September 24, 2008
Politics:
Legislative Chamber considers new laws
Legislative Chamber's committee holds conference on execution of courts' decisions
Uzbekistan approve programme on environment protection for 2008-2012
Economics:
Uzbek-Chinese Business Forum discusses development of ties
Chinese Corporation receives US$6.14m contract on rehabilitation of pump station in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, South Korea to Extend Ties in Various Areas
Uzbekistan, India sign protocol on economic cooperation
Society:
Festival of students of Uzbek universities held
ICT Week Takes Off In Uzbekistan, Reports Say
New observatory opens in Andijan
Goethe Institute in Tashkent marks its 10th anniversary
Uzbekistan Wins World Taekwondo Championship
POLICY
LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER CONSIDERS NEW LAWS
The Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan held a session on September 23. The session was chaired by the chamber speaker Dilorom Tashmuhamedova, UzA reported.
The chairman of the Committee for labor and social issues I.Nasriyev presented a report on the committee’s activity in 2005-2007 and in the first half of 2008. He said the committee had conducted a large work to strengthen the legal base of social protection of the population.
The member of the Committee for defense and security F.Hatamov presented a draft law on rescue service and rescuers’ status. The deputies noted the importance of creation of the legal base for the activity of the rescue services, their attraction to liquidation of emergency situations, as well as assistance by the state bodies.
The draft law states that rescue services should be provided with required material resources and transport, as well as means of communication when liquidating the consequences of emergency situations.
The Legislative Chamber passed the law with consideration of the changes in separate norms. The law will not be sent to Senate for approval.
The member of the Committee for international affairs and interparliamentary relations U.Jalmenov presented the draft law on ratification of the protocol to the Partnership and cooperation agreement between Uzbekistan and the European communities and their member states, in connection with accession of Belarus and Romania to the EU (Brussels, 20 May 2008). The chamber passed the law.
The member of the Committee for information and communication technologies O.Usarov presented the draft law on introducing changes and addenda in the law on publishing activity. The law, considered in the second reading, aims to improve regulation in the field of publishing, clarify legal norms regulating the right to set up a publishing house, as well as bring the law in compliance with other legislative acts and itnernational standards. The law will be discussed at the next session of the Legislative Chamber.
LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER'S COMMITTEE HOLDS CONFERENCE ON EXECUTION OF COURTS' DECISIONS
Committee of legislative and judicial-legal issues of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis and Department on execution of courts' decisions, material-technical and financial support of courts' activities and Tashkent State Law Institute organized an event entitled "Reform of execution system – challenges of the time", Jahon Information Agency quoting Narodnoye Slovo newspaper.
It was noted that the Law "On execution of court acts and acts of other bodies" regulates relations, occurred at enforced execution of court decisions and other bodies. At the same time, the law created opportunity to transfer institute of courts' officers from judicial power to executive power.
Department on execution of courts' decisions, material-technical and financial support of courts' activities was created during the reform process.
The law provides several processual rights to the officers of the courts and sets their responsibilities, which serves to full execution of court decisions, the paper said.
The participants of the conference discussed issues of improving activity of the department and introduction of changes and amendments to some legislative acts of Uzbekistan.
UZBEKISTAN APPROVE PROGRAMME ON ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION FOR 2008-2012
Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyayev signed a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers on 19 September to approve an action programme on protection of environment in Uzbekistan for 2008-2012, Uzreport Information Portal reported.
The programme is logical continuation of the action programme on environment protection for 1999-2005, which was approved with the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers from 20 October 1999.
The programme is directed to carry out complex measures on environment protection, ensure ecological security, preserve and rehabilitation of natural systems, their biodiversity, rational use of natural resources and others.
The programme envisages realization of measures in four key directions:
-Protection of environment and ensure ecological security;
-Rational use of natural resources and introduction of ecological methods of management;
-Improvement of legal base and development of ecologic science, ecologic education and training of population;
-International cooperation and regional ecologic security.
The programme lists measures on each direction, which Uzbekistan will try to achieve within 2008-2012.
State Committee on Nature Protection has been entrusted to organize work and control over implementation of the programme.
ECONOMY
UZBEK-CHINESE BUSINESS FORUM DISCUSSES DEVELOPMENT OF TIES
An Uzbek-Chinese Business Forum took place in Tashkent on September 23 with the participation of businesses and entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan and China.
