23 June, 2006

Politics
Uzbek leader talks up gains Eurasian bloc entry
Uzbekistan tightens export controls for potential weapons of mass destruction parts
Uzbek president receives KFAED director-general
Uzbek, Afghan speakers hold talks in Tashkent
Latvian embassy in Uzbekistan organise Jani celebration
Complex building for Border Post Mamyk in Uzun area constructed

Economics
Graduates of specialized banking classes receive certificates
Uzbek government, Kuwaiti fund sign loan agreement for US$20.5m
UZTYAZHNEFTEGAZKHIMPROEKT design institute to be founded in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan to Build Gas-Chemical Complex by 2009
Uzbek bank becomes member of Visa International

Society
Training on principles of gender equality takes place in Uzbekistan
New independent news agency starts work in Uzbekistan
Uzbek journalists' union launches new website

POLITICS

UZBEK LEADER TALKS UP GAINS EURASIAN BLOC ENTRY

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov left on 22 June for the capital Belarus to participate in the Session of Interstate Council of Heads of member states of Euroasian Economic Community (EurAsEC). Before his departure for Minsk, the President Islam Karimov, gave an interview to the media at Tashkent airport.

In his remarks the head of state particularly touched on the importance of Uzbekistan's membership of the EurAsEC and the benefits expected.

Islam Karimov: The benefits are huge. We will benefit economically. Membership of this organization will give Uzbekistan access to the other members, primarily the Russian market. Of course, we will be offering the partners our market, too. They will also benefit, leading to stronger relations.

Speaking of the benefits, the second point is that, at this time of globalization, no country can succeed with its long-term plans by itself. This is needless to say. Let me repeat once again that an economy is regarded as modern only when it can offer its own products on the international market, buy what it needs from that market, bring investment and modern technology home, and offer the world market its competitive and quality goods.

So the second important point is that we will make new partners. We will gain large opportunities through legal arrangements.

Talking about the challenges facing the EEC, Islam Karimov underlined the need to resolve the urgent issue of establishing a customs union within the organization. The president said the forthcoming summit was expected to discuss important matters such as this.

I.Karimov: At the meeting, we must collectively resolve this problem, bearing in mind the interests of the organization's member states. We need to look at when this customs union will come into existence, what terms and conditions we should accept, and how to avoid possible problems for the participants.

Speaking about the political aspect of the issue and our long-term security, the partners will of course take on responsibility - we will defend them and vice versa. In this context, we are seizing the chance - one that pursues political ends - to become a partner and enter into an alliance with Russia, the great country with large potential and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. (BBC Monitoring Central Asia)

UZBEKISTAN TIGHTENS EXPORT CONTROLS FOR POTENTIAL WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION PARTS

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed the law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On amendments to Article 9 of the law "On export control".

The law was adopted by the Legislative Chamber on 9 June 2006 and approved by the Senate on 10 June 2006.

The law introduced new paragraph as Part Four in Article 9 of the law "On export control" of the Republic of Uzbekistan".

The amendment said nuclear, chemical and bacteriological (biological) materials, including pathogens causing extremely dangerous infections and their strains, that can potentially be used as components in the production of weapons of mass destruction shall be exported with the approval of the Oliy Majlis' chambers in accordance with the law. (UzReport.com)

UZBEK PRESIDENT RECEIVES KFAED DIRECTOR-GENERAL

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the Director-General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab and Economic Development (KFAED) Abdul-Wahab Al-Bader on 22 June at Oqsaroy residence.

In the course of the talk, parties discussed the current condition and future prospects of cooperation between the KFAED and Uzbekistan.

"Relations between Uzbekistan and Kuwait are developing well, but we still have numerous opportunities to expand them," emphasized the President.

In the course of the negotiations, parties expressed their satisfaction with the projects successfully implemented in Uzbekistan with the support of the KFAED. In particular, in 1997 the Fund provided financial assistance of nearly US$20 million in implementation of the projects on the supply of drinking water to the cities of Nukus and Urgench.

It was also noted that in January 2005, the Fund issued a tranche in the amount of US$20.1 million for electrification of the railroad segment in Tashkent region. To date, the size of financial assistance provided by the KFAED has totalled US$60.4 million.

The legal framework for cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Kuwait Fund for Arab and Economic Development was created in the course of the official visit of the President to Kuwait in 2004. During the same visit, a cooperation memorandum that outlined the priority projects to be implemented by the parties was signed.

