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LATEST NEWS :
APRIL 2009 |
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Innovative ideas fair ends |
| April 30, 2009 |
UzA
The second National fair of innovative ideas, technologies and products
ended in Tashkent on 30 May.
The event resulted in about 300 signed contracts and protocols of
intentions worth a total of over UZS 13 billion.
The aim of the fair was to boost production in all sectors based on the
latest technologies and methods in order to increase the competitiveness
of the national economy.
The event has already proven its effectiveness. Last year’s innovations
fair has lead to increase of export-oriented and import-substituting
products in the country.
A large number of entrepreneurs and farmers have been able to create new
production facilities using the technology purchased at the fair.
According to experts, the innovative approach to the development of the
economy is the only right way in the conditions of the world economic
crisis and growing market competition.
The anti-crisis program Uzbekistan is currently implementing pays a lot
of attention to modernization, technical renovation and diversification
of the production.
About 80% of more than 600 products and solutions presented at the fair
were created by Uzbek scientists in the last two to three years.
The novelties may be used in industry and agriculture, healthcare and
pharmaceutics, information technologies, science, education and other
areas.
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Uzbekistan
takes measures to prevent swine flu |
| April 29, 2009 |
UzA
Uzbekistan has taken measures to prevent the entry and spread of the
swine flu on the country’s territory, chief state sanitary doctor
Bahtiyor Niyazmatov told UzA.
According to the official, the measures the country has taken to prevent
dangerous infections has proved its efficiency in the past. Thus, the
threat of the bird flu and other infectious diseases was prevented.
Today Uzbekistan has direct air and land links with many countries and
imports thousands of products from other states. This requires especial
cautiousness of the workers of the state sanitary control services.
The new flu stamp H1N1 is a mutant virus, which is a hybrid containing
the genes of the bird, swine and human flu. The infection may cause
symptoms similar to ordinary flu, but in some cases may have more severe
conditions, including toxic pneumonia.
The Health Ministry of Uzbekistan has worked out a special plan to
prevent the new respiratory infection. High-quality specialists are
participating in the monitoring of the situation and special trainings
are being held for medical workers in all regions.
The virus laboratories across in the capital and regions have diagnostic
means to timely identify the swine flu. In case of swine flu symptoms
the patient will be isolated in the specially reserved rooms of
infection clinics.
“There is enough anti-flu, symptomatic and disinfection medicaments, as
well as individual protection means for medical personnel. Besides,
disinfection work has been strengthened in crowded places, transport,
kindergartens and educational establishments,” Bahtiyor Niyazmatov said.
Sanitary control points are functioning in the border crossing places,
including airports and railway stations. They have been provided with
additional special equipment and disinfection means, he added.
Besides, the Health Ministry has issued posters and brochures explaining
precaution measures and organized meetings with specialists at residence
areas, educational establishments, enterprises and organizations, the
chief state sanitary doctor of Uzbekistan said.
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National Security Council at the President of Uzbekistan Holds Session |
| April 25, 2009 |
On April 24
this year the regular session of the National Security Council at the
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan took place in the city of
Tashkent, according to the report by Uzbekistan National News Agency.
The President of the country, the Chairman of the National Security
Council Islam Karimov presided over the session, the report has also
said.
The major issues discussed at the session and on which the necessary
decisions have been taken were the issues related to undertaking the
additional measures in terms of intensifying struggle against various
threats and challenges to security and stability in the country and
region.
The heads of government and relevant agencies spoke on the course of
realization at the local levels of the Anti-crisis program now being
implemented in Uzbekistan, according to the report.
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President receives head
of Korean Air |
| April 24, 2009 |
UzA
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the chairman of the
Korean Air Yang-Ho Cho on 23 April at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent.
The head of the state said economic and investment cooperation between
Uzbekistan and South Korea was expanding. One area of cooperation is
creation of the free industrial zone in the area of the Navoi
international airport.
The head of Korean Air Yang-Ho Cho said his company was ready for active
participation in the international investment projects in Uzbekistan.
The sides exchanged opinion on the implementation of joint projects and
development of new ones.
The Korean Air is participating in the creation of the transcontinental
inter-modal logistics center at Navoi airport, which will be the only of
such kind in the CIS.
On 20 April, the first cargo plane A 300-600F leased by Korean Air
arrived in Tashkent. Uzbekistan Airways will receive another such plane
on the same conditions. Both planes will operate at the logistics
center.
The businessmen of South Korea are going to take an active part in the
creation of the economic zone in Navoi. In March, agreements were
reached in Seoul on 35 investment projects worth a total of over USD 500
million.