The forum was dedicated to development of cooperation in construction materials and familiarization with construction materials and equipment. The forum was organized by the governments of China and Uzbekistan, Uzstroymaterialy, Embassy of China in Uzbekistan, Sinomach, International Committee on assistance of trade of Guangdong Province, Machinery Equipment Exhibition Company (Beijing) and International Trade with Central Asia Company (Guangzhou).
The event was aimed at establishing cooperation between Uzbek and Chinese companies, working in such areas as car industry, agriculture, production and supply of equipment, lightening products, wholesale and retail trade and others.
The Chinese delegation arrived in Uzbekistan to develop trade-economic cooperation with their Uzbek partners, establish contacts with local businesses, discuss perspectives of bilateral collaboration. Alisher Shaykhov, chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, said the visit of Chinese delegation is another evidence of interest of Chinese businesses to expand mutual beneficial business relations with the Uzbek partners. Shaykhov said that the bilateral trade between two countries is close to US$1 billion-point. Zhen Yao Huon [transliterated], chairperson Guangdong Province Trade Assistance Committee, said China and Uzbekistan are friendly states and good neighbors. He said the cooperation is developing between countries and bilateral trade is expanding.
He said that the bilateral trade reached US$711 million in the first half of 208 or increased by 17% year-on-year. Lyu Xin Zhen [transliterated], director-general of Sinomach, said this forum was organized to exchange information and strengthen trade-economic relations. He said that the corporation works in all regions of the world and added that the corporation can do a lot for Uzbekistan". It is expected that Sinomach will build high-technologic industrial zone in Tashkent with the government of Uzbekistan. In line with the trade-economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and China in January 1992, the most-favoured-nation treatment was set between two states. China is one of the leading trade partners of Uzbekistan. Over 170 enterprises with Chinese investments work in Uzbekistan in such sectors as light industry, processing of agriculture goods, etc.
CHINESE CORPORATION RECEIVES US$6.14M CONTRACT ON REHABILITATION OF PUMP STATION IN UZBEKISTAN
China National Electric Equipment Corporation signed US$6.14 million agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Management of Uzbekistan within the project "Rehabilitation of Ulugnar pump station in Andijan region", Uzreport Information Portal reported.
The presidential resolution "On measures on realization of investment project "Rehabilitation of Ulugnar pump station in Andijan region" said that the Chinese company will supply equipment, spare parts, carry out assembling and setting up works within the project.
The resolution dated 10 September 2008 said that the project will be financed due to credit of the National Bank of Uzbekistan for Foreign Activity (NBU) via refinancing of loan of the Chinese Eximbank for US$5.22 million and resources of the State Budget of Uzbekistan for US$0.92 million. The resolution said the credit issued for 15 years with five year grace period and interest rate set at 3.2% APR with margin of the refinancing bank at 0.2% APR.
It added that the credit and its interest rates will be repaid due to resources of the State Budget of Uzbekistan. The document entrusted NBU sign corresponding agreements with the Chinese Eximbank and the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Management of Uzbekistan.
UZBEKISTAN, SOUTH KOREA TO EXTEND TIES IN VARIOUS AREAS
From September 23 to September 25 this year the delegation of business people of the Republic of Korea will stay in Uzbekistan, Jahon Information Agency reported.
The goal of the visit is to further develop the trade and economic cooperation between the Uzbek and South Korean business circles, establish mutually beneficial contacts with Uzbek entrepreneurs, as well as discuss possible prospects of bilateral cooperation.
The South Korean delegation includes the representatives of Korean companies engaged in supplies of cars and trucks, production of hydraulic equipment, water treatment mobile stations, manufacture of drilling equipment and safety outfit for mountain works, production of electrical equipment, lifting mechanisms, and others.
The representatives of ministries and agencies, sector associations and unions, industrial enterprises, small and private businesses of the country busied in relevant spheres are participating at the talks in Tashkent.
The Republic of Korea occupies a leading place among the trade partners of Uzbekistan in Asia-Pacific. In line with a trade agreement of 1992 signed between Uzbekistan and South Korea the two countries have established the most favoring regime.
For over the 2007 the trade between the countries made up 583.9 million US dollars, of which the exports accounted for 69.8 million dollars, imports – 514.1 million dollars, and on the outcomes of first half of 2008 – 413.5 million dollars, of which the exports – 52.8 million dollars, and imports – 360.7 million dollars.
