February 24, 2011

Economy:
Transport services are developing
Uzbekistan’s sugar output makes up 286,100 tonnes in 2010
Universalbank: 2010 results and prospects
Leasing agreements for 430.4bn soums inked in 2010
Tashkent hosts events on international standards in banking affairs

Society:
Interethnic harmony – factor of peace and stability
Health week held in Namangan

Culture:
Round table on Babur's 528th anniversary held in Astrakhan

Sport:
Uzbekistan football team preparing for 2012 Olympics

ECONOMY

Transport services are developing

Issues of ensuring road safety, creating additional conveniences for the population and improvement of passenger transportation were considered at a press conference held in the Uzbek Agency for Automobile and River Transport.

In 2010, 98.2 percent of passenger and 90.6 percent of cargo transportation were carried out by automobile transport, deputy head of the agency Shoolim Shovakhobov said.

The growth of passenger and cargo transportation last year made up 5 and 9 percent respectively against 2009.

Based on the requirements of the population, 203 new routes were opened and many directions were revised last year across the country.

Tens of modern bus stations were built and the old ones were repaired with the assistance of the agency.

During 2010, 686 buses produced by Samarkand automobile plant were purchased by transport companies. They are now used on intercity routes in various regions of Uzbekistan. (Source: UzA News Agency)

Uzbekistan increased production of granulated sugar by 4% year-on-year in January-December 2010, the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan said.

According to the State Statistics Committee, the country produced 286,100 tonnes of granulated sugar in the reporting period.
Currently, two sugar enterprises are operating in Uzbekistan. Khorezm Shakar JC OJSC is largest sugar producer in Uzbekistan. Khorezm Sugar Plan was commissioned in 1998. The cost of the plant is US$83.25 million. Preliminary plant was designed for processing sugar-beet, which was planned to plant in Uzbekistan. The capacity of the plant was 3,000 tonnes of sugar-beet a day. But low crop pushed to conserve the plant.

Shakar Investment, an Uzbek-Austrian-US joint venture, carried out project on transfer of the capacity to processing of cane sugar with the cost of US$2 million in 2002. Currently, the plant can process 1,000 tonnes of cane sugar a day.

In March 2006, Austria’s SEID Íandelsgesellshaft mbH acquired 99.43% state shares of Khorazm Shakar OJSC for US$17.6 million. Other 0.57% share belongs to individuals and management of enterprise.

Khorazm Shakar increased sugar production by 8.2% year-on-year in 2009 to 275,134 tonnes.

In July 2009, the second plant on production of granulated sugar – Nukus Hukamo – has been launched. The plant can produce up to 13 tonnes of product a day. (Source: UzDaily.com)

Private open joint-stock commercial Universalbank announced the results of 2010. The bank’s aggregate capital made up UZS 13.5 billion, increasing by 44.7 percent against 2009.

The authorized capital made up UZS 11.3 billion, which is a 97.3 percent increase year on year. The bank’s assets reached UZS 33.8 billion, having grown by 28 percent.

The bank issued loans worth UZS 10.3 billion last year, which is an increase of 19.8 percent.

Universalbank carried out a huge work in 2010 to attract the funds to the bank deposits. Their volume increased by 14.1 percent during the year and reached UZS 3.15 billion.

Having taken the course to support and develop small and private business, as well as rural housing, Universalbank ensured growth in such areas as microcredits and mortgage lending to UZS 375.7 million and UZS 363.6 million respectively. Credits extended to small businesses accounted for UZS 12.8 billion.

Universalbank was founded in May 2002. Its main clients are small businesses and private entrepreneurs. Universalbank is a member of the Deposit Guarantee Fund, which means the state guarantees 100-percent return of the funds.

Since mid-2010, Universalbank began a large-scale restructuring aimed at strengthening corporate governance and control of operational risk, as well as increasing the market share. The team of skilled professionals provides additional impetus for further improvement of the banking institution.

Total restructuring of the bank is carried out in order to implement the resolution of the President of Uzbekistan “On priority directions of further reforming and improving the stability of the financial and banking system of the republic in 2011-2015 and achieving high international rating indicators” signed on 26 November 2010.

This work meets the goals and objectives stated in the report of the President Islam Karimov at the solemn meeting dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the Constitution, where 2011 was declared the Year of Small Business and Private Entrepreneurship.
Universalbank is among the banks that are directly involved in servicing this segment of the economy. The development strategy of the bank is focused on further improving the quality of variety of banking services to representatives of domestic business.

In the past year, the bank introduced several types of deposit products, bringing their number to 22 (19 in national currency and 3 in foreign currency). As part of the program of development of cashless payments among the population, the bank issued more than 7,500 soum plastic cards as of the end of 2010.

Over the last year, the number of customers exceeded 17,000, having increased by 13.9 percent. It is worth noting that the share of enterprises with foreign investment in the structure of the bank’s customer base increased by 47 percent.

