October 19, 2010

Politics:
Official visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan
Delegation of Switzerland visits Uzbekistan
President receives UNWTO head
Anita Nirody: steady progress in Uzbekistan in achieving MDG

Economics:
Labor victory of cotton growers
Uzbekistan - leading partner on world cotton market
Tashkent hosts Uzbek-Czech Business Forum

Society:
Tashkent hosts conference on education modernization
Round-table discusses Uzbek-German cooperation


POLICY

Official visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Tashkent on an official visit on 27 September on the invitation of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov.

The strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood of peoples of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, the proximity of cultures, languages, religions and traditions provide a good basis for a broad and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. The relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan after their independence rose to a new, qualitatively higher level. The relations based on the principles of trust, mutual understanding and respect are valued in Tashkent and Baku. The heads of the two states hold meetings on a regular basis.

The ceremony of the official meeting of the President of Azerbaijan was held in Kuksaroy residence on 27 September. The guard of honor was lined up to welcome the honorary guest. Islam Karimov and Ilham Aliyev rose to the podium. The national anthems of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan were glorified, after which the heads of the states reviewed the guard of honor.

In one-on-one, the two leaders had a conversation, exchanged views on the status and prospects of bilateral relations and discussed the bilateral cooperation within the frame of international organizations, problems of regional and international significance, as well as many other issues of mutual interest.

“We see your visit to Uzbekistan as a landmark event, a natural continuation of the dynamically developing relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan,” Islam Karimov said. “In my view, our meeting with you and exchange of views, discussion of extremely important and sensitive issues, in which our countries are interested, are of great importance. There are still untapped opportunities that are important to the interests of both Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Of course, we will find the opportunity to exchange views on a wide range of issues of regional and international importance.”

In turn, the leader of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude to Islam Karimov for the invitation to visit Uzbekistan and highlighted the mutual understanding of the relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

“We are very please with the success of your country,” Ilham Aliyev said. “During the period of independence of Uzbekistan had formed as a powerful leader, a key country in the region. Under your leadership, thanks to your principled and wise policy, Uzbekistan has achieved great results. Today it is impossible not to notice. Even the most biased observers recognize and reckon with this. We respect the independent course of Uzbekistan, the fundamental policy issues of regional importance and international perspective. As we all know, we do not always see such an approach in the world. We are determined to develop our relations in all areas,” Ilham Aliyev said.

Further, presidents have continued the talks in expanded format with participation of official delegations. The sides discussed the trade-economic and humanitarian issues. Despite the global financial crisis, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are among the few countries in the world with high growth economy. This is a vivid testimony to the vitality and efficiency of each country’s own development models.

During the negotiations at Kuksaroy residence, the sides noted the capacity to increase the bilateral trade. The regular meeting of Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan intergovernmental commission for cooperation, which identified the prospects for expanding the trade and economic mutual relations, preceded the visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan.

At present, Uzbekistan supplies Azerbaijan with vehicles, nonferrous metals, electric and mechanical devices, various optics, agricultural products as well as provides services in transportation, tourism and other spheres. Azerbaijan’s export to Uzbekistan mainly consists of mechanical devices, pharmaceuticals, plastic, sugar, confectionery and various organic chemicals, tanning and dyeing extracts.

The two countries are cooperating in the field of civil aviation in such areas as a supply of spare parts for aircraft repair and maintenance of aircraft, training pilots and technical staff.

The investment capacity of industrial free-trade zone Navoi also represents good opportunities to deepen the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The joint construction of new production facilities and the work in the field of intercontinental air travel in the future will be particularly advantageous for Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

At the end of the negotiations at Kuksaroy residence Islam Karimov and Ilhom Aliyev signed the Joint Declaration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Also, an intergovernmental agreement on economic cooperation in 2011-2015, the Agreement on Cooperation between the broadcasting companies, the Agreement on Cooperation between the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan and the Institute of art and architecture of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, as well as other documents testifying to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in different areas were signed.

At a meeting with representatives of the media, Islam Karimov and Ilham Aliev noted that the talks were constructive, held in a spirit of mutual trust and friendship. They noted the agreements will further contribute to the development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations and the welfare of both countries’ people. Islam Karimov also noted that the national exhibition of achievements of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will be held in near future in Tashkent and Baku, respectively.

In the afternoon, Islam Karimov and Ilham Aliyev visited the Independence Square. Azerbaijani President laid a wreath at the Monument of Independence and Humanism, which symbolizes the freedom of Uzbekistan and its people’s noble aspirations and sincere belief in brighter future. Ilham Aliyev praised the broad constructive work carried out under the leadership of President Islam Karimov at the Independence Square.

