19 May, 2011

Politics:
President Islam Karimov to visit India
Islam Karimov arrives in Delhi
Long-term strategic partnership based on equality and mutual understanding
Joint Statement on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of India

International conference
Rational use of water is an urgent task
Uzbekistan has rich experience in rational and efficient use of water resources

Economy:
Uzbekistan plans to attract ADB resources to electrification of railroads

POLICY

President Islam Karimov to visit India

On 17-18 May, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov will pay a state visit to India at the invitation of President of India Pratibha Patil.
During the visit, the issues of expansion of Uzbek-Indian cooperation, problems of regional and international issues of mutual interest will be discussed.

Following the talks, the sides plan to sign several bilateral documents aimed at deepening cooperation in various fields. (Source: mfa.uz)
Islam Karimov arrives in Delhi

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov arrived in Delhi for a state visit on the invitation of the President of the Republic of India Pratibha Patil.

The main events of the visit will take place on 18 May. Islam Karimov will meet Indian president Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Speaker of the Senate, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Minister for Foreign Affairs Somanahalli Malay Krishna and other senior officials of India.

Following the talks, the side will sign several bilateral documents aimed at deepening the relations of two countries in various fields. (Source: mfa.uz)

Islam Karimov arrives in Delhi

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov arrived in Delhi for a state visit on the invitation of the President of the Republic of India Pratibha Patil.

Following the talks, the side will sign several bilateral documents aimed at deepening the relations of two countries in various fields. (Source: mfa.uz)

Long-term strategic partnership based on equality and mutual understanding

As previously reported, on 17-18 May of 2011 President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov paid a state visit to India.

At the initiative of the Indian side visit was given the highest status in international practice – the state.

The high level of bilateral cooperation as well as existing historical roots of friendly relations between Uzbek and Indian people were taken into account, too.

In Uzbekistan, India is well known as a country with a unique history, with long-standing and strong cultural and economic and trade ties, and sincere friendship with Uzbek people.

Much of the history, literature, music, art and architecture of the Uzbek and Indian people, in their mutual enrichment and mutual penetration are associated with the name of Zakhiriddin Muhammad Babur.

The official part of the visit began with a ceremony in honor of President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov at the square outside the presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Islam Karimov has been given top state honors.

There, during a meeting with media representatives the President of Uzbekistan made a brief statement to the press about the aims and objectives of the present state visit. Uzbek head of state noted the need for critical analysis, evaluation and prospects of relations between Uzbekistan and India. Moreover, the importance of discussion of topical issues of international and regional issues, exchange of views on issues to give a new powerful impulse of the Uzbek-Indian relations through the implementation of untapped opportunities, expansion of mutual cooperation in political, economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian spheres were noted.

The first event of the visit was meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on one-on-one. The two leaders discussed in detail the status and prospects of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues that directly affect the interests of the two countries and peoples.

In an atmosphere of trust and openness, the two leaders exchanged views on a broad agenda of Uzbek-Indian relations, including efficient cooperation in international structures, such as the UN, SCO and others. Uzbekistan has consistently supported India’s aspirations to become a permanent member of the enlarged UN Security Council.

During the talks, the sides noted the coincidence and similarity of positions in almost all bilateral, regional and global issues. As repeatedly emphasized, Uzbekistan and India are interested in cooperation on an equitable basis with mutual interests.

The parties discussed the evolving situation in neighboring Afghanistan and reaffirmed the importance of early establishment of peace and stability in this country that will open opportunities not only for regional cooperation, but also promotes the formation and development of cost-effective route reducing the distance between the markets of India and Central Asia.
In this regard, the opportunities that have arisen with the formation of a new Land Transport Corridor of Central Asia – Persian Gulf and the Trans-Afghan corridor presented of great interest

These and other topics were the focus of attention and during bilateral talks in expanded format, when President Islam Karimov and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were joined by other members of official delegations.

