18 June, 2006

Politics
Summit the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia declaration urges cooperation against non-traditional threats
Uzbek leader attends regional conference in Almaty
Felix Kulov: Extremists will try to start international conflict in Ferghana valley
Italy and Uzbekistan have inexhaustible cooperation potential

Economics
28 farms specialised in stock-raising operate in Ferghana
Uchkurgan Grain Products Company to process 42,000 tonnes of grain
UZBEKNEFTEGAZ Intends to Build $1.1 Bln Gas-chemical Complex with KOGAS
China speeds up highway transport with SCO countries
Uzbek bank gets $20 mln, takes out $253 mln from two China banks
SCO Interbank Association members ink several documents

Society
Conference discusses issues on children's neurology
Visit of delegation of doctors from Israel
Tashkent to host IT week in September

More information about the Republic of Uzbekistan you could find from the Internet site: www.uzbekistan.be

POLITICS

SUMMIT THE CONFERENCE ON INTERACTION AND CONFIDENCE-BUILDING MEASURES IN ASIA DECLARATION URGES COOPERATION AGAINST NON-TRADITIONAL THREATS

Leaders of member countries of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) on Saturday, 17 June called for strengthened cooperation against non-traditional threats and terrorism.

In a declaration issued at the end of a summit in Almaty, the leaders stressed the importance of adhering to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and called for increased cooperation among Asian nations in dealing with non-traditional threats and challenges.

They should also strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, cross-border crime and drug trafficking, and in the fields of non-proliferation, trade, energy and infrastructure, the declaration said.

Efforts should also be made to promote dialogue between civilizations and prevent regional conflicts.

At the one-day summit, heads of state or government, or their representatives exchanged views on the regional situation, prevention of conflicts, the peaceful solution of disputes and adoption of confidence-building measures.

The Republic of Korea (ROK) was accepted as a formal member of the CICA at the summit, bringing to 18 the number of the group's members.

The other 17 CICA members are: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, Egypt, Iran, India, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Palestine, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Ukraine, the United States, Vietnam, the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the League of Arab States are observers.

The first summit of Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia was held in Almaty in 2002 and the member states agreed to meet once in four years.

The second summit concluded results of activity of Conference for last four years and determined plans for future. The participants of the summit also considered issues on stirring up joint activity in ensuring regional security and prevention of threats and challenges. (UzReport.com)

UZBEK HEAD ATTENDS REGIONAL CONFERENCE IN ALMATY

Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov participated at the second summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Speaking at the conference, the Uzbek leader said efficiency of the conference would increase on conditions that recommendations on realization of mechanism of the confidence-building measures' Catalogue were taken into account.

Moreover these recommendations should be attached to the definite conflict situations in order to resolve them preventing their development into the full-blown wars, he said.

Uzbek leader said achievement of this aim would be able to justify all efforts in the sphere of improvement of international relations.

President Islam Karimov has proposed that specific interstate conflicts be resolved within the framework of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia.

"The effectiveness of the conference will increase, if the documents being adopted (within the CICA) provide for the recommendations on the implementation of the mechanism of the confidence measures catalogue to be attached to specific conflict situations, which give rise to concern by the world community, so as to solve them before they grow into wars," he said, delivering a speech at the second CICA summit.

"This is an intractable task. But the achievement of this aim can justify all our efforts in the field of improving international relations," Karimov noted.

The Uzbek president also believes that when adopting documents within the CICA's framework it is important to take into account principles on security issues drawn up by such prestigious organizations as the ASEAN, the SCO, the ACD and others. "It will create a foundation for coordinating actions with these prestigious bodies when drawing up recommendations on security," he stressed.

President Karimov also believes that within the CICA's framework, it is necessary to pay attention to "actions by politicians taking place in the international practice, which lead to a loss of trust by millions of people in everything happening in the world". In particular, the Uzbek president noted that "peremptory statements by politicians who link terrorism to the sacred religion of Muslims, Islam, cause particular concern". Karimov listed the publication of Prophet Muhammad cartoons by the media among such incidents.

