29 August, 2006

Politics
Japanese PM starts his official visit to Uzbekistan
Negotiations of official delegations with expanded staff started
New " Chronicle of Independence " web site launched
Over 41 Uzbek citizens leave US for their homeland

Economics
US$1.22bn in foreign investments to be attracted in 2007
Il-114-100 aircraft undergoes testing in TAPOiCh
On Uzbek-French trade and economic relations
Hamroh Loyiha Invest, Uzbek-Malaysian JV, turns 10
Newly opened consulting company aims to develop human resources in Uzbekistan

Society
The youth of Uzbekistan -2006 festival winners rewarded
Berlin Museum officials praise Uzbekistan's contribution to World Civilization

POLITICS

JAPANESE PM STARTS HIS OFFICIAL VISIT TO UZBEKISTAN

Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi started his official visit to Uzbekistan on Tuesday, 29 August.

At the meeting of President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov with Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi the sides discussed the current condition and further development of Uzbek -Japanese relations, other issues and international problems.

It was noted that the visit of the Prime Minister of Japan forms good preconditions for the deep analysis of mutual relations, studying the available potential for cooperation, a detailed exchange of opinions concerning the coordinated actions in the international scene.

Mutual relations of two countries develop according to the Joint Statement on Friendship, Strategic Partnership and Cooperation, and current negotiations on the eve of Great Holiday of Uzbek people also will be fruitful.

It is necessary to emphasize that despite the geographic distance between two countries, Japan is interested in developing the cooperation with countries of Central Asia through Uzbekistan.

For Uzbekistan, relations with Japan have great importance to expand relations with other countries of Asian-Pacific region. Latest technologies and investments from Japan are also important in developing the trade and economic relations.

With the initiative of the Prime Minister of Japan mechanisms of foreign economic relation such as "Diplomacy of the Silk Road", "Central Asia plus Uzbekistan” have been worked out.

Japan supports the integration processes in the Central Asia. It is interested in stimulating the process of political dialogue with the countries of the Central Asia, developing cooperation, expanding the relations in business, culture and science.

At the same time, Japan highly appreciates the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan to create Central Asian market and supports the idea of cooperating with Uzbekistan in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

NEGOTIATIONS OF OFFICIAL DELEGATIONS WITH EXPANDED STAFF STARTED

Negotiations of official delegations with expanded staff have started in participation of the President of Uzbekistan and Japanese Prime Minister.

The negotiations comprised the issues of improving the business relations and expansion of the scale of cooperation in the spheres of science and culture.

The Uzbek-Japanese and Japanese-Uzbek committees on economic cooperation have been created. Annually they make joint sessions, define priorities of economy, make long-term plans. It is necessary to note, that members of the Japanese-Uzbek committee includes such known politicians of Japan as Yoshiro Mori, Taro Aso, heads of large corporations such as "Mitsui", "Marubeni", "Toshiba", "Toyota", etc.

More than ten large projects are carried out in Uzbekistan with participation of the Japanese capital.

For example, for the realization of the project on construction of the railway Tashguzar-Bajsun-Kumkurgan the Japanese government has allocated the soft loan of 150 million US dollars. For financing the construction of textile complexes in Bagat and Kokand to produce export oriented goods the Japanese Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) signed credit agreements for 90 million US dollars.

As a whole, after the establishing of diplomatic relations between our countries total amount of capital investments of Japan in Uzbekistan has reached about two billion US dollars. The Japanese government within the framework of the program "Official Aid to Development" has allocated 910 million dollars and through commercial credits of the Japanese International Bank of Cooperation 820 million dollars have been allocated for development of a fuel and energy sector and the textile industry of Uzbekistan.

NEW “CHRONICLE OF INDEPENDENCE” WEB SITE LAUNCHED

Press-service of the President of Uzbekistan created new web site “Chronicle of Independence” in “uz” domain in Uzbek, Russian and English languages.

