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EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

                                              LATEST NEWS : August 2011                     ARCHIVES

Dear compatriots!

Distinguished guests!

Today we celebrate a great holiday, an unforgettable historic date – the twentieth anniversary of independence Mother Uzbekistan – across the entire nation, in every single town and kishlak.

Two decades ago, decisively rejecting the old, obsolete totalitarian Soviet system, we started a new stage of historical development - of building an open, democratic state with a socially oriented market economy, free and independent life that had been sought by our people for many centuries.

It gives me a great pleasure to cordially congratulate you, my dear - and in your person our entire nation - on the greatest, the dearest holiday for us all to express my deep respect and reverence.

Strings of years, entire epochs will pass, but for our nation that has survived much in its millennia-old history, the independence of Uzbekistan that has fundamentally changed our lives and consciousness forever, will remain in the country’s history as an event of enormous proportions in the fullest sense, and will never lose its genuine value and essence.

Dear friends!

In the intervening period we have experienced and profoundly discovered the hard-faced truth in our own case that no nation, no country in the world were given easy way to achieve independence, the very possibility to breathe freely, to build their own destiny and future with own hands.

Indeed, today, years later, we all should recall once again how difficult it was to free ourselves from the shackles of a totalitarian regime, how the situation in the country in the last days of that regime’s existence, on the eve of independence, exacerbated, getting dangerous, more and more menacing.

The most devastating effect on the state of affairs was provided by the one-sided hypertrophy of raw material-oriented economy of the country, a complete and unconditional monopoly of cotton production that had a destructive impact on the economy, environment and gene pool of the population. To understand the gravity of the situation prevailing then, it suffices to imagine the people in distress, subjected to lawlessness, whose patience was on the verge of abyss, and the country about ready to explode, when there stood quite pressing issues of basic human needs, of maintaining a healthy atmosphere in society.

Today we have without any hesitation every reason to loudly declare that whatever troubled days we had to endure, no matter what difficulties and obstacles on the path to independence we had to overcome, no matter what threats to our country might sound, in moments of toughest tests we remained faithful to the idea of independence, put the interests of Uzbekistan above everything, have not turned off from the chosen path and I am sure, will never do.

From the earliest days of the new life we have been deeply aware of the truth that the attainment of genuine freedom and sovereignty is not merely gaining independence, but also its formation and consolidation from political and economic perspectives and gaining respect and a decent standing in the world.

I am convinced all of us are well aware of the ways to achieve such noble objectives, that is, turning into a modern developed democratic nation by using all our natural resources, our rich industrial and intellectual potential, the strength, intelligence and energy of our industrious people who had seen much in life, and at the same time relying on cooperation with the international community.

On the way to improve the quality of life of the people, the principal priority for us is to gradually accelerate the pace of democratic renewal, the liberalization and modernization of all spheres of life.

I think I speak for all present at this majestic square attending this ceremony, for our wider public, for all the people, if I say that this is the surest way that has fully justified itself for the twenty years of our country’s recent history, the path that has acquired an extensive acknowledgement around the globe as the “Uzbek model”.

Today, one can cite many examples of greatest of our accomplishments over the past period. Confirmation of the heights and outcomes we have achieved for the twenty years is that Uzbekistan’s economy has grown almost 3.4 times, the average salary has increased 14 times, while the population’s total income in real terms has multiplied roughly nine times.

Clear evidence of sustained and stable economic development of our country is the fact that Uzbekistan is one of the few countries in the world, the negative impact of the ongoing global financial and economic crisis notwithstanding, who have been able to maintain steady pace of development. In the last 5 years, GDP average growth makes 8.5 percent, and it is expected this year that the current level will be preserved.

However, over the years of independence, public expenditures on social sphere rose more than fivefold, while about 60 percent of the budget goes to health, education, municipal services, social security and other sectors every year. Not common in the world, these figures clearly show that our fundamental goal is the human life, welfare and protection of their interests.

Here is another notable fact: for twenty years, infant and maternal mortality in the country has declined by more than threefold, average life expectancy has increased by 7 years, among men, it reached 73, among women - 75 years, the country's population currently stands at 28.5 million people.

Dear friends!

Every one of us can confidently and proudly answer the question of what lies at the heart of our achievements, of our so noble heights: that is, first is the invaluable gift of independence, self-sacrificing work of our people everyday, changing identity and mentality of our people, their faith in tomorrow, their noble dreams and aspirations.

Today, all our compatriots living on this fertile land and considering Uzbekistan as their common home, regardless of ethnic origins or professional activity, have the right, with their head held high, to proudly declare that the accomplishments made by our Motherland include their own laborious work and well-deserved contribution.

From this rostrum, let me also express my appreciation to all our foreign friends who have always treated us friendly, supported, provided assistance, all countries and peoples we have good cooperation with, pass on kind wishes of happiness and prosperity to them.

I take this opportunity to express my sincere, heartfelt welcome and express our profound respect and reverence to the foreign ambassadors and representatives of international organizations present on this beautiful square, and say to all our dear guests: our holiday today is and your holiday, too.

Dear compatriots!

There is much talk about what new horizons and opportunities have been open to us thanks to the independence. Among our greatest achievements, which will be forever in the annals of our independent country, there is one whose value does not measure and can not be overestimated.
This is our harmoniously developed, physically and spiritually healthy generation of young people who master modern knowledge and professions, have independently thinking mind, becoming the decisive force in our lives and, crucially, able to take responsibility for the future of the country.

It is they who are gathered in this magnificent area filled with enthusiasm and energy of young boys and girls, and through them - all the youth of the country would like to say today:
Not everybody is happy to be born and live in a beautiful blessed by the Almighty and unique land, whose name is Uzbekistan. And my fondest wish is that this vital truth penetrated deeply into your hearts and souls. May love for the country, devotion to the native land always accompany you.

Our sacred duty and honor is to always remember and pay tribute to the dedication of our ancestors, our fathers and grandfathers who survived tough times, many difficulties and trials, sacrificed themselves for freedom of the Motherland, and who preserved it for today's generations.

I think that I speak your noble thoughts and aspirations, and when I say that the honorable duty of every one of us to be ready to devote ourselves entirely, and if necessary - to give our lives for the future prosperity of the land dear for us all, in the name of its well-being and a great future.

Dear friends, dear fellow countrymen!

I am sure you will also agree with me that the coincidence in time of our major holiday with the sacred Eid Ramadan we may perceive as another manifestation of benevolence and compassion of the Almighty to our people and our country.

I embrace you all sincerely, and congratulate you with all my heart once again on the holiday and wish you a sound health, happiness and best of luck, prosperity and welfare to your families.

Let our beautiful sacred Motherland be eternal!

May peace always reign in our country and the sky above it be clear!

May our Independence be perpetual!
 

www.press-service.uz
 

 

Festive celebrations occasioned to the 20th anniversary of national independence have taken place at Alisher Navoi National Park of Uzbekistan. Twenty years ago, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov announced independence of our Motherland. A new independent state - Republic of Uzbekistan – emerged on the world map. A full member of the international community has become a country with a rich history and cultural heritage, enormous economic and enlightened capacities, with the people whose great forefathers had made an invaluable contribution to the evolution of world civilization, science and culture.

These days, our nation celebrates the great wide historic date - the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan, which is celebrated under the topic “Dearest, Holiest Motherland – Independent Uzbekistan”. It instills in the hearts of fellow citizens the feeling of boundless pride. We are more deeply aware of the enormous importance and essence of independence as the basis for fundamental transformation in society and people’s consciousness, its role in the political, social and economic life.

19.00. Those gathered for festive celebrations welcome the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov with applause.

Modern technical devices that are installed on the grand square attracted the attention of the audience. The screen demonstrates the unique video footage - the proclamation of independence of our country on August 31, 1991. Islam Karimov pronounces the following words: “I suggest to declare September 1, starting from today, Independence Day in the Republic, a national holiday.”

 

After independence, President Islam Karimov put forward the idea of "Uzbekistan - a state with a great future", stressing that it is not just a dream but a realistic goal, the achievement of which our nation relies on its great history and endless possibilities, and opened it deep socio-economic cultural and spiritual foundation.   Carried out for the last time large-scale work, achieved significant results confirm that the people of Uzbekistan are really able to build a great future for their own hands.

... Attention again attracted huge screens. They demonstrated episodes connected with the adoption of the National Anthem, flag, constitution. Alternate history stuff: proudly flies the flag of Uzbekistan to the United Nations building, Uzbek President speaks at the UN and participates in international meetings, built in the years of independence, the majestic buildings, modern look of our towns and villages, and heroic work of our countrymen in various industries, the success of our young people ... These images, in tune with the noble feelings which fill our hearts, as if turning over in front of our eyes Chronicle of independence, a new history of the people.
 

The foundation of independence was laid in 1989 with the election of the leader of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov. As the head of state Islam Karimov took courage and determination to protect the rights and interests of the country’s people.   The institution of President was established in Uzbekistan on March 24, 1990, the first such act among the Soviet republics. This was a manifestation of courage, an important step towards the attainment of national sovereignty.

Twenty years. In the annals of the independence they had already written in golden letters as equal ages in the way of building a new society, a new state based on democratic principles and market economics.
 

www.press-service.uz

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov visited Shahidlar Hotirasi memorial complex on August 31 to commemorate those who died for freedom and independence.