313 joint ventures with South Korean capital, including 41 enterprises with a 100 percent of South Korean capital, have been established in Uzbekistan. They operate in such branches as trading, light, chemical and food industries, machinery, metal processing, housing and communal services, healthcare, tourism and other services.
Also, 73 representation offices of South Korean companies have been accredited at the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Their sphere of operations includes export and import operations, transportation services, textile production, services, electronics, and other.
As a part of stay in Uzbekistan the South Korean delegation members are expected to hold talks with their Uzbek counterparts on the prospects of extending cooperation in various areas.
UZBEKISTAN, INDIA SIGN PROTOCOL ON ECONOMIC COOPERATION
The eighth meeting of the Uzbek-Indian intergovernmental commission (IGC) in New Delhi has discussed the prospects for further expansion and intensification of business cooperation between Uzbekistan and India, Jahon Information Agency reported.
The source said that the Uzbek delegation in the IGC comprised leading specialists in the field of oil and gas; the electricity and pharmaceutical industries; and information technology and was headed by Minister of Economics Botir Hojayev. The delegation held meetings at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the trade and industry chamber of India. During the talks, the participants of the IGC discussed topical issues in the fields of trade and industry. The two sides drew up plans to settle the issues as soon as possible. Within the framework of the commission, a presentation was made on Uzbekistan's economic potential and favourable investment climate for foreign businessmen, the agency reported.
The report added that during the IGC, Indian Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jairam Ramesh underlined the importance of the expansion of Uzbek-Indian cooperation, including cooperation in the spheres of oil and gas. Jairam Ramesh said that the Indian side was interested in developing cooperation in the energy sphere as well as in exploring and developing deposits of tungsten, molybdenum, gold and diamond. A protocol on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation was signed at the end of the meeting of the Uzbek-Indian intergovernmental commission. Over 60 bilateral documents have been signed between Uzbekistan and India so far.
SOCIETY
FESTIVAL OF STUDENTS OF UZBEK UNIVERSITIES HELD
Festival of university students of Uzbekistan titled “Young people are a decisive force of our today and tomorrow” was held in the Yoshlik campus in Tashkent. It was devoted to the 90th anniversary of the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek.
To celebrate the anniversary of the university at the high level, large-scale improvement works were carried out in the Yoshlik students’ campus. The university buildings were repaired, the lecture rooms and laboratories were provided with new equipment, student houses and other objects were improved. A new tennis court and a football stadium were built.
Hundreds of young people from universities, academic schools and vocational colleges participated in the festival. They visited the Mustaqillik (Independence) square and laid flowers to the monument of independence and humanism. They got acquainted with the sights of the capital, museums, cultural and sports objects. In particular, the students visited the State Museum of Temurids History and the Hazrati Imam complex.
During the meeting at the Kamolot youth movement central council, the festival participants exchanged views on the development of education in the country. Various sports events and round tables were held in the framework of the celebrations.
ICT WEEK TAKES OFF IN UZBEKISTAN, REPORTS SAY
Traditional Week of Information and Communication Technologies – InfoCom-2008 was launched in Uzbekistan. The program of the Week envisages various events aimed at improving the sector.
Specialists and many users of latest information resources are expected to find at this forum many new, interesting and useful things, according to Jahon Information Agency.
Information and Communication Technologies Committee of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Coordination Council on Developing Computerization and Information and Communication Technologies, Uzbek Agency of Communication and Information (UzACI), UNDP “ICT Policy” Program, Association of IT Companies and Organizations of Uzbekistan are reported to have organized the Week.
The first event in the ICT Week’s agenda – International conference “Developing information technologies in Asia – ITPA-2008” – took place at the Tashkent University of Information Technologies jointly with Korean Simulation Society and International Scientific Center of Information Technologies.
Deputy Director-General of UzACI A.Khojaev noted that a main goal of the forum at which a great deal of local and foreign experts as well as specialists are taking part is to bring together researchers of different disciplines, scholars and interested figures to developing information technologies in Asia, discuss real methods, new researching directions and up-to-date technologies.
Those who took a floor and other speakers of the two-day forum will speak about regional research courses and strategies of information technologies in Asia, business proposals of companies, web and multi-media technologies, Internet and mobile communications, free resources and standards.
