21 September, 2006

Politics:
Uzbek president Islam Karimov visits Ferghana Region
Uzbek leader's book presented in Chinese capital
Uzbek Defence Minister meets Russian leader, defence minister
Uzbek parliamentarians visit China
Upper house of parliament considers Uzbekistan's report to UN
Economics:
Germany, Uzbekistan have potential to develop economic ties
Defence & Salvation-2006 exhibition to be held on 26-28 September
Russian iron-ore producer to open office in Tashkent
EuropAid realizes land registration project in Uzbekistan
International conference in Tashkent discusses Internet technologies
Uzbek Development Bank signs agreement with Malaysian Exim Bank
Uzpromstroibank Visa cardholders to spend weekend at Paris Disneyland Resort
Society
Al-Manar publishes article about Uzbekistan
Ukrainian magazine writes on Uzbekistan
Aral Sea problems to be discussed in Uzbek capital
Some 5,000 Uzbeks to perform pilgrimage this year
Uzbek pop star participates in "Leyla and Majnun" premier in Europe

POLITICS

UZBEK PRESIDENT ISLAM KARIMOV VISITS FERGHANA REGION

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov visited Ferghana Region on 20 September to familiarize with the pace of reforms in the social and economic spheres.

The head of the state got acquainted with the newly built trade complex in Ferghana city, which includes more than 400 trade points.

Later, Islam Karimov visited the city of Margilan, which is to celebrate its 2,000th anniversary soon.

At present, some 35 objects are being constructed and reconstructed in the city. Among them are Pir Siddiq and Ulugh Mozor complexes, Uvaysiy Museum, Sayid Ahmad Khoja Eshon Madrassah and the Youth Park.

The bus station in the city center is being reconstructed, as well as streets Mustaqillik, Turkiston, Navoiy, Marginoniy and Al-Farghoniy.

Water, gas and electricity supply systems are being improved in mahallas Uzunkhovuz and Yovqochar. Besides, a modern trade complex is being built on the territory of Turon Shoyisi company.

Creating new workplaces is very important because it serves increasing the living standards of the resident population, the President said while visiting these objects.

In accordance with the State National School Education Development Program for 2004-2009, 85 schools have been reconstructed and repaired, and 2 news schools have been built in Ferghana Region.

Islam Karimov visited the new medical college built in Margilan. At the meeting with the college staff and students, he said: "The level of education and recreation of students should meet modern requirements. In particular, a dormitory should be built here." The head of the states also familiarized with the recently commissioned apartment buildings, each designed for 40 families.

UZBEK LEADER'S BOOK PRESENTED IN CHINESE CAPITAL

Beijing, capital city of China, hosted a presentation of the book of Uzbek President Islam Karimov "Uzbekistan will never be dependable and will not be dependant from anybody" in Chinese, Jahon news agency of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry reported.

Uzbek Ambassador to China Nosir Yusupov expressed gratitude to Chinese organization, which participated in publishing of the book.

The report said chairman of committee on international affairs and interparliament cooperation of Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis Muhammadyusuf Teshabaev briefed participants of the meeting with achievements of the country in construction and development of democratic institutes and formation of civil society.

Speaking at the presentation, Chinese Foreign Ministry official; praised the book of Uzbek leader and said it will surely attract interest of Chinese people. He said Uzbekistan achieved success in strengthening state and sovereignty, as well as development of economy.

UZBEK DEFENCE MINISTER MEETS RUSSIAN LEADER, DEFENCE MINISTER

The Uzbek-Russian exercises in southern Russia will allow to fight terrorism, President of Russia Vladimir Putin said at the meeting with Russian Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov and Uzbek Defence Minister Ruslan Mirzaev.

In his turn, Uzbek Minister said the Russian side prepared educational-material base and idea of drill in high level.

He said the Uzbek military forces learnt a lot from their Russian collegues. Three-day joint anti-terrorism drill started in Krasnodar on 20 September.

Russian Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov said at the meeting that after Uzbekistan completes procedures on re-joining to Collective Security Treaty Organization, Russia will start to sell weapons and armors in domestic prices of Russia.

UZBEK PARLIAMENTARIANS VISIT CHINA

A delegation of Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis (lower house of parliament) led by chairman of its committee on international affairs and interparliament cooperation Muhmmadyusuf Teshabaev visited China on 8-13 September.