He also believes that double standards in evaluating these or those world events worsen the security situation in the region. "What is allowed to some states and countries, is not allowed to others," Karimov said. (UzReport.com)

FELIX KULOV: EXTREMISTS WILL TRY TO START INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT IN FERGHANA VALLEY

"According to the information we have obtained, in autumn a group of people consisting of aggressive religious proponents and supporters of armed extremist structures will attempt to stir up an international conflict in Ferghana valley," said Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Felix Kulov during the meeting with the new Regional Director of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for South-Eastern and Central Asia Abdel Moneim.

The head of the Kyrgyz Government said "the situation with the entry of illegal migrants to the territory of Kyrgyzstan is still problematical". "The absence of the system of records and control over the foreign citizens coming to the country only further increases their inflow" he said.

The head of the IOM mission in Kyrgyzstan Zlatko Jibich noted that the fulfillment of the Programme on Labour Migration was intended to solve the problem of labour trading, and legalise the status of labour migrants from Russia and Kazakhstan. (UzReport.com)

ITALY AND UZBEKISTAN HAVE INEXHAUSTIBLE COOPERATION POTENTIAL

"Italy and Uzbekistan have an inexhaustible cooperation potential," said Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy to Uzbekistan Angelo Persiani in the course of the interview with UzReport.com held on the occasion of the Republic Day, observed by Italian nation on the first Sunday of June.

- Mr. Ambassador, what are the secrets behind the successes of Italian economy that let your country joint the "group of seven" most developed economies of the world?

- Italy has been a parliamentary republic since 1946. The intensification of the modernization of market economy with the simultaneous creation of the active mechanism of social protection of the population has led to the fact that within the first thirty years following the war substantial progress in industrialization of the country was achieved and the illiteracy of the population was overcome. This is clearly illustrated by the following figures: the share of the people employed in the agricultural sector decreased from 80% to 7%. Employment in the industrial sector rose correspondingly. Among the epochal political decision, adopted during these years, I would like to note that Italy was one of the countries that spoke in favour of founding the European Community, later reformed into European Union; it also joined the NATO and the G7.

Italian experience shows that such a fast economic progress of our country was also supported by the activeness of small and medium-sized companies, including those in rural areas.

This was largely due to the liberalization of the economy and elimination of customs borders between the countries of the EU.

I suppose that our practical experience, which has produced real results, would be of interest to Uzbekistan, whose administration strives to constructively use the most productive foreign experiences in different spheres of development.

I noted that cosmetics, clothing, shoes, and other consumer goods, industrial products and equipment produced in Italy found high demand in Uzbekistan.

It is remarkable that during the past year the import from Italy increased by US$58.2 million. Meanwhile, the import of processing equipment contributed largely to this increase. The total amount of supplies to Uzbekistan in 2005 made up US$86.2 million. Uzbekistan's export to Italy mainly constituted by cotton totaled US$27.7 million. In 2004, Italy held the 7th position in the world with the export of goods constituting 3.8% and import – 3.7% of the figure for the whole world.

- What can you tell about cooperation between Italy and Uzbekistan? - Bilateral legislative framework has a solid foundation. One of the latest documents signed by the countries was the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation. The car windows of the Italian Tekint Company have found a high demand in the Uzbek market. Another Fiat owned firm New Holland supplies tractors to Uzbekistan.

We are glad to note sound functioning of the Italian-Uzbek joint ventures, producing and supplying agricultural equipment for harvesting, as well as processing of fruit and vegetables – for the production of juices and canned products. Especially high demand is found for macaroni products of the joint ventures.

Italian equipment for processing and polishing of stones – marble and granite, processing of raw cotton and production of textile products has earned high reputation among the local producers and consumers.

We are proud to note the fact that the airports of Samarkand, Urgench, Bukhara also use Italian equipment. Thus, another form of our cooperation, which we plant to continue, is the supply of Alenia radar and navigation equipment for control over the air space. Uzbek-Italian and Italian-Uzbek Work Commissions are the structures intended to activate these processes in the sphere of economy and commerce. During the sessions of these commissions, participants discuss the urgent issues and problems. We hope that these processes will be speeded up after the elections recently held in Italy.