The Kuwait Fund for Arab and Economic Development was founded in 1961 to provide financial assistance to Arab states. However, during the past several years its financial cooperation extended to the countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Since the beginning of its activity, the fund has issued loans to 99 countries of the world for implementation of 631 projects worth some 3.35 billion Kuwait dinars. At this time, the Fund is implementing 490 projects in 48 countries of the world. The credit portfolio of the financial institution totals 2.507 billion Kuwait dinars. (UzReport.com)

UZBEK, AFGHAN SPEAKERS HOLD TALKS IN TASHKENT

A delegation led by Speaker of Afghan Senate Sebaghatullah Mojadeddi held talks with chairman of Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan (upper house of Uzbek parliament) Ilgizar Sobirov on Thursday, 22 June, in Tashkent.

The sides discussed issues on development of cooperation between the two neighbouring states. The sides agreed to ensure regularity of meetings, press service of Uzbek parliament's upper house told UzReport.com.

The Afghan MPs follow with great interest the parliamentary reforms and the processes of renewal in Uzbekistan, Mojadeddi said. (UzReport.com)

LATVIAN EMBASSY IN UZBEKISTAN ORGANISE JANI CELEBRATION

The Latvian embassy in Uzbekistan will organise the Jani celebration in the garden of the embassy in Tashkent on 23 June.

Theguests will include Latvians who live in Tashkent, diplomats from the member states of the European Union, representatives of the Latvian-Uzbek Friendship Association, and representatives of Uzbek society who have links to Latvia.

Latvian Foreign Ministry said in its press release the guests will enjoy traditional Jani cheese, piragi and Latvian beer. The visitors will learn about Summer Solstice traditions, and musicians will perform the music of Latvian composers, including the songs of Maestro Raimonds Pauls.

Among the musicians who have been invited to perform is the Uzbek singer Matiin, who received special awards at the "New Wave" festival in 2005 from the city of Jurmala and from the festival's audience. (UzReport.com)

COMPLEX BUILDING FOR BORDER POST MAMYK IN UZUN AREA CONSTRUCTED

Complex building for the Border Post Mamyk in Uzun area of Surkhandarya region has been constructed under Border Management and Drug Action Programmes in Central Asia (BOMCA/CADAP).

Representatives of UNDP and BOMCA/CADAP country team, the embassies of France, Germany, UK, Bulgaria and Europa House in Uzbekistan, as well as of the government of Uzbekistan – State Border Guards Committee, Surkhandarya regional administration, and representatives of Uzbek mass media participated in the opening event. The press release of BOMCA/CADAP programme said that acquiring independence has prioritised the issue of modernisation and proper border management for newly emerged independent states. It is especially true with the Central Asia region where illegal trafficking of drugs, weapons, human beings, as well as cutting down of traditional trade relations, takes place.

Since 2000, the European Union (EU) has been funding several projects under Border Management and Drug Action in Central Asia (BOMCA/CADAP) programmes. The key goal of these programmes is to assist the Central Asian states to improve their security situation, and at the same time to facilitate the legal movements of persons and goods across their borders.

The programmes include projects targeted at modernising border management, preventing drug trafficking and drug abuse in the region. BOMCA/CADAP programmes are financed by the EC, whereas the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) implements and coordinates the programmes through its country offices in all CA countries.

One of the key beneficiaries under these programs is the State Border Guards Committee of Uzbekistan that requested assistance in providing technical aids and creating proper conditions at the border post Mamyk for securing a de-mined area of the state border.

The border post Mamyk is located in Southern Uzbekistan at the Tajik-Uzbek border, 170 km North-East from Termez town. From December 2005 till June 2006 BOMCA/CADAP programs have undertook construction of the complex building that includes office rooms, living facilities, a canteen, a laundry and bath-rooms. The total amount of funds spent for construction and equipping the building is 350,000 euros. Additionally the programs procured a Bulldozer, four ZIL and four UAZ cars for this outpost, as well as communications facilities. (UzReport.com)

ECONOMICS

GRADUATES OF SPECIALIZED BANKING CLASSES RECEIVE CERTIFICATES

Preparation of highly qualified specialists is one of the key factors that determine successful functioning of all industries of the economy, including the banking sphere. In view of this, one of the priority directions in the activity of the Banking Association of Uzbekistan involves the efforts to improve the system of preparation and training of banking specialists.

