18 August, 2006

Politics
EurAsEc Secretary General shares views on independent Uzbekistan
Vice President of the Geneva International Peace Research Institute congratulates Uzbekistan
CEDAW reviews Uzbekistan's reports on elimination of discrimination against women
Chinese delegation holds talks in Uzbek Prosecutor's Office
Ex-president of Portugal, Jorge Sampayo, writes to Samarkand

Economics
Main macroeconomic indicators for 1 half 2006: Uzbek GDP grows by 6.6%
New chairman of National Company Uzbektourism was appointed
Uzbek commerce chamber welcomes new tax policy
Uzbek businessmen invited to attend Russia in economic forum
Uzbek chamber invites businessmen to attend "Russia United" forum

Society
The youth of Uzbekistan -2006 festival crowned with success

POLITICS

EURASEC SECRETARY GENERAL SHARES VIEWS ON INDEPENDENT UZBEKISTAN

As grand celebrations of Uzbekistan’s Independence are just several days away, many renowned people, including politicians, statesmen, scholars, and simply the friends of Uzbekistan are now addressing their congratulations on such wonderful occasion. Below we propose the address by Eurasian Economic Community organization Secretary General Grigoriy Rapota, about his impressions of independent development of Uzbekistan, and more.

I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate the Uzbek people and leadership of Uzbekistan on the landmark jubilee – the 15th anniversary of independence. If we are to judge – these years were not easy, but rather efficient. Yet only the making of sovereignty requires profound efforts. Practically a new state has come o¬n the scene, the largest in Central Asia, the efforts which went in line with addressing the tasks of enormous complexity: creation of bodies of power, own currency, and finally, own anthem.

Today the state has its authority in the world, preserves internal political stability, develops high-technological fields of industry, and secured the energy independence. Uzbekistan has a right to be proud of the traversed 15 years of sovereignty and may build its future, and besides, there is a good basis now laid for that.

Uzbekistan’s joining the Eurasian Economic Community is very important for the organization. Organization has been added with another 25 million of hard-working people, as well as additional economic and political potential. Indeed, it is easier to jointly counter some negative consequences of globalization, rather than o¬n o¬ne’s own. For over the short period of time of its participation in EurAsEc Uzbekistan claimed itself as an active state with its own position, which realizes its own interests.

I sincerely want that everything were well in Uzbekistan so that the people there live better, and feel themselves more comfortable. Perhaps, it is the very important thing, and I am confident that the leadership of Uzbekistan is now engaged in these very objectives.

Country came through very important and responsible period of making the statehood. It was complex not o¬nly because the state had to build up the economic system and internal political situation. It had to counter foreign threats, as well.

At the head of the Uzbek State stands such a person as Islam Karimov, who can make at complicated moments the o¬nly correct decision – not always, maybe, the popular, not always understandable, perhaps, for someone abroad. But thank to him people in Uzbekistan may work with no worries and solve the problems, which are finally the most important.

VICE PRESIDENT OF THE GENEVA INTERNATIONAL PEACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE CONGRATULATES UZBEKISTAN

I can spend a long time speaking about Uzbekistan, its history, development and my relations with your country.

Independent Uzbekistan was born 15 years ago. It was a great historical event, and I congratulate the people of Uzbekistan on this anniversary!

I have special feelings for Uzbekistan. I lived here, namely in Tashkent and Ferghana during the Second World War. The hospitality of the Uzbek nation helped me survive those difficult years.

Many years later I returned to Uzbekistan as a UN expert, to help create the zone free of nuclear weapons in Central Asia.

This large project is bringing positive results: we expect the signing of the agreement establishing such zone soon.

I have recently participated in the parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan as an observer. This was another special experience in my life. And every time I visit this country, I see improvements in economic terms.

I would like to wish the people of Uzbekistan further improvement of the living standards, new successes in the construction of democratic institutes. Let peace and prosperity always stay on the blessed land of Uzbekistan.

Joseph Goldblat, Vice President of the Geneva International Peace Research Institute

CEDAW REVIEWS UZBEKISTAN'S REPORTS ON ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN

The 36th Session of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is taking place at United Nations Headquarters in New York. In the course of the session, the Committee is reviewing the reports submitted for its consideration by different countries.