President Ilham Aliyev got acquainted with the activities of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis. The close cooperation has been established between the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan Oliy Majlis and the Parliament of Azerbaijan Milli Majlis. Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary working group was established in the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan. The parliament members of the two countries regularly participate as observers during elections and referendums in both countries.

Islam Karimov and Ilham Aliyev visited the Uzbekistan Palace of international forums, which was built in Tashkent in 2009 on the initiative of Uzbek President. The palace meets all international standards for major international conferences, cultural and educational events and concerts. Landscape design that surrounds this majestic building, gives it a special beauty. Azerbaijani President praised the architecture and design, combining modern style and national character. Ilham Aliyev noted that this majestic building is yet another confirmation of the high potential of Uzbekistan in all respects.

Then the two heads of states visited the Hazrati Imam complex and examined the Hazrati Imam Mosque. Ilham Aliyev got acquainted with the unique manuscript of the Holy Quran – Usmon Mushafi and left a note in the book of honorable guests of the complex.

Later President of Azerbaijan attended the opening ceremony of a new building of the Azerbaijan Culture Center in Tashkent named after Azerbaijan’s national leader Heydar Aliyev.

Delegation of Switzerland visits Uzbekistan

The delegation of the Council of Cantons of the Federal Assembly of the Commission on matters of foreign policy headed by Eugene David met with Chairman of Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Ilgizar Sabirov on 11 October.

The relations between Uzbekistan and Switzerland are developing in many spheres, including the field of parliamentarism, it was noted during the meeting.

The sides exchanged views on bilateral relations between the higher legislative bodies of the two countries. The guests were familiarized with the activity of a bicameral parliament in Uzbekistan, too.

The Delegation of Switzerland also held talks with the Speaker of Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Dilorom Tashmuhamedova.

“Located in the heart of the Silk Road, Uzbekistan is one of the leading countries of Central Asia,” said Eugene David. “The negotiations in the Oliy Majlis will further develop our cooperation in the parliamentary system. We are interested in further strengthening the mutually beneficial cooperation and friendly relations between our countries.”

The members of the Swiss delegation then visited a number of ministries and departments and exchanged views on bilateral cooperation.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on 7 October.

Welcoming the guest, the head of the state noted that Uzbekistan and the international organization were successfully developing relations.

“We highly value the cooperation and common intent to develop relations in opening and developing the tourism, cultural and historical potential of our land,” Islam Karimov said.

Uzbekistan joined the UNWTO in 1993. It is an executive agency of the UNDP and the world’s leading institution in the field of tourism. The organization united over 150 countries and implements numerous projects in the area of tourism, promoting intercultural exchange.

Uzbekistan has established close cooperation with the UNWTO, which helps increase the tourism potential of the country and expand its relations with other states in this sector.

In 2004, UNWTO opened a regional office in Samarkand to coordinate the work of national tourism organizations of the countries located on the historic path of the Great Silk Road. The center has a united information database, which collects valuable data on sights and historical monuments of the regional states.

Every year, Tashkent hosts international tourism fair under the aegis of the UNWTO. The forum, currently underway in the capital, has gathered representatives of more than 20 countries.

In the framework of the fair, the UNWTO on 8-9 October will hold a session on development of tourism on the Great Silk Road in the city of Samarkand.

At the talks with President Islam Karimov, Taleb Rifai expressed high interest of his organization in deepening all-round cooperation with Uzbekistan.

The sides exchanged opinions on the expansion of the interaction between Uzbekistan and the UNWTO, as well as on other issues representing mutual interest.

Anita Nirody: steady progress in Uzbekistan in achieving MDG

Speech by President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov at the plenary session of the UN Summit on the Millennium Development Goals, attract great interest to the entire world community. Our Head of State put forward thoroughly reasoned practical proposals to strengthen peace and stability, security, environmental problems in Central Asian region, revealed a deep foundation for successful progress of large-scale reforms implemented in our country in order to develop and further improve people’s welfare.

The Resident Representative of UNDP in Uzbekistan Anita Nirody praised the achievements of Uzbekistan in Millennium Development Goals.

“The United Nations has cooperated with Uzbekistan for many years and we note the importance that is given to achieve MDG in your country,” she said. “The participation of President Islam Karimov at the summit on MDG, held recently at UN headquarters, will give a new impetus in this direction.”

A steady progress towards the achieving of MDG is going on in Uzbekistan through high level of economic growth and implementation of programs in social sphere, particularly, in education and health sectors.

Anti-crisis program and appropriate actions taken on the initiative of President Islam Karimov, were very timely to mitigate the impact of global economic crisis on Uzbekistan. It allowed avoid abrupt adverse changes in the achievement of the MDG.

The achievement of gender equality in primary and secondary education and reduction of maternal mortality by one third have been completed in Uzbekistan. A progress is being made on reducing child mortality and achieving primary education. Further efforts and improved data collection and analysis are required to implement effective national policies and programs for other MDG targets.