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MTS' GOOD'OK service is available in all territory of Uzbekistan |
| April 23, 2009 |
UzReport
MTS Uzbekistan, 100% subsidiary of Russia's Mobile TeleSystems (MTS),
said its popular GOOD'OK is now accessible in all territory of
Uzbekistan.
With the help of GOOD'OK, subscribers will be able to choose and set
melodies or phrases which are played instead of usual monotonous signals
during a call to the subscriber. Anyone, who calls subscriber, will hear
the melody, which was set in his phone set.
The company said collection of melodies of GOOD'OK service account over
7,000 multimedia files.
Nuriddin Shadmanov, deputy director-general on commerce of MTS
Uzbekistan, said GOOD'OK service is excellent method for self-expression
and opportunity to underline personality.
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Tashkent
International Health Exhibition opens |
| April 22, 2009 |
UzA
The Tashkent International Health Exhibition 2009 opened at the
Uzexpocenter on Tuesday.
The event has been organized by the Health Ministry, Uztibtekhnika
company, Commerce and Industry Chamber and Tashkent city administration.
Opening the forum, the health minister of Uzbekistan Firuz Nazirov said
the reforms in the medicine had helped to improve the work of the
medical establishments and raise the quality of service to the
population.
The exhibition demonstrates the modern equipment and achievements in the
medical sphere. More than 140 companies from over 20 countries are
participating in the event.
A number of conferences are planned to be held within the exhibition.
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Korean Air
leases cargo plane to Uzbekistan Airways |
| April 20, 2009 |
UzA
The first A 300-600F cargo plane of the Korean Air, leased by Uzbekistan
Airways, arrived in Tashkent on Monday.
The South Korean carrier will lease two Airbus cargo liners to the Uzbek
national air company to be used to develop the Regional logistics center
in Navoi.
As reported earlier, the first free industrial zone in Uzbekistan is
currently being created in Navoi region in accordance with the decree of
the President of 2 December 2008.
The zone will be located in the area of the Navoi international airport
in order to create favorable conditions for investors. The plans include
organization of highly technological production facilities.
According to Uzbekistan Airways director-general Valery Tyan, the Navoi
economic zone requires corresponding transport infrastructure, including
the air infrastructure.
This is why the airport is currently being transformed into the
international logistics hub, which will then become the center for
processing regional cargo and distribution of goods and services.
The main idea of the joint Uzbek-South Korean project is to create a
global cargo network to unite cargo routes from Asia to Europe and back
through the multi-modal logistics hub of the Navoi airport.
On receiving the A 300-600F plane, Uzbekistan Airways receives access to
the cargo markets across the world. The plane can carry up to 40 tons of
cargo and fly to distances equal to 7,000 km.
Initially, Uzbekistan Airways plans carrying out cargo flights on routes
to Delhi, Bangkok and Moscow, with further expansion of the geography of
flights in both Asian and European directions.
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Uzbek-Pakistan
commission holds session |
| April 17, 2009 |
UzA
The session of the Uzbek-Pakistan commission for trade-economic and
scientific-technical cooperation was held in Tashkent on 16 April.
The representatives of the ministries, departments and companies of the
two countries working in the fields of economy, trade, investments, fuel
and energy, agriculture and water management, science, high
technologies, pharmaceutics, textile, food and construction materials
industries participated in the session.
Pakistan is interested in expansion of beneficial cooperation with
Uzbekistan, minister of water and energy resources of Pakistan and
commission co-chairman Pervez Ashraf said.
The volume of trade turnover between the two countries made up USD 23.4
million in 2008. The two states had signed agreements on avoiding double
taxation and mutual stimulation and protection of investments.
60 joint ventures with participation of Pakistani capital currently
operate in Uzbekistan. About 10 companies of this country have their
representative offices in Uzbekistan.
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Uzbek Cabinet Sums Up First Quarter Results of the Nation’s Development |
| April 16, 2009 |
On April 15
this year the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan held
its session, according to the report by Uzbekistan National News Agency.
The session saw the discussion of the outcomes of the first quarter in
terms of accomplishing the most important priorities of the program for
social and economic development of the country for 2009 set by President
Islam Karimov at the sitting of the Government of Uzbekistan on February
13 this year.
Also, participants of the session have pinpointed the measures towards
accelerating the implementation of the Anti-crisis program aimed at
preventing and addressing the consequences of the global economic crisis
on the nation’s economy.
