18 September, 2006

Politics
Exhibition of Culture and Art opens in Uzbekistan
SCO works out measures to deepen economic cooperation
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are key partners - Kazakh FM

Economics
Boost in investments expected for Uzbek economy in 2007
Shanghai group PMs order governments to study energy club idea
Over 2 million people use mobile services in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan Railways launch train between Tashkent and Bukhara
New leasing company created to finance public transport system
Exhibitions Financial Services, Info-Business-2006 to be held in October
Chinese exhibition to be held in late September

Society
UWED awards honourable doctor degree to Kim Yun Seek
Puppets Theatre begins new season
Uzbek linguist launches e-dictionary

POLITICS

EXHIBITION OF CULTURE AND ART OPENS IN UZBEKISTAN

President of Uzbekistan Karimov has signed a Resolution "On organization of the activity of Exhibition of Culture and Art opened in the city of Tashkent."

The resolution says that the exhibition is established "for the purpose of intensifying the familiarization of general public with the rich historical heritage of Uzbek nation, which has been proven over time and which has impacted the development of world civilization by the unique samples of culture and art and latest achievements in this area, as well as for the purpose of preservation, development in accordance with the requirements set by modern life and promotion of ancient traditions, and education of youth with the sense of love for their Homeland and respect to the centuries-old cultural heritage and national values."

According to the document, the new Palace of Art opened on the territory of the National Park of Alisher Navoi (Chilanzar district of Tashkent), is awarded the title of "The Exhibition of Culture and Art".

The resolution outlines the main objectives set for the Exhibition of Culture and Art, including to demonstrate priceless cultural and art heritage of Uzbek nation, built up over centuries-long time; to promote its role and importance in the development of national culture and culture common to all mankind; to organize regular exhibitions of the works of artists working in the fields of fine art, applied art, national craftsmanship, praising the idea of national independence, free and bright life, evoking the sense of deep respect towards traditional art and national values of Uzbek nation in the visitors.

The Exhibition, together with the domestic and foreign art galleries, will also organize different thematic exhibitions and art photo-galleries reflecting the rich history of Uzbek nation, its customs and traditions, rich life and bright images of Uzbek people their dreams and aspirations.

SCO WORKS OUT MEASURES TO DEEPEN ECONOMIC COOPERATION

The six member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) agreed on 15 September in Dushanbe on measures aimed at deepening and strengthening economic cooperation within the framework of the group.

In a joint communique signed at the fifth meeting of prime ministers of the member countries of the SCO held in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe, the heads of government of the six SCO members, Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, agreed on a series of measures to further promote economic and trade cooperation.

The communique, signed by the leaders of the delegations of the six countries to the meeting, said that since the SCO prime ministers meeting in Moscow in Oct. 2005, the member countries had done a lot to strengthen economic and trade cooperation.

The six prime ministers - Kazakh Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Feliks Kulov, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, Tajik Prime Minister Akil Akilov and Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Azimov - decided on first demonstrative cooperation programs and set energy, transport, and telecommunications as priorities for short-term cooperation.

They agreed that it was of great importance to establish working panels specializing in promoting cooperation in energy, information technology and telecommunications technology.

The leaders' aim was to inject new vigor into the cooperation in the transport field to implement the demonstration programs aimed at improving transportation infrastructures. They added that it was important to accelerate the signing of the memo on the inter-governmental draft accord on facilitating transportation within the SCO region.

The leaders also deemed that the integration process must be further developed and the procedures for international transport within the SCO region should be simplified. They pointed out that the establishment of the SCO Entrepreneurs' Committee and the SCO banks consortium had given fresh impetus to the economic cooperation of the organization.

They maintained that, in order to further promote economic cooperation within the framework of the SCO, the coordination role of the SCO secretariat should be enforced and the importance of the SCO Entrepreneurs' Committee and the SCO banks consortium should be strengthened.

The leaders also welcomed the fact that preferential loans from China had been put into use in cooperation programs within the framework of the organization.

They spoke highly of the importance of such large economic forums as the first Europe-Asia economic forum in Nov. 2005 in Xi'an, China, the SCO industry and trade forum in June 2006 in Shanghai, and the fourth Baykal economic forum in Irkutsk.

The forums had promoted economic cooperation in the region, they said.