There is no future without historical memory. This truth is especially relevant during the celebration of two decades of independence of our motherland. The essence and meaning of such notions as independence, peace and tranquility can be seen on an example of our countrymen who fought and sacrificed their lives for these lofty ideals, President Islam Karimov said. It is known that the victims of the terrible mass political repression of the colonial regime were the best representatives of our nation - thousands of intellectuals, representatives of clergy and enlighteners. Their dignity and honor were trampled, lives broken.

With the proclamation of independence Uzbekistan has restored the historic justice. Feat and heroism of our ancestors and their dedication serve as examples for us, especially the younger generation. And it is of great importance in enhancing the spirituality in the society. After all, we should cherish and appreciate the present prosperous life, peace and harmony in the country.

To be able love their country the youth must deeply understand the value of heroism, hardship and difficulties that had won us the current bright days, and be worthy of their self-sacrificing ancestors, he noted.

On the same day, President Islam Karimov visited the Independence Square and laid flowers to the Monument of Independence and Humanism, a symbol of freedom, bright future and noble aspirations. The head of state got acquainted with the landscaping and beautification work implemented on the square.

The country’s central square and the adjacent territory in recent years have become even more beautiful and comfortable. Shade trees, flower beds and clean water in Anhor add a special beauty to the square.

Independence Square is always full of people. They come to visit this square from all around the country with joy and happiness on their faces.

So beautiful and picturesque squares created in Tashkent and in all regions of Uzbekistan are primarily a manifestation of peace and tranquility prevailing in our country, Islam Karimov said. They arouse the sense of beauty. And the beauty brings a sense of kindness, mutual respect and generosity.

The chambers of Oliy Majlis, Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, ministries, agencies and the public, too, laid flowers to the monument.
 

www.press-service.uz
 

 

President Islam Karimov traveled on August 28 to the new joint venture designed to manufacture automobile engines and the new air terminal in Tashkent to serve local flights to familiarize with ongoing efforts in these two facilities. Thanks to the wide-ranging constructive and creative works, every single year of independent development has been inscribed in the chronicles of our Motherland with golden letters. The steadfast reforms led by President Islam Karimov have been yielding remarkable effects in economic and social spheres.

All this has stimulated to build up the economic power of Uzbekistan, to shore up its standing in the international arena, to improve the wellbeing of the people.

Uzbekistan is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its independence with new achievements, extensive transformation, and wide-scale constructive works.

General Motors Powertrain Uzbekistan joint venture built in Tashkent region’s Zangiata district on the initiative of President Islam Karimov to manufacture car engines and the new air terminal in Tashkent to serve local flights have become a well-deserved gift for the greatest, the dearest holiday.

As a result of project worth 521.8 million US dollars, a unique and intricate industrial sector to encompass GM Powertrain Uzbekistan has been created in Uzbekistan for a relatively short period of time.

The new enterprise occupies 40 hectares of land, while its productive capacities absorb 44.7 thousand square meters.

The joint factory is going to manufacture a new generation BDONC engines with working capacity of 1.2 and 1.5 liters. These small-capacity novel engines have been developed by General Motors and are installed in global models of this company’s cars. That means that GM Powertrain customers will include not merely the car industry of Uzbekistan, but also other enterprises of GM’s global network. Thus, to date, the newly born plant has received orders from nearly ten assembly ventures of GM chain.

The level of production localization by the time full-scale production will be launched at the enterprise is 50 percent. Following locally manufactured engines’ installation, the share of localization in the value added goods of GM Uzbekistan will make 82 percent.

The head of our state had a talk with foreign specialists and local youth working at the factory.

“This major project is a new stride toward advancing our automotive industry founded in the wake of independence,” Islam Karimov suggested.

“Our youths are working at these sorts of sophisticated production facilities equipped with cutting-edge technologies meeting the latest standards, which naturally makes us happy and stirs up the sense of pride.”

As soon as the plant enters its projected capacities, up to 1,200 people will be employed, while 450 personnel are currently working here. All of them have been trained by foreign specialists. In particular, 120 young Uzbek professionals have passed retraining internships at leading General Motors plants in the United States, Germany, Austria, India and South Korea.

In his speech during a meeting in Tashkent city administration back in 1990 (January 20), Islam Karimov had noted with pity that the sufficiency of human resources in Uzbekistan notwithstanding, some 125 thousand workers and specialists had been drawn in the Republic from outside Uzbekistan to form the personnel of newly set up production companies. At that time, it was nothing but a disdainful attitude to local specialists, a no-confidence manifest toward them.

The consistent and efficient efforts under the leadership of the President have proved the flimsiness and groundlessness of that approach. It is supported by the fact that thousands of Uzbek young people have successfully been working at the high-power modern complexes in Karaulbazar, Mubarek, Shurtan, Dehkanabad, Kungrad, automobile factories in Asaka and Samarkand as well as many other modern major production facilities.

Our young specialists fly latest airliners today; they manage high-speed trains, with a growing number of young people commanding perfectly the state-of-the-art technologies. All this testifies that the Uzbek youth is second to no one.

“Quite gifted youths are working in this venture,” Janos Covax, production director of the JV, shared. “They have grasped all the complicated processes in foundry and assembly lines. This underlines the Uzbek youths’ zeal and intellectual capacities.”

A test production of first engines has been carried out at the factory. Following all the essential tests and certification procedures, batch production will be launched this November. The plant is expected to work in full production capacities as soon as in 2013.

The enterprise hosting both foundry and assembly lines in one area is to become a single such factory of General Motors throughout the world.

 

On the same day, President Islam Karimov acquainted himself with the new local flights air terminal at Tashkent airport commissioned on the eve of the 20th anniversary of national independence. The new terminal has been constructed in national architectural traditions with a capacity to serve 400 passengers an hour. Reviewing the extensive and modern conveniences and customer-friendly environment created here, Islam Karimov underscored in particular the priority significance of ensuring passenger safety and security.

To meet these goals, the new terminal is outfitted with latest electronic equipment and technical capacities. The building is surrounded with a security zone containing two check points.

 

Among the many advantages of the terminal is that passengers arrived in Uzbekistan from abroad can directly fly to other regions of the country without the need to leave the airport territory. The tremendous creative efforts and large-scale reforms undertaken in Uzbekistan is a practical effect of the opportunities provided by the independence. These types of modern buildings and facilities erected across the nation ahead of the greatest, dearest holiday events are a testimony to the high economic power of Uzbekistan to serve further elevation in the wellbeing of the people.

www.uza.uz
 

 

South Korean group “Sodo-Sodo” won the Grand Prix of the international music festival Sharq Taronalari. The eighth international music festival Sharq Taronalari (Oriental Melodies) completed in Samarkand on 30 August. This year’s festival, organized since 1997 on the initiative of President Islam Karimov, was attended by artists from 56 countries.   During one week, they demonstrated their skills at the Registan square, as well as recreation parks Yoshlik and Sugdiyona in Samarkand city and Urgut, Samarkand, Taylak, Pastdargom, Payarykskom and Jambay districts.

Within the music festival, a scientific conference, exhibitions, art evenings and meetings were held.

At the closing ceremony of the festival, its participants and guests expressed gratitude to the leadership of Uzbekistan for the high-level organization of this international forum.

The Grand Prize of the festival was awarded to the South Korean group “Sodo-Sodo”. Musicians from China and Lithuania won the first place, Uzbekistan, Russia and Iran were second, and Turkmenistan, Georgia and Madagascar came third.

The most active participants of the festival received special UNESCO prizes in various nominations.

After the awarding, a concert with participation of the winners of the festival and artists of Uzbekistan was demonstrated.

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan A.Aripov and hokim of Samarkand region Z.Mirzaev attended the Sharq Taronalari closing ceremony.
 

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Ministry of Finance and Commerce and Industry Chamber of Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of understanding with the Public Procurement Service of the Republic of Korea.

The document is aimed at expanding and strengthening the financial and technical cooperation, technical and informational assistance for the implementation and development of the electronic state procurement system. The memorandum envisages conducting seminars involving experts from both countries to improve the system of electronic state procurement.

South Korea is one of the largest investment partners of Uzbekistan. During the period of mutual cooperation, total investments made by the Republic of Korea in the Uzbek economy have exceeded USD 5 billion.

In 2010, the volume of trade between Uzbekistan and South Korea exceeded USD 1.6 billion. In January-June 2011 this figure reached USD 780 million.
 

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UN Resident Coordinator Anita Nirody spoke to UzA on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence.

“On 1 September 1991, Uzbekistan became a sovereign nation and entered an exciting new period in its history. This year Uzbekistan will celebrate 20 years of independence. In a relatively short period of time, it has achieved several important milestones in moving forward its socio-economic agenda through a process of gradual reforms and transitioning to a market-based economy,” Anita Nirody said.

“The speech of the President Islam Karimov to the Oliy Majlis in November 2010 laid out critical next steps of gradual reforms in the three branches of governments and outlines major initiatives to develop other attributes of free and just societies – mass media, civil society and economic reforms.

“The United Nations family in Uzbekistan welcomes these initiatives, which are essential to enable citizens to realize their full potential as human beings, and create opportunities for continued development. Gradual reforms, initially focusing on the economic sphere, have yielded successful development results in many countries – at the same time, further economic complexity, and the aspiration to have the benefits of growth reach broad segments of the population, require the deepening of reforms to empower individual creativity and entrepreneurship to contribute to, and strengthen, the economic base. Uzbekistan has reached that stage in its development, and we look forward to continue to work with our national partners in supporting the implementation of these reforms,” UN Resident Coordinator noted.

