February 27, 2011

The meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Children’s Sport Fund was held in Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on 25 February under the chairmanship of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov.

The head of the state spoke about the extensive work carried out since the creation of the fund, which operates with support of the government agencies, industrial enterprises, NGOs and the general public.

Thanks to the work of the fund, the development of children’s sports has really become a powerful national movement, Islam Karimov said. He touched upon the most important tasks that the fund faces in its activity.

“The interest, enthusiasm and love for sports in our children should be formed from early childhood. Only in this case can we make sports a constant companion in the people’s lives,” the President stressed.

“We can reach the intended goal by attracting children to sports at preschool and early school age. At the same time, we must not forget that each child has a vast inner world, and a special attention should be attached to this,” he underlined.

“Only those children who regularly go in for sports at an early age will grow physically strong and healthy. This will allow each parent to achieve his or her dream – to raise healthy children and to establish a healthy lifestyle in the society.

“Sports from an early age strengthen the child’s character, through participation in competitions he or she form such qualities as strength and courage, the desire to victory, first of all victory over himself or herself, and foundations for strong will are laid.

By victory over oneself I mean that this is primarily self-education, strong discipline, elimination of shortcomings and overcoming difficulties,” Islam Karimov said.

“As we know, without the development of children’s sports, we cannot ensure the future of the Uzbek sports and increase its fame on the international arena.

“It is not a secret today that sport is becoming the most efficient and effective way of demonstrating the potential of the nation and raising the national pride and honor.

“If there are currently about 7 billion people living on Earth, the most famous and well-known personalities among them are sportsmen. For example, at the Asian Games in China last year, which were attended by representatives of many large states, when the team of Uzbekistan in rhythmic gymnastics rose to the podium, I personally experienced unforgettable moments. I think that such achievements of our athletes bring great excitement to all of our compatriots.

“The youth football team of Uzbekistan won the second place at the Asian Cup and won the right to participate in the forthcoming World Cup in Mexico. This is a historic event in our sports life. And there are many such examples.

“If we want the Uzbek sports to occupy a deserved place on the international arena, we must systematically develop the children’s and youth’s sports. I think we are all well aware of this truth.

“Putting it short, children’s sport should be the future of the Uzbek sports, the basis of increasing the glory of the Uzbek sports on the international arena,” the President emphasized.

“The children’s sports plays an immeasurably important role in achieving the great goal we set, which is upbringing the harmoniously developed generation, making our children the decisive force in the society, and Uzbekistan’s gaining its rightful place among the developed countries. I think there is no need to dwell on this issue.

“As we know, many companies are currently working in our country using high technologies, employing thousands and thousands of young people who graduated from universities, lyceums and colleges. In forming boys and girls as qualified specialists, apart from their mastering modern knowledge and skills, their going in for sports and strong physical development is also an important factor.

“In this regard, I would like to note once again that in the 21st century of uncompromising competition, only a generation and a nation that is physically strong, spiritually mature and intellectually rich may win.

“We often witness how the television in many foreign countries regularly shows programs glorifying the country and its people, praising them for the whole world. Especially touching are moments when the state flag is raised and the national anthem in honor of the winner athletes is heard.

“Our national television should broadcast more of such programs, which increase the glory of Uzbekistan in the world, it should pay continued attention to creating a bright image of the country on the international arena; this will be a great spiritual and educational work,” the head of the state said.

The President continued saying that in order to raise the young people as personalities that are not inferior to anyone and are able to reach the highest goals, sport and physical education should deeper penetrate the people’s lives, and the issue of children’s sports should always be the focus of the state and society.

Islam Karimov drew the attention of the meeting participants to another important aspect, which is achievements in improving the health of the people, especially the children. This has been reached through large-scale reforms in the social sphere, including in healthcare, education, sports, protection of motherhood and childhood.

The President brought up the following examples: if in 2005, absolutely healthy children accounted for 52.7 percent, in 2010 this figure reached 62.6 percent. Considering that in the developed world, the figure is 70 to 72 percent, it is obvious that Uzbekistan has achieved significant growth in this direction.

