4 July, 2006

Politics
Uzbek speaker comments on adoption of media law
Uzbek political parties back decision to rejoin CIS security bloc
Ambassador Nikolay Demchuk: Uzbekistan is important partner of Belarus in Central Asian region

Economics
Uzbekistan, Latvia sign economic cooperation agreement
BeautyExpo Uzbekistan 2006 to be held on 13-15 July
Uzbekistan January-May cotton fibre output up 4.3 pct
International consortium to build information system on gas pipes of Central Asia
Russia to guarantees exports to Uzbekistan
Commodity turnover rises between Saint Petersburg and Uzbekistan
Afghan energy official optimistic about two major projects
Business delegation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region visits Uzbekistan
Center of Innovation and Management introduces programme for top executives

Society
Second national congress on family education to be held in Tashkent
"Leadership through knowledge" student conference
German doctor visits Karshi to examine children
Visiting Israeli MP meets Uzbek Jewish leaders

POLITICS

UZBEK SPEAKER COMMENTS ON ADOPTION OF MEDIA LAW

The speaker of the Uzbek parliament's Legislative Chamber (lower house), Erkin Khalilov, commended the new law on the media, the third reading of which was approved by the lower house last week.

"I believe this law is of great legal, judicial and political significance. There is a great symbolic in adopting it at a time when our country marks the professional holiday of media workers, as if we have done it on purpose. We are blessed to have it on this day. I think it is a great achievement for us all. I congratulate everyone on this law," he said in Uzbek Radio's "Parlament Faoliati" (Parliamentary Activities) programme broadcast on 1 July.

The programme said that the third reading of the media law was hammered out at a plenary session of the Legislative Chamber last week. The law was drawn up by the Legislative Chamber's committee on information and communication technology. (BBC Monitoring Central Asia)

UZBEK POLITICAL PARTIES BACK DECISION TO REJOIN CIS SECURITY BLOC

"A decision to lift the moratorium" creates conditions for the formation of a collective security belt, which considerably increases the reliability and stability of the processes of regional economic integration," Nurdinjon Ismoilov, member of the National Democratic Party of Uzbekistan faction and the chairman of the committee for legislative and judicial issues under the Legislative Chamber (lower house) of the Uzbek Supreme Assembly (parliament) told a Regnum correspondent.

Ismoilov stressed that the NDPU faction "fully supports the position expressed by the Uzbek president at the Minsk summit on the issues of deepening economic integration and setting up a customs union".

The Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (UzLiDeP) believes that lifting the moratorium on work in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is one of the main results of the Minsk summit, Baxtiyor Yoqubov, chairman of the executive committee of the UzLiDeP's political council and a member of the parliament's lower house, told.

He said that Uzbekistan's decision to lift the moratorium on active work in the CSTO "is important for both Uzbekistan and the further development of the organization". The MP said that "the member states' efforts to develop the CSTO into a more universal and multifunctional organization which can adequately react to all new challenges and threats to both national and collective security can only be welcomed".

(Russian news agency Regnum)

AMBASSADOR NIKOLAY DEMCHUK: UZBEKISTAN IS IMPORTANT PARTNER OF BELARUS IN CENTRAL ASIAN REGION

The people of Belarus celebrate a national holiday, the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus on 3 July. This date is associated with the day of the liberation of the country's capital, the city of Minsk, from German-Fascist invaders in 1944.

Today Belarus is a young, dynamically developing European country, demonstrating fast growth of the economic potential.

At this time, the country's industrial giants, such as Minsk Tractor Plant, Minsk Automobile Plant, and Belarus Automobile Plant have become the true leaders of Belarus' export. Tractors, trucks, unique quarry equipment are used in many countries of the world.

Belarus satisfies 30% of the world's demand for large trucks, 6% - for tractors, a substantial share of the world's production of the certain type of micro-processors. Some 60% of Belarus' GDP is exported.

