14 January, 2012
Politics:
Meeting at the Oqsaroy
Economics:
LUKoil gets first gas at Dzharkuduk-Yangi Kyzylcha field
Society:
President’s New Year Tree holidays open
Taxis without licenses to be fined from New Year
Ravshan Ermatov acknowledged as the best referee of the World
Odil Akhmedov named best player of Anzhi in 2011
POLITICS
President’s New Year greetings to the people of Uzbekistan
Dear compatriots!
Dear friends!
Please accept my sincerest, most cordial congratulations on the New Year 2012.
Gathered round the festive table in these exciting moments just minutes ahead of the new year, we inadvertently and quite naturally recall everything that ties us to the outgoing year, namely, the tremendous transformation and our accomplishments made in renovating the country, the memorable events and impressions, our joys and concerns.
I believe we all agree that the passing year will stay in our mind primarily as the one when we widely celebrated a great date in the history of our Motherland – the twentieth anniversary of its independence that opened up a path to a new, free and prosperous life for our nation.
I would be correct to say from this perspective that the year 2011 has proved an integral part and logical extension of dynamic advancement on the path chosen by us twenty years ago of wide-ranging reforms acknowledged and winning appropriate respect of the international community.
It is hardly a secret that every year is distinct with its own climatic peculiarities – be it a shortage of water, extreme weather or other freaks of nature – resulting in due setbacks and difficulties, first and foremost in agriculture and consequently in our everyday life.
Nonetheless, we have every reason to assert that the retiring year, notwithstanding the quandaries and tests it has brought, has by and large been fruitful and successful for our nation.
As the prominent organization, International Monetary Fund, has put it, despite the ongoing global financial and economic downturn and its impact, Uzbekistan has been among quite a few countries that did well. With its 8.3 percent growth in gross domestic product in 2011, Uzbekistan has testified to the fact that the invariably high rates of economic growth in the country observed in the last few years are firm and steadfast.
The extensive efforts in renewing and modernization, intensifying the democratic reforms, liberalization of all spheres of life, developing civil society institutions have been kept forward in Uzbekistan during the departing year.
The achieved high indicators that we could only dream of in the past is the confirmation of the correctness of development model chosen by us, the efficiency of new industries set up by us that have become locomotives of our economy. Dozens of modern enterprises have been put into operation; such leading sectors as fuel and energy, mining, chemical, textile, automotive, capital construction, transport and communications have been afforded accelerated development.
Our farmers deserve special reverence: they have harvested 6.8 million tons of grain, nearly 3.5 million tons of cotton, more than 8.2 million tons of vegetables and melons, some 3 million tons of orchard crops by their everyday selfless labor, having overcome all the toughest complications of season.
I would like to stress in particular that the remarkable achievements made in 2011 in the real sector of economy have allowed us to raise salaries, stipends and social allowances by 20.2 percent, pensions by 26.2 percent, resulting in the growth in real incomes of population by 23.1 percent.
The critical stride toward addressing social issues and employment matters has become the creation of approximately 1 million jobs in 2011 owing to the modernization and diversification of economy, provision of new substantial privileges and preferences for small business, private entrepreneurship and farming, growing to become a genuine driving force and backbone for our society.
The passing year will by right inhabit a well-deserved place in the history of our country thanks to the wide-scale schemes run by us, the essence of which revolves around securing human interests. We all naturally take pride in the fact that as a result of well and sound social policy and consistent efforts undertaken during the years of independent development in improving the health of population, life expectancy has risen significantly, death rates in general, maternal and child mortality in particular, have dramatically diminished. One of the most striking in the post-Soviet space, these accomplishments have been worthily appreciated by the World Health Organization, UNICEF and other eminent international institutions.
I do not think there is a need to cite impressive outcomes in detail, the ones of persistent efforts taken in 2011 in education sphere and nurturing the younger generation, the area of critical importance for us. I am convinced we, the senior generation of fathers and mothers, can barely stand indifferent to the successes made by the growing generation, the triumphs of our children and grandchildren, who are turning into a decisive force to define the future of our nation.
Thinking and speaking of this subject, one would very much prefer that none of us forget the indisputable truth the prosperity of our land is undeniably contingent on. It is imperative that everyone living in this blessed land of Uzbekistan clearly understand the necessity of taking care, as the apply of the eye, of the reigning peace and stability in our country, the atmosphere of kindness, humanism and mutual understanding, interethnic and civil harmony – our invaluable wealth, the fundamentals of all our high achievements made thanks to the creative and self-sacrificing diligence of our people.