In 2010, compared to 2005, the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections among students fell by 12.8 per cent, pneumonia by 15.5, bronchitis by 16.2 and scoliosis by 11.6 percent. Over the past five years, the height of boys aged 10-14 increased by an average of 2.3 centimeters and girls by 2 centimeters, while weight increased by 2.6 and 2.9 kilograms respectively, Islam Karimov said.

We should not stop here, the President said, calling for setting more ambitious goals, namely, working constantly to achieve the level of the developed countries.

The meeting participants considered the activity of the Children’s Sports Development Fund over the past year.

In 2010, in accordance with the State Program “Year of Harmoniously Developed Generation”, special attention was paid to physical education and sport, in particular, further development of children’s sports, construction of modern sports complexes and stadiums in cities and villages, providing them with sports equipment and qualified trainers. This program has intensified measures to promote healthy lifestyle, increase the medical culture of the population, and develop mass sports, particularly among children.

The meeting reviewed the results of the program of construction, reconstruction and capital repairs of children’s sports facilities and swimming pools in 2010. Last year, 95 objects were commissioned, including 61 in rural areas.

This year’s final stage of the Barkamol Avlod-2011 sports competitions will be held in Surkhandarya region. In connection with this, a number of new children’s sports facilities are being constructed in the city of Termez, the regional center. A universal gym with a football and track and field arena, which will seat 10,000 spectators, is being erected here.

The head of the state made recommendations on the preparation and conduction of the large-scale sporting event, organized in Surkhandarya for the first time. Barkamol Avlod is a major youth forum, which has a great sociopolitical and spiritual significance.

Under the Football Development Program, opening of children’s and youth football clubs by professional football clubs in Andijan, Namangan and Samarkand regions is planned in 2011.

Also this year, construction, reconstruction and overhaul of 149 objects, including 130 objects of children’s sports and 19 swimming pools, will be carried out using the funds of the Children’s Sports Development Fund. 118 objects of the total number will be built in rural areas.

The meeting participants discussed issues of ensuring compliance of newly constructed and renovated children’s sports facilities, particularly swimming pools, to modern requirements and their efficient operation.

The also considered the process of the formation and targeted use of the funds of the Children’s Sports Development Fund. Last year, the fund intended to accumulate UZS 111.1 billion and the factual figure reached UZS 116.8 billion. Foreign currency funds amounted to USD 1.72 million.

During 2008-2011, the accumulated funds increased by 55.9 percent, which indicates the increasing attention of sponsors to the development of children’s sports in the country.

All these funds were used for their intended purpose – construction and major renovation of children’s sports venues and facilities, swimming pools, as well as equipment of sports facilities opened in 2010. The funds were also used to ensure that children, especially girls, from families in need of social support, were provided with sports equipment and clothing, to hold sports events and support participation of Uzbek students in international competitions.

The Children’s Sports Development Fund and regional administrations actively cooperate in attracting girls and boys to sports. As a result of this work, 1.6 million students aged 6-15 regularly went in for sports in 2010. This figure currently stands at 34.5 percent versus 29.2 percent in 2008, while among girls it has increased from 24.1 to 30.9 percent.

The opening of the regional gymnastics federations and centers expanded opportunities of girls to go in for sports. Because of this, the number of girls involved in rhythmic gymnastics tripled in the last two years. In addition, the number of girls going in for table tennis and swimming is also increasing.

President Islam Karimov drew the attention to the need of a special approach to attract girls to sports and create appropriate conditions for this, especially in rural areas.

It is important that the girls who go in for sports today, will bring the love to sports to their children when they become mothers. This is the essence and value of the “Healthy mother – healthy child” program implemented in the country, Islam Karimov said.

The Board of Trustees considered the issue of equipping the children’s sports facilities with necessary equipment of domestic production.

