19 October, 2006

Politics
President resolves to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in Uzbekistan on 23 October
Delegation of Vietnam-Uzbekistan Friendship Society visits Tashkent
Uzbek police, special service seize 45 kg of opium

Economics
Uzbekistan signs cotton export agreements for 1.7m tonnes
Uzbekistan to expand capacity of terminals
Uzbek fair participants comment on event
NEC completes telecom, broadcasting project in Uzbekistan
Tashkent business club launches business's social responsibility project
Uzbekistan's UzDaewooAvto car output up 32.6% on year in Jan-Sep
Uzbekistan Airways to shift to winter schedule in late October

Society
State Museum of Temurids' History marks its 10th anniversary
UK Embassy in Tashkent publishes first issue of Insight UK periodical POLITICS

PRESIDENT RESOLVES TO CELEBRATE EID AL-FITR IN UZBEKISTAN ON 23 OCTOBER

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a resolution on 18 October to celebrate widely Eid al-Fitr in the country on 23 October and announced this day as a holiday.

The resolution has been approved taking into account the role and significance of sacred Ramadan in the spiritual life of the Uzbek people, as well as in line with the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan "On announcement of Eid al-Fitr as day off".

President Karimov entrusted corresponding departments and public organizations to carry out necessary events in connection with celebration of Eid al-Fitr at a high level.

DELEGATION OF VIETNAM-UZBEKISTAN FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY VISITS TASHKENT

A delegation of the Vietnam-Uzbekistan Friendship Society headed by its Chairman Mr. Do Minh Quy, a graduate of the Tashkent Irrigation Research Academy (1969-1973), who has turned 70 in May this year, is visiting Uzbekistan on 14-21 October. "Among the members of the Vietnam delegation are the graduates of universities and professional colleges of Tashkent, who are currently holding high-rank positions in Vietnam," Ambassador of Vietnam to Uzbekistan Fam Zui Shon told BVV. "Among them are the member of the Friendship Society Executive Committee, Deputy Head of the Socio-Political Department of Nyanzan newspaper, reporter Vu The Lan, who had graduated from the law faculty of the Tashkent State University; an entrepreneur Chu Hong Hai, Deputy Director of the Planning and Investment Department of Bindin province Nguyen Minh Tam, who had graduated from Tashkent State University; the Director of the Centre for Integration of Technological Scientific Progress of the Bindin province Nguyen Huu Phuc, who had graduated from Tashkent State University and Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Mechanization in Agriculture.

They arrived in Tashkent as a part of the delegation exchange programme implemented in accordance with the Agreement on Cooperation between the Friendship Societies of the two countries.

The aim of the visit is to strengthen friendship and cooperation not only between the members of the societies, but between the two nations, who have always lived in friendship and peace. We hope that the agreements reached during the meetings held will produce practical results, that will strengthen cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural and tourism spheres. That is why, the delegation includes an entrepreneur and a reporter, who will try to establish contacts for further work between the businessmen of Uzbekistan and Vietnam, and in a way assist the establishment of closer relations between the people of our countries.

In the late August- early September of the previous year, a delegation of the Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Society, headed by its Chairman, Professor Tursunali Kuziev participated in the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Vietnam's independence. On the occasion of this anniversary, many of our friends, specialists and teachers from Uzbekistan, who have provided support to the people of Vietnam in preparation of qualified workers, received honourable government awards."

UZBEK POLICE, SPECIAL SERVICE SEIZE 45 KG OF OPIUM

An attempt to smuggle 45 kg of opium from Afghanistan has been foiled as a result of a joint operation by the Uzbek National Security Service (NSS) and the Uzbek Interior Ministry.

The NSS representative said that a special operation on the bank of border Amydaryo river was held at night.

"Afghan drug dealers armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle with some 30 live cartridges were taken by surprise in the reeds by officers of the criminal investigation department, and therefore could not put up resistance," he said. The NSS noted that "the criminals used car tyres to transport the plastic bags with drugs across the frontier river". "One of the detainees, a 38-year-old resident of Afghanistan's Balkh Province, was earlier convicted of a similar crime by an Uzbek court in Surkhandaryo Region, but was pardoned in 2003 as a foreign citizen," the NSS said.

