8 October, 2006
Politics
Russian, Uzbek leader discuss cooperation issues
Uzbek speaker meets German officials to discuss ties
Kyrgyz Foreign Minister on President K.Bakiev's recent visit to Uzbekistan
Economics
Cabinet Minister’s complex discusses information systems development in 3 quarter 2006
Tashkent to host Uzbekistan AGROMINITECHEXPO–2006 on 21 October
Tashkent hosts third international motor show
Uzbekistan's AGMK to start developing Khandiza field in 2007
Society
Uzbek historical, cultural artifacts to go to display in Brussels
Belgian musician studies to play on Uzbek instrument
Theatres of Uzbekistan improve their repertoires
Bulgarian Cinema Week opens in Uzbek capital
Iroda Tulyaganova moves to tennis tournament final in Tashkent
POLITICS
RUSSIAN, UZBEK LEADER DISCUSS COOPERATION ISSUES
Uzbek President Islam Karimov and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed issues on bilateral cooperation over phone, RIA Novosti reported.
The report said Uzbek head congratulated Russian leader Vladimir Putin with his 54th birthday.
The report said quoting press service of Russian president that the two sides "expressed satisfaction with the ongoing development of bilateral relations and the constructive steps taken by both sides in the trade, economic, and humanitarian spheres of cooperation."
UZBEK SPEAKER MEETS GERMAN OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS TIES
Speaker of Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Erkin Khalilov discussed current state and perspectives of relations between legislative bodies of Uzbekistan and Germany with delegation of Federal Foreign Ministry of Germany led by political department director Michael Schaefer.
The sides noted that interparliamentary cooperation occupies important place in expansion of cooperation between starts and strengthening their legal base.
The Uzbek side presented information on activity of two-chamber parliament in Uzbekistan, role and tasks of Legislative Chamber and fractions.
KYRGYZ FOREIGN MINISTER ON PRESIDENT K.BAKIEV'S RECENT VISIT TO UZBEKISTAN
Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Alikbek Jekshenkulov hailed President Kurmanbek Bakiev's first visit to neighboring Uzbekistan.
Addressing reporters in Bishkek, he described as "very sucessful" the outcome of the talks Bakiev had with his Uzbek counterpart, Islam Karimov.
"The two presidents exchanged views on a large number of political, economic, cultural and humanitarian issues," Jekshenkulov said. "There was full mutual understanding and support on a wide range of issues."
Bakiev's two-day (October 3-4) visit to Uzbekistan was the first by a Kyrgyz president in 10 years. The two leaders signed half-a-dozen political, economic, and security agreements.
Kyrgystan's Foreign Ministry says they also discussed joint steps "against terrorism, separatism, and narco-trafficking."
Jekshenkulov said that, in addition, Uzbekistan agreed to ship an additional 30 to 40 million cubic meters of natural gas to Kyrgyzstan this year at a price of $55 per 1,000 cubic meters.
ECONOMICS
CABINET MINISTER’S COMPLEX DISCUSSES INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT IN 3 QUARTER 2006
The Complex for Information Systems and Communication of the Cabinet of Ministers conducted a meeting. Members of the Complex discussed the results of socio-economic development in the industry for the first three quarters of the year.
During the reporting period the activity of companies was aimed at meeting the objectives outlined in the report of President Karimov delivered at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on the results of socio-economic development of the country in 2005 and the priority tasks for the intensification of economic reforms in the year 2006. Moreover, the companies also set the goal of implementing the priority state programmes and further intensify socio-economic reforms in the sphere of IS and telecommunication.
During the first nine months of the year, services worth some 415 billion soums were provided (up 38.3% against first three quarters of 2005). This includes services provided in the sphere of ICT and communication – for 383.4 billion soums, and in the sphere of information and press – for 31.5 billion soums.
Meeting participants analysed the course of the implementation of the Presidential Resolution "On measures to intensify the development of service sphere in Uzbekistan for 2006-2010" dated 17 April 2006, action plans for the fulfillment of the tasks based on the identified priority areas for the intensification of economic reforms in 2006, and the investment programme.