The focus of the negotiations were the issues of trade and economic and investment cooperation. It was noted that with high rates of economic growth, Uzbekistan and India’s current bilateral

Uzbekistan supports the efforts of Indian companies to expand investment cooperation in the sectors in which they have advanced technological capabilities. In this context a successful example is the interaction with Spentex Industries Company, one of the largest investors in textile sector in Uzbekistan, with a number of joint projects for processing raw cotton. Serious considerations are available for pharmaceutical companies in the petroleum industry and chemical industry.

Representatives of Indian business are interested in opportunities of transcontinental intermodal hub at the airport in Navoi city as a transit point, which provides the optimal timing of shipments of Europe, CIS, Middle East and other regions of the world and back. Currently this international hub operates regular flights to major transit points of the world, including such industrial centers of India like Delhi and Mumbai.

The sides noted the sphere of information technologies, the production of software products, telecommunications equipment, distance learning and others as one of the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation. In this field, Indian professionals occupy a leading position in the world. Uzbek-Indian center of information technologies named after Jawaharlal Nehru, opened in Tashkent five years ago, trained young professionals, widely introduced modern principles of programming, it was noted during the meeting.

Within the visit, the action plan to promote cooperation in tourism between Uzbektourism and Indian Tourism Development Corporation was signed.

Also, wide possibilities of cooperation in scientific and technical cooperation were marked. Uzbek scholars and research centers are ready to expand joint research with Indian counterparts in fields such as physics, biotechnology, materials science, solar energy, laser technology, automation of manufacturing processes.

Islam Karimov held talks with other top leaders of India including President Pratibha Patil, Vice President, Speaker of the Upper House of Parliament Hamid Ansari and Minister for Foreign Affairs Somanahalli Malay Krishna. In accordance with Indian Protocol, Karimov held talks with leader of opposition Sushma Swaraj in the lower house of parliament.

President Islam Karimov visited the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he laid a wreath in memory of a great son of the Indian people, who devoted his entire life to the struggle for national liberation.

According to the negotiators and representatives of Indian media, covering the state visit of President Islam Karimov, the Uzbek-Indian dialogue at the highest level, signed long-term instruments provided a good base to give a powerful impetus to bilateral cooperation.

As highlighted in the joint statement on strategic partnership, bilateral relations are derived on the level of long-term strategic partnership based on equality and mutual understanding. The strategic partnership will provide for increased cooperation on a wide range of areas, including political, economic, anti-terrorism, as well as education, health, human resources development, science and technology, tourism and culture.

During the visit, several documents aimed at major expansion in economic and investment cooperation in the sphere of fuel energy, information technology, textiles, pharmaceuticals, banking and trade were signed.

They include the implementation of more than 30 projects, including those aimed at the joint prospecting, exploration and production of hydrocarbons with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, leading company in India, the production of fiber-optic cable in Navoi, a number of projects on production of substances and various drugs, etc.

The leading large textile companies of India signed agreements on deep processing of cotton, silk and leather raw material for the production and sale of finished products. In the field of information and communication technology projects, the production of smart phones, tablet PCs and Internet set-top boxes, as well as power sources based on solar-hybrid technology were agreed. The signed documents envisage a number of projects in the chemical industry.

National Bank of Uzbekistan jointly with the Export-Import Bank of India signed an agreement for a credit line on the long-term concessional terms. Agreement was reached for long-term supplies of mineral fertilizers and other strategic goods.

The overall cost of the economic package, which was signed during the visit of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan makes up more than USD $2.2 billion.

According to overall assessment of the parties, the outcome of the visit of President Islam Karimov to India, talks and signed documents serve as reliable basis for a new stage of relations, which is characterized as a strategic partnership in all areas of cooperation on a long term basis. (Source: UzA News Agency)

Joint Statement on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of India

1. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, His Excellency Islam Abduganievich Karimov, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan paid a State visit to India on 17-18 May 2011. During the State visit, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan held talks with Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of the Republic of India and with Dr.Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. Mr. Hamid Ansari, Vice-President of India, Mr. S.M.Krishna, External Affairs Minister and Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha called on President Islam A. Karimov.

