June 27, 2008
Politics:
Lower Chamber Holds Session, Examines Documents
Economics:
WB reps to discuss with Uzbek officials new assistance strategy
Issues of accounting and audit in conditions of economic liberalization discussed
Learning French experience for further tax policy improvement in Uzbekistan
National capacity-building seminar on ICT policy and legal issues
Society:
Conference Tackles ‘Year of Youth’ State Program Tasks
Electronic environmental encyclopedia
Sculptor of marvelous figures
POLICY
LOWER CHAMBER HOLDS SESSION, EXAMINES DOCUMENTS
The Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of Uzbekistan held its regular session in Tashkent on June 24-26. The speaker of Lower Chamber Dilorom Tashmukhamedova presided over the gathering, Jahon Information Agency reported.
The member of Defense and Security Committee A.Shukurov presented the draft of the law “On acceding of Uzbekistan to the UN Convention against Corruption” (New York, October 31, 2003). Following thorough discussion of the document the deputies adopted the law and passed it to the Senate for approval.
The draft of the law “On obligatory state social insurance of accidents on work and professional diseases” was presented by the deputy Chairwoman of Labor and Social Issues Committee of Oliy Majlis Sh.Umarova. Representatives of all political parties’ fractions tabled their proposals with regard the document. The law has been adopted taking into account all proposals and addenda of the deputies.
The member of Committee for Science, Education, Culture and Sport O.Isaev presented the draft of the law “On National Museum Fund and museums”. The deputies have comprehensively discussed the document and examined all proposals aimed at improving the document and adopted the law.
The Legislative Chamber is due to continue to examine the documents included on the agenda on July 1, 2008.
ECONOMY
WB REPS TO DISCUSS WITH UZBEK OFFICIALS NEW ASSISTANCE STRATEGY
A press conference on the introduction of the World Bank's new assistance strategy for Uzbekistan for 2008-2010 was held in Tashkent on June 26. WB Country Director for Central Asia Annette Dixon presented the new strategy, Uzreport Business Information Portal reported.
The previous strategy allocated Uzbekistan some US$210 million, soft loans are given by the World Bank on very advantageous terms. Having been satisfied with the implementation of previous assistance strategy, the Word Bank Board of Directors launched a new one.
Representatives of the World Bank will hold negotiations soon with the government of Uzbekistan to discuss the amount of funds being allocated in line with the new strategy.
The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors on 12 June discussed a new Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) for Uzbekistan focused on basic human needs and improving living standards. The CAS is a document that details the World Bank Group's work plan to assist client countries in achieving their development goals.
The new CAS for Uzbekistan covers the period 2008-2011 and plans on contributing to the financing of 2-3 public investment projects per year, as well as support to the private sector, through the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector lending arm of the World Bank Group.
The Bank Group's new strategy is designed to support the Welfare Improvement Strategy (WIS) adopted by Uzbek Government last summer. Specifically, by 2011, it aims at achieving measurable progress in the following areas: Enabling an environment for shared growth; increasing income and economic opportunities in rural areas; improving service delivery for better health, education, and water supply to population; improving the business environment for the private sector; and more efficient environmental management, disaster risk management and global public goods provision, including regional cooperation. In addition to lending, the World Bank Group (WBG) support also includes policy advice in these key areas.
"Our goal is to improve the quality of life of the people of Uzbekistan," said Annette Dixon. "After extensive consultations with the government and civil society, we are confident that Bank's financial and knowledge support can help make a significant difference."
During consultations for the preparation of this CAS, the Government expressed its broad agreement with the proposed priority framework for the Bank Group's assistance under the CAS. Discussions with civil society representatives were also very supportive of the proposed strategy and participants expressed their keen desire to see the WBG continue and increase its support and activities in Uzbekistan. Overall, the consultations indicated that the new CAS's focus on basic human needs and improving living standards is aligned with the country's needs. Many stakeholders also solicited increased involvement of the WBG in improving the enabling environment for development of the private sector.