Participants emphasized the need to raise the conscientiousness of the administrative officials responsible for the implementation of the tasks set. They critically reviewed the measures on satisfactory passing of the 2006-2007 autumn-winter season implemented by the departments and organizations, members of the Complex for Information Systems and Telecommunication.
They also discussed the assurance of unconditional and due fulfillment of the laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the decrees and resolutions of the President, and government resolutions concerning the activity of the industries, further reinforcement of the executive discipline, improvement of the effectiveness of the functioning of all management units in the departments and organizations, raising the responsibility of the administrative officials, as well as development of work plans for the fourth quarter of the year.
Orders were issued on improvement of the quality of preparation of regulatory acts by the departments, provision for the fulfillment of state programmes and overfulfilment of the export plans. Appropriate decisions were made upon all discussions.
TASHKENT TO HOST UZBEKISTAN AGROMINITECHEXPO–2006 ON 21 OCTOBER
The First International specialised sales exhibition of mini technology and compact equipment for agriculture – Uzbekistan AGROMINITECHEXPO-2006 – will commence its work at UzExpoCentre Exhibition Complex on 21 October.
About 100 companies from 19 countries of the world have already confirmed their participation in it. The forthcoming exhibition will make it possible to representatives of farming enterprises, agro-firms and small enterprises of the republic to get acquainted with contemporary highly technological mini technologies and agro-processing equipment of leading foreign firms and companies. The exhibition should play an important role in providing practical aid to establish contacts and conclude agreements for purchasing equipment and implementing advanced technologies in the agro-industrial complex of Uzbekistan. It is worthy to pay attention that the exhibition is not a single measure - it will continue its work already from 10 November as permanent sale exhibition of mini technologies and equipment for farming enterprises, agro-firms, small enterprises, which accomplish processing of agricultural production.
As is known, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted a resolution No.449 on 24 August 2006 "On measures to arrange and conduct international specialized sale exhibition of agricultural mini technologies and compact equipment". With the aim of widely attracting and involving leading foreign producer-companies in the exhibition, this document established that exhibition areas are given free to exhibition participants during the holding of the exhibition Uzbekistan AGROMINITECHEXPO-2006 at UzExpoCentre.
On an exceptional basis, the resolution also provides to exempt from paying customs fees, models of mini technologies and compact equipment being imported to Uzbekistan in mode of temporary import for two years. The resolution aims to create conditions for their subsequent realization to agro-firms and farming enterprises on the basis of concluded imported-goods or leasing contracts. While selling equipment to domestic producers, those companies, which import mini technologies and compact equipment, will be exempted from paying customs duties and tax at VAT (Value Added Tax).
The sale exhibition's issue-related and exposition plan comprises about 100 areas, including such sections as mini equipment on producing and processing fruit and vegetables and meat-and-milk production, mini equipment for producing flour and mixed fodder, mini technologies and mini equipment for horticulture and viticulture, packing equipment, chemical preparations for protecting plants, veterinary medicine, karakul sheep raising and leather working, the organization of glass-house farming and so on.
Special attention will be paid to the fact that information should be imparted to Uzbek consumers about the current financial instruments for purchasing mini technologies and compact equipment. For that reason, representatives of banks and leasing companies of the republic will participate in the exhibition. Furthermore, as a part of the exhibition, a series of specialized subject seminars aimed at developing mutually advantageous cooperation between farming enterprises, agro-firms and small enterprises of the republic and foreign producers of mini technologies and compact equipment, will be conducted.
TASHKENT HOSTS THIRD INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW
The third Uzbek international motor show AutoMotorShow Uzbekistan 2006 has been held in Tashkent, in the central pavilion of UzExpoCentre Exhibition Complex. It was organized by international exhibition companies ITE Uzbekistan and ITE E&S Ltd. ITE under the support of the association Toshshahartransxizmat [Tashkent city transport service], the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Tashkent city administration.
During four exhibition days, from 3 through 6 October, the participants in the exhibition introduced to visitors the most contemporary achievements in the sphere of automobile machine building, new equipment, technologies for auto industry, and also auto-leasing programmes. The exhibition was represented by seventeen sections, particularly by automobiles, buses, special automobiles, farm machinery, numerous spare parts and component parts, fuels and lubricants, repair of automobiles and so on.