Speaking on the state of Belarus-Uzbek trade, economic and political cooperation Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus, Nikolay Demchuk said:

- With a substantial economic potential, Uzbekistan plays a key role in Central Asia. This country has a rich ancient history that has enclosed significant contribution to the world civilization. Our countries are united by the past of our nations, which have always lived in peace and friendly relations, as well as latest history of young states, which face similar problems on their ways to building democracy. Undoubtedly, for Belarus Uzbekistan is an important partner in this region. This is particularly illustrated by the fact that Belarus Embassy in Tashkent has moved to a new modern office. Moreover, the First National Exhibition of the Republic of Belarus was held in Uzbekistan in March 2006. The exhibition provided a powerful impulse for the development of new partnership ties between the companies of Belarus and Uzbekistan.

Belarus and Uzbekistan actively cooperation in the framework of the EurAsEC. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in the EurAsEC Interstate Council held on 23 June in Minsk. In the course of the summit, Uzbekistan stopped moratorium on participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), which should spur cooperation between Belarus and Uzbekistan in the military-political sphere. The dynamics of bilateral economic relations achieved by the parties allows us to speak about the systematic nature of the promotion of mutual economic interests of Belarus and Uzbekistan.

Starting from 2000, the annual growth rates of the bilateral trade between Belarus and Uzbekistan on average have made up 20-30%. This year is unlikely to be an exception. According to the results of January-April 2006, bilateral trade between the countries grew by 15% year-on-year.

Belarus' export to Uzbekistan mainly includes trucks, wood chipboards, medicaments, malt, matches, vaccination, stationary, stoves, tires, and other goods (the total of 82 commodity groups). Uzbek consumers show high demand for the Belarus brands such as MAZ, MTZ, Gefest, Atlant, and Milavitsa.

Uzbekistan supplies cotton fibre, cotton yarn, and fruit and vegetables to Belarus.

In 2006, trade-economic cooperation between Belarus and Uzbekistan moved to a new level. The leading Belarus companies offer Uzbek partners attractive investment projects. In April 2006, the Protocol of Intention on Setting up Assembly of Belaru-1221 Tractors with the Capacity of up to 2,000 units yearly on the Base of Tashkent Tractor Plant".

The intention on the opening of a joint venture to specialize in production of diesel engines and component parts on the base of Tashkent Motor Plant has been confirmed. One of the largest producers of furniture in Belarus, Pinskdrev Company is negotiating with Uzbek partners on the creation of a joint venture to specialize in production of furniture, as well as other projects.

- During his recent visit to Navoi region, President Islam Karimov met the head of the Navoi Mining and Smelting Complex, and noted the importance of economic cooperation, particularly with the companies of Belarus producing trucks and similar technology. In what condition is cooperation in this sphere?

- In 2005, Belarus Automobile Plant BelAZ issued dealership rights to the Rule Asian Marketing Uzbek Company. The company closely cooperates with the businesses of Uzbekistan interested in purchasing automobile technology, particularly Almalyk and Navoi Mining and Smelting Complexes, Uzbekugol (Uzbe Coal) Plant, companies specialized in production of cement and others. These companies currently operate over 500 large BelAZ trucks. Our Uzbek partners appreciate the reliability, simplicity in exploitation, and reasonable prices charged for the machines. The latter is quite important, in view of the pricing strategies of other brands famous around the world.

Belarus is also ready to build close cooperation with regards to the supply to Uzbekistan of products of Minsk Automobile Plant, Minsk Plant of Wheeled Tractors, Amkodor, Mogilev Automobile Plant, MogilevTransMash on mutually beneficial conditions. Describing bilateral cultural relations, I would like to note the gradual development and mutual interest demonstrated by Uzbekistan and Belarus to each other's cultures. Uzbekistan is a regular participant of the International Art Festival "Slavic Fair In Vitebsk" and Minsk International Festival "Listapad". Belarus performers, in turn, participate in the international musical festival "Shark Taronalari" (The Melodies of the Orient). By participating in the international cultural forums organized both in Belarus and Uzbekistan, Belarus and Uzbek masters of variety and cinematography enclose valuable contribution into the development of cooperation in the sphere of culture and art between the countries. (UzReport.com)

ECONOMICS

UZBEKISTAN, LATVIA SIGN ECONOMIC COOPERATION AGREEMENT

Latvia and Uzbekistan signed an international agreement on economic and industrial cooperation in Riga, Latvia, on 29 June.

