13 November, 2006
Politics:
President puts forward initiative to introduce amendments to Constitution
Uzbek leader congratulates Tajik counterpart on re-election
Japanese Premier Minister hopes for cooperation with Uzbekistan
Indian newspaper issues article on Uzbekistan
Economy:
IFC, Hamkor Bank sign US$3 mln loan agreement
DAEWOO INTERNATIONAL acquires Uzbek textile company
Indonesian business delegation to visit Tashkent
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan discuss cooperation in power industry
IEG to hold agriculture, food exhibitions
World Window is a first partner of DocsVision in Uzbekistan
Tokyo seminar views investment potential of Uzbekistan
Society:
Khorezm Academy of Mamun Anniversary through the eyes of foreign guests
Japanese bulletin about Uzbekistan
Bukhara Information Resource Center Holds Books Exhibition
Best Uzbekistani nurse in 2006 announced
POLITICS
PRESIDENT PUTS FORWARD INITIATIVE TO INTRODUCE AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION
In conformity with the Article 83 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the President, in line with the order of legislative initiative, put forward for the consideration of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis the draft law "On strengthening the role of political parties in renewal and further democratization of state administration and modernization of the country", and a draft law envisaging the introduction of amendments to certain articles of the Constitution.
The aim of the first new law is to strengthen the role of the political parties in the process of democratization of the state administration and modernization of the country. It provides the definition of a political fraction, and states that a fraction of a political party that receives the majority of seats in the Legislative Chamber makes up the parliamentary majority. It also outlines the rights of the parliamentary opposition, the order for the election of speaker and his deputies, the appointment and removal from the position of the Prime Minister of the country, as well as khokims (mayors) of regions and the city of Tashkent.
Today, in the process of democratization, the determining role belongs to the political parties and their importance in the system of state and social construction. In commentaries to the law, it states that "the need to intensify the democratic reforms requires substantial increase in the socio-political activeness of the citizens, adoption of new decisions aimed at reinforcing the role and position of political parties in state and social life of the country in view of the contemporary realities and requirements set by the democratization of state-building and social development, fuller consideration of the interest, will and opinions of people."
The law was drafted after careful analysis of the experience of several democratic countries. This is specifically stressed in the commentaries: "The principles and criteria for the assessment of the performance of political fractions and independent deputies jointing them contained in the draft law are based on the practice commonly accepted in democratic states, where political parties taking part in the elections to the parliament of the country determine their programme goals depending on the course, targets and tasks set by the newly formed government. Such system and practice is present in the majority of democratic states, particularly in Germany, Finland, Spain, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, etc."
The Constitutional Law will enter into force as of 1 January 2008.
UZBEK LEADER CONGRATULATES TAJIK COUNTERPART ON RE-ELECTION
Tajik President Emomali Rahmonov received a congratulatory message from his Uzbek counterpart, Islam Karimov, Tajik Television First Channel reported.
The message, in particular, said: Esteemed Emomali Sharifovich, accept my sincere congratulation on your being re-elected president of Tajikistan.
The reliable results of the voting and your being elected president of Tajikistan are clear evidence of support of the country's people for the policy of strengthening independence, peace and stability and constantly increasing well-being of the people, which is being carried out under your leadership.
I am confident that traditional friendly relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will further strengthen and develop.
Once again, Emomali Sharifovich, I wish you good health, happiness and success in your state work, and the people of Tajikistan peace and tranquility.
JAPANESE PM HOPES FOR COOPERATION WITH UZBEKISTAN
Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe expressed hope in his letter addressed to Uzbek President Islam Karimov for active cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan.
Mr Abe thanked Uzbek President for warm congratulation on his election to the post of Japan's Prime Minister.
Japanese official said that he aware of the visit of previous Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to Uzbekistan in August 2006 and his negotiations with President Islam Karimov on wide-range issues.
