DOWNLOADS

Visa Form (PDF file)

National Anthem

Web

uzbekembassy.in

LIVE WEATHER

USEFUL LINKS

President's Press-office

http://www.press-service.uz 

Portal of the State Authority Republic of Uzbekistan

http://www.gov.uz

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Uzbekistan

http://www.mfa.uz

Uzbek National Information Agency

http://www.uza.uz/eng/

Jahon Information Agency

http://www.jahon.mfa.uz

EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

                                              LATEST NEWS : April 2010                             ARCHIVES

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received President of the Asian Development Bank Haruhiko Kuroda on 30 April, on the eve of the 43rd Annual meeting of the ADB Board of Governors, at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent. Welcoming the guest, the head of the state noted that the ADB was considered one of the most authoritative and influential international financial institutions, with which Uzbekistan has been connected by ties of long-standing and reliable partnership. The consistently implemented strategy of ADB cooperation with Uzbekistan is the proof of that.   “Let me thank you for the choice of Tashkent as the venue for the Asian Development Bank meeting. Holding an international forum of such level in Tashkent is a great honor for our country. At the same time, this is an event of historic significance,” Islam Karimov said.

“At the latest meetings of governors of the Asian Development Bank, four large investment project worth over USD 1.14 billion were approved. These projects cover such important areas as improving transport and communication infrastructure, drinking water system, development of communal services, construction of combined-cycle plants at Talimarjan thermal power station, and support of small businesses and private entrepreneurship through the country’s commercial banks,” President of Uzbekistan said.

Uzbekistan, jointly with the Asian Development Bank, is implementing large projects in priority sectors of economy, which focus on development of strategically important and vital industries. Effective implementation of these projects, developed in conjunction with ADB specialists, has become possible thanks to the country’s legal basis of reforming and liberalizing the economy, as well as favorable investment climate.

The 43rd Annual Meeting of the ADB, which starts its work in Tashkent these days, is the first forum of such level in the region of Central Asia and is a recognition of the effectiveness of the “Uzbek model” of development by the international community. On 2-4 May, the meeting of finance ministers of ASEAN+3 will also be held in Tashkent, where the ADB’s Strategy 2020 will be discussed, along with issues of reforming the global financial architecture, regional cooperation and post-crisis development in Asia, protection of the environment and climate change.

The leading experts and reputable international financial institutions, including the Asian Development Bank, acknowledge that the current level of economic development of Uzbekistan is an example of stable state of basic indicators and stable dynamics of economic growth in the conditions of global recession.

Haruhiko Kuroda emphasized that Uzbekistan was one of the few countries in the world where stable economic and social development rates were ensured. In his opinion, the basis for success of the “Uzbek model” is also the fact that the leadership of Uzbekistan did not rely solely on external borrowing, but has taken active steps to diversify the economy and ensure rational management of rich mineral, industrial and agricultural resources and, most importantly, the powerful and highly intellectual human potential in modern conditions.

The ADB President expressed his sincere gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan for the warm reception, assuring of the ADB’s commitment to further expand and develop partnership relations with Uzbekistan in various sectors of economy and social development.

www.uza.uz  
 

 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received World Bank Vice-President for Europe and Central Asia Philippe Le Houérou at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on 30 April. Welcoming the guests, the head of the state emphasized the strategic character of jointly implemented projects in priority sectors of the country’s economy and consistent expansion of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the World Bank.

“Participation of the World Bank representatives in the Asian Development Bank’s annual meeting in Tashkent confirms the high level of relations between Uzbekistan and the World Bank,” President Islam Karimov said.

Participation of a high-profile delegation of the World Bank and several other foreign banking and financial institutions in the 43rd ADB Annual Meeting, which opens in Tashkent, is noteworthy.

This again demonstrates the broad recognition by the international community of the efficiency of the Anti-crisis program implemented in the country and the “Uzbek model” of economic development.   In cooperation with this leading international financial institution, about 20 projects in various sectors of the economy and social development are being successfully implemented. They cover areas like structural changes in agriculture, rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems, modernization of communal services, as well as improving healthcare and education, and environmental protection.

At the meeting in Oqsaroy, Philippe Le Houérou expressed his sincere gratitude to the head of the state for the warm reception and noted that holding an international forum of such level in Uzbekistan, which is an example of stable economic growth in the conditions of the global financial crisis, had a particular importance. He also stressed that the present ADB meeting would be another proof of the investment attractiveness and confirmation of the correctness of further modernization of Uzbekistan.

During the talks, the sides exchanged views on the implementation of joint projects and prospects for further development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the World Bank.

www.uza.uz 
 

On April 23 this year at the Oksaroy Residence in Tashkent the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the Shanghai Cooperation Organization participating states’ security council secretaries, as well as the SCO Secretary-General M.Imanaliev and Director of the Tashkent-based Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) D.Jumanbekov.

President said he was confident of the high level of interaction achieved in such areas of the SCO activity as elaboration and implementation of the policy measures in terms of ensuring regional security on the multilateral basis, in the joint coordination of which the role of security councils of this respected international organization’s participating states is very important, according to such report by the Uzbekistan National News Agency.

Speaking of the increasing authority and significance of the SCO efforts in the current terms, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov has underscored its growing role in addressing the problems of regional and global security, counteracting the international terrorism, separatism and extremism – labeled as the “three evils”, drug trafficking and other threats and challenges in the strategically important region of Central Asia.

In 2004 Uzbekistan initiated the notion of holding the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization participating states’ security council secretaries. Such idea has then turned into an important mechanism of elaboration of concerted measures and efforts in terms of providing for peace and stability in the regional context.

The April 23-meeting at the Oksaroy came on the eve of the SCO forthcoming summit in Tashkent due on June 10-11 this year. Reasoned by this fact, the partakers of the Oksaroy meeting considered the prospects of raising the effectiveness of mechanisms of decisionmaking by various structures of the Organization.

They have noted a remarkable significance of the constructive exchange of views in terms of improving interaction of the Organization’s participating states on many outstanding directions of regional development, especially, in the context of cooperation with corresponding counter-terrorism bodies of the United Nations on the basis of the Joint Declaration signed on April 5 this year in Tashkent between the SCO and UN Secretariats.

During the Oksaroy meeting in Tashkent the guests have sincerely thanked the Uzbek Leader for a warm welcome. At the same time, they underscored a special significance of the efforts being taken on the part of Uzbek leadership on making the SCO more active in many spheres of regional cooperation during its chairmanship in the Organization for this year.
 

www.jahonnews.uz
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with Meng Jianzhu, Member of State Council, Minister of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China, in Oqsaroy on 23 April.

According to the President’s press service, the head of our state noted that priority aspects of Uzbek-Chinese cooperation include deepening the political dialogue, further reinvigoration of joint efforts in bolstering the regional security, including within frameworks of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), boosting the trade and investment cooperation for mutual benefit.

As the guest stated, efforts by Uzbekistan’s leadership to revitalize the SCO activity in many areas of regional cooperation, especially during our nation’s presidency in the Organization, have enjoyed broad international support.

President of Uzbekistan stressed that this country, located like China in close proximity to hotbeds of armed conflict, attaches a strategic importance to maintaining regional stability and security.

In efforts to improve the effectiveness of partnership within SCO, prospects for raising the effectiveness of decision-making mechanisms to shore up the standing of the Organization and its structural units, have been discussed.

Member of PRC State Council Meng Jianzhu expressed sincere gratitude to head of our republic for the warm welcome, as well as confidence in the fact that activities planned within SCO frameworks under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan, including the state visit of PRC President Hu Jintao to the republic, will be at the highest level.
 

www.uza.uz
 

Meng Jianzhu, Member of State Council, Minister of Public Security of China, held a meeting with Bakhodir Matlyubov, Minister of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan, on 24 April in Tashkent.

The sides discussed issues of expansion of bilateral cooperation in counteracting terrorism, separatism and extremism, drug traffic and other transnational organized crimes, as well as strengthening regional security and stability.

They emphasized that relations between Uzbekistan and China in the field of security were developing steadily, like in all other directions.

At the end of the meeting, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Public Security of China signed a Protocol on further development of cooperation for 2010-2011.
 

www.uza.uz
 

On the initiative of President Islam Karimov the Government of Uzbekistan rendered a gratuitous humanitarian aid to the Kyrgyz Republic, according to the report by the Uzbekistan National News Agency.

On April 24 this year from the railway station “Savay” of the Kurghantepa District of the Andijan Province the Government of Uzbekistan sent the humanitarian aid to the neighboring country.

According to the report, the humanitarian aid included 30 tons of flour, 200 tons of mineral fertilizers, 150 tons of cement, construction materials, clothing, medicinal treatment tools, medicinal inventory, and many other stuff.

Such humanitarian gesture on the part of the Government has been frankly supported by the Uzbek people, the report indicated.

“Our ancestors lived side by side, engaged in land farming on the adjacent territories of land,” the chairman of the Kurghantepa District Department of Nuroniy Foundation Mamasoli Siddikov said. “Therefore, rendering humanitarian aid to Kyrgyzstan is quite natural and we support it.”

Also, the humanitarian aid to Kyrgyzstan speaks about the solid friendship of the two people.

“From the ancient times our peoples have been linked with friendly relations,” Deputy Minister for Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic Muhammed Kasymaliev said. “Uzbekistan was one of the first to have offered a hand of help to Kyrgyzstan. We are profoundly grateful to the President and Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan for that.”
 

www.jahonnews.uz
 

 

Tashkent has hosted the 8th Festival of Cultural Traditions and National Cuisine among diplomatic missions accredited in Uzbekistan. The Reception House of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan has again brought together representatives of various nations and cultures, meeting them to the sounds of karnays and surnays (Uzbek national musical wind instruments), the exposition of products of the national applied art, and certainly, the table rich with various national meals which could only be observed but tasted as well. Approximately thirty embassies and cultural centers represented the whole beauty of their traditions and habits. Tables full of dainty dishes one could say with confidence that the representatives of diplomatic missions have done their best.   As the director of Lal Bahadur Shastri Center for Indian Culture Dr. Nasir Raza Khan noted, the Embassy and Cultural Center of India is the regular participants of the festival.

“This time together with our national dishes we decided to exhibit our national musical instruments. The events of this kind are the right opportunity to exchange news, opinions with other people. I do like to take part in this festival, to get acquainted with various persons, and no less important aspect – to feel at ease while communicating.”

Abundance of meals was replaced with musical programs presented by representatives of cultural centers.

The First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Uzbekistan Tsuyoshi Kurihara shared his impressions with UT correspondent: “This is my first participation in this festival, and frankly speaking, I did not expect such a scale. Working in Uzbekistan I have got huge impressions – bewitching country, gorgeous architecture of ancient towns. I would like to note about Uzbek people. They are so friendly and smiling.” Telling about the festival itself, Mr. Tsuyoshi Kurihara marked that such occasion was the most successful way to bring together people and establish relations.

The official from of the Embassy of Germany in Uzbekistan Olga Nowak emphasized that special gratitude should be expressed to women representing diplomatic corps, who served such beautiful tables for participants and guests of the festival. “The most fruitful communication gets happened around the well-served tables, therefore this event is the good opportunity for dialoguing, acquainting, exchanging culinary secrets, and undoubtedly, for strengthening ties between nation,” she said.

The next day of the festival was hosted by the Uzbek National Academic Theater of Drama where the audience had the opportunity to see the bright cultural program including songs and dances of various nations. The Uzbek pop stars were also performed within the concert. The awarding ceremony crowned the second day of the festival where diplomas and keepsake presents were given to all participants of the 8th Festival of Cultural Traditions and National Cuisine.
 

www.ut.uz
 

Nurturing a comprehensively advanced generation, providing young people with commendable education constitutes a priority direction of government policy in Uzbekistan. Public organizations have made a significant input into this process. This is backed by a wide range of actions organized by the Fund Forum of Culture and Arts and Mehr Nuri Foundation. The regular joint action under a banner “We Are a Team” is aimed at developing a network of youth initiative centers to assist young people in realizing their creative ideas locally as well as nationwide.

Varying kinds of events including forums of youth initiatives, job fairs, media forums, business castings for the young entrepreneurs school, trainings on the arrangement of foreign language courses and concerts of popular musicians were held in all major cities in the republic. A total of 55,000 boys and girls from different educational institutions have taken part in the action across the nation.

Every single event organized within the action was exciting in its own way. For example, forums of youths’ initiatives discussed the activity of Kelajak Ovozi Center for the last years and plans and projects for 2010. Representatives of local administrations, sponsors and partners – heads of major enterprises, government and non-governmental organizations, gifted young people with new ideas and proposals attended the gatherings. It is notable that many of them secured support from local authorities.

The action “We are a Team” included business castings to select the participants of spring business school within the Program for the Support of Young Entrepreneurs. About 1,000 young citizens intent on starting their own business attended the castings. Brightest 50 partakers were selected by means of questionnaire and interview. They will be able to use the assistance within the program and acquire all necessary knowledge for going into business.

Valisher Ohunov from Namangan presented his project on the development of cellular communication devices in Uzbekistan.

“This project, supporting young entrepreneurs, is a solid platform that provides opportunities to many young people in realizing their ideas,” Valisher said during the interview.

The further development of Kelajak Lingvo language center figures high on the agenda. Trainings on the arrangement of conversation clubs have been conducted in all regions. More than 400 students attended these workshops that facilitated the creation of English language courses in each region.

The job fairs called by the Youth Employment Assistance Center (YEAC) turned into the most wide-scale events within the action “We are a Team”. They attracted a total of 40,000 university, college and lyceum graduates. 19,530 of these young people received job offers. 2,940 enterprises and organizations presented the young hopefuls with 35,503 vacancies. The YEAC’s contender base received 1,140 applications.

“I’m graduating from a medical college this year,” said Charos Khudoyberdieva from Bukhoro. “In accordance with the contract I’ve concluded at this job fair, I’ll work in the emergency medical aid substation after my graduation.”

Media forums were arranged in cooperation with the National Association of Electronic Mass Media (NAEMM) and Public Fund for Support and Development of Non-Governmental Print Mass Media and Information Agencies. They gathered young journalists from regional TV and radio stations, newspapers and magazines as well as chiefs of local mass media. They focused on expanding partner ties between mass media representatives and ‘wannabe’ journalists.

“I think the key peculiarity of this action is that it made us realize that all the youth of Uzbekistan are a single team indeed,” said Shuhrat Egamberdiyev, a Kelajak Ovozi activist. “This feeling strengthens the spirit of young people. The action has helped reveal a huge number of energetic and creative youths. We met very talented boys and girls in the course of the action, and every one of them participated in projects by exploring new opportunities to apply their potential”.
 

www.ut.uz
 

Two French newspapers – Le Journal Toulousain and L’Echo des Entreprises published articles, almost simultaneously, telling about economic, investment and tourist potential of Uzbekistan and favorable conditions created in our republic for foreign investors.

The author of the article “Discovering Uzbekistan” president of the Agency for Economic and Cultural Development North-South of South Pyrenees region Gilbert Salinas points out the importance of establishing of direct economic and investment relations between Uzbekistan and South Pyrenees region.

“Having visited Uzbekistan I discovered a diverse country with a great cultural heritage which made inestimable contribution in Islamic and world civilization”, writes Gilbert Salinas. He tells about great scientists who were born and worked at the territory of modern Uzbekistan - Abu Rayhon Beruniy, Mirzo Ulug’bek, Ahmad al-Farghoni, Avicenna, Muhammad al-Khorazmiy.

Being a bridge between Europe and Asia and possessing never-ending natural resource, developed industry, power industry and agriculture, the country is of interest for mutually beneficial and fruitful cooperation, the author believes. He highly estimates the reforms in all spheres of life being held in the country which results are the high rates of economic development, peace and stable welfare of the nation.

“Since earliest times Uzbekistan is situated at the crossroads of world trade ways and has the advantageous geostrategic position”, notes L’Echo des Entreprises in the article entitled “Uzbekistan is the country of big economic opportunities”. “The republic is rich in unique historical monuments which we can contemplate in ancient cities – Samarqand, Bukhoro, Khiva and Tashkent.”

Describing Uzbekistan as the country with a big economic potential, the article acquaints the readers with the main industrial sectors of the country including aircraft building, motor industry, electrical engineering, metallurgy, textile production, oil production, gas extraction, oil refining. It is also mentioned that Uzbekistan disposing of agriculture not only provides the needs of its population, but also exports food.

“For attracting foreign investments the government of the country adopted a number of documents directed at creation of favorable investment climate. Taking into consideration the geographical position and economic potential, nowadays Uzbekistan is very attractive country for foreign partners”, writes L’Echo des Entreprises.
 

www.ut.uz
 

Board of directors of Asian Development Bank approved a $350 million credit package for installation of a 800 MW propane-butane turbine at Talimarjan power plant.

This will help raise the power generation efficiency from 30% to more than 50% as well as save the fuel and reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide by 1 million tons per year.

As sources from ADB informed, the cost of the project is $1.28 billion. Apart from the ADB loan, the project will also be funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency ($300 million). The rest $630 million will be financed by the government of Uzbekistan, Reconstruction and Development Fund of Uzbekistan and Uzbekenergo company.

The ADB board of directors has also approved a $50 million loan for three Uzbek banks: Bank Ipak Yuli, Hamkorbank and Agrobank and a $600,000 grant.
The credit lines will be issued within the frameworks of the second project on the development of small- and microfinance services.

The banks will provide loans to small and micro businesses toward projects involving manufacture and sale of goods, services and commercial activities as well as toward investment purposes.

It is projected to provide training courses for some 1,000 loan-recipient entrepreneurs and create 30,000 additional jobs. This will contribute to the economic growth and improvement in living standard.

As ADB remarked in the press release, Hamkorbank and Agrobank will get by $20 million and Bank Ipak Yuli will get $10 million. Under the terms, the participating banks will allocate their own resources for the project in the amount equal to the loans provided by ADB.
 

www.ut.uz
 

 

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on April 19-20 was on official visit in Russia at the invitation of President Dmitriy Medvedev. Major part of events started in the Kremlin on April 20 with the meeting of Islam Karimov and Dmitriy Medvedev in tet-a-tet format. During the talks, the sides exchanged views on advancement of Uzbek-Russian relations, expansion of cooperation in the framework of international organizations, on regional and international issues of common interest, including the mitigation and overcoming the global financial and economic downturn.