The proposed CAS framework will allow the consolidation of results, expansion of the areas of engagement, and the strengthening of the role of the Bank as a trusted partner. The CAS provides for a regular review process to assess whether the target outcomes are being achieved.
As of now, the impact of World Bank projects in Uzbekistan includes nearly 44,000 people who now have access to safe water and over 800,000 who have improved quality and quantity water in South Karakalpakstan; 90% of covered population have access to water and 75-87% satisfied with water supply services; over 5,000 farmers benefited from improved irrigation; over 11 million people living in rural areas have had access to medical services through over 2,300 improved and refurbished primary care centers; the incidence of infectious diseases has reduced.
Uzbekistan joined the World Bank in 1992. The World Bank's mission in the country is to improve people's livelihoods through being a partner in economic reforms, supporting the modernization of the country's social sectors and infrastructure, and sharing its knowledge and experience with the government and the people of Uzbekistan. Total World Bank commitments to Uzbekistan amount to US$650 million.
ISSUES OF ACCOUNTING AND AUDIT IN CONDITIONS OF ECONOMIC LIBERALIZATION DISCUSSED
A round table on the "Actual issues of accounting and audit in conditions of economic liberalization" was held in Tashkent on June 27. It was co-hosted by USAID Development of Accounting and CIPA Programme Project in partnership with joint Public Finance Reform in Uzbekistan Project of the United Nations Development Programme and Ministry of Finance of Uzbekistan, Uzreport reported.
Liberalization of national economy requires thorough accounting and audit practices, transparency and access to financial information for further development of the real sector and promotion of foreign investments. In turn, this requires development of appropriate legal framework for effective regulation as well as timely disclosure of complete and reliable financial information in line with the requirements of the market economy and the universally recognized accounting and audit standards.
Relevance of this round table is due to the need to discuss with all stakeholders the issues related to removal of existing shortcomings in accounting and audit practices including improvement of system regulation, and improvement of financial reporting principles.
The officials of Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, entrepreneurs, auditors, accountants, representatives of professional associations, international organizations and development institutions, accounting and audit faculty and practicing accountants and auditors attended the round table.
International experience of transition to International Audit Standards, quality control over performance of auditors and accountants, implementation of relevant best experiences in the countries - members of the Eurasian Council of Certified Accountants and Auditors, issues of auditor evidence at the final stage of audit of financial reporting and accounting of earmarked cash flows were among major issues discussed at the event.
Furthermore, audit techniques of accounting policies of businesses and particular features of accounting of leasing operations in accordance with the Tax Code were discussed in the course of the round table. The participants were 'offered presentations by experts and discussed the proposals for further improvement of regulatory framework of accounting and audit.
Implementation of new National Accounting and Audit Standards developed in the framework of the UNDP Public Finance Reform in Uzbekistan Project were also discussed at the round table. Proposals and recommendations geared to improve company audits, maintain records of earmarked cash flows, and financial lease were presented. Also the need for more in-depth analysis of existing legal framework for assessment of the prospects and implications of adoption of the International Audit Standards in Uzbekistan was noted.
Unfolding active discussions contributed to identification of new areas for improvement of accounting and audit practices in Uzbekistan. Concurrently, specific recommendations to make changes and amendments to the National Accounting Standards and National Audit Standards were developed at the round table.
This round table is one of many projects implemented in Uzbekistan by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on behalf of the American people. Since 1992 USAID has provided technical assistance to Uzbekistan for total amount in excess of US$300 million.
LEARNING FRENCH EXPERIENCE FOR FURTHER TAX POLICY IMPROVEMENT IN UZBEKISTAN
Seminar "Property and personal income taxation: French experience and its application possibilities in further reforms of tax policy and administration in Uzbekistan" took place in the conference hall of Dedeman Silk Road Tashkent hotel on June 20.
The event was organized by French Agency for International Technical Cooperation (ADETEF) and joint "Public Finance Reform in Uzbekistan" Project of Ministry of Finance and United Nations Development Programme in Uzbekistan.
