March 05, 2011

Uzbekistan became the member of the UN on 2 March 1992. Over the past period, the country has been carrying out efficient cooperation with the international organization in combating threats to peaceful life of the citizens, solving environmental problems and socioeconomic development.

The initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan put forward at the UN General Assembly sessions and related to fighting international terrorism, religious extremism, illegal drug and arms trade have been met with great interest around the world.
The proposals of the head of the state on proclaiming Central Asia the nuclear weapons free zone, stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan, softening the consequences of the Aral Sea crisis and the environmental situation in the whole region acquire particular importance.

In his speech at the UN MDG Summit in September 2010, President Islam Karimov highlighted a number of other global issues.

Among them were practical proposals on the peaceful solution of the Afghan problem and other matters.

The seminar at the Legislative Chamber emphasized the importance of Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the United Nations and the role of this body in ensuring peace and security in the world. The participants also outlined tasks for future cooperation between the country and the UN. (Source: UzA News Agency)

The regional stage of the competition among entrepreneurs and artisans Tashabbus-2011 (Initiative-2011) for the prize of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan was held in Karakalpakstan.

The contest was held to help for development of small and private business, support of farmers’ movement. It also focused on the activities of entrepreneurs, who produce substituting products.

In Kanlikul district, more than 20 participants presented their products in the nomination of “Best Entrepreneur of the Year.” The head of a private firm S. Bisenov won the first place in that category.

The head of “Abdullaev Daryoboy” farm D. Abdullaev won in the nomination of “Best Farmer of the Year.”

“Founded in 2005, our farm is engaged in the cultivation of cotton and wheat,” D. Abdullaev said. “Last year, we received 100 tons of grain from the 32 of our 163 hectares, and 65 tons of cotton from 25 hectares.”

The works of 16 artisans, household items, carvings, Karakalpak national costumes, embroidery and carpets competed in the nomination of the “Best Craftsman of the Year.” Entrepreneur Jadira Kudaybergenova won the first place in that category. (Source: UzA News Agency)

Investment opportunities of Uzbekistan presented in Italy

A business forum titled “Great perspectives for Italian enterprises in Uzbekistan” was held in Italy, Jahon news agency reported.

The event was organized by the Florence Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the initiative of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Italy and at the assistance of Italy-Uzbekistan Commerce Chamber.

During the event, the presentation of the report of the Uzbek President Islam Karimov at the session on results of social-economic development of Uzbekistan for 2010 and important priorities of economic programme for 2011 was held. The meeting also presented economic and investment potential of Uzbekistan, including free industrial-economic zone Navoi, priority projects included to programme of modernization and economic and technological re-equipment of industry.

Representatives of large companies of Toscana region, specializing in production of oil and gas, as well as textile equipment, construction materials and agriclture goods participated at the event.

President of Florence Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Pontello said that wide-scale programme on economic development, adopted by the government of Uzbekistan, envisages modernization of production, support of small businesses through issuing loans and providing preferences.

He said that Uzbekistan pays special focus on use innovative and modern technologies in production process, which helps to create new jobs and raise well-being of population.

Representative of Toscana nastri, successfully supplying conveyor belts to Uzbekistan, Barducci said that existence capacious market and conditions for sales in internal market, skilled work forces, industrialization, liberalization of economy and stimulation of investments promotes inflow of foreign investments.

Noting about preferences at Navoi free industrial-economic zone, Barducci said that it is attractive lace for Italian investors. (Source: UzDaily.com)

The 6th International specialized exhibition-fair of mini-technologies and compact equipment for agriculture "Uzbekistan Agrominitech Expo" will be held in Tashkent in 25-28 May.

Uzbekistan possesses an enormous potential for production of different kinds of agricultural products, especially horticultural products which possess a high quality taste and export opportunities. In order to develop this area actively our farmers are interested in attracting advanced experiences and technological equipment.

The exhibition has been conducted successfully since 2006 and it has been visited by members of more than 300 companies from all over the world including countries of Europe, Japan, South Korea, China, Turkey and others.

More than 50,000 representatives of small businesses, agricultural companies, farmers and other specialists attended this exhibition. As a result, more than 2,000 contracts for purchasing of exhibited equipment were signed among participants of exhibitions.