It has finished reviewing the second and third periodical reports of Uzbekistan on the course of implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Speaking at the session, the head of the delegation and Chairman of the National Human Rights Centre of Uzbekistan Akmal Saidov emphasized Uzbekistan's commitment to the principles of gender equality, its obligations under the Millennium Development Goals, and the abovementioned UN Convention.

It was specifically noted that the government of the country is taking legislative, administrative, economic and other measures for consistent implementation of the Convention provisions. In particular, after ratifying the document, the Parliament followed the procedure for implementation of the articles of the Convention in the national legislation: all fundamental rights of women are included in the Constitution, and over 100 laws passed by the parliament of the country during the past few years fully correspond to the provisions of the Convention. The parliament focuses attention on women's issues in rural areas, where most of the Uzbek population resides, and the parliamentary hearings at the Senate on these issues have been introduced into the practice. In the framework of the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education, Uzbekistan implemented National Programme of Human Rights Actions, particularly focusing on teaching women their rights.

The head of the Uzbek delegation noted that Uzbekistan paid special attention to the development of women's non-governmental organisations. Currently some 200 women's non-governmental nonprofit organisations are functioning on the territory of Uzbekistan, their number having grown twice over the past five years.

Women's non-governmental organisations have grown in power, which once again illustrates that the joint activity of government and non-government sectors raises the efficiency of identification and solution of gender-related problems.

The session also reviewed Uzbekistan's cooperation with the UN human rights convention agencies. During the past year Uzbekistan submitted four periodical reports to the UN human rights convention bodies. National action plans on implementation of recommendations provided by these bodies are being developed and implemented.

CHINESE DELEGATION HOLDS TALKS IN UZBEK PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

A delegation of China led by Deputy Prosecutor General Hu Kehui, staying in Uzbekistan, held negotiations in ministries and departments on 17 August.

During the talks with the Uzbek Prosecutor General of Uzbekistan Kadyrov it was noted that the partnership between the two countries, including in the sphere of law-enforcement, is developing gradually, and the agreements reached during the meetings of Uzbek and Chinese leaders serve as an important legal basis.

In particular, Uzbekistan and China have signed agreements on legal assistance in civil and criminal cases and extradition. Agreement on cooperation between the General Prosecutor's Office of Uzbekistan and the Supreme National Prosecutor's Office of China is operating.

The Chinese guests have familiarized with the system of bodies of the public prosecutor's office of Uzbekistan, which focus on protection of human rights and freedoms. It was noted that the reforms pursued in Uzbekistan with the purpose of liberalization of judicial-legal system give positive results.

Members of the delegation of the Supreme National Prosecutor's Office of China have also held negotiations in Justice Ministry and Supreme Court of Uzbekistan.

EX-PRESIDENT OF PORTUGAL, JORGE SAMPAYO, WRITES TO SAMARKAND

The ex-president of Portugal became a participant in the project "Autograph of peace". Several days ago the Samarkand international museum of peace and solidarity received a parcel from the capital of Portugal, Lisbon. The director of the museum, Anatoliy Ionesov, has told our correspondent that the ex-president of Portugal Jorge Sampayo politely agreed to become a participant in the project "Autograph of peace".

A prominent state and political figure of Portugal sent his photograph and personal message to Samarkand, in which Mr. Sampayo expressed appreciation to Uzbekistan's people for their efforts in the cause of preservation of peace on the Earth. Here are lines from the personal message by Portuguese politician to Samarkand peacemakers: "Lisbon, Portugal. To the international museum of peace and solidarity I convey to you my best wishes of the successes in your work. I am very grateful for your efforts for peace and solidarity. Jorge Sampayo "

His complete name is Jorge Fernandu Brancu de Sampayo. He was born on 18 September, 1939 in a doctor's family in Portugal. He completed the law faculty of Lisbon University. He is an attorney by profession. He is an active participant in the youth movement against the dictatorship of Salazara and Caetanu. Since 1978 he is a member of the Socialist Party of Portugal. From 1989 through 1991 he occupied the post of the secretary general of the party. In 1979 and in 1984 he was a member of the European Commission on Human Rights. From 1989 through 1995 he was a mayor of Lisbon. He is married with two children.

From 1996 through (early) 2006 Mr. Sampayo was the President of Portuguese Republic, moreover in 2001 he was re-elected for the second period. Sampayo retired from the post of the President of Portugal in January this year after the expiration of the second five year presidential period. He is a lawyer on education. He was one of the leaders of the student opposition to Salazara's regime. In 1988 he became the Secretary General of the Socialist Party.