The delegation held negotiations with Assistant of Foreign Minister of China Li Hui. The Chinese side noted that Uzbekistan achieved great success in construction, development of economy and improvement of well-being of population. Chinese official hailed the role of the Uzbek head Islam Karimov in development of Uzbek-Chinese relations.

Chinese diplomat noted successful cooperation in promotion of security and development of bilateral trade. He said that the investment climate in Uzbekistan improved and Chinese companies are interested in investment cooperation with the country. The Chinese side also positively assessed recently signed agreement on creation of nuclear-free zone in Central Asia and expressed support of China.

The Uzbek delegation also met chairman of committee on foreign affairs of China's National People's Congress. The sides considered current state and perspectives of Uzbek-Chinese relations, including interaction of parliaments.

The Chinese side noted that the visit of delegation of Chinese parliament will promote relations between parliaments of two states.

The delegation also attended the presentation of the Uzbek President Islam Karimov "Uzbekistan will never be dependable and will not be dependant from anybody" in Chinese.

UPPER HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT CONSIDERS UZBEKISTAN'S REPORT TO UN

Senate (upper house) of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan (parliament) held a session dedicated to the results on consideration of the second and third periodical report of Uzbekistan on the course of implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

The committee on foreign political affairs of Senate of Oliy Majlis, Women's Committee, National Human Rights Centre and UN Development Programme organized the event.

The participants of the session noted that Uzbekistan gradually implementing measures to propagate recommendations of UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

The country is carrying out work on protection of rights of women, their full participation in public-political, economic and cultural life of society.

Uzbekistan joined UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women on 6 May 1995. The first periodic report of Uzbekistan was considered at the 24th session of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in 2001.

ECONOMICS

GERMANY, UZBEKISTAN HAVE POTENTIAL TO DEVELOP ECONOMIC TIES

Uzbekistan wants closely cooperation with Germany, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Uzbekistan Matthias Mayer said in interview with Jahon news agency of Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

Matthias Mayer handed over credentials to Uzbek President Islam Karimov on 13 September. German envoy expressed gratitude for warm welcome and said he did not expect that he will be received by the Uzbek President in such a short term. He said he handed over credentials to Uzbek leader after three days after arrival to Uzbekistan.

"This is great honour for me and it is symbol that Germany is that country with which Uzbekistan wants cooperate closely," diplomat said.

He said that during the meeting, President of Uzbekistan spoke about current situation in Uzbekistan and the region and shared his ideas on further development of Uzbek-German relations.

Speaking about relations between countries, Mayer noted that two states have great potential to develop economic relations. He added that he discussed this issue with delegation of parliament of Germany, which met representatives of the Uzbek government on Saturday.

German envoy said currently several projects are realized between countries, including directed to boost small and medium businesses in Uzbekistan. The projects envisaged to issue credits and participation of German side in training of specialists. He added that Uzbekistan has good specialists' training system.

Matthias Mayer said Uzbekistan reminds Germany as it occupies the same position in Central Asia as Germany in Europe. Uzbekistan is Germany in Central Asia, he added. He said the sides can achieve a lot.

Answering to question on security in Central Asian region, German diplomat said Germany, mainly with Christian population, accepts some processes differently. But he added Germany understands threat, outgoing from extremists and terrorists, who hide behind religion.

He said Germany takes seriously these issues and it tries to cooperate closely with other states in this direction, including Germany.

Mayer said Germany understands what it means to have border with Afghanistan, where terrorism rooted for a long time. "As an envoy, I will try to deliver objective information to my leadership and my countrymen," he added.

DEFENCE & SALVATION-2006 EXHIBITION TO BE HELD ON 26-28 SEPTEMBER

A news conference, dedicated to the first international exhibition "Defence & Salvation - 2006" was held in the National press centre on 19 September.

The exhibition will take place on 26-28 September on the base of the Navruz commercial and industry complex, located near the Alishera Navoi National Park.

The exhibition is supported by the Uzmakhsusimpeks state enterprise, being the authorized body for conducting foreign trade activity in the realm of military and technical cooperation of the Republic of Uzbekistan with foreign countries.

"The main aim of the exhibition is to demonstrate those current and promising types of safety, protection and rescuing technologies. Totally about 25 countries will attend the exhibition", a commercial manager of Delta Bi ex, Timur Islamov, said at the press conference.

The exhibition's exposure will demonstrate technical equipment for providing safety, anti-terrorist equipment, information protection means, devices for salvation under emergency situations, fire-fighting tools, and bank and industrial safety devices.