The exhibition includes the following thematic sections: "Fruit processing equipment, "Meat, fish and diary products processing", "Milk processing", "Bakery and macaroni production", "Labeling, polygraph and packaging equipment", "Freezing technologies", "Chemicals for plant protection,syringes", "Greenhouse equipment", "Beekeeping", "Poultry", "Livestock", "Veterinary", "Gardening", "Equipment for in-house (cottage) production (sewing machines, carpet production and etc.)". (Source: UzReport Agency)

SOCIETY

UNDP helps launch a new web portal on consumer rights

"Consumers, by definition, include all of us... They are the largest economic group, affecting and affected by almost every public and private economic decision. Yet they are the only important group... whose views are often not heard" (J.F.Kennedy, 1962).

Rights of a consumer, irrespective of that consumer's competence, can be violated anywhere, and not always even an experienced consumer can prove his/her case. Consumers often will not go as far as filing a complaint with a state authority, especially if the case involves inexpensive products or services.

These and other important factors have instigated the development of an electronic resource www.potrebitel.uz, which aims at raising legal awareness of consumers through providing necessary information in the area of consumer rights protection.

This initiative is realized by the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for demonopolization and support of competition, Antimonopoly policy improvement center and the United Nations Development Program in Uzbekistan.

The new web portal allows users to submit consumer complaints directly to the State Antimonopoly Committee from their own computers using a step-by-step online form. In addition, special software allows a consumer to draft an official and legally sound complaint against an organization that violated his/her consumer right.

The web portal serves several purposes at once – besides enabling consumers to file a complaint, it allows them to receive answers to their questions, as well as ensures access to information on main rules of doing business, especially the area of advertisements for sellers and service providers. The Uzbek version of the web portal is available at www.istemolchi.uz. (Source: UzReport Agency)

CULTURE

Film concert brings together Russian high-stature actors and actresses

Film concert brings together Russian high-stature actors and actresses

Tashkent's Youth Creativity Palace on 27 February hosted a film concert involving famous Russian theater and cinema actors.
The concert was organized by the Ministry of Culture of Russia, the Ministry of Culture and Sports Affairs of Uzbekistan and the Russian Cultural Center in Uzbekistan with support from the Embassy of Russia in Tashkent and Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office.

Prior to the concert the Russian actors Timofey Fyodorov, Inna Makarova, Sergey Kolesnikov, Svetlana Toma and Svetlana Svetlichnaya gave a press conference where they talked about their "relations" with Tashkent and how they feel about the city.

The actors also noted that, while Tashkent is a modern megacity, its warmth and hospitality is what sets it apart. The main idea that figured throughout the event is that cinematography is another aspect which serves to link countries and nations.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary of Russia's Union of Cinematographers, Sergey Novozhilov, said: "It's been long since we last came here and I hope that this event will give an impetus to further cooperation. For example, back home quite recently, in December, we paid tribute to your compatriot Malik Kayumov."

"And here in Uzbekistan last year we had an International Music Festival "Melodies of Friends" in which many Russian singers participated. I want to say thanks to the Fund Forum and Uzbekistan's Ministry of Culture and Sports for bringing us all together today."

"There are no cultural boundaries," said prominent Russian actress Svetlana Toma. "And that's why we are here today and we hope that these ties will be sustained. I had visited Tashkent twice and I was delighted to come for a third time. Tashkent is a very beautiful city and the people here are so kindhearted. It's amazing that we got together and have been able to share this positive energy with each other."

The film concert also came as an opportunity to remember favorite films, songs and actors. Each of the speakers offered their own vision of the past, with Fyodorov and Kolesnikov performing famous songs from the films of the days gone by.

Makarova shared her story of how she became a student at a drama school during the times of war. Svetlichnaya recited a monolog of Tatyana Larina, the heroine of Russian poet Alexander Pushkin's "Eugene Onegin". Toma performed a song titled "Friendship", which fit in perfectly with the atmosphere of the event.

"This is not my first visit to Tashkent and I know many Uzbek actors and actresses," said eminent Russian actress Svetlichnaya. "Your city has changed a lot and become majestic. I'm convinced that this sort of events must be continued."
Among the Russian film stars was a prominent Uzbek actor and film director Rustam Sagdullayev, who performed a song, expressed his gratitude to the Fund Forum for organizing the meeting, and said he was honored to be among visiting actors of such a high stature.

The event was held as part of the Program of Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation for 2010-2012 between the governments of Uzbekistan and Russia, commissioned in an effort to take Uzbek-Russian cultural cooperation to a higher level. (Source: UzReport Agency)

The Institute of Oriental Studies in Moscow is housing a posthumous exhibition of works by artist Medat Kagarov (1940-20111). The art show has been organized by the Fund Forum, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Russia, Foundation "Interaction of Civilizations", the Institute of Oriental Studies and Leonid Shishkin Gallery.