The business-forum held in September 2005 in Milan was quite effective. During this meeting, several agreements were reached, and corresponding contracts and other documents were signed.

The effectiveness of the meeting was particularly illustrated by the fact that in the course of the latter, businessmen agreed on construction of the plant for production of ceramic tiles in Uzbekistan. Another result was the plan to create two offices in Milan and Tashkent with the assistance of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations Investment and Trade. We are for strengthening of relations in the sphere of economy and industry.

- Mr. Ambassador, Italy and Uzbekistan are bound by longstanding friendship relations. What are the development dynamics of Italian-Uzbek cooperation for the past several years, its results and prospects?

- A significant event in the early history of Uzbek-Italian relations took place on 24 March 1992: diplomatic relations were officially established between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Italy. The Embassy of Italy in Uzbekistan started functioning in September of the same year. The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Rome started its operation in January 1998.

Further development of Uzbek-Italian political dialogue was carried on at the higher level in the framework of official visits in June 1996 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to Florence, and the signing of the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between Uzbekistan and EU. On 2-4 May 1997, the President of Italy Oskar Skalfaro and on 17-18 September 1997 the Chairman of the Ministerial Council of Italy Romano Prodi visited Uzbekistan. In the course of the meetings and talks held during these and following visits of both parties, the dynamism of the development of bilateral relations in all spheres was observed. Parliamentary delegations, heads of ministries and departments started to exchange regular visits.

Countries constantly interact in the framework of international political organizations, in particular, the events organized by the OSCE and UN, during which countries demonstrate the similarity or closeness of their positions with respect to the issues discussed, such as – regional security and cooperation in Central Asia. - Italy is a country of traditional classic art. What are the prospects for exchanges between theatres, musical, cinematography and science institutions?

- Our cooperation is developing effectively with the State Academic Bolshoy Theatre Named after Alisher Navoi. For instance, we approached Ms Arianna Ungaro about the staging of the world-famous opera of Giuseppe Verdi Traviata. The premier was held on 25 March of this year.

Ms Ungaro assisted Uzbek singers in polishing correct pronunciation of the Italian words of this masterpiece currently being performed on your main stage in the original language.

We are ready to expand cooperation with press, radio and television, because the latter have the largest coverage of the audience.

We have recently held the demonstration of Italian movies, including the movies by Frederico Fellini, at the Museum of Cinematography. Lectures about the Italian cinematography and demonstrations of the movies had been organized at this place on weekly basis for a long time.

Omnibus ensemble masterfully performed Italian music – Luciano Berio at the Ilkhom Theatre. In October 2006, we are planning to hold the concert of Italian folk music performed by the Chamber Orchestra of Folk Instruments "Sogdiana". Also, we will hold a series of lectures on the history of Italian opera "Verist".

A large exhibition "The Myth of Alexander in the Museum Collections of Italy and Antique Heritage of Uzbekistan" has recently taken place, 12 May – 12 June at the Gallery of Fine Art. In the framework of the exhibition a scientific conference entitled "The Hellenic Period Heritage of Uzbekistan" was held on 26 May. Eminent archaeologists, historians and specialists in art from Italy, Uzbekistan and Japan (Professor Kudzo Kato) delivered their reports and discussed the topic.

Italian archaeologists are enclosing their contribution to the treasury of cultural heritage of your country. Together with their Uzbek colleagues, they are doing archeological digs. Among them are Maurizio Tozi, Bernardo Rondelli working near Samarkand, and Kiara Silvi Antonini working near Bukhara.

The Union of Friendship Societies, Educational and Cultural Relations of the Republic of Uzbekistan with Foreign Countries (UFS RU) is holding meetings of the members of the Friendship Society "Uzbekistan-Italy", which has been functioning since 1998 and is intended to use the methods of national diplomacy to assist the improvement of mutual understanding and friendship between the nations of our countries. - Italy has a unique tourism experience. What are the opportunities for benefiting from it in Uzbekistan?

- Uzbekistan has one of the richest cultural heritages. And in this sense, along with the hotel service it has the necessary conditions and substantial potential to develop tourism. That is we hope that the results of marketing researches conducted in the tourism market will be implemented in practice, and the bureaucratic obstacles which still do exist on the way to their implementation are removed. Fast solution of these problems will help increase the flow of tourists to Uzbekistan from Italy and other countries.

