October 21, 2009

Politics:
Preparations for the elections: consistent work is carried out
Economics:
International tourism fair opens
Karakalpakstan: expanding manufacturing base
Savings pulse of credit institutions
Society:
Week of beauty and elegance
Mirror of national spirituality

POLICY

PREPARATIONS FOR THE ELECTIONS: CONSISTENT WORK IS CARRIED OUT

On October 20, the press center of the Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan held a regular press conference for domestic and foreign journalists.

Chairman of the Central Election Commission M. Abdusalomov informed journalists about the work on the formation of electoral districts, the formation of district electoral commissions for the elections of deputies of Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the admission of political parties to participate in the forthcoming elections.

CEC Chairman reported that in accordance with Article 7 of the Law “On elections to the Oliy Majlis”, the elections for the Legislative Chamber of Parliament shall be held by one hundred and thirty-five geographical constituencies. The Central Electoral Commission, considered the proposals of public authorities in the field, at its meeting on 9 October and agreed on the formation of constituencies for the elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis. List of constituencies, including their names, serial numbers, boundaries and the number of voters published in the press.

At a press conference, the CEC Chairman M. Abdusalomov told reporters that at its meeting on 16 October in accordance with Article 11 of the Law “On elections to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan” the Central Election Commission agreed on the formation of district electoral commissions on elections of deputies of Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis. It was noted that under Article 12 of the Act the district election commission formed by the Central Election Commission consist of a chairman, deputy chairman, secretary and at least six other members of the commission. In approving the personal staff of district election commissions of the Central Election Commission, special attention was drawn to the fact that, in accordance with Article 16 of the law, the district commissions includes respected members of the public. Lists of members of district commissions, indicating addresses and telephone numbers of committees are published in the press.

For members of the newly formed election commission CEC organized a series of seminars and training sessions on the fundamentals of the electoral law.

At the press conference It was also informed that under Article 21 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On elections to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan” for the nomination of candidates, each of the four of the country’s operating political parties need to submit to the Central Election Commission necessary documents for the nomination of candidates – a declaration of participation in elections, signed by the head of the Party, a certificate of the Ministry of Justice that the political parties registered not later than four months prior to the announcement of the beginning of the campaign, and the subscription lists of voters in support of its participation in the elections for the lower house of parliament.

In accordance with Article 231 of the Law “On elections to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan” working group was formed in Central Election Commission to verify the compilation of subscription lists submitted by political parties. Authorized representatives of political parties attended during the consideration of the subscription lists. This is – a new institution introduced by the national electoral law, which aims to ensure even greater transparency and democratic electoral process.

At a press conference, the CEC Chairman M. Abdusalomov said that the results of examination of materials by the political parties indicate that the collection of voter signatures was conducted in full accordance with the requirements of electoral law. In this regard, the Central Election Commission adopted a resolution on admission to participate in the elections for the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, Social-Democratic Party of Uzbekistan Adolat, the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businessmen – Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan and the Democratic Party of Uzbekistan “Milliy Tiklanish” at a meeting October 17 and 18. It was noted the decision of the Environmental Movement of Uzbekistan to participate in elections to the Legislative Chamber of Parliament.

At a press conference the Chairman of the Central Election Commission, M. Abdusalomov answered all questions of domestic and foreign media concerning the organization of elections in Uzbekistan. (Source: National News Agency UzA)

ECONOMY

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FAIR OPENS

The 15th International Tashkent Tourism Fair “Tourism on the Silk Road” opened in the capital of Uzbekistan on October 21. The forum has been organized by the Uzbektourism national company.

Opening the fair, chairman of Uzbektourism Z.Khakimov said that tourism in Uzbekistan was developing like all other sectors. The country, situated in the center of the Great Silk Road, attracts more and more foreign tourists with its historical monuments, unique culture and traditions, and wonderful nature.

Tourism helps raise the living level of the population, create additional workplaces and strengthen international ties. The wide-scale reforms in the tourism sector held on the initiative of the President Islam Karimov are giving their notable results.