In this regard, we ought to be always vigilant and attentive in these disquieted and anxious times, foster our youth as comprehensively advanced individuals in the spirit of national and universal values, and counteract various spoiling influences alien to our mentality.
Dear friends!
Seeing the year 2011 off, every one of us indeed binds their dearest dreams and hopes for the upcoming year 2012 announced the Year of Family in our country.
I am confident we are all well aware of the fact that the decision [to announce the forthcoming year as the one of Family] was premised on such noble and at the same time tangible goals as comprehensive support for the institution of family, first of all young families, consolidation of the role and importance of mahalla in this respect, creation of even more extensive opportunities for our women – custodians of hearth. In a word, what is at issue is bolstering family wellbeing and in the end the prosperity of our entire people.
To further these goals, sixty percent of national budget expenditures are projected to be assigned to social sphere in 2012, primarily to the advancement of healthcare and education, science and culture. Salary rates, pensions, stipends and social allowances are expected to be raised by more than twenty percent, while real incomes of population are to grow by 22-24 percent.
A great significance will be placed on the continuation of program launched two years ago aiming to create favorable living conditions for our people, rural residents first of all. The program stipulates the development of rural infrastructure that fully meets contemporary requirements, provision for housing built on best model designs, ensuring modern public utilities. This year, 7,400 families have become owners of comfortable housing by no means inferior to urban conditions, totaling 1.1 million square meters. The number of those who are to throw house-warming parties in 2012 is to reach 8,510 families.
Meeting the new year with these noble goals and kind intentions, we believe it will prove even better and eventful for our country and people.
My dear compatriots!
The conclusive 2011 is now going to retreat to history, giving its way to the year 2012.
Hugging you all in my mind, I earnestly greet you a Happy New Year time and again!
In these moving moments, I express my heartfelt, kindest wishes, namely:
a long life to our aksakals [elder men] and mothers;
beauty and love to our adored women, sisters and daughters;
happiness and best of luck to our youth!
May the Almighty keep us from all misfortunes and disasters, and be an unswerving support for us on our way forward!
May peace and harmony reign in our homes and our land!
Happy New Year, dear friends!
Islam Karimov,
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
(Source: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
ECONOMY
LUKoil gets first gas at Dzharkuduk-Yangi Kyzylcha field
Russia's largest private oil company LUKoil accomplished its first gas production at the Dzharkuduk-Yangi Kyzylcha field, the largest deposit in Uzbekistan's South West Gissar block (Kashkadaya region).
The company said that prior to this LUKoil was producing oil at the South Kyzylbairak and Koshkuduk oil fields in South West Gissar. According to preliminary information, production at the two deposits will amount to 90,000 tonnes of oil in 2011.
LUKoil said it plans to produce 1.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas a year at Dzharkuduk at an initial stage under a production sharing agreement with Uzbekistan. The next stage is to launch facility on complex gas processing at Dzharkuduk and launch of large Adamtash and Gumbulak fields.
Within the stage, it is planned to drill 40 mining wells and construct external electricity supply line, camp, and other infrastructure. The volume of investment makes up over US$1.2 billion. It is planned to produce 16 million cubic meters of gas per day or 5.8 billion cubic meters of gas a year.
The product sharing agreement on the project was signed in January 2007 with the term of 36 years. It came into force in April 2007. LUKoil entered to the project in March 2008.
Proven reserves of the South West Gissar block amounted to 1.417 billion cubic feet of gas and 23 million barrels of oil and oil condensate as of 1 January 2011.
(Source: UzDaily.com)
SOCIETY
President’s New Year Tree holidays open
Traditional children’s holiday called President’s New Year Tree open at Turkistan Palace from 29 December.
The event was organized by the Public Education Ministry of Uzbekistan and the children’s fund Sen Yolgiz Emassan (You are not Alone).
Pupils of orphanages, specialized boarding schools, children from low-income and needy families were invited to it.
…Songs, melodies and poems, singing about Motherland, independence, the picturesque nature of Uzbekistan and the beauty of winter landscapes are heard at the Palace.