The SCO groups China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, with Pakistan, Mongolia, Iran and India holding observer status.

KAZAKHSTAN AND UZBEKISTAN ARE KEY PARTNERS - KAZAKH FM

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov took part in a solemn reception, dedicated to the Independence Day of Uzbekistan (marked on 1 September), Kazakh Foreign Ministry said.

For the years of independence Uzbekistan achieved substantial attainments in modernization of the society, radical reform of political and economic system and strengthening of its role in the international arena, Kazakh diplomat noted in his congratulatory speech.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are key states and reliable partners in Central Asia. State visits of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev to Tashkent and visits of Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov to Astana confirmed the mutual aspiration of two states for further good neighborhood.

The similarity of approaches to security problems in the region and interest in deepening of bilateral trade and economic cooperation suggest that relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan embark on a new path.

ECONOMICS

BOOST IN INVESTMENTS EXPECTED FOR UZBEK ECONOMY IN 2007

According to Ministry of Economy’s estimates, in 2007 the volume of foreign investments into the economy of Uzbekistan will increase up to US$ 1,22 billion, Uzbekistan National News Agency reported September 16, 2006.

If the forecast indicators shall be reached, the share of foreign investments in the total volume of capital investments is expected to rise from 21 percent (as of this year) up to 23 percent. This will allow fully implement a number of the scheduled prospective projects in the country.

“However, it is not limit for the country, where the favorable investment climate is now in place,” – Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments, and Trade of Uzbekistan Elyor Ganiev said.

According to Mr. Ganiev, through enhancement of investment activity in basic spheres of economy yet in the near future Uzbekistan will be able to take the total volume of foreign investments up to US$ 3 billion a year.

SHANGHAI GROUP PMS ORDER GOVERNMENTS TO STUDY ENERGY CLUB IDEA

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization made another step toward increasing its influence Friday as prime ministers of member countries gave instructions for studies to be conducted into the establishment of a regional energy club.

The organization, which comprises Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, and has Iran, India and Pakistan as observers, accounts for an estimated 50% of the world's proven gas reserves. Energy hungry China is also the world's second largest energy consumer.

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed in June creating an energy club within the organization to coordinate supplies and balance interests of both producers and consumers. Iran's president also suggested at the same time that Tehran and Moscow should determine global natural-gas prices and main pipeline routes, triggering concerns in the West that a gas version of the OPEC oil cartel could appear in the region.

Founded in 2001, the SCO originally dealt with security and confidence-building issues, but has broadened its priorities to include economic cooperation as well as transportation, disaster relief and cultural projects.

The prime ministers said in a news release after a meeting Friday that Kazakhstan and Russia, two of the biggest crude exporters outside OPEC, would draft proposals for a meeting of fuel and energy experts in 2007. Apart from having the world's largest reserves of natural gas, Russia also has around 8% of global uranium reserves, though neighboring Kazakhstan has more than three times the amount at between 25% and 30% of the reserves.

The premiers ordered a working group to step up projects in information technology and telecommunications, and selected pilot projects to improve transport infrastructure in the region. They also said more intensive work should be conducted on a customs agreement.

The premiers adopted the organization's budget for 2007 and pledged to continue drafting agreements to protect and encourage mutual investment, the news release said.

OVER 2 MILLION PEOPLE USE MOBILE SERVICES IN UZBEKISTAN

Number of mobile users in Uzbekistan hit 2 million point, deputy prime minister of Uzbekistan and director-general of Uzbek Agency for Communication and Information Abdulla Aripov said on Thursday at the celebration of the 15th anniversary of Uzdunrobita.

Uzdunrobita, which recently has been re-branded to MTS-Uzbekistan, marked its 15th anniversary on 14 September and increase of its subscribers' base to 1 million, as well as launch of new prepaid system – Time. Partners of Uzdunrobita and Uzbek singers congratulated the company.

Speaking at the celebration, Aripov congratulated participants of the celebration with increase of mobile users in Uzbekistan to 2 million and added that in 14 days of September the growth of subscribers' base was high.

Briefing history of Uzdunrobita, Uzbek official expressed hope that it will launch 3G network soon. He noted that Uzdunrobita is only company in Uzbekistan, which worked in various standards, including NMT-450, AMPS/DAMPS and GSM.