ECONOMICS

UZBEKISTAN SIGNS COTTON EXPORT AGREEMENTS FOR 1.7M TONNES

Uzbekistan signed exports contracts for 1.7 million tonnes of cotton fibre within two-day International Uzbek Cotton Fair, Uzbek senior official said during official closure ceremony of the event.

The Second International Uzbek Cotton Fair opened in Tashkent on 17 October. During two days, Uzbek capital city will be centre of cotton industry.

The fair was organized by the Uzbek Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade (MFERIT) at the support of International Cotton Advisory Committee, Cotton Outlook Ltd, (UK-based magazine), Uzpakhtasanoat (Uzbek Cotton Industry) Association and Sifat centre.

Elyor Ganiev, Minister for Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade, said representatives of 250 companies from 35 countries participated in the fair, which aimed at establishment of long-term cooperation, diversification of cotton exports and transparency of Uzbek cotton exports, as well as creation equal opportunities to buyers.

Mr Ganiev said Uzbekistan signed export agreements on supply of 1.7 million tonnes of cotton fibre to consumers within fair, of which 600,000 tonnes of cotton fibre fells to share of 2006 yield. He said other 1.1 million tonnes of cotton fibre will be supplied to consumers from yields of 2007 and 2008.

Uzbek minister said the contracts were mainly signed with representatives of China, Singapore, South Korea, Bangladesh, UAE and Russia.

At the same time, he said that Uzbekistan will take into account all those suggestion and recommendations of fair participants directed to improvement of cooperation of the sides, cotton characteristics and cotton supplies. He said that Uzbekistan will work on them and take necessary measures.

UZBEKISTAN TO EXPAND CAPACITY OF TERMINALS

Uzbekistan plans to expand capacity of cotton terminals from 372,000 tonnes to 400,000 tonnes, Uzbek official said on Tuesday.

The Second International Uzbek Cotton Fair opened in Tashkent on 17 October. During two days, Uzbek capital city will be centre of cotton industry. According to organizers, 350 representatives from 32 countries are taking part in the event.

The fair was organized by the Uzbek Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade (MFERIT) at the support of International Cotton Advisory Committee, Cotton Outlook Ltd, (UK-based magazine), Uzpakhtasanoat (Uzbek Cotton Industry) Association and Sifat centre.

The organizers said over 500,000 tonnes of cotton fibre from the yield of 2006 will be traded within the framework of the fair. It also said participants can acquaint with over 1,000 types of Uzbek cotton and transportation routes.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Elyor Ganiev, Minister for Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade, said Uzbekistan has 21 cotton terminals, which can store u to 372,000 tonnes of cotton simultaneously.

He said that the country is planning to expand capacity of these terminals from 372,000 tonnes to 400,000 tonnes.

Uzbek minister also said the country has four free waregouses, which can store 48,000 tonnes of cotton.

UZBEK FAIR PARTICIPANTS COMMENT ON EVENT

The Second International Uzbek Cotton Trade Fair will open on 17 October in Tashkent. Companies and firms from over 30 countries have shown interest in participation.

"The representatives of our corporation are participating in the fair for the first time," said the head of the Prima Cotton Fibre Corporation (Bangladesh) Mirza Muhammad Shahad Husayn. "Last year I heard about the success of the international cotton fair in Uzbekistan, and decided to participate in the next one. I am very happy to visit Tashkent.

The fair will gather the largest procurers of cotton, buyers from around the world. This indicates the growing recognition of the Uzbek cotton in the world market.

Bangladesh also produces cotton. Like everywhere else, our country pays special attention to quality. That is why there is such a high demand for Uzbek cotton. Our corporation is very interested in procurement.

We have bought Uzbek cotton before too. We value it for the high quality. However, so far we had to buy it from intermediaries, and it cost us a lot. I would like to put forward a question about the development of a special programme on direct supplies of Uzbek cotton to Bangladesh. I think that our participation in the fair, procurement of high quality cotton, establishment of effective dialogue will create great opportunities for the development of our company's production.

