August 7, 2007
Economics:
Uzbekistan Airways New Route To Italy Links Antique Towns
UzMetKombinat to modernize production
Uzbekistan to negotiate production of Chevrolet cars
Seminar on increasing efficiency of wine production held
27.8m tonnes of cargo transported by railway in 1H 2007
Society:
UNDP supports improvement of professional skills of MPs
Miniature Expo Expected To Raise Interest, Attract Many To Its Halls
Vitaliy Densiov and Server Djeparov Asian Cup 2007 are in the best eleven of Asian Cup 2007
ECONOMICS
UZBEKISTAN AIRWAYS NEW ROUTE TO ITALY LINKS ANTIQUE TOWNS
For over more than 15 years now the National Air Company of the sovereign Uzbekisan given the full support of the leadership of Uzbekistan has been actively mastering the geography of international flights. For the past period the company has established air links between Uzbekistan and world capitals, as well as largest cities of many countries around the world, the reports have said.
Last month saw the opening up of the regular flights, which would now connect Tashkent with an Italian city of Milan.
Late July the presentation of the new air route has been held at the Milan International Airport – “Malpensa”. Uzbekistan Airway’s modern “Boeing – 767 -300” is reported to have taken off from Tashkent and by having traveled over about 4,800 kilometers, had landed in one of the largest airports in Italy, which daily receives and allows to take off for about 400 world airliners.
The representatives of the Milan International Airport as well as other Italian partners of the Uzbek National Air Company have said that they were glad to see the opening of a new airline of the young and dynamically developing air company of Uzbekistan. They were also sure of that this air link would expand and strengthen the economic, cultural ties between Italy and Uzbekistan, especially in the sphere of tourism.
Many Italians are interested in the history and places of worth in Uzbekistan along which the route of the reviving Great Silk Road passes through, as well as the unique culture, traditions and customs of the Uzbek people. And now, the northerners in Italy, who would want to travel to Uzbekistan, to visit the world-known Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, to see monuments of antiquity, feel hospitality of the Uzbek people and get acquaint with the modern life of the country, do not need to go to Rome where from the regular flight to Tashkent has already been established.
In its turn, the Uzbek people also can fly directly to Milan – the second by its size city of Italy, which is an industrial, commercial and banking center in the country. Milan is also famous for its cultural monuments, for instance, the main cathedral of Milan – Duomo.
This city is well known also among fashion designers, while staying alongside with New York, Paris, Rome and London as a world capital of fashion. Fans of football undoubtedly know well the local command “Milan”. Besides, not far from Milan there are Turin, Parma, Verona, Genoa and many other cities, which attract tourists all around the world. So the prospects for the new air flight are very good.
UZMETKOMBINAT TO MODERNIZE PRODUCTION
The growing demand for rolled metal in Uzbekistan poses new tasks for the metallurgists of the Uzbek Metallurgical Kombinat (UzMetKombinat). The company plans the modernization of the production for the next five years. The project is estimated at US$49 million.
A special Presidential Resolution has approved the Programme of Modernisation, Technical and Technological Re-Equipment of Production at UzMetKombinat for 2007-2011, Uzbekistan Today cites a source in the company. According to the program, within the next five years nine investment projects will be implemented at the enterprise.
These investments are expected to instigate a breakthrough in the technological development of ferrous metallurgy in Uzbekistan. UzMetKombinat is the only ferrous metal producer in Central Asia working with scrap metal. Production was launched in 1956.
"Modernisation will mainly aim at increasing the volumes of production while reducing energy consumption," Director-General of the UzMetKombinat Alexander Farmonov said. "To achieve this, we need to get rid of the unprofitable and ecologically hazardous technology." That is why a major portion of investments – about US$30 million will be directed into the renewal of the outworn equipment.
In 2007-2008, the Kombinat intends to implement the project on the modernisation of the arc-furnace involving the replacement of the furnace transformer estimated at US$7.4 million. The implementation of the project is expected to increase the furnace's production capacity by 100,000 tonnes to 650,000 tonnes yearly.
In 2008-2009, US$5 million worth project on the reconstruction of the continuous furnace of the section rolling shop will be carried out. This will reduce the consumption of natural gas and the costs of product manufactured by some US$600,000 yearly. By the end of 2007 the enterprise plans to install new rolling technology on hard-alloy rollers for US$1.6 million, which will reduce the product costs by US$500,000 yearly.
The project on the installation of new technology of processing the cinder dumps of steelmaking worth US$1.5 million will allow the recovery of some 8,000 tonnes of additional scrap metal and improve the ecological situation in the region. Over US$1.3 million will be invested in launching the production of new product – steel wire (diameter ranging from 2 mm to 8mm) with the capacity of 6,000 tonnes yearly.