It is worthy to note that the visitors, interested in the establishment of business contacts with companies, did not have problems with the selection. Indeed the present exhibition was attended by over 30 companies (BMW, Nissan, Audi, Avtodom Plus LLC, Russian buses, Henkel Technologies and others) from such countries as, Germany, the Ukraine, Taiwan, Singapore, Latvia, Poland, Turkey, The United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, China, Russia and Uzbekistan.
A great deal of companies made many innovative proposals, capable of pleasing a customer with the most exacting taste. Thus, for instance, for automobiles of model Lada Kalina several dozens colours have been developed - from nontraditional saturated "fruit" colours to calm pastel and silvery shades.
"Our automobiles are compact and spacious, quick and easy to drive. They are dynamic and economical, created for happy movement", the deputy director of the company, Andrey Ishchin, says. "Thanks to safeguards and surprising comfort, provided in the motor saloon, Lada Kalina has already met the most stringent European requirements".
Likewise, among the innovations, represented at the exhibition one cannot fail to say about auto leasing. This programme, elaborated by the company Business Leasing, is the first similar project in Uzbekistan. With a question, on what conditions this programme is achieved, we addressed the chief specialist of the credit and analytical department of Business Leasing, Zaur Tuychiyev.
"Using the programme Auto leasing, a customer will be able to acquire necessary vehicle he needs by paying its cost by installments. Meanwhile, our company presents a car with complete insurance coverage, including road traffic accident risks insurances for the entire leasing period. The company also performs and pays all registration procedures, necessary for purchaser. Enterprises and organization of all forms of property and private entrepreneurs, who have the status of residents of the Republic of Uzbekistan and commercial income from their activities, can receive leasing. They can purchase by installments with a period from one to three years new vehicles, including cars, small and medium-size passenger vehicles, and also small lorries and medium-size trucks. Among them there are such models as BMW, Opel, Nissan, Mercedes, MAZ, GAZ, Toyota, Daewoo, VAZ Lada, KaMAZ, Chevrolet, Hyundai and Uzotoyol".
Initial leasing payment (percentage of the cost of motor-car) is from 60% and more, and monthly payment (interest margin) is 0,85%. Interest margin increases in the inverse proportion to the initial leasing payment.
Thus, the exhibition AutoMotorShow Uzbekistan 2006 had many new, interesting and useful things, and, not only for the representatives of automobile business and professional motor vehicle constructors, but also for simple owners of vehicles. The scale exhibition was the proof of the fact that the car market of Uzbekistan underwent cardinal changes today. In accordance with the objective market laws and due to the increasing effective demand, producers are ready to propose to purchaser such assortment of all possible automotive engineering, which is capable of satisfying the most diverse needs of population and the country's transport complex.
UZBEKISTAN'S AGMK TO START DEVELOPING KHANDIZA FIELD IN 2007
Uzbek state-owned metals and mining company Almalyk Mining-Metallurgical Complex, or AGMK, plans to start developing the Khandiza polymetal deposit in the country at the end of 2007, Prime-Tass reported on Wednesday quoting AGMK.
In mid-August, the Uzbek government stripped the exclusive rights to develop the Khandiza deposit from the UK's Marakand Minerals, a 78% subsidiary of Oxus Gold, and transferred the rights to AGMK, the report said.
The deposit contains silver, zinc, copper, lead, and also some selenium, cadmium, gold and indium.
Under JORC (Joint Ore Reserves Committee) Code, the deposit's reserves are estimated at 14.4 million tonnes of ore, with silver content of 134 grams per tonne, zinc content of 7.24 grams per tonne, lead content of 3.5 grams per tonne and gold content of 0.38 grams per tonne.
Almalyk Mining-Metallurgical Complex is the largest copper producer in the Central Asia. AGMK accounts for 90% of silver production and 20% of gold production in the country.
SOCIETY
UZBEK HISTORICAL, CULTURAL ARTIFACTS TO GO TO DISPLAY IN BRUSSELS
Royal Museum of Arts and History of Belgium launched the preparation work to stage the exhibition "Samarkand at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road: treasures of Uzbekistan museums".
Royal Museum of Arts and History is one of the largest and most prominent museums in Belgium. Established in 1835, it has more than 350 thousand exhibits in its collection, which are displayed at 60,000 square meters of gallery territory, the report said.