Between 2003 and 2010, the Children’s Sport Development Fund sponsored the equipment of 1,199 newly built children’s sports facilities for UZS 18.91 billion.

Domestic enterprises like Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine, Fayz holding company, Sovplastital joint venture, Uzeltekhsanoat association, Uzavtosanoat joint stock company and others, as well as small businesses and private entrepreneurs launched production of a wide range of sports equipment. In particular, Uz-Tong Hong Co. joint venture started the production of basketballs, footballs and volleyballs in 2010.

As a result of the taken measures, children’s sports objects are equipped primarily by domestically produced items. All sports facilities launched in 2010 were fully equipped according to established norms with domestic products. In 2011, launch of production of stopwatches and chess clocks is planned. (Source: UzA News Agency)

The Ninth round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and Latvia was held in Tashkent on 24 February 2011.

According to the Uzbek Foreign Ministry, the delegation of Latvia was headed by the Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country Andris Razans.

The side discussed wide-range of issues of the Uzbek-Latvian relations in politics, trade-economic, investments, culture-humanitarian and other spheres. The sides also exchanged opinion on actual regional and international issues of mutual interest.

It was noted that the sides have common or similar position on international and regional issues, which creates firm base for intensification of bilateral interaction on various directions.

During the meeting, it was noted that mutual cooperation is developing in spirit of bilateral interest and the sides underlined their assurance that political consultations helped for further expansion of bilateral relations.

The officials underlined that the state visit of the Uzbek President Islam Karimov to Latvia in April 2004 and the Latvian President Valdis Zatlers to Uzbekistan in October 2008, and the constructive negotiations within the visits gave impetus for development of bilateral relations and opened new practical directions of bilateral cooperation.

It was underlined necessity to continue to carry out mutual visits in high level and further expand inter-parliamentary relations. The Latvian side confirmed invitation of the delegation of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan to visit to Latvia in 2011.
The Latvian side highly rated implemented Concept of further deepening democratic reforms and formation of civil society in Uzbekistan, initiated by the Uzbek President Islam Karimov. The Latvian side expressed readiness to render assistance in implementation of its main clauses, including within inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The sides evaluated interaction within international organizations such as the UN and OSCE, as well as dialogue between Uzbekistan-EU, including within implementation of the EU strategy for Central Asia.

The Latvian delegation underlined that the visit of President Islam Karimov to Brussels on 24 January 2011, within which the Uzbek leader held talks with President of European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso, EU Commissioner for energy Gunther Oettinger and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, became milestone in the relations of Uzbekistan with the EU and NATO.

The Latvian side highly rated assistance of Uzbekistan to the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.

The Uzbek side underlined that it is import to search alternative ways of achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan in the context of extreme difficult situations in the country. Creation of Contact Group 6+3 under the aegis of the UN with the participation of neighboring states, the United States, NATO and Russia, can play key role in this context.

The Latvian delegation underlined weighted position of Uzbekistan during the tragic events in southern Kyrgyzstan in June 2010 and far-sighted policy of Uzbekistan on preventing escalation of conflict, which once more confirmed key role of Uzbekistan in ensuring stability and security in the region. The Latvian side confirmed principle position on necessity to hold wide-scale, objective and independent international investigation of these tragic events.

The sides considered issues of rational use of water resources of trans-boundary rivers in Central Asia, taking into account interests of all states of the region.

During the consultations, the Latvian official noted that Uzbekistan has one of the highest rates of economic growth in the world and wide-scale reforms in various sectors.

The sides express expressed interest in deepening cooperation in trade-economic and investment sectors. The sides underlined that the relations between business circles of two states is expanding due to implementation of decisions of the regular sessions of the Inter-governmental commission on trade-economic commission, business forums, and other economic events. The sides agreed to hold next session of the Inter-governmental commission in Riga in 2011.

The sides agreed studying opportunities on implementation of projects in food and pharmaceutical industries, processing of agriculture products, production of construction materials and other sectors could assist to further development of trade-economic relations.