2. The sides noted that the visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to India was a welcome continuation of the tradition of regular exchange of high level visits between India and Uzbekistan and was testimony to the close historical and deep cultural ties between the two countries. The sides noted with satisfaction that the discussions took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

3. The sides reviewed the current status of the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchanged views on important regional and international issues. They noted the similarity of their positions on bilateral, regional and global issues. The sides agreed that the Foreign Ministries of both countries would continue to hold regular consultations, including exchange of visits by their Ministers.

4. The sides noted with satisfaction that their relations serve their long term national interest and at the same time strengthen bilateral cooperation in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter, the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs.

5. The sides noted that India and Uzbekistan have stakes in mutual progress and prosperity, and expressed their determination to imbue greater dynamism to the relationship through all-round cooperation and engagement. Both leaders declared that bilateral relations had been elevated to the level of a long term and strategic partnership based on equality and mutual understanding. This strategic partnership would encompass active cooperation in a wide spectrum of areas including political, economic, counter-terrorism, education, health, human resource development, science and technology, tourism and culture.

6. The sides noted with satisfaction the conclusion of bilateral documents during the visit on cooperation in a range of areas including Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Standardization, Small and Medium Enterprises, Coal gasification, Oil & Gas, Science &Technology, Textiles and Banking.

7. The sides agreed that the current level of bilateral trade was below the existing potential and underlined the need for increasing the volume of mutual trade and expanding its range. They expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the 9th session of the Uzbek-India Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation held on May 4-5, 2011 in Tashkent, and declared the necessity of enhancing bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

8. The sides noted opportunities for further significant growth of volumes and diversification of the basket of mutual trade and agreed that the organization of trade fairs in the territories of the two states shall also contribute to the growth of mutual trade. They called upon their respective business communities to avail opportunities for mutually beneficial investments for implementation of major joint projects in promising sectors such as information technology and telecommunications; pharmaceuticals and biotechnology; production of finished textile, silk and leather goods; exploration and mining of hydrocarbons; production of household chemicals and plant protection chemicals; and tourism.

9. The sides noted the importance of strengthening the financial infrastructure for promoting trade and investment. They welcomed in this context the MoU between the National Bank of Uzbekistan and the EXIM Bank of India, aimed at streamlining the flow of credit. They also welcomed the initialling of the Protocol amending the bilateral Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement which would help promote investment and cross-border movement of goods, services and technology between the two countries.

10. The Uzbek side welcomed the desire of Indian companies to expand investment cooperation in sectors with advanced industrial potential corresponding to international standards. The Uzbek side informed the Indian side of opportunities for investment in joint projects of mutual interest, in the Free Industrial-Economic Zone "Navoi", where unprecedented favourable conditions for foreign investors had been created. Both sides also noted the capacities of the transcontinental intermodal hub at Navoi airport as a transshipment transit point, which provided favourable terms of transportation of cargo to the countries of Europe, CIS, the Middle East and other regions. More than 40 flights in a week originated from this international hub to key transit centers of the world, including such industrial centers of India as Delhi and Mumbai.

11. The sides highlighted the absence of surface transport connectivity as one of the reasons for the low level of trade between the two countries. To resolve these connectivity problems, the sides discussed implementation of such projects as the Trans-Afghan corridor and the project to establish the Central Asia-Persian Gulf corridor. The implementation of these projects may considerably cut down the distance and costs for transportation of goods between Uzbekistan and India, as well as provide Afghanistan the opportunity to integrate into the regional system of transport connectivity. The sides agreed to continue their work in terms of looking for various options for surface connectivity between India and Uzbekistan.