Pursuant to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan No. 427 of 9 November 1995 "On measures to implement the "Complex Programme on Development of Banking System of Uzbekistan", the Banking Association of Uzbekistan, together with the Ministry of Public Education used the best public schools of the country as a base for 39 specialised banking classes.

The aim of opening specialized banking classes is to identify the most talented young people showing interest in studying for banking specialists, their professional orientation in the sphere of economy, market relations and banking business, as well as preparation to continue studying at the higher and secondary specialized study facilities of the banking and finance sphere.

During the past eight years, 5,964 students successfully completed the classes. Of them, 669 students completed banking classes during the academic year 2005-2006. The tests intended to identify the deepness of their knowledge showed that today they could start their careers in the banks of Uzbekistan. Many graduates of the banking classes will continue their education at the higher educational facilities.

On 22 June, the Banking Association of Uzbekistan hosted the ceremony of official awarding of certificates of completion of the specialized banking classes to the remarkable students of public schools of the city of Tashkent.

The graduates of specialized banking classes, their teachers, specialists of the Ministry of Public Education and the Banking Association of Uzbekistan attended the event. (UzReport.com)

UZBEK GOVERNMENT, KUWAITI FUND SIGN LOAN AGREEMENT FOR US$20.5M

Uzbekistan and Kuwait Fund for Arab and Economic Development (KFAED) signed a loan agreement for US$20.5 million on Tuesday, 22 June. The funds will be used to equip 171 establishments of first aid in Uzbekistan.

The document was signed after negotiations of the Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Rustam Azimov and Director-General of the KFAED Abdul-Wahab Al-Bader, who is paying visit to Uzbekistan.

The sides noted that the relations between Uzbekistan and Kuwait are developing intensively and the visit of Uzbek President Islam Karimov to Kuwait in 2004 opened new page in relations of two nations.

It was also noted that the KFAED is one of active partners of Uzbekistan among international financial organizations.

The sides considered issues on further expansion of bilateral ties in financial and investment spheres.

The Kuwait Fund for Arab and Economic Development was founded in 1961 to provide financial assistance to Arab states. However, during the past several years its financial cooperation extended to the countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Since the beginning of its activity, the fund has issued loans to 99 countries of the world for implementation of 631 projects worth some 3.35 billion Kuwait dinars. At this time, the Fund is implementing 490 projects in 48 countries of the world. The credit portfolio of the financial institution totals 2.507 billion Kuwait dinars.

The legal framework for cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Kuwait Fund for Arab and Economic Development was created in the course of the official visit of the President to Kuwait in 2004. During the same visit, a cooperation memorandum that outlined the priority projects to be implemented by the parties was signed. (UzReport.com)

UZTYAZHNEFTEGAZKHIMPROEKT DESIGN INSTITUTE TO BE FOUNDED IN UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan is to found a national design institute for power engineering, oil and gas processing, and the chemical and heavy industry, on the presidential order.

The new institute to be called UZTYAZHNEFTEGAZKHIMPROEKT is being formed under the local Economy Ministry. The aim is to coordinate scientific, technical and design back-up operations for structural reform undertaken in the republic, to prepare and provide quality services to major investment projects in building, renovating and modernising enterprises in basic industries that are of paramount importance to stable and balanced-out economic development of Uzbekistan. Until January 1, 2010, UZTYAZHNEFTEGAZKHIMPROEKT will be exempted from every type of taxes, charges, duties and mandatory deductions to state target funds, with the exception of customs clearance fees and payroll tax. (NOVECON: Russia/CIS Energy Digest)

UZBEKISTAN TO BUILD GAS-CHEMICAL COMPLEX BY 2009

Uzbekistan's UZBEKNEFTEGAZ petrochemical company is to build a gas-chemical complex in the country's Ustyurt Region by 2009.

The new enterprise will produce 125,000 tonnes of polyethylene annually. The project is valued at $1.1 billion. The gas-chemical enterprise will receive raw materials from the Surgil gas condensate field. South Korea's KOGAS will be a co-investor. KOGAS is to invest $960 million and develop the Uzunkui-Tuarkyr investment bloc in conjunction with UZBEKNEFTEGAZ. The deposit has resources of 190m tonnes of conventional fuel. (NOVECON: Russia/CIS Energy Digest)

UZBEK BANK BECOMES MEMBER OF VISA INTERNATIONAL

Visa International CEMEA (Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa region) adopted decision to accept Bank Ipak Yoli as a member of Visa International payment system in its May meeting in London.