The agreement was signed after the meeting of State Secretary of Latvian Economy Ministry Kaspars Gerhards and Uzbek First Deputy Foreign Minister Isan Mustaev. The sides evaluate the agreement as positive step for further development of bilateral economic dialogue. Within the agreement, the intergovernmental commission will be created, which will enforce agreement into practice, Latvian Embassy in Tashkent told.

According to Latvian Economy Ministry, Uzbekistan is 15th largest foreign trade partner of Latvia. The export of Latvia to Uzbekistan increased by 1.5% and import by 98% in 2005 compared to previous year.

Trade turnover between Latvia and Uzbekistan reached US$23.6 million or up 1.25% of total turnover of Latvia with non-EU countries.

Latvia exported to Uzbekistan machinery, mechanisms, electronics, timber and timber products and chemical products. Uzbekistan exported mainly mineral products, textile and textile products. (UzReport.com)

BEAUTYEXPO UZBEKISTAN 2006 TO BE HELD ON 13-15 JULY

The 2nd International Specialised Exhibition of Beauty Products in Uzbekistan, BeautyExpo Uzbekistan 2006, organised by TNT Productions Inc will be held on 13-15 July at Dedeman Silk Road Hotel in Tashkent.

Everyone interested may learn about the latest news from the beauty industries of Uzbekistan and other countries of the world.

The company organizing the exhibition said around 35 companies from 13 countries, including Great Britain, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Korea, UAE, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, US, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and Japan would participate in the event.

The exhibition will include several sections, including Skincare products, professional care products and tools, beauty accessories, perfumery and aromatherapy, make up and nail varnish, haircare products, hygiene products and toiletries, natural cosmetics, raw materials and packaging, equipment and furniture facilities (fitness, spa, clinic). The organizer of the exhibition, TNT Productions, Inc Company (US) specializes in organization of exhibitions and production of television programmes. The exhibition is being organized by TNT Productions, Inc., a specialized exhibition company. In the past 20 years, TNT has organised more than 200 industry events that have been held in virtually every major city in the USA. Since 1987, TNT has organised a large number of specialized Russian/CIS exhibitions including exhibitions in Uzbekistan since 1996. (UzReport.com)

UZBEKISTAN JANUARY-MAY COTTON FIBRE OUTPUT UP 4.3 PCT

Uzbekistan raised cotton fibre output by 4.3 percent to 636,067 tonnes in January-May compared with the same period last year, official data showed on Monday.

Uzbekistan's 2005 cotton fibre output rose 21.6 percent to 1.187 million tonnes year-on-year. (Reuters)

INTERNATIONAL CONSORTIUM TO BUILD INFORMATION SYSTEM ON GAS PIPES OF CENTRAL ASIA

International consortium won a tender on programme of European Union on creation of information system of gas pipelines of Central Asian states (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan) and Kazakhstan.

The consortium includes Geocosmos in Russia and Kazakhstan, IGN France International and Geomod (both from France).

According to terms of agreement, the consortium will shot pictures of over 5,000 kms of pipelines in the region with use of aero-cosmic equipment in a year and create information system on management of gas streams. The contract was signed in the end of 2005 and the first stage was carried out in February 2006.

The realisation of the project will ensure effective information system on monitoring on state of gas pipelines and management of gas supplies in Central Asian region. (UzReport.com)

RUSSIA TO GUARANTEES EXPORTS TO UZBEKISTAN

Government of Russian Federation adopted decision on rendering guarantee support to exports to Uzbekistan within the limits of US$3 million.

Prime Minister of Russia Michael Fradkov signed an order on 28 June and list of countries, export to which can be guaranteed by the government.

The order said those countries, which have investment rating of Standard&Poor's, Moody's or Fitch can have unlimited volume of guarantees.