“As a signatory to the Millennium Declaration adopted in 2000, Uzbekistan has made good progress in moving towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, due to sustainable high rates of economic growth and the implementation of effective programmes in the social sector, particularly in education and health.

“Through our joint strategy with the government, the UN has been facilitating the country’s efforts to match positive economic growth rates with effective social policies both at local and national levels, through policy advice and capacity development, as well as by sharing knowledge and experiences from other parts of the world. Our support covers areas from economic reform to improving governance. We assist in healthcare, including maternal health, and education reform and the protection and preservation for the next generations of Uzbekistan’s tangible and intangible cultural treasures. We also support efforts to counter drug trafficking, environmental degradation and the spread of HIV/AIDS.

“The recent visits of the UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-Moon and UNDP Administrator, Under-Secretary General Ms Helen Clark to Uzbekistan emphasized the strong partnership between the UN and Uzbekistan and the need to further lift the level of engagement so as to continue our joint efforts in meeting the needs of all people in the country,” Anita Nirody said.

On behalf of the UN in Uzbekistan, she congratulated the people of the country on the 20th year of the national independence and said her organization looked forward to close and continued engagement.
 

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Heads of foreign states, governments, international organizations, politicians and public figures have sent letters to President Islam Karimov, congratulating the head of the state and the people of Uzbekistan on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of independence of the country.

In his message to the President, Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon said that over the past 20 years, Uzbekistan has firmly established itself as an independent state.

“You have made significant progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), such as education and healthcare, addressing impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, which had made a significant impact on your country,” the head of the UN wrote.

Uzbekistan plays a crucial role in regional relations, he continued, once again expressing gratitude for the support provided by Uzbekistan during the tragic events in southern Kyrgyzstan last year.

“Equally important are your efforts in economic recovery and establishment of peace and security in Afghanistan, as well as leadership in regional initiatives. Your continued participation in this activity is indispensable for stability both in Afghanistan and Central Asia in general,” Ban Ki-Moon stressed.

“Uzbekistan is an important member of the UN. Your contribution in such areas as promotion of nuclear non-proliferation, sustainable development and solving problems caused by climate change is highly appreciated. I look forward to our continued cooperation in the future,” the UN Secretary-General said.

The following leaders also sent their greetings to the President of Uzbekistan:

Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh,
Servant of Two Holy Mosques, King of Saudi Arabia Abdullo bin Abdulaziz Ol Saud,
Crown Prince, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation, Inspector General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sultan bin Abdulaziz Ol Saud,
President of the United Arab Emirates Khalifa bin Zoid Ol Nahayon,
Vice President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai governor Muhammad bin Rashid Ol Maktoum,
Federal President of Austria Heinz Fischer,
President of the Republic of Portugal Anibal Cavaco Silva,
President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovich,
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev,
President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili,
Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai,
Chairman of the Hanjin Group, chairman of the Korean Air Cho Yang-Ho,
Chairman of the International Federation of Combined Martial Arts Chuck Norris and others.

www.uza.uz

On the eve of the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan, new modern trams were launched in the country’s capital.

Trams are one of the symbols of Tashkent, captured in the first cinema reel about the city. Over the years of independence, Tashkent has greatly changed, including the city’s transport infrastructure.

According to Toshshahartranskhizmat association, which operates the capital’s public transport, large-scale construction and repair works have been carried out during the past year.

More than 16 kilometers of new tram lines are to be built in the city by the end of the year. To date, three routes have been completed. The first was the 7.1 kilometer line from the Taraqqiyot street to Mukimi street. The second line is 2.7 kilometers long and passes through Samarkand Darvoza street.

Recently, a 3.8 kilometer like was built from the Beshqayragach street to Ibn Sino residential area. Now the reconstruction of the 2.5 kilometers of car road from Fargona Yuli to Alimkent street start, with construction of tram line and related infrastructure.

Besides, tram line will be launched from the Central Railway Station to Yangiobod, as well as from Kuylyuk to Chkalov metro station.

By the end of 2012, Tashkent is expected to receive 20 Vario LF low-floor trams from the Czech company Pragoimpex a.s. The first two of these trams have already begun serving the residents of the capital.

On 28 August, these trams made their first run on the route from the Central Railway Station.

The passengers noted the quiet and smooth movement of the new cars. The comfortable trams are designed for an average of 140 people. The middle part of the cars has a low-floor ramp for wheelchairs and people with children’s strollers.

“These trams meet all European standards and are equipped with modern electronic control that can save up to 30-40 percent of electricity,” Farrukh Kadyrov from Toshelektrotrans state company, Tashkent tram operator, said.

“In addition, they are designed to work in almost any weather conditions – from minus 40 degrees to plus 70 degrees Celsius, and can withstand voltage jumps in the range from 400 to 900 volts.”

www.uza.uz 

The participants of the eighth international music festival Sharq Taronalari held in Samarkand started demonstrating their concert programs on Saturday.

Performers from Russia, Nigeria, Czech Republic (pictured), Brunei Darussalam, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Indonesia, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Austria, Lithuania, Cuba and France showed their programs at the amphitheater in the historical Registan square.

Songs, dances and melodies performed at national musical instruments by representatives of each country were warmly greeted by the audience.

“Artists from the Czech Republic took part in the previous festivals, but we are here for the first time to demonstrate our art,” Jaroslav Polapov from the Czech Republic said.

“Our program, which consists of four parts, includes folk songs, melodies and dance. We are glad that the audience liked the art of our country.”

He added that he was impressed by the songs and dance performed by Uzbek artists at the opening of the festival.

“We are fascinated by the rich musical heritage of your people and the high professionalism of the artists,” Jaroslav Polapov said.

Aniama Kennes Dazaa from Nigeria said the feeling of admiration was not leaving her since arrival to the country.

“At the opening ceremony of the festival, I saw that your people have rich culture and art. Every song and every dance is the whole world.”

“I sang about family relationships, about love, and the role of the family in upbringing children. Like your people, we consider family sacred, and the duty of parents is to take care about the future of their children. I believe the audience understood this from our songs,” Aniama Kennes Dazaa said.

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The eighth international music festival Sharq Taronalari is continuing in Samarkand. Apart from the Registan square, the participants of the forum give concerts in parks and recreation areas of Samarkand and the region’s districts.

A photo exhibition and an exhibition of national musical instruments organized within the festival are also arising great interest.

The participants and guests of the festival are also offered tours around historical monuments and places of worship in Samarkand.

The participants of the international festival shared their experiences with the correspondent of the Uzbekistan National News Agency.

“We have learned a lot, visiting historic sites and museums in Samarkand, and understood why Sharq Taronalari festival is being held here,” Uden Paul Jeremy from the UK said. Your national music has deep historical roots, which is proved by the fact that in the ancient times, at Amir Temur’s court, musical evenings with prominent artists and scientists from many countries were held. Your people are continuing this tradition and show their national art to the whole world.”

“I am happy to be at this forum,” Pak Heng Zhu from South Korea said. “First of all, I have been able to see the beauty of the world-famous Samarkand. Secondly, by taking part in the conference, I got a lot of new information for my studies of musical culture of the Orient.

The most important thing is that I, along with musicians from all over the world, showed the national art of the Korean people at the unique Registan square. For me, every day in your country si full of bright impressions.”

Alex Dorokhin from Russia told UzA musicians from his country are among the regular participants of the Sharq Taronalari festival. “Many bands and performers dream of taking part in this musical forum. We are pleased that this year our group, Leader, got the right to participate in the festival. We are proud tat it was us who opened the performances at the festival.”

Gaber Ali Al Beltagi from Egypt was in Uzbekistan, including in Samarkand, in the 1970s. “This time, already in Tashkent, I realized how much your country has changed. I was surprised with the positive change in the people’s lives and culture. Previously, Samarkand was known only for its historical monuments and sacred places.

Today the city attracts attention with a modern look, beautiful gardens and alleys. The work to preserve historical monuments and places of worship, the respect of your people to the spiritual heritage and your past is admirable.”

www.uza.uz 

The sixth plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan was held in Tashkent on 26-27 August.

On the first day of the session, the senators passed a number of laws, including those developed in accordance with the Concept of deepening democratic reforms and formation of civil society in the country put forward by President Islam Karimov in November 2010.

The upper house of the parliament approved the Law “On the exchange of credit information”, which aims to create an effective system of exchange of credit information and providing information about the state of the credit transaction, fulfillment of obligations on it, as well as other information to help determine creditworthiness, financial condition, solvency, payment discipline and other qualities of the subjects of credit information.

The senators passed the Law “On introducing amendments and addenda to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan ‘On bankruptcy’”. Its main purpose is to reduce the timing of separate procedures of liquidation and the establishment of effective mechanisms for the sale of property of bankrupt enterprises to new owners.

The Law “On introducing amendments and addenda to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan ‘On licensing certain types of activities’” was prepared in accordance with the State Program “Year of small business and private entrepreneurship”. The document significantly simplifies the licensing procedures.

Thus, it excludes the requirement of providing notarized copies of certificates of state registration of a legal entity or an individual entrepreneur, and introduces a regulation providing for a levy for consideration by the licensing body of the application of the license applicant within the cost of the licensing authority.

The senators also approved the Law “On introducing amendments and addenda to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan ‘On railway transport’, aimed at ensuring the safety of the railway transport”. The law should help improve the legal and enforcement framework of security at the objects of railway transport, prevent emergencies that threaten people’s life and health, as well as public safety and stability of the state.

