August 19, 2009

Politics:
President of Uzbekistan received Commander of US Central Command
Economics:
EXPO.UZ 2009 opens in Tashkent
Rights of entrepreneurs - under protection of State
Private entrepreneurship develops in Navoi
Andmetallhamkor launches slate manufacture
Society:
Schools in Ferghana region reconstructed
Challenger tournament starts in Karshi

POLICY

PRESIDENT OF UZBEKISTAN RECEIVED COMMANDER OF US CENTRAL COMMAND

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received General David Petraeus, the Commander of the US Central Command, on August 18 Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent, National News Agency UzA reported.

Uzbekistan attaches great importance to further development of relations with the United States and is ready to expand constructive bilateral and multilateral cooperation based on mutual respect and equal partnership, Islam Karimov said.

Uzbekistan and the US cooperate in establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan and socioeconomic revival of this country. Through the Uzbek territory, non-military and humanitarian cargoes are delivered to Afghanistan.

David Petraeus confirmed the interest of the current US administration in development of cooperation with Uzbekistan in various spheres.

The US general also noted Uzbekistan’s important contribution to the strengthening of stability in Afghanistan and regional security.

The sides considered perspectives of Uzbek-American relations and other issues representing mutual interest.

ECONOMY

EXPO.UZ 2009 OPENS IN TASHKENT

The exhibition of national products and services EXPO.UZ 2009, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan, opened in Tashkent August 18.

Opening the forum, Deputy Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan A.Kamolov said the country was achieving notable results thanks to large-scale reforms in all sectors of the economy.

The decree of the head of the state of 28 November 2008 “On the Program of measures to support the real sector of the economy, ensure its stable operation and increase the export potential” is helping to overcome the negative effects of the global financial and economic crisis, and ensure consistent growth and stable operation of the economy.

In Uzbekistan, a special attention is being paid to improving the production efficiency, increasing the share of domestic products on the local market and further development of international cooperation.

Reforming the industry is aimed at attracting domestic and foreign investments, establishment of complex, high-tech based industries. Numerous enterprises are being re-equipped and the export-oriented production is expanding.

About 400 companies are participating in the EXPO.UZ 2009 exhibition, which is devoted to the 18th anniversary of the independence of Uzbekistan.

The participants represent areas like fuel and energy complex, machine building, automotive and aircraft construction, furniture business, agriculture, telecommunications and information technologies, food, textiles, chemical and light industry, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, consumer goods production, fruit and vegetable processing, packaging, karakul and leather production.

Among them are such companies as GM Uzbekistan, SamAuto, Foton, Fortek, Bentonit, Kumush, Bauplast, Desk-Invest, Barchinoy, Muruvvat Teks, Ascon, Nestle Uzbekistan, Dionis Group, Urgench Yog‘, Orient Mebel, Alesta Glass and others.

During the three-day event, its participants will have the opportunity to explore the market needs and demand, hold talks on cooperation and sign agreements.

RIGHTS OF ENTREPRENEURS - UNDER PROTECTION OF STATE

By developing the initiative of President Islam Karimov and effectively implementing a program of Anti-crisis measures, special attention is given to stimulation of small business development. In fact, this sector is the most important factor in creating employment and improving living standards.

- Due to its compactness and mobility, quick adaptability to changing market conditions and consumer needs, the small business in the global economic crisis has become the most reliable and best way to create new jobs and raise incomes, – said Head of department of protection of the rights of entrepreneurs at the Ministry of Justice of Republic of Uzbekistan Shakir Saidov.

- It should be noted particularly that, in addition to the provisions of tax and credit incentives to create an enabling environment for small business development and private enterprise, the whole sector is going through the institutional reform.

An important factor was the decree by the head of state from May 15, 2009 «On measures for further support and development of business».