- Could you please share your impressions of Uzbekistan?

- I was positively impressed and pleased by the hospitality of Uzbek nation. I am especially delighted by the sympathy shown to Italians and respect demonstrated towards everything made in Italy or related to our country and culture.

All this is clearly reflected in the fact that the people of Uzbekistan know Italian history, culture, art, cinematography, opera, music, and variety singers.

Our people have a lot in common, including the productive historical experience of centuries-old cooperation along the Great Silk Road. Its recovery, use and fast development will serve the progress of our countries and prosperity of our nations. (UzReport.com)

ECONOMICS

28 FARMS SPECIALISED IN STOCK-RAISING OPERATE IN FERGHANA

The total of 29 farms specialised in stock-raising operate on the territory of Ferghana city.

In line with the Resolution of the President of Uzbekistan "On measures to stimulate the increase in livestock population in private cattle-breeding areas and farms" the number of such farms is to be increased to 40 by 2010.

Forage reserve plays an important role in the development of stock-raising. Fargonadonmahsulotlari (Ferghana Grain Products) Joint-stock Company has opened 13 retail points specialised in the sale of formula feed, and three zoo-vet points that check the cattle bred on the private yards and farms,

City Department for Labour and Social Protection of the Population has started labour books for 550 citizens engaged in live-stock breeding. Pursuant to the abovementioned resolution, needy families are provided milk cows. (UzA)

UCHKURGAN GRAIN PRODUCTS COMPANY TO PROCESS 42,000 TONNES OF GRAIN

This year the workers of the Uchkurgandonmahsulotlari (Uchkurgan Grain Products) Joint-Stock Company will have to accept and process over 42,000 tonnes of grain. The enterprise's capacity has increased substantially with the integration of new equipment. "The flour production process is fully automatized," said Senior Engineer Ilkhom Kahharov. "The mechanisms managed by computer technology are working fine, recording any slightest deviation from the set parameters. The quality of the product is our main goal. It now corresponds to the world standards," Kahharov said.

Last year, the company produced over 45,000 tonnes of finished product, including 20,000 tonnes of formula feed for farms of the region. The company's net profit made up 26 million soums, which allowed to provide motivate workers through financial rewards, develop social infrastructure, and expand the provision of patronage and charity assistance.

The company's sport base includes several fields, a gym equipped with trainer gear, and a fitness club. (UzA)

UZBEKNEFTEGAZ INTENDS TO BUILD $1.1 BLN GAS-CHEMICAL COMPLEX WITH KOGAS

Uzbekistan's national holding company UZBEKNEFTEGAZ plans to enlist the South Korean corporation KOGAS to build a $1.1-billion gas-chemical complex in the Ustyrt region of Uzbekistan.

The project, still in the preparation stage, provides for creating a joint venture and setting up a polyethylene and propylene facility with an annual capacity of 150,000 tonnes. The gas-chemical complex will be located at the Surgil gas condensate deposit. The project will be implemented in 2006-2009. South Korean direct investment will be roughly $960m.

This is the second gas-chemical complex to be built in Uzbekistan. In 2001, the Shurtanskaya gas and chemical complex was commissioned in the republic. It produces high-, medium- and low-pressure polyethylene at a rated capacity of 125,000 tonnes a year. (NOVECON: Russia/CIS Energy Digest)

CHINA SPEEDS UP HIGHWAY TRANSPORT WITH SCO COUNTRIES

The construction of a Tajik-Uzbek highway, part of regional highway linking up China and Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, will be started soon with preferential loans from China, a Chinese official said in Shanghai on 15 June.

In fact, China has offered 60 million yuan (US$7.5 million) of free assistance for constructing the Tajik-Uzbek highway, said Feng Zhenglin, Chinese vice minister of communications, at a business forum on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

Passenger and commodity transport lines connecting China and other member states of the SCO, including Russia and four central Asian countries, have kept extending and boosted trade and human contacts.