Madat Kagarov, a People's Artist of Uzbekistan born in 1940 in Kazakhstan, has left a significant legacy of artworks which may be found in a multitude of galleries and museums across the world, including in Germany, India, France, the United Kingdom, the USA, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan and Russia. A graduate of Moscow State University of Arts and Industry, he had several state awards. In 2003, Kagarov joined the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, the director of the Institute of Oriental Studies, Professor Vitaliy Naumkin, said: "This art show, as the first posthumous exhibition of the artist, is a notable event in the artistic, academic and public life in Moscow as well as in the cultural ties between Russian and Uzbek people. Unfortunately, the artist passed away a few days ago. Medat Kagarov was a brilliant artist of world class, who embodied the traditions of both Uzbek and Russian fine arts. His works mirror the traditions of leading art schools in Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan. His creations combine avant-garde and Islamic motifs."

"I saw some of the works currently on display back in the workshop," says Yekaterina Yermakova, head of the Caucasus and Central Asia department of the State Oriental Museum (Russia). "I think they convey a feeling of someone who loves Uzbekistan. Medat Kagarov was an extraordinary artist, who created works that are both contemporary and show us the link between ancient civilizations, including works dedicated to the Great Silk Road and the Far East." (Source: UzReport Agency)

TOURISM

Uzbekistan’s tourism potential presented in Belgium

Leading tourism companies and agencies of Uzbekistan participated at the international tourism fair Asia Fair-2011, which took place in Wemmel, near Brussels (Belgium).

The fair was organized by Belasia Association, which has been working for development of cooperation between Europe and Asia for last 15 years.

Over 120 tourism companies and airlines from Europe and Asian states participated at the event. Uzbek companies were also among participants. The Uzbek companies presented their travel products to ancient cities of Uzbekistan and provided information about history, culture, population and nature of the country.

The exposition of Uzbekistan was organized at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Belgium and attracted attention of the visitors. The exposition presented samples of works of handicrafts and images from historic-cultural monuments.

The Uzbek companies also demonstrated films about cultural-historic heritage of the Uzbek people, achievements in various areas, etc.

Gilbert Roels, President of Belasia, underlined that the growing interest of the Belgian citizens to Uzbekistan, which is located on the Great Silk Road, with its unique historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent.

He said that Uzbekistan, possessing unique tourism potential, soon will become one of the most attractive countries of the world.

Representative of Tomas Cook, G. Torson said that demand for tours to Uzbekistan is increasing despite it was recently included to products of the European companies. He said that Tomas Cook will expand its activity in the Uzbek direction. (Source: UzDaily.com)

Uzbekistan Havo Yollari launches new department on tourism

Department of tourism and advertisement policy has been launched at the Uzbekistan Havo Yollari, national airline of Uzbekistan.

Commercial director of Uzbekistan Havo Yollari Erkin Ubaydullaev announced this at the meeting between management of Uzbekistan Havo Yollari and Uzbektourism national company with representatives of foreign airlines and local tour operators.

Erkin Ubaydullaev said that creation of new structure, which will strengthen position and promotion of the airline in tourism transportation, shows interest of the airline in increasing share of tourists in structure of passenger turnover and attracting passengers to all international flights.

He said that such approach to cooperation with tourism administration and tour operators of Uzbekistan has systematic approach.

Ubaydullaev underlined that Uzbekistan Havo Yollari introduced new post deputy director on tourism at the airports of tourism cities. He said that the airline also actively participates in international tourism fairs and representative offices of Uzbekistan conduct active work on promotion of Uzbekistan as tourism destination.

Uzbekistan Today newspaper reported that tourism industry of Uzbekistan is closely depends on current state and development of air transportation both in international and internal routes. Air transportation is almost only way to transport foreign tourists from foreign countries due to location of Uzbekistan.

Location of some tourism centers of Uzbekistan, such as Urgench and Nukus, pushes tour operators to air transportation to their products.

According to tour operators, closeness of interests of tour operators and the airline on promotion of Uzbekistan in internal tourism markets opens new perspectives for close interaction.

Mikhail Shamshidov, director of tourism company Orexca.com, said that the growing competition in the regional markets leaves no choice, but to boost cooperation among Uzbekistan Airways, Uzbektourism and tour operators to attract foreign tourists to Uzbekistan.