Interaction with Russia in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, as well as ties with Uzbekistan in Russia’s foreign relations, is of particular magnitude. Contemporary cooperation is premised on Strategic Partnership Treaty between the two nations signed in 2004, and the one on Allied Relations reached in 2005.

Delegations of various levels have frequently been exchanged. The regular Uzbek-Russian intergovernmental joint commission convened this March.

Ministries of foreign affairs, external trade, and defense of the two countries regularly hold mutual negotiations and consultations.

Uzbekistan and Russia actively interact in the framework of international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and Commonwealth of Independent States. These ties serve to bolster the security and stability in the area, and promote regional integration processes. The two nations cooperate also in efforts to help stabilize the situation in Afghanistan.

During the talks, Islam Karimov and Dmitriy Medvedev focused on the development of trade and economic as well as humanitarian cooperation. Russia is Uzbekistan’s reliable political, economic and investment partner. One fifths of Uzbek foreign trade accounts for the Russian Federation. Extensive contacts are established in the sphere of humanitarian cooperation that covers public and higher education, culture, healthcare, travel industry and other areas.

Similarity and harmony of views and positions of the two presidents with regard to ways of advancing the mutual relations, on regional and international issues, as well as the friendship between our peoples, are key to enhancing the cooperation. The relations are instituted on 276 agreements at different levels.

Issues concerning rational use of water and energy resources in Central Asia have been discussed during the meeting. The leaders insisted that construction of hydroelectric stations on trans-border rivers of the region be coordinated with neighboring countries and that such projects be subject to an independent international expert assessment.

Presidents Karimov and Medvedev continued negotiations in an expanded format with the participation of official delegations of Uzbekistan and Russia. The ongoing global economic slowdown notwithstanding, the volume of bilateral trade amounted to nearly $4.5 billion in 2009. Uzbekistan’s exports to Russia include natural gas, agricultural products, transport and communication services, vehicles, textiles. Cars produced in Uzbekistan have enjoyed a decent demand in Russia. This fact underscores the growing share of competitive industrial products with high added value in foreign trade. Uzbekistan imports non-ferrous and ferrous metals, mechanical and electrical equipment, wood and woodworking products from Russia.

The increasing number of Uzbek-Russian joint ventures backs the argument in favor of dynamic growth in investment cooperation. In particular, 843 such enterprises operate currently in Uzbekistan. In addition, 135 Russian companies have their offices in the country. In Russia, 385 joint businesses are created with Uzbek partners.

The two leaders agreed that the above-mentioned figures hardly reflect the full capacities of the two nations. Uzbekistan and Russia boast enormous potential for further expansion of trade-economic and investment cooperation. There exists an ample room for interaction among companies from both countries in a number of industries of manufacturing sector.

In addition, prospects of further expansion of cooperation in cultural and humanitarian spheres have been examined in the course of negotiations. Interactions have been fruitful also in the area of public and higher education, healthcare, science and technologies.

In October 2009, Uzbekturizm national company and Russia’s Tourist Corporation inked an interagency agreement intended to uphold interaction in travel industry. The document provides for an extensive engagement of Uzbekistan’s tourist potential in Russia and the increased flow of travelers. Presidents of Uzbekistan and Russia signed a joint statement.

Agreements penned include the memorandum of mutual understanding in the promotion of the program of activities in the sphere of military-technical cooperation for 2010-2012 between the two governments; protocol on the organization of experiment on mutual preliminary report between the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan and the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation; and program of cooperation in cultural and humanitarian sphere for 2010-2012.

At a meeting with mass media, the two leaders stressed that the talks passed in open and friendly atmosphere and that the deals reached would facilitate progress in bilateral relations.

“The visit constitutes a good chance to single out new priorities for advancing the mutual interaction, for reinvigorating the unrealized potential to a full extent, - Islam Karimov suggested. - Uzbekistan highly appreciates its ties with Russia. These relations serve the interests of the two nations and help consolidate security and stability in Central Asia as a whole”.

“The talks have confirmed that both Russia and Uzbekistan are interested in an extensive growth in cooperation, - Dmitriy Medvedev held. - We have exchanged views on economic issues. We agreed to keep on with all-embracing interaction in energy, aviation, engineering, telecommunications and many other areas. The visit is going to help further reinforce the principal dimensions of cooperation and reveal its new capacities”.

President Islam Karimov met with head of Russian government Vladimir Putin. Encouragement of trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation as well as other issues of common interest has been discussed at the meeting with prime minister.

Analysts suggest there is every reason to believe that the visit has reiterated the interest of the parties in enlarging the scope of interaction, in exploring new prospects for cooperation.
 

www.ut.uz
 

Uzbek economy grew 7.6% in the first quarter, as it was reported at a Cabinet meeting on socio-economic development over that period.

Participants have comprehensively reviewed and analyzed the major rates of socio-economic development, efficiency of measures taken to ensure macroeconomic balance, sustainable economic growth and to accelerate the implementation of major investment projects on technological modernization of industries.

In the course of the meeting it was agreed that the systemic and consistent implementation of structural programs, economic diversification and anti-crisis program for 2009-2012 has helped not only cushion the impact of global economic crisis, but also achieve macroeconomic stability, high and sustained economic growth.

Thus, GDP growth in January-March has been recorded at 7.6%, while industrial output rose 7%, and agricultural production expanded by 6.1%. The volume of services increased by 12.2%, construction works rose 20.1%.

National budget was realized with a 0.2% surplus to GDP, and inflation did not exceed the forecast parameters.

Systemic efforts undertaken to expand export capacity and promote the produce of local manufacturers in new foreign markets have ensured a 22.1% growth in exports and a significant positive trade balance.

In the first quarter, the national economy attracted 2.6 times more direct foreign investments than in the same period last year. Twenty nine projects on technical modernization have been completed, 118 new production facilities commissioned.
Overall, commissioning of production facilities is scheduled under 418 technological modernization projects in 2010.

Owing to tax and customs privileges and preferences granted to domestic manufacturers, growth in credit investments of commercial banks into the manufacturing sector of economy, the output of consumer goods increased by 8.9% in the first quarter this year, including 9% of nonfood products.

Since the beginning of the year, 215,400 new jobs have been opened in the republic, including more than 150,100 or about 70% in rural areas.

Measures taken to stimulate the development of cottage industry and handicrafts and folk art led to the creation of additional 53,100 jobs in the first quarter this year. Some 135,400 jobs have been created in the first quarter by small and entrepreneurial businesses and in the services sector.

In the first quarter, 1.4 trillion soums and $25.4 million have been channeled toward measures taken under the national program of the Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation.

Besides, it was noted that Uzbekistan continues a broad introduction to the educational process of new information, communication and educational technologies, including equipping of 1,551 schools with computers, as well as 316 schools in rural areas with teaching and laboratory equipment.

In the first quarter of the year, 106,800 new jobs have been created for young people. 23.8 billion soums of soft mortgage loans have been issued for improving the living conditions of young families.
 

www.ut.uz
 

The topic of a roundtable held at the Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) with the participation of leading Russian experts.

Speaking to the participants of the roundtable the Uzbek side elaborated on priorities of the SCO Presidency, reminding participants about the initiatives of the President to improve effectiveness of the Organization, including development of its international contacts, strengthen the regulatory framework, etc.

The event’s participants marked a balanced and focused approach of Uzbekistan to the SCO Presidency.

In this regard, Professor V. Naumkin, Doctor of Historical Sciences, said that the country was a Russia’s strategic partner. The Chairmanship of Uzbekistan, the SCO aims to give new impetus to development of the Organization, implementation of a number of constructive initiatives for its institutionalization.

Central Asia has always been crucial in the activity of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

As President of the Republic of Uzbekistan repeatedly pointed out, the important priority of our country’s foreign policy is maintenance of peace and stability in Central Asia and making this region a stable security zone. In this regard, the priorities of the Organization and Uzbekistan are the same.

As is known, the main source of security threats in our region is the 30 years lasted war in Afghanistan, where, unfortunately, there is a tendency to exacerbate tensions and confrontation. And one cannot talk about security and stability in Central Asia without solving the problem. For most of the countries, involved in the conflict, it becomes apparent that military means to resolve the Afghan problem are useless.

Our head of state is convinced that without addressing such critical issues as rebuilding the war-torn economy, communications and social infrastructure of Afghanistan, with no involvement of Afghans themselves in the process, reaching internal consensus and strengthening authorities positively one cannot change the situation in the country.

In this respect, our country provides an example of constructive engagement in the reconstruction of the destroyed by years of war the economy of our southern neighbor. It is through Uzbekistan’s transportation corridors international relief supplies continuously delivered to Afghanistan. The Uzbek energy workers each year increase the electricity supply, the constructors have restored dozens of bridges and other transportation infrastructure.

PARTICIPANTS’ OPINION:
 

Gennady Chufrin, RAS Associate Member, Member of Directorate of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of RAS: - I appreciate the perspectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as very important. Over 9 years of its existence, the SCO demonstrates the significant progress and is currently a very important factor not only regional, but also global politics and economics. It is important that the SCO is actively involving all its members. Uzbekistan’s Chairmanship gives the opportunity to make important, meaningful initiatives, aimed at improving the Organization.

Today's roundtable has once again demonstrated that all issues, occurring in the SCO, must be addressed together. I am sure we will are on the right track.
 

Sergey Luzyanin, Deputy Director of the Institute for Far Eastern Studies, Professor of Moscow State Institute of International Relations: - I believe the Presidency of Uzbekistan in SCO provides additional political and intellectual resources of the Organization. It allows more objective and detailed consideration at a high level of external, in particular, transAfghan threats, including drug trafficking, terrorism, transnational crime and other challenges. Today, Uzbekistan as SCO Chair not only precisely highlight key points, but also as a state, bordering with Afghanistan, clearly recognizes the value of the SCO both in security and economic cooperation terms.

www.ut.uz
 

The fifth session of the heads of bodies dealing with prevention and liquidation of emergency situations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was held in Tashkent on 21 April.

Representatives of the respective bodies of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan participated in the meeting.

The participants considered information on the largest emergency situations in SCO member states over the past year and measures to prevent similar situations.

They exchanged views on the perspectives of cooperation in preventing and liquidating emergency situations.

The meeting concluded with signing of a protocol of the fifth session.

www.uza.uz
 

 

“We are a Team”, a youth social action, has been one of the wide-scale projects by Kelajak Ovozi (Voice of the Future) Center, organized within the Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation in cooperation with Fund Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan and Mehr Nuri Foundation. As it has been reported earlier, the action, held for the fourth time, has expanded its agenda as its scale grew. It has proved exceptionally event-packed this time around as it includes dealings as diverse as:

Business trainings combined with admission of new participants to a young school of young entrepreneurs; trainings on how to organize language clubs; job fair for university and college graduates and employers; presentation of Kelajak Ovozi-2010 contest; youth forum Kelajak Ovozi with participation of all partners and founders. In addition to this, Mehr Nuri Foundation has organized charity actions during the trips. During their exciting and tremendously practical journey, young people have been stimulated to new ideas, make lots of friends, and find like-minded people. This precipitated a considerable enlargement of the team with talented, initiative-prone and energetic young people.

They spent the last phase of their route in the Farghona valley, the most picturesque land of the republic that gave birth to plead of great scholars and thinkers. During the week the artistic youth had an opportunity to grasp the secrets of high-class journalism, get introduced to the experience of professionals, share their ideas, attend a job fair and other events organized first in Namangan, and then in Andijon and Farghona.

Youth of this region takes a high interest in all events within the action. The media forum was especially interesting. Having become one of the most attractive events within the project “We are a Team”, it gathered representatives of state and public organizations including the Republican Spirituality Center, Public Fund for Support and Development of Independent Press and News Agencies of Uzbekistan, National Association of Electronic Mass Media, Creative Union of Journalists, and
others.

Gifted youths, holders of Fund Forum grants and scholarships were especially active. Thanks to their excellent knowledge they rank adequately in the society.

The creative youth of the Farg’ona valley had an opportunity of learning secrets of the journalism mastery, acquainting with the experience of professionals, sharing their ideas during three days. More that 100 young journalists took part in the media forum in Namangan alone. More of them participated in the forum in Andijon and Farg’ona. The events were held to the single busy schedule. Besides the media forum, their were provided with the visit to the regional TV stations and participated in many other events within the National Program Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation.

We will remind that young studios equipped with the latest facilities opened in all regions of the republic in 2008. The project was developed in cooperation with the Kelajak Ovozi center to provide boys and girls with opportunities for revealing their creative capabilities.

Young journalists and students exchanged opinions on covering the aspects of the youth life in mass media of the country. As it was noted, active involvement of young journalists is very important in terms of prevention of the influence of different alien ideas and views on thinking and mind of the present young generation. The participants of the action got acquainted with the activity of the youth TV studios and press centers Kelajak Press under the regional branches of the Youths’ Initiatives Centers Kelajak Ovozi.

“Over 30 young journalists are currently working in our press center,” said Zarnigor Omonullaeva, head of the Farg’ona youth press center Kelajak Press. “We are closely cooperating with many press editions. We constantly work on advancing our proficiency aiming at raising the production quality. So this media forum has become an important and useful event for creative people boosting their further activity in this sphere.”

Abdulaziz Abdullaev, director of the Public Fund for Support and Development of Independent Press and Information Agencies of Uzbekistan, in his speech stressed the necessity of advancing the young journalists’ proficiency and quality of their products as well as close cooperation with press editions.

The media forum spotlighted the importance of rendering the comprehensive assistance to youths in their professional search and growth and raising quality of thematic and creative content of the production. The board chairman of the Kelajak Ovozi center Kamoliddin Beknazarov proposed the development of media projects with involvement of as many youths as possible.

“All ways are open today for young people who wish to work in journalism,” noted Umida Yusupova, editor of the Yoshlar youth TV studio from Namangan. “The events like this are very important for us since we get much useful experience here and feel a great support. Such projects comprehensively assist young people in opening their talents, developing their abilities and taking their niche in the society.”

The action “We are a Team” comes to its close. They are in Olmaliq, and plan to come to Tashkent on the final point of the route.
 

www.ut.uz
 

The lower house of parliament held a meeting of the new composition of Parliamentary Commission for Finance Management of the Public Foundation for the Support of Nongovernmental Nonprofit Organizations and Other Civil Society Institutions under Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

During the meeting the deputies discussed the activities of the commission in 2008-2009 and challenges for the future.

The Parliamentary Commission and the foundation were created in accordance with a joint resolution of councils of the Legislative Chamber and Senate of June 2008 on measures to enhance the support for NGOs and other civil society institutions. This established a unique, independent system of formation the funding sources for the activities of NGOs and other civil society institutions in Uzbekistan based on democratic principles.

The Parliamentary Commission is composed of members of the Legislative Chamber, senators, the media and major NGOs. The commission is chaired by Akmal Saidov head of the Committee for Democratic Institutions, NGOs and Civil Society of the Legislative Chamber, member of Millii Tiklanish DPU faction in parliament.

The Parliamentary Commission will mainly address issues of allocation of grants and social orders, subsidies for the development of NGOs, as well as tracing how the issued funds are spent. In turn, the public foundation, whose finance is managed by the Parliamentary Commission, is guided by the principles of openness and transparency, as well as the targeted use of financial resources issued to nongovernmental nonprofit organizations and other civil society institutions. The financial resources of the foundation backed from the national budget are allocated directly to NGOs usually on a competitive basis and decisions of the Parliamentary Commission, without any intermediate agencies and structures. The volume of funds of the public foundation for the next year is determined together with the approval of the national budget.

Foreign experts highlighted during numerous conferences and round tables held in the country and abroad that the Parliamentary Commission and the Public Foundation for Support of NGOs and Other Civil Society Institutions is a unique and the most democratic form of support for civil society institutions. They believe Uzbekistan takes systematic measures for the development of civil society institutions and the establishment of the Parliamentary Commission is yet another confirmation of the effective implementation of the concept of transition “from a strong state to a strong civil society”.

During the meeting, deputies discussed the most pressing organizational issues, as well as the work of the Parliamentary Commission in 2008-2009. It was stressed that, despite the short period of time, the Parliamentary Commission carried out a tangible work aimed at supporting social projects of NGOs, strengthening their participation in socioeconomic development of regions, environmental problems, implementation of other projects designed to improve the social and business activities of citizens. In particular, upon the decisions of the Parliamentary Commission in 2008-2009, NGOs and other civil society institutions received, primarily on a competitive basis, approximately 6 billion soums for the implementation of more than 120 social projects in the form of subsidies, grants and social orders.

In addition, the Parliamentary Commission defined its objectives for the future. Thus, they are aimed at furthering the support for the NGOs’ social projects designed to become an important factor in increasing the social activity of citizens, their involvement into the resolution of pressing public and state-building issues, strengthening democratic values in the minds of people in the context of the keynote address by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan at a joint session of both houses of parliament on the modernization of the country and building a strong civil society as our top priority.

Following the meeting, participants were given advice and suggestions on the draft action program of the Parliamentary Commission for the short and long term future.
 

www.ut.uz
 

A representative delegation of Uzbekistan has attended an international conference in Tokyo this week.

At this event, where about 300 Japanese companies participate, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan Elyor Ganiev and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Masayuki Naoshima made addresses.

During the forum, the Uzbek side presented the economic and industrial potential of Uzbekistan, opportunities of the “Navoi” Free Industrial-Economic zone, which created favorable conditions for foreign investors.

The conference consisted of four thematic blocks on the automotive, electrical, textile and light industry and tourism industry.

Participants of the event noted that Uzbekistan, situated on the Silk Road, today has created in the Navoi region a free industrial economic zone with total area of 564 hectares. The FIEZ has become a center of industry and industrial exports connecting countries of Europe and the Middle East, India and China.

The favorable investment climate in FIEZ, with significant tax benefits and preferences, has already attracted major companies from the South Korea, China and Italy. All this, accordingly to participants, signaling a new era of economic exchange on the revival of the Silk Road.
 

www.ut.uz
 

“Sustainable development confirms the correctness of economic approaches”

- an article on Uzbekistan in the Saudi newspaper Al-Iqtisadiya starts with these words.

An information reason for expanded and detailed publications on Uzbekistan in the Arab newspaper was the results of economic development during the world crisis in 2009.

