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EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

LATEST NEWS : APRIL 2008

The Tashkent University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) hosted the international roundtable “Energy as a factor of economic security of Central Asia”. Center for Political Research and UWED organized the event, according to the local newspapers.

International experts from the Central Asian, Northeast and South Asian countries, Europe and America, as well as Russia are reported to have participated at the roundtable.

The problems of providing for stability of world energy markets and energy security are of a global nature. The prospects of raising extraction and reserves of hydrocarbon and uranium raw materials, their long-term supplies and price policy are now discussed at various high-profile levels. And here the Central Asian countries, their regional partners such as Russia, China, and the EU states which are the largest world producers of oil, natural gas, uranium, coal and electricity power are not an exclusion. At the same time, they are also the leading consumers of the aforesaid raw.

Roundtable saw the exchange of views on prospects of development of energy cooperation both inside Central Asia and among the countries of the region and foreign consumers, suppliers and transit countries.

The Central Asian states and the region, as a whole, which has considerable resource-energy potential, an ever more often is being considered now as an active participant of world geopolitical and geo-strategic processes, including in the area of energy. It turns into the subject of broad expert discussions at various levels.
 

On April 28, 2008 the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed the Resolution “On measures to establish the Nukus branch of the State Institute of Arts of Uzbekistan”, UzA reported.

The goal to establish the Branch is to further develop the peculiar arts and culture of the Karakalpak people, bring up the talented youth in line with high example of national and world arts, support and manifest its creative gifts, improve training of highly professional actors for the modern theater and cinema, television and radio, specialists on arts studies, according to the report.

Yet in 2008-2009 academic year the Nukus branch of the Institute of Arts shall enlist 25 students on the majors “Arts of acting” and “Arts studies” to earn bachelor’s diplomas, including 10 students to be attending the Institute based on the grants. In the later years the quotas on enlisting the students shall be determined based on the real demands for specialists in the sphere. The classes shall be taught in the Karakalpak language.

According to the document, the Nukus branch of the Institute of Arts of Uzbekistan shall be located at the following address: 37, Khurliman qiz bakhshi Street, city of Nukus.

The 42nd international Mendeleyev chemistry Olympiad among schoolchildren opened in Tashkent on April 29, 2008, UzA reported.

Teams from Uzbekistan, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Latvia, Estonia, Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria are participating in the event.

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan R.Kasimov attended the opening ceremony of the Olympiad.

The participants will demonstrate both their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of chemistry.

Since 1997, representatives from Uzbekistan have won seven medals at the Olympiad. This is the first time Uzbekistan is hosting the international event.

Uzbek team members were chosen amongst the students of academic lyceums and professional colleges all over the country based on the results of evaluation exams.

The winners of the Olympiad will receive the opportunity to enter the Moscow state university and other universities without entrance examinations.

The venue of the Olympiad is the Tashkent branch of the Moscow State University named after Lomonosov.

Members of the delegation of Sultanate of Oman led by the Minister of Education Yahya bin Saud al-Sulaymi are visiting Uzbekistan, UzReportcom reported.

Later last week, the delegation members held talks at several primary, secondary special and higher educational institutions of Tashkent, Jahon information agency reported quoting the national newspaper.

At the meeting with teaching faculty and students of the Tashkent Islamic University the sides have noted about the gradual development of cooperation between the two countries on all directions, including in the sphere of education.

The sides are also reported to have exchanged views on further expanding cooperation, elaborating and implementing mutually beneficial projects.

"We liked the opportunities made available in your country for the youth for it to feel a comprehensive care and gain an education," the Oman minister said, "we were also glad to learn about the conditions created in Islamic University for the students to obtain both theological and secular knowledge".

We are going to strengthen cooperation between our countries in the sphere of education and implement projects on training, raising the qualification level as well as exchanging experience, the minister added.

The delegation also saw the rare books and manuscripts now kept and preserved at the university book stocks.

The Japan-Uzbekistan Friendship Association jointly with the Japanese Bunka Gakuen University of Fashion and Design alongside the assistance of Forum of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan Fund organized the Festival of Fashion and Design of Uzbekistan, “Jahon” Information Agency reported.

The Festival was held in the framework of the cultural and enlightenment events related to the 10th jubilee of Association. The Adviser to Prime Minister of Japan Kyoko Nakayama, representatives of the government, public, political and business circles of Japan participated at the opening ceremony of the festival.

The two-day show of fashion and design of Uzbekistan became one of the important events in the cultural life of Japanese capital. Unique costumes, graceful clothes and other types of elegant dresses made of traditional Uzbek fabrics left an indelible impression with numerous attendees of the festival.

The costumes presented at the festival were made by the students and teachers of Japanese Bunka Gakuen University. It is one of the main centers of fashion and design in entire Asia-Pacific Rim.

In an interview to the Information Agency “Jahon” the former Ambassador of Japan in Uzbekistan, Adviser to Prime Minister of Japan Kyoko Nakayama said that she was delighted with bright colors and beauty of Uzbek fabrics. Ms. Nakayama, dressed in adras-decorated costume, also said that she alongside with other scores of participants have enjoyed the collection of costumes presented at the festival.

The president of Bunka Gakuen University Sunao Onuma said he was satisfied by the outcomes of the festival. He said it allowed the students and teachers to closely learn about the history and culture of the Uzbek people. Creation by Japanese masters of the collection of clothes of traditional Uzbek silk became the original manifestation of traditions of the Great Silk Road, he added.

Svetlana Karaeva was awarded the state reward of France, according to the Uzbek newspapers.

The teacher of French of the School No. 51 in Tashkent became the first and only teacher among others in Uzbekistan who was honored with the order “Academician olive branch of Chevalier”.

It is a thank-you for her particular devotion to her profession, contribution to upbringing the worthy generation, creative potential and enthusiasm in popularizing the French language as one of the international languages.
 

Year by year the scope of international cooperation of Uzbekistan is expanding. One of the countries with which Uzbekistan is now extending the multilateral relations is the Kingdom of Sweden, ‘Jahon’ agency reported.

Diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Sweden were established on April 8, 1992.

By now Tashkent and Stockholm have established close ties in various areas of economy and are consistently developing the political, cultural and humanitarian relations.

The leading Swedish companies as LM Ericsson International AB, Metso Minerals (Sala) AB, and Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB are successfully operating in Uzbekistan.

According to the program of investment projects being implemented in terms of attracting the direct foreign investments and loans for 2001-2007 the project on launching the new plant at the Sarbast Plus Joint Venture with attraction of foreign investments worth 54.95 million US dollars was implemented jointly with Baltic Beverages Holding AB Company.

With an aim to learn about the existing opportunities for further development of cooperation the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sweden to the Republic of Uzbekistan with the residence in Stockholm Hans Olsson visited Uzbekistan early last week. He held talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan.

Before leaving Uzbekistan Ambassador Hans Olsson spoke to the Information Agency “Jahon” on the outcomes of stay in the country.

“I would like to say that our negotiations with the Uzbek colleagues were productive”, - Ambassador Olsson has said. “We have concluded that the cooperation of our countries can and must be developed”.

“Speaking about Uzbekistan, firstly, I want to say that I cannot but keep admiring the sincerity and hospitality of the Uzbek people. This year Uzbekistan will commemorate its 17th anniversary of sovereignty. It is not a big historical time but for over this short period of time Uzbekistan turned into modern and dynamically developing state”, - Ambassador Olsson has added.

He has also said that at the moment the cooperation between Uzbekistan and Sweden is at the good level. The Swedish business people are interested in favorable investment climate created in Uzbekistan, he added.

“This is an essential factor to further stimulate the development and consolidation of bilateral relations. I think we have all grounds to hope that soon the presence of Swedish investors in the Uzbek market will increase as much as the trade turnover between our countries”, - Mr. Olsson concluded. 

On April 24, 2008 the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed the Decree “On rewarding the participants of the World War II”, UzA reported.

On the occasion of May 9 holiday, the Day of Remembrance and Honors, annually marked in Uzbekistan as a festive day, and the 63rd anniversary of Victory over fascism in the World War II of 1941-1945 the Decree stipulates that the participants and disabled war veterans shall be stimulated with one-time financial reward.

The corresponding agencies and organizations shall be tasked with providing for the payments of rewards in a festive atmosphere, as well as holding special meetings, enlightenment and artistic soirees dedicated to the defenders of freedom and honor of Homeland.

The expenses related to implementation of the said Decree shall be incurred at the expense of state budget, according to the report.

The members of delegation of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan led by the Minister of Energy and Water Resources Muhammad Ismoilhon visited several ministries and agencies in Uzbekistan and held talks to expand cooperation.

The sides have underlined that the ties between the two countries were developing in many spheres, including in the sphere of energy, according to the report by UzA.

The cooperation in the field of electricity and energy secures an importance niche in the relations of two countries. Uzbekistan is able to increase the supplies of electricity and energy to Afghanistan.

“The cooperation with Uzbekistan is important in meeting the needs of Afghanistan in electricity and energy,” – Muhammad Ismoilhon has said, “we highly assess our ties with your country in this sphere and are interested in furthering as much as consolidating such relations”.

During the talks at the State Joint-Stock Company Uzbekenergo the sides are reported to have dwelled on extending cooperation in the sphere of energy, elaborating and implementing the mutually beneficial projects.

The talks have resulted in signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Joint-Stock Company Uzbekenergo and Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, according to the report.

Minister of Education of Oman Yahya Saud Al Sulaimi is on a visit in Uzbekistan. He held a number of meetings in the educational establishments in Tashkent, UzA reported.

At the meeting with professors and students of the Tashkent Islamic University, issues of expansion of cooperation and development of joint projects were discussed,

The Oman delegation got acquainted with the unique books and manuscripts in the university library.

“We are amazed by the opportunities for education created for the young people in your country,” Yahya Saud Al Sulaimi said.

“We are interested in strengthening cooperation between our states in the field of education, including implementation of training and exchange projects,” the Oman minister noted.

Tashkent will host the 42nd Mendeleyev international chemistry Olympiad among schoolchildren during 28 April–4 May, UzA reported.

Representatives of Uzbekistan, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Latvia, Estonia, Moldova, Romania an dBulgaria will participate in the event.

The participants will demonstrate both their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of chemistry.