The purpose of the seminar was to sensitize participants on features of property and personal income taxation, issues of administering these taxes and perspectives of tax reform in Uzbekistan. Representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers, Ministry of Finance, State Tax Committee, Ministry of Justice, experts in the field of taxation, as well as faculty of higher educational institutions participated in the seminar.
The seminar was conducted by international expert Josiane Gerbel, Senior tax administration advisor of the Ministry Finance of France. Josiane Gerbel has thirty years of experience working in tax administration of France, specializing in income and property translation, desk audits and personnel training for the tax service. She has a vast background in fiscal technical assistance programs implementation in Russia, Eastern European Countries and the Arab World.
The tax system of France is a source of positive reform experience for Uzbekistan, as it is characterized by effective tax regulation and stability of tax legislation.
In the course of the seminar the issues of tax returns on personal income tax, income tax schedule, income tax calculation, special terms and regimes, control over correctness of income tax assessment and payment were discussed. Participants were also sensitized on private property taxation and its place in structure of local budget revenues, tax rates for different types of property, as well as approaches to performing proper property evaluation for tax purposes.
Seminar participants were particularly interested in income tax assessment, including size and age structure of families and social deductions of education expenses from the taxable base. In the seminar were also discussed recommendations provided in the Report on "Improvement of Payroll Taxation", which is being developed within the framework of the UNDP "Public Finance Reform in Uzbekistan" Project
At the end of the seminar, Josiane Gerbel presented practical recommendations on further improvement of tax legislation and tax system in Uzbekistan. During the seminar new approaches for tax system reform were highlighted and presented experience will contribute for capacity building in the field of further improvement of individuals' income taxation in Uzbekistan.
NATIONAL CAPACITY-BUILDING SEMINAR ON ICT POLICY AND LEGAL ISSUES
A national capacity-building seminar on information and communication technology (ICT) policy and legal issues will be held on 1-2 of July 2008 in Tashkent.
During the seminar the legal issues from five different areas relevant to the rapid development of electronic commerce and related activities in Uzbekistan will be addressed, in particular: the legal ICT infrastructure, legal certainty and legal security of ICT, legal protection and legal constraints. Within this distinct areas the issues of application of trademarks, copyright, consumer protection will be also discussed.
It should be noted that professor of the Centre for the Study of Commercial Law at Queen Mary University in London Jan Walden will participate in the seminar as an instructor. Jan Walden will also present an overview on the topic "ICT policy and legal issues in Uzbekistan - the key regulatory issues for the responsible officials in the field of ICT".
The seminar is organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in cooperation with Communication and Information Agency of Uzbekistan, United Nations Development Programme in Uzbekistan represented by the "Assisting the government of Uzbekistan in the formulation and implementation of ICT for development policy" ("ICT Policy") project.
SOCIETY
CONFERENCE TACKLES ‘YEAR OF YOUTH’ STATE PROGRAM TASKS
Gulistan State University of Syrdarya Province hosted scientific and practical conference to discuss the implementation of tasks set in the framework of the Year of Youth State Program, according to Jahon Information Agency website.
The report quoted participants as saying that the education system in Uzbekistan meets all international standards and the role of youth in the life of society is gradually enhancing. “Our university is hosting this conference not for nothing. We have a quite significant experience in working with talented young people. Currently we have scores of centers, clubs, training courses and scientific societies run by students. This, in turn, helps them to unveil labor skills and enhance their leadership qualities,” the rector of Gulistan State University U.Tashkenbaev said.
According to the report, the presentation of books on enhancing the activity of youth, as well as establishing the system of students’ self-governance in higher educational schools took place in the course of the conference.
The governor (khokim) of Syrdarya Province A.Jalolov is also reported to have attended the gathering.
ELECTRONIC ENVIRONMENTAL ENCYCLOPEDIA
Uzbekistan Geographic Information System based on environmental indicators (GIS) capable to keep, analyze and transfer information on environment, impact of global warming and human on it and measures of stabilizing the situation.
