October 8, 2008

Politics:
Uzbekistan and Latvia: great potential for cooperation
Uzbekistan to provide humanitarian aid to Kyrgyzstan
Economics:
Uzbek, Latvian Business People Launch Forum, Extend Ties
UzMedExpo-2008 opens in Tashkent
Khauzak-Shady: 2 billion cubic meters of gas produced
Fargonaazot to attract US$80m to modernize production
CPTDC installs drilling equipment in Uzbekistan
Society:
Diplomats' mini football tournament held
Information systems and telecommunications: Jan-Sep results considered
Program of archives development adopted
Conference of chemists starts in Tashkent
Exhibition of musical instruments opens
Tashkent Open tennis tournament completes

POLICY

UZBEKISTAN AND LATVIA: GREAT POTENTIAL FOR COOPERATION

President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers arrived in Uzbekistan with a state visit on 5 October on the invitation of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov.

Uzbekistan attaches a particular importance to the development of relations with Latvia. Latvia also appreciates the cooperation with our country. An important factor is the similarity of views of both countries in the political sphere and mutual interest to developing economic ties, UzA reported.

It should be noted that before the collapse of the former Soviet Union, Islam Karimov supported the aspirations and actions of Latvia to achieve independence, and its foreign policy after the country proclaimed independence. On the entry of Latvia into NATO in January 2004, the head of Uzbekistan said that each country had the right to develop its own defense doctrine in accordance with its national interests, to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. In May same year, Latvia became a member of the European Union, which also was supported by Uzbekistan.

Latvia is one of the reliable economic partners of Uzbekistan. Our countries, apart from development of trade and economic relations, are strengthening cooperation in the sphere of transit of goods. Uzbekistan exports its products to Western states through Latvian ports. As a member of the EU, Latvia has the opportunity to expand its presence in international economic relations, and to maximize the opportunities of the European market. In its turn, Uzbekistan, located in the heart of the Great Silk Road, is important for Latvia to develop cooperation with the Central Asian region as a whole.

The last summit of the two countries was held in April 2004 in Riga – during the state visit of President Islam Karimov to Latvia. Now the President of Latvia arrived in Uzbekistan. The visit reflects the mutual interests of both countries to expand cooperation in all fields.

The visit began on 6 October with the official welcoming ceremony of the President of Latvia at the Durmen residence. In honor of the distinguished guest, an honorary guard was built.

At the efface-to-face talks, Islam Karimov and Valdis Zatlers exchanged views on the status and prospects of Uzbek-Latvian relations, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest.

Islam Karimov stressed the need to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between our peoples. This summit provides a good opportunity for a thorough analysis and discussion of issues related to expansion of cooperation, he noted.

“Our relations have a rich history,” Islam Karimov said. “Your visit is a manifestation of the enormous interest of the Latvian side to promote cooperation with Uzbekistan.”

Valdis Zatlers expressed his gratitude to the leader of our country for the invitation to visit Uzbekistan and noted that the Latvian side attached great importance to this visit.

“Uzbekistan is one of the powerful nations of Central Asia,” Valdis Zatlers said. “Our countries have always been linked the friendship ties.”

The presidents noted that the Tashkent summit marked a qualitatively new stage of relations and that the experience gained by the two countries would be a solid basis for strengthening cooperation.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the situation in Afghanistan. Islam Karimov noted that peace in Afghanistan could not be reached through only military methods. It is necessary to disarm the population, to focus on peaceful life and awaken the sense of creativity in people, to solve the social and economic problems, to undertake gradual reform, he said.

President of Uzbekistan once again focused on his initiative of transforming the contact group 6+2, which operated successfully with the help of the UN in 1997-2001, into 6+3, taking into consideration the current realities and the compulsory involvement of NATO in the negotiation process.

Valdis Zatlers stressed that he appreciated the attitude and the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan to bring peace to Afghanistan.