Uzbekistan has participated in the Mendeleyev Olympiad on an annual basis since 1997. This is the first time the country is hosting the international event.

The venue of the Olympiad is the Tashkent branch of the Moscow State University named after Lomonosov.
 

Board of directors of Russian company Lukoil held its meeting in Tashkent on April 24 to consider realization of its projects in Uzbekistan, UzA reported.

Company president Vagit Alekperov said projects Lukoil was implementing jointly with Uzbekistan were of a particular importance.

Lukoil has been actively working on the Uzbek market in the recent years. The company has a representative office in Tashkent and set up a daughter enterprise Lukoil Overseas Uzbekistan Ltd.

The latter is engaged in realization of the 35-year project Kandym-Hauzak-Shady-Kungrad. The volume of investments in this project will exceed USD 3 billion.

Last year, Hauzak gas field, located at the Dengizkol lake, was put in industrial use. Lukoil Overseas and Uzbekneftegaz started non-stop gas supply from Hauzak to Dengizkol-Mubarek pipeline.

Currently, 15 wells are in operation at Hauzak, and their number will be increased to 23 by the year-end. In all, 37 wells will be created here.

Overall, 180 new wells will be created and more than 1,500 km of pipeline will be laid on the Kandym-Hauzak-Shady-Kungrad project. The project capacity is more than 10 billion cubic meters of gas per year.

A modern gas chemical complex with a capacity of 8 billion cubic meters of gas per year will be built at the Kandym group fields. Its first line will be launched in 2011.

Apart from the named project, Lukoil is also participating in the largest project named Aral. It includes exploration and development of hydrocarbons on the production-sharing agreement basis in the Uzbek part of the Aral Sea.

To date, Lukoil has invested USD 500 million in the projects in Uzbekistan. By 2015, the figure is expected to rise to USD 5.5 billion.

Minister of energy and water resources of Afghanistan Muhammad Ismailkhan held talks in a number of ministries and departments during his visit to Uzbekistan, UzA reported.

At the negotiations in the Uzbekenergo state joint-stock company, issues of expansion of cooperation in the energy sector and implementation of joint projects were considered.

After the talks, Uzbekenergo and the Ministry of energy and water resources of Afghanistan signed a Memorandum of understanding.

“Cooperation with Uzbekistan plays an important role in covering Afghanistan’s needs in energy,” Muhammad Ismailkhan said. “We highly value relations with Uzbekistan in the energy sector and are interested in further cooperation.”

On April 22-23 this year the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov paid an official visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, ‘Jahon’ agency.

The visit of the Uzbek Leader to Astana began with a welcoming ceremony in Akorda, the official residence of the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev. Islam Karimov and Nursultan Nazarbaev in the company of both delegations and numerous reporters and journalists listened to the national anthems. Then the two presidents observed the honorable guard lined up in honor of the incoming high-level guest.

Following the official part of welcome to the Uzbek Leader in Kazakhstan’s capital of Astana, the two presidents retreated for their tête-à-tête where they have exchanged views on the current state and prospects of bilateral relations. They have also dwelled on the issues of cooperation in the framework of international bodies – the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as the problems of regional security and other issues of mutual interest.

“This visit is a good opportunity to discuss cooperation and issues of regional security,” – President Islam Karimov has said, “Uzbekistan highly assesses the cooperation with Kazakhstan and accords a particular significance to the relations with this country which is our important and big partner in the Central Asian region”.

President Nursultan Nazarbaev has cordially welcomed his Uzbek colleague. He has said that Kazakhstan manifests solidarity with Uzbekistan in what President Islam Karimov has said about the relations between the two neighboring states.

The ties of the Uzbek and Kazakh nations have deep roots. The two people enjoy the common literary heritage, traditions and customs, similar history and culture, as well as the common language and religion. The relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are predicated on such principles as good neighborliness, friendship and brotherhood, mutual trust and respect.

In the 2006 Tashkent Summit both leaders signed the Joint Communiqué. The document envisaged the establishment of an Interstate coordination council under patronage of presidents. That body promotes quick resolution of outstanding issues vis-à-vis the relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

In the Akorda talks in Astana Islam Karimov and Nursultan Nazarbaev have pinpointed the very fact that Uzbekistan’s and Kazakhstan’s potential in terms of bilateral relations have not been fully tapped yet. The regular high-level meetings unveil the unclaimed frontiers of cooperation and create a fine opportunity to consider the perspective plans. From that point of view the April 22-23 talks in Astana are important.

The two presidents stand unanimous in terms of providing for security. They acknowledge the very need to undertake a concerted work to prevent such threats as terrorism, extremism, drug and arms trafficking, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

In this respect, it is worth mentioning that the idea put forward by Islam Karimov to establish the nuclear-free zone in Central Asia has been unanimously supported by the countries in the region and successfully implemented.

Besides, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan cooperate well both on bilateral and multilateral levels in the sphere of information, energy and ecological security. In particular, the sides jointly combat the plant pests and plant diseases in farming practices.

“In overcoming the challenges and countering threats given the particular reasons Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are laid with a special responsibility,” – Islam Karimov has said, while touching on the issues of regional security, “Uzbekistan has always stood for the close cooperation with the countries in the region and firstly with Kazakhstan in terms of consolidating stability and security”.

According to the Uzbek Leader, the restoration of peace in Afghanistan is the most important factor of strengthening security and stability in Central Asia. In this context, it would be expedient to resume the negotiations on Afghanistan in the framework of the Contact Group “6+2” which operated in 1997 through 2001 under aegis of the United Nations. In the April 2-4 NATO/EAPC Bucharest Summit President Islam Karimov put forward such proposal and called on the North Atlantic Alliance to partake in this Group.

“Uzbekistan stands for the development of ties with Kazakhstan in the framework of international bodies, as well,” – the Uzbek Leader has said, “the coordination of regional policies of the two countries is important which would be promoted by regular consultations between the foreign policy institutions”.

Following the extensive tête-à-tête between the two leaders they have been joined by the rest of delegation ministers to continue talks at the roundtable level with a special emphasis to have been given to cooperation in the trade, economic, and humanitarian areas.

The economic ties between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are regulated by the Free Trade Agreement inked in 1997. The trade between the two countries sees its rise. In particular, in 2006 the trade rose by 39.1%. In 2007 it grew by 63.3% and accounted for 1 billion 193.3 million US dollars. That is to say, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for the first time have surpassed a billion-dollar indicator. In this, Uzbekistan’s positive balance made up 129.5 million dollars.

While touching on the trade and economic cooperation President Islam Karimov has suggested to reconsider the list of goods being exported and imported by either side in terms of promoting trade.

The natural resources are also an integral part of cooperation. The sides are equally interested in addressing such issues as transportation of oil and gas.

The transport communications of both countries allow to maximize profits from transboundary transit. It is important to better the use of motor and railroads, as well as concertedly continue the gradual work in terms of ensuring the free and speedy transportation of export and import and other transit goods. In this respect, Islam Karimov proposed to increase the preferences.

Earlier the two countries have adopted the Economic cooperation program for 2006-2010 and Economic cooperation strategy for 2007-2016.

The joint ventures play an important role in expanding the scale of economic cooperation. At the moment, 167 companies with participation of Kazakhstan capital are operating in Uzbekistan. 54 firms and companies, including the Kazakhstan Development Bank, have established offices in Uzbekistan. At the same time, the reports suggest that 94 ventures launched in cooperation with the Uzbek investors are now operating in Kazakhstan.

The talks in Astana have revealed that such indicators did not correspond to the economic, scientific, technical, and intellectual potential of both countries.

The scientific and economic potential of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan also open up good opportunities to effectively use the water resources. In Astana President Islam Karimov proposed to conduct mutually concurrent policies to prevent the worsening of water supply to the countries in the region.

The two nations also develop the cultural and humanitarian ties, including in the sphere of science, education, culture and arts, healthcare, tourism and sports. Scientific establishments are reported to have established ties in terms of teacher and student exchanges, as well as scientific and methodological data sharing.

In the talks the sides have examined the course of implementation of the Cultural and humanitarian cooperation program for 2006-2008.

Following the delegation-level negotiations Islam Karimov and Nursultan Nazarbaev spoke to reporters and journalists. They said that they have had constructive talks in the spirit of openness and understanding. Presidents have also emphasized that the Astana Summit testified to the gradual development of the Uzbek-Kazakhstan relations as much as the community of aspirations in further intensifying them.

Earlier the mass media reported on establishment of the Union of Central Asian States. Dwelling on that issue President Islam Karimov has said in particular:

“Each country defines its attitude towards this issue proceeding from its own national interests and expression of will of its people. For Uzbekistan this initiative is not acceptable. Once again I categorically declare about this. From among the states, especially the countries that have come out from an old regime, and particularly, between the countries of Central Asia, to establish the union, firstly, it is necessary that the level of their economic and social development should match, and secondly, their course on economic and political development, as well as accomplishment of reforms should be similar. From this point of view I think that yet it is early to speak about establishment of any union in our region. Moreover, we have gone through it. First, the Central Asian Economic Community was established and then the “Central Asian Cooperation” Organization was created on its basis. Finally, that structure has united with the Eurasian Economic Community”.

The Uzbek Leader has said that the sides have agreed on establishing the special task force to elaborate the document on free trade zone to increase trade.

“The establishment of special working group on the initiative of the Uzbek side to elaborate the document on free trade zone is yet another step on the way to extend cooperation,” – President Nursultan Nazarbaev of Kazakhstan has said.

On the second day of his official stay in Astana – April 23 – the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov accompanied by his colleague Nursultan Nazarbaev visited the MEGA Trading Center in Kazakhstan’s capital. That newly built Center intakes various shops, areas for bowling and table tennis, as well as the movie theater.

Also, in the company of his counterpart the Uzbek Leader visited the Neurosurgery Center in Astana. President Islam Karimov learned about the conditions created at the Center both for patients and doctors, as well as promotion of labor of medical personnel. He has said that a number of specialized medical centers have been created in Uzbekistan. In that respect, he has emphasized that the expansion of scale of cooperation in this area and exchange of experience meets the interests of both sides.

Thus, on April 23 the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov concluded his official two-day visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The outcomes of this visit are important not only for the development of relations between the two countries, but also for the consolidation of security and stability in Central Asia, expansion of political, economic and humanitarian ties.