Through consultations, software and technical assistance, the UN supports Uzbekistan to achieve the goals. The cooperation is carried out within the framework of UNDAF program for 2010-2015, which identifies four key areas of partnership. The first is to assist in improving the economic well-being, the second – in the provision of social services including education, health, nutrition, HIV and drug use prevention, social protection of children and early child development.

The third direction of cooperation is environmental protection, including the integration of sustainable development of ongoing work and management improvement. The framework program reflects the MDG as well as the principles of Millenium Declaration and international conferences and conventions on human rights.

The UN continues to support the Republic of Uzbekistan in achieving the MDG.

ECONOMY

Labor victory of cotton growers

Cotton growers of Uzbekistan gathered 3.4 million tons of cotton and met their contractual obligations with honor.

Large-scale reforms implemented under the leadership of President Islam Karimov, have produced notable results. The Uzbek farmers prior to the rainy days fulfilled a contractual obligation and were able to procure high-quality cotton in a timely manner.

The average yield increased to 4% and made 26.3 centner per hectare and 90% of the total harvest was first grade.

As noted by President Islam Karimov in his congratulatory message to all cotton growers and workers of Uzbekistan, this victory is the result of enormous effort of farmers and all rural workers.

This year’s distinguished workers are the farmers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Navoi, Andijan, Surkhandarya, Kashkadarya and Bukhara regions, who completed the cotton harvest season in a short time and showed an example to others.

Huge cotton harvest of Uzbekistan has demonstrated great potential and high promise of farming once again. The reforms implemented in phases to build farms on the basis of the unprofitable, marginal shirkats provide practical positive results.

Quality and quantity of crops primarily depend on the varieties of cotton. Currently, the major cotton plantations grow thin and medium-grade cotton, created in the years of independence. They include high-yield “Bukhara-6”, “C-6524”, “Namangan-77”, “An-Boyovut-2”, “Bukhara-8”, “Bukhara-102.

These are early maturing varieties of cotton, suitable for industrial production with resistance to diseases and agricultural pests with high demand on the world market.

Thanks to careful preparation for the season, most farmers met their contractual obligations at the first gathering. Every five days, the collectors were granted with wage, which played an important role in increasing the daily rate of harvest.

Cotton growers of Uzbekistan have managed to create a high cotton harvest through such integrated measures. There is a lot of cotton in the fields yet. The farmers of Uzbekistan continue harvesting the remaining cotton.

Uzbekistan - leading partner on world cotton market

On 13-14 October, the Sixth International Uzbek Cotton Fair was held in Tashkent.

Contracts and agreements to purchase more than 650 thousand tons – such amount of cotton fiber were signed in the days of the fair. In addition, contracts worth more than $500 million USD were signed to export the products of domestic textile enterprises, including more than $100 million USD – for the supply of finished textile products.

The Fair ended, but the contracting continues. Foreign consumers of Uzbek cotton are convinced that Uzbekistan is a reliable partner, providing stability of supply and guarantee of high quality goods.

Major reforms undertaken in the cotton sector are complex, affecting all areas from development of new, high-yielding varieties with market needs, organizations of the international harvesting requirements, production, storage, standardization, quality and processing of cotton to the formation of the most optimal conditions for the sale and transportation of purchased volumes on existing and new routes.

The country’s leadership pays constant attention to the development and capacity building of farmers’ movement, expansion of deep processing harvest. And the farmers and producers of cotton are supplied with soft loans, advanced technologies and appliances.

More than 600 representatives of 300 foreign traders and textile companies from 36 countries came to Tashkent in this year’s fair. About 20 cotton varieties with high yield and long, clean and high color purity, with a range of micronaire from 3,5 to 4,9 – exactly as the need for which is the highest in the world, were exposed in the fair market.

“We have been buying Uzbek cotton for the Russian textile industry for 10 years,” said the purchasing director of the company FCA Commexim Pavel Mayorov. “We are sure to participate in each Cotton Fair, which allows on-site negotiation of all terms of delivery and make deal on the most profitable. Besides, there is almost all of the world cotton community that gives us a unique opportunity to be constantly aware of the dynamics of this market globally.”

The leading international experts who participated in the fair, informed traders and manufacturers about changes in supply, demand and prices on world cotton markets, characteristics of the cotton industry in different countries and recent trends in the textile industry.

The high quality of bright, all the colors of yarn and fabrics, light, elegant garments and knitwear are fully appreciated by foreign partners. And the presentations of individual textile projects were carried out within the fair.

“Thanks to the fair, we were able to establish new contacts. We expect to increase our exports to $5 million USD as the result of the agreements concluded here. Besides, we increased communication with partners in Uzbekistan and hope it will allow us to put products for 500 million soums on the domestic market,” said the sales manager of the Uzbek-Turkish sewing and knitting JV Shayhontohur Textile Rustam Rakhmatullayev.