The web site provides in chronological order the consequent policy of country’s government led by President Islam Karimov within the years of independence, as well as facts and events, which took place in Uzbekistan since 31 August 1991 until the present time.

Fifteen years for history is very short term, but time demands to sum up certain results of the way passed by independent state. Uzbek people proved that they are able to develop independently, do not depend on anybody in political, social and economic, military, spiritually educational spheres.

The web-site http://www.yilnoma.uz consists of four sections – “State and society”, “Economy”, “Public life” and “Foreign policy”. Materials placed here, concerning modern history of the country and public construction in Uzbekistan, economy, sociopolitical, spiritual life and international communications will be important source for political scientists, historians, journalists, and students of Uzbekistan as well as foreign countries.

The web-site is prepared with use of such computer technologies as Macromedia Flash, Java, Dreamviewer and it is remarkable with modern design, convenience for information search. The site contains the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, National Anthem, Biography of President of Uzbekistan and examples of his books, slide show, digital video and audio materials.

The new web page is registered in systems of world’s leading Internet-search (USA, European countries, Asia, CIS) and enables users operatively to find and use data on history of Independence of Uzbekistan. The web site will constantly be fulfilled with new information about Uzbekistan in Uzbek, Russian and English languages.

OVER 41 UZBEK CITIZENS LEAVE US FOR THEIR HOMELAND

Over 41 people who sought refuge in the United States after the tragic events in Andijan have returned to their homeland, Uzbekistan, a source in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.

"The Embassy of Uzbekistan in the United States provided maximum assistance to the citizens who decided to return to their homeland," press-uz.info quoted the source. The airplane of the Uzbek airline company with the returnees on board arrived in Tashkent on Friday. Among them are two Uzbek citizens from the city of Kokand, Ferghana region, one from Tashkent region, and the rest are the residents of Andijan region. Upon return in Uzbekistan all of them left for their homes.

Earlier press-uz.info reported that 12 citizens of Uzbekistan who had received the status of refugees from the UNHCR following the May events in Andijan, and were taken to Kyrgyzstan first, later to Rumania and finally to the United States, also returned to Uzbekistan with the assistance of the Uzbek diplomatic mission in the US.

Of the total of 439 citizens taken from Kyrgyzstan to Rumania as refugees, 150 were placed in the United States.

ECONOMICS

US$1.22BN IN FOREIGN INVESTMENTS TO BE ATTRACTED IN 2007

In 2007 Uzbekistan plans to attract US$1.22 billion in foreign investments, against US$1.1 billion planned for the year 2006, a representative of the Economy Ministry said during the roundtable devoted to the issue of "Investment climate" on 25 August. According to the figures published by the Economy Ministry, in 2007 foreign direct investments are expected to total some US$630 million, against US$450 million forecasted for the year 2006.

The share of foreign investments in the total volume of capital investments including all sources of financing is expected to rise to 23% (21% in 2006). Meanwhile, the share of direct investments is to increase to 19% (18%).

At the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade of Uzbekistan Elyor Ganiev said that for the plans on modernization of the economy to come true Uzbekistan had to ensure that investments attracted grew by 15-20% yearly.

IL-114-100 AIRCRAFT UNDERGOES TESTING IN TAPOICH

The Chkalov Tashkent Aircraft Production Plant (TAPOiCh) State Joint-Stock Company is testing the aircraft Il-114-100, which is equipped with avionics of the firm Rockwell Collins.

Specialists from the TAPOiCh, the Rockwell company's flight navigation complex and also the Russian scientific research Institute of aeronautical equipment participated in the construction of the airship. The Open Company Il developed documentation, then those completing were set. The aircraft was assembled in Uzbekistan within a very short period of time.

The first tests for the aircraft were completely successful. Having flown over 45 minutes, Il-114-100 successfully landed. According to the preliminary calculations, until the end of 2009 the National Airline Company O'zbekiston Havo Yo'llari will obtain 10 analogous aircraft, which will ensure flights on the internal trips.