The local public in Kazakhstan is reported to have manifested a keen interest to the Uzbek Leader’s visit to Astana. The mass media have extensively covered the visit. Particularly, the Egemen Kazakstan and Express-Kazakhstan newspapers wrote that the visit was fruitful and effective and the presidents discussed a score of outstanding issues relating to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Pakhtakor displayed style in the match against defeated Arbil 5-1, an important step to reach the last eight.

After going behind with goal from Haider Sabbah, Pakhtakor equalised before the break as Darko Markovic took advantage of a fortunate ricochet off defender Salah Siamend.

In the second half Pakhtakor scored four times and also were able to miss a last minute penalty to move onto seven points with two games remaining.

“We got all three points from the match but it will not be enough to go through and we must win our remaining matches in order to qualify for the next round,” said Ravshan Haydarov, head coach of Pakhtakor.

“We expected we would have a tough match after we saw how Arbil played in the previous matches.

“After we conceded the first goal, we started to get into the game gradually and we managed to equalise.”

“But our strikers successfully tormented the Iraqi defence in the second half and we managed to score in the closing stages.”
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov paid an official visit to Kazakhstan on April 22-23, 2008, UzA reported.

On the first day of the visit, presidents Islam Karimov and Nursultan Nazarbayev held face-to-face talks, which focused on bilateral relations, cooperation within international organizations, regional security, as well as some problems of regional and international character.

At the negotiations of the official delegations, cooperation in trade and economy, as well as humanitarian sphere was considered.

Economic relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are regulated by the free trade agreement signed in 1997. Commodity turnover in 2007 increased by 63.3% to USD 1.193 billion.

Almost 170 joint ventures with Kazakh capital and offices of 54 companies of Kazakhstan are currently operating in Uzbekistan. In Kazakhstan, 94 companies created with Uzbek investments function.

The sides also considered implementation of the Cultural and humanitarian cooperation program for 2006-2008 and further plans in this direction.



Speaking to journalists after the talks, presidents Islam Karimov and Nursultan Nazarbayev said negotiations went in a constructive and open way.

Commenting on media reports about creation of the Union of Central Asian States, President Karimov said: “This initiative is unacceptable for Uzbekistan.”

To create such a union, the countries of Central Asia should have similar levels of economic and social development, and similar views on economic and political development, the head of the state stressed.

“I believe it is too early to speak of creation of some union in our region, especially since we have already experienced this. Firstly, Central Asian Economic Community was set up, which was reorganized into the Central Asian Cooperation Organization. Finally, this structure was merged with the Eurasian Economic Community,” Islam Karimov said.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan reached an agreement on creation of a special working group to develop a document on the free trade zone between the two countries.

On the second day of the visit, Islam Karimov accompanied by Nursultan Nazarbayev visited the MEGA trade center and the Neurosurgery Center in Astana.

Then Islam Karimov met akim (mayor) of Astana Imangali Tasmagambetov, and they considered issues of cooperation between the capitals of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
 

Kuruvchi remained on course for a AFC Champions League quarter-final berth after securing a 1-0 win over Syria’s Al Ittihad on April 23, 2008 in Tashkent, UzA reported. Timur Kapadze fired home the crucial goal 15 minutes before the break following a well-worked move.

But after avoiding several close calls, Kuruvchi remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage after picking up a third win in four games which included a 2-0 win in Syria two weeks ago.

“I’m very happy with win,” said Kuruvchi head coach Marjalol Kasimov.. “It was a tough match because it was last chance for Al Ittihad. They battled for it very hard – they had nothing to lose.

“We did not convert a lot of goal scoring opportunities. Mahmoud Karkar is a very good goalkeeper and he saved them.”

After Server Djeparov and Aleksey Nikolaev both wasted chances to double the lead.

Shavkat Salomov struck the crossbar and Victor Karpenko, Anvarjon Soliev and Salomov were also denied by Karkar in the closing stages as Kuruvchi held onto claim the victory.

“We were lucky at the end of first half when Al Rached did not make up pay for Gochguliyev’s mistake,” said Marjalol Kasimov. “Both halves of match were played at a high tempo.”
 

Pakhtakor coach Ravshan Haydarov is well aware Wednesday's emphatic 5-1 AFC Champions League victory over Arbil is only another small step towards securing an AFC Champions League quarter-final berth, official website of AFC reported.

After going behind courtesy of Haider Sabbah's deflected free-kick, Pakhtakor equalised before the break as Darko Markovic took advantage of a fortunate ricochet off defender Salah Siamend.

In the second half Pakhtakor scored four times and also were able to miss a last minute penalty to move onto seven points with two games remaining.

"We got all three points from the match but it will not be enough to go through and we must win our remaining matches in order to qualify for the next round," said Haydarov.

"We expected we would have a tough match after we saw how Arbil played in the previous matches.

"After we conceded the first goal, we started to get into the game gradually and we managed to equalise.

"But our strikers successfully tormented the Iraqi defence in the second half and we managed to score in the closing stages."

Either side of Pakhtakor's go-ahead goal, Arbil's Ahmed Salah saw a shot cleared off the line and Luay Salah struck the home side's crossbar as Akram Salman's side came close to moving into a strong position to secure a first win of the competition.

But after Nodirbek Kuziboyev, Markovic, Alexander Geynrikh, who missed the late spot kick, and Akmal Holmatov struck in 21 second half minutes for Pakhtakor, Arbil's chances of reaching the last eight all but disappeared.

"The result was not expected and it was a surprising defeat for us," said Salman.

"We went into the game with an aim to win and we went ahead in the game but the defensive mistakes cost us.

"We were without several players in defence and that was the key to the result.

"Pakhtakor also have a lot of experience in the competition as they have played previously, while it was our first time playing in the tournament.

"When we started to fall behind, it was hard on our players especially due to their mental preparations with the situation in Iraq.

"Our participation in the competition will help increase our experience and hopefully we will play better in the remaining matches of the competition."
 

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have decided to set up a free trade zone, Uzbek President Islam Karimov said at a news conference after Tuesday's meeting with his Kazakhstani counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev, UzReportcom reported.

While pointing to the mutual striving to increase bilateral trade manifold, Karimov said that the sides agreed to set up a special working group, which will draft a document on the creation of a free trade zone between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

"With this in mind, we should create necessary conditions and remove all the obstacles and problems," the Uzbek President said.

"The question is about the unification of customs and other duties and the introduction of various preferences, which may simplify and improve mutual trade," Karimov added.

Nazarbayev, in turn, noted that the bilateral trade, which doubled in 2007, still fails to meet their potential; Kazinform cites Itar-Tass. In addition, only four types of goods are accounted for 80% of bilateral trade, he said.

"We will instruct the two prime ministers to study the issue in detail in order to answer within a quarter what impediments we have and we can be done to remove them," Nazarbayev said.

Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan trade reached US$1.4 billion in 2007.
 

The Minister of Education of Sultanate of Oman Yahya Bin Saud Al Sulaimi is visiting Uzbekistan. On April 22, 2008 he met with the First Deputy Minister of Public Education of Uzbekistan Rustam Akhllidinov, UzA reported.

The sides exchanged views on consolidating the relations between Uzbekistan and Oman in the sphere of science and education and implementing the joint projects. The members of Oman delegation learnt about the reforms now underway in Uzbekistan in the area of education.

The delegation has also visited the Khazrati Imam Complex (Khastimom) in Tashkent which includes the Khazrati Imam Mosque, Barakhan Madrassah and place of worship of Muyi Muborak. They have observed the unique manuscript of Koran, known as Koran of Usman, now being preserved in the library of Board of Muslims of Uzbekistan.

“In Uzbekistan we have witnessed the enormous attention being paid to development of science and education, as well as profound successes achieved in this direction”, - Yahya Bin Saud Al Sulaimi has said. “We are going to strengthen the cooperation with Uzbekistan in the sphere of education”.

From April 15 to April 22, 2008 the International Tourist Fair took place in the Turkish city of Cappadocia. Almost 100 tourist companies from about 20 countries around the world, including Uzbekistan, participated at the Fair, the reports by Uzbek newspapers have said.

The considerable work has been accomplished in Uzbekistan for over the years of sovereignty to revive the rich heritage of ancestors. The ancient architectural monuments, pearls of the Uzbek culture, as well as an incomparable nature of the native land draw tourists from around the globe, the papers write.

The sphere of tourism sees its gradual development in Uzbekistan. The new destinations are being unveiled. The modern hotels are being established. The sector’s infrastructure is being expanded. Also, the numbers of those engaged in tourism-related operations as well as the leisure zones are on the rise.

Now the share of private sector in the total volume of tourist services accounts for 90 percent in the country. According to the experts, by 2010 the flow of tourists to Uzbekistan will increase 3.5-fold. The conditions and tax preferences for foreign investors established in the country serve as an important factor, according to the newspapers.

Going back to the International Tourist Fair in Turkey the newspapers suggest that it has manifested Uzbekistan’s potential in the sphere of tourism. The event has also allowed for its delegates to learn about the opportunities now available to Uzbek tourist industry. Adding to that, the Fair promoted further ties with foreign tourist companies.

“Indeed, we are keenly interested in consolidating ties with the Uzbek tourist companies,” – Ibragim Yazar of the Turkish Ministry of culture and tourism has been quoted as to have said.

The events within the frame of the international project Healthcare week in Uzbekistan - TIHE 2008 will be started in Tashkent on April 24, 2008, UzReportcom reported. The project includes four exhibitions in the sphere of healthcare and international conference.

143 companies from 20 states of the world will take part in it. The press from the 20 industrial and socio-political editions of the CIS states, Kazakhstan's magazine Pharmaceutical bulletin of Kazakhstan will be represented at the exhibition, KazInform reported.

According to the organizers, the representatives of Uzbekistan and CIS states express interest in the exhibition as well.

The exhibition will be divided into the themes as follows: "Medical equipment", "Pharmacy", "Esthetic medicine", "Dentistry".

A number of scientific seminars will be held within the frame of the project.

Deputies of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of Uzbekistan considered a new draft law on April 22, 2008. Speaker of the Legislative Chamber Diloram Tashmuhamedova chaired the session, UzA reported.