12. The sides noted the prospects of scientific and technical cooperation between the scientific centers of the two countries on organization of joint researches in the spheres of biotechnology, material science, solar power, laser technologies, and automation of production process.

13. The sides noted the potential of information technology for the improvement of people's lives. The Uzbek side welcomed activities of the Jawaharlal Nehru Uzbek-Indian Centre for Information Technology in Tashkent and noted that the sides had enormous potential to promote cooperation in this sphere.

14. The sides agreed to intensify contacts between educational institutions of both countries and to increase cooperation in human resources development.

15. The sides stressed the need to further intensify cultural cooperation, which would contribute to strengthening ties between their peoples.

16. The sides resolutely condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and reaffirmed that international terrorism was a threat to global peace and security. It was noted with satisfaction that the fourth meeting of the Indo-Uzbek Joint Working Group on combating international terrorism (February 2011, New Delhi) discussed several issues of security and counter-terrorism including exchange of information, data, financing of terrorism and related matters. They emphasized the need for adoption of the "Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism" in the near future. The sides expressed the intention in this context to continue consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and to coordinate their efforts within the framework of the JWG on Combating International Terrorism.

17. The sides discussed the continuing unstable situation in Afghanistan and the challenges emanating from the region, including drug trafficking, and reaffirmed the importance of early establishment of peace and stability in the country.

18. The sides expressed their strong commitment to multilateralism, with the United Nations playing a central role in dealing with global challenges and threats. They reaffirmed their commitment to the reform of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, through its expansion in the permanent and non-permanent categories, with increased representation of developing countries in both, in order to improve its efficiency, representativeness, and legitimacy, and for it to better meet the contemporary challenges faced by the international community. The Uzbek side reiterated its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of an expanded Security Council.

19. The Sides underscored the importance of further strengthening mutual cooperation in the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, taking into account the active participation of the sides in the activity of this Organization.

20. India welcomed the entry into force of the Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in Central Asia and was prepared to extend the necessary security assurances.

21. H.E. Mr. Islam Karimov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, expressed gratitude to the Indian leadership and to the peoples of India for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him and to the Uzbekistan delegation during his State visit to the Republic of India. He invited Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the President of the Republic of India, to visit the Republic of Uzbekistan. The President of Uzbekistan also invited Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India, to visit Uzbekistan. The invitations were accepted with pleasure.

18 May, 2011
New Delhi

International conference:

“Rational use of water is an urgent task”

On 12-13 May an international conference devoted to the preparation for the 6th World Water Forum was held in Tashkent. UzA correspondents talked to some of the participnts.

Bo Libert, Regional Adviser of UN European Economic Commission on the Environment:

“Our organization works closely with the countries of Central Asia, in particular, with Uzbekistan. In this region, the water problem is urgent, therefore, holding this international forum has been very helpful. The conference addressed the most pressing issues related to water security, management of water resources.

Water is the source of life. Deeply aware of this, Uzbekistan pays attention to the development of water management. It is well known to the international community.

Insiccation of Aral Sea is an incredible environmental disaster. This causes a range of socio-economic problems. Measures taken by Uzbekistan are improving the situation. But to solve the problem, all countries should take joint action in this direction. After all, if the Aral problem is not resolved, the consequences will hit not only the population of that territory, but countries around the world.”
Tahir Shamshad, Deputy Mayor of Islamabad (Pakistan):
“Currently, the relevance of the water problem is understood by all countries. This, of course, requires regional cooperation. The countries in the region should work together to address the issues of rational use of water, its protection, eliminating the causes of drying up of once unique beauty of the Aral Sea. With involvement of modern technologies, the scale of water problem has dropped considerably.
Huge negative impact of the Aral Sea tragedy on the ecosystem of the whole region is obvious. To stabilize the environmental situation in the region the international attention should be involved to this matter.”