The growth of the gross domestic product accounted for 7,9 percent, the
volumes of industrial production – 9,9 percent, production of consumer
goods – 12,5 percent, agriculture – 5,7 percent, services – 16,6
percent, and construction works – 12,1 percent. The country provided for
a surplus of the State budget in the amount of 0,4 percent towards GDP,
while the level of inflation did not exceed the forecast parameters.
The implementation of measures on structural changes and diversification
of economy, modernization and technical renewal of the leading branches
of economy, comprehensive support of the producer enterprises as a part
of the Anti-crisis program served for the growth of investments by 31,4
percent, including the direct foreign investments – for 2,5 times.
During the said period Uzbekistan commissioned 54 production facilities
and among them there are: the textile enterprises “MPT Textil” and
“Klayna Textil” in Namangan Province, the “Besharyk Textil” in Ferghana
Province, the “Aytug textil” in the city of Tashkent, the “Mili Guliston
Textil” Joint-Venture in Syrdarya Province, the diary products
enterprise “Kitob okila sut” in Kashkadarya Province and others.
The measures, which have been undertaken to reinforce the support of
entrepreneurial activity, including the decrease of tax burden, sharp
decline in a number of check-ups and expansion of privileged crediting,
have provided for a further development of small business and sphere of
services. For over the first quarter this year the share of small
businesses towards GDP increased up to 36,2 percent against 35,1 percent
and of the sphere of services – up 45,5 percent against 44,4 percent in
the same period last year.
The implementation of the most important purposeful programs of
development and the Anti-crisis program allowed to create 208,6 thousand
new jobs.
The participants of the session have comprehensively and thoroughly
analyzed the course of implementation of the Anti-crisis program,
including the efficiency of measures being undertaken to support and
provide for a stable work of enterprises that export goods, lower the
prime cost of products of domestic manufacturers and expand on such
basis the volumes of their exports.
Also, the delegates to the session have said that in the framework of
the Anti-crisis program the enterprises that export goods are offered
the budget and credit support in the form of an extension on debt
repayment to the budget and non-budget funds, on banking credits, on
consumed electrical power, natural gas and public utility services. The
volumes of export of the domestic products and services increased by 6,1
percent. The positive balance of foreign trade turnover has been
ensured.
At the same time, the heads of the “Uzkimyosanoat”, “Uzbekengilsanoat”,
“Uzkurilishmateriallari” companies and the “Uzfarmsanoat” concern, as
well as the enterprises of agricultural machine building and Ministry of
Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade have been instructed
to take additional measures to raise exports of products by way of
securing the new markets, increasing competitiveness of goods and
enhancing the marketing at the enterprises.
The participants of the session have paid a special attention to a
critical analysis of the efficiency of measures being taken in the
nation in terms of outpacing implementation of the most important
investment projects to modernize, technical and technological re-equip
production. They have pinpointed the specific measures to accelerate
accomplishment of the sector-wise programs of modernization and
technical re-equipment of industries, as well as increase the volumes of
investments being attracted for those purposes, and firstly, of the
direct foreign investments.
The heads of economic entities and large enterprises have been tasked
with ensuring the systemic work aimed at providing for innovative
development of branches and enterprises, strengthening coordination of
elaboration and examination of the project documentation on the
strategic investment projects as well as those on technical
modernization.
The participants of the session have discussed in detail the course of
realization of measures in terms of increasing the production of
domestic food and non-food consumer goods, filling the domestic consumer
market with those goods, including by way of expanding and deepening the
localization of products.
They have said that a broad list of tax and customs benefits offered to
domestic producers in line with resolutions of President, as well as the
measures pinpointed in keeping with the said resolutions on dramatically
increasing their privileged crediting create all necessary conditions
for a further expansion of production of consumer goods and supplying
them to the domestic market.
The heads of economic entities and enterprises that produce the consumer
goods, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Economy, Council of Ministers
of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, khokims (governors) of provinces and
the city of Tashkent have been instructed with concrete tasks aimed at
implicitly ensuring the accomplishment of purposeful parameters of
production of food and nonfoods, as well as their continuous supplies to
consumers.
The session has also considered the issues with regard to implementation
of measures in terms of accelerating the development of production and
social infrastructure, extending the improvement and betterment works,
as well as the measures as a part of the Year of Development and
Improvement of Countryside State Program.
For over the said period Uzbekistan has commissioned 249,1 kilometers of
gas and 237,7 kilometers of water pipeline networks, including 220,6
kilometers and 202,9 kilometers, respectively, at the countryside areas,
as well as 1441,8 thousand square meters of housing, of them 1219,8
thousand square meters of individual housing at the countryside.