Chairman of the Labor and social issues committee I.Nasriyev presented the draft law on introducing changes and addenda in the Law on social protection of the disabled in Uzbekistan.

The document says that the state guarantees taking into consideration of the needs of the disabled in the measures of social help and protection.

The state also guarantees implementation of the rehabilitation and social protection programs in the forms envisaged by the law and creation of conditions for the integration of the disabled in the society.

The Legislative Chamber passed the law, which will now be sent to the Senate for approval.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov left for Kazakhstan an official visit on April 22, 2008 on the invitation of this country’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev, UzA reported.

During the meetings in Astana, the sides will consider expansion of cooperation between the two countries, as well as issues of regional and international importance.

Exhibition of crafts and applied art opened at the Uzbekistan Culture and Arts Exhibition hall. Musical instruments, ceramics, wood carvings, carpet and other items are presented at the exhibition, UzA reported.

One of participants of the exhibition, craftsman from Ferghana Alisher Nazirov had successfully participated previously in many republican art exhibitions and competitions. The potteries made by the master were repeatedly exhibited in Japan, India, Germany, France, Canada and Australia.

Master from Tashkent Nuriddin Rasulov is the follower of ancient traditions and styles in manufacturing of vases from pumpkin. Designer Madina Kasimbaeva presented samples of national clothes and embroidery.

Visitors of the exhibition also have chances to see many national musical instruments such as “Dilnavo”, “Dilrabo”, “Khushnavo”, “Meros”, “Gijjagi Boburiy”, made by the Andijan master Abdumalik Abduraimov.

Recently the exhibition was enriched with new items of national applied art. Wooden armchair and table made by master Umidillo Utaganov for the head of the state is now among the exhibition items.

First national youth cycling marathon “Kamolot-Tur” started in Uzbekistan on April 19, 2008, UzA reported.

Its participants – including both professional and amateur bicyclers – will travel from the cities of Nukus, Termez and Ferghana to the capital.

The competition will end on April 25 at the Yoshlik (Youth) sports complex in Tashkent.

The organizers of the action are the youth movement Kamolot, ministries of culture and sports, interior, healthcare, higher and specialized secondary education, public education, Children’s sports development fund, Mahalla fund and the National TV and radio company.

A number of various cultural events and classes will be held during the marathon.

President of Uzbekistan signed a resolution on April 21, 2008 on measures to increase the cattle stock in personal subsidiary plots and farms and expand cattle produce, UzA reported.

The document aims to stimulate the raise of the cattle stock and thus increase the level of employment and incomes of the rural population, as well as boost meat and milk production.

Complex measures have been developed and approved to achieve this goal, envisaging creation of favorable conditions for increase of the livestock and cattle produce, improvement of the veterinary service and development of fodder production.

The lands for growing fodder crops will be increased from 290,000 hectares in 2007 to 330.000 hectares in 2010. Production of mixed fodder will be raised from 600.000 tons in 2007 to 900.000 tons in 2010 or 1.5 times.

Considering than 94% of all livestock is presently kept by personal subsidiary plots and dehqan farms, their reliable provision with high-quality fodder is of a great importance.

Planned measures to improve the veterinary service system include provision of veterinary laboratories and stations with modern equipment and qualified personnel.

Zoology and veterinary stations of the Main State Veterinary Management are going to be privatized and the process of licensing for this type of activity will be eased. Private veterinary stations will be freed from state registration fees until January 1, 2012.

The President’s resolution also envisages a number of tax preferences, as well as measures to increasing the population’s and farmer’s access to credits for cattle purchase.

More than UZS 120.7 billion of micro credits should be issued during 2008-2010 to help the population and farmers buy cattle.

Implementation of the outlined measures should lead to raise of the cattle stock to 8.6 million by 2010 or by 1.7 million heads, as well as increase the number of people occupied in the sector and improve their well-being.

International tourism forum “Uzbekistan International Travel Workshop-2008” was held in Tashkent on April 21, UzA reported. Representatives of more than 30 companies from Uzbekistan, UAE, Malaysia, Syria, Azerbaijan and Turkey, experts and diplomats participated in the event.

The participants had the opportunity to get closely acquainted with the latest achievements and changes in the tourism sector of Uzbekistan. Presentations of companies Mika Planet and Elite Club Oasis Asaka were held during the forum.

Discussions at the forum focused on increasing the flow of tourists to Uzbekistan and perspectives of implementation of joint projects.

According to Alisher Shamsiyev of Uzbektourism national company, Uzbekistan is taking wide-scale measures to develop the tourist industry, promote the country’s tourist potential abroad and develop new types of tourism.

The Khazrati Imam Complex in Tashkent hosted the seminar workshop “Monuments of sacred land” dedicated to the World monuments and historical places day, the report by UzA has said.

The members of Social-Democratic Party of Uzbekistan Adolat’s faction at the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s national parliament of Oliy Majlis, staff members of Board of Muslims of Uzbekistan, as well as the teachers and students are reported to have participated in the workshop.

Those who spoke in the seminar workshop have said that the considerable work was underway in Uzbekistan to preserve the rich spiritual heritage, better the sacred places of worship related to the lives and work of great ancestors. According to delegates to the workshop, it would promote the nurturing respect among the young men and women of the nation towards national values.

The tangible work accomplished to protect and reconstruct the historical monuments – the pearls of Oriental architecture in the ancient venues of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Karshi, and Marghilan – vividly confirms the aforesaid.

The Resolution of President “On preparation and holding the 2200th anniversary jubilee of the city of Tashkent” of April 2, 2008 has become yet another significant impetus in such undertaking.

The seminar workshop in Tashkent also saw the delegates speaking about the need to enhance the youth activeness in preserving the architectural monuments and in-depth studying history.

Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Afghanistan Muhammad Ismailkhan is on a visit in Uzbekistan. On April 21, he met Chairman of the Uzbekenergo state joint-stock company Botir Teshaboyev, UzA reported.

The sides considered expansion of cooperation between the two countries in energy sector and possibilities of implementation of new projects.

Muhammad Ismailkhan highly evaluated Uzbekistan’s active participation in reconstruction of Afghanistan and said his country was interested in cooperation.

Botir Teshaboyev and Muhammad Ismailkhan also expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in other spheres, like construction of bridges and roads.

One of the main strategically important aspects of the UzbekInvest Company's activity for 2008 is further expansion of the agents network throughout the country, uniting the staff of insurance agents and the network of insurance divisions and offices, UzReportcom reported.

In light of this, and pursuant to the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On measures to further reform and develop insurance services" of 10 April 2007, the UzbekInvest National Export and Import Insurance Company has made the decision to open offices in Khozarasp district of Khorazm region, as well as Kasansay, Turakurgan and Yangikurgan districts of Namangan region.

Simultaneously regional offices of the subsidiary company, UzbekInvest Hayot (UzbekInvest Life) specialized in life insurance services, were opened in Jizzakh and Syrdarya regions. For the purpose of expanding the active network of territorial subdivisions of the company the regional office in Ferghana region opened an agency in Kokand.

At the same time, as a part of the efforts to develop the draft law on integration of mandatory insurance of employer's liability practices in numerous developed countries of the world, the management of the UzbekInvest Hayot Subsidiary Company is actively involved in the organizational meetings of the task group.

The Week of Fine Arts 2008 started in the Arts Academy of Uzbekistan on April 21, 2008, UzA reported.

The main goal of the forum is to showcase the latest achievements in fine arts and provide the artists with the opportunity to discuss issues of interest.

A number of events are planned in the framework of the week, including exhibitions of works of young artists, master classes, concerts, etc.

Expert council for sector development held a session in Tashkent on the topic “Tourism industry of Uzbekistan: problems and perspectives”, UzA reported.

The forum was organized by the Commerce and Industry Chamber of Uzbekistan jointly with Uzbekistan Business Forum and the UNDP. Representatives of the state bodies, private tourist companies and the expert community participated in the event.

The gathered agreed that Uzbekistan had a huge tourist potential, with its rich historical and cultural past, ancient cities of the Great Silk Road, numerous architectural monuments and unique nature. However, the participants said, the existing potential was not being used to its full extent.

A particular attention was devoted to development of ecological tourism. The country has many natural reserves and national parks, botanical, geological and hydro-geological objects. Many travelers enjoy sports tourism, alpinism, skiing, horse and water walks.

Industrial fair of chemical enterprises constituting state company Uzkimyosanoat opened in Tashkent on April 21, 2008, UzA reported.

Enterprises of Uzkimyosanoat produce rubber products, chemical reagents, mineral fertilizers, artificial fibre, polymeric materials, inorganic substances for power generating, gold mining and light industry, means of chemical protection of plants – a total of more than 250 products. About a dozen of them go for export.

The program of upgrading the enterprises of chemical industry, their technical and technological re-equipment includes 30 investment projects. After the implementation of the program worth over UZS 380 billion, the production volume in the enterprises will increase about 1.4 times.

The fair participants can receive information on the potential of the chemical enterprises of Uzbekistan.

One of the largest chemical enterprises in Uzbekistan Max-Chirchik joint-stock company produces more than 30 kinds of products, mainly mineral fertilizers and chemical materials.

International conference on “Development of infrastructure and services of the electronic document circulation and important problems of use of electronic digital signature” will be held in Tashkent on April 23-25, 2008, UzA reported.

The forum is being organized by the Uzbek Agency for Communication and Information (UzACI). Specialists from the Russian Federal Agency for Information Technologies will participate in the event.

“The goal of the conference is to boost introduction of electronic document circulation with use of digital signature, identification of existing problems and exchange of experience,” head of software industry department of UzACI Faizulla Agzamov told UzA.

Uzbekistan is currently implementing the Program of computerization and ICT development until 2010, which outlines the main directions of state policy in this field. They include extensive use of ICT by state bodies, creation of automated information systems and resources, interaction of state bodies and citizens and businesses through ICT, introduction of e-commerce and development of e-payment mechanisms.

During 2003-2004, laws on digital signature and electronic document circulation were passed, which laid a foundation for the development of the sector in the country. These documents give the legal power to the e-documents having the e-signature.

“To ensure practical implementation of the e-signature, UzACI developed corresponding legal acts, rules and standards regulating technical aspects of e-signature infrastructure,” Agzamov said.