Janusz Kindler, a professor of water resources and ecosystems of Warsaw Technical University (Poland):
“For many years I have been working in Uzbekistan and I am well informed about water issues in the region. I am aware of what kind of work is being done by the government of Uzbekistan to improve the living conditions in Aral Sea area. However, full stabilization of the complicated situation, and solution of serious problems do not depend only on Uzbekistan.

The conference discussed the issues of enhancing cooperation through the sharing of water resources management in Central Asia, climate change in the Aral Sea region, the negative impact of large industrial plants on the environment and other pressing environmental issues.”
Oksana Boyarkina, representative of the Institute of Water Problems of Russian Academy of Science:

“When using the transboundary rivers, one should strictly observe the international legal instruments. Some governments in the region and international organizations need to integrate actions to address transboundary environmental problems and reduce environmental threats.

Conducting this conference in Tashkent is important. Here we got a lot of new and useful information to address the problems associated with the use of transboundary rivers. Everyone knows that the president of Uzbekistan put forward new initiatives to address these issues and large-scale studies have been done already. From this perspective, the welcome note by President Islam Karimov to the participants of the conference further raised the status of the forum.” (Source: UzA News Agency)
“Uzbekistan has rich experience in rational and efficient use of water resources”

On 12-13 May, a regional conference in preparation for the 6th World Water Forum was held in Tashkent. UzA correspondents talked to some of its members.

Jacques Barrot, a professor of Pantheon-Assas Paris II University, political scientist (France):

“This conference is important because it gives an opportunity to comprehensively discuss very important issues to combat water scarcity in the world. The next World Water Forum will be held in 2012 in the French city of Marseille, which imposes on us an even greater responsibility.

Today Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, face problems with water. The reason for their occurrence in the region was the irrational use of water resources in the recent past. In the welcoming speech of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to the participants of the forum, a special attention was paid to problems that arise because of environmental and water waste, which led to the drying of the Aral Sea.

I would like to point out that the proposed construction of new hydro giant poses a serious threat not only to Uzbekistan but also other countries in the region. In particular, it is alarming that the Rogun hydro power is envisaged in the zone of high seismicity. In this case, the economies of all countries in the region will suffer enormous damage; thousands of lives will be put in danger. If we consider these threats, Rogun is like a suicide. Therefore, this issue must be objectively, carefully and thoroughly discussed at the international level.”

Danka Talmeynerova, a representative of the international organization Global Water Partnership (Sweden):

“In Uzbekistan, a tremendous amount of work to ensure water security is increasing each year. This is clearly recognized by the international community. We must pay tribute to Uzbekistan, which has rich experience in rational and efficient use of water resources.

However, today there are various water issues in the region. In particular, problems associated with the Aral Sea crisis, shortage of drinking water in the Aral Sea area and air pollution still await their solution. It is distressing that the once-bustling Aral Sea basin, with its large port and surrounding area are now turned into a desert.”

Bart Fokkens, President of the European Center for River Restoration (Netherlands):

“As a result of waste of natural resources, including water in recent years worldwide, a number of environmental problems had occurred. Water is an essential factor in the industry and agriculture. The Aral Sea has become a symbol of the global environmental crisis not only in Central Asia. Because of this, and there is a lot of social problems.
I hope that this conference will be important to address such pressing issues as lack of potable water in the Aral Sea and the decline of its quality, pollution, and others.”

Nino Chkhobadze, a regional member of the international organization Global Water Partnership, Co-Chairwoman of Friends of the Earth green movement (Georgia):

“The problem of the Aral Sea for many years had worried the entire world community. I participated in many international conferences on this topic. If the Aral problem is not solved, then its consequences will be affected not only the population of this region and other countries.

International conference in Tashkent is extremely important for the future of the region. Solving the problems in transboundary waters primarily depends on the rational use of water.

I am an ecologist, which is why, in my opinion, the construction of large hydroelectric power station, regardless of its location, is a problem. The construction of such structure will lead to consequences for the ecology and the environment. Before the construction of such large hydro as Rogun, the projects must undergo an independent international expert to be thoroughly tested.”