Also, the participants of the session have critically considered and
analyzed the state of debit and credit debts on the companies,
associations and territories of the nation, as well as the efficiency of
measures being taken to cut down the past-due debts.
The activities of the “Uzbekenergo” and “Uztransgas” companies, as well
as the governor’s offices of several provinces have been criticized for
their poor work on reducing the past-due debts for the resources
delivered to consumers, as well as technical and commercial losses of
electrical power and gas.
The Ministry of Finance, State Tax Committee, the “Uztransgas” and
“Uzbekenergo” companies have been instructed along with the State
Committee for De-Monopolization and Central Bank to lay down the
proposals on further improving the system of payments for the consumed
electrical power, natural gas and public utility services.
The heads of ministries, agencies, economic associations, large
enterprises, commercial banks and governor’s offices of provinces also
spoke on the agenda of the session. On the outcomes of discussions of
issues on the agenda of the Government’s sitting in Tashkent the
relevant decisions have been taken, according to the report.
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Uzbekistan’s GDP grows 7.9%
in 1Q |
| April 15, 2009 |
UzA
The growth of the GDP of Uzbekistan made up 7.9% in the first three
months of 2009. This was announced at the session of the Cabinet of
Ministers on Wednesday, whish considered the country’s development in
the first quarter.
The industrial production increased by 9.9%, consumer goods production
by 12.5%, agricultural production by 5.7%, services by 16.6% and
construction works by 12.1%.
The state budget surplus made up 0.4% of the GDP, and the inflation
level did not exceed the forecast.
The total volume of investments in January-March increased by 31.4%,
while foreign direct investments grew 2.5 times. A total of 54
industrial objects were commissioned in the reporting period.
The share of the small business in the GDP increased to 36.2% compared
to 35.1% in the same period of last year, while the service sector
accounted for 45.5% against 44.4% in the last year’s first quarter.
The implementation of the complex development programs and the
Anti-crisis program allowed to create 208,600 new workplaces.
The export of the local production and services increased by 6.1% in the
first quarter.
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Tashkent to host
wrestling tournament |
| April 15, 2009 |
UzA
The international freestyle and Greek-Roman wrestling tournament
Uzbekistan Independence Cup will be held in Tashkent on 15-18 April.
The cup, held since 1997, has a high status among the international
tournament in the series of FILA.
Annually, best wrestlers from Russia, USA, Georgia, Macedonia,
Bulgaria, Belarus, Ukraine, India, Cuba, Japan, Kazakhstan and other
states participate in the competitions.
According to organizers, this year the cup will host the largest
number of participants in its history – over 100 athletes from more than
20 countries.
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ICT council holds session |
| April 13, 2009 |
UzA
The Cabinet’s Coordination council for development of computerization
and ICT held its regular session.
The participants considered issues of improvement of the legislative
base in the fields of ICT development, creation of information resources
and personnel training.
It was said that the state bodies and economic entities should pay
more attention to introduction of modern information technologies.
The council approved the program of preparation of normative
documents on information security for the years 2009-2012.
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Uzbekistan seeks
investors in tourism |
| April 13, 2009 |
UzReport
Uzbekistan is trying to attract Gulf investors to boost its tourism
infrastructure.
"We receive one million tourists per year, but that's not enough.
Without proper infrastructure progress is not possible in tourism," said
Zahid L. Khakimov, Chairman of Uzbek Tourism at a press briefing in
Tashkent last week.
"This year we plan to further develop our infrastructure and request
your countries to invest in Uzbekistan," said Zahid L. Khakimov, to a
group of media persons from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC
media were on a familiarisation trip to the country, organised by the
UAE-based Planet Group.
The investments would go towards improving roads and means of
transportation. There are five international airports that serve
chartered flights from Europe. The company plans to increase the
chartered flight traffic from Southeast Asia too. The upgrading of the
240 hotels, motels and dormitories in the country is also planned along
with the building of new ones.
"The new infrastructure will also provide all facilities that will
ensure that the physically challenged and elderly receive the same
quality of service as others," Khakimov told Gulf News. He added that
the government is currently adopting a master plan of tourism
development by 2015, where a special article gives emphasis to the
provision of favourable conditions for welcoming and servicing this
particular segment of tourists.
Given its geographical location, the country has the potential to
provide wide scope to eco-tourists and Uzbekistan is taking steps to
promote it.
"As you know, the United Nations gives special attention to the
development of eco-tourism," Khakimov said. "Therefore, United National
World Tourism Organisation and United Nations Environment Programme are
providing recommendations on development of eco-tourism in our country."