“Uzbekistan's GDP grew last year by 8.1%, industrial output - by 9%, agriculture - by 5.7%, - wrote Al-Iqtisadiya. - This investment in the economy of the country amounted to the equivalent of US$8.2 billion, almost 25% more than in 2008. To 68% increased the volume of attracted foreign investments and, most importantly, the major proportion of these direct investments, increased 1.8 times.

“The inflation rate in the country did not exceed the established thresholds for the year and amounted to 7.4%. Uzbekistan has become in the past year one of the few countries, in which the state budget with a surplus of 0.2% of GDP.

Due to adopted right strategy development and modernization of the country, mobilizing forces in carrying out the anti-crisis program, Uzbekistan have managed not only to confront challenges and threats to the global crisis, but also to ensure stable rates of economic and social development, the growth of welfare and wellbeing of the people”, - the publication stressed.

Reflecting on causes of impact of measures implemented under the Anti-Crisis Program, the authors focused on two key objectives - to create new jobs and a further increase in living standards.

The publication notes that Uzbekistan’s successes in implementation of anti-crisis measures have been recognized by prestigious international financial and economic institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank and several others. In this regard, Al-Iqtisadiya cites the statement of Executive Directors of the IMF, that “Uzbekistan has shown considerable resistance to the global economic crisis as a result of prudent policies, allowing the Government to accumulate substantial resources necessary to ensure growth in this period, and withstand the crisis, as well as through sound policy on global financial markets”.

Reminding its readers that the territory of modern Uzbekistan is one of the oldest centers of civilization, and the cities of Samarqand, Bukhoro and Khiva are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the publication says about the rapid development of the tourism industry here, now hosting about one million visitors from around the world each year. “Tourists from Saudi Arabia, visiting Uzbekistan at least once, surely want to come back to this country”, - the article of Saudi edition concludes.
 

www.ut.uz
 

As part of an international forum “Health Week – TIHE 2010” (Tashkent International Health Exhibition), medical experts have discussed prospects of consolidating the financial and material standing of remedial institutions in the country. They agreed on the need to create a relevant environment for introducing advanced diagnostic and treatment methods.

INNOVATIONS IN DEMAND

During the 1990s, Uzbekistan started developing highly efficient healthcare institutions. A number of projects on modernization of medical facilities have already been completed with visibly remarkable effects. There is a well-developed network of rural health units that provide primary care at a high level. The country’s largest medical institutions have also passed through modernizations, particularly national research centers of emergency care, specialized cardiology, surgery, urology and eye microsurgery centers. Now, these facilities provide the highest level healthcare services using the latest equipment.

Today, efforts in the introduction of foremost diagnostic and treatment methods are focused on regions. Last year, the Ministry of Healthcare supplied all regional branches of the national center of emergency care with equipment. This enabled them to provide various operations using latest endo-visual instruments – laparoscopes and thoracoscopes. And new artificial kidneys of the last generation significantly extend the life of patients suffering from chronic renal failure.

It is noteworthy that doctors widely introduce into practice not only foreign developments, but also invention of the domestic scientists. For example, Sogdiana laser therapy apparatus has found a widespread use. And in the pharmaceutical field are the most popular locally developed Allapenine, an anti-arrhythmic drug, and many other drugs synthesized from local herbs.

The TIHE exhibition plays an important role in the implementation of new high-tech diagnostic and treatment methods. In particular, cooperation between Research Institute for Orthopedics and Traumatology with producers of material needed for the treatment of fractures of tubular bones on BIOS technology started from the International Forum Health Week – TIHE. Today this technology allowing patients to stand on their feet in several days is widely used in the institute and is being implemented in regional health facilities.

AS MIRROR OF PROGRESS

Today, medical exhibitions in Uzbekistan are primarily organized by three international companies. The largest events are organized by ITE Uzbekistan. Fifteen years ago, the company held the first international health exhibition TIHE, which several years ago merged with more recent projects – Stomatology Uzbekistan, AptekaExpo and Beauty and Aesthetic Medicine – Beauty Uzbekistan
into one big project called Health Week – TIHE.

Competition that has arisen between the companies specializing in medical exhibitions contributed to a better organizational level of these events. In general, according to foreign experts, the quality of medical exhibitions in Uzbekistan meets best international practice. It is noteworthy that each exhibition has developed its scientific program that includes a national conference on current medical issues. For example, a fourth Congress of Dentists was held last week, in which specialists discussed the current state and prospects of dentistry in Uzbekistan.

It is noteworthy that expositions expand from year to year. This year, 145 companies from 25 countries presented their products at four exhibitions held within the Health Week – TIHE 2010. Another important trend is growing enthusiasm of domestic producers. In particular, this year domestic producers constituted 34% of the exposition.

There is every reason to assert that the medical exhibitions in Uzbekistan are the mirror of the country’s healthcare. Growing number of participants reflects a good modernization level of medical facilities and introduction of advanced diagnostic and treatment methods in practice, availability of enabling environment in the country. An increased share of domestic producers in the medical device market is a result of complex measures taken for the development of the industry in the country.

IMPULSE 2010

The implementation of two national programs – the Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation and a program for construction, reconstruction, overhaul, outfitting and equipping of health facilities that complemented the previously initiated projects for strengthening the material base of clinics and hospitals – provided another impetus to this process. Currently, such work is carried out at more than 300 health facilities throughout the country.

Thus, in the framework of the Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation Program maternity facilities in Termiz, Chirchiq and Tashkent are being reconstructed, diversified child health centers in Nukus, Andijon, Jizzakh, Termiz, Guliston and Chirchiq and several other health facilities are being repaired. In addition, 94 maternity hospitals in Andijon, Jizzakh, Navoi, Namangan, Samarqand, Surkhondaryo and Sirdaryo regions are supplied with medical and laboratory equipment and furniture. By the end of the year it is planned to supply 14 new fluorography scanners to all regional teen clinics and reequip 2,315 rural health units.

Besides, 50 health institutions undergo reconstruction under the program for
construction, reconstruction, overhaul, outfitting and equipping of health facilities. Moreover, the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan says the next year the volume of work conducted under this program will be substantially increased.

The program also includes other major projects directed at further modernization of the republican scientific and practical medical pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, therapy and medical rehabilitation, endocrinology, psychiatrists and pulmonology, dermatology and venereology centers. A wide range of activities are aimed at development of regional diversified medical centers and regional centers of medical diagnostics and regional medical associations.

The whole complex of measures is aimed at creating additional conditions for regional doctors to master advanced, highly effective methods of diagnosis and treatment. These efforts are expected to ensure higher efficiency in such diagnostics and treatment methods as ultrasound examination, computed and magnetic resonance tomography in regions. It is also expected to develop experience of laparoscopy and thoracoscopy operations.

ALL DOORS OPEN

Domestic market of medical products of the republic is open to all manufacturers of high quality products. This is evidenced by the ever-expanding list of drugs and medical devices certified with the country. In addition, the government encourages the imports of such products and their production in the country.

Thus, medical facilities purchasing modern equipment enjoy customs privileges granted under a presidential decree on major directions of furthering reforms and the national healthcare development program. These are really tangible benefits enabling to significantly reduce costs associated with the importation of high-tech equipment.
A large range of activities are designed to promote domestic production of competitive medical goods meeting the world quality standards. The work in this direction is conducted not only by new businesses but also by existing enterprises having rich experience. As a result, each year the number of producers certified with ISO: 9001 quality standard is increasing. Last year, first companies appeared in Uzbekistan that certified their professional improvement systems in accordance with international standards.

At the same time, imported substitution is developing in the country. Each year, 50 new types of domestic medical products appear in the market. For example Mediz, fore-runner of the domestic industry, which originally specialized in the production of disposable syringes, today produces disposable systems used for drugs injecting and for blood transfusions.

Domestic businesses are also actively establishing joint ventures together with foreign partners. About 10 projects are being worked out at the moment. Thus, Uzfarmsanoat Joint Stock Company jointly with Hungary-based Omninvest Development KFT have created a new company in Uzbekistan, Omninvest Asia which is working on construction of a large pharmaceutical plant for the production of four types of import substituting vaccines and dietary supplements. In addition, Omninvest Asia intends to establish a center for stem cell therapy and gene therapy, which will help to promote best diagnostic and treatment practices based on cellular technology.

It is noteworthy that to date domestic manufacturers of medical products and intensifying relations with domestic research centers that resulted in new original medicines supplied to the market. For example, this year a pharmaceutical plant RekomedFarma launched production of the national blood substitute Suktsinasol, and scientific-production enterprise Radix is to issue a new anti-influenza drug Tselagripp.

In short, the national healthcare system today is actively involves both domestic and foreign manufacturers of medical products. And the first most important result of this is already visible. Since gaining the independence, the average life expectancy in the country increased by four and a half years and reached 72.5 years.

Toward increasing production

Umida Umarova, Farmedsanoat pharmaceutical enterprise:

Our enterprise produces 60 types of medicaments having a wide application in medical practice and intends to enlarge the range of goods in future. Uzbekistan has favorable business climate for the development of pharmaceutical industry. And the medical exhibitions where we always take part play a particular role. They help us find new consumers. Today our production is in demand not only in our country, but also abroad; this fact considerably enlarges our consumer market. For us, as producers, new product markets mean the additional incomes, additional opportunities for development of production and mastering new import substituting produce.

Equipping with cutting-edge technologies

Nurbek Kabulov, director for business development, Medical Technologies:

Our company is the official distributor of the world famous manufacturer of diagnostic medical equipment by Philips. In particular, we present in Uzbekistan such production as radiographic equipment, ultrasonic diagnostics apparatus of the last generation, magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography scanner. They are in high demand and used in all regions of the country. In general, the Uzbek market seems quite promising, as it experiences an active process of supplying medical institutions with modern equipment.


High quality of products guaranteed

Dilorom Nosirova, deputy head of department for quality control of medicines and
medical prescriptions, Ministry of Healthcare:

In Uzbekistan the stock list of import substituting production manufactured at the enterprises of pharmaceutical industry enlarges every year. This year alone it is intended to start the production of more than 50 types of medicaments and drugs of medical purposes. Meanwhile, domestic production is of the same quality as foreign counterparts. The evidence of this is the fact that the enterprises certify their output with the Center of Expertise and Standardization of Medicaments and Drugs of Medical Purposes which possesses a certificate of correspondence to international standard “general requirements to bodies acting in the system of certification of production”.


Intensifying development

Iskandar Hamidov, head of Andijon regional multi-dimensional children’s therapy center:

These days, a new medical building is constructed on the territory of our center. After the completion of construction there will be surgical departments. It is also planned to carry out major repairs reequipping of existing departments. All this creates additional opportunities for mastering high-technological of diagnostic and treatment methods in the center. Our staff has been working in this direction for many years. Many operations including the correction of congenital and acquired malformation of children were mastered in the region. Among last introductions are operations of correction of maldevelopment of faces, oral cavity and funnel breast. After the reception of new equipment we will master non-invasive methods of operations performed with the use of endoscopic equipment, laparoscope and thoracoscope.


Received new equipment

Gulsara Bekchanova, manager, obstetric complex of Qo’shko’pir district, Khorazm region:

Today, maternity institutions of the district are being reequipped. Our obstetric complex is reckoned among establishments that receive the new equipment first. Today we have already refused from outdated equipment and we are using only new one that considerably facilitates our work. For example, the heated table for newborn is equipped with sensors which simultaneously show all important data on health of a baby. The new anaesthetic respiratory apparatus functions noiseless and has software that minimizes the risk of medical error.

Increasing the pace of work

Vladimir Shmat, manager of diagnostic center of Sirdaryo Regional Medical Association:

Recently the laboratory equipment of our clinic was completely renewed. We received new binocular microscopes, programmable centrifuges and semiautomatic analyzers. The new equipment enables us to cope efficiently with a big number of tests. Examinations are carried out rapidly, there are no errors. Our equipment has software which enables high-precision results.

Technologies of the future

Shuhrat Khudoybergenov, director, Bukhoro regional branch of the Republican Specialized Center of Emergency Medical Aid:

As recently as a couple of years ago, during medical exhibitions we always used to stop in front of stands with equipment for endo-visual surgery and make plans on purchasing such installations. It is great when patients are up on the next day following a complicated operation and on the third day they check out from hospital. Finally, owing to government efforts and assistance, our center acquired endoscopic system last year. Since that time we started to grasp non-invasive operations. To this date, we have mastered almost all endo-visual surgery operations possible in emergency medical aid centers. It is notable that plans of healthcare development include installation of at least two kits of equipment – one in children’s, while the other in adult’s diversified medical center. These instruments will facilitate the development of selective endo-visual surgery in conditions requiring immediate interference.


High tech sector

Sunnat Makhsudov, head of department for orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, Tashkent Institute of Advanced Retraining of Doctors:

The development of orthodontics suggests a bright example of how the medicine as a sector of high technologies develops in Uzbekistan. Nowadays the number of orthodontic products made from ‘smart steel’ at the domestic medical market increases every day allowing surgeons to correct the malocclusion. The growing demand for orthodontists’ service prompts the number of these instruments to grow. As is known, the demand promotes the supply. It is great that the number of presented products needed in orthodontics increases from year to year. This allows us to be in the course of all advanced designs used in world medical practice.
 

www.ut.uz
 

An international conference entitled “Effectiveness of Anti Crisis Strategies and Priorities for Post Crisis Growth (in the case of Uzbekistan)” has been hosted in Tashkent earlier this week. It has gathered a number of distinguished names from around the globe.

The forum has attracted statesmen, business leaders and analysts from 46 countries, representatives of leading international organizations and financial institutions.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov forwarded his greeting note to participants of the conference. “Analysis of the timeliness, relevance and effectiveness of the anti crisis program at the national level, in the example of Uzbekistan, as well as exchange views on and critical assessment of our vision, our plans and priorities for post-crisis development of the country’s economy, could prove rather useful for all participants in the dialogue,” the head of nation remarked in his message.

Indeed, the global economic downturn has presented a serious challenge for nearly every other country. At the same time, while it has exposed shortcomings in the economic policy of many governments, on the one hand, it has revealed the more apt models, on the other.

Today, Uzbekistan can rightfully be ranked among those that have successfully withstood that tough test and weathered the thorny blows of the global economic crisis. More than that, Uzbekistan has demonstrated a progressive and dynamic development.

Uzbek model and the anti crisis program

The Uzbek model of economic development rests on five principles in reforms and renewal of the economy, developed under the guidance of President of the Republic. The model is distinct with its emphasis on restrained and well-balanced economic policy. It appears to have confirmed again its endurance and viability.

Lately, international experts have been neatly examining Uzbekistan’s economic policy. They tend to stress the rationality and relevance of a complex of counter recession decisions taken by the leadership of the country. It is noteworthy that the anti crisis program, well underway in this land, has been designed not for one or two years but through to 2012. This fact is widely considered to testify to the far-sightedness of economic policy pursued in the country.

As leading international analysts and experts suggest, even though the severest phase of economic downturn has passed, the global economy has yet to go through a long and intricate recovery process.

Against this background, a protracted recession in the global economy notwithstanding, Uzbekistan has pressed wide-scale structural reforms and those that help strengthen market mechanisms, attract foreign investment, develop production volumes and increase exports primarily through an increase in manufacturing high-added-value goods, expansion and diversification of the distribution geography.

The chosen crisis management strategy

The major directions of the Anti Crisis Program of Uzbekistan focused on the support and strengthening of the budgetary, financial, banking and credit systems, as well as on the manufacturing sector of economy, technological modernization of industries for enhancing their competitiveness in local and foreign markets.

Participants of the conference emphasized that the implementation of these measures in the past two years allowed commercial banks to double their total capital, whose adequacy is nearly three times higher than that of international standards established by the Basel Committee. Nowadays, the banking system of Uzbekistan remains not only one of the most stable, but also has strong positions on a number of established standards. Fourteen commercial banks in the republic, whose assets on aggregate constitute more than 90% of the banking system, have received high stable rating from leading international rating companies. Today, the combined assets of banks are more than twice the amount of funds in the individual and institutional accounts, providing them with full protection and guarantees of timely payments. Total current liquidity of the banking system of Uzbekistan is 10 times more the current liabilities of banks on external payments. In other words, there is a truly “safety cushion” of the whole banking system.

Of great importance was ensuring the financial sustainability of the manufacturing sector through accelerated modernization of production, introduction of innovative technologies that save resources and reduce production costs. There were measures taken to reduce the tax burden for businesses.

Domestic exporter enterprises were provided with substantial support. As a result of their stable operation, measures taken to improve quality while reducing production costs and targeted search for new markets, the volume of exports in 2009 increased by 2.4%, providing a solid foreign trade surplus and steady growth in foreign reserves. In general, production costs across industries decreased by 18%, while in a number of major industrial associations, such as Olmaliq metal plant, Uzmetcombinat, Uzstroymateriali and others the costs fell by 20-25%.

In 2009, under the investment program Uzbekistan implemented 690 investment projects, of which 303 projects were successfully completed. Twenty two production facilities were put into operation, including 8 facilities in oil and gas, chemical, metallurgical industry, 9 enterprises in car industry and 5 businesses in construction industry.

In 2009 more than 120 new types of products were introduced in production in Uzbekistan, including oil and gas equipment, chemical products, accessories for the automobile industry and others. As part of the localization programs, over 840 projects were carried out in 2009, which increased the manufacture of localized products 2.3 times as compared with 2008.
Commercial banks were involved in the process of elimination of low profitable and insolvent enterprises, which undertook 86 such bankrupt enterprises in their balance. Currently, 70 of them have fully restored the production and sold to investors, while others are undergoing the financial recovery process.

Particular attention is given to promoting and developing small and entrepreneurial businesses. Today, small businesses produce about 50% of GDP against 30% in 2000. In 2009, single payment has been reduced from 8 to 7% for small industrial enterprises, fixed tax for individual entrepreneurs have been reduced 1.3-fold on average. The expenses entrepreneurs bear while starting their businesses have been significantly reduced: the cost of architectural plan of buildings reduced 4-fold, cost of examination of design and construction documents lowered 2.5-fold, cadastral registration costs fell 2 times. Rental fees for entrepreneurs reduced from 3 to 10 times. Newly created specialized house construction and reconstruction contractors are exempt from all taxes for 5 years, and dividends of founders of enterprises that are channeled toward capitalization and investment are released from taxes for the same period.