There are currently three e-signature keys registration centers in Uzbekistan, two of which are state centers and one is private. The total number of issued e-signature keys certificates makes up more than 10.000.

“Use of e-document circulation in state management will increase the efficiency of working with documents, as well as reduce costs,” Agzamov added.

Among the currently implemented projects in the e-document sphere are projects of submission of reports by statistics and tax bodies.
 

The delegation of Ombudsman of Spain headed by the Defensor Del Pueblo Enrique Mugica Herzog, which is on a return visit in Uzbekistan, took part in the conference “Activity of Ombudsman in protection of human rights: experience of Spain and Uzbekistan” in Tashkent, UzA reported.

The event was organized by the parliamentary Ombudsman in cooperation with national partners on April 18 and was devoted to the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The ombudsmen of the two states made presentations at the conference. Representatives of the national partners of the Ombudsman, including the Constitutional Court, the General Prosecutor’s Office and Ministries of Internal Affairs and Justice of Uzbekistan exchanged practices of human rights protection.

Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Human Rights Center and the Supreme Court expressed their opinions regarding promotion and protection of constitutional rights and freedoms of the people.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan on April 22-23, 2008 on the invitation of this country’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev, UzA reported.

During the meetings in Kazakhstan, the sides will consider issues of expansion of cooperation between the two countries, as well as issues of regional and international importance.

Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan held a session on April 18, 2008 to sum up the results of the country’s socioeconomic development in the first quarter of 2008, UzA reported.

According to the statistics, growth of the GDP in the first three months of the year comprised 8.1%, industrial growth 10.6%, agricultural production increased 4.8%, construction works 5%, retail trade 12.7% and paid services 19.8%.

Foreign trade turnover was growing at a stably high rate – 56.1%, mostly because of exports. The inflation level did not exceed the forecast.

The volume of investments increased by 41% in the reporting period, including 56.8% of foreign direct investments.

105 industrial objects were commissioned in the country, including textile enterprises Tagus Textile joint venture, Samo Shertex, Baypak, flour production at Qiziriq Zarafshon Un and roofing slate at Quvasoy Qurilish. General Motors Uzbekistan JV launched the new model of its popular Nexia car.

The share of the small business in the GDP increased by 2% compared to the same period of last year. The volume of credits issued to SME made up UZS 269 billion (USD1=UZS1303), increasing 39.8% against the first quarter of 2007.

About 170.000 new workplaces were created in January-March, including over 67.000 in the service sector and 55.000 in the out-work sector.

The activities envisaged in the “Year of Youth” State Program were being implemented. The program covers measures to improve material and moral support of the young people, create new workplaces for the youth and improve their living conditions and the quality of education worth a total of UZS 1.5 trillion (USD1=UZS1303).

In the reporting period, 3.200 young men who served in the Armed Forces were employed. Young families in the rural areas received preferential credits equal to UZS 1.4 billion (USD1=UZS1303) to purchase cattle.

The Cabinet of Ministers considered implementation of the 2008 Investment Program and programs of modernization and technical re-equipment of the most important sectors of economy.

Another issue of the session agenda was ensuring the stable supply of foodstuffs. The participants analyzed the state of the supply in the regions, cities and districts.

It was noted that measures carried out by the government were ensuring the guaranteed supply of the socially important food products to the population. The country’s industrial potential and reliable reserves of grain, flour, oil and other goods, as well as reserves in the wholesale and retail trade were fully covering the available demand.

New facilities for production of foodstuffs are constantly being introduced – 43 new food enterprises were commissioned in the first quarter alone. At the same time, the assortment of the local production has to be increased and its quality improved, it was said.

The regional, city and district governors were entrusted with maintaining the stable supply of foodstuffs and preventing unjustified growth of prices in trade and in the markets.

The Cabinet made a decision to increase production of vegetables, melons and gourds, cattle produce, vegetable oil and rice.

The commercial banks were recommended to provide farms with credits for purchase of high-quality seeds of vegetables and melons, young plants and cattle.

Solving the employment problem was another issue the Cabinet considered, paying a particular attention to out-work. Cooperation between the enterprises and home-workers in the electro-technical, light and footwear industries, as well as in Bukhara, Namangan and Tashkent regions is insufficient, it was said.

The regional administrations, ministries, departments and economic associations were told to reconsider the parameters of creation of workplaces in the out-work sector for 2008.

The Cabinet of Ministers also considered preparation of the grain combines for the 2008 harvest and improvement of the reclamation of irrigated lands.

Minister of Finance of Hungary J.Veres is visiting Uzbekistan, UzA reported. On April 17, he held talks in a number of ministries and departments of the Republic.

At the negotiations with the chairman of the Commerce and Industry Chamber of Uzbekistan Alisher Shaikhov, the sides considered expansion of partnership relations between the business and financial circles of the two countries.

In 2007 mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Hungary made up USD 32.4 million. A number of Uzbek-Hungarian joint ventures operate in Uzbekistan, and several of the Hungarian companies have their offices in the country.

In the framework of the Hungarian minister’s visit to Tashkent, an Uzbek-Hungarian business forum and a cooperation exchange were held in the capital.

“We signed an agreement on avoiding double taxation with Uzbekistan,” J.Veres told journalists. “Uzbekistan and Hungary have huge opportunities for development of cooperation in many fields, including pharmaceutics, processing agricultural products, chemical industry and construction.”

“We considered concrete projects. I believe our economic cooperation will develop further,” the minister added.
 

Ombudsman of Spain Enrique M.Herzog is continuing his visit to Uzbekistan. On April 17, the Spanish Ombudsman met the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan D.Tashmuhamedova, according UzA.

The sides discussed issues of cooperation between the legislative bodies and ombudsmen of the two states. They noted that the cooperation agreement signed on October 11, 2007 between the Uzbek and Spanish ombudsmen was helping develop mutual ties and agreed to expand contacts between the parliaments and the ombudsmen.

The Spanish Ombudsman also held talks with the deputy chairman of the Constitutional Court of Uzbekistan Bahtiyor Mirboboyev and visited the World Economy and Diplomacy University in Tashkent.

Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of Uzbekistan held its regular session on April 17, 2008, UzA reported. Speaker of the chamber Diloram Tashmuhamedova chaired the session.

The deputies considered the draft law on introducing changes and addenda in the Air Code of Uzbekistan. After the discussion and corrections, the chamber passed the law, which will be sent to Senate for approval.

The deputies also considered draft laws on introducing changes in the law on inventions, useful models and industrial samples, and in the law on veterinary medicine and quarantine of plants. Both documents were passed by the chamber after the discussion.

The law on introducing changes and addenda in the law on joint-stock companies and protection of rights of shareholders was passed in the second reading, and the law on technical regulation in the first reading.

The deputies will continue consideration of other issues on the agenda next week.
 

Tourist companies from almost 20 countries, including Uzbekistan, are participating in the International Tourism Festival in Cappadocia, Turkey, UzA reported.

Uzbektourism is representing the country at the forum, demonstrating Uzbekistan’s tourist potential to the participants. The company will be holding negotiations with various foreign companies on increasing the flow of tourists to Uzbekistan.

“We are interested in expanding cooperation with Uzbek tourist companies,” Valettin Birsuz, director of Cappadocia Culture and Tourism Organization, said. “Uzbekistan is a beautiful country with many historical monuments, and a lot of people in Turkey are interested in it.”

Fourth Central Asian International Exhibition Textile Equipment CAITME 2008 opened in Tashkent on April 16, 2008, UzA reported.

Some 130 companies from almost 20 states are participating in the exhibition, which aims to demonstrate the latest local and foreign products, as well as expand cooperation between the Uzbek and foreign producers.

The exhibition covers all modern sectors of textile industry, including textile technologies and equipment, paints and chemicals, software and services.

Uzbekistan is currently implementing the Program of modernization and technical reequipment of textile industry enterprises for 2006-2008.

Tashkent hosted the exhibition of medical goods and equipments. At the exposition opened at the Tashkent Institute for Vocational Training of Doctors over 200 types of products of local companies went on to showoff, according to the Uzbek newspapers.

Taking floor at the opening ceremony of the exhibition the Minister of Healthcare of Uzbekistan Feruz Nazirov said that the fundamental reforms in healthcare promote the improvement of protection of people’s health, consolidation of material and technical base of medical establishments, raising the quality and expanding the scale of medical services.

At the moment, about 60 companies are operating in Uzbekistan which manufacture medical techniques and goods. They produce 250 types of products that meet the international requirements.
 

It is notable that one of the most popular national cuisines of the world is now the Uzbek cuisine which acquired its fame both for its unique taste and variety of dishes.

The Uzbek cuisine has imbibed all variety of national dishes of the nations along the Great Silk Road. It presents truly unique encyclopedia of art of cooking. Suffice it to remember the well-known amazing and aromatic Uzbek pilav the cooking recipes of which go over 300 types.

Now one can see the restaurants and cafes in many countries of the world where they offer the gourmets the broad choice of the Uzbek dishes. The names of such restaurants are nothing but Uzbek - Nasreddin v Bukhare, Nasreddin v Khive, Samarkand, Bukhara, Chayhana, Uzbek Silk, Ikat, Shahrisabz, and others.

Recently the cozy Bukhara restaurant hospitably opened its doors in one of the central and prestigious venues of Paris at the Amelot Street, ‘Jahon’ Agency reported. The citizens of Uzbekistan S. Maksudov and A. Lebedinskiy who have worked as waiters at another Paris restaurant Samarkand for several years before began to run it.

The restaurant is decorated in national style with various miniatures, items of handicraft and applied art, samples of the Uzbek national clothes. It specializes exceptionally in cooking the dishes of national Uzbek cuisine.

The restaurant Uzbekistan was launched in city of Ashkhabad, the capital of Turkmenistan, at the same time with the Uzbek restaurant being established in Paris. The officials of Turkmen government, members of diplomatic corps accredited in the country, business people, as well as the representatives of public took part at the opening ceremony of the restaurant.
 

The Uzbek-Turkish Joint Venture Shafirkon-Divateks now fulfills the large order for sewing the uniforms for the Russian railway men, according to the Uzbek news agencies.

The company was established in the Pulbandi Village of Shafirkon District of Bukhara Province by the local Sham-shirgaron effect LLC and Pal-marteks Turkish Company.