Iftihor Husseyn, a representative of the Lynx International Company (Bangladesh): "Our company is engaged primarily in the import and export of cotton. So far we have also bought Uzbek cotton through intermediaries. It often carried certain troubles, excessive costs. We highly value Uzbek cotton, famous around the world for its high quality. The first supplies of cotton from Uzbekistan constituted a significant achievement for our company.

The fair, which is becoming a traditional event, will serve the development of Uzbekistan's exporting capacity, establishment of new ties, signing of many contracts. Our goals are to participate in the fair, find new partners and establish effective cooperation. We have the opportunity to familiarize with the characteristics of Uzbek cotton, methods of growing cotton, the latest achievements in the sphere of logistics and cotton selling. We will learn about the development of the cotton-growing and cotton-processing industries of Uzbekistan. At the same time, we intend to open an office in Uzbekistan. This will undoubtedly be an important event in the development of business relations with our Uzbek partners.

I have had the dream of visiting Uzbekistan for many years, and this is my first time here. What I have seen so far has exceeded all of my expectations. I was highly impressed by the hospitality, politeness, and sincerity of your people."

"First of all, I would like to congratulate the organizers and participants on the opening of the fair," said the representative of the Daewoo International Company Lee Ching Chol. "It appears that large-scale work was carried out for successful administration of the fair.

Uzbekistan holds the second position in the world in the export of cotton. Tashkent Cotton Fair is growing in importance for the producers and international buyers of cotton. I am convienced that in the future the circle of the fair participants will further expand, because Uzbek cotton is highly valued around the world. Daewoo International Company has been cooperating with Uzbekistan in this area since the very first days of independence of your country. To date, the volume of cotton-fibre procured by our company from Uzbekistan has exceeded 1 million tonnes. We are planning to continue building effective cooperation.

It is remarkable that such a large-scale specialized fair is conducted only in Uzbekistan. Uzbek cotton is valued for its high quality stirring up the demand for it in the world market. The number of traders cooperating with the cotton producers of Uzbekistan is increasing. The fair will raise the reputation of the Uzbek cotton in the world market," he said.

"High organizational level of the fair should increase the chances of attracting high quality specialists," said the Editor-in-Chief of the Cotton Outlook Ray Butler (UK). "Our publication monitors the demand for cotton grown in different countries around the world. The results of the monitoring indicate the growing demand for Uzbek cotton, stimulated by the increasing quality of the product. All the largest participants of the world cotton market are taking part in the Second International Uzbek Cotton Fair."

NEC COMPLETES TELECOM, BROADCASTING PROJECT IN UZBEKISTAN

NEC Corporation (NEC) today announced that it has completed the second phase of a telecommunications and broadcasting yen-loan-financing project to improve and expand the country-wide telecommunications and broadcasting network in Uzbekistan.

This approximately 10 billion-yen project consists of the construction of a 3,487km-long fiber optical network with transmission systems and 41stations/ 89bases for TV broadcasting, covering the entire nation.

In the first phase of the project, completed in 2002, NEC installed the trunk line of a 2,500km-long fiber optical network linking the major cities of Uzbekistan with microwave communications system and public digital switching systems.

In the second phase, the trunk line was extended to neighboring towns and villages of the main cities and a circular optical network has been constructed linking four eastern cities of Tashkent. Simultaneously, the second phase also involved the construction of a new television broadcasting transmission network. The completion of the project contributes to a significant improvement of both the telecommunications and broadcasting infrastructure in Uzbekistan.

When former Japanese Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, visited Uzbekistan on a diplomatic trip from the 29 -30 August, 2006, Uzbekistan's President, Mr. Islam Karimov, expressed the nations gratitude for Japan's yen-loan-financed projects. In particular, the Uzbek government praised the smooth completion of both phases of the telecommunications and broadcasting projects within the assigned period.