As a part of the event the organizers plan to hold training seminars on free resource programs, architectural entrepreneurship, advanced computer technologies, as well as sensor networks.
Professor of South Korean University Konkuk Syung Yeng-han underscored that the Tashkent University of Information Technologies was chosen not by chance as the venue for the forum.
“Many talented youth attend the University that enjoys an opportunity at well-equipped classes to rapidly acquire the latest novelties of IT sphere. Therefore, a number of South Korean IT companies launched here a fair of their own works with their presentations. We also plan to invite professionals from Uzbekistan to South Korea for exchange of views. So, we have big perspectives of deepening cooperation in ICT sphere,” the South Korean professor is reported to have added.
NEW OBSERVATORY OPENS IN ANDIJAN
New observatory opened at the Babur park in the city of Andijan. It was created by the Astronomy Institute of the Uzbekistan Science Academy in cooperation with the International Babur Foundation and Andijan State University.
Here, all conditions have been created for observing celestial bodies with high accuracy thanks to powerful telescopes and other equipment. These devices will help students of mathematics and astronomy faculties of universities in Ferghana, Andijan and Namangan regions, as well as young people who are interested in astronomy.
“Our great scientists, such as Abu Rayhon Beruni and Mirzo Ulugbek, made an invaluable contribution to the development of world science, and astronomy in particular,” said professor of Andijan State University Raimjon Aliyev. “Now young researchers and students in the Ferghana valley have got an opportunity to strengthen their theoretical knowledge in practice.”
GOETHE INSTITUTE IN TASHKENT MARKS ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Goethe Institute in Tashkent will mark its 10th anniversary on Friday, 26 September. The institute serves as a toll for cultural dialogue between Uzbekistan and Germany.
During these years, Goethe Institute closely cooperated with the Uzbek partners in culture and education sphere to develop cultural dialogue between Uzbekistan and Germany.
Goethe Institute was founded in 1998 in line with intergovernmental cultural agreement.
Kristina Gunter, director of Goethe Institute, said the institute is ready for further creative and fruitful cooperation.
Goethe Institute said it published special brochure in German, Russian and Uzbekistan, which covers the most interesting events for last 10 years. It also will hold several events dedicated to the occasion on Friday.
UZBEKISTAN WINS WORLD TAEKWONDO CHAMPIONSHIP
The World Taekwondo Championship was held at the Uzbekistan Sport Complex in Tashkent on September 17 to 21 this year. Uzbekistan National Team successfully performed at this sports event in the direction of International Taekwondo Federation (ITF), according to the Uzbekistan National News Agency.
The Ministry of Culture and Sports jointly with National Taekwondo Association of Uzbekistan, Republican Center of Martial Arts organized the contest. Over 500 athletes from 53 countries, including Russia, Spain, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, England, the Netherlands, Poland, Argentina, Peru, Canada, Algeria, South African Republic, Australia, Japan, China, India, Iran, and Mongolia competed for top prizes of the tournament along with Uzbek athletes.
Those who spoke at the opening ceremony have said that as a result of constant attention now paid by Uzbek Leadership to developing sports, profound care about athletes, taekwando is rapidly expanding as much as other types of sports in the country. Many Uzbek athletes secure leading places at the world and continental championships.
The World championship among juniors and veterans that took place in Tashkent yet has once again revealed high potential of Uzbek taekwondo athletes. The contest on ITF direction was organized at high level. During it the athletes showed their mastery at such contests as single and group massogi and til, special technique and breaking subjects.
On the outcomes of the contests which were judged by over 40 highly qualified referees, the Uzbek national team secured the first place in team-wide team contests. The national team has earned 17 gold, 14 silver and 13 bronze medals by taking the number of medals to 44 in total.
Fans and specialists highly assessed the mastery of the Uzbek young taekwondo athletes such as Farkhod Rustamov, Sitora Nishanova and Dmitriy Shokin. The veteran athletes - Luiza Sagitova, Evgenia Lee, Rinat Sultanbekov, Komil Shukurov, Feruza Sultangarieva and Fakhridin Umarov – are reported to have demonstrated their mastery at the championship.
In the team-wide score-sheet the athletes of the People’s-Democratic Republic of Korea took the second place, while the Russian athletes – the third place.