“Now we are equipping the new workshop with advanced technologies”, - the director of Shafirkon-Divateks Kiem Khuldashev has said. - “It allows to significantly expand the assortments of produced goods and increase jobs”.

At the moment, 150 women are employed with the company. By late 2008 the company plans to export products worth 400.ooo dollars. After company will launch its new workshop this indicator is expected to rise, according to the reports.
 

Ombudsman of Spain Enrique M.Herzog is on a visit in Uzbekistan.

On April 16, the Spanish Ombudsman met the chairman of the Senate’s Committee for Foreign Policy Sadyk Safayev, UzA reported.

The sides considered issues of expansion of relations between the two countries’ parliaments and ombudsmen.

The members of the Spanish delegation familiarized themselves with the activities of the upper chamber of the Uzbek parliament.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov participated in the extraordinary session of the Samarkand regional People’s deputies council on April 15, 2008, UzA reported.

Speaking at the session, the head of the state said Samarkand was one of the country’s leading regions, producing 6.3% of the GDP, 13% of agricultural produce and 8% of the service sector.

Last year, the gross regional product grew by 10.5%, industrial production by 24.6%, agricultural production by 6.3%, services by 37% and exports by 35%.

In the industrial sector alone, 21 new enterprises were created and 10 enterprises increased their capacities. Foreign and local investments worth USD 10 million and UZS 1.4 billion (USD1=UZS1303) were attracted in this sector.

Samarkand region occupies an important place in the agricultural complex of Uzbekistan, too, Islam Karimov said. More than 24.000 farmers are currently working in the region. In 2007, they produced 100% of cotton and 80% of grain in the region.

Positive developments in social sector included building 900.000 square meters of housing, 72 km of gas mains and 195 km of water mains. As a result, over 88% of Samarkand region’s population is now provided with natural gas and drinking water, the President said.

The head of the state then highlighted a number of existing shortcomings, saying Samarkand region had a lot of unused potential.

The share of industry in the country’s GDP made up 24% last year, while in Samarkand this figure was only 10.5%.

Reduction of production at many industrial enterprises is worrying, he said. Uzbekistan’s only refrigerators producer Sino has been working to 5-10% of its capacity for years. And Samarkand lift building plant produced only 303 lifts last year and is experiencing a crisis.

Of 58 privatized industrial enterprises 36 are not working to their full capacity, and 22 are not operating at all, Islam Karimov noted.

The session participants considered appointment of a new government for the region. Azamkhon Bahromov, who was acting governor, was freed from this post, and Uktam Barnoyev, first vice-minister of agriculture and water resources, was appointed the new regional governor.

On the same day, President Islam Karimov visited the Imam Bukhari complex in Payariq district of Samarkand region. Here he met the teachers and students of the Imam Bukhari center for hadith studies.
 

Foreign investments in the economy of Uzbekistan are expected to comprise USD 5.4 billion this year (40% increase year-on-year), including USD 1.5 billion of foreign direct investments, UzA reported.

More than 80 investment projects should be implemented and over 30 objects worth a total of USD 1.4 billion launched by the year end using the foreign investments.

Last year, investments in the Uzbek economy increased by 23% to USD 4.3 billion.

More than 70% of those investments were used for construction of industrial objects, including almost 50% for modernization of enterprises.

Over 300 large investment projects were completed last year, and more than 700 new enterprises were created with participation of foreign investors.
 

President Islam Karimov signed a resolution on celebrating the 90th anniversary of the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek in September, UzA reported.

The document stresses the great role of one of the country’s leading universities in the development of science and culture and training highly qualified specialists.

Prior to the anniversary, the territory of the university complex will see construction and reconstruction works.

In the framework of the jubilee celebrations, an international conference on the role of the National University in development of higher education and science in Uzbekistan will be held in August.

A round table on unacceptability of groundless attacks and on the Islamic religion was held in Tashkent, UzA reported. It was organized by the Tashkent Islamic University in conjunction with the Legislative Chamber’s Committee for International Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations.

The forum participants quoted the speech of the President Islam Karimov at the recent NATO/EAPC summit in Bucharest. In his address, the head of the state said unjustified attacks and slander on the Islamic religion were causing tension not only in Afghanistan, but in the whole Muslim world, too.

The speakers at the round table stressed that attacks on Islam fuelled Islamophobia (fear or prejudice towards Islam). This represents a threat to stability of the Muslim world and the whole international community, they noted.

Preserving religious tolerance and humanism, as well as protection of religious rights are an important factor of stability of the international community, it was emphasized.

The religion of Islam is a religion of humanism and generosity, and these qualities served as the basis for the formation and development of the rich and many-sided Islamic culture, which is an integral part of the human civilization, the forum participants said.
 

Executive director of the Asian Development Bank Kyung-Ho Kim is on a visit in Uzbekistan, Uza reported.

While in Tashkent, the ADB official held talks in the number of ministries and departments of Uzbekistan.

At the negotiations with the vice-chairman of board of the National Bank of Uzbekistan Batyr Nurullayev, the sides considered perspectives of relations between the country and the bank, including implementation of new joint projects.

The ADB has invested in various socioeconomic spheres in Uzbekistan since 1995, supporting the reforms in the country.

In March 2006, the bank approved the strategy and cooperation program for Uzbekistan for the years 2006-2010.

The volume of credits issued by the international structure to Uzbekistan has exceeded USD 1 billion. These funds have been used for implementation of 25 strategic projects in transport infrastructure, energy, agriculture, communal sector, small business and education.

Besides, the bank has provided technical assistance grants worth a total of USD 72 million to the republic.

Web Media Services, one of the largest Russian independent satellite operators, will participate in joint programs to develop telecommunication infrastructure in Uzbekistan, UzA reported.

The company, which provides services under the HeliosNet brand, plans to invest up to USD 20 million in the Uzbek economy during three years.

The announcement was made at the seminar in Tashkent organized by the Commerce and Industry Chamber of Uzbekistan and Web Media Services.

HeliosNet provides services related to organizing corporate networks, IP telephony, videoconferencing, distance education and high-speed internet access.

More than two hundred young men and women from Karshi, the administrative capital town of the Kashkadarya Province, and all districts of the province participated in the marathon run-up dedicated to the 672nd Anniversary of Sakhibkiran Amir Temur.

That was just one of the events which were timed to such landmark date, the report by ‘Narodnoye slovo’ newspaper has said earlier this week.

The tradition to broadly mark this day – April 9 – has been established not only in Shakhrisabz, Karshi, and the village of Khoja Ilghor, the birthplace of Amir Temur, but also throughout Kashkadarya Province, as much as the entire Uzbekistan.

The events agenda includes the roundtables on the topics: “Amir Temur and world civilization”, “Moral heritage of Amir Temur”, “The role and place of Amir Temur in building the national statehood and development of world civilization”, as well as the seminar workshops in many colleges and higher educational institutions in Karshi.

And the scientific-practical conference “Amir Temur and national consciousness” will take place in the town of Shakhrisabz. The renowned scholars led by the academician Edward Rtveladze, the appraised connoisseur of area’s history and antique world, as well as poets and other prose writers are expected to partake at the said conference.

Yet the peak of festivities will become the international competitions on “ulok-kupkari”, the traditional contest among the strongest horsemen on bravery and adroitness to capture the sheepskin and take it first to the finish line, in Yakkabag District and the Uzbek kurash (wrestling) contest in Shakhrisabz.

The proposal to increase Afghanistan's national army from 70,000 to 120,000 was not discussed at the NATO summit in Bucharest, and the agreement with Russia on the transit of NATO non-military cargos via its territory has not created a sensation, according to Pyotr Goncharov, a political commentator of Russian news agency ‘RIA Novosti’.

The one interesting initiative on Afghanistan made in Bucharest was Uzbek President Islam Karimov's proposal to add NATO to the 6+2 talks on peace and stability in Afghanistan, held between the countries bordering on it - Iran, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, plus the United States and Russia, as guarantors.

The 6+2 group was set up in 1997 and had been effective until 2001. It drafted proposals on settling the political crisis in Afghanistan under UN auspices and held a meeting of the warring sides in Tashkent in July 1999, which adopted the declaration on the guidelines for settling the conflict. It was later used to draft a UN Security Council decision on political solutions to the conflict between the Northern Alliance and the Taliban.

The terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001 halted the group's operation.

The Uzbek President's proposal to add NATO to the group is logical, because NATO troops are directly involved in the operation in Afghanistan. Karimov said that only the involvement of all parties concerned could help draft a comprehensive plan for reconstructing Afghanistan.

Islam Karimov's proposal of adding NATO to the 6+2 talks on Afghanistan is important because NATO is actively cooperating with Pakistan to improve the situation in Afghanistan, in particular protecting the Pakistani-Afghan border and exchanging intelligence data. It has set up a trilateral commission comprising Afghanistan, Pakistan and ISAF representatives for this purpose.

Why not set up similar commissions with other members of the 6+2 group? Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan would gladly participate in them, but Brussels needs time to digest Karimov's proposal.

As it was communicated before, on April 3, 2008 President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov participated at the NATO/Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) Summit in Bucharest and took a floor, “Khalq so’zi” newspaper wrote.

In his address the Uzbek Leader enunciated his vision on the concrete actions to be taken to stop the ever-increasing violence and stabilize the situation in Afghanistan.

It is known that the world community is concerned with the conflict in Afghanistan which has been continuing for 30 years now. Everybody is well aware of the fact that within this period of time the international community and various states voiced various opinions on how to put an end to those very dangerous and bloody conflicts from high international rostrums and at numerous meetings and discussions which did not leave anybody indifferent.

The Uzbek people know well how the neighboring Afghan people have been suffering endless losses and problems by facing this deadly conflict and how the conflict is still persisting because of subversive activities organized mostly from abroad.

At the NATO/EAPC summit President Islam Karimov stressed the importance of implementing a number of urgent tasks to make positive influence on the current situation in Afghanistan.

“Firstly, it is very important to ensure the priority of resolution of the most acute and urgent social and economic problems, the problems of employment of population and strengthening the vertical and authority of power. In this we see the key to achieve the most important objective – the trust of population towards the international coalition forces,” – the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov said.