Now, the Uzbek bank will offer its clients Visa cards in soum and US dollars, services on withdraw of cash and payment to goods and services and others.

Bank Ipak Yoli became the sixth Uzbek bank, which renders full services on Visa International cards.

Visa is the world's leading payment brand. Visa-branded cards generate more than US$2 trillion in annual volume and are accepted at more than 24 million physical locations around the world, including more than 750,000 ATMs. The Visa organization plays a pivotal role in developing innovative payment products and technologies to benefit its 21,000 member financial institutions and their cardholders. (UzReport.com)

SOCIETY

TRAINING ON PRINCIPLES OF GENDER EQUALITY TAKES PLACE IN UZBEKISTAN

Training on "Understanding gender. Principles of Gender Equality" took place on 16-17 June outside Tashkent. The main goal of the training was to provide an opportunity to share knowledge and experience on gender issues for national team of experts and journalists, with the common interest in gender issues and desire to promote gender equality in Uzbekistan.

Ms. Svetlana Shakirova, Director of the Center for Gender Studies in Kazakhstan, facilitated the training sessions and shared the international experience in this area. During this two-day training the participants had an opportunity to learn more about gender issues and their importance through practical exercises and group work.

The training course covered the topics on biological and socio-cultural differences between women and men and nature of gender relations; gender socialization and gender stratification issues; gender stereotypes in mass media; women's rights; gender based violence and other topics.

The participants of the training are the members of the Journalists Network on Gender and Gender Mainstreaming Training Program, who were selected through open call. Journalists Network on Gender aims to build firm platform for discussing gender issues among media professionals.

The main objective of the Gender Mainstreaming Training Program is to train national group of trainers and experts on gender mainstreaming for further promotion of this concept and skills among UNDP and other UN agencies' staff in Uzbekistan, national partners of UNDP and other decision-makers for raising effectiveness of development programs and strategies.

The Project on Gender and Development envisages the development of more effective gender mainstreaming tools and methodologies that will facilitate to favorable gender environment. This is aimed to achieve through building capacity of national gender experts to provide training courses on gender mainstreaming and advisory services on gender; supporting gender research and developing a network of journalists on gender to promote gender issues in media, the UNDP Uzbekistan said in its release. (UzReport.com)

NEW INDEPENDENT NEWS AGENCY STARTS WORK IN UZBEKISTAN

New independent news agency, Press-uz.info, started its operation in Uzbekistan, a chairman of Interjournalist club Tolkin Eshbekov told UzReport.com. This club became founder of the agency.

Eshbekov said the aim of the agency is to circulate objective and correct information on Uzbekistan and acquaint [readers] with opinions of journalists, politicians, economist, sociologist on actual problems of the Central Asian region and the world.

He said a group of Uzbek journalists initiated a web site in autumn 2005 and now it turns to electronic outlet, which updated on daily basis.

Eshbekov underlined that the agency will cover public and political, economic and cultural life of Uzbekistan in timely manner.

He said the agency has its representatives in all regions of Uzbekistan and the reports will be in Uzbek, Russian and English. (UzReport.com)

UZBEK JOURNALISTS' UNION LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

The Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan have launched a new web site - www.journalist.uz .

The new site is run in Uzbek and Russian. It publishes important news about Uzbek journalism and about the union's activities.

Www.journalist.uz has several sections. The "News" section details events and conferences being held by the journalists' union. The "Contests" page provides information on various contests being organized by the creative union.

The website also posts the creative union's charter, the charter of print electronic media as well as a number of documents like the code of ethics of journalists working for print media outlets and for news agencies.

"The new website by the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan is a gift to the forthcoming professional holiday of media workers. I think that having its own web page on the Internet will assist the union in establishing relations in the sphere of journalism with international organizations. Moreover, it will boost relations between journalists and the public," the chairman of the creative union, Sherzod Gulomov, said.

We hope that the www.journalist.uz website will be enriched and improved further in the future. We hope the website, which is currently at its initial stage, will continue to be upgraded and its content enriched further." (UzReport.com)