Nadejda Prokhorova, director of the Research Institute for the protection and comprehensive use of water resources (Russia):
“Uzbekistan has made huge efforts to reduce the negative impact of the Aral Sea tragedy, further improve the living conditions of the population and solve the region’s water problems.

In some regions of Russia lack of water is still an unsolved urgent problem. Our Institute is engaged in the emerging water management problems, issues of water resources management and training of qualified environmental specialists.

Without water there is no life – it is an indisputable truth. Water resources are limited. Therefore, the actions of Uzbekistan for attracting world attention to the positive solution of this issue are very correct and timely.”

Joel Rizk, Coordinator of East-West Regional Security Institute (Belgium):

“Water resources are important factor in economic development for all countries. Tashkent forum is of great importance in the discussion and search for optimal solutions to problems, such as water security, water management, the impact of the Aral Sea environmental crisis in the gene pool of the nation’s flora and fauna and watercourse regulation of the Amudarya and Syrdarya.

It should be noted that before building new large hydropower plants on top of the transboundary rivers, one should think seriously about the possible consequences.”

Sagit Ibatullin, chairman of the executive committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (Kazakhstan):

“The management and efficient use of water resources is of particular relevance today. Tashkent international conference provides a good opportunity to discuss such issues.

Large-scale reforms at the initiative of President Islam Karimov are carried out in your country to protect the environment, improve the ecosystem, particularly water resources and solve existing problems in the area.”

Laurent Gee, Regional Director, Swiss Cooperation Office:

“Tashkent-forum is an opportunity to discuss such issues as water management, conservation of the hydrological balance at the regional and global level, the modernization of agricultural infrastructure as well as the further strengthening the international cooperation in this regard.

Complex socio-economic, environmental and demographic problems that could dire consequences not only in the Aral Sea, but also globally, should immediately be solved. The solution of such serious issues that are vital to many millions of people in Central Asia, requires a concerted and effective action by the world community.
Our relations with Uzbekistan are gradually developing. For example, now together with your country, we are working on projects on water supply issues.”

Kathy Unger Shayesteh, the project coordinator of CAW Research Center for Geosciences (Germany):

“Our center cooperates with Uzbekistan in the framework of the project “Water in Central Asia.” To address environmental issues, particularly related to transboundary rivers, an open dialogue is required. Today’s international conference in Uzbekistan is a good example of this approach.

In order to solve the Aral Sea crisis and for sustainable development and improved well-being of residents in the zone of ecological disaster, joint efforts and active cooperation of Central Asian countries and representatives of international organizations are needed.” (Source: UzA News Agency)

ECONOMY
Uzbekistan plans to attract ADB resources to electrification of railroads

Uzbekistan is planning to attract financial resources of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to electrification of Maroqand-Qarshi railroad in 2011.

According to the ADB website, the bank is planning to consider project of Uzbekistan “Railway Electrification Project (Maroqand-Qarshi)” in 2011. It is planned that the ADB will issue US$120 million of loans from its ordinary capital.

The project has been included to the programme on speeding up development of infrastructure, transport and communication construction for 2011-2015.

Within the project, it is planned to electrify 140 km of railroad area Maroqand-Qarshi. The project cost is US$168.6 million.

The project envisages reconstruction of locomotive depot in Qarshi city to use new railway line Tashguzar-Boysun-Qumqugan. The project will be implemented in 2011-2014.

Uzbekistan is also planning to attract ADB loan to electrification of Maraqand-Navoi-Bukhara railrod in central part of Uzbekistan. It is planned to electrify 250 km of railroad within the project.
Total project cost is US$443.9 million. It will be realized in 2012-2016, the programme said.

Uzbekistan has over 4,200 km railways and only 930 km of them are electrified. Uzbekistan electrified 600 km of roads in last seven years. The country plans to electrify about 2,000 km railroad. (Source: UzDaily.com)