In May this year, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan appointed the former president of Portugal, Jorge Sampayo his special envoy on combating tuberculosis. The special representative's tasks comprise the mobilization of financial and scientific resources of the world community with a view to stop by 2015 and to turn backwards the spread of this infectious illness.

ECONOMY

MAIN MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS FOR 1 HALF 2006: UZBEK GDP GROWS BY 6.6%

The gross domestic product (GDP) of Uzbekistan grew by 6.6% year-on-year in the first six months of 2006, State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan said in its report.

The measures taken to reform economy in priority directions for 2006, determined by the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, had positive influence in the first half year on business and investment environment, promoted structural changes and high rates of economic growth.

The economic growth has been provided due to increase of the volume of investments by 6.9%, industrial output – 9.7%, agricultural production – 7.2%, retail trade turnover – 11.6%, services – 13.3% and other sectors of national economy.

The report said that the volume of consumer goods production grew 1.2 times compared with January-June 2005. The volume of construction work rose by 6.1%.

NEW CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL COMPANY UZBEKTOURISM WAS APPOINTED

The state tourism sector and private tourism industry of the country found new leaders. In early August Zahidjon Hakimov was appointed the chairman of the National Company Uzbektourism, who previously worked deputy chairman of the National tourist administration of the republic.

Last Friday (11 August) general meeting of the members of the Association of private tourism organizations (APTO) of Uzbekistan has appointed a new chairman, Saidahmad Raubayev, the director of the Yasmina tour LTD company.

It has to be noted that the new leaders are not novices in the tourism sector. Thus, the new head of the National Company Uzbektourism has been professionally practicing the tourism sector since 1976. In different years he occupied leading posts in the system of the National Company Uzbektourism, he had been elected by the chairman of the Association of private tourism organizations.

To work in the Association of private tourism organizations is not novelty for Said Raubayeav, he previously already held post of the deputy chairman of the APTO. Said Raubayeav began his activity in the tourism sector in 1992 in the National Company Uzbektourism, and later he continued it on the tourism services market, having become the director of a private tourism agency.

Many representatives of the tourism sector, being well familiar with the new leaders of the tourism industry of the country, positively evaluate last appointments and express their interest in further consolidation and development of the partnership between the state and private sectors of the tourism industry of Uzbekistan.

UZBEK COMMERCE CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW TAX POLICY

Taxation reform, carried out under guidance of the Uzbek President Islam Karimov, allowed significantly to improve economic activity of businesses and population of Uzbekistan, press service of Chamber of Commerce and Industry said.

Reforms in support and development of small and private businesses, including decrease of tax burden, will promote development of favourable conditions for dynamic development of entrepreneurship.

The press service noted that the number of small businesses increased by 31,500 in 2005 to 310,000 and as of 1 July 2006 the number of newly created enterprises made up 70,800 and total number of small and private businesses comprised 371,400.

The share of small and private businesses comprised 65% of total employed people in economy and this figure rose to 69% in six months of 2006.

The press service said the number of businesses, which invested to own development, increased. The share of small and private businesses, which invested to own development, made up 27% from total number of small and private businesses. This figure was 20% in 2004.

The chamber said introduction of single tax payment to small and private businesses allowed to decrease tax burden in average from 15.7% to 13%, simplified reporting for businesses, mechanism on use of financial sanctions through courts allowed to stir up business activity.

The chamber said the new step on stimulation of business activity and improvement of level of population's life became draft concept of tax policy for 2007, which was approved by Cabinet of Ministers on 11 August.

The measures, envisage in this document, directed to further stimulate economic activity of businesses and allow to strengthen trust of entrepreneurs to tax system, ensure transparency and predictability.

The concept envisages further significant reduction of tax burden to entrepreneurs, the chamber said. In particular, the single tax payment will decrease from 13% to 10%, which will create favourable conditions for realization of strategy on speeding up development of small businesses and private entrepreneurship, increase share of private sector in economy and contribute to development of economy of Uzbekistan. Decrease of income tax to legal entities from 12% to 10% will also allow to stimulate development of large productions. This will allow to increase revenues of companies, modernize and expand capacities, increase salaries of workers.

According to results of poll, almost 100% of businesses evaluate decrease of social payment from 31% to 25% as positive, which will increase salaries of employees and reduce illegal payments to workers. Further decrease of single social payment from 25% to 24% will decrease burden to labour payment fund and help to increase salaries of employees.