Collection of the museum is divided into four sections: collection of national archaeology of Belgium, antique collection of the Middle East, Egypt, Greece and Rome, collection of non-European civilizations, which is focused o¬n Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Southeastern Asia), America (one of the most rich collections of the pre-Columbus art of the continent), Oceania and Islamic world; and collection of European decorative art from medieval times until 20th century.
Each year the Royal Museum organizes 15 small exhibitions of various countries and o¬ne major, dedicated to a country or theme. Three exhibitions at once have been opened in Brussels in September: "Masters of pre-Columbus art", "Traditional clothing of Mexico" and "Indians in Brussels", which will work until April 2007, the report also said.
Museum has already started the preparation works for the exhibition "Samarkand at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road: treasures of Uzbekistan museums", the holding of which is scheduled to 2009. Recent visit to Uzbekistan of the museum delegation leadership has served as a start of the project.
"As a head of ancient Iran and Central Asia collection of Royal Museum I have been honored to lead the organization of large exhibition about Uzbekistan in Brussels," - member of delegation, head of the department of archaeology of ancient Iran and Central Asia at the Museum Dr. Bruno Overlaet said in an interview to the Information Agency "Jahon".
Along with colleagues from Uzbek museums we are going to broadly demonstrate the role of Uzbekistan in operation of the Great Silk Road from ancient times, yet beginning from the period of Alexander the Great Empire and Achemenids, Dr. Overlaet added.
According to him, within the framework of the exhibition we will try to present the archaeological exhibits, historical and cultural artifacts, works of art, including those discovered during the archaeological excavations o¬n the territory of Uzbekistan.
"In this regard, I would like to underscore that for over the last years Uzbekistan has been experiencing the real boom of archaeological explorations, carried by Uzbek scientists along with their foreign colleagues, investing into them the much energy and considerable funds. Thanks to them the main role of Uzbekistan and Central Asia is getting more portrayal in the history of world civilization," he further added.
Dr. Overlaet said during trip to Uzbekistan, the delegation have established the direct contacts with Ministry of Culture and Sports, Academy of Arts, a number of museums in Tashkent and Samarkand.
"We can say that the outcomes of the travel to the country are positive. Our Uzbek partners and we are ready to apply all efforts so that the forthcoming big exhibition of archaeological and cultural values of Uzbekistan in Brussels and other European capitals would become a large event in cultural life of Europe," Dr. Overlaet has concluded.
BELGIAN MUSICIAN STUDIES TO PLAY ON UZBEK INSTRUMENT
In August last year the Belgian musician Carlo Strazzante participated at the Fifth International Music Festival "Sharq taronalari" ('Melodies of Orient') in Samarkand as a member of "Zaman" Ensemble.
While in Uzbekistan Mr. Strazzante, who plays on various Oriental percussion instruments – the Indian tabla, Moroccan bendeer, Iranian dafe, has discovered for himself the Uzbek national percussion instrument – the doyra.
According to musician, in Samarkand he has especially remembered the "Doyra raqsi" ('Dance of doyra'), performed by female dancers and doyra players of the State Ensemble of "Uzbekiston" at the ceremonial opening of the festival, Mutalov further reported.
This year the participants of the "Uzbekiston" State Ensemble performed several times with concerts in Belgium. Availing himself of the given opportunity, the musician learned from them the technique of performing on the new untapped instrument, the report said.
"Participation at the International Festival "Sharq taronalari" and performance o¬n a historic Registan Square in Samarkand became a brightest event in my life," Mr. Strazzante said in his interview with Jahon. "I and my colleagues have got acquainted with your beautiful country and talented Uzbek actors," he added.
"Also, I have remembered the trip by the fact that I have discovered for myself a wonderful musical instrument – the doyra. I was excited by its simplicity and at the same time – its versatility, the ability both to use it o¬n it's own and in the accompany of other instruments. I have also been impressed by its sound, which can simultaneously be a strong and thin," he said.
"Thanks to talented Uzbek doyra player Davronbek Akbarbekov, who has showed me the basic elements of playing o¬n doyra, I could gradually learn to play o¬n this wonderful instrument. In the future with the help of Uzbek colleagues we are going to hold master-classes in Belgium for all those, who are interested to learn to play o¬n doyra," the musician has concluded.