Priorities of post-crisis development

Successful implementation of the anti-crisis measures that actually began back in 2008 have minimized the negative impact of the global crisis and allowed Uzbekistan among few countries to ensure sustainable economic growth and higher real incomes. For example, in 2009 GDP growth was 8.1%, industrial production grew 9%, agricultural production rose 5.7%, investment attracted into the economy grew 25%, foreign direct investment increased 1.8-fold. Despite the crisis and world recession, more than 940,000 new jobs were created in the country, more than half of which in the countryside. Steady surplus of the national budget is ensured. External debt amounted to 10% of GDP, as of January 1, 2010.

The taken efforts, a clear program that covers not only anti-crisis measures but also the subsequent development of post-crisis period have resulted in dynamic economic development and ensured good prospects for its further growth.

Senior representatives of financial institutions, international experts forecast rise in exports and active industrial policy will ensure 8.5% and 9% economic growth in Uzbekistan in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

The most important task of the post-crisis economic development in Uzbekistan is the implementation of a principal priority directly derived from the national model of reforms. This is the implementation of structural transformations and diversification of production, which means a complete shift from a resource oriented economy to a processing one and provision a superior share in the export to high technologies and competitive products.

The focus will remain on challenges of carrying out an active investment policy for the implementation of major strategic projects aimed at technological modernization of leading branches of economy, development of a powerful modern network of transport and communications infrastructure.

Participants of the international conference in Tashkent got sure that the economic policy of Uzbekistan, aimed at building a socially oriented market economy, implementation of large-scale structural change, has demonstrated sustainable development in the global economic crisis. The experience of Uzbekistan in the implementation of the anti-crisis program and outlining of priority post-crisis development for many countries could be a good example of stability today and intensive development in the future.
 

www.ut.uz
 

 “Uzbekistan Agrominitech Expo 2010”, fifth International Specialized Exhibition Fair of mini technologies and compact equipment is scheduled for May 19-22 in Tashkent.

The event has been regularly organized since 2006 in accordance with a resolution of the President of Uzbekistan on measures to organize international specialized exhibition fair of mini technologies and compact equipment for agriculture.

It is expected that the delegations from all regions of Uzbekistan composed of farmers, heads of agro-firms and small enterprises and other relevant organizations will visit the exhibition. Within the exhibition there will be specialized thematic seminars held on three topics: contemporary mini technologies for processing fruit, vegetables, dairy and meat produce as well as the order of preparation and signing of international agreements.

This year the exhibition will be presented in 10 major divisions, including mini technologies and compact equipment for production and processing of fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and dairy produce. Among these divisions, mini technologies and compact equipment for the development of livestock sector (veterinary and cattle farming technologies), poultry keeping, leather and wool processing enjoy a special place. The exhibition will also present packaging equipment, mini technologies for organization of home labor including sewing equipment and carpet weaving technologies, bakery and macaroni production and one more direction is water saving technologies.

As specialists remark, farmers and companies producing mini technologies are expected to conclude a big number of agreements and contracts. This occasion enables farmers to look over and choose the most up-to-date agricultural equipment and processing technologies. Latest equipment and mini technologies will allow farmers to produce high quality foods, organize new processing businesses.

According to the agenda adopted by the government, the exhibition halls of the Uzexpocenter will be offered to participants free of charge. Samples of mini technologies and compact equipment brought to the exhibition will be are exempt from custom duties as temporary imported for two years for creating the conditions of their further sale to agro-firms and farmer enterprises on the basis of concluded import or leasing contracts. Besides, companies importing mini technologies and compact equipment are free of custom payments and the value added tax during the sale of these mini technologies and equipment to domestic producers.

Uzbekistan Airways and Uzbekistan Railways will provide the transport freight services for the equipment going to the exhibition at a reduced cost with a 30% discount.

Around 200 firms and companies from more than 20 countries presented their produce and services during the exhibition last year.
 

www.ut.uz
 

Presentation of the data collection from the international conference Judicial System Reform: Practice and Efficiency took place in the Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It was organized by the Legislative and Judicial Committee of the Senate of Oliy Majlis together with the German Society for Technical Assistance in Uzbekistan.

The collection includes theses of scientists and specialists’ reports on the effectiveness of laws focused on the further liberalization of the judicial system and strengthening of courts’ independence within the authority system over the last five years, or 2005-2009.

The collection contains works by over 40 authors, representing the country’s parliament, law enforcement bodies, and scientific organizations. Basing on certain examples and facts, they visually reveal the essence of the lawmaking activity in our country targeted at the further deepening of the judicial reform to introduce principles of justice and humanism into legal proceedings, process of improvement of the procedural legislation and law enforcement practice.
The work gives the clear notion of the two-house parliament, the formation of which created real opportunities for the improvement of quality and validity of legislative acts.

Basing on factual materials, the collection shows the new concept for deep reformation and liberalization of judicial system that was implemented in the country over the past period of time. Emphasizing the role of the parliament in this issue, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov noted in his report in the joint session of the Legislative Chamber and the Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan on 27th January, 2010:

“The parliament made a significant contribution into the scaled work on deep reformation and liberalization of the judicial system in the country and real ensuring the judiciary independence. Eighty five laws have been adopted over the last five years for the further reformation of the judicial system. The criminal penalty system was liberalized. The advocacy institute was reformed, the adjudication execution system and the prosecutor’s office’s activity was upgraded and some other measures on the gradual democratization of the whole judicial system have been implemented.

The law on the abolition of capital punishment starting from 1 January, 2008 adopted in 2007 as well as the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On transmission of sanction for committal of citizens from the prosecutor’s office to courts” drew a wide global response. The introduction of the abovementioned measures made the Uzbek penalty system one of the most humane and liberal ones in the world.

The publications by the participants of the international conference focus on specific results of the law enforcement practice and legal procedure, which visually demonstrate the effectiveness of the judicial reformation in Uzbekistan.

The collection acquaints the reader with recommendations of the international conference Judicial System Reform: Practice and Efficiency and detailed data on the legislative, supervisory and analytical activity of the Legislative and Judicial Committee of the Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan over the last five years. For example, the committee considered 79 laws during 2005-2009, 7 of them related to the state building and management sphere, 58 – to judicial system, 7 – to the development of civil society institutes, and others. The committee also elaborated five projects of resolutions by the Senate of Oliy Majlis and the Amnesty Act Application Regulation.
 

www.ut.uz
 

 

A youths’ social action dubbed “We are a Team”, one of the wide-scale projects by Kelajak Ovozi center, continues its marathon throughout Uzbekistan held within the Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation in cooperation with Fund Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan and Mehr Nuri Foundation. The action is held for the fourth time. This year’s program is especially eventful including business trainings combined with enrolling new participants to a school of young entrepreneur, trainings on organization of language clubs, job fairs with the

 participation of university and college graduates, employers, presentation of the Kelajak Ovozi

 2010 contest, Youth Forum with the participation of all organizers and partners. During the visits

 Mehr Nuri Fund will also organize charitable actions.

We are a Team action calls for active lifestyles, and is focused on revealing talents, raising intellectual level and creative aspirations. Like in the past years, over 100,000 active boys and girls in all regions of the country took part in the action.

Children have been traveling around the country since late March. Moving from one region to another, crossing towns and settlements, they find new friends and like-minded people in each region and with that they expand the circle of active, enterprising and talented youths. We have been keeping in contact with them all the time. In the course of preparation of this article we arranged a kind of a conference with young people, having attracted several activists at a time. Interrupting each other, they told about their adventures, wonderful mood and impatiently shared their unforgettable impressions.

Children have already visited Bukhoro, Qarshi, Termiz and Samarqand where they participated in various events focused on raising the intellectual level and creative potential among the youths and informing about the opportunities for their further creative growth. Job fairs proved especially successful.

“I’m a third year student of the college specializing in international business,” Aziza Khaydarova introduced herself. “I came to this fair to realize my dream of working in a bank. With this purpose I headed straight to the stand of the Youth Employment Assistance Center where I was offered to fill in the application form.

More than four thousand young people took part in the job fair in Qashqadaryo. 274 enterprises and organizations offered 5,100 vacancies during the fair. Thus, 265 boys and girls were provided with permanent job. About three thousand young people concluded labor agreements on employment after graduation. Besides, 30 people were attracted to learning crafts on the mentor – pupil system.

“I graduated from the medical college last year and I’d like to work on my specialty,” said Jamila Usmonova from Shakhrisabz. “Having participated in this job fair I got the opportunity of being employed in our municipal hospital.”

The job fair in Surkhondaryo region was successful as well. Farrukh Sharipov, one of the activists of the Information Technologies direction expressed his opinion on the fair:

“I think the job fair is one of important events for youth since every young person has a right to choice, acquiring the job he or she would do with pleasure and enjoy. This would help them achieve some success.

The employers, representatives of various enterprises and organizations – characterized this event as an integral part of the social life that favors the development of a certain region and the republic in the whole. The successful employment enables enterprises to accelerate the process of activity expansion and acquire qualified personnel. The Youth Employment Assistance Center inspired them with hopes for cooperation in the course of the event.

The Youth Forum Kelajak Ovozi is another big event of the project. It unites representatives of governmental and public organizations, partners, donors, talented youth – holders of the Fund Forum grants and scholarships, and proactive boys and girls. The Forum highlights the cooperation of the Kelajak Ovozi Center in the sphere of implementation of youth projects, support and encouragement of the talented youth. Business seminars headed by professional trainers and counseling on the arrangement of language clubs are held within the action.

Another job fair was held in Samarqand. Nearly 350 enterprises and organizations from all cities and districts offered more than twelve thousand vacancies. Over a thousand people have received referral letters, and more than 4,500 young people got advice and guidance on learning and skills development.
One of the biggest events in the project is a youth forum held in Samarqand regional youth center. Its participants included representatives of governmental and social organizations, partners and sponsors, talented young people, holders of Fund Forum grants and scholarships, who find a worthy place in society owing to their excellent knowledge and skills.

In the competition for the Best Business Plan and seminars organized in the framework of the action, youth presented their projects in this area and has received expert advice.

The day went on with a media forum organized by Samarqand-STV. Young journalists and students exchanged views on the coverage of young people in the media. It was noted that the prevention of various alien ideas and views on thoughts and consciousness of young people, as well as active participation of young journalists in this process is now a topical issue. Participants got familiarized with the Youth Studio as well as a Kelajak Press center of the regional Kelajak Ovozi office.

The action We are a Team continues. The projected route includes meetings with youths in Namangan, Andijon and Farg’ona. The tour will finish on 24 April.
 

www.ut.uz
 

 

GTA-SKYWAYS, one of the leading travel agencies of Central Europe continues the implementation of a large-scale tourism project in Vienna targeting the Uzbek historical cities. It is known that Austria is the country with high developed travel industry with more than 3 millions of its citizens going abroad annually. Recently the first charter flight with 186 passengers was made from Austria to Uzbekistan. As the chief of GTA-SKYWAYS project Michael Baumgartner remarks, all over the world there are always high demands to modern tourism industry.

“In this respect Uzbekistan is the bright example of successful implementation of its own strategy of attraction of foreign tourists. Nowadays the tourism sector has become one of the most promising spheres of the economy of Uzbekistan. Over a period of last five years we organize the charter flights from Vienna to ancient cities of Uzbekistan and every year we become witnesses of large scale transformations, we see the new comfortable hotels, motorways, leisure objects.

We are satisfied by the level of service, rendered in Uzbekistan to our clients, beginning with prompt passage of customs supervision and ending with hotels and motor transport. That’s why we consider your republic as the gates to Orient for Europeans,” says M. Baumgartner.

The representative of Joe Far Tours Company Erwin Friesenbichler underscored that despite the global financial economic crisis, the rates of entrance tourism in Uzbekistan did not decrease. The interest to unique cultural-historical heritage of Uzbek nation and large scale reforms carried out in the country nowadays is growing and the leading Austrian tourism companies working in our direction feel it.
 

www.ut.uz
 

Parliamentary delegation of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan paid a working visit to France. During the visit to Paris, a briefing on the modern development of Uzbekistan was held. A particular attention was drawn to issues of harmoniously developed generation in Uzbekistan.

At the briefing it was noted that the announcement by President Islam Karimov “Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation” in 2010 was yet another indication of the great attention given to the country's youth.

Referring to ongoing reforms in the country and change, editor-in-chief of the French electronic analytical edition Les milieux des Empires Sylvie d'Izarn noted that Uzbekistan has carried out extensive work on democratization of the economy, by micro-crediting small and entrepreneurial businesses that are a foundation of the economy. Today Uzbekistan focuses on development of agriculture and its modernization.

With regard to the Uzbekistan’s SCO Presidency, the French journalist said: “The Government of Uzbekistan is carefully preparing for the Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in June 2010 in Tashkent. As we know, the SCO has announced as one of its priorities security in Central Asia. But Uzbekistan, in turn, is the cornerstone of security and stability in Central Asia. Therefore, we, Europeans, should support Uzbekistan in its effort to build democracy and political stability”.

Alain Lamballe, a leading specialist of the Institute of Higher Studies for National Defense, an expert on geopolitics of Asia, shared his opinion on the Uzbekistan’s efforts to ensure environmental security in the region. “The position of the Republic of Uzbekistan for a rational use of water resources and construction of new hydroelectric power stations on transboundary rivers increasingly finds support from the international community as it meets international legal standards and relevant UN conventions,” he stressed.

French MPs also praised Uzbekistan’s contribution to ensuring regional security, in particular, the country’s efforts to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan through active participation in rebuilding the Afghan economy.

Participants noted that the briefing with representatives of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been extremely insightful and informative and very useful for the French audience.
 

www.ut.uz
 

This is a title of an article published in the latest issue of popular Greek magazine EПIKAIPA by Professor Andreas Andrianpulos, Director of the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs of Greece,.

The author stressed: “observing how Central Asian countries are undergoing transformation in different public spheres is quite interesting for me. In this regard, Uzbekistan can serve as an instructive example.”

Then Andreas Andrianpulos wrote: “The most populous in Central Asia and geopolitically key country in the region has experienced all troubles of the Soviet past.

Having ruined agriculture and economy, shattered omission of central planning, Uzbekistan successfully made the transition from administrative management to a dynamic and prosperous market economy, from the first years of independence by taking a consistent line on democratization of the country and liberalizing economy.

Today, Tashkent has become a vibrant capital city with impressive modern buildings, crowded streets and bazaars.”

Regarding the post-crisis period, the author underscores: “Despite the global economic crisis Uzbekistan demonstrates calmness in overcoming its effects and self-confidence. Owing to the right choice made by the Government in favor of market liberalization and limitation of governmental interference into business, the economy is demonstrating impressive “healthy state” against the global backdrop. The strengthened banking system was commended by the authoritative international organizations, as the country itself becoming an increasingly attractive place for foreign investors.

Reducing the public sector retrenches state expenditures, making external loans more affordable and, gradually, less necessary.

The state supports the private sector, providing social protection for the most vulnerable populations. Uzbekistan, in contrast to our pampered and drowning in debt country, sees itself in the post-crisis economic era of interesting prospects. This far-away Central Asian state has shown that within every problem there is a possibility of solution. It is enough to show the public the wisdom to use it.”
 

www.ut.uz
 

The country carries out large-scale work on the development of children’s sports, nurturing a comprehensively developed younger generation.

Particular attention is paid to increasing the number of enterprises specialized in the production of sports goods, revising the equipping of school gyms, strengthening the supply base of sports facilities and their effective use.

A considerable work in this direction is carried out by Mashkhim LLC based in Namangan. The products of the company specialized in manufacturing sports goods, for a short time have gained a commendable place in the market. Today the enterprise produces about eighty kinds of sporting goods with hygiene certificates and certificates of conformity, ranging from fitness apparatuses, bars, dumbbells, weights, shots and discuses, gymnastic hoops, kits for basketball, volleyball, handball courts, table tennis and wrestling, boxing. Last year the company supplied over 3.538 million worth of output to customers. The company employs 50 people at workshops and involves 15 outworkers.

The demand for high quality, competitive products of Mashkhim is constantly growing as the prices are relatively low. Major customers of the company are the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Special Education, Children’s Sports Development Fund, law enforcement agencies. There are orders for the equipment from companies and organizations caring about healthy lifestyles of their
employees and creating necessary conditions for doing sports.

On the basis of the contract obtained in 2009 through a tender, the company has supplied the Children’s Sports Development Fund 973 million soums worth of equipment, as well as regional department of public education ($ 2.314 billion soums). At the beginning of the year the company supplied 4,119 tennis tables for schools in Farghona region.

It is encouraging that the population, particularly young people, shows a growing demand for sports goods of the company.

“Previously, sports equipment was imported from abroad,” says Hamidullah Jalilov, sales manager at Isparkhom store from Namangan. “Starting this year we are buying production from Mashkhim. Consumers like relatively low prices and the quality of produce is no different from imported ones. Most of our customers are young people going in for sports.

The company, which received in 2009 an ISO 9001 compliance certificate, implements progressive measures on the basis of the localization program.

“I feel proud for the attention given to sports in our country, construction of modern sports facilities in rural areas, as well as the fact that our young athletes raise the flag of Uzbekistan on the international sports arenas,” says director of Mashkhim LLC Khairullo Ziyoboev. “We are trying to contribute to the development of this sphere. Soon, the company will be equipped with latest equipment for processing metal, wood and glass, there will be a line for chemical treatment of metal. We are planning to launch production of treadmills and exercise bikes.”

The company is making every effort to produce high quality products, expand the range and volume of production. According to the business plan, the modernization of production will create over 20 new jobs and expand exports.

www.ut.uz
 

A unique anti-influenza drug is created

Recently, a new unique locally produced drug - Tselagripp - for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral diseases, including various types of dangerous flu, has appeared in the pharmacies of Uzbekistan. This new product has been invented by the specialists of the Institute of Polymers Chemistry and Physics of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan and “Radix” scientific production enterprise.

The history of the drug began several decades ago, when scientists of the Institute of Polymers Chemistry and Physics obtained a therapeutic agent from cotton, which is effective against acute respiratory virus diseases. Foreign pharmaceutical producers were interested in the development. As a result, seven years ago Kagotsel pills appeared on the market which to this day are produced from raw materials manufactured only in Uzbekistan. At the same time the institute never stopped working to improve the formula of the medication, as a result, they got a new drug called Tselagripp. Domestic research and production enterprise Radix undertook production of the drug.