The Senate passed a new Law “On holding in custody during a criminal case proceeding”. It sets out the basic principles, grounds and detention periods, establishes the rights of detainees and those in custody, as well as guarantees for their security. In particular, the law defines the order of meetings with the defender and the legal representative, and the visits of the parliament’s Human Rights Representative (Ombudsman) to places of detention. Corresponding changes were also introduced in a number of legal acts, including the Criminal Proceedings Code.

Then the senators considered and approved the Law “On introducing amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in connection with the reduction of inspections of entrepreneurship subjects”. The law unifies the existing legislation and creates more favorable conditions in the process of inspection of businesses and entities of entrepreneurship.

In particular, the act amends the laws “On farming”, “On state control of business entities”, “On guarantees of freedom of entrepreneurship” and “On private enterprise”, as well as the Tax Code.

According to these changes, the financial and economic activity of the newly created small businesses and farms is not subject to routine tax audits during the first three years from the date of their state registration.

The senators considered the Law “On the list of categories of persons – citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan – to be granted a permanent residence permit in the city of Tashkent and Tashkent region”. This law was initiated by a group of deputies of the Legislative Chamber. Its aim is to settle the issues of permanent residence in the city of Tashkent and Tashkent region, and ensure the rule of law in this area.

The senators noted that the adoption of the law should provide for impartial consideration of appeals of citizens concerning residence permits, prevent abuses and ensure the rule of law and public safety in the capital city area.

Further, the senators considered the Law “On the naming of geographical objects”. The document, taking into account generally accepted international terminology requirements, for the first time provides definitions of terms like “geographic objects”, “names of geographical objects”, “State register of geographical names” and others. It sets out the powers of the Oliy Majlis chambers, Cabinet of Ministers, Zhoqargy Kenes of Karakalpakstan, regional, district and city people’s deputies councils, and a specially authorized state body in the field of geographical names.

The law also outlines the procedure for state registration, use and preservation of geographical names.

An important law approved by the senators was the Law “On restriction of distribution and consumption of alcohol and tobacco products”, developed in accordance with the State Program “Year of Harmoniously Development Generation” (2010).

The main purpose of the law is to improve the legislative and legal framework to limit the spread and use of alcohol and tobacco products in order to reduce their harmful impact on the health of citizens, especially young people, as well as bring the norms of legislation in conformity with the international requirements.

www.uza.uz

Uzbek Culture Days took place in Tyumen, Russia, occasioned to the 20th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence.

The event was opened with the photo exhibition Uzbekistan: History and Modernity. It included more than thirty photographs depicting spectacular nature, sublime architecture of the country, as well as the history of development of the republic within the years of independence.

According to Consul General of Uzbekistan in Novosibirsk, works displayed in the photo exhibition reflect the past and present of Tashkent. He believes that cooperation between two countries keeps progressing and residents of Tyumen would have the opportunity to get familiarized with all riches of historical-cultural heritage of the Uzbek people.

Within the celebration of the Day of Uzbek Culture there was organized a concert at the local Drama Theater with participation of professional pop bands and national ensembles and performers from Uzbekistan. As the supervisor of Vostok ensemble Ulughbek Ruzuliyev noted his collective had visited Tyumen in May of this year and gave many concerts. Local audience warmly welcomed Uzbek artists.

Uzbek Culture Days was attended by great number of people, including representatives of public, political and business circles of the country, as well as art and culture figures, journalists and all who get interested in rich culture of Uzbekistan.

UT News Agency

First high-speed electricity train Talgo 250, named Afrosiyob, carried out its first trip from Tashkent to Samarkand, Uzbekistan Temir Yo’llari state joint stock railway company said.

Representatives of Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, diplomatic corps, management of Uzbekistan Temir Yo’llari, and veterans of railways participated at the first trip.

Talgo train, produced in Spain, run at the speed of 250 kmh and passed the distance between Tashkent and Samarkand in two hours.

Participants of the first historic trip of the only high speed train in Central Asia were welcomed in Samarkand by representatives of city and region administration, railway workers and Samarkand citizens.

Representative of PATENTES TALGO, S. L. (Spain), who participated in assembly and launch of high-speed train, were awarded with memorable gifts.

As reported earlier, on 5 January 2010, the Uzbek President Islam Karimov signed a resolution “On measures on implementation of the project “Purchase of two high-speed passenger electricity power Talgo-230 (Spain)”. The project is financed due to own resources of Uzbekistan Temir Yollari and resources of the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan. The second train will be delivered in September 2011.

The contract sum is 38 million euros. The document said Uzbekistan Temir Yollari will finance 50% cost of contract on purchase of Talgo trains. Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan will issue loan to cover other 50%. The fund will issue loan through National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of Uzbekistan (NBU). The loan is issued for 10 years, including two-year grace period. The interest rate set at 2% APR, including 0.25% refinancing margin.

The electricity train consists of two locomotives, 8 passenger cars and one dining-car. The train has VIP, first class and economy class places. The trains can be used by people with limited abilities.
The first train has been delivered to Uzbekistan on 22 July 2011 and the second will arrive in Uzbekistan in September 2011.

Total capacity of the train makes up 257 people. The maximum speed is 250 km per hour and it will spend two hours to travel between Tashkent and Samarkand (344 km). Currently, Registan train passes this distance in 3.5 hours.

PATENTES TALGO S.L. will also supply spare parts during guarantee period and assist to maintain Afrosiyob electricity trains during exploitation process of 51 months.

www.UzDaily.com

Lanekstrakt launches a new product line

According to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, more than thirty companies and enterprises with different types of ownership are engaged in procurement and processing of licorice across the country. Most of them are focused mainly on the foreign market.

Today, licorice root is actually re-living its renaissance in many countries: the global food industry, pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies, agriculture and industry consume it in large quantities. Over 70% of licorice grown and processed in the country is exported abroad.

In 2006, an Uzbek-Chinese joint venture Lanekstrakt, which specializes in processing and selling of licorice extract, was created in Chimbay district of Karakalpakstan. In the first year Lanekstrakt exported 64 tons of specialized flour worth $347.4 thousand to overseas customers. By the end of 2010 exports exceeded 317 tons.

The favorable investment climate for foreign partners, the right management and continuous modernization process helped the company to bring charter capital to $3.2 million. Now they are launching a second production line, and install modern equipment.

Processed licorice is in demand not only in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industry. Waste-free production, running on Lanekstrakt enables using wastes to produce building materials. The milled root, remaining after the extract was acquired, is now used in the production of wood chipboards. Originally it was an experimental line.

High performance of the construction material pushed to run a single line in the region, specializing in production of particleboard. According to Executive Director of JV Chimbaylanvud Bahuddin Abdullaev, last year the company installed modern equipment worth $3.5 million, thereby creating 100 new jobs. Upon reaching the design capacity, the joint venture will produce 1,000 square meters of materials per day.

Today, partners are thinking about further expansion. Production line for laminated chipboards is to open on the new joint venture. And then there will be new production of household and office furniture.

UT News Agency

The eighth international music festival Sharq Taronalari opened on the eve of the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan in the ancient and eternally young city of Samarkand.

The importance of music in human life is infinite. It encourages people on their way to great goals, raises their spirit and calls for nobleness. In the words of President Islam Karimov, without music it is impossible to reach spiritual perfection.

The ancient land of Uzbekistan has since ancient times seen the development of music, which has been an integral part of people’s spiritual life. This is confirmed by historical sources and archaeological findings.

The Sharq Taronalari international music festival, held on the initiative of President Islam Karimov since 1997 every two years in Samarkand, is a bright proof of the enormous attention paid in the country to the development of arts and culture.

The festival aims to develop national musical art, study and promote musical heritage and traditions of the peoples of the world, bring them closer through art, and call on them for beauty and nobility.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov opened the festival, traditionally held on the magnificent Registan square in Samarkand. This year’s event gathered participants from 56 countries.

Welcoming the guests, the head of the state spoke about the nature and significance of the festival, unique spirit and Oriental philosophy of the forum, and wished success to all participants.

Prior to the festival, extensive preparatory work was held in the city of Samarkand. Mirzo Ulugbek, Bustonsaroy, Spitamen, Biruni and Panjikent streets and buildings located there were reconstructed. Around 20 apartment houses, about 60 social sphere objects and more than 20 administrative buildings were built.

On the President’s initiative, Mirzo Ulugbek museum was reconstructed, and a new monument to the great thinker was erected. A park covering 3.2 hectares was created around the Registan complex.

www.uza.uz

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with US Republican Senator, member of several influential Senate committees Lindsey Graham, at the Oqsaroy August 25.

Welcoming the guest, the head of state said that relations with the United States are highly appreciated in Uzbekistan as much as the prospects of their consolidation are regarded with optimism.

Trade and economic, investment, scientific and technological ties have been essential in the bilateral cooperation. A substantial growth in the mutual trade is anticipated this year.

The talks at the Oqsaroy covered a wider range of regional and international issues. The discussion included crisis resolution in Afghanistan where Uzbekistan has been energetic in restoring peaceful life. It has been stressed that economic reconstruction in that country is critical for political stabilization and return to normal life of the population.

Lindsey Graham expressed gratitude to the leader of Uzbekistan for a warm welcome and a thorough exchange of views on pressing issues of bilateral agenda along with other topics of shared interest.