The Latvian delegation expressed interest in attraction of potential investors in Latvia to implementation of investment projects on modernization, technical and technological re-equipment of industry of Uzbekistan, including within the Programme on priorities of industrial development for 2011-2015 and Navoi free industrial and economic zone.

The sides expressed interest in further developing cooperation in tourism, including through participation of various tourism fairs, organized in Uzbekistan and Latvia.

In the result of the talks, the sides agreed to hold next round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Riga in 2012.

During the visit to Uzbekistan, the delegation of Latvia also held meetings at the Committee of Senate of Oliy Majlis on foreign affairs and the Committee of Legislative Chamber on foreign affairs and inter-parliamentary cooperation, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade, as well as Uzbekistan Temir Yollari State Joint Stock Railway Company. (Source: UzDaily.com)

Enterprises of Uzkimyosanoat (Uzbek Chemical Industry) produced goods for over 980.9 billion soums in 2010, which grew by 6.7% year-on-year, the press service of the company said.

In particular, the enterprises produced 1.135 million tonnes of mineral fertilizers, including 955,800 tonnes of nitric fertilizers, 148,800 tonnes of phosphoric fertilizers and 30,000 tonnes of potash fertilizers.

In 2010, the enterprises produced localized goods for 166.3 billion soums at the forecast level of 144.6 billion soums. The forecast was fulfilled with 15% surplus.

The exports’ forecast was fulfilled with 0.6% surplus. Due to diversification of exports, nitrogenous phosphatic fertilizer, methanol, ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride and ammophos were exported to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Georgia and others.

In 2010, Uzkimyosanoat implemented three investment projects. In particular, construction of Dehkanabad Plant on Production of Potash Fertilizers was completed. The plant with capacity of 200,000 tonnes a year was constructed at the base of Tyubegata potassium salts deposit.

Launch of the plant allowed to stop import potash fertilizes in Uzbekistan and create production and social infrastructure in the region. It also provided jobs to 1,300 people and balanced load of railroad “Tashguzar-Baisun-Qumqurgan”.

The project cost was US$123.7 million. Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan allocated US$61.9 million loan, while China’s Eximbank issued US$41.7 million loan to finance the project. Uzkimyosanoat will also direct its own funds to finance the construction.

It is planned to carry out the second phase of the project on expanding production capacities of Dehkanabad Potash Fertilizers Plant in 2011-2013. The capacity of the plant will increase from 200,000 tonnes to 600,000 tonnes.

Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan (FRDU) will allocate US$110 million and China Eximbank will issue US$125 million to project implementation. Uzkimyosanoat will direct own funds to the project.

The projects on production of phosphate ammonium nitrate and nitrogenous phosphatic fertilizers were launched at Navoiazot OJSC and Ferghanaazot OJSC with the capacity of 180,000 tonnes and 66,000 tonnes respectively.

In line with the presidential resolution “On programme of measures on speeding up construction and launch of production of new chemical products” from 2009, the industry launched production of forage phosphate, phosphate ammonium nitrate, methanol of A grad, catalysts for ammonia production, carbamide-ammonia nitrate, magnesium sulfate, and others for 19 billion soums.
In line with the Innovation programme of Uzkimyosanoat, the enterprises launched production of potassium sulfate, nitrate sulfate, and phosphor urea and sulfate urea.

In 2010, the industry created 1,939 jobs, of which 431 jobs were out-works. The forecast was fulfilled by 41.3 and 15.5% surplus respectively. Total number of out-workers, created by the enterprises of Uzkimyosanoat, reached 1,815 people.
Within the cooperation exchange, the industry purchased products for over 68.2 billion soums (+0.1).

As earlier reported, seven large projects in chemical industry will be implemented in Uzbekistan within the programme on priorities of developing industry for 2011-2015.