“The uniqueness of our product in the mechanism of therapeutic effect,” said Abdushukur Sarimsoqov, Deputy Director of the Institute of Polymers Chemistry and Physics. “All known drugs against acute respiratory viral diseases, particularly against influenza, are designed to suppress the disease-causing viruses, and have many side effects, because by suppressing the vital functions of harmful microbes they also suppress the normal activity of the organism. Our drug causes the body to produce more interferon - a natural substance in our body, responsible for its protection from any harmful viruses. That is Tselagripp unlocks the potential of the organism which is sufficient to overcome the virus, and thus has virtually no side effects.”

“We obtained interesting results during testing of Tselagripp in the National Center for Influenza at the Research Institute of Virology of the Ministry of Healthcare of Uzbekistan,” said Abdushukur Sarimsoqov. “Laboratory studies have shown that the drug is effective against all known influenza viruses, including strains of H5N1 and H1N1.
 

www.ut.uz
 

On April 12 this year Tashkent hosted the International Scientific-Practical Conference “The Efficiency of the Anti-crisis Programs and Priorities of the Post-Crisis Development (in the case of Uzbekistan)”.

The conference addressed the timeliness, adequacy, accuracy and efficiency of the Anti-crisis programs adopted on the national level, and particularly, in the case of Uzbekistan.

The participants of the high-profile forum have exchanged opinions and critically assessed the Uzbek approach, plans and priorities of the post-crisis development of Uzbekistan’s economy.

On such occasion the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov sent a welcoming message to the partakers of the International Scientific-Practical Conference which brought together the respected scholars, experts, economists, analysts, diplomats and media people.

Here is the text of the presidential message in English as it has been translated from Russian at the Information Agency “Jahon”.

***

WELCOMING ADDRESS
by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Islam Karimov to the participants of the International Scientific-Practical Conference “The Efficiency of the Anti-crisis Programs and Priorities of the Post-Crisis Development (in the case of Uzbekistan)”

Dear participants of the conference!

Allow me to cordially welcome you, our distinguished guests, the representatives of high-profile international organizations, scientists, analysts and experts, and express the feelings of sincere gratitude for Your participation in this international conference.

I think, it will not be a mistake if I say that the topic of this scientific-practical conference on “The Efficiency of the Anti-crisis Programs and Priorities of the Post-Crisis Development” cannot but arouse a profound interest, above all, a sense of urgency, if you take into account that the assessments and suggested approaches and ways to address these problems at the national, regional and global levels are today the most discussed issues in the world.

And in this regard to analyze the timeliness, adequacy, accuracy and efficiency of the Anti-crisis programs adopted on the national level, and in this case the example of Uzbekistan, the exchange of opinions and critical assessment of our approach, our plans and priorities of the post-crisis development of the country’s economy, without any doubt, may turn out very useful for all of the participants of the dialogue.

I would like to especially underline that the “Uzbek model” of economic development based on the five principles of reforming and renewing economy that we have elaborated, and are implementing in our country since gaining independence, as well as the weighed and balanced economic policy has created a solid barrier and sufficient safety factor for safeguarding Uzbekistan’s economy from the impact of speculative capital, and the ungovernable wave and absence of control in the world financial and stock markets. Such policy has ensured the macroeconomic stability, sustainable functioning of the financial-banking sphere and growth of hard currency reserves.

We did not pump our economy, financial and banking system with excessive liquidity, but have focused, firstly, on supporting the financial sustainability of the real economy, small business and sphere of entrepreneurship, the measures on modernizing, technical and technological re-equipment and diversification of production, reducing costs and ensuring competitiveness of the manufactured products.

The accomplishment of such measures as implementing a large-scale Investment program, continuing structural transformations in the economy, considerably expanding the scales and volumes of social and infrastructure projects which has ensured employment, steady reduction of the tax burden and providing the necessary preferences for the core export-oriented sectors paved way for achieving the goals set in the Anti-crisis program.

The adopted strategy of combating the crisis and neutralizing its consequences has allowed our country to be among a few number of states in the world to secure over the past period sustainable rates of economic development, which in 2009 grew by 8.1 percent, industrial production – by 9.0 percent, agriculture – by 5.7 percent, volume of investments into economy – by 25 percent with direct foreign investments to have raised for 1.8 times.

During the last year exports grew by 2.4 percent, ensuring a significant trade surplus and sustainable growth of the official reserves. Despite the crisis and recession in the world economy, more than 940,000 new jobs have been created in the country, of which over half – are in the countryside area. The sustainable surplus of the state budget is ensured. The external debt percentage of GDP on January 1, 2010 was not more than 10 percent.

Based on projections, which have been confirmed by authoritative international experts, a growth in the volume of exports and also conducting an active industrial policy will ensure that the economic growth of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2010 and 2011 will be on the level 8.5 and 9.0 percent, respectively.

Along with this, we clearly realize, and the assessments of high-profile international analysts and experts serve as testimony to it, that despite the top peak stage of the large-scale financial-economic crisis is overcome, the world economy will yet to endure rather long and very complex process of recovery.

The danger of recurrence of a recession of economies still prevails in many countries brought about by sharp fluctuations and in a number of cases by the slump in demand in the world market, remaining growth of unemployment and worsening of the living standards of population.

The shrinking of production volumes, growing unemployment and decreasing of the population’s real incomes lead to a state budget deficit, which takes on threatening scales, brings about a threat to sustainability of state finances and increases social tension.

The growing volumes of public debt in certain countries are directly related to these problems.

Given unsatisfactory economic growth rates and production decline it attracts one’s attention to the considerable growth and inflation of indices in stock and raw material markets that indicate to the expanding “bubbles” which by the time have to burst and lead to a new collapse at the financial and currency markets.

One cannot but to say about growing emission of cash assets and pumping them into the financial-banking sector that creates the potential explosive danger of inflation processes and leads to serious disproportions in the economy.

Many analysts note that with notable excessiveness of liquidity of the banking sector, a number of countries face serious problems in terms of financing the real sector of economy, the sphere of medium and small business, as well as entrepreneurship.

Such situation is explained by a sharp worsening of the financial state of the real sector of the economy and the emerging great problem in terms of loan repayment.

The protectionist policy in the world market continues to remain a serious brake in addressing the crisis, especially for developing countries. Despite all the declarative announcements at the “Group-20” meetings such policy is more than ever being applied.

I would like to underscore that there are still ongoing arguments and discussions on such key issues as determining the criteria of the banking system risks and the mechanisms for governing these risks, the extent and limits of state interference in market principles of managing the economy.

Such and other problems, which still remain and are not being resolved, confirm a practically unambiguous view upheld by many experts that the process of escape of the world economy from crisis and post-crisis recovery may have a protracted and rather complex nature with a real possibility of new collapses in the financial market.

Taking into account the aforementioned, we eye the most important task of the post-crisis development in implementing our main priority, which directly proceeds from the national model of reforming the country, i.e. the realization of structural transformation programs and diversification of production bearing in mind a complete denial of raw material orientation of the economy, ensure the primary share of high-technological and competitive products in export.

The tasks of conducting an active investment policy to implement the strategically significant projects aimed at modernization, technical and technological renewal of leading branches of the economy, development of powerful modern network of transport and infrastructure communications will continue to remain on the focus of our attention.

I would like to provide some examples to confirm that.

In 2010 to start and continue construction of new strategically important projects, it is envisaged to attract foreign investments in the amount of more than 3 billion dollars, or with a growth against last year by 30 percent, including the direct investments increase by 46 percent.

Along with attracting foreign investments and creating exclusively favorable conditions for them in the country we are paying important attention to mobilizing domestic resources.

The total volume of credit resources being channeled to the real sector of economy in 2009 grew in comparison with 2000 by 14 times and in this the share of credits channeled for investment purposes made up about 70 percent of the total credit portfolio.

In 2007, firstly in order to accomplish the work related to developing infrastructure, reconstructing and modernizing production base, we established the Fund for Reconstruction and Development, in which today more than 4.7 billion dollars of hard currency assets are accumulated.

Last year the Government approved the Program on implementing the most important projects on modernization, technical and technological re-equipment of production base for 2009-2014, which includes more than 300 projects worth in total over 42.5 billion dollars.

For most of them concrete sources of funding, consortiums of investors and terms of their implementation have been determined.

A special attention is being paid to implementing measures to increase domestic demand by way of mobilizing and further stimulating participation of banking structures, economic entities and population in investment processes.

The Program of accelerated development and construction of housing and social infrastructure in rural areas may serve as an example of implementing such projects. This Program is meant to cardinally reorganize and renew the image of village on a modern architectural and industrial basis, raise the living standards of population in the countryside and make it closer to urban conditions.

In order to implement this extremely large program, which is set for the long-term perspective, we established a powerful design, industrial-construction and engineering-technical potential, formed the necessary organizational structures and adopted promotional measures and preferences.

Through a specially established bank and its affiliate offices at the local levels in 2010 it is envisioned to allocate for these purposes over 390 million dollars, which is over 4 times more than similar allocations in 2009. In this, by April 1 this year, households themselves have already contributed more than 60 million dollars of their own funds. It is scheduled to construct over 7600 houses in all rural districts with estimated value of about 400 million dollars.

It should born in mind that the implementation of this program forms a powerful demand in all branches and industries related to construction, and creates tens and hundreds of thousands new jobs.

Dear participants of the conference!

I am confident that conclusions and recommendations elaborated during the forum certainly will find their practical application and will encourage increasing efficiency of the anti-crisis programs, serve for consolidating trust and developing the international cooperation in the post-crisis recovery of the world economy.

I wish all participants of the conference a fruitful work!

 

An international conference on the “Efficiency of anti-crisis programs and priorities of post-crisis development (example of Uzbekistan)” was held in Tashkent on 12 April. Over 400 state and public figures, businesses and experts from 46 countries, as well as representatives of international organizations and financial institutions, including the UN and its structures, the IMF, the World Bank, the ADB, the IDB, EurAsEC, etc., participated in the forum.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov sent a greeting to the participants of the conference, in which he touched upon the anti-crisis measures undertaken in the country.

Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Rustam Azimov said the implementation of the “Uzbek model” of continuous reforms, as well as timely and thoroughly developed anti-crisis measures had allowed ensuring macroeconomic stability and stable economic growth in the country.

Uzbekistan has taken necessary measures for stable and uninterrupted work of the national economy, all financial institutes and industrial sectors. Despite the slowdown in the world economy, the country continues implementing wide-scale structural reforms and increasing production and exports. The Anti-Crisis Program for 2009-2012, outlined in the book of the President “The world financial and economic crisis, ways and measures for its overcoming in Uzbekistan”, was a logical continuation of the policy of deep transformations in the country.

The main directions of the Anti-Crisis Program are supporting budget, financial, banking and credit systems, the real sector, a well as modernizing and technological renewal of the production for increasing its competitiveness on internal and foreign markets.

These measures have allowed in the past two years to double the cumulative capital of commercial banks. Measures were taken to reduce the tax burden for economic entities. Local exporters have received an unprecedented support, which has led to increased exports in 2009.

A particular attention was paid to stimulating small business, which currently produces almost 50% of the country’s GDP, as well as strengthening the farms. The successful implementation of the Anti-Crisis Program minimized the negative consequences of the world crisis and ensured GDP growth of 8.1% last year. The representatives of the international institutions and foreign businessmen gave a high evaluation to the results of the economic reforms in Uzbekistan and measures to overcome the economic crisis.

ADB Vice-President Xiaoyu Zhao in his speech said that Uzbekistan was implementing a unique program, which included effective economic policy in the pre-crisis period, measures to soften the crisis influence, as well as further progress in the post-crisis period.

World Bank country manager in Uzbekistan Loup Brefort spoke about macroeconomic consequences of the global crisis for the states of Central Asia. He said the diversification of the economy and stimulation of the banking system helped to reduce the negative impact of the world crisis on the national economy.

President of Korean Air company Chi Chang Hun said one example of effectiveness of the Uzbek reforms was creation of the free industrial and economic zone in Navoi region. The upgrade of the Navoi international airport carries huge perspectives for creation of the modern Silk Road, which will link Europe, India, China and South-East Asia.

US Ambassador in Tashkent Richard Norland said Uzbekistan was an attractive market for the American investors. The number of US businesses cooperating with Uzbekistan is growing from year to year. Measures to protect foreign investments in Uzbekistan are a guarantee of their further active flow in the country’s economy, the diplomat noted.

As the world media have reported, on Saturday, the April 10 this year, Lech Kaczynski, the President of the Republic of Poland, and some of the country’s highest military and civilian leaders died when the presidential plane crashed as it attempted a landing in thick fog while approaching the airport in Smolensk, the western Russia.

In Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov sent a message of condolences to Bronislaw Komorowski, the speaker of Poland’s parliament and a former defense minister, who, according to the country’s Constitution, took over as interim president of Poland.

“In Uzbekistan with deep regret it has been received the report on the plane crash as a result of which the President of the Republic of Poland Lech Kaczynski, his spouse and members of the Polish delegation have died”, the message read in particular.

“I express the sincerest condolences to the friendly people of Poland and may I ask to convey the words of sympathy for the kith and kin of the fallen,” the presidential message also read.
 

www.jahonnews.uz

Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan issued a statement on the events in Kyrgyzstan.

“The events taking place in Kyrgyzstan are, first of all, the internal affair of the Kyrgyz Republic,” the statement reads.

“Uzbekistan, as a close country, having centuries-old history- and time-proven ties of friendship and cooperation with the people of Kyrgyzstan, is interested in the establishment of peace and stability in the neighboring Kyrgyzstan, achievement of accord and solution of all emerging problems and controversies in a peaceful way.

“The resistance that has led to human casualties and losses, further destabilization of the situation in Kyrgyzstan may lead to an even greater worsening of the socioeconomic situation in the country and complicate the manageability of the state and its structures in places, as well as created problems on the border with neighboring countries.

“The Uzbek side, in order to prevent destabilizing influence of these events on the neighboring regions of our republic, had to take temporary measures to strengthen the border regime on the border of Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.

“We in Uzbekistan believe in wisdom and prudence of the Kyrgyz people, their ability to find and mobilize efforts to revive peace and social stability in the country,” the Foreign Ministry said.
 

www.uza.uz

Academics across the world continue to study proceedings of the prominent scientist

The international seminar on the theme Al-Beruniy and Urgency of His Scientific-cultural Heritage in Today's World has taken place in Delhi. The event was organized by one of leading universities of India – Jamia Millia Islamia University under the assistance of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in India.

Academics from Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Japan, India and Uzbekistan took part in the two-day seminar.

The attendees noted that Beruniy, born in the ancient land of Khorazm, made immense contribution to the development of the world science. Beruniy is also considered the first specialist who presented the world the Indian culture, science, religion, outlook. For many years the scientist lived and created in India, learnt Sanskrit, actively communicated and cooperated with local scientists and philosophers. All his observations he put together in the book which became the first encyclopaedic source about the way of life of Indians.

Despite the centuries passed since the outstanding scientist’s life and activity, his scientific-cultural and humanitarian heritage is still timely and continues to surprise modern scientists with its versatility, accuracy and profound scientific analysis. The heritage of Beruniy is truly invaluable. The scales of activity, width of scientific thoughts of the scientist can not stop amazing people’s imagination. Beruniy Only to astronomy devoted more than forty works. Yet, he is also the author of works on geography, philology, mathematics, geodesy, mineralogy, pharmacology, geology and other sciences.

The attendees also noted about the respect the Uzbek citizens display for the memory of the great scientist. In particular, they said that in Uzbekistan people learn and propagate al-Beruniy’s scientific-cultural heritage. The Institute of Oriental Studies of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan that has the name of Abu Rayhon Beruniy plays the important role in it. On its scientific value the Institute is considered one of the richest and renowned depositories of the Eastern manuscripts in the world. Moreover, almost all towns of the country has streets or avenues named in honour of the scientist, the station of the Tashkent underground has the name of Beruniy, and Karakalpakstan has the whole discrict with the name of the great ancestor of the Uzbek people.

More than 30 reports were presented during the seminar covering the life and activity of the great scholar, the role and urgency of his scientific legacy both in the history of the human civilization and modern science and engineering, the significance of studying and propagation of the heritage of the great thinker in upbringing the growing generation.
 

www.ut.uz

 

Last parliamentary week, people’s representatives discussed urgent tasks related to implementing the national program of the Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation. The Committee for Science, Culture and Sports of the lower house of the parliament together with the Termiz State University held a scientific practical conference on legal foundations for the improvement of the comprehensively advanced generation.

About 60% of the country’s budget in 2010 was forwarded to the social sphere, including healthcare and education, the participants informed. It is projected to spend 8 trillion soums for the implementation of the State Program the Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation.

The program is a scaled document envisaging the further strengthening of the material and technical base in all higher education institutions, professional colleges, academic lyceums and general schools in the republic. This year alone it is planned to build and put into operation 14 general schools for nine thousand students, four academic lyceums for 1,350 boys and girls and 41 professional colleges for over 23,000 students in Namangan.

Besides, it is planned to build, reconstruct and put into operation 99 hostels for 12,640 people from professional colleges and lyceums, overhaul 124 hostels for professional colleges and academic lyceums. They allotted 916.1 million soums for the construction of the new building of the Termiz State University alone.
Big part of discussions was dedicated to the quality teaching and effective education of the student youths.

The parliamentary faction of the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan held a meeting in the Yoshlik students’ town. They discussed the place of modern youth in the society development. The deputies highlighted the improvement of the legislation on youths’ issues. The participants exchanged opinions on some draft laws, considered by the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis. In particular, they focused on the Law “On prevention of juvenile neglect and crime”. In compliance with this document it is planed to intensify the individual activity both with juveniles and parents or guardians.

Deputies also drew the participants’ attention to another draft law, envisaging the administrative responsibility of managers and officers of business entities at admission of juveniles’ presence in restaurants, Internet cafes, disco clubs without parents or guardians at a night time.