The Senator agreed that it is important for the two countries to interact in addressing the situation and imperative social problems in Afghanistan, along with securing economic renewal in that nation.

www.press-service.uz

On August 23, 2011 was held a meeting of the Committee on the Budget and Economic Reforms of the Legislative Chamber, which addressed the implementation of the State Budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the first half of this year. It was attended by representatives of ministries and agencies, the mass media.

It was noted that systemic and deliberate steps on implementation of the program of socio-economic development of the country in 2011, determined by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, I.A. Karimov at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on January 21 this year, secured in the first half of 2011 sustained economic growth and macroeconomic stability. The state budget during the reporting period is made in accordance with the parameters previously approved by the Oliy Majlis.

Growth of gross domestic product in the first half of 2011 amounted to 8 percent. Inflation rate did not exceed the forecast parameters. Economic growth was ensured by increasing the volume of industrial production, agriculture, retail trade and services. The most dynamically developed chemical, petrochemical, textile, food processing, engineering and metalworking. As a result of measures taken on development of the economy and the expansion of export capacity of the country, increase production of competitive goods with high added value volume of export of goods and services increased, a positive trade balance provided.

Participants of the meeting also noted the importance of implementing of Program of creating new jobs and providing employment, with particular attention paid to the employment of graduates of vocational colleges. As a result of taken measures more than 520,2 thousand new jobs, including 352,6 thousand or 68 percent were created - in rural areas. Speakers emphasized that the execution of the main financial document of the country has clear social orientation - timely financed spending on education, healthcare, targeted social support.
Following the meeting appropriate decision of the committee was made.

www.parliament.gov.uz

Uzbekistan was visited by delegation of the European Investment Bank (EIB). Meetings in the Ministries of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade, Economics, Finance, Central Bank and the Fund for Reconstruction and Development were held during the visit.

At a meeting in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the sides discussed bilateral and regional issues and exchanged views on promising areas of cooperation. EIB representative Marion Hoenike noted with satisfaction that the outcome of the visit of President Islam Karimov in January 2011 to Brussels opened new possibilities for broader cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union and its structures.

In this regard it was noted that currently there are great prospects for joint projects on modernization of fuel and energy complex, energy-efficient and alternative energy, development of transit routes and other areas. The Uzbek side expressed interest in bringing advanced European technologies in these areas.

UT News Agency

Representatives of local political, business, scientific and academic community discussed the independent path of development of Uzbekistan during a roundtable in Kuwait.

The keen interest of the participant was caused by information on the outcome of the socio-economic development in 2010, an investment climate in Uzbekistan, as well as on the activities of Navoi Free Industrial and Economic zone.

Advisor to the Al-Khaleej Oil Company Fahd al Mekrad, PhD in Political Sciences, noted that in a short period of time Uzbekistan has successfully overcome all the difficulties and firmly follow its own development path, has become a steadily growing industrial state and was able to achieve impressive results, achieving of which would take decades for other countries.

Head of Department of Information of the Gulf University for Science & Technology Abdul-Rahman Masud Asad, PhD in Political Sciences, believes that realizing the Uzbek development model Uzbekistan today maintains financial stability and continue to develop steadily.

In general, the participants, with satisfaction indicating the huge potential to enhance a fruitful interaction, called for further consistent expansion of the Uzbek-Kuwait contacts in political, economic and cultural spheres.

UT News Agency

President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-Bak has arrived in Uzbekistan August 23 with state visit on the invitation of President Islam Karimov.

Notwithstanding the great distance between Uzbekistan and the Land of Morning Freshness, the two peoples have been tied with long-standing friendship bonds. Both peoples are distinct with qualities like patriotism, kindness, magnanimity, respect for the elderly, care for the younger, diligence, keenness to honor the ancestors’ heritage and values.

Official ceremony of meeting South Korea’s President took place at Uzbek President’s Kuksaroy country complex. Guard of honor lined up in mark of respect for the high-ranking guest. The two leaders rose to the podium, followed by the sounds of state hymns of the two nations. Presidents reviewed the guard of honor.

Islam Karimov and Lee Myng-Bak started negotiations in a contracted format during which the two sides exchanged views on matters pertaining to the agenda of bilateral relations along with pressing issues of regional and international politics.

“It is deeply symbolic that Your present visit takes place on the eve of both the 20th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our nations,” Islam Karimov declared. “We consider the Republic of Korea a reliable partner of Uzbekistan. Your visit is pretty suggestive of our nations’ interest in advancing the mutually beneficial cooperation.”

It has been noted in the course of the talks that the current summit is considered an important stride towards intensifying the multi-faceted interaction, a good opportunity to critically reassess its current state, to define priorities for the future and fill up the dynamically shaping strategic partnership with solid essence by joint efforts.

“I regard Uzbekistan as the closest, an earnestly friendly country, and I have very much enjoyed my every trip to this land,” Lee Myung-Bak said. “The regular nature of meetings at the highest level will facilitate further development of cooperation.”

Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea closely cooperate within the United Nations and other international organizations as much as financial institutions. The two parties noted the traditionally harmonious and similar positions, views and judgments on practically all pressing issues of global and regional character. This has helped support one another’s proposals and initiatives in the international arena.

In particular, given the ‘green growth’ policy of the Korean leadership and promotion of environmentally clean technologies, Uzbekistan backs the idea of holding the 18th UN climate change conference in Seoul in 2012.

International Olympic Committee’s decision to hold Winter Olympics 2018 in Pyeongchang has been welcomed by Uzbekistan.

Central Asia has become a nuclear-weapon free zone on the initiative of Uzbekistan’s President. Uzbekistan is highly instrumental in maintaining and consolidating peace and stability in the region. The Korean side said it highly appreciates all of this.

Bilateral talks in the Kuksaroy also included discussion of situation in Afghanistan where, as Islam Karimov and Lee Myung-Bak agreed, it is impossible to address the crisis exclusively with military means.

Then the two presidents carried on negotiations in extended format.

The head of Uzbekistan stressed that the present visit by South Korea’s President is regarded by the Uzbek side as a remarkable event in the history of bilateral relations, a logical and consistent extension of the dynamic strategic partnership and cooperation between the two governments and peoples.

Republic of Korea is seen in Uzbekistan as a vigorously advancing modern nation looking to the future, as the one considered a leading country in all indicators of economic and human dimension, and wielding competitive industrial-economic, scientific-intellectual and high-tech potential.

It has been underscored during the talks that the Uzbek-Korean relations have truly grown mature, profoundly thought-out and equally advantageous. They have met vital interests of the two peoples in terms of cooperation between economic and commercial entities of the two nations, along with in the humanitarian sphere.

Uzbekistan and South Korea have accumulated an imposing experience of successful economic and investment interaction. Republic of Korea is one of Uzbekistan’s major trade partners. The total volume of declared South Korean investments into the Uzbek economy exceeds five billion US dollars, while that of already materialized investments has topped two billion US dollars.

For instance, Korean companies of Neoplant and Shingdong Enercom who have been exploring quartz-containing raw material deposits are to launch technical silicon producing projects in the nearest future. Daewoo International, Haintex and Shingdong Enercom have been energetic in their textile industry projects. Refrigerator manufacturing is established in Samarkand in cooperation with LG Electronics.

Attraction of cutting-edge technologies from Korea for creating new and modernizing the existing production capacities in Uzbekistan remains one of core aspects of bilateral interaction.

President of Uzbekistan noted in particular that within President Lee Myung-Bak’s visit, a symbolic stone is to be laid and started the most important scheme of the bilateral investment cooperation, namely, the construction of Ustyurt Gas Chemical Complex, the construction of which is planned to attract more than 2.6 billion US dollars of direct investments.

Uzbekistan is interested in further draw of investments and latest technologies of Korean companies into such industries as hydrocarbon, chemical, mining, mechanical engineering, electro technical, pharmaceutical, textiles, construction materials, as well as introduction of energy efficient technologies.

Support by South Korea’s government and business circles for the Free Industrial and Economic Zone and transcontinental logistics center in Navoi is highly appreciated in Uzbekistan. Obviously, that the first production in FIEZ Navoi was launched just in cooperation with Korean partners carries a profound symbolic sense.

The activities of Korean Air that manages transcontinental inter-modal hub at Navoi airport deserve high accolade. In addition to the existing twenty-four flight destinations a week to major cities like Seoul, Milan, Brussels, Frankfurt-am-Mein, Bangkok, Mumbai, Istanbul, Dubai, cargo transportation is intended to be launched to Hanoi, Riga, Shanghai and other destinations.

During the negotiations at the Kuksaroy, the two sides noted with a particular satisfaction the bright palette of Uzbek-Korean cooperation in cultural and humanitarian sphere and expressed willingness to keep with creating all the encouraging environment for building up the interaction in such areas as education, including within Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), healthcare, tourism, sports, along with student and academic exchange programs.

Doubtless, Seoul Park being set up in the city of Tashkent on South Korean leader’s initiative is to become a distinctive symbol of friendship and cooperation bonds stepping up from year to year. To be precious for the Uzbek and Korean peoples alike, and with its originality and magnificence, located in the most picturesque part of the Uzbek capital city, the park is going to remind the ancient culture of Korea.

Culture and art figures of both countries have been active in international cultural events taking place in Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea. Musicians from the latter are expected to partake, in particular, in the upcoming Sharq Taronalari international music festival in Samarkand.

Following the talks, Joint Declaration of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea has been inked. The document has reflected the current state and prospects of interaction between the two nations.