Santa Claus, Snow Maiden and other fairy-tale characters next to the festively decorated huge New Year Tree invite children to join dances, fun and intelligent games.
…Performances of singers, actors, dancers, acrobats and children’s art groups give a festive mood to the event.
Musical show program “This mysterious world” with the participation of the children of Tomosha show-group was presented in it.
All children participating in the celebrations received President’s New Year gifts.
President’s New Year Tree holidays are passing also in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and in all regions of the country.
(Source: UzA News Agency)
Taxis without licenses to be fined from New Year
Taxis, which meet requirements and have license, can render passenger transportation services in Uzbekistan from 1 January 2012.
From New Year, the resolution of the Government of Uzbekistan “On measures on ordering activities of taxis” comes into force. The resolution sets requirements to taxis.
For example, cars with yellow color can be used as taxis, while cars in Tashkent should be of “ivory” color. Taxis should have orange lamp with TAXI sign on their roofs. Front doors should have composition from black squares and T letter, as well as name of legal entity, which owns car. The cars should have special state number plates, designed for taxis.
In line with requirements, each vehicle should have cash registrar and POS-terminal, taximeter and radio communication system.
Intergovernmental commission on selection of legal entities for supply of taximeters and special signs for taxis was created under the Agency for Automobile and River Transport. Saraton Plant LLC won the tender on supply of special signs for taxis across Uzbekistan.
It is also expected that taximeters will be supplied by the end of the year. The meters meet national certification standards. Each transport company should also sign agreement with their banks to equip cars with POS-terminals.
The special state number plates were issued for taxis, series of which starts from TTA to TTZ. At the same time, the first two digits indicate number of region. For instance, Tashkent taxis will have number 01 001 TTA.
In line with the resolution, local administrations were ordered to create special parking places for taxis. In 2011, it was planned to build 249 such objects. Currently, 143 parking places were created, of which 118 in Tashkent city.
According to official data, some 1,465 enterprises and organizations have license to render passenger transportation services in Uzbekistan, of which 245 are located in Tashkent city.
In order to increase number of cars of Tashkent city taxi fleet, Department on licensing and coordinating activity of all passenger transport under Tashkent city administration submitted an order for production of 2,000 cars of Naxia and Lacetti cars.
According to Administrative Code of Uzbekistan, the drivers will be fined from 20 up to 100 sizes of minimum salary for transportation of passengers without license, while officials from 50 to 150 sizes of minimum salary.
If the violation is repeated again, the vehicle will be confiscated as tool of violation and violators will be punished in line with the legislation.
(Source: UzDaily.com)
Ravshan Ermatov acknowledged as the best referee of the World
Websites Worldreferee.com and Euro-football.ru announced FIFA referee Ravshan Ermatov as the best referee of the World in 2011 football season.
Specialists of Worldreferee.com determine the best referee in scoring points put up at every meeting.
Our countryman judged at a high level the most prestigious matches of the World Cup qualifying games and the Olympics, the final meeting of the Champions League and Asian World Cup among clubs held under the auspices of FIFA and AFC.
R.Ermatov has been acknowledged as the most fair and experienced judge by the specialists and experts, as well as a number of international sports organizations.
Football season in 2011 became very successful for R.Ermatov. He is the only judge, awarded with such title for four times on end.
Odil Akhmedov named best player of Anzhi in 2011
zbekistan international midfielder Odil Akhmedov has been named as the best player of Russian football club Anzhi in 2011, the official website of the club said.
The club said that fans, coaches and management of Makhachkala club participated in the voting process.
Odil Akhmedov collected 17 points and became the best player in the club. Yuriy Zhirkov (16 points) and Mubarak Bussufa (15) shared the second and third places respectively.
Akhmedov told official website of the club: “Honestly, I did not expect that I will win this honorary prize as there are many guys, who deserve this prize. I want to express my gratitude to all fans, coaches and management of the club, who voted for me.”
“This year was very significant for my – both in field and outside as I became father this year. But it is pity that I could not score more goals. However, I hope that in New Year, I will increase my account with more goals,:” he added.
Odil Akhmedov played 34 matches in Anzhi in 2011 and scored one goal. He has been playing for Uzbekistan since 2007.
As reported earlier, Odil Akhmedov has been also named as the best player of Uzbekistan in 2011.
(Source: UzDaily.com)