Mr Abe said he want actively cooperate with President Islam Karimov, including within Central Asia + Japan dialogue to further development of friendly relations between two states, as well as preserve stability and further well-being of Central Asia.
Japanese Prime Minister wished strong health to Uzbek President Islam Karimov and prosperity to people of Uzbekistan.
INDIAN NEWSPAPER ISSUES ARTICLE ON UZBEKISTAN
Recently, Indian newspaper These Days has published an article "Uzbekistan: confident progress on a chosen path". These Days is one of the leading publications in India aimed at Muslim community. The article tells about successes achieved during the years of independence in a political and social and economic life of Uzbekistan.
In particular, five principles of transition to the market economy suggested by President Islam Karimov that have a great value in realization of reforms were presented to the attention of readers.
Article also gives information on transformations in government system, legislation, judicial-legal sphere. Priority courses of internal and foreign policy of Uzbekistan, its active work in authoritative international organizations were also mentioned in the article.
"The world community highly appreciated Uzbekistan initiatives on establishing international center to fight terrorism under Security Council of the United Nations, and a Nuclear Free Zone in Central Asia. Moreover Uzbekistan is not limited to promotion of initiatives, but also actively participates in realization of such progressive ideas" the article says.
Uzbek-Indian relations were also mentioned in the article. The publication emphasizes that visit of President Islam Karimov to India in April 2005 and official visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Uzbekistan in April, 2006 have significantly influenced the development of cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.
ECONOMY
IFC, HAMKOR BANK SIGN US$3 MLN LOAN AGREEMENT
International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, today signed an agreement to provide additional financing of US$3 million and a technical assistance package to Hamkor Bank Joint-Stock Commercial Bank.
The facility would broaden Hamkor Bank's funding base and support the expansion of its lending operations to private small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The project is expected to promote further private sector development in Uzbekistan through supporting private SMEs; and support the banking sector of Uzbekistan, through the strengthening of a key private player. As such, the project is expected to have a high developmental impact on private sector growth in Uzbekistan. The loan issued for five years with 1.5 year of grace period.
Hamkor Bank is the largest privately owned bank in Uzbekistan, and an existing IFC client. The Bank, originally founded as a regional bank in the Fergana Valley, is now transforming into a nationwide financial institution, offering not only SME loans but also micro loans, consumer loans and leasing products.
Through investment to Hamkor Bank, IFC is continuing its role in the development of Uzbekistan's financial sector and, at the same time, supporting smaller businesses, which are important sources of employment and economic activity in Uzbekistan.
Ikrom Ibragimov, chairman of the board of Hamkor Bank, said this is the second tranch, which IFC opened for the bank. He said the IFC issued US$1 million to Hamkor Bank in 2002. He added that the first tranch allowed to finance seven projects and created hundreds of jobs in such sectors as light industry, production of consumer goods and services.
Hamkor Bank's chairman said the share of foreign investors in credit portfolio of the bank comprises only 10% and other part is own resources of the bank. The credit portfolio of the bank made up 50 billion soums as of today and increased by 10 billion soums in nine months of 2006.
Gorton De Mond, ICF Regional Representative, said: "We are particularly pleased that our investment and technical assistance will help Hamkor Bank further develop its business in one of the less privileged parts of the region and are hopeful this will contribute to Uzbekistan's further development."
Noting that this is the second credit line to Hamkor Bank, IFC official said the bank showed its readiness to work and IFC made sure that this bank can find good clients and render them financial support to develop their businesses.
The IFC offers technical assistance to Hamkor Bank, along with credit line, De Mond said. He added that technical assistance includes operation issues, risk management, management of branches and others.
De Mond said that the interest rate on credit line is around average rate in CIS. He said that the signed agreement between the IFC and Hamkor Bank is further development of partnership.