Islam Karimov and Valdis Zatlers continued the conversation at the negotiations of the official delegations of Uzbekistan and Latvia. The talks focused on expansion of trade and economic, scientific and technological, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

The head of Uzbekistan said that mutual cooperation and partnerships were developing in the spirit of bilateral interest and expressed confidence that the talks would give a new impulse to the bilateral cooperation.

The volume of trade between the two countries in 2007 rose by nearly 50%, and in January-July 2008 amounted to USD 187 million. In Uzbekistan, 19 joint ventures set up with Latvian investors operate in industries like textile, production of radio equipment, electronics and furniture, machinery and pharmaceuticals. In Latvia, there are about 40 JVs with Uzbek investors.

In order to support direct contacts between the businessmen, during the Riga summit in 2004, a consular convention was signed. The Memorandum of Cooperation concluded between the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of Uzbekistan and the Latvian Parex Bank is contributing to cooperation of the financial institutions and strengthening the partnership relations between the states’ businesses.

During the negotiations, the sides discussed development of economic relations of Uzbekistan and Latvia in accordance with the capabilities of the two countries. Opening of trading houses, increasing the number of flights were among the discussed issues. Other topics were establishment of direct deliveries of Uzbek cotton to textile enterprises in Latvia, setting up joint ventures to process cotton, silk, melons and vegetables, servicing the railway transport produced in Latvia.

Cooperation between the two states could cover areas like automobile industry, logistics, furniture manufacturing, information technologies, pharmaceuticals, etc. The delegations also discussed expansion of humanitarian cooperation. Uzbekistan and Latvia have numerous historical sites, ancient monuments, recreational areas and are well positioned for the development of tourism.

Following the talks, intergovernmental agreements were signed in the field of disaster management, interdepartmental agreement on joint administrative cooperation and exchange of information in tax sphere, on exchange of information in industrial property protection, on cooperation in the fields of education, accreditation and standardization.

Speaking to journalists after the negotiations, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov said: “In our relations, we will give priority to trade and economic cooperation. We exchanged views on issues related to transportation, processing industry, education, health, culture and other fields.”

“The main purpose of this visit is development and strengthening of Latvian-Uzbek relations,” Valdis Zatlers said. “We are confident that bilateral relations have good prospects and our cooperation in the future will be successful.”

Valdis Zatlers awarded the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov with the highest state award of Latvia – the Three Starts order, for contribution to expansion and strengthening of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. President of Latvia was awarded with the high award of Uzbekistan – the order Buyuk Hizmatlari Uchun.

On the same day, President of Latvia, accompanied by Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visited the Independence Square. The high guest laid flowers to the monument of Independence and humanism.

Valdis Zatlers also met the Chairman of the Senate Ilgizar Sabirov and familiarized himself with the activity of the Parliament of Uzbekistan.

The Latvian President viewed the exhibits of the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, met the faculty and students of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, and visited the Oloy market.

UZBEKISTAN TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN AID TO KYRGYZSTAN

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a resolution on providing humanitarian aid to the people of the Kyrgyz Republic, who suffered from the earthquake.

The natural disaster, which occurred on 5 October with an epicenter in Nura village of Alay district of Osh region, brought serious damage to Kyrgyzstan. 74 people died, most of which were children.

The President’s resolution envisages delivery of various construction materials to the earthquake-hit region, including 120 tons of cement.

The neighboring country will also receive foodstuffs, including 60 tons of flour, 1 ton of vegetable oil, as well as blankets, knitwear, children’s clothes and other goods of first necessity for a total sum of more than USD 200,000.

The delivery of the humanitarian cargo will be carried out by the Emergency Ministry of Uzbekistan.

ECONOMY

UZBEK, LATVIAN BUSINESS PEOPLE LAUNCH FORUM, EXTEND TIES

On October 6, 2008, within the framework of the State visit of the President of the Republic of Latvia Valdis Zatlers to Uzbekistan the business-forum with the participation of business circles of both countries took place at the International Business Center in Tashkent, the news agencies reported.

Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Investment and Development Agency of Latvia organized the forum. The participants to the event discussed the further expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Heads of ministries and agencies, companies of the two countries engaged in foreign economic relations, banking and financing, oil and gas, aircraft building, machinery, agriculture and water resource management, geology, food manufacturing, chemical, light, textile, paper and furniture industry, pharmaceutics, transport and transport communications, logistics, information technologies and telecommunications, science and education, sports and culture, tourism and environmental protection took part at it.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoev noted that the top-level talks during the visit of the President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers to Uzbekistan and the current forum paved the way for further expanding the trade, economic and investment relations between Uzbekistan and Latvia.

Uzbekistan and Latvia have a big economic potential. In particular, the natural resources of Uzbekistan, its advantageous geographic location, modern transport communications, successive mastering of up-to-date technologies in all spheres, high intellectual potential, favorable investment environment and necessary conditions arouse interest in many states to cooperate with Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan and Latvia have good opportunities to develop trade and economic relations. The bilateral trade keeps on rise. Thus, in 2007 the trade accounted for USD 123.3 million, while over the past seven months of this year it made up USD 187 million. There are 19 joint ventures set up with Latvian investments in Uzbekistan, which are specialized in producing furniture, textiles, confectionaries, oil processing industry, wholesale trade and rendering of services.

In its turn, about 40 companies with the participation of juridical and physical figures of Uzbekistan are operating in Latvia mainly in hotel, insurance and transport – forwarding business.

“Latvia highly assesses the cooperation with Uzbekistan,” President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers said, “Uzbekistan and Latvia have constructive relations that have been developing for many years. The economic cooperation is dynamically developing. The Uzbek market is very perspective for us. I am confident that today’s dialog will serve to strengthening the bilateral relations”.

Representatives of such companies as Trasta Komercbanka (banking and financing) Stoller (construction), Les Trans, ATN (furniture production), Holter, Stats Invest (investments), Kommerccentrs Dati Grupa (information technologies and telecommunications), Vae Riga (transports and logistics) and many others expressed their wishes to establish and develop an activity in the Uzbek market.

During the business forum an Agreement on Cooperation between Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and Latvia, a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the Information Support and Foreign Investments Promotion Agency Uzinfoinvest and Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, as well as a number of MoUs on producing paper and construction materials, foodstuffs, and in the sphere of information and communication technology were signed.

At the end of the business forum the representatives of various companies and enterprises of Uzbekistan and Latvia held co-operation exchange. The sides inked contracts on exporting various Uzbek goods. At the same day, Latvian businessmen are reported to have learnt about activity of some Uzbek companies.

UZMEDEXPO-2008 OPENS IN TASHKENT

First International Specialized Exhibition UzMedExpo-2008 opened at InterContinental Hotel in Tashkent on 7 October. IEG Uzbekistan is organizer of three-day exhibition.

This exhibition is demonstration of achievements of domestic and foreign medical technology, equipment, pharmaceutical industry production. The exhibition gives opportunity to forge business contracts with the leading global manufactures of medical equipment and medicines. Meetings, exchange of opinions and fruitful cooperation between suppliers and end-users of medical products, promote further development of public health services in Uzbekistan.

The exhibition have such thematic sections as Modern Technologies in Healthcare, Medical Equipment and Tools, Medical Cloths and Footwear, Medical Furniture and others.

Within the framework of the exhibition, Biostom LLC in cooperation with Carestream Health and at the support of the Ministry of Healthcare of Uzbekistan will organize a seminar "Modern technologies in medical rontgenology".

Today healthcare industry is one of the most vigorously developing fields in Uzbekistan; it has sizeable reserves for the future growth. Medical institutions of Uzbekistan actively cooperate with famous foreign clinics and producers of medical equipment and medicines.