Next step of Uzbekistan Airways, Uzbektourism and private tourism companies will be joint work on participation at largest international tourism fair ITB in Berlin. (Source: UzDaily.com)

SPORT

Kasimdjanov and Anand to meet in Tashkent

Rustam Kasymdjanov, the world chess champion of 2004, and Vishwanathan Anand of India, current world champion, will hold friendly meeting on 27 March in Tashkent.

This event, organized in cooperation of the Chess Federation of Uzbekistan and the Culture and Art Forum of Uzbekistan Fund, is aimed at further promotion of chess in Uzbekistan and enhancing skills and experiences of young chess players.

The upcoming friendly meeting between Kasymdjanov and Anand will consist of four parties in the order of “match-rapid.” The following days of the match, Anand and Kasymdjanov will conduct master classes for talented young players on 28-29 March. (Source: UzA News Agency)

Nasaf hands 3-0 defeat to Al Ansar

Three new Nasaf signings got on the score sheet as the Uzbek side began their quest for AFC Cup glory with a 3-0 win over Al Ansar in their opening Group A game at Karshi Central Stadium.

With the game seemingly destined to end goalless at the break, Serbian striker Ivan Boskovic headed in the opener in the 44th minute before Latvian midfielder Andrejs Perepljotkins doubled their advantage 18 minutes from time after Rabee Ataya had been dismissed for Al Ansar shortly into the second period.

Last season's Uzbekistan League top-scorer Nosir Otakuziev then sealed the points with the third goal six minutes later. Nasaf almost broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Artur Gevorkyan met Perepljotkins' cross but saw his effort hit the post.

Eight minutes later another delivery from the Latvian winger picked out Boskovic in the middle of the penalty area but he headed the ball wide.

The Serbian did find the back of the net just before the interval, though, when this time he converted another cross from Perepljotkins.

Al Ansar suffered a further setback seven minutes into the second period when Ataya was sent off for second bookable offence.

Despite being one man down, the Lebanese side created their best chance of the game in the 70th minute when Edson Luis Nasimento found himself one-on-one with Nasaf goalie Murod Zukhurov but the Brazilian striker was unable to score.

Just two minutes later Al Ansar were punished for that missed chance as they conceded a second goal.

Lutfulla Turaev’s shot deflected off a defender into the path of Gevorkyan and the Turkmenistan international’s pass presented Perepljotkins with the easiest of chances to cap a fine performance.

The third goal came following some neat passing play between Jakhongir Jiyamuradov, Turaev and Boskovic.

Turaev was the one who eventually fed Otakuziev and last season's domestic top-scorer made no mistake to claim Nasaf's third with a simple finish to wrap up the points in the 78th minute having been on the field just a matter of minutes as a second-half substitute. (Source: UzDaily.com)

Young wushu athletes harvest gold medals

The trainees of Forum Junior Sport Complex won 14 gold medals and ranked second in Uzbekistan Wushu Championship held on February 26-27 at Tashkent's JAR sporting complex.

Over 130 athletes participated in the competition organized by Uzbekistan Wushu Federation, with support from the Ministry of Culture and Sports Affairs and the Center for Martial Arts Development, in an effort to advocate a healthy lifestyle among the rising generation, support young talents, and attract talented wushu athletes to join the national team.

The athletes demonstrated their skills in sanshou (sparring) and taolu (exercises with or without weapons) wushu disciplines.
The Forum Junior Sport Complex was represented by 23 young athletes aged 6-14, with each clinching prizes and ascending the pedestal of honor. All the gold medalists will be recommended for participation in major international competitions such as the Junior Asian Wushu Championship which will be held in August 2011 in Sydney, Australia.

Contemporary wushu includes the following types: standard sets with short or long weapons, free styles, traditional styles, duilian, group performances and sanshou. In Uzbekistan each of these types enjoys broad popularity in spite of wushu being a relatively young sport in the country.

In 2010, our athletes participated in the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, and Junior World Championship in Singapore, where athletes from Uzbekistan earned high ratings.

The Fund Forum works to further boost athletes' mastery and accords particular attention to sport grants. In 2007, the Fund Forum put in place a Sports Grants Program to create additional opportunities for young athletes to hone their skills.

From 2007 to 2010, a total of 207 young athletes were provided with grants worth 62.1 million soums. The bulk of these athletes train at Forum Junior Sport Complex and and Champions Forum, and have emerged victorious in Asian and world championships. (Source: UzReport Agency)