The number of modern hotels is increasing, the quality of service is improving, new tourist routes are being developed and transport communications are being renewed. All of this contributes to the development of the tourism sector.

The main goal of the Tashkent Tourism Fair is to promote the huge tourist potential of Uzbekistan and expand the relations between the local and foreign tourism and travel companies. Held since 1995, the fair is one of the largest tourist forums in Central Asia.

The number of the fair participants has been increasing from year to year. If in 2008 more than 100 companies from 23 countries took part in the forum, this year their number is more than 200.

The fair participants can get acquainted with the services related to environmental and sports tourism, the work of the hotels, insurance and banking services, the activity of the national and regional tourist organizations and travel agencies.

Vice Prime Minister of Uzbekistan R.Kasymov and the hokim of the city of Tashkent A.Tukhtayev participated in the opening of the Tourism Fair. (Source: National News Agency UzA)

KARAKALPAKSTAN: EXPANDING MANUFACTURING BASE

Extensive work to improve the supply of the internal consumer market with domestic food products and manufactured goods is carried out in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

To this end, implementation of 311 projects for total 92 million 356 thousand U.S. dollars is planned. 6 thousand 594 additional jobs will be created in the republic.

As the whole country, supporting small business and private entrepreneurship in the Aral Sea region is giving positive results. This was clearly reflected in the dynamic of growth of the economy. In particular, significant results can be obtained to ensure the supply of domestic consumer market with quality products.

There is a great demand among customers to purchase the products of about 17 thousand small businesses and private entrepreneurship, 9 thousand 271 farms and more than 225 thousand private farms of Karakalpakstan.

According to the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, in the current year the domestic consumer market is scheduled to receive 18 thousand 800 tons of vegetables and melons, 66 thousand 100 tons of fruit, 52 thousand 300 tons of potatoes, 6 thousand 900 tons of meat, 40 thousand tons of milk and 132 million 500 thousands of eggs.

Given the population’s growing demand for food, until 2012, the area for growing vegetables, potatoes and melons would be increased for 10 thousand hectares, and the establishment of an orchards almost the same area is planned.

Farmers and private entrepreneurs planned the construction of 68 greenhouses with lightweight construction with total area of 75.1 hectares. This will serve for further replenishment of the market with selected fruits, wholesome vegetables, meat and dairy products.

Today, JSC “Eggar” in Beruni, “Turon” in Hojeily and “Chimboy moy” in Chimbay districts are involved in the manufacturing of vegetable oil. In addition, strong demand from customers come for high-quality carpets, fabrics, clothing, household goods, carried out on private firms “Gulnur”, “Bibioyim”,“Gunesh Tahiatosh”. (Source: National News Agency UzA)

SAVINGS PULSE OF CREDIT INSTITUTIONS

The safety reserve of the domestic banking system is strengthening and developing, accomplished with the initiative of President Islam Karimov. Customers more boldly trust their free cash to the banking sector.

This is evidenced by a steady flow of household savings to banks. According to the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as of October 1, 2009, the amount of borrowed funds from private individuals in credit institutions, in comparison with the same period of the last year, has increased by 68.8 per cent. If to compare with the year 2000, this important indicator rose by 140.9 percent.

In turn, the banking sector is accumulating the savings of the population and enterprises, transforming them into loans and investments.

Modernization of savings policy, which is due to the special attention of the country’s leadership to this issue, has been actively conducted in the country in recent years, and has turned to be a success. And the success of bank deposits has been achieved, as you know, when they are able to meet the basic needs of investors: save money and make a profit. No less important is trust.

At the initiative of the Head of State, there were issued a series of decrees and regulations that are crucial for the development of the banking sector.

On November 28, 2008 the President issued a decree “On additional measures to guarantee the protection of citizens’ deposits in commercial banks of Uzbekistan”. It was announced that funds of individuals placed on deposit accounts in commercial banks, are protected by the state. In accordance with the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On guarantees of protection of citizens’ deposits in banks” they provide credible assurance of compensation in full, regardless of the size of the deposits.