THEATRES OF UZBEKISTAN IMPROVE THEIR REPERTOIRES
The Resolution of President Islam Karimov on the promotion of the national idea and raising the efficiency of the elucidative mission stresses the need to improve the activity of theatres, and diversify their repertoire by bringing more historical and modern plays.
This task requires that the representatives of the stage art activate their efforts in searching different interesting works, creating the atmosphere of healthy competition, and strengthening the material-technological base of the theatres.
Currently four theatres work in Samarkand region. Among them is the Theatre of Musical Drama named after Hamid Alimjan. The theatre stands out for its extensive and diverse repertoire.
"This theatre has a rich artistic experience," said the Head of the Regional Department for Cultural Affairs and Sport Farmon Razykov. "He sets an example for other artistic teams in staging new topical plays. The theatre has recently begun its 93rd season. Its repertoire includes dramas and comedies on various topics. Among the plays staged this year is "The Return".
"I watched the play with great interest," said a labour veteran Tuychi Yermuhammedov. "It tells the story of young people who got implicated in crime, terrorism and drug abuse. The actors participating in this play appear to be very skillful. It would be great if young people would see more of such plays. Because, in a heart that loves art there is no space for evil intentions."
The troupe of the theatre pays special attention to comedies and farces. Plays like "Men, protect women!" and "Let me try dying" are extremely popular. The troupe has gone on tour to Surkhandarya, Kashkadarya, Navoi, Bukhara, and Jizzakh regions, where they received positive and warm responses from the audience.
The same diversity is observed at the Russian Drama Theatre named after Chehov, Kattakurgan City Drama Theatre named after Abdulhamid Majidiy, Children's Theatre named after Asror Juraev. Scores of new plays are staged on the topical subjects in these theatres and immediately earn popularity among the audience.
"We try to present interesting pieces to our audience," said Chief Director of the Russian Drama Theatre named after Chehov, V. Broyansky. "But I would hardly say that our theatre is always full with the lovers of art. We are experiencing a strong need for cops-and-robbers type of plays on topical issues. Besides, we have the lack of young actors," he added.
In view of the issue mentioned by Broyansky, increasingly high attention is given to the preparation of qualified staff for the theatres. The Theatre of Musical Drama named after Alimjan has created a "Theatre Youth Studio". The students of the Art College of Samarkand are attending the classes of this studio. Experienced actors and directors of the theatre not only share the secrets of their profession, but also involve young people in new plays.
In other words, the troupes of the theatres are putting their best efforts to satisfy the population's aesthetic needs.
BULGARIAN CINEMA WEEK OPENS IN UZBEK CAPITAL
Bulgarian Cinema Week started at the Tashkent Museum of Cinema, UzA reported.
As a part of the cinema campaign the Bulgarian moviemakers are expected to offer the Uzbek viewers a number of films, including "Slavniy Khon" ('Famous Khon'), "Vor persikov" ('Thief of peaches'), "Ekzamen" ('Examination') and "Bezymyanniy orkestr" ('Anonymous orchestra').
Besides, a photo exhibition "With love to Uzbekistan" is reported to have opened at the museum, which was organized by Bulgarian photography masters.
Uzbekistan's landscape, its ancient monuments and interesting photo-drawings, which tell about the life of Uzbek people, are displayed there.
IRODA TULYAGANOVA MOVES TO TENNIS TOURNAMENT FINAL IN TASHKENT
Iroda Tulyaganova of Uzbekistan will face China's Tiantian Sun in the final match of Tashkent Open on Sunday, 8 October.
Winner of Tashkent Open 2000, Tulyaganova, outplayed Olga Poutchkova of Russian in semi-final on Saturday.
The first set was difficult for both sides, while in the second set nervous Russian started to make errors. The first game of the second set was the longest and after Iroda claimed it, 19-year old Poutchkova stopped to fight.
Iroda Tulyaganova claimed victory in straight sets 6/4 and 6/0. Earlier, Tiantian Sun defeated Belarusian Victoria Azarenko 7/5 and 6/4.