They emphasized the importance of the PDPU’s position on the draft law to enhance the social responsibility of businessmen. In this respect they proposed to develop some rules, regulating the relationships between entertainment institutions and juveniles.
Other topics were touched upon in the meeting as well. For example, it was the prohibition of the use of mobile phones during study. According to teachers, mobiles hinder the training process. As PDPU’s members noted, all proposals will be forwarded to the respective committees of the lower house of the parliament.
The parliamentary faction of the Democratic Party of Uzbekistan Milliy Tiklanish had an enlarged meeting as well. It was dedicated to the course and the state of local implementation of the national program Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation. The deputies noted the current critical analysis of the regulatory base in the development of the growing generation. Upon the assessment they will propose the development of new laws and upgrade of existing laws.

The DPU Milliy Tiklanish faction sets its important task of upbringing the growing generation in devotion to the national independence ideas. People’s democrats will assign a special part of their parliamentary activity to the further improvement of the legislation ensuring the secure protection of youth’s rights and legal interests and their spiritual and moral development.
 

www.ut.uz

Every year the birthday of Amir Temur is widely celebrated across the country. On this occasion, conferences, creative meetings and conversations are held all over the country in the atmosphere of the national honoring and respect, they publish articles and books dedicated to life and activity of the great Sahibkiran.
The history throws back to centuries, but people remember the names of those who added their glorious page to the chronicle. Many outstanding figures born on the Uzbek land left their descendants the rich scientific and spiritual heritage, shining with its splendor in our land’s history. The Uzbek people piously revere their ancestors and take all efforts to preserve the rich spiritual heritage of their great heroes.

The work on study and transmission of knowledge on the history and culture of Amir Temur’s and Temurids’ epoch is continued. This was the topic of the scientific and practical conference in the Samarqand State University entitled the Role of Spirituality of Amir Temur’s Epoch in Educating Youths. Currently they make the more profound research on the work by Sahibkiran Temur’s Code. Its foundations of the statehood, priority of humanism and justice principles, methods of educating youths and life experience are still topical.

“The book Temur’s Code is one of unique monuments in our history,” told UT Muhammad Ali, People’s writer, State Award laureate. “This work is important for comprehension and interpretation of Sahibkiran’s epoch. This rare monument gives us a vivid image of those times. The Amir Temur’s Saltanate that rose from nonexistence became a piece of his creation, the fruit of incredible efforts and privations, which resulted in the Code.

The known historian Nizomiddin Shomiy wrote in his book Zafarnoma (Book of Victories): “Such a book can be written only by the person who had established a state himself, experienced all failures and joy of creation, and acquired an invaluable experience. This work could be done only be a person who managed to grow to the high society level, reach the perfection thanks to his efforts and unlimited diligence, and that person was Amir Temur.
The history of Amir Temur and Temurids continues drawing a high interest of scientists who open more and more new pages while doing a research. One of the projects entitled the Role of Culture and Art of Temurids in the Formation of the Medieval Civilization of East and West is implemented under the guidance of the Professor Akbar Khakimov.

“This is a very interesting theme and we suppose that we will publish a monograph the Art of Temurids’ Renaissance upon the completion of the project,” Akbak Khakimov shared with UT. “Along with the fine and applied art and miniature it will reflect also theater and music art. It will cover the 14-16th centuries, the golden age of culture in the Orient, which first of all was connected with the Amir Temur’s personality. Architectural monuments are the valuable historical material enabling us to supplement and enrich written sources. The rich architectural heritage of the Amir Temur and his closest heirs’ epoch comprises considerable historic information, covering the second half of the 14th and the first half of the 15th centuries.

The golden age of science and art at a time of Amir Temur and Temurids became a big contribution into the world civilization’s development. Scientists from many foreign countries, such as France, Great Britain and Germany take the interest in Amir Temur’s personality from year to year. Many monographs and books on the Temurids’ epoch and heritage are published in Japan. They thoroughly research on the establishment of the powerful state of Amir Temur, socioeconomic relations there, administrative system, diverse activity of Sahibkiran in diplomacy, religion, science, culture and art. These issues were discussed in the scientific and practical conference the Role of Sahibkiran Amir Temur in the World Civilization Development in the Tashkent Islamic University.

On the threshold of the birthday of this outstanding personality the Alisher Navoi National Library of Uzbekistan opened a week on study of the spiritual heritage of Amir Temur and Temurids. The event gathers interesting meetings, conversations and scientific conferences with participation of scholars, historians, poets and writers. The book exhibition on the role of Sahibkiran and his descendants in the world civilization development was organized during the event.
 

www.ut.uz

 

In late March, Kelajak Ovozi youth initiatives center launched one of the most ambitious projects, a social action for youth “We are a team!” organized in the framework of the Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation. It is the fourth season of the action. The agenda of this year is especially rich since the year 2010 in the country is announced as the Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation.   Thus all the attention is focused on youth.

“We are a team!” is aimed at promoting an active lifestyle, searching gifted and talented young people, raising intellectual level and creative endeavors. Every year this action involves more than 100,000 active boys and girls from all regions of the country.

Each region runs a series of activities aimed at improving intellectual and creative potential of youth, as well as informing them of available opportunities for further creative growth. We have talked to some of participants as they started for a next point, Bukhoro.

“We have already visited Guliston, Jizzakh, Navoi, Nukus, Urganch,” says Sherzod Saparov, manager of Kelajak Ovozi resource center. “In each city, our volunteers and coaches hold a series of events for activists of regional Kelajak Ovozi centers. These are different intellectual games, social events, business training for young people and much more. Everything runs great, impressive meetings, interesting events; there are many talented and enterprising young people with rich potential and interesting ideas. This is a very useful action in all respects, as we gain a good experience and enrich our spirituality.”

“After the events we enjoy concerts by Uzbek pop singers, who are also actively involved in all of the occasions in the project,” continued Dilshod Ergashev, an activist of Kelajak Ovozi center. “Currently, participants provide their applications for the Kelajak Ovozi contest. Our most important goal is to support the initiatives of regional activists.”

One of the biggest events within the project is a youth forum that gathered representatives of official and public organizations, partners and sponsors, talented young people, holders of Fund Forum grants and scholarships and active young men and women. The forum addressed issues of cooperation between the Kelajak ovozi center in the implementation of youth projects, support and encouragement of talented young people. In addition, the Youth Employment Center holds presentations and concludes agreements on cooperation with organizations and enterprises on the ground. The forum also allows activist to discuss plans for Kelajak Ovozi center and its partners for 2010.

Another major event is a Job Fair held by the Youth Employment Center. The fair is expected to be attended by more than 25,000 university, lyceum and college graduates.

In addition, within the action there are business seminars conducted by professional trainers, as well as advice seminars on the organization of language clubs. In the end of the action, each city holds final gala concerts with the participation of popular singers and award ceremony for the most active participants.

The bus with organizers of the action continues its route, boys and girls expect no less interesting meetings with the youth of Bukhoro, Qarshi, Termiz, Samarqand, Namangan, Andijon and Ferghona. The journey is to end on April 24.
 

www.ut.uz

The International Center of Culture and Arts Japanese association in assistance with the embassy of our country held in Tokyo the presentation of Uzbekistan timed to the celebration of Navruz.

Its guests watched the documentary films dedicated to the touristic potential and historic sights of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent as well as the Buddhistic monuments in Surkhandarya region. They also were acquainted with the history and traditions of celebration of Navruz on the Uzbek land and tasted the meals of our national cuisine.

The general secretary of the Association Terumi Kapaya remarked that the current event was the special travel in Uzbekistan during such a wonderful and bright holiday as Navruz. Due to such communication the Japanese people discover closer Uzbekistan, its history, culture and traditions.

“The interest of Japanese in our country is great, that’s why our company actively advertise the touristic product of Uzbekistan”, says the President of Sophia Japanese travel company Satoru Kawasaki. “Our company is cooperating with famous Japanese archeologist, the officer of Uzbek order Dustlik Kyuzo Kato for the purpose of development of tourism to the Buddhistic monuments on the Uzbek land attracting the high interest of my compatriots.”

This event received wide coverage in Japanese mass media. One of the major nationwide editions of Japan, Asahi newspaper published the article named “The Uzbek cuisine brings together the nations”, dedicated to the presentation of Uzbekistan and Navruz. The Sankei Shinbun newspaper placed a report about it on its website.
 

www.ut.uz

The head of the Marubeni Corporation in Uzbekistan Kensuke Nagata has held talks at the Association Uzeltexsanoat, focused on cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan in power production.

During the meeting, two sides discussed intensification of cooperation with Japanese companies operating in the electrical sector.
The Uzbek side noted that one of the most pressing problems today is the active involvement of Japanese investments in creating production of modern electronic devices, high-quality electronics and home appliances and other electrical products in Uzbekistan.

The Marubeni Corporation, as one of the biggest Japanese multinational companies with an annual turnover of more than $130 billion, has expressed today’s interest to cooperate with Uzbekistan in electrical industry.

In this regard, during the meetings the sides exchanged plans on main directions of cooperation, discussed possible projects, developed and presented by the Association to the Japanese side for study, and also agreed on assisting in attracting Japanese companies to the country.
 

www.ut.uz

An annual national forum for programmers of Uzbekistan will be held in Tashkent on May 18; it will be followed by the Annual Republican Exhibition BestSoft – Uzbekistan 2010 to be held at Tashkent University of Information Technologies on May 19-20.

The importance of this event is underscored by the fact that it is included in the list of priority measures in the sphere of information in 2010 by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The exhibition and the forum are organized by the Association of IT Enterprises and Organizations of Uzbekistan. It is officially supported by the Uzbek Agency of Communication and Information.

The exhibition and the forum are held with the assistance of UNDP in Uzbekistan by the Assisting the Government of Uzbekistan in the Formulation and Implementation of ICT for Development Policy Project.

The exhibition and the forum BestSoft – Uzbekistan held the fourth time are planned as large-scale events introducing the public and specialists in information technologies to the practice of creation and implementation of projects in software support sphere in our country.

At the exposition there will be presented the most actual and successful project of software industry of the republic. Participants of this event, leading specialists in development and introduction of program products, will tell about the new achievements in this sphere, share their experience, hold master classes, presentations and educational seminars.

More than 50 companies will take part at the exhibition. The total square of the stands is about 500 square meters. About 200 representatives of business, nongovernmental organizations will be the delegates of the forum.
 

www.ut.uz

 

“Book is a pay-free educator; it offers you revelations of wisdom every moment you open it”, the great Alisher Navoi used to say. Book has always borne breathing words of the author by helping readers learn and feel the world around. As the saying goes, life is like a mountain: you go up slowly but walk down fast. The book helps reach the top faster; it is the source of wisdom and truth, conscience and compassion, humanism and kindness. There are texts that never grow obsolete. They are always topical, and never get boring.

Today, Uzbek publishers for whom the independence period has become one of intensive development and boom, offer a great choice of books in diverse genres and subjects. Decree of the President of Uzbekistan directed at reorganizing the State Committee of Press into the Uzbek Agency of Press and Information signed in 2003, has served as a sturdy drive forward. As a result, in accordance with the document, 10 publishing houses formed a new organization which included four publishing and printing houses and the National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan publisers office. In this form, the publishing structure issues more than half of all books printed in the republic, about 500 titles with a total run of about 24 millions copies a year. More than half of them are textbooks, and the rest covers sociopolitical and economic themes as well as literature.

Inducing children to read tantamount to caring for their ethical health
The youth, including minors, obtain information largely from their peers, TV, computer and the internet. Given this, engaging them to read books happens to be crucial, which is, first and foremost, an expression of the care for their moral health, level of common culture, their outlook. In this direction the most successful is Chulpon publishing house specialized in books for children and teenagers. These are works by classics of Uzbek and foreign literature, collections of folklore and masterpieces of ancient world literature, among which a Turkic poem “Kutadgu Bilig” (Godsent Wisdom) by Yusuf Khos Hojib enjoys a special place. This work is translated and completed for a publication by the PhD in Philology Prof. Bokijon Tukhliyev who adapted it for children reading.

Another precious publication is a two-volume edition of “Anthology of Uzbek Children Literature” prepared jointly by Ghafur Ghulom and Ukituvchi publishing houses. The first volume contains poetry and the second contains prose. Along with the publishing of works by classics of Uzbek literature, there are also a few poetic collections and literary miscellanies by beginning authors and young poets.

Publishing houses also issue textbooks for comprehensive schools, colleges and lyceums in seven languages: Uzbek, Karakalpak, Russian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik and Turkmen. As specialists suggest, Uzbekistan is one of those few countries who print school textbooks for its citizens in their ethnic languages. Today, there are a number of programs aimed at publishing next generation textbooks. This year, there will be 491 titles of books issued for schools, 345 titles for colleges and lyceums and 180 titles for higher educational establishments. National publishers are also intending to issue about 50 titles of new children and teenagers’ books. A particular attention is paid to developing books, coloring books, encyclopedias for kids and schoolchildren and reference literature.

The international recognition obtained by Uzbek publishers at different international book fairs serve the evidence of stable high quality of production issued by Uzbek publishing offices. For example, last year in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) at the 61st traditional international book fair the publishing production of Shark Publishing House, albums published by O’zbekiston and Ma’naviyat publishing offices dedicated to the 2,200th anniversary of Tashkent, 2,750th anniversary of Samarqand and 2,700th anniversary of Qarshi, as well as Ukituvchi, Chulpon, National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan publishing offices and Gafur Gulyam Publishing House obtained high marks from foreign colleagues.

There are also many other publishing offices and nongovernmental organizations successfully publishing and offering a big diversity of books. For example, the Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan Foundation regularly publishes presentation materials and promotes publication of academic and scientific literature, multimedia and other applications devoted to different sides of national culture and arts. In particular, a bulletin “Crossroads of Arts” (the main language is Russian, there are certain articles in Uzbek, English, French, Japanese and other languages) is published quarterly by the Fund Forum since January 2007. Presently, the fund has published such editions as a monograph “Sign. Colour. Symbol” by art critic Mukhammad Fozili on the significance of color and symbols in Uzbek culture, presentation discs “Youth Symphonic Orchestra” (DVD), “Yangi Avlod Festival of Children Creativity” and others. There are also scientific studies devoted to the art of calligraphy, works by oriental thinkers, archaeology etc. Among them are books by academicians Edvard Rtveladze “History of Civilizations” and Galina Pugachenkova “Architecture of Ulughbek’s Period”.

The foundation has also promoted publishing of a three-volume anthology “125 Years of Uzbek Photography” in assistance with Tashkent House of Photography which won awards at various international book fairs. Collections and catalogues are published upon large-scale projects. For example, an album of the festival of photo and video art “West-East: Tashkent Crossroads”, collections of reports of the academic conference of the Festival of Children Fashion “Bolajonlar-Shirintoylar-2008”, a festival of national costumes held in May 2006 in Bukhoro and other catalogues. The publication of unique memoirs of talented artist Chingiz Akhmarov “The Way to the Beauty” in the Russian and Uzbek languages deserves particular attention. These manuscripts have not been published before and were prepared for edition by the Center of National Arts of Fund Forum to the 85th anniversary of the artist.

The National Book Chamber of Uzbekistan created in 1926 occupies a special place in the system of book production. Its major functions include preparation of statistics on all published books, newspapers, journals, bulletins and other printed editions in the republic. Then all these data are included in the Central Information Service. The National Book Chamber is the central bibliography service that compiles a bibliography of all books and materials of major republican newspapers and journals. There is one of the largest archives of all books, journals, newspapers and other printed production issued in Uzbekistan since 1920.
In library by computer

The connecting role between book publishers and readers usually play libraries whose number in republic exceeded 12,000. Today they represent a huge network of educational libraries under secondary and higher educational institutions and major regional libraries whose funds are always enriched with interesting novelties. A resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on organization of information and library provision of the population of republic has brought this system into an order. The largest regional scientific and comprehensive libraries were transformed into information-library centers and passed to the department of Uzbek Agency of Communication and Information: these are the library of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, 12 regional libraries and scientific library of Tashkent. All other mass libraries functioning under different educational institutes are reorganized into informational centers equipped with modern technologies and passed under the competence of ministries of public, higher, secondary and specialized education.

Thereby, they were enlarged; the accent was made on servicing readers applying new information technologies. These informational library centers represent information centers for the information resource centers of each region.

Currently, legislators are drafting a law on information resource centers and library activity. This document is directed at the further improvement of information library activity with a glance at contemporary requirements, establishment of new information resource centers oriented at satisfying the intellectual needs of the growing generation. The law touches upon such spheres as the regulation of relations in establishing, functioning and development of informational resource centers and library activity; development of information library service for population especially pupils and students on the basis of latest information technologies; compiling of electronic catalogues, bibliographic databases, creation of a summary electronic library catalogue of the country.

All these measures are directed at involving a greater number of children and youths in this wonderful world of books, research and knowledge. And it is to see that our children read books with pleasure, express keen interest to poetry and other genres. To make sure of this we may visit the National Children Library which contains more than 250.000 copies of different literature. Priority there is given to interests and preferences of young readers. Children are studying there, preparing for exams, reading belletristic literature. Besides, there are various study groups and a free computer center in the library. Children especially love meetings with famous people, scientists and cultural workers.

The largest and the most ancient library in the Central Asian region is Alisher Navoi National Library of Uzbekistan. It exists almost 140 years and is the first public library in Uzbekistan. Its fund consists of almost 6 million pieces.

In recent years in its activity suffered big changes. Along with existing rich fund, the library introduces latest information technologies and expanded access of population to the informational resources of the republic. Substantial changes were introduced in the work of the National Library as it became a working body of the Interagency Council on coordination of informational library system in the republic.

From the first days of its existence the library was aimed at collecting and preserving the book wealth. Today its funds store unique rarities. The department of rare and manuscript editions includes more than 16,000 especially rare copies. Among them are manuscripts by Alisher Navoi, Biruniy, Jami. There are very precious books of historic and spiritual value on history of Islam, a large collection of western European books of 16th century, a unique edition of Bartholomeo Erbelo “Oriental Library” published in Paris in French in 1647. It is an encyclopedia containing information about our great ancestors such as Amir Temur, Bobur, Alisher Navoi. The archives of the National Library also contain the first temporal books of Old Russian alphabet of Peter I and Catherine II period. In short, it is a very extensive material for studying the history of Uzbekistan and foreign countries.