It is forecasted that upon the completion of the modernization programme in 2011, production of steel will be increased by 12.7% compared to 2006 to 695,000 tonnes, and production of rolled section – by 12.3% to 492,000 tonnes. At the same time production volumes should rise by 30.5% to 320.7 billion soums, and export – by 50% to US$130 million.
The programme will be financed from the UzMetKombinat's own reserves.
UZBEKISTAN TO NEGOTIATE PRODUCTION OF CHEVROLET CARS
Uzbekistan plans to launch the production of American GM's two models – a sedan, Chevrolet Epica Business Edition, and an SUV, Chevrolet Captiva. The production will be launched at Uzbekistan's Uz-Daewoo Auto, the President's order states.
UzAvtoSanoat State Company, 100% owner of Uz-Daewoo Auto, has been assigned to hold talks with the GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GMDAT, GM's South Korean division) on the "organization of industrial production of the Chevrolet Epica model at first stage and Chevrolet Captivat – at second stage".
Asaka (Andijan region) based Uz-Daewoo Auto was launched in 1996 in partnership with South-Korean Daewoo Motor. GMDAT was set up by GM on the basis former South Korean Daewoo's plants, after the latter went bankrupt.
UzAvtoProm bought out Daewoo Motor's 50% stake in the Uzbek plant in 2005. Uz-Daewoo Auto now produces Nexia, Matiz and Damas models and assembles Lacetti sedans. In 2006, the company produced over 140,000 cars, and this year production is expected to reach 170,000 cars.
SEMINAR ON INCREASING EFFICIENCY OF WINE PRODUCTION HELD
Anticipating the harvest season, Uzvinosanoat-Holding has conducted a seminar on the preparation of enterprises for receiving and processing of wine inputs in 2007, UzA reported.
The workers of the wine industry of Karakalpakstan and the regions of Uzbekistan, heads of enterprises and institutions specialized in the processing of vine grape participated in the event.
During the meeting it was noted that the reforms being implemented in the agricultural sector of Uzbekistan were producing the expected results in all sectors of the industry, particularly in fruit, vegetable and wine-growing. An important guide in this process is the Presidential Resolution "On organizational measures to reform fruit, vegetable and wine-growing" dated on January 11, 2006.
Currently over 40 varieties of vine grapes are being cultivated in Uzbekistan. The issues concerning the processing of grapes receive special attention. Over 3,000 farms specialize in horticulture and wine-growing. Every year they produce over 8 million tonnes of "sun berries".
The enterprises of Uzvinosanoat-Holding expect to receive nearly 200,000 tonnes of grapes this season. The companies pay special attention to the technological renewal, particularly through the attraction of foreign investments. Last year, the enterprises of the company used 94% of their production capacity. The main reason for this was the lack of raw materials. In view of this fact the enterprises have expanded the areas occupied by vineyards. To compare in 2000 vineyards occupied about 86,300 hectares of land, whereas in 2006 the area was expanded to over 90,000 hectares.
However, these new areas of land are used mainly for growing table varieties, and the company's input is not increasing. That is why the company has launched a new mechanism of cooperation with the farmers. In particular, the parties are increasing the efficiency of cooperation within the frame of keeping the fertility of existing vineyards, their expansion through the planning of unique new varieties, and motivation of farmers specialized in the production of planting stock.
27.8M TONNES OF CARGO TRANSPORTED BY RAILWAY IN 1H 2007
On the occasion of the Railway Men's Day, Uzbekiston Temir Yullari (Uzbekistan Railways) held a meeting devoted to the results of the company's activity and achievements that followed Uzbekistan's independence.
The meeting was held at the Tashkent Central Palace of Railway Men. During the meeting, chaired by the Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Railways Company A. Ramatov, it was specifically noted that the system of the country's railway transportation was developing consistently and efficiently under the direction of the country's leader President Islam Karimov.
The statistics provided by the Uzbekistan Railways' press service, in the past six months some 27.8 million tonnes of cargo was transported by the railway transportation in Uzbekistan. This exceeds the previous year's showings by 19.6%. Passenger transportation has increased by 10.1%. Also, in the reporting period, some 150.7 billion soums of capital investments were directed into the sector.
Over the years of Uzbekistan's independence, 564km of new railways were built. Good examples are the projects on the construction of railroads connecting Navoi, Uchkuduk, Sulton, Uvaystog and Nukus, a route that now connects the northern and central regions of the country, and on the construction of new railway line connecting Toshguzar, Baysun and Kumkurgan (223 km long).
In the past 15 years no other country of the CIS has seen such an impressive advancement in the development of railway infrastructure. These achievements are the evidence of the country's huge constructive potential.
The industry's executives continue to put efforts to attract foreign investments. The programme on modernization and reconstruction of railroad between Samarkand and Bukhara financed through the ADB loan has been completed.
To make the trip even more convenient for the passengers traveling from Tashkent to Samarkand and to Bukhara, new trains Registon and Shark have been launched. Train stations are being modernized to comply with the international standards. The quality of services provided on trains on the local and international lines is being improved.