This event will give impetus to further develop the branch and establish mutually advantageous relations between producers and consumers.

"On the second day of the exhibition it is planned that an Emergency Situations Ministry group will demonstrate a performance: emergency members will show their abilities in the liquidation of biological and chemical poisonings, and also in the mine-rescue protection ", the first deputy Emergency Situations minister , of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tayzhan Turaganov, said.

The main sections of the exhibition will present emergency-rescue, search and rescue equipment, devices and technologies, fire-prevention safety tools and much other.

RUSSIAN IRON-ORE PRODUCER TO OPEN OFFICE IN TASHKENT

Largest Russian iron-ore producer will open its representative office in Uzbekistan, an official statement of the company said.

The board of directors of Lebdeniskiy GOK adopted decision on 12 September to open office in Tashkent, Uzbek capital city.

Lebdeniskiy GOK is the largest iron-ore producer in Russia. The company holds 21% shares in Russian market.

EUROPAID REALIZES LAND REGISTRATION PROJECT IN UZBEKISTAN

EuropAid is realizing project "Land registration in Uzbekistan – III Phase", which is directed to support transfer to market economy through establishments rights in real estate sector, an Uzbek official said on Tuesday.

Abduvali Abduazizov, chairman of the State Committee on Land Resources, Geodesy, Cartography and State Cadastre, said in briefing in Tashkent that the third phase started in January 2006.

He said international consortium led by DHV BV of the Netherlands is implementing project. It is expected that the project will end in December 2007.

The project consists of three components - organisational structure and institutional strengthening, land tenure reform and land rights and re-engineering / set-up of registration processes.

It is expected that the State Committee on Land Resources, Geodesy, Cartography and State Cadastre will be improved to realize projects on registration of land and builidng.

It was noted that the project should also focus on strengthening regional registrayion offices. The introduction of registrayion of real estate should be supported with use of information technologies.

The project will create pilot areas in Samarkand, Tashkent, Syrdarya, Ferghana, Khoream and Navoi regions, as well as in Tashkent city and Karakalpakstan Republic.

Abduazizov said the market prices will be set to land and notaries will fix that price. He added that land owner will have right to buy that land to set sum or continue rent.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN TASHKENT DISCUSSES INTERNET TECHNOLOGIES

Tashkent University of Information Technology (TUIT) and IEEE international organization are sponsoring jointly the holding in Tashkent of the Second International Conference in Central Asia on Internet (ICI-2006).

The event is taking place at InterContinental Hotel on 19-21 September and it mainly focuses on the next generation of mobile, wireless and optical networks.

The conference serves as a meeting place where researchers in a wide scope of technological and technical areas can discuss resent advances and exchange practical experience. It is unique in the attempt to combine wireless and optical communications, which are the two areas in communications that are rapidly developed today.

Although the main goal of ICI-2006 is to allow researches across the world to present and exchange new ideas and developments, it also serves as a venue for two other major activities: education and general public participation. First day of the conference was fully dedicated to four separate tutorials, each covering a broad area in communications. The tutorials are normally 2-3 hours long and are conducted by professional acknowledged by the community of researches in the area. For participants that conduct research in a related area, such a tutorial is a good opportunity to review all recent advances and discuss the future research in the field.

General public participation is made possible by scheduling panel discussions, which contain short presentations from a few professionals, after which the rest of the time is dedicated to discussion.

ICI-2006 will host about 50 presentations where about half are conducted by authors from Uzbekistan. This will create a good environment for exchanging general views, research ideas and results at international level among local and international participants.

UZBEK DEVELOPMENT BANK SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH MALAYSIAN EXIM BANK

Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (Exim Bank) signed a cooperation agreement with Uzbekistan Fund for Reconstruction and Development (UFRD) on Wednesday, 20 September 2006.

In a statement today, Exim Bank said the agreement aimed to establish a framework for a strong cooperation to support and encourage investments between Uzbekistan and Malaysia.

"The cooperation will involve the exchange of information and increase coordination, particularly in the fields of providing financing, export credit/investment insurance and guarantees.

"Other areas of cooperation include requests for information on markets, companies, banks and buyers of the two countries; identify eligible transactions/projects which are deemed suitable for support; assist on legal matters and in recovery of debt; and, enhance technical skills and knowledge of staff through exchange programme and training," it said.

Exim Bank said the agreement would provide opportunities for it to support Malaysian investors' participation in the US$1 billion fund.