The famous Turkestan collection in 594 volumes contains the history of the Turkestan region. All these books were published between early 19 century and the first quarter 20 century. One more precious edition is a 10-volume Turkestan album issued in the second half 19 century and containing 1200 photos
of everyday life and history of the nations of Central Asia.

Nowadays many rarities in the library are converted in electronic format, thus becoming available for the wide mass of readers, especially youth.

It should be noted that all libraries in the country have multilingual literature allowing every citizen of our multinational republic to find a book he or she wants. The national cultural centers functioning in the country are willingly contributing books by their authors.

Nowadays the republic carries on a big work on automation and creating digital libraries. There is a program of step-by-step reformation of electron libraries in all information resource centers and departments into a single information library network. The program is developed by the Uzbek Agency of Communication and Information, National Information Library Center and the National Library of Uzbekistan. Such issues as the further step-by-step forming of electron library system, guaranteeing of the enlarged access of the population to the national and international information library resources will be reflected in this document.

However, despite an intensive development of virtual libraries, electronic catalogues, databases etc, nothing can replace the book, the major source of knowledge for all the people, about which Alisher Navoi would said “There is no dearer friend than a book”.
 

www.ut.uz

 

Two new mother and child screening centers have opened: one in Jizzakh, the other in Gulistan. Thus the works on creation of regional branches of the Republican Center are complete: now each area has an institution engaged in early detection and prevention of congenital diseases. UT got acquainted with the history of the creation of these centers. The very first Aral Sea region’s mother and child screening center in Uzbekistan was established in 1998 in Nukus and served the people of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Khorazm region.

Its creation is the first result of implementation of the “Mother and Child Screening” State Program that was adopted by the government to radically improve the healthcare of mothers and children. Aral Sea region’s center was renamed to Karakalpakstan center after opening of a similar unit in Urganch.

“During the creation of screening centers in other regions, a lot of specialists came to us to learn the experience of organizing the activities of our institution,” says Amina Kalandarova, director of the screening center of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. “Today, the center is conducting measured work. Every day, we receive about a hundred women with impaired health. It is a work hard and the best reward is the gratitude of the families that we helped to find joy in raising healthy children.”

The Republican Mother and Child Screening Center and its branches in 10 regions were created within the program. The population of Jizzakh and Syrdaryo regions was served by the Samarqand and Republican screening centers. By the year 2008 compared to 1998, owing to the screening centers the birth rate of children with diseases leading to disability decreased by 14%. All this led to the decision to build two new centers in Jizzakh and Syrdaryo regions.

“All the procedures that are performed in similar centers in other regions are grasped in our center,” pointed out Sherbek Ashirov, director of Jizzakh regional mother and child screening center. “Physician-geneticist and ultrasound diagnostics specialist receive patients. Intrauterine examination of child’s health is conducted in the ultrasound diagnostics room. Newborns are tested on hypothyroidism and phenylkunuria in the laboratory. Patients with impaired health receive treatment.”

But at the same time the development of screening service of mother and child is not completed. The Ministry of Healthcare of Uzbekistan and the Republican Mother and Child Screening Center for with the support of the International Charitable Fund “Sog’lom Avlod Uchun” expands the list of diagnosed diseases. To this end, new equipment will be installed in Tashkent this year.
 

www.ut.uz

 

On April 6 at the Oksaroy Residence in Tashkent the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the Commander of the U.S. Central Command General David Petraeus, according to the report by the Uzbekistan National News Agency. Welcoming the US four-star general in Tashkent the Uzbek Leader noted about the solid and sustainable Uzbek-American relations, as much as the prospects of their further development on the constructive and equal basis.

Uzbekistan and the United States interact in settling the situation in Afghanistan and its social and economic recovery.

Uzbekistan renders a considerable assistance to its south neighbor in terms of supplying electricity, construction materials and foodstuff. Also, it participates in constructing and putting in place Afghanistan’s transport infrastructure.   During the Oksaroy talks in Tashkent General Petraeus has thanked the President for a warm welcome. The US general said that the US administration stood interested in consolidating the bilateral relations with Uzbekistan, as well as spoke of the significance of initiatives put forward by the Uzbek Leadership in addressing the situation in neighboring Afghanistan.

Also, the President and Gen. Petraeus are reported to have exchanged views on further extending the Uzbek-American cooperation and other topics of mutual interest.
 

www.jahonnews.uz

Excellencies,

I am convinced that there is no single issue in today’s world that can be addressed on its own or by one Member State acting alone.

A collective approach – often at the regional level – is required to manage challenges such as counterterrorism, drug trafficking, disaster preparedness and climate change.

That is why I have been working to strengthen the United Nations cooperation with regional organizations.

This is also a founding principle of the United Nations.

The UN Charter foresaw a world in which regional organizations and the United Nations would work together on all continents to prevent, manage and resolve crises.

Today, we act to further strengthen this long-held vision and this 21st century priority.

This signing of the Joint Declaration on UN/SCO Secretariat Cooperation follows the General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution on “Cooperation between the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.”

A number of UN entities are already working with the SCO. This includes the UN Economic and Social Council of Asia and the Pacific, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and, of course, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia.

With this signing, we see potential for enhanced cooperation in areas of common interest, including conflict prevention and resolution, counterterrorism, nonproliferation, promoting sustainable economic development, addressing the challenges of environmental degradation and more.

We at the UN Secretariat look forward to continuing our dialogue with the SCO and building our partnership further.

Thank you for your leadership.
 

www.jahonnews.uz
 

On April 5 at the Oksaroy Residence in Tashkent the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, according to the Uzbekistan National Agency.

According to the United Nations, the UN chief has been on his tour along the states of Central Asia.

President welcomed the top-level guest and noted the high level of a fruitful cooperation Uzbekistan has put in place with the United Nations on many outstanding directions of regional development.

“Your visit to the states of the region, including to Uzbekistan, I consider as a landmark event and a testimony of a profound interest on the part of the United Nations towards our region,” President said, “this is a fine opportunity to highlight the issues in terms of ensuring stability and security, sustainable development, using water and energy, mineral resources, protection of environment and many others, which are of concern for the people in the region”.

“I am glad to work with my Uzbek colleagues to address the issues of common agenda between Uzbekistan and the United Nations. After flying over the Aral Sea by helicopter I become personally convinced of the scales of negative impact of this catastrophe on the entire ecosystem of the region,” the UN Secretary-General said, “I have met with people who live in the zone of ecological disaster. It is hard to imagine what challenges the whole region has to encounter. I commend Uzbekistan’s chairmanship in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Certainly it is very important to ensure peace, security and address many acute issues of regional and international development.

The issues of managing contemporary threats and challenges, environmental degradation, mitigation of consequences of the Aral Sea catastrophe, as well as many other directions of contemporary relations have been highlighted as urgent in the framework Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the United Nations.

Uzbekistan put forward important initiatives in terms of settling the situation in the neighboring Afghanistan and renders effective assistance to implementing various UN programs on social and economic recovery of this country.

On the initiative of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which now chairs in the SCO, in December last year the UN General Assembly adopted the Resolution “On cooperation between the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization”. Effective combination of enormous experience and potential of international organizations of such level opens up new perspectives in ensuring international and regional security.

During the Oksaroy talks in Tashkent the UN Secretary-General has thanked the Uzbek Leader for a warm welcome.

Mr. Ban said the United Nations was interested in further consolidating cooperation with the Republic of Uzbekistan. He has commended the consistent and constructive approach of the Uzbek Leadership in addressing the outstanding issues of regional and international development.

On the outcomes of talks the Secretariats of the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization signed the Joint Declaration of cooperation with Mr. Ban of the UN and Mr. Muratbek Imanaliyev, the SCO Secretary-General, to have inked the Document.
 

www.jahonnews.uz

The 16th session of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was held in Tashkent on 2 April. Representatives of Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan participated in the meeting.

The RATS Council condemned the terrorist acts that took place in Moscow in March, leading to numerous casualties, and called for the further consolidation of the efforts of SCO member states in fighting with terrorism.

The complex measures of the SCO member countries to assist Russia in ensuring safety of events related to celebrations of the 65th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-45, as well as Uzbekistan in ensuring security of the SCO summit in Tashkent were approved.

The participants listened to the reports of the RATS Executive Committee director D.Djumanbekov on the implementation of the RATS Council decisions and of the SCO member states’ program of cooperation in fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism for 2007-2009. The draft RATS Council report to the SCO Heads of States Council on the RATS activity in 2009 was approved.

The meeting participants also considered issues of improvement of cooperation in fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism. They agreed that the RATS activities were adequate to the modern challenges and threats in fighting the “three evils”.

To deepen cooperation, the sides agreed to hold regular meetings of competent bodies to exchange information and to create a group to coordinate the joint fight with illegal activities of one of the large international terrorist organizations.

In the framework of the Program of cooperation of SCO member states in fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism for 2010-2012, the sides approved the proposal to hold joint anti-terrorist drill in 2010 on the territory of Russia.

The participants also agreed to hold the next session of the SCO RATS Council in September in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
 

www.uza.uz

Secretary General of the United Nations Organization Ban Ki-Moon arrived in Uzbekistan on 4 April. The high guest visited the Republic of Karakalpakstan, where he got acquainted with the environmental situation in the Aral Sea area. In the second half of the day, Ban Ki-Moon arrived in the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent. On the same day an official reception took places on behalf of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to honor the UN Secretary General.

The following is the text of the address by the President of Uzbekistan at the reception:

“It gives me an enormous satisfaction to welcome you, dear Secretary General, and a high-profile delegation of the United Nations Organization on the ancient and hospitable land of Uzbekistan, and express in your person a deep respect to the Organization led by You.

In Uzbekistan we know You as a prominent international statesman, active and consistent supporter of promoting the idea of a non-nuclear world, tackling the social, environmental and other global problems.

I would like to especially underscore that thanks to Your broad knowledge and rich experience of international activity, You do enjoy a deserved authority and recognition throughout the world community. This is the very reason why Uzbekistan was among the first states which unambiguously supported Your candidature to the post of UN Secretary General.

Your first visit to Central Asia and the Republic of Uzbekistan in the role of the United Nations head provides an excellent opportunity to have a closer view to the unfolding situation in the region and exchange opinions on the acute and disturbing outstanding problems.

In Uzbekistan we perceive the United Nations to be the sole universal international institution to support the global security and stability, the unique organization to address many complex interstate problems.

One can say without exaggeration that all over the world the millions of people set great hopes on the United Nations in terms of resolving contemporary threats and challenges, i.e. eliminating misery, poverty and diseases, combating drug trade and drug trafficking, countering devastating climate change on our planet, settling conflicts ongoing in many regions, searching for the ways of the soonest resolution of the ongoing financial-economic crisis and ensuring sustainable development of the world economy.

We highly value Your initiative to pay a personal visit to the area adjacent to the Aral Sea and thus to draw the attention of the world community to one of the global ecological catastrophes of modernity.

The Aral Sea disaster which caused huge sufferings mainly to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan stands as one of the evidences of fatal consequences of the climate change, as well as ecological and water imbalance in the region, progressing decrease of the area of glaciers on the Pamir and Tien-Shan mountains, where the significant part of watercourses of the main rivers in the region, i.e. Amudarya and Syrdarya, are formed.

The region around the Aral Sea is being inexorably seized by ever expanding desert.
For over the past 50 years the Aral Sea water area shrunk for more than four times, the water volume decreased for ten times, and for as much as its mineralization has grown.

Both this region around the drying up sea and the territories far beyond its boundaries are located in the zone of a permanent environmental risk impacted by the factors that negatively influence the quality of life, health and the gene pool of the local population.

No doubt that it is impossible to resolve the outstanding social and economic problems of the population in the Aral Sea basin without joint efforts and close cooperation with the United Nations.

I am convinced that Your travel to the Aral Sea zone raises a great hope in the society of Uzbekistan in matters related to tackling many acute environmental and social problems.

Certainly, in the course of Your visit we will also have an opportunity to thoroughly exchange views on the issues of regional security. Uzbekistan and the United Nations have accumulated sufficient experience of constructive interaction in this sphere. Today, one of the serious problems both in terms of ensuring the regional and global security remains to be the long-standing and bloody conflict in Afghanistan.

With an aim of soonest resolution of this problem Uzbekistan has initiated creation of the Contact Group “6+3” under aegis of the United Nations, which includes the neighbors of Afghanistan, the United States, Russia and NATO. We hope for Your, Mr. Secretary General, comprehensive support of this proposal.

We believe that there is no military way of the Afghan settlement. The path to the peace lays through social and economic revival of the country, achievement of domestic consensus and accord, and creation of favorable international conditions for this aim.

For this it is necessary to address the acute problems of eliminating poverty and misery, provide for respectful treatment of all ethnic and religious groups, ancient history and culture of Afghanistan, exclude the inadmissible neglect of customs, traditions and religion of Islam professed by the local population.

Uzbekistan, as a friendly neighbor of Afghanistan, has already been rendering a broad-scale assistance to reach these objectives. In particular, our country with support of international financial institutions is implementing the projects on construction of transport communications, supplies the Afghan population electricity and transports considerable volumes of humanitarian aid.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that Uzbekistan and the United Nations have rather rich and perspective agenda of cooperation, and we hope for further fruitful and effective interaction”.
 

“Jahon”
Information Agency 

 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with Sergey Ivanov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, in Oqsaroy on March 31. Welcoming the guest, the head of state expressed condolence once again to the leadership and people of the Russian Federation due to the death of civilians as a result of terrorist attacks in Moscow subway on March 29. With regard to the current state of Uzbek-Russian relations, President of Uzbekistan noted the steadily high level of their development in many areas.

“In Uzbekistan we attach great importance and cherish those traditional ties of friendship and cooperation that bind our peoples. Uzbekistan is always willing to employ the enormous potential in boosting its relations with Russia on bilateral as well as multilateral basis. Regrettable as it is, these resources are rarely used efficiently. Therefore, we consider the current session of intergovernmental commission a good opportunity to identify strategically salient areas of cooperation in which both sides are interested”- the head of nation said.
 

Today, bilateral trade and economic interaction between the two countries is run in engineering, energy, electronics, and pharmaceuticals production. In this context, priority is assigned to oil and gas, mining and metal working spheres. There exist considerable opportunities to enhance cooperation in the fields of telecommunications, chemical, construction, textile, and travel industries. Set up as a result of bilateral agreement, Uzbek-Russian intergovernmental commission is there to jointly determine the possibilities of expanding the mutual partnership in promising areas.

At the meeting in Oqsaroy, Sergei Ivanov expressed sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the warm welcome, stressing in particular the Russian Federation’s interest in augmenting the bilateral relations with Uzbekistan in various areas.

During the talk, also discussed were the details of President Karimov’s forthcoming visit to the Russian Federation, as well as other matters of mutual interest.
 

www.ut.uz
 

Spentex Industries LTD, India, is to invest $27.78 million during a seven-year period to modernize the production capacities at Spentex Tashkent Toytepa LLC.

This action is provided for in the decree of Uzbek Cabinet of Ministers aimed at restructuring the remaining expenses by Spentex Tashkent Toytepa for the property of Tashkent Toytepa Textile.

Besides, the Indian company assumed the obligations to guarantee since 2010 the production of no less than 34,600 tons of cotton yarn, 8.3 million running meters of ready-made textile and no less than $78.1 million of export per year.

It should be noted that in 2006 the decree of president approved the sale of the property of Tashkent Toytepa Textile to Spentex Industries LTD in its affiliated unit Spentex Toshkent Toytepa for $81.0 million with the first $20.25 million to be paid upon the effect of the sale agreement and the remainder within next four years.

www.ut.uz 

Kelajak Ovozi Center for Youth Initiatives has organized a competition among gifted young people in the field of information technologies and technological devices and equipment.

Projects were presented in eighteen nominations. Eight of them have been announced winners in computer software, two in database development and another eight in technical creativity.

Among the contending projects was a system of electronic document processing Kelajak Technologies. This complex solution is already installed at Kelajak Ovozi Republican Center for Youth Initiatives and document processing there is entirely automated. The solution was developed by Andrey Pritkov and Emin Masumov.

The Dak til tutorial is designed for persons with limited capacities, particularly to deaf-mutes and hearing-impaired people. This electronic tutorial created by Luchibek Nurmatov helps people study foreign languages, mathematics, physics and other sciences.

The Automation of Information Resources Center program developed by Dilshod Abdullayev consists of an electronic library and an automated desktop for the librarian. The program helps keep account of books and register the number of users. There is also a system for searching books by titles and key words. The current system is already in use at Informational Resource Center of the School of Mechanics and Mathematics, Mirzo Ulugbek National University of Uzbekistan.

The Smartline IP Unifies Communications program that represents a multifunctional automatic switcher center allowing users to establish a quality telephone communication services through IP-addresses and Voip-telephony. The program is developed by Javlon Kayumov.

Chief of National Patent Office of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Amonov, presented winners of the event with certificates of registration for their software products and databases in the national registers. The Patent Office will help the triumphant apply to obtain official documents for their inventions.

“In Uzbekistan, the most talented representatives of younger generation will compose the cadres potential capable of ensuring effective use of the intellectual property system as an instrument of economic, technical, social and cultural development,” Bakhtiyor Amonov said. “The government has been stimulating the talented youth for the development of innovative technologies.

Kelajak Ovozi Contest is a good start. The cooperation agreement signed between the Patent Office and Kelajak Ovozi center will promote these processes. We expect the youth to reveal their talents and it will yield substantial and noteworthy outcomes and will benefit all the society.”
 

www.ut.uz    
 

Ethnic cultural centers celebrate Navruz in the capital’s picturesque park.

Artistic and music festivities dedicated to Navruz took place in Babur Park in Tashkent. Organized by the Republican International Cultural Center in one of the most fine-looking sites of the Uzbek capital, the festival gathered representatives of ethnic cultural centers, public organizations, diplomatic corps, activists of mahalla and womens committees.

“In our country, major efforts are directed at ensuring interethnic harmony, consolidating the unity, friendship, generosity, kindness and compassion”, said Nasriddin Mukhammadiyev, chairman of the Republican International Cultural Center. “We celebrate all holidays together. And Navruz is peculiarly precious. This year, too, as usual, every one of our cultural centers presented their concert programs as well as works of handicraft and applied arts, national costumes and cuisine exhibitions. Because you can always enjoy listening to multilingual speech across this nation, and customs of numerous nationalities have coexisted and grown side by side in peace in this land.”