ON UZBEK-FRENCH TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS

Councilor for Economy and Commerce of French embassy in Uzbekistan, head of economic mission in Tashkent Francois Marque in interview with UzReport correspondent shared his opinion on macroeconomic situation in Uzbekistan and state of Uzbek-French trade and economic relations.

- How do you estimate the evolution of macroeconomic situation in Uzbekistan? - Analysis of the evolution of macroeconomic situation in Uzbekistan is made on the basis of official data provided by the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan. And we see that in the first half of 2006 the gross domestic product grew by 6.6%, which is higher than in the first quarter of the same year.

As to inflation, here we see another situation: the growth of inflation rate, according to official statistics, was 3.5% in January-June 2006, while it was 2.8% in January-March 2006. Thus, inflation in Uzbekistan was rather high, and as you know economists don't like inflation. But inflation in the country was within the framework envisaged by the state budget forecasts, and I think that this is nice.

It is noteworthy that the number of small and medium enterprises is increasing in Uzbekistan. This is a very good factor, and French economists believe that small and medium business is the "heart" of economy. This sector ensures stability of economic situation, growth of employment and general economic growth of the country.

We know that Uzbekistan is preparing new edition of Tax Code. Our mission also participates in this process, in particular, through rendering assistance in organization of roundtables jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade, Finance Ministry, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, UN Development Programme. Economic mission of French embassy in Uzbekistan has financed two roundtables in the sphere of taxation. The first meeting was devoted to the issues of taxation in oil-and-gas field. The second one will be held in late September and it will discuss issues of taxation in the sphere of small and medium business. We think that these two sectors are strategically important industries of national economy.

Moreover, studying the statistics of foreign trade activity of Uzbekistan, we see that the increase of exports in the first half of 2006 made up 5.2%, imports grew by 3.6%. This is a very good news for the Uzbek economy. I believe that the Uzbek government works to ensure that macroeconomic indicators of the country kept on growing. - What can you tell about the present state of Uzbek-French economic relations?

- It is a keen pleasure to note that economic ties between Uzbekistan and France are degrading less in the recent times. In the first half of 2006, Uzbekistan exported to France goods and services worth nearly 7.2 million euros, and imported from France for 15.5 million euros.

As to trade relations, excluding investments, the volume of bilateral trade decreased significantly in the last two years, especially in the first quarter of 2006. We think that this slump is caused by sharp reduction of the Uzbek exports to France, which fell by 80%! This is a huge figure. In the second quarter we see that the decline was not so sharp, but it made up 60%. This is a positive indicator and I hope that we will achieve positive results by the end of the year.

The decrease of the volumes of exports of energy resources from Uzbekistan to France played here big role. If the share of energy resources in the total exports volume was 28% in the first quarter of 2006, then it exceeded 54% in the first half of the year. I think that this unstable state of energy resources export to France caused the slump in bilateral trade as a whole.

The volumes of Uzbek imports from France rose by 12% in the first quarter of 2006, while the rise was 7.7% three months later. Uzbekistan imports from France mainly semi-manufactured goods (38% of the total imports volume), equipment (32%) and consumer goods (22%), including medical supplies and perfumery. In our opinion, these results will improve by the end of 2006.

Indeed, in the late 2005 Uzbekistan and France signed two financial protocols, which are to enter into force this year. Moreover, a large number of French producers are visiting Uzbekistan to find potential partners. And finally, we are closely cooperating with the Embassy of Uzbekistan in France to organize the meetings between the industrialists of the two countries.

For example, this year the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris received a delegation of Uzbek producers and organised an exposition of the products of Uzbek applied art. Held in Paris, these events were a success. Besides, Paris hosted the meeting of the delegation headed by the Minister of Foreign Economic Affairs, Investment and Trade of Uzbekistan and French producers united under the MEDEF, as well as the meetings with French Government. I think that the events of this kind evoke mutual interest and should boost our bilateral relations.