"We have nine natural reserves where tourists will view the variety of
flora and fauna in this unique landscape, including endangered animals
and plants," he said.
"Tour operators of Uzbekistan offer interesting itineraries, which
include an opportunity to taste and even participate in preparation of
various traditional dishes, and visits to a chaykhana or traditional
teahouse," Khakimov said.
Sabirov Rakhimberdi, regional manager, Middle East, Uzbekistan Airways
told reporters that there are also plans to increase the number of
flights to Uzbekistan from the UAE.
Ebrahim Nalkhande, chief operating officer, Travel, of Planet Group,
whose travel wing Planet Travels & Tours is the general sales agent for
Uzbekistan Airways in the UAE and for Uzbekistan Tourism in the UAE and
the other GCC countries, said, "We are aiming to launch a brochure on
Uzbekistan during the Arabian Travel Market 2009, certainly prior to the
peak season of the summer."
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Humanitarian aid sent to Navoi |
| April 12, 2009 |
UzA
The Soglom Avlod Uchun charity foundation and the Uzbekistan Railways
company sent a health train with humanitarian aid to Navoi region.
A group of doctors, including dentists, surgeons and pediatricians
will examine the residents of the remote villages in Kanimeh, Tamdi and
Uchkuduk districts.
The humanitarian cargo included medicaments, clothes and sanitary and
hygienic means.
The purpose of the regular health trains sent throughout the year to
various regions of the country is to protect the health of the
population and provide moral and material support to the low-income and
disabled people.
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Festival of Kurash in Termez |
| April 11, 2009 |
UzA
Under the leadership of President Islam Karimov, Uzbek national Kurash
went into the international arena and already recognized as one of the
types of athletic activity. Over the last years more than 100 countries
became members of the International Kurash Association. Year after year,
the numbers of participants is increasing in the traditional
international tournament for the prize of President of the Republic of
Uzbekistan devoted to the memory of Hakim al-Termizi in Termez and of
Amir Temur in Shakhrisabz.
Our national Kurash which is well preserved and valued by our people
today became the spiritual heritage which call for humanity, the
friendship and unity. Today, Uzbek words like «halol», «yonbosh», «chala»,
«Kurash» can be heard in all the continents of the world, which makes us
especially proud.
IX Kurash tournament for the prize of the President of the Republic of
Uzbekistan, in memory of Hakim al-Termizi started on April 11 in Kurash
arena «Alpomish» of Termez city. The competition was opened by the
khokim of Surkhandarya region T. Juraev.
More than one hundred eminent palvans will fight during the two-day
tournament on the carpet in six weight categories. Among them are
well-known Uzbek Palvan, silver prize winner of the XXIX summer Olympic
Games, the quadruple winner of this tournament Abdullah Tangriev, as
well as our talented fighters Davlat Choriev, Utkir Kurbonov, Hamza
Ziyovuddinov, Tulkin Salimov and athletes from about thirty countries,
such as Japan, Greece, Brazil, South Korea, China, Russia.
Speaking at the opening of an international sports festival president of
the International Kurash Association K. Yusupov, Hero of Uzbekistan, the
president of the Federation of National Kurash A. Oripov and others
noted that the special attention paid under the guidance of our Head of
State to the development of a healthy lifestyle among the general
population, promoting and development of sport, in particular the
children’s sports in the most remote villages.
By tradition, the competition was opened by veterans, palvans of older
generation.
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Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan CU Associations become WOCCU members |
| April 10, 2009 |
UzReport
The credit union associations of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have joined
World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). WOCCU's board of directors
approved applications from the two countries' national organizations at
its meeting in early March.
"We're very excited to welcome Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to WOCCU," said
Pete Crear, WOCCU's president and CEO. "The entrance into membership of
two more former Soviet satellite countries that began as WOCCU
development programs speaks to the strength credit unions can bring to
developing nations."
The Azerbaijan Credit Union Association (AKIA) represents 56 of the 70
credit unions serving the country, and AKIA's member institutions serve
90% of the country's estimated 9,800 credit union members. The
association is the first to receive WOCCU's new affiliate member
designation, designed to admit credit union associations without the
financial resources to support direct memberships.
"On behalf of all Azerbaijan credit unions, we will do all the work
necessary to promote the development of credit unions in our country,"
said Elchin Bagirov, AKIA's chairman. "We plan to start our work
immediately."