In addition, the competitiveness of domestic textile industry is ensured by reducing the cost of production and thoughtful marketing.

The representatives of the world cotton business exchanged views on possibilities of expanding the trade cooperation with Uzbekistan. One of the results of the annual fair was the fact that the proportion of producers, the representatives of foreign textile companies significantly increased.

“Participation in the annual International Uzbek Cotton Fair creates great opportunities for our business,” said General Director of Superperfekt from Hong Kong Alois Shonberger. “Cooperation with Uzbekistan, which we have been working for 16 years, has great appeal. Primarily, Uzbek cotton has a profitable price and excellent quality. This year, we have entered into a contract to buy 30,000 tons of fiber. I am sure that we will cooperate further.”

The participants of the fair particularly emphasized the effectiveness of economic reforms held in Uzbekistan. They visited a cotton processing plant in Yangiyul, cotton terminal Toshkent-tola and a joint venture textile TashBrunnenteks.” In addition, they participated in the bidding of the Uzbek Republican Commodity Exchange, which was first organized within the fair.

The authority of Uzbekistan as one of the leaders of the world cotton business increases from year to year. One of the important links in a new market mechanism for the implementation of fiber produced in Uzbekistan has become an annual International Uzbek Cotton Fair. The sixth Fair is a prime example of effective economic policy of Uzbekistan and huge changes aimed at further strengthening of the economic power of the state, the dynamic development of all sectors and spheres.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Elyor Ganiyev spoke at the closing ceremony of the fair.

Tashkent hosts Uzbek-Czech Business Forum

The forum of business circles of Uzbekistan and Czech Republic was held at the business center in Tashkent.

The event, organized by the Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, focused on further expanding of the bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

Czech entrepreneurs were informed of attracting investment into the economy of Uzbekistan. The guests were acquainted with the privatization process, work on development of small and private businesses as well as the opportunities created in Navoi free industrial economic zone.

“Czech Republic is interested in the gradual development of cooperation with Uzbekistan in all directions” said the director of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Czech Republic Martin Pospishil. “The optimum conditions and opportunities increase attention of Czech business community to Uzbekistan.”

Uzbek-Czech economic relations are based on series of agreements on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation, mutual protection and promotion of investments.

The promising areas for further development of trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation between the two countries were discussed at the event.

The issues of further expansion of ties in trade, energy sector, banking and financial system, the field of agriculture and water resources, transport and transport communications, engineering, tourism, the involvement of Czech companies in the privatization process as well as increase of the number of joint ventures and the volume bilateral trade, development and implementation of mutually beneficial projects were discussed at the meeting.

SOCIETY

Tashkent hosts conference on education modernization

In Tashkent, an international scientific-practical conference dedicated to the modernization of education was organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Education of Uzbekistan and the UNICEF office in Uzbekistan.

The specialists of education from Ukraine, Belarus and Mongolia along with the heads of the education system, teachers and trainers participated in it.

The first Deputy Minister of Public Education of Uzbekistan B.Daniyarov noted that the reforms in education consistently held under the leadership of President Islam Karimov, contributed to the comprehensive training of boys and girls, educating them as harmoniously developed personality with active citizenship.

According to the director of the National Institute of Education at the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus Gennadiy Palchik, a national model of fundamental reform of the education system implemented in Uzbekistan is of interest in many countries.

The reports on improving the efficiency of educating harmonically developed generation, improving the system of training students in the learning process, quality management technologies in the schools were heard and discussed within the conference.

Round-table discusses Uzbek-German cooperation

A round-table, devoted to the cooperation between Uzbekistan and Germany was held in Tashkent. It was organized by the Museum of Memory of Repression Victims and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation of Germany.

The historians, researchers, professors, university teachers and students attended the event.

The Vice-President of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan S. Gulyamov noted that under the supervision of President Islam Karimov the reforms in the sphere of education contributed to the further development of culture and science and harmonious upbringing of the youth.

In the years of independence, the relations between Uzbekistan and Germany are developing rapidly, an important legal basis of which are the agreements reached during the meetings of heads of two states. This finds reflection in science, education, cultural and educational spheres. This is confirmed by establishing a system of higher education exchange between teachers, a number of projects on the history of Uzbekistan and Germany and holding of scientific conferences.

“Increased cooperation in scientific and educational spheres improves the efficiency of scientific research,” said the deputy chairman of the Federal Fund for research of the historical past of Germany Martin-Michael Passauer. “The large-scale reforms implemented in Uzbekistan to increase spirituality and the principles of religious and ethnic tolerance deserve attention.”

During the round-table, the reports on the expansion of scientific and educational relations between the two countries were presented.