A range of other agreements has also been signed, including ones on industrial and energy cooperation, engineering services, equipment supply and construction sector. More than twenty documents in general are anticipated to be penned during the summit to enrich the many spheres of Uzbek-Korean strategic partnership and further consolidation of normative foundations of cooperation.

While meeting the mass media, Islam Karimov and Lee Myung-Bak stressed that the negotiations have proved constructive, based on mutual confidence and respect, and that the reached deals will serve to further enhance Uzbek-Korean relations, to raise the wellbeing of the two peoples.

Islam Karimov put it thus that the Republic of Korea has for all the period of Uzbekistan’s independent development been an all-round reliable strategic partner for us tested with time who has provided consistent support in the implementation of wide-scale national programs directed at profound reforming and comprehensive modernization of economy and social sphere.

Lee Myung-Bak noted in particular that Uzbekistan’s achievement of steady economic growth amid global financial and economic crisis, in light of the ongoing economic downturn in many countries, deserves admiration. The head of the Korean state underscored the sound advancement of interaction between the two nations on many fronts, the agreement reached during talks on elevating the cooperation to a qualitatively new level, on undertaking joint action for a successful conclusion of shared schemes.

State visit of President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-Bak to the Republic of Uzbekistan continues.

www.press-service.uz

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-Bak traveled to the Mustaqillik (Independence) Square in Tashkent on August 24.

Embodying the pride and dignity of the Uzbek people, the central plaza of the country has attained not merely a modern appearance, but also a growing symbolic significance in the life of the nation as a result of colossal creative and beautification efforts led by the head of state. A site for official and ceremonial events, Mustaqillik Square is popular with Tashkent residents and guests of the capital city.

Paying tribute and respect to the Uzbek people, President Lee Myung-Bak laid wreath to the Monument of Independence and Humanism, a symbol of our freedom, bright future and noble aspirations.

The South Korean leader said that the Square is a distinct ensemble of magnificent buildings, fine-looking avenues and dazzling fountains. The high-ranking guest stressed in particular that the architectural harmony of buildings and matchless natural landscape left an enormous impression on him.

On the same day, Presidents Islam Karimov and Lee Myung-Bak attended the official ceremony at the Uzexpocenter where they launched construction of Ustyurt Gas Chemical Complex at Surgil deposit, by far the largest forthcoming scheme in Uzbek-South Korean investment cooperation.

President Islam Karimov noted that commencement of this splendid project constitutes an important historic event, the more so that construction works jumpstart on the eve of the 20th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence.

During independence development years Uzbekistan has achieved a lot in economic diversification and modernization, establishment and enhancement of import-substituting and high-tech goods production. In particular, notable accomplishments in hydrocarbon industry have included the growth of not merely the volumes of production and exports, but also the share of reprocessed produce. The strategy aimed at construction of complexes for deep reprocessing of hydrocarbon crude has facilitated the formation and steadfast thriving of oil and gas chemical industry in Uzbekistan building on cutting-edge technologies.

President of the Republic of Korea said Ustyurt complex is considerably the biggest joint project between the two countries, and that major South Korean companies are involved in engineering and construction works, supply of equipment.

Once the complex is brought into operation, it is anticipated to produce 400 thousand tons of polyethylene and 100 thousand tons of polypropylene a year. It is going to be the largest complex of its sort in the Commonwealth of Independent States, thus making Karakalpakstan a major industrial center of the country. At the same time, the commissioning of the complex will facilitate the establishment of new related industrial enterprises in other regions of Uzbekistan and creation of plenty new jobs.

In the direct video link between the event in Tashkent’s Uzexpocenter and the Surgil field on the Ustyurt plateau, chairman of Zhokargy Kenes (Supreme Council) of Karakalpakstan Musa Yerniyazov and president of Korea Gas Corporation Chu Kang Su removed the veil from the memorial stone set on the site of the future industrial giant.

The statement inscribed on the stone reads, “The foundation stone of Ustyurt Gas Chemical Complex at Surgil deposit is laid on the initiative of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-Bak on August 24, 2011.”

That the visit by President of the Republic of Korea and the historic occasion (Ustyurt complex construction launch) coincided with festive events of the 20th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence carry a truly profound meaning. Along with a manifestation of common willingness of both nations for mutual cooperation, this has symbolized also a high respect for national and spiritual values of the two peoples.

The guests have assured that the Republic of Korea will never forget the generosity and humanism of the Uzbek people toward the Koreans who turned up in Uzbekistan in mid-twentieth century by the will of fate. Like all other citizens of Uzbekistan, the local Koreans live today in peace and harmony, make valuable input into the development and prosperity of this country. The meeting of Lee Myung-Bak with ethnic Koreans as well as South Korean businesspeople working and residing in Uzbekistan has reaffirmed that the relations between the two nations are based on shared confidence and respect, mutual understanding and friendship.

In general, as far as practical outcomes of state visit by Lee Myung-Bak to Uzbekistan are concerned, the deals reached in Tashkent, the signed documents, and construction commencement of the biggest project in Surgil – all this is clearly indicative of the evolution of Uzbek-South Korean interaction building on principles of strategic partnership. There is every reason to believe that this cooperation will keep thriving. (Source: press-service.uz)

www.press-service.uz

The forum of business circles of Uzbekistan and South Korea was held in Tashkent on 24 August as part of the state visit of President of South Korea Lee Myung-bak.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan jointly with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Korea, focused on strengthening bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

The forum was attended by heads of ministries and departments of Uzbekistan and South Korea, responsible for foreign economic relations, trade and investments, agriculture and water management, banking and finance, construction, geology and mineral resources, chemicals, aerospace and mechanical engineering, tourism, power, fuel, pharmaceutical, food and other industries.

The event was chaired by Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan Ravshan Gulyamov and Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of South Korea Kyung Sik Son.

South Korea is one of the largest investment partners of Uzbekistan. The total amount of announced South Korean investments in Uzbekistan’s economy has exceeded USD 5 billion, while the amount of used investments, mainly direct ones, amounted to over USD 2 billion.

Uzbekistan and South Korea have enormous potential in the economic sphere. The natural resources of Uzbekistan, its geographical location, modern transport communications, high intellectual capacity, optimal investment environment, developed technologies increase the interest of entrepreneurs of South Korea to cooperation with the country.

The trade turnover between the two countries in 2010 exceeded USD 1.6 billion. In January-June 2011 the figure comprised USD 780 million. 360 joint ventures created with South Korean partners operate in Uzbekistan, along with representative offices of 84 companies of South Korea.

At the business forum, the sides signed a number of bilateral documents regarding expansion of cooperation in the fields of statistics, environment, geology, mineral resources and light industry.

www.uza.uz

Largest number of enterprises and organizations were registered in Tashkent city and Kashkadarya region in the first half of 2011, the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan said.

According to the committee, 3,976 enterprises were registered in Tashkent city and 3,963 organizations in Kashkadarya region (without farms) in the reporting period of 2011.
The committee said that over 23,625 enterprises have been registered in Uzbekistan in the first half of 2011.

Tashkent city (2,569), Samarkand region (998) and Khorezm region (967) led on number of liquidated enterprises in Uzbekistan in the region.

Lowest number of enterprises was liquidated in Navoi region (223), Jizzakh region (235) and Samarkand region (245). In the reporting period, number of liquidated enterprises reached 9,849.
As of 1 July 2011, number of registered enterprises in Uzbekistan made up 297,611 units, of which 51,635 are operating in Kashkadarya region, 45,062 – Tashkent city and 25,312 – Ferghana region.

Some 8,442 enterprises were registered in Syrdarya and 8,474 in Navoi region of Uzbekistan, which is the lowest number in Uzbekistan.

The committee underlined that largest number of enterprises was registered in trade and catering (78,407), agriculture and forestry (61,270) and industry (38,455). At the same time, share of state enterprises in total number of registered enterprises made up 13.2% and non-state enterprises – 86.8%, of which 37.3% were private enterprises.

www.UzDaily.com
 

August 20, 2011 a scientific educational observatory opened at the National University of Uzbekistan.

This was the result of joint work of the Astronomical Institute ANRUz, National University of Uzbekistan and Institute of Material Science (Physics-Sun).

The observatory is located in the territory of Parkent Institute of Material Science and equipped with a telescope AZT14 with main mirror diameter of 48cm. The receiver uses a CCD camera.

The telescope was restored in the Astronomical Institute: the primary mirror was re-aluminized in Japan, much work to restore the mechanical and electronic telescope was carried out. After the opening ceremony there was a scientific lecture on astronomy.

In 2008, as a result of joint work of the Astronomical Institute and State University of Andijan, such an observation base was established at the University of Andijan. The observatory was equipped with a telescope with a main mirror diameter of 30 cm, which provided to University of Andijan by the Astronomical Institute.

The telescopes of these observatories are used at carrying out of laboratory and courseworks of students. The potential of these tools allows them to not only be use in practical training sessions, but also for scientific research.

UzReport

An exhibition devoted to the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan opened at the State Museum of Temurids History in Tashkent.

The exhibition, titled “Unique treasures of the Temurids epoch in world collections”, demonstrates ancient items, works of craft and paintings from museums of Russia, Turkey, USA, France and Great Britain.

The speakers at the exhibition opening ceremony expressed hope the event would help the visitors, especially young people, to expand their knowledge of history and increase their respect to national values.

www.uza.uz

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a decree on 23 August on awarding the title O‘zbekiston Qahramoni (Hero of Uzbekistan) and the Golden Star medal to three persons.