As is known, the foreign trade turnover of Uzbekistan increased by 4.6% in January-June 2006. We wish there was at least the same indicator of bilateral trade growth between Uzbekistan and France. According to our sources, French investments will increase, but I cannot say the volumes as the projects are under development. I can only say that investments will be directed on enhancement of agricultural and water management sectors of the country, as well as development of economy of Tashkent city. - Uzbekistan will celebrate its 15th anniversary of independence soon. What do you wish the country and the people?

- 15 years for a child is the beginning of adult life, it is a new life, new stage, new development. This concerns human associations as well, for instance, all countries. And I believe that this new stage will be the stage of growth and development for the country and the people.

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, I wish the Uzbek residents and Uzbekistan happiness and prosperity in the years to come.

HAMROH LOYIHA INVEST, UZBEK-MALAYSIAN JV, TURNS 10

Over the years of independence many modern and fashionable buildings were erected around Uzbekistan. A great number of beautiful architectural ensembles embellish the capital and the regions of the country. Ten-year old Uzbek-Malaysian Hamroh Loyiha Invest joint venture enclosed a large contribution by actively participating in the domestic market of engineering services.

The company was founded in 1996. Its founders are the Banking Association of Uzbekistan and Malaysian Mart Exclusive (M) Sdn. BHD Company.

The company joined the International Association of Natural Sciences in 1997 to enter the international market for the purpose of conducting joint studies and research works. It is one of the few companies that mark their 10th anniversary on the threshold of the national holiday of Uzbekistan – 15th anniversary of independence.

During this short but productive period of its activity, the company participated in large researches and projects, such as the architectural design of the building for Interbank Financial Services Centre (Banking Association of Uzbekistan), buildings and complexes for the data transmission systems of the region and district departments of the Finance Ministry of Uzbekistan, engineering networks for the buildings of Ravnaq and Ipak Yuli Banks, Sergeli department of the National Bank of Uzbekistan for Foreign Economic Activity (NBU), expert examination of the design estimates of the objects of the Ministry of Defence, State Border Protection Committee of Uzbekistan, Directorate for Construction of Academic Lyceums and Professional Colleges of Tashkent and Tashkent Region, Uzbekiston Temir Yullari (Uzbekistan Railways), Unitel LLC.

The company has recently signed an agreement for the architectural design of the "administrative building with a gallery" for the head office of Pakhta Bank.

The range of the activities performed by the company is extremely wide: feasibility analysis and preparation of contract documents for the construction of objects, preparation of drafts and complete design estimates for the construction of objects, supervision of the works being implemented, preparation of technical conclusion on the construction, development of the tender documents and organization of bids, financial-economic, technical, marketing analysis of the construction, investment and other projects and works.

The demand for engineering works grows from year to year, and the engineering becomes a prospective sphere for the activity of many companies.

During the ten years of operation in the Uzbek market, Hamroh Loyiha Invest has earned the recognition and respect of the clients and currently holds a stable competitive position.

NEWLY OPENED CONSULTING COMPANY AIMS TO DEVELOP HUMAN RESOURCES IN UZBEKISTAN

A new company HR Capital Consulting (HRC) has appeared in the market for professional personnel consulting Its main task is to develop rich potential of the country's human resources.

According to the company administration, the company's basic services are to search and select personnel for local and foreign companies, which are planning or already successfully working in Uzbekistan, to conduct corporate and open trainings, and also the personnel consulting.

Meanwhile, the main target group is young people, and it is no wonder that the staff of the HR capital Consulting is a young energetic team, whose average age is 30. However, these specialists shoulder the responsibility for receiving education in the best domestic and foreign higher educational establishments.

As far as the company's operating methods are concerned, then it is possible to reduce up to two hours the application of contemporary procedures, information technologies of search and the selection of personnel to the extensive base of specialists, the process of execution of order on selecting necessary specialist.