DAEWOO INTERNATIONAL ACQUIRES UZBEK TEXTILE COMPANY
National Bank of Uzbekistan for Foreign Economic Activity (NBU) and DAEWOO INTERNATIONAL of South Korea signed an agreement on realization of property complex of Ferghana Textile LLC with creation of new enterprise DAEWOO FERGANA TEXTILE on 8 November.
Ferghana Textile LLC, specializing on processing of cotton fibre, was founded in 2005 on the basis of insolvent Kabool-Ferghana Co., with contribution of NBU to charter capital.
Ferghana Textile LLC employs over 1,600 people. The capacity of the enterprise is 21,000 tonnes of combing and card yarn and 12 million metres of gray fabric.
The NBU said in its release that the cost of the deal is US$68 million with instalment of date. It is planned that DAEWOO INTERNATIONAL plans to invest US$16 million to create new foreign enterprise and in future to export 80% of ready products.
INDONESIAN BUSINESS DELEGATION TO VISIT TASHKENT
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan is organizing the visit of a delegation of the representatives of business circles of Indonesia. The visit is scheduled for 23-27 November.
The aim of the visit is to establish cooperation with the leading Indonesian companies specialized in the production of furniture, shoes, bags and accessories, as well as those operating in car production and food industries.
An Uzbek-Indonesian business-forum and a cooperation exchange between the entrepreneurs of the two countries will be conducted on the first date of the visit at the Le Vita Crystal hall of Le Grande Plaza Hotel in Tashkent.
AFGHANISTAN, UZBEKISTAN DISCUSS COOPERATION IN POWER INDUSTRY
Afghanistan has shown interest in cooperation with Uzbekistan in power industry.
A delegation headed by the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Ismailhan met the Chairman of the UzbekEnergo State Joint-stock Company Botir Teshabaev.
In the course of the talk parties discussed the expansion of cooperation between the two countries, particularly, the development of relations in the sphere of power industry.
The parties noted the importance of cooperation in energy field to the development of bilateral relations of the two countries. Uzbekistan has the capacity to increase electric energy supplies to Afghanistan.
Afghanistan is currently working on the construction of 400-km long power main connecting Kabul to Hayraton. Construction is to finish by 2008. The head of the Afghan delegation confirmed that his country was interested in cooperation with Uzbekistan on this issue.
IEG TO HOLD AGRICULTURE, FOOD EXHIBITIONS
International Exhibition Group (IEG) will organize the second exhibition UzAgroExpo-2006 (agriculture exhibition) and exhibition Uzprodtechexpo 2006 (food products exhibition) on 14-16 November.
The main aim of the Uzagroexpo 2006 is to present agriculture potential of Uzbekistan and achievements of leading companies in production of agriculture goods, machinery and technologies.
Uzprodtechexpo 2006 is specialized project, which presents technology on production of food products, equipment for catering and trade companies. The exhibition is organized to attract large investments in processing and trade of to Central Asian market and support small and medium businesses.
Agriculture is one of the main sectors of Uzbek economy. The share of agriculture in GDP is over 30% and some 35% of total human resources employed in this sector.
WORLD WINDOW IS A FIRST PARTNER OF DOCSVISION IN UZBEKISTAN
DocsVision's partner network continues to grow; now it includes Uzbekistan. At the end of October, 2006 the Uzbek IT-company World Window signed a dealer contract with DocsVision.
The World Window is first Uzbek partner of DocsVision. It works in the market since 1998 and is one of the leading system integrators in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The company has a status of a certificated partner of such world famous equipment manufacturers, as Hewlett-Packard, Fujitsu Siemens, etc.
A growing interest to document circulation automation systems has encouraged World Window to search reliable partners providing solutions in this area.
World Window chose DocsVision electronic document circulation system to offer to its customers. This choice was influenced by the fact that in experts' opinion it meets the requirements of Uzbek market. Moreover the other influencers are optimum price and system functionality ratio, and orientation towards Microsoft technologies as majority of companies and the organizations in Uzbekistan use these technologies.