COMMODITY TURNOVER RISES BETWEEN SAINT PETERSBURG AND UZBEKISTAN

In 2004, commodity turnover between Saint Petersburg and Uzbekistan made up $40 million. As compared to 2003 it boosted 32%. In 2005 this volume reached $42,8 million and in the first months 2006 separately it came to $ 21,8 million. Export and import play big role in both economy of Uzbekistan and Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg delivers foods (vegetable oil, meat cans and confectionery) to Uzbekistan and traditionally – products of metallurgical, chemical, car, woodworking industries. By data of the Saint Petersburg's foreign relation committee, in 2005 export formed $27,5 million (in 2004 - $19,4 million). This data allow concluding on progressing export and import relations between Saint Petersburg and Uzbekistan. Imported goods to Saint Petersburg are foods, in particular, canned fruits and vegetables, vegetables, textile and carpets, crude for forage. By the 2005 data, import from Uzbekistan equaled $ 15,3 million (in 2004 - $ 20,2 million). "Sankt-Peterburgskiye Vedomosti" (Saint Petersburg)

AFGHAN ENERGY OFFICIAL OPTIMISTIC ABOUT TWO MAJOR PROJECTS

Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Engineer Monsef says that the two big projects, which are a power transmission line from Uzbekistan to Kabul and construction of the Salma Dam, will be completed in the next two years.

He said that construction of the Salma Dam will not only provide power to the area but will also irrigate thousands of hectares of land. Implementation of this project has been started by India at a cost of 80m dollars.

The Asian Bank and the Indian government have funded another project, which is to extend power transmission from Uzbekistan to Kabul at a cost of 100m dollars. An Indian company is implementing this project.

Observers believe that construction of the Salma Dam will provide sufficient water for irrigation proposes, which is one of the highest priorities in the area. (BBC Monitoring South Asia)

BUSINESS DELEGATION OF XINJIANG UYGUR AUTONOMOUS REGION VISITS UZBEKISTAN

A delegation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region led by deputy chairman of department on foreign trade and economic cooperation Li Zhdin Yuan is paying visit to Uzbekistan. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan organised the visit to continue development of bilateral relations between Uzbek and Chinese businesses, as well as attraction of Chinese investments in development of production at small and private businesses.

The delegation included 16 people, including head of departments and bodies of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, head of large Chinese companies, engaged in production of construction, textile, food and other industries.

On 3 July, a cooperation exchange between Uzbek and Chinese businesses was held at the Hotel Dedeman Silk Road. The sides had opportunity to discuss perspectives of business cooperation and attraction of foreign investments.

In accordance with trade-economic agreement, signed between Uzbekistan and China in January 1992, the countries set the most favourable regime.

Zhan Di, secretary on trade-economic issue of Chinese Embassy in Uzbekistan, said the Chinese investments to Uzbekistan is small, but China supports Chinese companies, working in Uzbekistan.

He said according to the statistics for last years, the foreign investments of China to Uzbekistan comprised US$30 million and added that it is small figure and said the sides should make efforts to increase potential.

Li Zhdin Yuan said Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Uzbekistan has wide opportunities in economic cooperation, establishment of partnership relations in petrochemical industry, joint utilisation of natural resources.

China is one of the largest trade partners of Uzbekistan. Trade turnover between countries comprised US$485.5 million in 2005 and US$196.1 million in the first quarter of 2006. Some 83 companies with Chinese investments operate in Uzbekistan, of which 19 have 100% Chinese investment.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan said in its release that within the framework of the visit, the delegation will visit Chinese embassy in Uzbekistan, met leadership of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, organisations in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Samarkand regions and Tashkent city.

The delegation will also held meetings and negotiations with leadership of enterprises and companies of Samarkand, Bukhara, Termez and Tashkent, where will be presented investment and export potentials of various sectors of Uzbekistan. The sides will also considered issues on current affairs and perspectives of trade-economic cooperation between businesses of two states.

Situated in the northwest of China, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was known in China as the Western Territory in ancient times.

Its 1.66 million square kilometers represent about one-sixth of the total territory of the country, making it the largest of China's regions and provinces.