Total project cost of these projects will make up US$1.632 billion, of which US$1.224 billion will be foreign credits and investments. Other share of investments for US$107.5 million will be invested by Uzkimyosanoat state joint stock company, US$260 million by Fund for Reconstruction and development of Uzbekistan, and US$40 million by commercial banks. (Source: UzDaily.com)

About 42% of Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover falls to share of Tashkent city

About 42.07% of foreign trade turnover of Uzbekistan in 2010 fell to share of Tashkent city. According to the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, foreign trade turnover of the Uzbek capital reached almost US$9.19 billion.

The committee said that exports of the enterprises of Tashkent city made up US$4.954 billion and imports – US$4.236 billion in January-December 2010.

Tashkent and Andijan regions entered to Top Three on the volume of foreign trade turnover. The volume of foreign trade turnover of Tashkent region made up US$2.882 billion and Andijan region – US$2.096 billion.

At the same time, Tashkent region exported goods and service for US$1.742 billion and Andijan region – US$636.3 million in the reporting period. The volume of imports was US$1.14 billion and US$1.459 billion respectively.

The lowest volume of foreign trade turnover was recorded in Karakalpakstan (US$115.5 million), Khorezm region (US$198.7 million) and Syrdarya region (US$214.2 million).

The volume of exports of Karakalpakstan in 2010 was US$90.9 million and imports – US$24.6 million, which is the lowest figure in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover reached US$21.844 billion in 2010 (+3%) in 2010, the Uzbekistan State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan said. The trade turnover with the CIS states made up US$9.425 billion and other countries – US$12.42 billion.

The volume of exports of Uzbekistan made up US$13.045 billion and the volume of imports reached US$8.8 billion in 2010. (Source: UzDaily.com)

Samarkand and Namangan regions, as well as Tashkent city posted the highest growth of gross regional product (GRP) in 2010, according to the data of the State Statistics Committee.

In the reporting period, the GRP of Samarkand region grew by 13.6% to 3.813 trillion soums. The GRP per capita increased by 11.5%.
According to the committee, economy of Namangan region grew by 12.4% to 2.427 trillion soums. The GRP per capita rose by 10.4%.

The GRP of Tashkent city increased by 12.4% to 9.82 trillion soums, while the GRP per capital grew by 11%, the report said.
Tashkent city leads on the volume of the GRP in monetary terms. Tashkent region and Kashkadarya region followed the capital with 5.571 trillion soums (10.1%) and 4.865 trillion soums (+3.9%) respectively.

The lowest the GRP growth was recorded in Navoi region (2.5%), Kashkadarya region (3.9%) and Ferghana region (5.8%). In monetary terms, the lowest volume was posted in Syrdarya region – 1.008 trillion soums.

As earlier reported, in January-December 2010, the volume of gross domestic product (GDP) of Uzbekistan made up 61.831 trillion soums, the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan said. (Source: UzDaily.com)

The President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a resolution “On optimization of the system on state procurement and expansion of attracting small businesses to them” on 7 February 2011. The document is directed at expanding access to loans, raw materials and state procurement system for small and private businesses.

The press services of the Finance Ministry of Uzbekistan said that the document determines concrete mechanism, which allows to simplify access to state procurement due to setting special quotas to small businesses.

The resolution also envisages stage-by-stage introduction of transparent electronic system on placement of the state orders for purchase of goods, works and services among small enterprises. Implementation of the resolution will help to raise efficient use of resources of the state and local budgets, as well as develop fair competition in goods markets.

The document also sets some preferences to small businesses along with providing access to state procurements. From 1 April, the government set order in line with which preferences will be given to small business at organization of tenders on state procurement at equal terms.

At the same time, only small businesses will participate in tenders on selection of organization for construction and reconstruction works with the cost less than 500 million soums, which are financed due to state budget and other centralized resources.

The Governmental Commission on state procurement under the Cabinet of Ministers will be created to implement set tasks. Treasury under the Finance Ministry will be working body.

The commission will carry out control over targeted and rational use of resources of the centralized resources, directed at state procurement, execution of legislation in this direction. The commission will create favourable conditions for attraction of small businesses to state procurement process. The commission will improve skills of all objects, which are participating in tender and exchange trades, introduce international standards and norms.