Measures are being taken to extend the service period of diesel locomotives, reconstruct platforms, etc. Andijan Mechanical Plant has produced over 50 tanks for the transportation of oil and gas products. Twelve new modern electric locomotives have been procured for the US$40 million EBRD loan.
Companies of the industry are also implementing social measures to support the workers. Thus, a hospital and a polyclinic have been commissioned in Termez.
Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan. N. Hanov and the khokim (mayor) of Tashkent city A. Tuhtaev participated in the meeting.
SOCIETY
UNDP SUPPORTS IMPROVEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SKILLS OF MPS
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office in Uzbekistan supports a summer school, which is taking place at Beldersay resort in Tashkent region. The school aims to enhance professional skills of members of parliament in Uzbekistan.
Five-day school is directed to strengthen legislative drafting capacity of the parliamentarians and to discuss issues related to their professional activities, such as ethics and professionalism, harmonization of national legislation into international norms, environment issues and others, a UNDP press release said.
This capacity-building activity gathered about 70 MPs of the Legislative Chamber and focused on issues of professional development and skills taking into account international standards and principles. The summer school is considered as an essential step towards improving the quality of the national legislation and law-making processes.
Ms Kyoko Postill, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Uzbekistan, said at the opening ceremony: "The current summer school is good opportunity for MPs to enhance their professional skills and improve their knowledge on UN conventions and ecological problems, which will be useful in law-making process."
UNDP project "Enhancing Legislative and Institutional Capacities of the Parliament" organized the summer school. The project aimed at strengthening the legislative and institutional capacities of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbek parliament for better effectiveness and efficiency of legislative processes and procedures.
MINIATURE EXPO EXPECTED TO RAISE INTEREST, ATTRACT MANY TO ITS HALLS
The Gallery of Graphic Arts of Uzbekistan is to hold the opening ceremony of the exhibition titled “Masterpieces of the Eastern Manuscript Books” on August 9, 2007, Business Vestnik Vostoka has reported. The exhibition has been initiated jointly by the Institute of Oriental Languages of Uzbekistan, the museum named after Kamoliddin Bekhzod, the Academy of Arts and the Gallery of Graphic Arts of Uzbekistan.
The exhibition has been dedicated to the announcing of Tashkent as the capital of the Islamic culture by the ISESCO this year, according to the report.
The said exposition is expected to showcase 13 unique manuscripts and 15 miniatures from the collection of the Institute of Oriental Languages named after Abu Rayhan Beriniy. These items belong to the period from the 14th century till the beginning of the 19th century.
Despite the fact that some samples of the manuscript books had been displayed in different exhibitions before, this manuscript exhibition is the first one to be held in such a large scale in Uzbekistan.
The manuscript book of the East has been an outcome of the joint efforts of the calligraphers, artists, and ornamentalists. These types of books were of various genres and represented poetic and scientific works of prominent authors.
The displays of this exhibition offer the visitors the opportunity to become acquainted with the unique miniature art works of different schools of the East and the diversity of handwriting styles of the outstanding masters such as Sultan Ali Mashhadiy and Mir Ali Kheraviy.
The said exhibition also demonstrates such an exclusive manuscripts as “Zafarnoma” handwritten book of Sharafiddin Ali Yazdiy (15th century, Herat), Alisher Navoi’s work “Navodir un-nihoya” (manuscript book created for the Sultan Khusein’s Library in the 15th century), Abulkosym Firadavsiy’s book “Shahnama” with illustrations and many others.
This miniature exhibition is of a high public interest and is supposed to draw attention of not only the arts specialists but also a large number of amateurs to its halls.
VITALIY DENSIOV AND SERVER DJEPAROV ASIAN CUP 2007 ARE IN THE BEST ELEVEN OF ASIAN CUP 2007
Leading online football magazine Goal.com has chosen the eleven players who have impressed the most in the Asian Cup 2007.
Defendant Vitaliy Densiov and midfielder Server Djeparov from Uzbekistan National team were included in the list. The publication describes Vitaliy Densiov as the player who can play on the left in midfield or defense and was a sight to behold on his marauding runs forward. Server Djeparov was included for being a classy, creative midfielder who is bound to go on to bigger things.
goalkeeper – Lee Woon-jae (South Korea), defendant Oh Beom-seok (South Korea), defendant Yuji Nakazawa (Japan), defendant Jassim Gholam (Iraq), midfielder Nashat Akram (Iraq), midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura (Japan), forward Malek Maaz (Saudi Arabia), forward Yasser Al-Qahtani (Saudi Arabia) and forward Younis Mahmoud (Iraq) are also in the list.
The publication also refers to Uzbekistan’s disallowed goal in the quarter-final with Saudi Arabia as the worst referee mistake in the tournament.