Taking into account the ancient history of Afghanistan, it is impossible to subdue and conquer the Afghan people only by use of force. This nation manifested this truth many times due to its national character and qualities, and by taking practical steps.

Since we are speaking about strengthening the stability in Afghanistan, along with providing for the living needs of the Afghan people by using the opportunities of international assistance, it is important to respect and support the traditional religious, national and cultural values and customs of the Afghan people, respect the interests of ethnic minorities and give appropriate guarantees on this issue, in a word, to stress the importance of recognizing the moral vision of the people living there, said the Uzbek Leader.

It will be hard to resolve positively the Afghan problem and establish peace and stability in that soil if we fail to observe these very important requirements and to implement this peaceful policy consecutively and decisively.

Developing further his view in this respect, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov urged to put a full stop to and not to tolerate unbearable and absolutely groundless attacks and slanders by some political circles which heavily insult the Afghan people, the whole Muslim world and the holy religion of Islam.

The Uzbek Leader touched upon another significant issue in his speech, i.e. he said it was expedient to resume the negotiation process on achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan in the framework of the contact group 6+2, which effectively functioned in 1997-2001 with the support of the United Nations.

It is known that the task of the contact group, which included the authorized representatives of states neighboring on Afghanistan – China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan plus the United States of America and Russia, was to elaborate common principles and approaches on achieving peace in Afghanistan.

Dwelling particularly on this issue and taking into consideration today’s realities and the future participation of a NATO representative in the negotiation process, President Islam Karimov stressed the necessity to transform the 6+2 contact group into 6+3.

To put it short, the views, conclusions and proposals on practical steps voiced and well-grounded by the Uzbek Leader at the NATO/EAPC Summit have a very important and timely significance, since they are aimed at defining perspective ways of practical cooperation with the world community in strengthening peace and stability not only in Afghanistan, but all over Central Asia. No doubt that those proposals will find a widespread support in our society. 

During implementation of the Program on Decentralization and Privatization, according to the State Property Committee data, 631 enterprises and projects were privatized in Uzbekistan in 2007, UzReportcom reported.

The greatest number of projects (out of total projects privatized in the republic) was privatized in the city of Tashkent (25.8%), Tashkent region (17.1%), Ferghana region (7.6%), Namangan region (7.3%) and Andijan region (6.3%).

In the structure of privatized state property the highest share falls on projects of local authority (39.6%), Ministry of National Education (10.6%), Ministry of Health (6.8%), Ministry of Agriculture and Water Industry (5.6%), Petroleum Chemical Complex Uzbekneftgaz (5.4%).

In 2007 actual receipts from privatization and decentralization amounted to 111.1 billion soums ($ 1=UZS 1301).

The most part of receipts was observed in the city of Tashkent (47% of total monetary means received from privatization and decentralization), Tashkent region (30.2%), Khorezm region (5%) and Syrdarya region (4.9%).

More than 100 members of the World Congress of Bukharian Jews, headed by its President Lev Leviev, have arrived in Tashkent. The high-profile guests were met at the airport by Israel Ambassador Avi Miel and representatives of the Bukharian Jewish community in Uzbekistan.

This is the first time that Leviev has brought nearly his entire family to Uzbekistan with him, the ‘Bukharian Times’ reported.

"My children should know the burial places of their ancestors, the city where their parents and grandparents were born," he commented. "I just flew here from Krivoy Rog, where we have just opened a new Ohr Avner Chabad Day School in Ukraine. Now virtually our entire family is here in Tashkent".

At the airport's entrance, the group was met with a performance by a national ensemble and a warm welcome by local residents.

"Now Lev Leviev's family is not only his children and grandchildren, but also the World Congress of Bukharian Jews, which he founded in 2000," explained Ben Binyaminov, Vice-President of the Congress. "It is difficult to imagine how the new history of our people would have developed if Lev Leviev had not appeared on the horizon".

"This is not my first time in Uzbekistan," commented Amnon Cohen, a Deputy in Israel's Knesset. "Amongst the guests, there are many who have never been on the territory of their ancestors. They nervously stepped onto this land. They include successful businessmen and entrepreneurs who live in Israel. And now I can also tell them where I lived and studied until the time that I repatriated."

Visitors from Israel, the USA and Russia stayed at the Inter-Continental Hotel, the most prestigious and comfortable hotel in Uzbekistan. Amongst those from the USA were Aizik and Lilya Katan, Lev Nektalov, Raphael Nektalov and Artur Gulkarov.

"I didn't think that there would be such a luxurious hotel in Uzbekistan," commented Chai Davidov. "I recently visited Uzbekistan and am now finally visiting with my wife, who was just a girl when the USSR fell in the 1990s".

The organizers prepared a dinner in a Japanese garden, where each guest received a beautiful golden kimono and cap upon arriving. The tables were set up and musicians impressed everybody with a wonderful performance of classical Uzbek music.

During their stay, guests will also be visiting numerous cultural sites associated with Bukharian Jews – in Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand – as well as become better acquainted with the architectural masterpieces existing in the ancient cities of Central Asia.

"Uzbekistan was a place where Bukharian Jews lived for two thousand years," explained Lev Leviev. "May our predecessors remember this enchanted and hospitable region".

On the evening of 5 April, the Tashkent State Opera and Ballet Theater hosted a concert for the Jewish community, where Lev Leviev delivered a speech, followed by Chief Rabbi of Uzbekistan David Gurevich, Israel Ambassador Avi Miel, and Knesset Member Amnon Cohen.

Demonstrating the diversity of the countries where Jewish communities exist today, guests then enjoyed performances by Uzbek artists, Israeli comedian Chai Davidov, American dancer Artur Gulkarov, and the Chief Editor of the ‘Bukharian Times’ newspaper Raphael Nektalov.

The Enterprise Management Development Centre of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan together with the British Council in Tashkent organized a two-day seminar in Tashkent on April 2, 2008

The seminar entitled "Business improvement programme" is designed for marketing experts, representatives of consulting agencies as well as specialists in the field of financial services, a report by the Uzbek newspaper ‘Vecherniy Tashkent’ said.

The event was aimed at developing leadership and entrepreneurial skills of small business representatives as well as assisting Uzbek businessmen in setting up and developing a private business and increasing the efficiency of existing projects.

The seminar was conducted by Stuart Mitchell, a founder of a business education consortium set up in affiliation with the University of Surrey in the UK.

"This meeting is a unique opportunity for Uzbek businessmen to study valuable experience of British colleagues in running a business," the report said.

On April 2, 2008 the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed the Resolution “On preparing and holding the 2200th anniversary jubilee of the city of Tashkent”, UzA reported.

The document is aimed at worthily celebrating the 2200th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s capital next year. From of old Tashkent has been the large scientific and cultural hub, and now – the symbol of peace and friendship.

By the time of jubilee – May 2009 – the document envisages the reconstruction of historical monuments and sites of worship, as well as accomplishment of works on improvement and betterment of new facilities with further development of the capital city’s infrastructure.

According to the document, the international scientific conference “The role of Tashkent in the world civilization” shall be held in Uzbekistan March 2009. The conference is expected to attract the renowned local and foreign scholars and specialists.

At its 34th Session in November last year the UNESCO General Conference adopted a resolution on celebrating the 2200th anniversary of Tashkent and participation in the jubilee celebrations.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov participated in the NATO Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council summit held in Bucharest on April 3, 2008, UzA reported.

The heads of states and governments of the EAPC member countries discussed cooperation in ensuring regional and international stability, as well as settling the situation in Afghanistan.

Speaking at the summit, President of Uzbekistan said “NATO’s transformation into a political structure has become a reality, and this is a positive stimulus for the further development and strengthening of the EAPC”. Islam Karimov touched upon the prospective directions of constructive cooperation with NATO.

The President called on the summit participants to wide-scale international cooperation, development and implementation of concrete practical measures to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan.

Despite the fact that international organizations and separate states have taken active measures, Afghanistan remains to be the source of danger for the world community, he said.

Islam Karimov said it was expedient to resume the negotiation process on achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan in the framework of contact group 6+2. The group effectively operated in 1997-2001 with support of the United Nations.

6+2 group was the only efficient international mechanism to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan. However, in 2001 its activity was reduced because of the start of the antiterrorist operations.

“Taking into consideration the contemporary realities, it would be necessary to transform the contact group which operated until 2001 from 6+2 into 6+3 bearing in mind the compulsory participation of the NATO representation in this negotiation process,” Islam Karimov said.

Uzbekistan has been cooperating with NATO since 1994 in the framework of the Partnership for Peace Program. Representatives of Uzbekistan have participated in more than 400 events of this program in the past seven years.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov took part in the summit of the NATO/Euro-Atlantic partnership Council which was held in Bucharest, Romania on April 3, 2008, UzReportcom reported.

The meeting discussed issues of multilateral cooperation to ensure regional and international security and stabilization of situation in Afghanistan.

Uzbekistan has cooperated with NATO since 1994 within the "Partnership for Peace" Programme. The ties established during the past period promote the development of international cooperation, exchange of experience in deed of strengthening peace and stability, fight against new challenges and threats to security, such as international terrorism, religious extremism, drug traffic, transnational organized crime, as well as non-proliferation of weapons of annihilation.

Representatives of Uzbekistan in the last seven years alone have participated in more than 400 events within the "Partnership for Peace" Programme. Uzbek academicians participate in the "Security through science" NATO Programme. Over 100 scientific technical projects have been implemented in Uzbekistan in the past period.

The following is text of address by the President Islam Karimov at the NATO Summit:

Dear Mr. Chairman,

Distinguished heads of states and governments!

Ladies and gentlemen!

With your permission I would like to very briefly dwell on the issues of prospects of cooperation of Uzbekistan with NATO in the framework of "Partnership for Peace" Program, as well as our vision of prospects on stabilization of situation in Afghanistan.

An ever bigger transformation of NATO into a political structure becomes today a reality, and this, in its turn, is a good stimulus for further development and strengthening the Euro-Atlantic partnership – the EAPC.

In the context of these processes the real prospect of the program of constructive interaction of our country with NATO could also include along with measures in the area of providing for security and defense construction, ecological and humanitarian spheres the cooperation in the issues of democratic renewal and modernization, strengthening the democratic and civil institutions, and other directions of mutual interest.