There is developed construction of privet clinics and hospitals; the program on modernization of state institution's medical facilities is actively carried out step by step in Uzbekistan. Uzbek pharmaceutical market also is growing.

Today more than 4,500 medicines have registered in the country, 2,000 of them – medicines of foreign pharmaceutical companies. There are more than 80 foreign pharmaceutical representatives at the territory of Uzbekistan. Today more than 70 local enterprises produce medical production.

KHAUZAK-SHADY: 2 BILLION CUBIC METERS OF GAS PRODUCED

The gas field Hauzak-Shady in the Bukhara region produced 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas since the beginning of operation of the site in November 2007.

Increasing the growth of gas extraction industry is linked primarily with the introduction of new wells.

Lukoil-Uzbekistan Operating Company today operates 21 wells and two more are being drilled in Khauzak field, one of which will go into operation before the end of this year, and will further increase production of precious fuel.

FARGONAAZOT TO ATTRACT US$80M TO MODERNIZE PRODUCTION

Fargonaazot (Ferghana Nitric) open joint-stock company, one of the largest enterprises of Uzbekistan, attracted over U$56 million to modernize production of ammonium nitrate and ammonium acid, UzA reported.

The report said the modernization helped to increase exports. It added the exports rose from US$19.8 million in 2004 to US$37.7 million last year.

The agency said that the company plans to carry out wide-scale modernization till 2010, to realization of which the company will attract over US$80 million. This year, the plant plans to modernize capacities on production of liquefied ammonia.

It also plans to implement measures to protect environment.

CPTDC INSTALLS DRILLING EQUIPMENT IN UZBEKISTAN

A group of specialists of China Petroleum Technology & Development Corporation (CPTDC) started final phase of assembly of drilling equipment ZJ 500B at the Shimoliy Shortan deposit, state-run newspaper Pravda Vostoka said on 8 October. Xu Chan, commercial representative of Chinese corporation, said that the assembly works has been started in the end of August and it will be handed over in November. Specialists of Predgissar Nefegazorazvedochbaya Expiditsiya of Uzgeoburneftegaz are assisting to the Chinese counterparts. The report said that they will move to Kuruk deposit. It is expected that two drilling equipment will be commissioned at the hydrocarbon deposits at Andijan and Surkhandarya regions. Overall, the Chinese specialists will install 12 drilling equipments, eight of which has been installed. The Chinese corporation also renders maintenance services to installed equipment.

China Petroleum Technology & Development Corporation (CPTDC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), is the largest supplier of Chinese petroleum and petrochemical materials and equipment in the world, and engages in the overall plan of domestic sales and export of the manufactured materials and equipment of CNPC.

SOCIETY

DIPLOMATS' MINI FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT HELD

Tenth mini football tournament among diplomats accredited in Uzbekistan was held in Tashkent on 5-6 October.

In the first group of the tournament, the team of the Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan won the first place. The representatives of the Embassy of Russia was second and the Kazakhstan embassy team was third.

In the second group, the French Embassy team was first, the Embassy of Egypt was second and the Uzbek-American joint venture Uz-Texaco team was third.

“This tournament helps to promote friendly ties between the representatives of the diplomatic missions in the country,” Ambassador of South Korea Kyong Je Min said.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS: JAN-SEP RESULTS CONSIDERED

The Cabinet’s complex for information systems and telecommunications held a session to consider the results of the sector’s development in the first nine months of 2008.

The meeting participants reviewed, among other issues, implementation of information and communication technologies in the ministries, departments and local government bodies, as well as protection of copyright in the country.

In the nine months, products and services worth over UZS 1 trillion were produced in the sector, it was said. Foreign direct investments equal to USD 143.12 million were spent on the projects within the investment program.

The participants called on the wider adoption of information and communication technologies in the state bodies and increasing the number of internet resources, as well as the quality of online government services.