The corporate governance at Universalbank has significantly improved. The bank has been introducing the advanced risk management system. In 2011, introduction of the call-center and launch of the new website are planned.

The bank intends to expand its branch network in order to diversify its geographical operations. In 2011, Universalbank is preparing a broad range of products for retail and corporate customers, and is planning a restyling of its brand.

In general, the increase of the capital, more rigorous monitoring, improved quality of loans and introduction of new innovative banking products will allow the bank to strengthen its market position and increase its credit potential, contributing to the growth of the country’s economy. (Source: UzA News Agency)

Over 5,500 agreements for 430.4 billion soums have been signed in the leasing service market of Uzbekistan in 2010, director-general of Uzbekistan Lessors Association Zafar Mustafaev at the meeting of the organization.

Compared to previous year, the growth rate of the leasing service volume made up 7-8%. Majority part of these agreements was signed by leasing companies and about 1,500 agreements fell to share of banks. Total leasing portfolio reached 1.135 trillion soums, bank.uz reported.

Agriculture equipments lead on leased objects structure with 28.7% of total leasing deals in 2010. Share of trucks made up 18.6%, real estate – 14.1%, irrigation equipment – 9.9% and passenger transports – 9.5% and others.

Largest participants of the leasing market in 2010 were Uzqishloqhujalik-mashlizing (100.2 billion soums), Uzavtosanoatlizing (95.1 billion soums), Uzmeliomashlizing (27 billion soums), UzbekLeasing International (25.6 billion soums), and Qurilishlizing (6.5 billion soums).

The most active banks in the leasing market were Asaka Bank (63.3 billion soums), Microcreditbank (51.3 billion soums), People’s Bank (5.1 billion soums), Aloqabank (4.4 billion soums) and Hamkorbank (4.1 billion soums).

Tashkent city and Tashkent region are leading on the volume of leasing deals. Samarkand region is also among active participants of the market. (Source: UzDaily.com)

A training programme “International standards in banking affairs: Risk management” has been launched at the Management Development Institute of Singapore in Tashkent city.

The programme was organized in line with the presidential resolution from 26 November 2010 “On priority directions on further reforming and increasing sustainability of financial-banking system of Uzbekistan for 2011-2015 and achieving international rating figures”.

The programme was co-organized with the Central Bank of Uzbekistan and Uzbekistan Banking Association.

It is worth to mention that the above-mentioned resolution was approved by the Programme on priority directions on further reforming and increasing sustainability of financial-banking system of Uzbekistan for 2011-2015 and achieving international rating figures.

The event was organized by the specialists of credit-investment divisions of the commercial banks of Uzbekistan. After the training the participants received certificates of international sample. Another programme will be held in March 2011 and it will focus on international accounting in line with international standards of financial reporting.

These events are directed at strengthening commercial banks and financial institutions with skilled employees, who can work in line with the international standards, methodologies and evaluation figures.

It is planned to further improve system of training and re-training of specialists for financial-banking sector, introduce new approaches and technologies to accounting and reporting system of commercial banks, improve financial-banking information quality, etc. (Source: UzDaily.com)

SOCIETY

Interethnic harmony – factor of peace and stability

The round table devoted to the “Interethnic harmony as a factor of peace and stability” was held in Tashkent. Organized by the Republican International Cultural Center in conjunction with the Kyrgyz Culture Center, the event was attended by the representatives of various public organizations, artists, writers, scientists, activists of national cultural centers and media professionals.

During the event the participants noted that the information attacks, organized by some foreign centers and news agencies, were focused on casting shadow on interethnic harmony in Uzbekistan and undermining the centuries-old friendship and brotherhood of the people in the region as well as the stability in society. Several news agencies disseminated the information to destroy the bonds of friendship, cooperation and brotherhood among Uzbek and Kyrgyz communities.

Participants in the roundtable emphasized that such attacks were absolutely untrue, and expressed their strong protest. It was noted that the basis for such actions was such vile intentions, as undermining the peace, stability and interethnic harmony in Uzbekistan. Preventing such attempts require a strong position in life of all citizens, regardless of nation, language and religion. It encourages to further strengthen the independence of motherland, safeguard peace and stability in society, be vigilant for various information attacks.

“Over 150 national cultural centers operate in Uzbekistan,” said the head of the Kyrgyz Culture Center Rahmatulla Jabbarov.

“The constitutional principles of freedom, rights and lawful interests of all citizens living in Uzbekistan, regardless of their nationality, are put in practice. The fact that our children are taught in Kyrgyz language and master the profession they choose serves as an example of it.”

“National policy, pursued by President Islam Karimov, is widely recognized throughout the world,” said the editor of a leading publishing and printing house “Uzbekistan” Abiba Yunusalieva. “In Uzbekistan, along with the Uzbek language, instruction is available in other languages, including Kyrgyz. Textbooks, manuals and other books, published in other languages indicate that many opportunities are created in this country for people of all nationalities.”