"The fund is for the reconstruction and development of Uzbekistan's economy through investment support in some strategic economic sectors such as power plant, chemical industry, engineering industry, and transport and telecommunications infrastructure projects," it said.

UZPROMSTROIBANK VISA CARDHOLDERS TO SPEND WEEKEND AT PARIS DISNEYLAND RESORT

The winners of the "Unforgettable weekend at the Paris Disneyland Resort" promotion draw conducted by Visa International, the world's leading payment organization, were announced in a special ceremony on 15 September at Grand Mir Hotel in Tashkent.

The promotion campaign that covered the whole territory of Uzbekistan was held between 30 June and 10 August. The winners Nadejda Nikitina from the city of Chirchik and Hudoyberdi Haidarov from the city of Ferghana will be given the opportunity to spend a wonderful weekend in Disneyland Paris.

To participate in the campaign, Uzpromstroibank's Visa Classic and Visa Electron cardholders had to use their cards at least five times for the total amount of at least 20,000 soums at the retail points serviced by the bank.

According to the information announced, the first winner from the city of Chirchik made 29 transactions for the total amount of 26,000 soums, and the second winner made 6 transactions for 96,000 soums.

"The campaign was conducted in accordance with the agreement signed in 2003between Visa International and Disney, the world's leading entertainment company," Visa International Regional Manager for CIS said. "We are glad to have Uzpromstroibank, the leader in the market of Uzbekistan, as a partner. With the support of this bank, we give Visa cardholders the chance to experience a fairy tale, to turn back to childhood for a moment. On the other hand, this promotion campaign motivates clients to use Visa cards in payment for goods and services more often, thereby helping our member-banks successfully develop their card payment business."

Apart from the main prize, Visa Classic and Visa Electron cardholders had the opportunity to win additional prizes, such as caps, photo-albums, pens, and other souvenirs with Disneyland logo by making purchases for the amount of above 5,000 soums.

Otabek Mansurov, Manager of the Strategic Development Department at Uzpromstroibank said: "The campaign was part of our efforts to reward our clients. We tried to show Visa cardholders all the benefits and advantages of making non-cash payments. The campaign produced positive financial results: during one and a half month period almost 11,000 of our clients made some 20,000 transactions for the total of over 1.5 billion soums.

Thanks to the well-organised activity of Uzpromstroibank's departments concerned, and all-round support of Visa International, during the said period 23,000 additional Visa cards were issued. The turnover on Uzpromstroibank's Visa cards rose by 23% against the same period preceding the campaign, the number of transactions made at retail and service points rose by 15%."

SOCIETY

AL-MANAR PUBLISHES ARTICLE ABOUT UZBEKISTAN

World media continues to publish articles about Uzbekistan inspired by the country's 15th anniversary. One of the leading Egyptian newspapers, Al-Manar, has recently published a piece entitled "Uzbekistan: the past and the future", Jahon news agency reported.

The article accompanied by the photograph of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov tells about the rich history of the country, about its contribution to the development of Islamic civilization. Furthermore, it emphasizes high achievements made by Uzbekistan, a country that has chosen the path of building a democratic civil society. The article draws the readers' attention to the reforms successfully being implemented in different areas of socio-political and economic life of Uzbekistan.

It also notes that Uzbekistan, located in a strategically important region, plays a determining role in all processes taking place in Central Asia. "Protection of national interests, expansion of economic relations, attraction of foreign investments in the economy, and assurance of regional security are the priorities of Tashkent's foreign policy," the author wrote.

"Uzbekistan: the past and the future" also touches upon the development of Uzbekistan's political and economic relations with the countries of Central Asia, and SCO and EurAsEC member-states, as well as Tashkent's active foreign policy aimed at expanding cooperation with Arab countries, countries of Asia, Europe and CIS.

UKRAINIAN MAGAZINE WRITES ON UZBEKISTAN

State information and analytical center of monitoring the product markets of Ukraine has prepared special illustrated series of stories o¬n Uzbekistan, which was later published in the September issue of the "Ukrainian market review" magazine, put out both in Russian and English, Jahon news agency reported.

In his interview to the magazine, Uzbek Ambassador to Ukraine Ilkhom Khaydarov told about achievements of Uzbekistan during independence years.

"For over the last years the indicator of bilateral trade has remained at US$280 million, but in 2005 it had exceeded US$330 million," Khaydarov said.