In accordance with the decision, along with the creation of more favorable conditions for the organization and conduct of private business activity it strengthens and ensures the rights and legitimate interests of entrepreneurs. Currently, the Ministry of Justice together with the relevant authorities created a special group, which is working to implement the measures.

On the ground, is taken under special control the rights of small businesses and private entrepreneurship, as guaranteed by law. Steps are being taken to halt the execution or the cancellation of illegal decisions and orders that restrict the rights of subjects of entrepreneurship and affecting their interests.

In particular, Kasansay District Department of Lands and the inventory of Namangan region unjustly fined the head of the farm «Istikbol» for 125 thousand sums. The farmer turned to the relevant authority, the district court has made petition to overturn the illegal decision, which was granted.

It should be noted that as yet there is evidence of some officers of illegal inspections of control bodies that impede the free operation of business. During the period under review there were identified almost 700 cases of violations of inspection, as well as 20 cases of illegal checks. As a result of the measures the perpetrators were brought to justice.

In some cases, during the registration of business entities and the issuance of permits and licensing violations – unnecessary documents were asked or extra fees were charged. Employees of inspections on the state registration of subjects of entrepreneurship, with regional and municipal Khokimiyats admitted about 1,5 thousands of similar offenses.

In order to protect the rights and legitimate interests of entrepreneurs, departments of justice, within six months of 2009, have made to the relevant authorities more than 2,5 thousands of submissions, warnings and instructions. As a result of these measures, the impact of more than 1800 officers were called to disciplinary responsibility, including the 105 people released from their posts and forfeited 384 illegal decisions of public authorities to restrict the rights and legitimate interests of entrepreneurs.

The rights of entrepreneurs who play a special role in the development of our country, are protected by law and the state. Any violation or constraints on their activities, will be eliminated, and the persons found guilty, will not escape punishment.

PRIVATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPS IN NAVOI

Various measures to increase employment and improve the welfare of the people through development of small businesses and private entrepreneurship are being taken in the city of Navoi.

Since the beginning of the year, 267 subjects of small businesses and private entrepreneurship started operating in the capital of the Navoi region.

“In the first half of 2009, 98.6% of the city’s trade turnover, amounting to almost UZS 80 billion, accounted for the private sector,” the head of Navoi city inspection on registration of subjects of entrepreneurship Umrzak Turniyazov told UzA.

In summer, such enterprises were commissioned, as Navoi Penobeton, Karmana Sut, Umid-2001, Navoi Torg Resurs, Navoi Ziyo Nur, Navoi Agro and others.

More than 2,000 new workplaces were created thanks to private entrepreneurship.

ANDMETALLHAMKOR LAUNCHES SLATE MANUFACTURE

Uzbek-British joint enterprise Andmetallhamkor of Andijan district has launched slate manufacture.

As a result of this, 40 new workplaces have been created at the enterprise.

High-quality building materials produced with use of modern technologies have quickly found their buyers.

Until the end of the year, it is planned to produce 600,000 sheets of slate on the new line.

Since the beginning of the year, almost 20 enterprises of Andijan region expanded production.

SOCIETY

SCHOOLS IN FERGHANA REGION RECONSTRUCTED

Ten new schools were built in Ferghana region and more than 840 reconstructed since 2004 in the framework of the State program of school education development.

A serious attention is paid to renewing the equipment of the regional schools and introduction of new pedagogical technologies.

The figures were presented at the meeting of the staff of regional public education department, which took place in Yozyovon district.

The participants analysed preparation to the new academic year and improvement of the efficiency of the teaching activities.

CHALLENGER TOURNAMENT STARTS IN KARSHI

The traditional Challenger tennis tournament with USD 35,000 prize fund started in Karshi, Kashkadarya region.

More than 50 players from 25 countries, including France, Spain, Canada, Japan, Greece, Australia, South Korea and Russia are participating in the event.

Uzbekistan is represented by Vaja Uzakov, Sergey Shipilov, Jahongir Jalilov and Rifat Biktyakov.