All the people in the country, regardless of their ethnicity, are equal citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Constitution enshrines the principles of ensuring their rights and interests, creating the necessary conditions for preserving and developing national traditions, customs and values. The most precious wealth in the years of independence is a peaceful and tranquil life of the people. Such noble qualities as mutual respect, friendship, tolerance, desire to live in harmony with national and universal values, had been widely recognized by the representatives of all nations and nationalities living in our country as well as the international community.

The representatives of over 130 nationalities reside and work in Uzbekistan. All conditions are created for the protection of their constitutional rights and freedoms and legal interests, education and skills development. Uzbekistan pays constant attention to conservation issues and further development and enrichment of national traditions and values of different nations and nationalities. The education in secondary schools is conducted in seven languages – Uzbek, Karakalpak, Russian, Kyrgyz, Turkmen, Kazakh and Tajik, while the mass media operates in 10 languages of the nationalities residing in Uzbekistan.

The activities of the Republican International Cultural Center and other national cultural centers focus on the strengthening of peace, tranquility, stability, friendship and mutual understanding in society, the further development of national values and traditions, the wide propaganda of their essence and value. (Source: UzA News Agency)

Health week held in Namangan

The Teenagers Health Week was held in Namangan region by the local administration, healthcare department and the Health and Medical Statistics Institute.

During the week, a group of qualified specialists carried out medical examination of some 5,000 young people and over 17,000 women of fertile age in the remote villages and educational establishments of Pap and Turakurgan districts.

Apart from examination, the action included meetings and talks with young people and their parents on the healthy lifestyle and the importance of physical training and sports. (Source: UzA News Agency)

CULTURE

Round table on Babur's 528th anniversary held in Astrakhan

The Russian city of Astrakhan, one of the country's biggest, hosted a round table dedicated to the 528th anniversary of the outstanding poet, thinker, patron of the arts and statesman Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur.

The event was organized by the Fund Forum, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Russia, the Ministry of Culture of Astrakhan Oblast, "Uzbekistan" Culture Society and several cultural organizations.

The round table, which was attended by leading culture and art professionals, scholars and members of cultural organizations as well as representatives of educational institutions, was given the goal of increasing the youth awareness of the cultural legacy as well as highlighting the lives and work of our outstanding forefathers.

In her welcome speech, Violetta Aksenova of the Astrakhan Oblast Governor's Office, noted that "the most notable part is that the round table was organized by the Uzbek youth who cherish their historical roots and the cultural legacy of their forefathers."

The students who were among those attending recited poems written by Babur and made speeches on his life, creativity and the state affairs he oversaw in India back in the day.

Among the attendees was an author of a number of books on spirituality, Nuruddin Fatek Ali of India, who spoke at length about Babur's role in India's cultural and economic development as well as the impact of Uzbek culture at large.

In his words, "throughout his activities Babur pursued the goal of developing major Indian cities that were under his control. The planning and designing of public and private buildings, their interior and exterior, which relied largely on Central Asian style blended harmoniously with Indian forms and style and led to a fusion of two cultures, Indian and Central Asian. This process was continued by Babur's successors, which is visible in the style of major edifices built in North India by his descendants."

Babur managed to unite to a certain degree the piecemeal country and enforce important measures related to land and water relations and the tax system. On his order, mosques were improved, facilities created, baths built and wells dug.

In major cities such as Delhi, Agra, Lahore and Devalpur, Babur created gardens and parks with decorative plants.

Characteristically, Babur employed the Central Asian style of charbag (four gardens) in the designing of parks.

Historian and country studies teacher of Astrakhan State University, Andrei Syzranov, talked about the history of Baburids' dynasty and historical ties of Astrakhan Oblast and Uzbekistan.

"Thanks to his outstanding abilities, Babur went down in history not only as a military commander and founder of the Baburid dynasty in India, but also as a poet and scholar, who left a rich literary and scholarly legacy in the area of Islamic jurisprudence," he said.

"A talented writer and patron of arts, literature and science, he contributed to and left a considerable mark in many spheres in the lives of people in Central Asia, Afghanistan and India."

Toward the end of the event the participants were presented with books by our eminent ancestors on behalf of the Fund Forum. (Source: UzReport Agency)

SPORT

Uzbekistan football team preparing for 2012 Olympics

The football team of Uzbekistan, which is preparing for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, is holding training in Turkey.

In accordance with the decision of the Football Federation, the team is being trained by Tohir Kopadze and Marat Miftahuddinov.

The team consists of players who won silver medals at the Asian youth championship in 2008 and who participated in the youth championship in 2009 in Egypt.

Apart from physical, technical and tactic training in Turkey, the team is holding games with foreign clubs.

In the first game with Ukrainian Shakhtyor, the score was 2-2. Goals’ authors from the Uzbek side were Sherzodbek Karimov and Kenja Turayev.

The second game against Neman.from Belarus ended with a result of 3-2 in favor of the Uzbek players (Alisher Azizov (2 goals) and Fozil Musayev). (Source: UzA News Agency)