One of the principles of the company is free performance of service for those searching for job. Employers, placing orders for searching for specialists provide funds [to cover the expenses]. By the way, such principle of selecting personnel corresponds to foremost world standards. Today, Uzbekistan rightfully is proud of its rich labour resources. According to the data of demographic statistics, our country, together with other Central Asian states, is characterized by relatively "young" population, its high share in the general structure. And young people try to match to contemporary high requirements and to obtain higher education. There are over 60 only higher educational establishments - universities, institutes and other higher educational establishments in the country, where young people are studying. The company HR Capital Consulting, planning to take foremost positions in the sphere of professional consulting has been set up precisely with the aim of developing the rich human resources.

SOCIETY

THE YOUTH OF UZBEKISTAN -2006 FESTIVAL WINNERS REWARDED

A solemn ceremony of rewarding laureates – winners and prize-winners of "The youth of Uzbekistan -2006 festival" in the different nominations was held in the central exhibition hall of the Academy of fine arts of Uzbekistan at 17.00 hours on 28 August, 2006. The ceremony was held in the presence of representatives of corps diplomatique, foreign international organizations, creative community of the capital of our country and all its Regions, and also the media.

This festival, organized on the initiative and with the assistance of the Fund the "The Forum of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan", the Academy of fine arts of Uzbekistan and the administration of the artistic exhibitions of Academy of fine arts of Uzbekistan is conducted once every two years.

The exhibition of laureates, timed to the 15th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, will be prolonged until 10 September, 2006.

Rewards will be given to the best works in the nominations: "Debut"; "Originality and the contemporaneity"; "A dialogue of cultures"; "Conceptual projects"; "The continuation of dynasties"; "For the retention" of school "in the contemporary art"; "For the innovation projects in the contemporary art"; "For the retention and development of traditional forms in art".

The festival programme planned to conduct master-classes of well-known masters of brush and cutter, of the art critics and art-critics, round tables on the problems of national traditional and contemporary artl.

A catalogue of the most interesting work of laureates and degree students with the information about their authors and works will be printed on the results of the festival.

The festival winners were rewarded with diplomas and money grants, certificates and valuable prizes were presented to successful participants.

The best participants will obtain the support of organizers and they can be involved in different events and exhibitions, including events to be held abroad, as this had occurred with the laureates of the first festival.

BERLIN MUSEUM OFFICIALS PRAISE UZBEKISTAN'S CONTRIBUTION TO WORLD CIVILIZATION

The presentation of the unique photo-exhibition of Tashkent House of Photography was held at the well-known Berlin museum of "Pergamon". The museum is situated at the Museums Island, which keeps in its collection the invaluable exhibits of ancient civilizations.

Its exposition is subdivided into antique collections, the Middle East museum and Islamic art museum, the report further indicated.

The photo exposition, which consists of more than 30 photos of historical and architectural monuments of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, is placed at the main hall "Mshatta" of the Islamic art museum, according to the report.

In his welcoming speech at the opening of the exhibition the museum director professor P. Haaz drew attention of the audience to the measures taken by the government of Uzbekistan o¬n recovering the spiritual heritage, national traditions and ancestor customs.

"Such events, undoubtedly, give an opportunity to the fans of Oriental art to come into contact with unique exhibits and enjoy the magical poetry of the East," – Mr. Haaz has said.

Demonstration of the documentary o¬n the history and modern days of Uzbekistan is reported to have brought about the life interest of the presentation participants. The inflammatory songs and dances performed by masters of Uzbek folklore group "Lazgi" added a special touch to the event.

"Various cultures, which came o¬n the scene for over the past millennia, and particularly, those in Uzbekistan,"- Prof. Huff, the scholar at the Berlin archaeological institute, who is reported to have numerously participated at archaeological expeditions, said, "have greatly impacted the development of world civilization". The photo exhibits at the "Pergamon" museum witness about that, he further added.