In a document adopted on April 6, 2009, the Resolution of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On additional measures to further stimulate the attraction of free funds of population and economic entities on deposits in commercial banks”. A wide range of measures were taken, in addition to the establishment of strict monitoring to ensure the issuance of cash from deposit of the population on demand of clients, which facilitated growth of long-term deposits and further development of cashless payments.

Established in 2009, the minimum level of interest rates on deposits of the population for more than 1 year in an amount not less than 150 percent from the current rate of the Central Bank, and by means of plastic cards of individuals – in an amount not less than the current refinancing rate, it was a good incentive for the market for long-term savings. (Central Bank refinancing rate – the basis of the interest policy of the banking system – in 2009 it is 14 per cent).

Many investors have become more confident in the forecasts and increased the “planning horizon” to a year or more. On 1 October 2009, there were more than 300 types of deposits in national currency – from “Istiqlol-1”of Open Joint Stock Commercial Bank “Uzpromstroybank” and “Muallim” of Open joint-stock commercial bank “Qishloq Qurilish Bank of maturity period of 3 months and rate of 30 per cent per annum respectively and “Taraqiyot” of Open joint-stock commercial bank “Uzpromstroybank” for 3 and 5 years at 26 and 30 per cent per annum.

The growth of income deposit accounts from available funds of the population in national and foreign currency testifies the strengthening of trust and partnership between the banks and depositors. This allows banks to strengthen their resource base and to send additional funds to invest in major economic projects that will contribute to further development of our country with strong production potential. (Source: National News Agency UzA)

SOCIETY

WEEK OF BEAUTY AND ELEGANCE

Art Week Art Week Style.uz – 2009 ended in Tashkent.

During Independence years under the leadership of President Islam Karimov extensive work on the development of national culture and art, creating the necessary conditions to familiarize them with the best samples, the effective activity of representatives of these areas is conducted. Public organizations along with the various ministries and departments, agencies and creative associations are actively involved in this process. This is evidenced by the activities of the Fund “Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan”.

It is focused on the preservation of national heritage, the restoration of the ancient traditions of applied arts and crafts, providing assistance to artists to create conditions for the activities of young talent, support and promotion, the promotion of creative young talents at national and international scale. Competitions, national craft fairs, exhibitions and concerts, such as “Asrlar sadosi”, “New generation”, “Navkiron Uzbekistan”, “Kelajak ovozi», «Bazar Art» are striking examples. Huge cultural and educational value of these creative projects and their social orientation, are known not only in our country but also abroad.

Week of Art – Art Week Style.uz – 2009 is one of the activities that attract the attention of connoisseurs of beauty industry not only from our country, but also from foreign countries. The peculiarity of the week of this year was that it demonstrates the achievements aimed at promoting and popularizing national heritage and values, culture, crafts, development of the traditions of “master-disciple”.

During the week, the exhibition handicrafts and craftsmanship was organized, unique pieces of art were donstrated. Great interest among fans caused a special exposition of the Association of Antiquaries of Uzbekistan «Meros», exhibition of rarities.

Art Week Art Week Style.uz – 2009, has become truly a holiday of beauty and elegance, was evidence of tremendous care provided in our country to the development of national art. (Source: National News Agency UzA)

MIRROR OF NATIONAL SPIRITUALITY

A meeting with a group of poets on the theme “Mother tongue – a mirror of national identity and spirituality” was held in the Tax Academy of State Tax Committee of Uzbekistan.

Extensive work in all spheres of society and particularly in the spiritual and educational direction carried out under the leadership of the President. Particular attention is paid to the execution of the law adopted on October 21, 1989, Law “On State language”, that promotes the development of the Uzbek language.

Constitution stipulates that “the state language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek.” This shows the status of our native language as an invaluable spiritual heritage, protected by law, along with other state symbols. A language is not only a means of communication between people, but also a mirror of the spiritual life of the people. National consciousness and thinking, spiritual and moral connection between generations are formed through language.

In an interesting meeting with student poets Ahmad Khoja, Vohid Lukmon and others have noted the important role of giving the public the status of the Uzbek language, which contributed to development and expansion of its use. (Source: National News Agency UzA)