Ever since 1990, when NEC won the contract for satellite ground stations and international telecommunications switching systems for Uzbekistan, it has been actively working on provision of telecommunications equipment to Uzbekistan. In 1997, NEC established a liaison office in Tashkent and also opened a Technical Center on the grounds of Tashkent University of Information Technologies for the maintenance of the telecommunications equipment and the training of local engineers and students. NEC has been deeply involved in Uzbekistan's telecommunications development in terms of both hardware and education for human resource.

NEC intends to further contribute to the improvement of telecommunications infrastructure in Uzbekistan, as well as in other central Asian countries.

NEC Corporation is one of the world's leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global base of customers. NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networks, and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and had net sales of approximately 4,825 billion yen (approx. US$41.2 billion) in the fiscal year ended March 2006.

TASHKENT BUSINESS CLUB LAUNCHES BUSINESS'S SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PROJECT

In partnership with the Centre for innovation and management consulting enterprise, Tashkent business club Non-governmental Nonprofit Organization [NNO] started to implement "Business's social responsibility" project.

In order to implement this project the club received a grant from the Fund for supporting Uzbekistan's NNO in September this year. Within the framework of the project the work will prolong until mid-2007.

The purpose of the project is to create prerequisites in making progress in the processes, which will make it possible to switch over from simple charity to business's social responsibility before the society, and also to organize constructive dialogue between the state local agencies and businessmen with a view to produce forms of social partnership, the Centre for innovation and management consulting enterprise's press release says.

Business's socially important initiatives are not paying tribute to fashion, it is a response to a change in society's expectations from business, and moreover, this becomes a normal practice of conducting business. Today, in order to become successful in business, it is already insufficient to honestly pay taxes, to ensure worthy wages to employees and income to shareholders. The society expects from business more deeds, namely – making contribution to the solution of social problems.

Tashkent business club is a non-governmental noncommercial organization, which has been carrying out its activity since September 2000. The club's mission is to develop circumstances of informal contact of representatives of business, science, state and non-governmental organizations of the economic sector for expanding and activating contacts between them with subsequent implementation in the business sphere - in the development of business partnership and cooperation.

The Centre for innovation and management has been functioning in the market for analytical services and administrative consulting since September 1990, providing leaders and owners of enterprises with innovation technologies, and methods, which make it possible to more effectively manage business. The centre considers that its mission is to assist to further development and prosperity of business environment in Uzbekistan.

UZBEKISTAN'S UZDAEWOOAVTO CAR OUTPUT UP 32.6% ON YEAR IN JANUARY-SEPTEMBER

Uzbek automobile factory UzDaewooAvto’s output rose 32.6% on the year to 101,010 units in January-September, the country’s State Statistics Committee said Tuesday.

Of the total, the output of Nexia cars increased 17.5% on the year to 54,549 cars, the output of Matiz cars doubled on the year to 35,188 cars, the output of Damas cars rose 5.1% on the year to 11,188 cars, and the output of Lacetti cars amounted to 85 cars in the period, down from about 1,800 cars in the same period last year, the statistics office said. The plant suspended the production of Lacetti cars in April.

This year the company plans to produce 142,000 cars, including 68,500 cars for export.

In 2005 the plant’s car output rose 44.2% on the year to 101,010 cars, exports rose 48.9% on the year to 53,092 cars and domestic car supplies increased 32.4% on the year to 46,127 cars.

UzDaewooAvto, formerly an Uzbek-South Korean car manufacturing joint venture, is fully owned by the Uzbek association of car producers Uzavtoprom, or Uzavtosanoat.

UZBEKISTAN AIRWAYS TO SHIFT TO WINTER SCHEDULE IN LATE OCTOBER

Uzbekiston Havo Yullari (Uzbekistan Airways) National Company will switch to winter schedule starting 29 October.

According to the winter schedule, from 1 November 2006, the frequency of HY 331/332 flights between Tashkent and Sharjah will be increased. The flights will be conducted by Boeing 757 aircrafts three times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Flights en route Tashkent – Riga will be conducted once a week – on Sundays; the return flight will be conducted on Mondays. Also, for the passengers' convenience, changes have been introduced to the flights timetable for some of the CIS countries switching to winter time.