PROGRAM OF ARCHIVES DEVELOPMENT ADOPTED

The program of development of the country’s archives until 2011 has been adopted in Uzbekistan. It was created in accordance with the Cabinet’s resolution of 26 August on measures for further development of archives in Uzbekistan.

The program outlines tasks for preservation of archive documents, expanding opportunities for their use and improving the regulatory and technical framework.

Today there are more than 90 state and hundreds of departmental archives in Uzbekistan. The coordination of the archives’ activities is carried out by the agency UzArchive under the Cabiner of Ministers.

To date, the agency has completed the monitoring of buildings where state archives of the country are located. These buildings will be reconstructed and repaired in the coming years.

CONFERENCE OF CHEMISTS STARTS IN TASHKENT

Republican scientific-technical conference on advances challenges in the chemical processing of fuel and minerals; the role of modern science in the reform process started in the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan.

President of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan Sh. Salikhov said that the reform process carried out under the leadership of President Islam Karimov, focuses on the application of advanced technologies in all areas, dramatic improvement of scientific activity, and implementation of new developments of our scientists in manufacturing. Resolution of the head of the country from July 15 this year, «On additional measures to encourage innovative projects and technologies in manufacturing» serves as an important guide for further expansion in the scope of work in this direction.

The scientists, chemists of our country are implementing large-scale research projects to develop the theoretical and practical foundations for a comprehensive chemical processing of available fuel and minerals. Particular attention in this process is given to the creation of improved technology for processing of oil produced in the territory of our country, the producing effective fertilizers, defoliants, stimulants and other means in order to increase crop yields, particularly cotton and grain, efficient chemical methods to strengthen sand and soil of Aral Sea region, development of clean and efficient technologies for producing construction materials based on local raw materials.

New technologies, developed as a result of successive searches in this direction, are now effectively used in various industries. In particular, an open joint stock company «Samarkandkimyo» introduced a new method of compound fertilizers in production – nitro calcium-phosphate.

«The production of clean, environmentally friendly fuels is one of the most pressing challenges – said the Director of Bukhara refinery Shamsiddin Saidahmedov. – Our cooperation with scientists from the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan helps solve these problems. Production technology of cleaner diesel fuel was developed during the research made by scientists. Refinery already sent nearly five thousand tons of such quality products to consumers.

A young Ph.D. student of the Institute Ahmadjon Rayimov is developing advanced technology for production of nitrogenous and phosphate fertilizer, based on local raw materials. The scientist recently received permission to test the technology in industrial production.

During the two-day conference the participants will hear reports on the scientific achievements of young scientists and researchers of our country, the current state of and prospects for the chemical, oil and steel industry, current challenges to further expand the integration of science and industry, research results on chemical reprocessing of fuel and mineral resources.

EXHIBITION OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS OPENS

The exhibition of musical instruments, equipment and teaching aids for children’s schools of music and art opened in Tashkent. It has been organized by the ministries of culture and sports, and education.

In July, President of Uzbekistan signed a resolution on the State program of strengthening logistical base and improvement of children’s school of music and art for 2009-2014.

It outlines activities on supporting young talents, creating necessary conditions for education, as well as development of children’s schools of music and art.

The exhibition familiarizes the public with musical instruments, equipment, and textbooks for children’s schools of music and art.

TASHKENT OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT COMPLETES

The week-long international tennis tournament Tashkent Open, which is included in the classification of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), ended in Tashkent.

In the final game of the singles, representative of Germany Sabini Lisitski met Romanian Sorana Kirsti.

Kirsti won with 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4) and got the grand prize of the Tashkent Open.

In the doubles’ final, Olga Savchuk of Ukraine and Romanian Olaru Loana Laruka won over Nina Bratchikova (Russia) and Catherine Voerle (Germany) with 5-7, 7-5, 10-7.

The representatives of the WTA, players and coaches, who participated in the closing ceremony of the tournament, said it was held at a high level. The event was attended by khokim of Tashkent city A.Tuhtaev.