Uzdunrobita, founded in August 1991, is the largest mobile operator of Uzbekistan in terms of subscribers and it is the first wireless communication operator in Central Asia. According to latest data, the company has over 1 million users. Uzdunrobita became the first Uzbek company, which serves 1 million users.

Leonid Melamed, President of MTS of Russia, gratitude the Uzbek government and partners of the company for assistance and support. He said that the company will expand further its network in Uzbekistan. He said that the company will make its best to introduce new generation technologies in the country.

He said the company will invest further to bring new technologies and train high quality specialists and contribute to development of Uzbekistan. Melamed said the Russian company invested over US$150 million into Uzbek economy and pays about US$40 million taxes.

In August 2004, Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) acquired 74% stake in Uzdunrobita and signed option to purchase other 26%, which was recently prolonged.

UZBEKISTAN RAILWAYS LAUNCH TRAIN BETWEEN TASHKENT AND BUKHARA

Uzbekistan Temir Yollari (Uzbekistan Railway) launched new route between Tashkent, Uzbek capital and Bukhara, ancient city located along Great Silk Road, on 14 September. The express train named Sharq (East) launched to meet demand of population of Uzbekistan in transportation and decrease travel time, as well as develop tourism transporation. The train runs between cities on daily basis and it consists of cars of first and second classes, as well as lunch car.

NEW LEASING COMPANY CREATED TO FINANCE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Asaka Bank, the second largest Uzbek bank, and Toshshahartranshizmat, Tashkent city public transport company, created new leasing company in order to realize a resolution of the Uzbek President Islam Karimov "On realization to private property of state shares in Toshshahartranshizmat joint stock company".

The sides created Asaka-Trans-Leasing, which will lease buses to legal entities, which will transport passengers in accordance with their licenses.

The charter capital of the company set at 4 billion soums and the sides own 50% each. The resolution said that the shares of Toshshahartranshizmat worth 51.8 billion soums will be realized to private property step-by-step within 2006-2010.

Funds, received from privatization of Toshshahartranshizmat, will be used to finance leasing operation of Asaka-Trans-Leasing. The presidential resolution said 40% of received funds from privatization will be directed to Toshshahartranshizmat to update bus fleet, including on leasing basis.

The document exempted Asaka-Trans-Leasing from payment of custom payments till 1 January 2010 to import buses.

Currently, some 11 leasing companies operate in Uzbekistan and 14 commercial banks and two NGOs render leasing services.

EXHIBITIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INFO-BUSINESS-2006 TO BE HELD IN OCTOBER

Central Exhibition Hall of Uzbek Art Academy will host international exhibitions Financial Services and Info-Business-2006 on 5-7 October.

Exhibition Financial Services will be held for the third time. It is organized by Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan in cooperation with Uzbekistan Banking Association, Uzbekistan Lessors' Association and Avesta Investment Group, Association of Credit Unions and public fund on information support of businesses "Zakovat". The exhibition aimed at to stir up banking and financial services, expand cooperation of small businesses with financial institutions.

The organizers noted that the exhibition will allow to establish contacts between businesses and financial institutions.

The exhibition directed to familiarize businesses with services of financial institutions of Uzbekistan, Sanjar Muminov, director of Uzbekistan Credit Unions' Association said.

The organizers noted that it is planned to hold a roundtable to discuss developments in securities market of Uzbekistan.

CHINESE EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN LATE SEPTEMBER

Uzexpocentre, national exhibition company, will host an engineering-technical exhibition of China on 26-28 September.

Commerce Ministry of China is initiator of the exhibition and its organizer is GENERTEK international advertisement-exhibition company. The event is held at official support of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and Uzexpocentre. The exhibition will be attended by large engineering, construction and high technology companies of China, including Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, ?NCEC, Ninsya and others.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan said in its website that some of Chinese companies are interested to establish business contacts with their Uzbek counterparts.

SOCIETY

UWED AWARDS HONOURABLE DOCTOR DEGREE TO KIM YUN SEEK

A solemn ceremony has been held at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) to award the degree of Honourable Doctor ?f UWED to the chairman of "Korea- Uzbekistan" Friendship Association, Kim Yun Seek, who is on a visit to Tashkent.