WOCCU's board of directors also accepted the Credit Union Association (CUA)
of Uzbekistan as a direct member of the organization at the meeting. CUA
was formed by 11 credit unions in 2005 as the first phase of WOCCU's
development program in the Central Asian nation came to an end. WOCCU
began working in Uzbekistan in 1998, laying the foundation for a
national credit union movement. In 2002, the first credit union law was
passed with the assistance of WOCCU and guidance from its Model Law for
Credit Unions publication. The first three credit unions formed that
same year, and today Uzbekistan is home to 78 credit unions that serve
more than 99,000 members. The institutions hold US$80 million in assets
and 4.6% of domestic retail savings accounts.
"We are honored to be part of the WOCCU community," said Nizomiddin
Muradov, CUA's executive director. "We will put all our efforts forth to
add value to the development of credit unions and their members
worldwide."
As new WOCCU members, AKIA and CUA join Ghana Co-operative Credit Union
Association and Seychelles Credit Union, which were admitted as members
effective January 1. On that same date Abacus Australian Mutuals became
Australia's member to the global trade association, assuming the role
formerly occupied by Cuscal Ltd.
Representatives from the new member associations will be introduced and
given the opportunity to speak to delegates at WOCCU's next Annual
General Meeting, to be held in conjunction with the World Credit Union
Conference, 26-29 July in Barcelona, Spain.
World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is the global trade association
and development agency for credit unions. WOCCU promotes the sustainable
development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the
world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable
financial services. WOCCU advocates on behalf of the global credit union
system before international organizations and works with national
governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical
assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen
credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.
Worldwide, 49,000 credit unions in 96 countries serve more than 177
million people. In 2008, World Council's technical assistance programs
reached more than 8 million people in 16 countries.
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Amir Temur’s birthday
celebrated |
| April 09, 2009 |
UzA
The celebration of the great military leader and statesman Amir
Temur’s birthday was held in Tashkent’s Officers’ house on 8 April.
The event, organized by the Center for spirituality of the Defense
ministry jointly with the National academic drama theater and the Amir
Temur International foundation, was attended by scholars, students,
cadets of military schools and the public.
The chairman of the Amir Temur foundation Muhammad Ali, doctor of
historical sciences Hamidulla Dadaboyev and others said that in
Uzbekistan special attention was paid to objective and deep studying of
the history, life and work of great ancestors, their spiritual heritage.
The enormous creative work accomplished in the era of Amir Temur and
Temurids, architectural monuments they erected signify the enormous
power and potential. The martial art of Amir Temur, who created his own
military concept, is now being explored by many military colleges.
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President receives
heads of Petronas, Sasol |
| April 08, 2009 |
UzA
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the president of the
Malaysian corporation Petronas Muhammad Hasan Marikan and the general
executive director of Sasol (South African Republic) Pat Davs on 7
April.
The head of the state said cooperation of Uzbekistan with Petronas and
Sasol was developing effectively, which could be proved with successful
implementation of joint projects.
Uzbekneftegaz national holding company and Petronas signed a memorandum
of cooperation and an agreement on joint exploration of oil and gas
reserves during the state visit of Islam Karimov to Malaysia in October
2005.
Currently geological research is being conducted in the Aral Sea area,
on the Ustyurt plateau and in Surkhandarya investment blocks.
A feasibility study of the construction of the plant for producing
synthetic liquid fuel from purified methane is being developed. The
liquid fuel plant will be mainly fitted with the equipment of Sasol. The
total volume of investments Petronas is going to invest in Uzbekistan is
expected to reach USD 2 billion.
The construction of the plant to produce synthetic fuel in cooperation
with Petronas and Sasol will serve to further development of
Uzbekistan’s oil and gas industry.
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Agreement on GTL project
signed |
| April 08, 2009 |
UzA
Uzbekneftegaz national holding company, Petronas of Malaysia and
Sasol of South African Republic signed an Agreement on the main
principles of implementation of the project of production of synthetic
liquid fuel in Uzbekistan and a Memorandum of understanding on
cooperation.
The signing took place during the visit of the president of Petronas
Muhammad Hasan Marikan and the general executive director of Sasol Pat
Davis to Tashkent on 7 April. The heads of the two companies held talks
in a number of ministries and departments of Uzbekistan.
“Our corporation highly values the cooperation with Uzbekistan,”
Muhammad Hasan Marikan said.
“We are interested in expansion of cooperation with Uzbekneftegaz.”
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Exhibition dedicated to Tashkent's anniversary opens in Paris |
| April 09, 2009 |
UzReport
The opening ceremony of the anniversary events devoted to 2,200th
anniversary of the city of Tashkent was held at the UNESCO headquarters
in Paris.