The awards have been issued for the significant achievements before the state and the people in strengthening independence of Uzbekistan, its international image, deepening reforms, self-sacrificing work and contributing to upbringing the young generation in the spirit of patriotism and devotion to the country’s people.

The new bearers of the Hero of Uzbekistan title are:

Seytnazarov Sarsenbay Yerzhanovich, head of the Tayimbet farm of Takhtakopir district of Karakalpakstan;

Farmanov Alexander Kasymovich, chairman of board and director general of the Almalyk Mining and Smelting Combine;

Qosimov Hasanboy Khatamovich, chief technologist of the Industrial Technology Department of the GM Uzbekistan joint-stock company, Andijan region.

www.press-service.uz

The State Property Committee of Uzbekistan and the Korean Stock Exchange signed a General agreement on modernization of the stock market of Uzbekistan in Tashkent on 23 August.

The agreement, worth a total of about USD 6 million, envisages expansion of partnership between the stock markets of the two countries.

In particular, the sides agreed to attract modern information technologies for creation in Uzbekistan of the real-time stock market infrastructure.

In December 2010, the same parties inked a Memorandum of understanding on development of the stock market, which launched exchange of experience and specialists training.

www.uza.uz

On the eve of the visit of President Lee Myung-bak to Uzbekistan, the National Export-Import Insurance Company Uzbekinvest was attended by representatives of Korean Trade Insurance Corporation K-Sure, headed by its director Kei Ryong Cho.

During the meeting Uzbekinvest and K-Sure signed bilateral agreements on cooperation in commercial insurance.

As noted Fahriddin Saidakhmedov, Uzbekinvest CEO, "Today we are witnessing the growing interest between our two countries, namely the meeting between the two leaders dedicated to the further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Korea and Uzbekistan."

"The agreement will serve as an additional factor for the further development of cooperation, introduction of advanced achievements and experiences of insurance, expanding the scope of international cooperation between Uzbekistan and Korea," he stressed.

During the meeting, Fahriddin Saidakhmedov and Kei Ryong Cho highlighted their activities.
At the present time Uzbekinvest is a diversified insurance company that performs functions of state agencies for insurance of export contracts and loans from commercial banks.

One of the objectives of the company is to assist in promoting foreign investment in Uzbekistan's economy and ensure growth of export potential by providing reliable insurance protection of interests of domestic exporters and foreign investors from political, commercial, natural and combined risks.

It should be noted that many of the leading Korean companies working in Uzbekistan are Uzbekinvest customers. In particular, they are the Embassy of Korea, UzKiDiBiBank, UzKorGazChemical, Posgoengineering Construction, KeNoSi, HainTex, DEUTextile, LGElectronics, Korean EA, Asiana and others. In order to distribute risk, quantitative and qualitative alignment of the insurance portfolio, to ensure the financial stability, Uzbekinvest collaborates with such Korean companies, as Komil Brokers Services, ENC Plus Insurance Brokers.

In its turn, K-sure was established by the government of South Korea in 1992 to manage the insurance programs of exports and imports and promote the development of international trade.

At the present time K-sure provides full financial support for foreign economic operations of various Korean companies, including insurance services for commercial and investment loans and issuing guarantees.

UzReport

The outlook on Uzbekistan's banking system remains stable, says Moody's Investors Service in a Banking System Outlook published today, reflecting the rating agency's expectations of continued favourable macroeconomic conditions given the high prices for the country's major export commodities (metals and agricultural products) and the government's substantial investment program.

The outlook expresses Moody's expectations for the fundamental credit conditions in this sector over the next 12-18 months.

Other factors supporting a stable outlook include the banks' robust recurring revenue generation, capital levels capable of absorbing losses on problem loans under Moody's base-case scenario, and the government's strong ongoing support to the banking sector.

Over the outlook horizon, favourable macroeconomic conditions in Uzbekistan will support the overall operating environment for banks. The country's gross domestic product (GDP) has registered rapid growth for several consecutive years and Moody's expects that will increase again by 7% per year in 2011 and 2012, driven by both net exports and public investment.

In recent years, Uzbek banks' ratings have reflected stability in the local economic environment and profitable performance throughout a time of turbulence in many other banking systems.

The stable system outlook for over the next 12-18 months is consistent with the stable outlooks on the standalone bank financial strength ratings (BFSRs) and debt and deposit ratings of the eight Uzbek banks that Moody's rates.

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A press conference at the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan on August 18 focused on the upcoming 6th Tashkent International Biennale of Contemporary Art to be held on October 23-29 as part of the annual “Style.Uz” Art Week. The organizers – the Fund Forum, the Academy of Arts and the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Uzbekistan – have dubbed the upcoming event “Contemporary Art: Artist’s Space and Society”.

The conference panel included the Minister of Culture and Sports, Tursunali Kuziyev, the Chairman of the Academy of Arts, Jalolitdin Mirtojiyev, academician and doctor of arts Akbar Hakimov, and the Director of Goethe-Institut in Tashkent, Dr. Johannes Dahl.

The upcoming Biennale promises to be a spectacular and memorable event as it will abound with interesting projects by prominent artists and art critics from many countries, including Austria, Brazil, the UK, the Netherlands, Greece, South Korea, Lebanon, Russia, the USA, Turkey, Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iran, Latvia, Israel, Argentina, Vietnam and Ukraine.

In keeping with tradition, the Biennale will take place as part of the annual “Style.Uz” Art Week.

This, the press conference organizers have noted, will be a big advantage and provide more opportunities for the participants of and visitors to the Tashkent Biennale. As previous occasions have shown, it fits in perfectly with the Art Week and serves as a crossroads for diverse types of contemporary art.

The organization of such important and large-scale exhibitions has become a tradition associated with Tashkent and transformed the city into a major center for contemporary art. As Uzbekistan is poised to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its independence, the upcoming art forum has profound symbolic implications. By gaining its independence, Uzbekistan drastically changed its image and the contents of its national art as well as shedding previous ideological taboos and giving impetus to the free creative self-expression of art professionals.

The press conference panel noted that one particular feature of the preparations for the Biennale is that the board of directors includes young but promising artists and art critics who have come up with serious projects.

The Biennale events will be hosted by several venues in Tashkent such as the Youth Creativity Palace, the Gallery of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan, the Central Showroom of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, International Caravanserai, Tashkent House of Photography, the Museum of Applied Art and the State Museum of Arts.

According to the organizers, the experimental exhibition “Central Asian Region 2011”, curated by Sarah Reza (UK), will draw particular interest from visitors.

The tentative agenda of the Biennale includes the following events:

• Project “Aesthetics of Hedonism: Food, Body, Soul”;
• “The World of Fabergé” art show, with support from the House of Fabergé (London).
• Solo exhibition of world-famous artist and photographer Igor Vishnyakov (Russia);
• “Central Asian Region 2011. Exhibition curator: Sarah Reza (UK);
• Retrospective project “The harsh style of Otto Dix”, with support from Goethe-Institut Tashkent;
• Project “The Jug as a Form of Spatial Thought”;
• Project “Uzbek fabrics: Graphic artist and retromodern graphics”;
• Photo exhibition of staged plays based on works by German classical writers”

The events which will present works by world-famous photographers, artists and sculptors are open to everyone. Admission is free.

The Biennale will also include a scientific conference titled “The End or Transformation of Multiculturalism: the Biennale Space”.

www.fundforum.uz
 

Uzbek judoist Rishad Sabirov won a gold medal at the 28th Judo World Championship in Paris, France, becoming two times world champion.

About 900 athletes from over 130 countries are fighting for the main prize and important rating scores, which give the right to participate in the 30th summer Olympic Games in London in 2012.
In the 60 kg weight category, 74 athletes are competing. Rishad Sabirov, who deas in the International Judo Federation rating, defended his title of the world champion.

In the pre-final meetings, he defeated Ludwig Chammartin from Switzerland, Hermann Zungran from Burkina-Faso, Felipe Kitadai from Brazil, Ilgor Mushkiyev from Azerbaijan and Jin Won Kim from South Korea.

In the final fight, Sabirov met the winner of the world championships Hiroaki Hiraoka from Japan and defeated him, bringing the first gold to the team of Uzbekistan.

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The traditional international kurash tournament for the Cup of the President, devoted to the memory of Hakim at-Termizi, and the adults kurash world championship will be held in Termez on 19-23 October.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, secretary general of the International Kurash Association Umid Yakubov said kurash was gaining popularity on the international sports stage. Over the past years, several countries hosted world championships in Uzbek kurash wrestling.

The 2011 season is rich in important events in the kurash world. Islam Karimov international tournaments were held in Greece and the Great Britain. In July, kurash was included in the program of 2013 Asian Games in South Korea.

These days, in Ukraine, Black Sea Cup in kurash is being held. In September, Asian championship will be held in Iran and in October, the third Grand Prix tournament for the President of Uzbekistan Cup will take place in France.

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Director of the Norwegian company of Eurasia – Research & Strategy, a former Norwegian Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan Mette Kongshem has shared her vision of the successes of Uzbekistan in the way of building an open society.

Uzbekistan is a geo-strategically important country in Central Asia, and represents a bridge between the North and the South, the East and then West. The open society, deeper integration into the international trade and economic system, and human capacity-building formed a basis for long-term political stability and further economic development. A gradual transition to market economies contributed to limiting the impact of the global financial crisis on Uzbekistan’s economy.