The resolution also includes measures on supporting production activity of small businesses. The Center for promotion of small businesses’ products will be created under the Uzbek Commodity Exchange (UzEX).

The UzEX and Educational Center under Finance Ministry will organize courses on improving skills of small and private businesses’ representatives, which will help them to familiarize with tender procedures.

In line with the resolution, all organizations, conducting state procurement due to specialized sources, will have to place announcement on upcoming procurements at the special portal at least 30 days prior supply date of necessary goods, services and works. The portal will be created under the Center on promotion of products.

The state procurements on separate products (services and works), list of which will be determined by the Governmental commission on the state procurement, with cost between US$300-US$1000 will be procured through electronic trades, organized by the UzEX, excluding cases indicated in the legislation. It is planned to create trade fields and broker offices in places to ensure access of small businesses and budget organizations.

The Department on control over holding tenders on state procurements will be created under the Main Control-Revision Division of the Finance Ministry. The department will reveal tenders with signs of falsification, collusion and corruption, as well as fake tenders.

At the same time, the heads of the state bodies and business entities, participating at centralized procurements for the divisions, will be personally responsible for organization and efficiency of the state procurements, as well as execution of corresponding laws. (Source: UzDaily.com)

Sharon Bio-Medicine Ltd. and Uzpharmsanoat state joint-stock concern of have Uzbekistan signed a memorandum of understanding to set up pharmaceutical plant in Navoi Free Industrial Economic Zone in Uzbekistan.

As per the document, Sharon will provide necessary technology to new company to produce pharma products and make investment along with government of Uzbekistan and a resident company/individual of Uzbekistan in the new company, RTTNews reported.
Uzbekistan government will assist Sharon to implement the project through preparation of documents, obtaining information from government and semi government bodies, participate in exhibitions and assist in financing the new company.

The company said the final detail agreement would be signed within three months from now and the new company would commence production in 15 months after signing the final detail agreement.

The new company will sell its products not only in Uzbekistan, but also in CIS countries. It can also sell its products to all over the world,a s there is no restriction on the new company.

Navoi Free Industrial Economic Zone is free from all taxes and government of Uzbekistan has provided best of infrastructure facilities such as roads, railways, air services, water, electricity, communication etc. (Source: UzReport Agency)

SOCIETY

Nilufar Mamadalieva wins stipend of 2011 For Women in Science International Fellows


Uzbekistan’s Nilufar Mamadalieva, a specialist on plant biochemistry and pharmacology, became one of the fifteen winners of the 2011 For Women in Science International Fellows.

On 2 March, 15 women post-doctoral researchers – three from each continent - will be presented with the UNESCO- L’Oreal International Fellowships for Women in Science.

UNESCO said that the 2011 For Women in Science International Fellows will each receive up to US$40,000 over two years to help them pursue research outside their countries of origin.

For the past 13 years, the L’Oreal Corporate Foundation and UNESCO have sought to recognise women scientists who, through the scope of their work, have contributed to overcoming the global challenges of tomorrow. Each year, the For Women in Science Programme highlights scientific excellence and encourages talent. (Source: UzDaily.com)

SPORT

Abbos Mahsitaliev can move to Monaco or Milan

Skipper of Uzbekistan U-17 and midfielder of Pakhtakor Tashkent Abbos Mahsitaliev attracted interest of the European clubs, the Vice President of the club Samvel Babayan said in a press conference in Tashkent on 26 February.

Samvel Babayan said that France’s Monaco and Italy’s Milan expressed interest in signing the Uzbek youngster.

Pakhtakor Vice-President stated that Abbos Mahsitaliev will soon fly to Monaco to undergo medical examination.

Babayan underlined that earlier there was no interest from such big clubs to the Uzbek players. He said that the club is very happy.

Uzbekistan U-16 claimed the silver medal of the AFC U-17 Championship in 2010 and booked the spot to the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico, which will be held in June-July 2011. (Source: UzDaily.com