Within the frames of this event, the opening of a colourful exhibition
"Handicraft and applied art of Uzbekistan" was held. Among the
participants were the heads of the representative offices under UNESCO,
the heads of diplomatic corps, senators and deputies, representatives of
city and district authorities of Paris, political, business, cultural
and social circles of France, Jahon reported.
The UNESCO Commissioner of Uzbekistan L. Tillyaeva, Director General of
UNESCO K. Matsuura and Deputy Mayor of Tashkent City N. Bahtiyarov spoke
at the opening of the exhibition.
UNESCO Director-General K. Matsuura noted in his speech that in the
recent years a positive trend of conducting joint events with the Uzbek
party under the aegis of UNESCO has formed. This is illustrated by the
successful organisation of an international conference in Tashkent in
2000, during which the Tashkent Declaration of Tolerance was adopted.
Only two years ago UNESCO celebrated 2,750th anniversary of the known
Uzbek city – Samarkand, located on the crossroads of the Great Silk
Road. Today's event is also an important event for Uzbekistan and for
UNESCO.
UNESCO Director-General expressed his confidence about the fact that all
the events in the headquarters of the organisation in Paris organized
within the frames of the celebration of 2,200th anniversary of Tashkent
would be successful and expressed hope for further fruitful cooperation
with Uzbekistan in the future.
The guests of the "Handicraft and applied art of Uzbekistan" exhibition
showed interest in the displays presented at the exhibition and
described their impressions and provided comments.
According to the senator, Chairman of the "France-Uzbekistan" Friendship
Society in the Senate of France B. Brut "the organisation of the Paris
exhibition of applied national art of Uzbekistan evoked great interest
of the French community. It provides an opportunity to familiarize with
the cultural heritage of the Uzbek nation. The displays are unique, each
of them describes various stages in the history of Uzbekistan and the
city of Tashkent.
"As a part of the delegation of the Senate of France I visited
Uzbekistan in September last year and was able to witness successful
progress of democratic and socio-economic reforms in your country being
implemented under the direction of the President of Uzbekistan Islam
Karimov. I have recently familiarized myself with the Uzbek leader's
book "World Finance-Economic Crisis: Ways and Measures to Overcome it in
the Conditions of Uzbekistan." The information and suggestions given in
the book relating to overcoming the crisis based on the current
situation are important not only for Uzbekistan, they can be
successfully used by other countries too."
The Mayor of the first district of Paris J. Lagarie emphasized that the
"capital of Uzbekistan is a large political, business and cultural
centre in the region and we stand for further development of partnership
relations with the Tashkent city authorities in trade-economic and
cultural spheres. Taking into account the fact that Tashkent was
pronounced the capital of the Islamic culture in 2007, I proposed to
organise an exhibition of the displays of the Gallery of Islamic Art
Museum of Louvre in Tashkent. The organisation of this event will allow
the Uzbek society to familiarize more closely with the masterpieces of
the world famous museum, and help further activate cultural cooperation
between our countries."
A senator, the member of the France-Uzbekistan Friendship Group in the
Senate of France A. de Montesquieu noted that the "celebration of the
2,200th anniversary of Tashkent city clearly demonstrates the ancient
history of the capital of Uzbekistan, which has always been the central
point and the point of mutual enriching meetings of the ancient
civilizations on the Great Silk Road. Tashkent has always united the
East and the West. I would like to note that the services and the
contribution of this city as well as the whole country to the
development of world civilization, are recognized by UNESCO."
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New Painters
Association of Uzbekistan presented |
| April 09, 2009 |
Uzreport
A presentation of the Association of Painters, Arts Critics and National
Masters of Uzbekistan was held at Youth Creative Palace on 7 April. The
association was created at the initiative of the Fund Forum of Art and
Culture.
The association unites professional painters, sculptors, graphic
artists, art critics, museum workers and restorers to revive,
preservation and further development of traditional culture and art in
Uzbekistan. Currently, the association unites over 200 masters on
various directions of art.
The organization will assist to form culture of modern society, support
interest of creative workers, and realize various art projects in
Uzbekistan and abroad.
The association will also realize education programmes and internships,
establishment of inter-regional art relations, as well as support
development of masters.
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NAESMI discusses new projects |
| April 07, 2009 |
UzA
A conference on the involvement of non-state electronic mass media in
building civil society was held in Tashkent. The event, organized by the
National Association of Electronic Media of Uzbekistan (NAESMI),
discussed the challenges facing the regional TV and radio stations and
non-state media.