"We expect, that cooperation with DocsVision will allow us to offer a modern and effective information-technical solution in the management of documents and business-processes to our customers. Moreover, in order to meet the requirements of customers as fully as possible a special attention will be given to quality implementation of the projects on introduction and development of the system. This way we aim to achieve success, which in turn will positively influence the overall company's position." Victor Kan, the General Director of World Window says.
"In our opinion the IT-market of Uzbekistan is one of the most developed among the post Soviet countries and we highly appreciate the World Window interest to our system. A joint seminar held on October16 supported our choice; we have seen plenty of organizations showing a sincere interest in automation of document circulation as a whole and in particular to technologies DocsVision." Vladimir Andreev, a General Director of DocsVision says.
TOKYO SEMINAR VIEWS INVESTMENT POTENTIAL OF UZBEKISTAN
Seminar on the "Investment potential of the Republic of Uzbekistan" was organized by the embassy of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METIJ) in Tokyo. About 40 business and official representatives from Japan participated in the seminar.
During the seminar the information on social economic development of Uzbekistan and investment opportunities was presented, Jahon reports. The participants exchanged opinions on issues regarding attracting foreign direct investment into the economy of Uzbekistan.
Japanese businessmen stated that mineral resource industry, power engineering, transportation, banking and financial sector and tourism sphere are the most interesting spheres of economy where representatives of both countries can establish close and effective collaboration.
According to T. Masuyama, Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa Department of Foreign Trade Bureau, unique investment opportunities of Uzbekistan, and rich natural and human resources, stable legislative base interest Japanese businessmen.
"All these factors, of course, will facilitate development of cooperation between the businessmen of Uzbekistan and Japan," T. Masuyama says.
SOCIETY
KHOREZM ACADEMY OF MAMUN ANNIVERSARY THROUGH THE EYES OF FOREIGN GUESTS
Celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of Khorezm Academy of Mamun that took place in ancient Khiva, resulted in a positive reaction of all participants including foreign visitors, Jahon reports.
Yuy Khunczun, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Uzbekistan, has noted:
"It is my second visit to Uzbekistan and nevertheless I am impressed by the beauty and greatness of this place. The anniversary celebration gave a very good opportunity to learn more not only about Khiva, but also get to know good-natured and sincere people of this fine place, its culture, and a huge historical heritage."
Vyacheslav Pohvalskiy, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Uzbekistan also was greatly impressed. He says: "Academy of Mamun has collected great scientists, who brought a huge contribution into intellectual development of our planet. It is one of the most ancient temples of science. While the western civilization was at the initial stage of development, the most serious studies in such sciences as mathematics, astronomy, geography were conducted here. After arrival to Khiva, we became witnesses of how modern Khorezm develops and improves on every day basis. Never-ending orchards along the road, modern educational institutions, the industrial enterprises, well-groomed fields testify about the development in this region. Today's event is not simply a chronological date. It seems to me, such wonderful events raise enthusiasm and self-esteem of people in new Uzbekistan, in a new society which develops here. While being here, a person feels revival of the most ancient civilization."
Kim Yun Sik, chairman of Korea–Uzbekistan Friendship Association noticed that alongside with such outstanding leading figures in science as Beruni, Ibn Sina, who have worked in the academy, the ancient Khorezm has also produced other outstanding scientists to the world.
"Among them I would like to note accomplishments of great Al-Horezmiy, the author of algebra, whose name has glorified Khorezm all over the world" the South-Korean visitor has told.
Ruslan Grinberg, director of Institute of Economy of Russian Academy of Sciences is convinced that development is impossible without a science.
"Recalling the heritage of ancestors, we should develop cooperation not only in sphere of economy, politics, culture, but also in the field of a science. I am sure that the actions planned within the framework of celebrating of the 1000-anniversary, especially the conference devoted to anniversary of academy, will help in the development of cooperation between our countries" the Russian scientist emphasized.