Xinjiang also has the longest boundary among China's provinces and autonomous regions and shares 5,600 kilometers of frontier with Mongolia in the northeast, then Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the west, and then Afghanistan, Pakistan and India in the southwest. (UzReport.com)

CENTER OF INNOVATION AND MANAGEMENT INTRODUCES PROGRAMME FOR TOP EXECUTIVES

In July of this year the Center of Innovation and Management, an experience organization with over 16 years of operation in the market of management consulting and analytics, launched a new project, a complex programme entitled "Improving work efficiency of top management teams". The programme is envisioned for top executives. It is intended to improve the companies' operational and strategic management, the center's press service said.

The aim of the programme is to provide the management of companies with a full and accurate picture of their business, quickly identify existing problems and develop the plan of actions for their elimination and raising the efficiency of horizontal and vertical management relations of the company's staff.

The framework of the project is based on the analytical algorithms used in creation of corporations' situational centers, which allow quick appraisal of the work efficiency of the company's subunits, identification of hidden reserves, maximization of profit and minimization of costs. The programme is a set of thematic training workshops, including group discussions, business games, "brainstorming" sessions and teambuilding. The latest analysis, forecasting and situation modeling techniques were used development of the set of training workshops.

The programme helps the trainees tackle different financial and organizational tasks, including the issues of strategic planning, marketing, organizational development, human resource management, internal communication, and corporate culture. It motivates the participants to search for new approaches in working out strategies for company's development, stimulates the team's creative activeness, allows each member to demonstrate his or her best abilities.

The programme is implemented in several stages: identification of the role and position of the company in the domestic and international markets, identification of the company's existing and potential competitive advantages, identification of new business directions, programme of development and promotion of company's brand, forecasting and prevention of crisis, work with VIP-clients, code of corporate ethics, financial breakthrough programme. (UzReport.com)

SOCIETY

SECOND NATIONAL CONGRESS ON FAMILY EDUCATION TO BE HELD IN TASHKENT

Second national congress on family education will take place in Tashkent on 7-8 July. The event organized by UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) office in Uzbekistan in cooperation with Women's Committee of Uzbekistan.

The congress aimed at strengthening cooperation of state bodies, NGOs, public and international organizations. (UzReport.com)

"LEADERSHIP THROUGH KNOWLEDGE" STUDENT CONFERENCE

On 12 July an initiative group of Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) will hold a student conference entitled "Leadership through knowledge". The aim of the conference is to introduce the works of talented students to potential employers. It is envisioned that the latter will offer employment to the authors of the best works.

In the course of the conference, the graduates of WIUT and other universities will present their research works to the audience consisting of professors and potential employers. Presentations will be held in English and Russian languages at the author's discretion. In the framework of the conference, a job fair will be held, where potential employers will be able to speak directly to the students interested in employment and discuss the terms and conditions of work.

It is expected that the event will provide students the opportunity to demonstrate the scientific and practical value of their works, as well as demonstrate their knowledge and potential for growth. (UzReport.com)

GERMAN DOCTOR VISITS KARSHI TO EXAMINE CHILDREN

Head of international charity organization, Friedensdorf International (Peace Village Foundation, Germany), Ronald Gegenfurtner examined children of Kashkadarya region.

The report said the German doctor visited regional children hospital in Karshi city and gave recommendations on their treatment.

It added that six children, who require operation, will be treated in Germany. (UzA)

VISITING ISRAELI MP MEETS UZBEK JEWISH LEADERS

A member of Israel's Knesset (parliament), Amnon Cohen, was in Uzbekistan for a non-official visit from 25 to 29 June, the press service of the Israeli embassy in Uzbekistan has reported.

During his private visit Amnon Cohen met leaders of the Jewish community in Uzbekistan and the chief rabbi of Central Asia, Abe David Gurevich.

He also visited Jewish school No 321, a Jewish kindergarten, the central synagogue Bais Menahem and the Uzbekistan museum of Jewish history.

The MP is intending to organize additional support for Jewish education institutions in Uzbekistan. In particular, he is going to tackle the problem of continuing the construction of a Jewish community centre in Tashkent and to provide teachers to teach Jewish traditions in the Jewish school. (UzReport.com)