The problems of non-proliferation of nuclear and other types of weapon of mass destruction, strengthening of interaction in the struggle against international terrorism and illegal drug trafficking, certainly, must remain as a priority direction of cooperation.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to state that Uzbekistan stands ready to discuss and sign with NATO the Agreement on providing for corridor and transit through its territory to deliver the non-military cargos through the border junction Termez-Khayraton, practically the sole railway connection with Afghanistan.

At the same time, the sovereign interests on maintaining the security and legislation of our country must be observed.

The agreement on railway transit of Bundeswehr cargos through the territory of Uzbekistan signed by Uzbekistan with the German side on March 4 this year could be taken as basis for the future Agreement.

In Uzbekistan we distinctly realize that achievement of peace and stability in Afghanistan is a decisive factor of security which opens up big opportunities to resolve the vitally important problems of sustainable social and economic development of an entire Central Asian region.

There is no alternative here since the further aggravation of confrontation, escalation of tension and terrorism in this country represent a serious challenge to global security and international stability.

Briefly about our vision of tasks the accomplishment of which could positively influence the situation in Afghanistan.

Firstly – it is very important to provide for the priority of resolution of the most outstanding urgent social and economic problems, the problems of employment of population and strengthening the vertical and authority of power.

Here we see the key to achieve the most important thing – the trust of population towards the international coalition forces.

Along with this, all this may serve as the most powerful factor of resolving the problem of struggle against production and supply of drugs – the main source of financing the militants.

Secondly – this is the respect and support of traditional religious, national, cultural values and customs of the multinational people of Afghanistan, the respectful treatment of interests of national minorities.

Not to allow the absolutely groundless attacks and slander on the religion of Islam which arouses the absolutely intolerant state and tension not only in Afghanistan but also in entire Muslim world.

Thirdly – it is very important to provide for the stage-by-stage nature and consistency in implementing the reforms in the area of state and public construction and establishing the civil institutions bearing in mind that the most important guarantee of success of reforms are, firstly, the political stability and economic well being of Afghanistan.

Fourthly – it is of a decisive significance for stabilization of situation in Afghanistan the resolution jointly with the leadership and government of neighboring Pakistan of border problems, firstly, on the territory of Waziristan.

Fifthly – I consider it expedient to resume the negotiation process on achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan in the framework of contact group 6+2 which effectively operated in 1997-2001 along with the support of the United Nations and was established consisting of plenipotentiary representatives of states neighboring on Afghanistan plus the United States of America and Russia.

The contact group deserves credit for its elaboration of common principles and unanimous approaches of the group's member-countries towards the ways of settling the Afghan crisis under aegis of the United Nations, preparation and holding of meeting of confronting sides of the conflict in Tashkent in July 1999 and adoption of the Tashkent declaration "On main principles of settling the conflict in Afghanistan" on the basis of which the corresponding resolution of the UN Security Council has been adopted that had recognized the outcomes of the Tashkent meeting as an important step on the way of political settlement of the Afghan problem.

Taking into consideration the contemporary realities, it would be necessary to transform the contact group which operated until 2001 from 6+2 into 6+3 bearing in mind the compulsory participation of the NATO representation in this negotiation process.

I think that the consideration of these proposals in elaboration of a comprehensive plan on Afghanistan with participation of all interested parties could positively influence the process of stabilization of situation in Afghanistan.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov left for Bucharest on April 3, 2008 to participate in the summit of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, UzA reported.

The head of the State will take part in the event on the invitation of the NATO Secretary General Jaap De Hoop Scheffer.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a resolution on April 2, 2008 on preparation to the 2200th anniversary of the City of Tashkent, to be held in 2009, UzA reported.

Historical monuments in the city will be reconstructed and new objects will be built, together with development of the social infrastructure.

An international conference on the role of Tashkent in the world civilization will be held in March 2009 with participation of local and foreign specialists.

At its 34th session in November 2007, UNESCO General Conference adopted a resolution on celebrating Tashkent’s 2200th jubilee and participation in the event.

The opening of permanently operating exhibition-fair of construction materials and household goods produced in China is one more step to developing the trade and economic relations of the two countries, the Uzbek newspapers reported.

The exhibition raised a vast interest in the entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan. In the first days the delegation of business people of all provinces of the country and Karakalpakstan have attended the fair.

Reasonable prices for the Chinese construction materials and furniture provoke the particular optimism among the attendees. The exhibition’s aim is to realize direct wholesale where the entrepreneurs could directly procure the materials, which are not locally produced. Those who toured to China for business before can economize their funds, which they had to pay for the transport expenses.

“Now, Chinese producers are thoroughly learning the demand.” – Ravshan Khamidbekov, deputy chairman of Uzuljurjisavdoinvest Association, has said. “The second stage of exhibition-fair will begin in July this year. They will bring the very materials, which will be required in the monitoring hold by the Chinese producers”.
 

No sooner had the AFC U-16 Championship draw ended in the capital of Uzbekistan on April 1, 2008 the football federation chief announced a US$200,000 reward for the host team if they reached the last four of the Asian teenage showcase, UzReportcom reported.

"If Uzbekistan reach the semi-finals and qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria next year, they will receive a reward of US$200,000," said Uzbekistan Football Federation President Mirabror Usmanov.

"Football is much more than a sport for us Uzbeks as it keeps us healthy and fit and the federation's move will go a long way in providing more motivation to the team," added Usmanov.

The Uzbeks, who are coached by Russian Robert Gai, were drawn with Iran, Bahrain and Singapore in Group A and open their campaign at the Pakhtakor Stadium on 4 October 2008, against the Singaporeans.

Uzbekistan have qualified for the competition after 2004 when they failed to advance past the group stage.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov will participate in the summit of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council in Bucharest on April 3-4, 2008, UzA reported.

The head of the state will take part in the event on the invitation of the NATO Secretary General Jaap De Hoop Scheffer.

Uzbekistan Football Federation President Mirabror Usmanov has assured an AFC delegation led by Junji Ogura, Chairman of the Organising Committee for AFC Youth Competitions, of his country's readiness to host the AFC U-16 Championship 2008, UzReportcom reported.

"The entire Uzbekistan football family as well as the government is looking forward with enthusiasm to this competition and we can assure you that everything will be ready to host the event," said the UFF chief.

"Since the first inspection in December 2007, we have already completed major renovations of the MHSK Stadium while the main stadium, Pakhtakor Stadium, is currently undergoing extensive work around the clock to meet AFC's requirements," said Usmanov at a meeting with the AFC team prior to the inspection visit.

Indeed, during the two-day inspection visit, the AFC delegation was surprised by the progress that had been done by the Local Organising Committee since the first inspection. The delegation was taken to the possible official competition venues - the Pakhtakor, MHSK and Jar Stadiums. Visits were also conducted to the official training grounds.

The newly refurbished MHSK Stadium, costing an estimated US$6 million, now has new dressing rooms, referees' rooms, medical room, comfortable individual seats for fans, plush seats for the media and more importantly for the players, and a playing surface fully imported from Europe.

Similarly, the Pakhtakor Stadium, when completed, is expected to be the best stadium in the country and looks set to host all of the national team's matches.

Complimenting the UFF's work, Ogura said, "On behalf of the Organising Committee, we are delighted to see the commitment of the LOC. So far, on what we have seen, I am happy to say, we made the right decision in coming to Uzbekistan. They have made a lot of progress in a short period of time."

The Organising Committee for AFC Youth Competition is set to make a decision on the final choice of venues for the competition at its meeting in Tashkent on the morning of the draw ceremony. The Committee will be deliberating on three choices: the Pakhtakor stadium, MHSK stadium and the Jar stadium. Two stadiums are needed to host the 16-team competition in October 2008.
 

Hosts Uzbekistan will kick-off the 2008 AFC U-16 Championship against Singapore after the Central Asians were pooled with the 2006 tournament hosts at Tuesday's draw in Tashkent, UzReportcom reported.

Uzbekistan and Singapore were placed in Group A alongside Iran and Bahrain, neither of whom have won the competition but finished runners-up in 2000 and 1988 respectively.

The draw has been relatively kind to defending champions Japan, with the two-time tournament winners drawn in Group D with Yemen – surprise finalists in 2002 – the UAE and Malaysia.

With DPR Korea and Tajikistan, both suspended for fielding overage players at the 2006 event, the other semi-finalists in Singapore, Syria went into Tuesday's draw as the tournament's second seeds behind Japan.

And the West Asians will be confident of claiming one of the two quarter-final berths from Group B after being pooled with two-time champions Korea Republic, Indonesia and India.

The "group of death" cliché that crops up at every tournament falls on Group C, which sees tournament debutants Australia, 2004 winners China and Saudi Arabia, who are looking for their third title after claiming glory in the first and third editions of the competition going head-to-head with tournament dark horses Turkmenistan.

The 2008 AFC Youth Championship begins in Tashkent on October 4 when hosts Uzbekistan take on Singapore and will conclude with the final on October 19.

AFC U-16 CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 FINALS DRAW IN FULL

GROUP A

1. Iran
2. Singapore
3. Uzbekistan
4. Bahrain

GROUP B

1. Syria
2. Korea Republic
3. India
4. Indonesia

GROUP C

1. China
2. Saudi Arabia
3. Australia
4. Turkmenistan

GROUP D

1. Japan
2. Yemen
3. UAE
4. Malaysia
 

On March 29, the festive gathering dedicated to the Navruz holiday was held at the Poytaht Hotel in Tashkent, ‘Jahon’ agency reported. The Uzbek-Germany Friendship Society along with Council of society of friendship, culture and enlightenment ties of Uzbekistan with foreign countries organized the event.

The representatives of public and foreign missions accredited in Uzbekistan and members of their families participated in the festive gathering.

The participants of the event, which took floor at the opening ceremony, have said that such kind of events would promote consolidation of the spirit of trust and mutual understanding between the representatives of two countries. It will also give an opportunity to learn closer the traditions, cultures, and costumes of the nations and further extend the multilateral relations.

They have also said that the youth had an important place in consolidating the bilateral relations. In line with this the participation of the Kelajak Ovozi Youth Initiative Center in the event was symbolic. The guests have enjoyed their best performances.

In their turn, the foreign guests to the festivity also have had an opportunity to show off their national dances and songs.