Toru Horikawa professor of Kyoto University of foreign studies informed, that university which he represents, cooperates with the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan since 1992.
"We carry out various studies, including those related to history of Khorezm. I am sure, that celebrating the 1000-anniversary of Academy of Mamun is a great event which will positively effect our cooperation and will open opportunities for expansion of mutual communications between scientists of Japan and Uzbekistan" the Japanese researcher has noted.
Doctor Kavsar Abu al-Futuh al-Lisi from Egypt said: "In academy, which millennium we celebrate today, various scientific meetings, seminars took place. And during those seminars progressive ideas of that time were discussed. They promoted growth and development of scientific and intellectual potential of great scientists of that time. Among them a special place belongs to al-Beruni. This scientist speaking in a modern language has received the highest degree that a member of Academy could receive. By the way, he constructed the well-known globe here, in Academy of Mamun".
JAPANESE BULLETIN ABOUT UZBEKISTAN
Fukuoka – Uzbekistan Friendship Society has issued a special information bulletin devoted to Uzbekistan. A number of articles telling about the Uzbek-Japanese cooperation, history, culture and modern life of Uzbekistan were published there.
T.Fuzhino - president of Fukuoka-Uzbekistan shared impressions about trip of the Japanese board delegation of the Friendship Society to Uzbekistan. He noted that a number of meetings were held at the Ministry of Higher and Secondary education, Tashkent State Pedagogical University and Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies; issues of development of cooperation in sphere of science and education were discussed.
"I heard a lot about hospitality, magnanimity and mercy of Uzbek people. After visiting the tombs of the Japanese citizens in the city of Bekabad and seeing the care given to support cemetery where our (Japanese) ancestors have found rest, I was very touched. And I think that Uzbek people deserve the highest respect." N.Kobajashi [transliterated], a member of Fukuoka-Uzbekistan Friendship society, writes in the article.
The bulletin also contains materials devoted to the historical sights of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva. A separate article is devoted to a special photo-exhibition about Uzbekistan which was organized by members of delegation of Fukuoka-Uzbekistan Friendship Society.
BUKHARA INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTER HOLDS BOOKS EXHIBITION
Exhibition of Russian books held at the Narshakhi Bukhara regional informational resource center. Embassy of Uzbekistan in Russia and Russian Association of Publishing Houses jointly with Ministry of Public Education and Chamber of Commerce and Trade of Uzbekistan are reported to have organized the event.
At the opening of the exhibition it was especially underscored that cultural and educational ties were on the rise between the two countries.
Literature on various branches of science, techniques, medicine and business issued by various Russian publishing houses aroused a special interest on participants of the exhibition.
Specialists and representatives of regional departments of the secondary special and professional education wished so that the library funds of Uzbekistan would be enriched.
BEST UZBEKISTANI NURSE IN 2006 ANNOUNCED
On the eve of medical workers' Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to be marked for the first time this year on 12 November, the results of the republican competition "Nurse-2006" have been summed up.
Ughiljon Qosimova from Tashkent Region became the best nurse of 2006. The main prize, a motor-car Matiz was presented to her. She was also granted the right to study on preferential basis at any medical higher educational establishment of Uzbekistan. Ulyana Nasreddinova from Namangan Region and Zelikhi Burmakhanova from Karakalpakstan won the second and third places.
It has to be noted that this measure was organized by the Ministry of Public Health of the republic, the trade union of medical workers, Kamolot youth social movement and Uzbek Television and Radio Company. A total of 14 nurses, who had won the Regional stages, participated in the contest. All girls, working in the therapeutic and prophylactic establishments of the republic, had demonstrated judges their professional skills and creative approach to their profession, for which they were worthily rewarded.
On these days the whole republic honours medical workers. Thus, on 10 November the House of Culture of Tashkent railway workers will host a solemn meeting with physicians, serving in the structure of Uzbekiston Temir Yollari state joint-stock company.