The diversity is the wealth enriching the cultural and spiritual heritage of different nations. The territory of Uzbekistan has always been one of the hearths of world civilization where over the centuries the interchange of different cultures took place. The culture of Uzbek nation not only absorbed their positive experience, but also enriched them substantially, gave the impulse to the further development. Nowadays in Uzbekistan more than 150 nations and nationalities of different religious confessions live in peace and harmony as a common family. In our country there are created the necessary conditions for the free education of all citizens irrespective of their nationality, the promotion of health, the acquirement of profession by interests and capacities, the discovering of talents, labor, saving of further development of its national and cultural traditions, customs and values.

“We love Navruz and we celebrate it with pleasure, because it is the holiday of spring and equinox; it demonstrates the solidarity and tolerance of people living in Uzbekistan”, said the resident of Tashkent Dina Sizikova. “This day traditionally all cultural centers of the city gather in Babur park and demonstrate their art. And our cultural center prepared some musical numbers. It is Polish national songs and dances. Besides it, we well present at the exhibition the Polish national cuisine, different house dishes, the collection of national dolls etc. We are glad to introduce our culture to all who is interested in, and we will watch the exhibitions of our other compatriots.”

“All we grew up by example of our fathers reading the literary heritage of Uzbek people whose major principle is tolerance”, continues Nasriddin Mukhammadiev. “For example, in Alisher Navoi’s works there are the representatives of almost 10 nationalities. And one of the main goals of our International cultural center and national cultural centers we see in the education of these senses in youth. For that we hold many different events. And the preparation to Navruz is one of them. I want to mention the particular burst of young men, with which they came to the holiday cleanse day, their wish to plant the seedlings and flowers. We can understand it, because Uzbekistan is their homeland. How can we not to love our Motherland?”

The Republican International Cultural Center makes a weighty contribution in accomplishment of the goals in this direction. Different social-enlightener projects, contests, scientific-practical conferences, seminars, exhibitions, musical festivals, art and friendship forums, spiritual-enlightener events carried out by the center promote the consolidation of interethnic harmony and atmosphere of kindness, clemency and unity in our society.
 

www.ut.uz
 

 

For those who value and fancy the Egyptian culture and who have always dreamed of plunging into the mysterious aura of that region, the Egyptian Culture Week in Tashkent offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the oldest civilizations. Similar events are held annually with the support of Egyptian Embassy, Egyptian Cultural Center, Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Forum Foundation, and always with striking hits.   The current Week, fifth in a row, has been attended by representatives of culture and art of two countries, folk singers, artists, and those also wishing to get acquainted with traditions of the Arab country. It is noteworthy that the days of Egyptian culture coincided with national holidays: in Egypt - Holiday for Mothers and Navruz Holiday in Uzbekistan.   “The Egyptian-Uzbek relations are rooted deep in the past. The trade contacts between the countries were established even in ancient times, so in cooperation with Uzbekistan we attach a particular importance,” Professor Ahmad Razhab Rizk, a cultural attaché of the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Cultural Center, said.

“And such activities contribute to further development and deepening of friendly relations, bringing together the peoples, so close in culture and customs.”

During the Week, its guests were able to get acquainted with the Art Exhibition “Egypt at the End of Centuries”. Exhibits of Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic civilization made it possible to feel the spirit of the times, mentally transport oneself to the different historical epochs. Samples of calligraphic works done by the Egyptian calligrapher Yusri Al-Mamluk attracted visitors with smooth lines and interesting color, composition and design.

Photographs by Professor Ahmad Razhab Rizk were equally attractive, at which historic monuments of ancient Khiva, Bukhoro, Samarkand, as well as various buildings in Egypt are sealed.

The concert program included presentations of the Nile Folk Band from Egypt, whose members sang the national Egyptian melodies, songs and dances.

The relationship of two cultures was shown throughout the Week, every day, devoted to performances by folklore ensembles, photo exhibition, showing Egyptian films, as well as an artists’ exhibition. Opening of the latest, entitled “Uzbekistan-Egypt in eyes of artists” was held at the Palace of Youth Creativity.
On the opening day, works by Uzbek and Egyptian artists inspired by ancient history, customs and traditions of two peoples were presented. The exhibited works were performed in a variety of genres and represent different kinds of fine and decorative art.
 

www.ut.uz   
 

Twelfth session of Uzbek-Russian Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation has taken place March 31 in Tashkent.

The event was attended by the two countries’ heads of ministries, agencies and companies who run foreign economic relations, energy, oil and gas, banking and financial industries, defense, geology, transport and transport communications, customs, aviation, engineering and cultural sphere.

At the forum, co-chairman of the commission Shavkat Mirziyoev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, underscored the consistent growth in cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia and that agreements reached during meetings of heads of the two states serve as the legal basis.

Today, cooperation between our countries is dynamically developing in almost all directions, including in such areas as energy, aviation, engineering, transport and telecommunications, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture industry. In 2009, trade turnover between the two countries amounted to almost $4.5 billion.

More than 800 joint ventures with Russian investments have been created in Uzbekistan. In Russia there are about three hundred and fifty joint ventures established with Uzbek investors. Uzbekistan is exporting vehicles, food products, equipment, cotton fiber, ferrous and nonferrous metals, plastics and other high-tech products to Russia.

At the meeting, the sides discussed issues concerning the current state and prospects of trade and economic relations, particularly cooperation in such fields as fuel and energy complex, aircraft industry, mechanical engineering, transportation and telecommunications. There was a detailed exchange of views on economic potential and opportunities of Uzbekistan and Russia. Special attention was paid to the increasing volume of commodity turnover, number of joint ventures and products.

“Trade and economic ties are consistently developing in various fields between our countries,” said Sergey Ivanov, deputy prime minister of Russian Federation, co-chairman of the commission. “Uzbekistan takea leading position among the trade partners of Russia. Despite the global financial crisis, commodity turnover between our countries considerably grew in 2009. Russia is interested in further strengthening cooperation with Uzbekistan.”
 

www.ut.uz    
 

German delegation expresses interest in expanding the ties.

Delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany headed by the Head of Foreign Economic Relations with CIS, Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology Andreas Poymann paid a working visit to Uzbekistan.

During the visit of the German delegation a business forum and cooperation exchange with representatives of business circles of Uzbekistan and Germany was held in Tashkent.

The event's participants were acquainted with the prospects of bilateral cooperation in various sectors of the economy, investment potential of Uzbekistan and opportunities of mutually advantageous cooperation, in particular, in the Navoi Free Industrial-Economic Zone.

The Forum noted that the investment cooperation with German companies in Uzbekistan is valuable in terms of attracting financial resources and modern technology, management and quality standards.

As head of Germany’s delegation Andreas Poymann said, Uzbekistan is an important strategic partner, and in this regard, the German side expressed interest in expanding bilateral ties.

During the panel sessions of the cooperative exchange, issues of cooperation in mining and oil, gas industry, geology, engineering and information technology, logistics, banking and interaction in small and private businesses were discussed.
In accordance with the Agreement “On Partnership and Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union” a status of most favored nation treatment in trade was established between two countries. The bilateral trade volume amounted to $469.4 million in 2009.

According to Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, today there are 133 enterprises, established with participation of German investors in Uzbekistan, 28 of them - with 100% German capitals. The scope of their activities mainly concentrated in such industries as light industry, medical and pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, cargo and passenger transportation, research and trade.
 

www.ut.uz    
 

 

Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) Ban Ki-moon is expected in Uzbekistan this week. The visit is to be the first one by the current UN head to the Central Asian region. Uzbekistan became a member of the United Nations on March 2, 1992, and for 18 years has been working closely with the Organization in different areas. On the eve of the visit, Anita Nirody, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, kindly agreed to tell UT readers about the rewarding cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United Nations.

- Madam Nirody, in what areas of cooperation have Uzbekistan and UN you think proved successful?

- As far as the most celebrated spheres of interaction during these years are concerned, it has been healthcare and law, without any doubt.

In the former, we work with the government of Uzbekistan to develop and prepare the Third Phase of large-scale reforms and national strategies to improve nutrition.
The result of cooperation in the legal sphere has been the adoption of laws and regulations to combat money laundering and human trafficking, control of licit movement of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Much attention is paid to rural development. One of our most successful projects implemented jointly with the Uzbek Government is further development in rural infrastructure in several areas of the country.

Another major focus of our activities is protection and restoration of tangible and intangible heritage. Four cities of Uzbekistan - Khiva (Ichon Kala), Bukhoro, Shahrisabz and Samarqand are on the list of the World Heritage. In this area we also actively cooperate by conducting assessments, training, inventory development, etc.

- A complex set of environmental, socio-economic and demographic issues in the Aral Sea basin constitute a priority dimension of cooperation. Am I correct?

- Yes, of course, countering social, environmental and economic impacts of the Aral Sea crisis is a priority area of work between Uzbekistan and the UN.

In March 2008, in order to attract the global attention to the Aral Sea problem, the government of Uzbekistan, with UN support, held an international conference on Aral Sea crisis and its impact on the south Aral region’s genetic fund, flora and fauna, and international cooperation in mitigating these impacts.
At present, several UN agencies work in Aral area. The New Framework for the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for 2010-2015 gives a clear description of the assistance to Uzbekistan in this regard.

In 2008 we carried out a research “Review of Donor Assistance in the Aral Sea for the period from 1995 to 2005”. According to the survey, total donor assistance to the Aral region in the period was equal to US$ 825 million.

In previous years, our organization implement pilot projects in the Republic of Karakalpakstan in renewable energy, efficient use of energy resources, planning, microfinance, water, etc.

Currently, projects in sustainable land management and combating desertification, the conservation of globally significant biological diversity are being implemented.

- In which areas are new joint projects planned?

- Current stage of development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UN, in my opinion, can be regarded as the most interesting period of our partnership.

This year marked the launch of the new Framework (UNDAF). 2010 is also a landmark in terms of achieving the Millennium Development Goals, as this year will summarize interim results.

Under the UNDAF, four priority areas are identified for the next six-year cycle of relationship: economic prosperity, system of social welfare services, environment, integrating the principles of sustainable development into state policies and programs; management.

It is known that Uzbekistan pays a great attention to innovation as the main engine of progress.

Given the importance of innovation in the economy, the Ministry of the Economy and the Institute of Forecasting and Macroeconomic Research launched along with the UN Development Program (UNDP) a project aimed at developing innovative policy and technology transfer in Uzbekistan.

The new project envisions a creation of long-term program of innovation development of the country, which is expected to develop the active participation of the public, experts from scientific circles, ministries and agencies, private sector and international donor organizations.

It should be noted that the support of national policies for innovation has been identified as one of the key areas in UNDP Action Plan for 2010-2015, jointly developed with the Uzbek Government.
 

www.ut.uz   
 

 

Uzbekneftgaz national holding company has signed a package of documents with companies of Oman.   In the course of visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan by the Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Sultanate of Oman Maqbul bin Ali bin Sultan, Omani companies concluded a number of agreements with Uzbekneftgaz.   Particularly, Uzbekneftgaz and the Oman Investment Fund signed an understanding on basic principles of setting up a joint venture to construct a cement plant in Uzbekistan.

The deal provides for the erection of a factory with the output capacity of up to 1.7 million tons of cement a year including special sorts of this material - packing cement and sulfate-resistant cement.

Also, Uzbekneftgaz, Uzbek-Omani Investment Fund and an Omani fiber-optic company signed a memorandum of understanding to create a fiber-optic enterprise in Navoi free industrial economic zone. In addition, Uzbekneftgaz national holding and Oman Oil Company inked a similar pact to institute a joint project of a plant specializing in PPRC pipes - also in Navoi FIEZ.

Uzbekneftgaz, Shurtan Gas Chemical Complex, and Oman Oil Company signed a protocol of basic terms of investment that outlines the establishment of a joint enterprise for polyethylene tubes production in Uzbekistan.

www.ut.uz 

 

The next in a row exhibition-fair Bazar-Art took place in the Center of National Arts that presented products of best masters of applied arts. This large-scaled project was organized by the Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan Foundation together with the Association of Artists, Art critics and National Masters IJOD. The sixth exhibition-fair Bazar-Art participated by more than 100 masters from all regions of the country creating on major directions of traditional and applied art has come to its end.

Hereditary national masters, professional artists and young handicraftsmen were among were among those masters.

Venue organizers say that this year the geography has considerably extended and, accordingly, the quantity of participants has increased, especially youth.

“The main objective of Bazar-Art is to show all potential of the national-applied art our culture is rich with,” noted the director of the Center of National Arts Elmira Ahmedova. “Moreover, we seek to render support to creative dynasties, talented masters and, the main thing, to preserve and increase the national heritage. The present exhibition displays all diversity of the traditional and modern arts and crafts acquainting visitors with the brightest tendencies of its development.”

The exhibition attended by the leading masters from all regions of the country. Andumajid Valiyev, the fifth generation of weavers’ dynasty, presented textile products from Marg’ilon.

“Having inherited secrets of art of weaving from the ancestors, I keep on doing their work now. I try not only to preserve this art, but also engaged in revival of the lost ornaments. Among the products presented in the exhibition there are fabrics with ancient patterns, for instance, ‘tumor’, ‘anor’ and others. We participate in the exhibition every time, in 2007 we won the Fund Forum’s grant which we used for expanding our business.”

Once again the masters of the well-known Rishton School of Ceramics, the Yusupovs family, and Nazrullayev’s dynasty, the seventh generation of G’ijduvon School, admired visitors with their art presented in the exhibition genuine masterpieces.

“With my father Sharofiddin Yusupov and usto Komilov we for many years have worked over restoration of one of ancient recipes of manufacturing traditional Rishton ceramics,” told Firdavs Yusupov. “We are almost to finish our work. We try to keep the craft of our ancestors, and with that view have opened school where we train local children. I participate in Bazar-Art from its first day and I am very glad. Here I received the grant which was used to acquire the necessary equipment.
Besides traditional, the exhibition was presented with modern types of textiles and batik Shahrisabz has been very widely presented by masters of machine and manual embroidery. The master on manufacturing knives Ibrohim Rakhimov from Bukhoro who was found the Best Usto in 2007 also displayed his products at the exhibition.

In short, one could see everything in the exhibition: jewelry items made from silver and cupronickel incrusted with precious stones presented by jewelry masters of Bukhoro, as well as wonderful art of stamping and woodcarving, and national dolls made by Bukhoro and Tashkent masters.

Within the project Bazar-Art the Fund Forum traditionally allocates grants to the masters who become laureates of the exhibition. Grants are aimed at further development of applied art, revival of vanishing types of workmanship and traditional forms in art of Uzbekistan. Six winners of the present project were given diplomas, and grants to two representatives of creative dynasties for preservation of traditional art types.
 

www.ut.uz    
 

Textbooks for the total amount of over 53,088,5 billion soums will be published for general schools, academic lyceums, professional colleges and higher educational institutions in 2010. The UT correspondent has acquainted with designation of these primers in detail.

General schools will be provided with the full set of textbooks for first-graders by the beginning of the new school year. Besides, it is projected to renew the circulating stock of textbooks for 2-9 graders. The textbook sets for 2, 3, 8, 9 grades will be completely replaced as well as 20 study guides for teachers.

“Huge work has been carried out to improve the content of textbooks,” commented Zulfia Davronova, head of the new textbook and study guide generation department. “Over 471 titles of textbooks will be published for students this year. 409 of them will be reissued, and 62 will be changed and supplemented. A major part will be assigned to updating some statistical data there, geographical names as well bringing the content to the modern requirements of curriculums and educational standards.”

Over 345 titles of books will enrich the library stock in academic lyceums and professional colleges. According to the Secondary, Special and Professional Education Center, all these textbooks will be published in compliance with the state programs for provision of colleges and lyceums with books. The stock will include books in general subjects and special subjects for professional education.

About 180 titles of learning literature will be published for university students. According to Rakhimberdi Rajabboyev, deputy director of the Higher and Secondary Special Education Development Center, with publishing new literature the issue on the replenishment of information-resource centers’ stock with editions in the Latin alphabet and in new subjects introduced during the training improvement is to be solved.
 

www.ut.uz    
 

Provision of pre-school educational institutions with logic-oriented intellectual game sets and DVD players with learning CDs has started accomplishing its goals. Rano Tulaganova, key specialist of the Ministry of Public Education of Uzbekistan dwelled upon these projects in her express interview to UT correspondent.

“All facilities to be forwarded to nursery schools in the soonest time will improve the content and quality of the training process. First of all, these aids are necessary for educators to develop every child comprehensively and evoke his/her learning interests”.

Tell about the game sets in detail please.

“All nursery schools of the republic will receive new sets of games in the next five years to develop fingers’ motility, logical thinking and intellectual capabilities in children. We have the ready list of the games to be purchased, with many electronic aids based on high technologies. The equipment will be carried out step-by-step: every year we will purchase the age-specific sets. For example, we will supply new games to nursery schools this year, and senior groups will be provided with them next year, and so on.”

And DVD players will serve as supplement to those games?

“It is planned to provide each nursery school with one DVD player with enclosed multimedia educational CDs for 2010-2011. All training materials have been already developed and prepared for replication. The CD set will comprise the electronic encyclopedia for kids called Uzbekistan Is My Motherland, collections of children’s songs including those in foreign languages, as well as software for learning colors and shapes.”
 

www.ut.uz    
 

Children’s tourism is gaining popularity year by year. This is proved by the increase of the number of hiking schoolchildren by 10% over three last months as compared to the same period of the last year. Guzal Abdusattarova, head of the excursion department of the Republican Center for Children’s Tourism and Local History told UT about the development of the children’s tourism and most popular routes.

Children’s tourism favors evoking thirst for learning history and geography in children. In particular, our center continues development of new routes (there are 27 of them at present) as well as strengthening of the material and technical base in hotels under our regional branches and distribution of information about our services among school directors.

About 100 thousand schoolchildren went backpacking starting from this year. Historical and architectural monuments, theaters and museums are their favorite places of visit. At present, routes around the region of residence of young tourists have been the most popular ones. The interregional routes rank the second in demand. Students from Karakalpakstan, Samarqand, Qashqadaryo and Farghona regions are the most active travelers. Sights in Bukhoro, Samarqand, Tashkent and Khiva are the most frequent destinations in interregional routes.
 

www.ut.uz