In the northeastern and northwestern areas, China is linked through 25 vehicle ports along its borders with other SCO members, including 15 with Russia, seven with Kazakhstan, two with Kyrgyzstan and one with Tajikistan.

While trade and economic cooperation with SCO members keeps growing, China is striving to boost road transport along the Eurasian bridge, the report added. (Xinhua)

NBU GETS $20 MLN, TAKES OUT $253 MLN FROM TWO CHINA BANKS

China Development Bank has opened a U.S. $20 million credit line to Uzbekistan's National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity, the Uzbek bank said Friday.

The Uzbek bank also said it expected to take out a $252.8 million loan from China's Eximbank.

China Development Bank and the Uzbek bank signed an agreement on the $20 million credit line on Tuesday during a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Uzbek bank said.

The bank said it would use the funds to finance small business and individual proprietors. In particular the funds will be used to finance equipment, technology and service supplies to Uzbekistan, the bank said. Chinese companies should account for at least 50% of all supplies under the terms of the loan, the bank said.

The credit line has been opened for nine years, including a two-year grace period with an annual interest of 1.5% over Libor, the bank said.

The Uzbek government has not provided guarantees for the credit line, the bank said.

China Development Bank has already provided a $20 million loan within the credit line to NBU, NBU said.

Meanwhile, China's Eximbank is expected to provide a $252.8 million to NBU for the implementation of eight investment projects in Uzbekistan, NBU said.

The agreement with Eximbank was also signed during the summit in Shanghai.

The National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity is the largest bank in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Its assets currently amount to 2.9 trillion soms, or about 35% of the total assets of Uzbek banks, and its capital stands at 448 billion soms, or 55% of the aggregated capital of all of Uzbekistan's banks. NBU has 99 offices and a subsidiary bank in Moscow called Asia Invest. (Prime-Tass)

SCO INTERBANK ASSOCIATION MEMBERS INK SEVERAL DOCUMENTS

Members of Interbank Association of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) signed several documents on 14-15 June during their meeting in Shanghai, China.

National Bank of Uzbekistan for Foreign Economic Activities (NBU) signed these documents on behalf of Uzbekistan, the bank said in its press release.

Development Bank of Kazakhstan, China Development Bank, the Settlement and Savings Company of Kyrgyzstan, the National Bank of Tajikistan, and Vnesheconombank of Russia are other signatories of the documents.

The Uzbek bank's release said one of the important of the signed documents were Programme of Actions to support of regional economic cooperation between the member-banks of the Interbank Association of SCO". The document aimed at assistance to social-economic development, stimulation of economic and investment collaboration within the SCO.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a regional alliance of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The heads of state of these six countries signed a declaration on its formation in Shanghai on 15 June 2001. Mongolia, India, Pakistan and Iran have observer status in the organisation.

The aim of the organisation is to stabilise the situation in Central Asia, consolidate friendship and good-neighbourly relations among the member-states, and develop cooperation in the political, economic, scientific and other spheres.

In accordance with this programme, it is planned to create effective mechanism on financing of investment projects, realized within the SCO, and coordination of common approaches and mutual beneficial cooperation among members of Interbank Association.

The NBU said the sides also signed "Regulation on work of Interbank Association within the SCO". The document said the Association is authorized to coordinate current activity of the members, determine new projects and monitor realization of existing projects, etc.

The SCO banks also inked "General principles of formation and management of project of member banks of Interbank Association within the SCO". The Uzbek bank said this document identifies main principles of projects selections to financing by the members of the association. The document also envisages creation of electronic information base and development of regulation on interaction of member banks to assess and further realization of the projects.

Members of Interbank Association signed "Framework principles on issuing credit line to member banks of Interbank Association of the SCO", which determines procedures on opening of credit lines to members of the union, organization of financing of investment projects, etc. (UzReport.com)

SOCIETY

CONFERENCE DISCUSSES ISSUES ON CHILDREN'S NEUROLOGY

The International Cooperation Center hosted a scientific-practical conference dedicated to the urgent issues of children's neurology. Along with scientists and medical specialists of Uzbekistan, their colleagues from Germany, Russia, India, and Kazakhstan participated in the event.