It was noted that in 2008 certain results had been achieved in the
improvement of the activity of NAESMI and the stations it unites. The
stations were equipped with modern information technologies to improve
the quality of programs and expand the coverage area.
The processes of globalization and the accelerated exchange of
information between the countries and peoples increases the
responsibility of the media in objective coverage of events, it was
said.
The conference participants exchanged views on raising the effectiveness
of projects implemented in this direction, as well as improving the
skills of the staff of the regional stations.
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President
receives Prime Minister of Kazakhstan |
| April 04, 2009 |
UzA
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Prime Minister of
Kazakhstan Karim Masimov at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on 3 April.
The President noted that the relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan
were developing steadily, and the economic cooperation was expanding.
“This meeting is a good opportunity to exchange views on important
issues representing mutual interest,” Islam Karimov said.
Karim Masimov said Kazakhstan was interested in development of
cooperation with Uzbekistan in various directions.
The sides considered issues related to the current state and
perspectives of development of Uzbek-Kazakh relations.
The cooperation between the two states is based on traditions of good
neighborhood and friendship. The presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan
have common views on bilateral cooperation and problems of regional and
international character.
The countries are developing multilateral relations within international
and regional organizations like the UN, the CIS and the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization.
In March 2006, on the initiative of the two countries’ presidents, the
Interstate coordination council was created, which held its first
session in November that year.
Kazakhstan is one of the main trade partners of Uzbekistan in the
region. Trade turnover in 2008 made up USD 912.5 million.
167 joint ventures created in partnership with Kazakh investors operate
in Uzbekistan. About 100 joint ventures with Uzbek capital work in
Kazakhstan.
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Microcredit bank
supports small business |
| April 03, 2009 |
UzA
Microcreditbank provided UZS 55.4 billion of credits to small businesses
and private entrepreneurs last year, helping create 56,000 new
workplaces.
This was announced at a press conference on crediting small businesses
organized by Central Bank, Microcreditbank and the Commerce and industry
chamber in Tashkent.
The participants of the event said the reforms in the banking and
financial sector of Uzbekistan, namely, increasing the leading banks’
capitalization, served to strengthening stability and reliability of the
banking system.
In accordance with the President’s decree, Microcreditbank’s charter
capital will be increased to UZS 150 billion.
Being one of the main credit centers for financing small business, the
bank today is expanding its activities.
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Italian delegation visits
Uzbekistan |
| April 02, 2009 |
UzA
On 1 April, deputy foreign minister of Italy Alfredo Mantika carried out
negotiations in the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and the Foreign Ministry
of Uzbekistan.
During the meetings, it was noted that Uzbekistan and Italy consistently
developed relations in many spheres, in particular, in the parliamentary
field.
The interparliamentary collaboration plays an important role in
strengthening the bilateral relations.
During the negotiations, issues of further development in this direction
were discussed.
The Italian delegation got acquainted with the activity of the bicameral
parliament of Uzbekistan.
The members of the delegation also visited the state museum of Temurids’
history.
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Seminar on Temur’s Role in Uzbek Statehood Held at Museum |
| April 02, 2009 |
UzA
The scientific and practical seminar on the topic “The role of Amir
Temur in the history of our state system” timed for the 673rd
anniversary of Sakhibkiran (great commander and state figure – trans.)
was held at the State Museum of History of Temur and his Dynasty in
Tashkent.
The lawmakers of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of the Republic
of Uzbekistan, scholars, researchers, activists of the women’s
committees, as well as the consultants for religious enlightenment,
spiritual and moral upbringing took part at the event, the report said.
On the initiative of President a special attention is now being paid to
objectively studying and informing the public about the role of Amir
Temur in the world history.
By now a number of sources dating that period, which are kept at
manuscript funds and libraries nationwide and abroad, have been
researched and presented to audiences. Such works as “Zafarnoma” by
Nizomiddin Shomiy and Sharafiddin Ali Yazdiy, as well as “The history of
Amir Temur” by Ibn Arabshokhi are among them.
The research works undertaken by archaeologist-scientists serve for
shedding light on the role of Amir Temr in the history of the Uzbek
statehood. For instance, the archaeological excavations held at the
ruins of Shokhrukhiya Fortress in Akkurgan District in Tashkent Province
may serve as an example to the aforesaid. The objects found there help
to more thoroughly learn the traditions and culture of the epoch of
Temur and his dynasty.
Those, who have participated at the event, spoke on the role of Amir
Temur in the history of the Uzbek statehood, the cultural monuments
erected during the time of Temur and his dynasty, as well as the legal
foundations of the cultural heritage.
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