The result relies on the implementation of Uzbek Government and UN Development Program’s (UNDP) joint project on Improving and Developing GIS Data Base of Environmental Indicators for Environmental Monitoring.
In Tashkent a seminar of the Uzbek State Nature Committee and UN Development Program in Uzbekistan established the GIS and its functioning. The GIS will help to improve an integrated monitoring of environment in the country and quality of gained information on environment.
The environmental indicators for estimating environment are widely used throughout the world. They are a kind of specially developed complex indicators characterizing natural conditions and impact of man’s economical activity on them. The advantage of environmental indicators is efficient and speedy consideration of response reactions of nature to taken measures. It grounds more efficiently their usage and strengthens monitoring.
Uzbekistan practices the national Economic Indicators of environmental activity in accordance with the Law “On nature conservation” and other legal acts.
The Republic of Uzbekistan joined the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Environment for Europe Program. Therefore, in choosing the environmental indicators the republic mostly practiced criteria used by the UNECE experts and European Environment Agency. In Uzbekistan 91 of more than 300 supervised indicators and sub-indicators were recommended for using in environmental protection. They characterize state of atmosphere, water and land resources, problems of waste utilization and processing, biodiversity, people’s health and environment of the Aral Sea region.
The recommended environmental indicators coincide with generally recognized international approaches and at the same time, reflect the most important ecological priorities of Uzbekistan. They can estimate and predict efficiency of taken measures to improve environmental situations for many years.
The process of establishing and filling up the data base of national environmental indicators involved leading ministries and departments of Uzbekistan: Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agricultural and Water Resources, State Nature Committee, State Committee on Land Resources, Geodesy, Cartography and State Cadastre, State Committee on Geology, Mineral Resources and Hydrometeorology. The State Nature Committee of Uzbekistan was charged with coordinating and estimating the environmental situation.
The project development resulted in interface connected the Geographic Information System with data base where requested materials are sent to the GIS and then analyzed, using a complex of GIS programs. It improved geographic interpretation and opportunities of material analyses.
The GIS helps to estimate environment, analyze reasons of outgoing changes as well as develop alternative variants of resolving the problems. The system can be extended and turned into a multifunctional tool of guaranteeing stable development in case it includes socio-environmental indicators. It will make easier the task of organizing complex monitoring and estimating the initiatives of national development such as strategy of improving people’s welfare and prosperity.
The GIS has an open date base and can be filled up and updated for its more efficient and wider use in constant nature conservation activity and it is accessible through internet. It means that everyone worried about Uzbekistan’s environment enjoys access to fuller and exacter information. It is of great importance because everyone is responsible for environment.
The GIS issued such books as “Environmental Review of Uzbekistan” and “Atlas of Estimating Uzbekistan’s Environment on Environmental Indicators”. These books were presented to participants of the seminar.
A complex analysis of materials in GIS data base showed Uzbekistan’s vast natural and resource potential whose rational use can ensure stable development and welfare of the contemporary and next generations of the country.
SCULPTOR OF MARVELOUS FIGURES
The International Caravan Sarai of Culture of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan is hosting a jubilee exhibition of a well-known sculptor of Uzbekistan Ahmat Shaimuradov. The exhibition is dedicated to the creative activity of the master.
Shaimuradov is a mature artist having a big creative potential, unique manner, and his own comprehension of the world. He is in a constant search of new plastic foreshortenings, forms filling those images with a special spiritual energy. Traditional oriental poetics is felt in his works dedicating to oriental beauties and sages, and which reflect different psychological state of a human’s soul: meditation, amorousness, maternity, and others.
Ahmat Shaimuradov is thoroughly familiar in creative circles of Uzbekistan. Together with Chingiz Ahmarov, a well-known artist of Uzbekistan he decorated Alisher Navoi metro station in Tashkent. Besides, He is author of the Alisher Navoi sculpture erected in Samarkand.
Along with the fact that Ahmat Shaimuradov is a good sculptor he is also a very good teacher.
Works of this prominent master are recognized abroad as well, for instance in Japan, United States, and many other countries.