Deputy Minister of Healthcare of Uzbekistan A. Kamilov said that in Uzbekistan the education of the new generation into harmonically developed people, medical and social protection of mothers and children were the priorities of state policies. In this direction, positive results are produced through cooperation between the medical facilities and foreign governments, public and international organizations.

In the process reforms implemented in the healthcare system, special attention is given to wide use of scientific achievements in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.

Head of the Chair of Neurology of the Tashkent Pediatric Institute, Professor Gulchehra Sadykova noted high effectiveness of many of the modern medical technologies, created by the domestic scientists during the past few years.

Their scientific findings are recognized by the specialist of the reputable international scientific medical facilities. Thus, the newly developed criteria for diagnosing of the disorders in the functioning of spinal cord and research conducted on the treatment of the brain membrane fever and its components have been recognized as the best in the EU Contest of Neurologists.

The reports dedicated to the latest scientific achievements, ways to improve the service of the chlidren's neurology, methods of neuropsychological examination in neurology, prevention of neurotic illnesses among children using the latest methods and means of diagnosis and treatment. (UzA)

VISIT OF DELEGATION OF DOCTORS FROM ISRAEL

Cooperation between the nations of Israel and Uzbekistan has its roots in the centuries-old history. This cooperation has touched upon different fields, and in view of the fact that Israeli medicine is reputable and recognized around the world, this field could not be left out.

During the past years, several groups of ophthalmologists have visited Uzbekistan to see and consult several hundreds of patients. Moreover they operated on over 200 people that suffered from cataract, Israeli Embassy in Uzbekistan said. The doctors of Uzbekistan take the courses at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Mashav" in Israel on regular basis. Israeli experts came to conduct a series of courses in Uzbekistan.

Over 320 nurses of rural areas were trained in the framework of the five-year joint programme.

In June 2006, preparation was started for the development and implementation of the new project in the field of medicine. On suggestion of the Ministry of Healthcare of Uzbekistan, the efforts will be concentrated in the field of pediatrics and emergency medical aid. Doctor Jacob Adler and Doctor Nivi Dian visited Uzbekistan to discuss professional details. Doctor Jacob Adler, one of the leading specialists of Israel in the field of emergency medical aid, retired military medical specialist, who once directed the pigeon hole of the Share Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem, Director General of the Magen David Adom, emergency rescue and medical aid service of Israel, UN consultant for disaster medicine. Doctor Ido Yatziv is the specialist in pediatrics, head of the intensive care center of the Hadass Eincoren clinic in Jerusalem.

The programme of the visit of Israeli medical specialists included visits and familiarization with the activity of several medical centers of Uzbekistan, participation in the international conference on disaster medicine in the city of Urgench. Dr. Adler and Dr. Yatziv delivered lectures at the Republican Scientific Center of Emergency Medical Aid for the specialists of Uzbekistan on "Septic shocks in pediatrics", "Sharp respiratory distress-syndrome", "Organisation and functioning of the state healthcare of Israel in emergency situations and disasters", "Review of the administration of work routine at hospitals and pre-hospital aid of emergency medical aid".

As a result of meetings and negotiations with the Healthcare Minister of Uzbekistan Mr. Nazirov, it was agreed that a coordination committee would be set up to develop and implement the project on cooperation in the field of medicine. (UzReport.com)

TASHKENT TO HOST IT WEEK IN SEPTEMBER

Uzbekistan will host an Information and Communication Week on September 25-29 and is looking forward to participation from India.

"Participation from India is very welcome," said Damir Amirov, Uzbekistan's national consultant on e-governance.

The weeklong event, UzInfoCom 2006, will be held at Tashkent and will explore the potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as a catalyst of development, said Amirov.

It will get under way with "ICT Summit 2006", a two-day symposium.

ICT Summit 2006 aims to provide an opportunity for representatives of government, academia and business communities to reflect on achievements and to address new trends and challenges in exploring potential of ICTs as a catalyst of development in various areas.

Topics to be discussed include e-governance, e-commerce, e-education, e-health, technoparks, outsourcing, copyright, free and open source software, information resources and related subjects.