The story entitled "UzDaewooAuto – 10 years" tells about the making of automobile industry in Uzbekistan and names the town of Asaka in Andijan Region – the "little Detroit". Sergey Dubrovin, the author of the story, has dwelled upon the topic of the ongoing programme of localizing the production in Uzbekistan and wonderful qualities of the Uzbek-made cars.

"UzDaewooAuto has first obtained an ISO 9001:1994 certificate in the country. And in February 2003 the company received a certificate of quality for its product – ISO 9001:2000. Furthermore, in 2004 it was awarded an International Summit Award for the strife to the quality," the author writes.

According to the Ukrainian journalist, the Ukrainian people liked the Uzbek-made cars – Nexia, Matiz, and Lacetti, promoted locally by UkrUzaAuto.

"At the moment, the company has launched two modern car saloons in the Ukraine – Kiev and Lvov," – the story also told, "and dealership relations are developing with partners in Donetsk, Dnepropetrovsk, Odessa, Zaporozhie, and other big cities in the Ukraine".

Besides, the magazine story also told about the Trading House Ukraine and Uzbekistan – the joint venture, established by Navoi Mining and Smelting Company in 1996. Initial goal behind establishing it was to channel the company goods to the Ukrainian market, but later the scope of activity of the joint venture has much expanded – the main objective became to promote the goods at both markets – in Uzbekistan and the Ukraine.

In 1998 the company officials decided to put out a magazine "Trading House "Ukraine -Uzbekistan", aiming so that enterprises and business people from both countries learn more about o¬ne another.

ARAL SEA PROBLEMS TO BE DISCUSSED IN UZBEK CAPITAL

Ecosan, international health and environment organization, will organize a conference to discuss problems of Aral Sea and Aral Sea Basin in Tashkent on 22 September. It is expected that Uzbek MPs, representatives of ministries and departments of Uzbekistan, NOGs, diplomatic corps and mass media will attend the conference entitled "Problems of Aral and Aral Sea Basin – imperative to international cooperation".

It is planned to hold exhibition of materials on Aral Sea within the conference.

Aral Sea problem is one of the global ecologic problems, which creates unfavorable conditions in Aral Sea Basin.

On 1 September, leaders of Central Asian adopted decision to revive work of International Aral Sea Salvation Fund and Information Centre. It is expected that this issue will be discussed within the exhibition.

SOME 5,000 UZBEKS TO PERFORM PILGRIMAGE THIS YEAR

A total of 5,000 Uzbek Muslims are going to perform the hajj to Mecca this year, Artyk Yussupov, the deputy chairman of Uzbekistan's Committee for Religious Affairs told a news conference here Tuesday where he spoke about events time for the holy month of Ramazan.

"Saudi Arabia allotted to us a quota of 5,000 hajjis," he said. "The number of applications exceeded it by 3,000, but those people received an opportunity to come to Mecca at a different time."

"A group of 30 interpreters, the same number of physicians and ten cooks will escort our hajjis," Yussupov said. "About a hundred imams go together with the believers to explain the rules of conduct and the procedures during the hajj."

All in all, about 53,000 Muslims from Uzbekistan have taken part in the hajjes to Mecca since this country's independence 15 years ago.

Yussupov also indicated that each believer is expected to pay US$1,000 for the hajj this years, not inclusive of air tickets.

Uzbekistan has a population of more than 26 million and 92% of those people call themselves the followers of Islam.

UZBEK POP STAR PARTICIPATES IN "LEYLA AND MAJNUN" PREMIER IN EUROPE

A premier of the international music project "Leyla and Majnun" was successfully held in Antwerp of Belgium and Amsterdam and Rotterdam of the Netherlands.

Netherlands Royal Tropical Institute initiated the project, which tells a story of love between Leyla and Majnun, hymned by Eastern poets of the Middle Age.

Sevara Nazarkhan, honored artist of Uzbekistan, participated in the project and performed one of the two main roles at the musical play.

Numerous Belgian and Dutch lovers of "World Music", which now finds it development at the crossroads of various music cultures and traditions, have highly assessed the beauty and lyrics of Uzbek classical songs, artistic talent and performance skill of Uzbek singer.

Severa Nazarkhan performed national Uzbek songs, namely "Daryo toshkin", "Ey nozanin", "Galdir", "Adolat tanavori", "Yor-yor" and "Urik gullaganda" and Europeans warmly received her songs.

Second main role in the project "Leyla and Majnun" played well-known Belgian singer by Tunisian origin Galia Ben Ali, who has performed lyrical songs in Arabic and other Eastern languages.