The concept excludes from taxation base such expenses of companies as telecommunication services and advertisement, which should help to promote products of domestic producers in external and internal markets.

The document introduced single tax payment from turnover to representatives of trade system, in particular in rural areas. The single tax payment from turnover will replace existing five taxes and introduces simplified taxation system. In line with new system trade companies will pay 5% from turnover, if they located in cities with population of 100,000, 3% in other rural points and 1% in region which is difficult of access and mountainous areas.

It should be noted that the concept of tax policy for 2007 presented to the government in august and this allows businesses to acquaint with new conditions of taxation earlier and plan their activity in upcoming financial year.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan welcomes measures, directed to further improvement of tax policy of the country, which promotes business activity of entrepreneurs, increase investments and share of private sector in economy.

UZBEK BUSINESSMEN INVITED TO ATTEND RUSSIA IN ECONOMIC FORUM

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan placed on their official site an announcement on the conducting of the international Far-East economic forum on 5-6 October in Khabarovsk city. Uzbek businessmen are also invited to attend the forum.

The forum is conducted under the aegis of State Duma of the Russian Federation with the participation of the interregional association of the economic cooperation of Russian entities "The Far East and Transbaykal", the International association of economic interaction "Siberian agreement", the governments of the Khabarovsk Territory with the official support of the government Russian Federation and the Russian academy of sciences.

The purpose of this two-day event is to consider the problems of the social and economic development of the eastern regions of Russia and prospects for their integration with the countries of the Asian-Pacific Ocean region through the international economic, technological, scientific and humanitarian cooperation.

It is suggested that the forum will be attended by members of the Federation Council and State Duma, representatives of international organizations and businessmen, Russian ministers and heads of departments.

The work of forum will be carried out in the framework of plenary meetings, "round tables", exhibitions, business meetings and negotiations. As a part of the event, interregional "Amur commodity-industry fair - 2006" will be held, in which up to date achievements of the economy of the eastern regions of Russia, Russian companies' potentials, promising investment projects. will be presented.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan administers this issue in the department for promoting export.

UZBEK CHAMBER INVITES BUSINESSMEN TO ATTEND "RUSSIA UNITED" FORUM

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan is inviting the entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan to participate in the 11th International industrial-economical forum "Russia united", the chamber's official site reported.

The forum will take place on 6-10 September on the base of the International business exhibition complex "Nizhniy-Novgorod fair". It is dedicated to the 11th anniversary of the first industrial-artistic exhibition in Nizhniy Novgorod.

The organizational structure of the forum consists of three major portions: the Congress of "The strategic resources of Russia", the Congress of the peoples of Russia, and also exposures of the industrial potential of Russia's regions and national exposures of foreign states.

A total of 1,500 enterprises and organizations from 64 regions of Russia, and as well as enterprises of 11 foreign countries attended the international forum "Russia united" in 2005.

SOCIETY

THE YOUTH OF UZBEKISTAN -2006 FESTIVAL CROWNED WITH SUCCESS

The second festival of traditional and contemporary art "Navqiron Uzbekiston-2006" ("The youth of Uzbekistan-2006") has opened. The festival has been organized with the assistance of Fund Forum of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan and the Academy of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan.

There were virtually a very few people on the second day of the exhibition so that it was possible to look calmly and without the fuss, which was represented. By entering the Academy of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan primarily strike the eye the collection of clothing "Paranja", "Avesta", "Indonesia", "Egypt". You look and it seems you already in this detail go for a walk under the Egyptian sun or promenade and you have a good look at the sights of Jakarta.

Behind the collection it is possible to see a puppet house of large sizes, and sozana, Rishtan ceramics and works from the tree.

All possible canvasses are available on the second floor, while all of them belong to different subjects: portraits, still life, portraits of Uzbek families, sea and other views.

“Istedod” foundation under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan presented the designer formulation of interiors vestibule, corridor and conference hall.

Nature does not accomplish errors. Everything is harmonious in the nature. Everything what it has created is wonderful. The main thing is to examine this beauty. Indeed one may encounter up and down of life – this, as in the human society, the only means of protection from cruelty of the environment. However, tender, fragile and romantic soul is hidden under the visible aggressiveness.

Soul, laying down its elegy. This "Elegy of desert" by Said Amir could be seen in the details, represented on the exhibition.

The exhibition was actually successful and gladdens the fact that we always have something to show.