall" was decorated. Plots about the nature, unique architectural monuments of Uzbekistan were demonstrated on the monitors in the hall.
The participants were also interested in an exhibition of arts and crafts, which has brightly presented diversity and riches of mechanical, art, and design art of our country created on the basis of traditional and modern styles.
According to the visitors of the evening, it was the first time that the organizers of such ethnic cultural event managed to reach such successful merge of national colour and modern technologies, present colourful palette of art.
It was the second Uzbek Art evening in Moscow. For the first time such event was held under the initiative of Fund in 2005 and has caused big interest in the Russian public and mass media.
Russian First Deputy Prime Minister D.Medvedev participated in the evening. (UzA).