SOCIETY

STATE MUSEUM OF TEMURIDS' HISTORY MARKS ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

On 18 October the State Museum of Temurids will turn 10. Today the museum's collection includes the most beautiful and rare items telling the visitors about Amir Temur, starting from the very early childhood to his becoming a great country and a military leader, and all of his successors and representatives of the Temurids' dynasty.

A beautiful circle-shaped domed building appeared in the heart of Tashkent 10 years ago. Located near the Amir Temur Square, the museum has become one of the city's symbols. Over 1.5 million people have visited it since its opening.

Today not only is the museum viewed as the temple of history, it also serves as a scientific centre that unites many historians. Since its foundation, several movies and scores of books about the Temurids' epoch have been produced and published. The museum is a member to the Council of the International Museums Committee, other members representing the largest historical treasuries of the world.

Over the years of functioning, the museum has substantially expanded its collection. It now has over 3,000 displays telling a centuries-long history of Uzbekistan. Among them are pictures, historical documents relating to the life and activity of Sahibkiran (Amir Temur), unique manuscripts, weapons, ancient clothes, household items, different coins, etc. Each of them reveals a page in the book of history.

Several new exhibitions are to open on the occasion of the museum's 10th anniversary. One of the most interesting ones is entitled "Presents". It includes the gifts made to the museum by the state and public officials, famous cultural figures, and foreign guests.

UK EMBASSY IN TASHKENT PUBLISHES FIRST ISSUE OF INSIGHT UK PERIODICAL

On 17 October, UK Embassy in Tashkent presented the first issue of the its periodical entitled Insight UK in the residence of the ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain [and Northern Ireland] to Uzbekistan. The presentation was attended by representatives of diplomatic corps and media.

The first issue was opened with a message by the ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Uzbekistan, David Moran, who failed to attend this ceremony because of his illness.

"There is a long history of friendly relations between the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan. For the first time the Embassy of Great Britain opened its doors in 1993. In November we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the visit of His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales (The Prince Charles), who opened the building in Ghulomov Street, where the UK Embassy is still functioning until now. From the moment of my arrival in March, 2005 it was my priority to search for the ways of disseminating information about numerous examples of positive cooperation between the two countries. I hope that this periodical will be able to make its contribution, by providing with useful and gripping information about the work of our Embassy, British association and our friends and partners in Uzbekistan."

The idea of issuing this publication was emerged by the department for policy, presses and social ties, which is run by the third secretary of the UK Embassy to Uzbekistan, Ben Greenwood.

This periodical encompasses information about foreign policy of Great Britain, information about the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Queen in Uzbekistan, recent meetings of the Embassy and its measures, about new system of granting visas by the Embassy and so on, said charge d'affaires ad interim of the embassy of Great Britain Hugh Taylor. I wanted to note especially the significance of the International Westminster University, which is also Great Britain's islet on Uzbekistan's soil and an excellent example of mutual cooperation. I attended the last ceremony of presenting diplomas to graduates. I take a pride to attend the ceremony. Indeed this higher educational establishment, which was provided by our country with educational programmes, teachers, textbooks and where the teaching is conducted in English. But the main point is that that this university is under close attention of the Uzbek government, which supports it in every possible way.

"In addition to the themes enumerated above, we are planning in the next issue of our periodical, to place information about the life of Muslim people of Great Britain, who comprise sufficiently considerable part of the country's population. We are planning to also continue publications about British music, culture and art", Taylor noted. "We are glad to present our first issue to your attention. We hope that you will like it, the third secretary of the Embassy," Ben Greenwood, said. "However, we would also want you to express your suggestions and requirements to us, if you really have them. We sincerely want so that it would be published interesting. Probably, those topics we are proposing are not quite interesting to you. If so, then you may suggest your options. We will do with a good grace and we hope for further cooperation."

It has also to be noted that the periodical of the Embassy of Great Britain was released with knowledge of a case and it has very good polygraphic quality.

"We hope that it will play its positive role in distributing information for interested parties on the relations between the two countries."