It is notable that owing to the tireless work of such persons as Mr. Kim the cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea from year to year becomes more traditional and friendly. As a result, it is significant to mark the important contribution, which the "Korea- Uzbekistan" Friendship Association makes under the supervision of Mr Kim Yun Seek in thorough deepening of Uzbek-Korean relations, the rector of UWED, Hamidulla Karamatov, noted in his welcoming speech.

It has to be noted that Kim Yun Seek repeatedly visited Uzbekistan. He was in the country in December 2004 as international observer from the Republic of Korea at the elections to the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan, and also took part then in a number of international conferences as a part of preparation to the elections.

In 2005 Mr. Kim Yun Seek was awarded with the state order of Uzbekistan - "Friendship order" on the occasion of 14th anniversary of the Independence of the republic. On the initiative of the chairman of the "Korea- Uzbekistan" Friendship Association and owing to the sponsor support [of Mr. Kim Yun Seek] the book by the president of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, "The people of Uzbekistan will never depend on anybody" was published in the Korean language.

Kim Yun Seek said: "I'd like to take this occasion to express my view on future prospects of Uzbekistan's economy and diplomatic leadership in Central Asia. This month the country celebrated 15th anniversary of Independence. When we look back, then it is possible to see that Uzbekistan has made very remarkable growth in both economy and diplomatic relationship with major important countries of the world under stable and strong political leadership."

"Now Uzbekistan is precisely at the momentum stage to move forward to take off in economic growth by industrialization and privatization. I recently returned from neighbouring countries of Uzbekistan that are enjoying flooding oil money. That's why they are achieving higher rate of GDP growth than Uzbekistan, but the real estate prices including houses too much high i.e. about 20-30 times higher than in Uzbekistan. Furthermore, the population of the country suffers because of the big gaps between the rich and the poor. In this regard Uzbekistan is still in better position to achieve the goal of industrialization. The state with developed industry has objective advantages in comparison with the country, which is based on limited raw resources."

"Especially now, when the process of amalgamation within the framework of the EurAsEC is continuing, which according to the forecasts will fully function at the end of this year, Uzbekistan, in my view, will be one of the main initiators and leaders in this union, the chairman of the "Korea- Uzbekistan" Friendship Association, Kim Yun Seek, noted in his speech," Kim Yun Seek said.

PUPPETS THEATRE BEGINS NEW SEASON

The Puppets Theatre of Uzbekistan began the new 67th season with a bright puppet dance show. The directors and the troupe of the theatre put high hopes on the new creative year. Futhulla Hojaev, Senior Director of the theatre has shared some of them: by the end of this year, the first thing they are planning to stage is the new tail for children "Three funny piglets".

"We are currently rehearsing," the director said. "In October we will stage another play "Sunflower under sail". We are also planning to go on tours, and of course we are thinking about staging a new tail for our young audience. The troupe will go to Pakistan to participate in a prestigious international festival of puppet theatres. This is the fourth year that our theatre participates in this annual event. This time we will show them the "Funny Show".

"Due to last year's fire at the props warehouse, unfortunately we have dropped several interesting plays. We are currently working on making the new props, and by the end of the year many of them will be returned in the repertoire of theatre. We want to bring back one of the most beautiful and interesting plays of the theatre "Cinderella", and we will soon begin rehearsing. The programme is very extensive and we will do our best to make this season productive and interesting," added Futhulla Hojaev.

UZBEK LINGUIST LAUNCHES E-DICTIONARY

Firuz Valiev is reported to have launched an electronic English-Russian-Uzbek dictionary for broad users o¬n the global net.

Trilingual dictionary database contains in 50,000 words and expressions, a considerable part of which entered the modern life in recent years. Mr. Valiev believes that he was in line with latest requirements of contemporary times and changes, took place as of late.

Computer version of the dictionary allows instantly find the translation of the word in any proposed language block. Both Russian and Uzbek language people may use the dictionary.

Developer also designed the database to systematize a special terminology in the area of finance in Uzbek. According to the author, this will allow uncover the significance of financial terms applicable to the current normative and legislative basis of Uzbekistan in the Russian and Uzbek languages.

E-dictionary represents a profound interest for the financial establishments, state financial institutions, and others in the country. Program provides for fast browsing through words and expressions needed for the user, and requires the minimum computer memory.

Besides, the convenient interface allows find a necessary term as in alphabetical order and also by the first letter of the sought word, independently from the search language.