Prudent fiscal and monetary policies have improved macroeconomic fundamentals of the country.

It is important to note that good governance is a vital element in ensuring a stable economy, attracting foreign investments and promoting social integration and stability.

I commend the initiative of the Uzbek President Islam Karimov to declare 2011 the Year of Small Business and Private Entrepreneurship. Small businesses are engines of an economy and create new jobs. And accented attention to increase of industrial production and high-tech projects in the sectors of production will only serve to deepen social and economic reforms.

On the question of the measures taken by the Uzbek Government to diversify the economy and investment projects a creation of Navoi Free Industrial and Economic Zone should be emphasized.

Exports in the Navoi region increased by 11.1% in 2010, and more than 200 projects were implemented under the program of industrial development. I am convinced that this project will enhance the opportunities and the national wealth.

UT News Agency

More than 930 production localization projects being implemented in Uzbekistan.

Program of Intensifying Production Localization of Finished Goods, Components and Materials for 2011-2013 has been approved in Uzbekistan.

President of Uzbekistan signed a corresponding decree. These measures have been taken to further deepen and expand the localization of production, diversification of export-import operations through stimulation of production of modern and competitive export-oriented and import-substituting goods, promotion of intra- and inter-industry cooperation, including between small businesses and large enterprises, as well as assist in employment.

According to experts, enhancement in the localization of ready goods contributes to the dynamic and stable development of economy, reduction of its dependence on external factors that accelerate the introduction of new, efficient technologies in industries. In addition, localization allows greater use of local raw materials and production resources, thus increasing the manufacture of modern, competitive products, as well as frugal and efficient use of monetary resources. On the other hand, production cooperatives become a major trend in the development of import substitution.

They promote communication and cooperation of domestic enterprises from different industries, as well as involvement of small businesses in the manufacturing processes being more mobile to respond to market demands and capable of producing different types of products of required quality and quantity.

Also as part of the document, the president extended to January 1, 2014, a number of benefits for firms included in the localization program. Funds of enterprises, saved owing to these benefits will be directed to the creation of new, expansion, reconstruction, modernization, technical and technological modernization of existing facilities, introduction of quality management systems, bonuses for engineering and technical personnel of enterprises, financing of research and development activities, and reduction of product costs.

UT News Agency

Uzbekistan and Afghanistan achieved an agreement, in line with which the Uzbek side will exploit the first Afghan railroad.

Uzbekistan Temir Yollari state joint stock railway company and Public Works of Ministry of Afghanistan signed a corresponding agreement.

According to the agreement, Uzbekistan Temir Yollari will be main operator of Hairatan to Mazar-e-Sharif railroad and carry out commercial exploitation.

The railway links Hairatan station at the Uzbek-Afghan border with airport of Mazar-e-Sharif. The second line from east of the country to Heart is under construction now.

It is expected that the cargo and goods will be transported through the railway, but in future it is planned to carry out passenger transportation as well.

Construction of 75-km railway with the cost of US$129 million was completed in February 2011. It is expected that some 9 million tonnes of freight will be transported yearly through this railroad.

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The history of musical instruments of Uzbekistan is extremely rich and diverse; it goes back to the far antiquity. Pictures if musical instruments on stones and small plastic, articles of decorative-applied art, and wall drawings illustrate that the main hearths of musical culture in the past time were towns of Soghd and Bactria. Medieval miniature painting and classical poetry of the East also give wider information about the existence at that period of basic types of instruments that are still current on the territory of Central Asia. Certain records on musical instruments on the territory of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, could be met in writings of historians, ethnographers and in diaries of travelers.

The oldest of them are considered the percussive instruments that reached our days almost without changes. Playing on drums accompanied dances and songs, as rhythm was always a main component of the Uzbek music. In miniatures of the early 16th century it is possible to find the picture of the national drum noghora that enjoy great popularity even today.

It was not without reason under the solemn sounds of drums, frequently used during campaigns, Amir Temur surveyed his army. It is quite interesting that the great Sokhibqiron awarded noghora to regiments as incentives for valor, and the number of drums in the army demonstrated its heroic status.

Noghora is made of baked clay in the form of pot the top of which is covered with membrane from the hide of animal. Sizes and forms of noghora could vary – from six to sixty centimeters in diameter.

One of the most favorite and wide-spread string instruments in Central Asia is dutor. The name of the instruments is translated as ‘two strings’. It has the trunk of pear shape with long neck to which two silk or vein strings are stretched. It is, as a rule, not dyed and decorated, yet it is not simple as it seems. The austere lines of the instrument bring to perfection and reach the level of high art.

In the far past masters thoroughly kept the secrets of the trade, sharing them with their apprentices only. The work of master was very distinguished and highly estimated: people gave a horse for one good instrument. In the past and today dutor is made from light and strong mulberry, this tree in Central Asia was called by medieval art connoisseurs as ‘musical’. Only that dutor made by hands of skilful master can sound lovely and clear.

“Today, Uzbek dutor is the integral part of our musical culture,” emphasizes Toir Ko’ziyev, laureate of the Yunus Rajabiy Contest of Maqom Performers. “This instrument is in the structure of national orchestras and ensembles, used as solo instrument and accompaniment. On the basis of this instrument a whole family of orchestra dutors has been created. It tunes wonderfully combine with classical national and European orchestration. And, it is also hugely pleasant that tradition of making dutor was preserved and gets developed.

The whole country knows the dynasty of masters founded by the usto Usmon Zufarov that was also known as Uzbek Stradivari.” While hands of masters create dutors and fingers of musicians touch the strings, tunes and lyrics will turn into songs that will move from hearts to hearts over the spaces of Uzbekistan.

Modern masters deal with making musical instruments in various regions of Uzbekistan are Madraimov of Andijon, Muqimov of Bukhoro, Otamurodov of Karakalpakstan, Mamatqulov of Surkhondaryo, Yusupov of Namangan, Yunusov, Zokirov and Ubaydullayev of Tashkent and Mamadaliyev of Farghona.

Let’s look through the creativity of the Andijon master Abdumalik Madraimov that deals with restoration of disappearing kinds of musical instruments. On the basis of the medieval book miniature of Middle East the master restored such forgotten musical instrument as ghijjaki-Boburiy that was extremely popular in the period of Boburids in India.

Instruments of Abdumalik Madraimov enjoy great demand, those for ensembles – dutor, tanboor, sato, konun and oud and for orchestra – ghijjak, ghijjak-alt, rubob, dutor, tanboor, chang, konun, dutor-bas, dutor-prima and others. His works are distinguished with their subtlety and austerity of forms and decorations. As it is known, masters on musical instruments for decoration widely use nacre brought from Japan or India. Nacres of Abdumalik Madraimov differ as they are covered with special varnish called shirlak owing to which nacres acquire yellowish tint and perfectly combine with the wood of brown color.

Another renowned master is Muhammadnazir Yunusov from Tashkent. He is the author of a number of inventions. One of them is the instrument manzoor that is considered the combination of two instruments tor and tanboor. This seven-stringed instrument is richly decorated with nacre and is played with mediator. Special feature of this instrument is that the trunk of it is consists of two resonators, the lower of which is covered with membrane and top with wood that allow the instrument at any temperature to keep its pitch creating for a performer additional conveniences.
In creating high-quality instrument the sort of wood and its processing play no less important role. Masters widely use plane, mulberry, nut, apricot and other kinds of fruit trees.

The wood of fruit trees make the tunes clear and steady, yet there is a sacral moment as well – it is considered that owing to such material specialty of musician would pass over from generation to generation, as fruits of a tree.

Preparation of wood is quite long and laborious process. At first, a deserved tree should be chosen, preferable not old. Then, the wood is put into the running water for that water penetrated into its structure under a certain pressure and oust from it insects and displace resin, and so on.

The, the wood is dried out. The drier the wood the higher is quality and cost of the instrument. After all stages of preparation it is much easier to work with such wood, incrustation and patterns look clear and grandly. But, the most important is that such instrument will serve its owners for along time.

After preparation of a trunk masters start tuning the sound, the most complicated part of the work. The master should have an excellent ear for to make the sound perfect.

“Each wood has its inimitable sound. The goal of any master making dutor, rubob or another instrument is to create a sound that would outlive him. Only in case the master will hear the sound by heart, the instrument will ‘sing’ its true song,” believes the master Azat Otarboyev of Karakalpakstan. And, he is right, indeed.

UT News Agency

Uzbekturizm NC in conjunction with newly-created tourist company Djanbas Kala Tour has organized a presentation of a new yurta campus for foreign tourists in Ellikkala district of Karakalpakstan

District of Ellikkala is a unique land attracting inquisitive tourists and scholars all across the globe with its monuments of antiquity and early Middle Ages. The name of the district Ellikkala was given not by chance and means ‘fifty fortresses’. Even one could here the aged fortresses: Ayozqal’a, Qirqqiz, Burgunqal’a, Devqal’a, Teshikqal’a, Tuproqqal’a, complex Ko’yqrilganqal’a, as well as one of the prominent antique monuments in Central Asia – settlement Janbasqal’a.

Namely here, among barchans next to the monument Janbasqal’a is located a new yurt campus where travelers are expected warm welcome and all conveniences to take rest in the shade of cane veranda. They will be treated with a cup of refreshing tea, eastern sweets and savoring rich shurpa (soup). Time spent in the yurt campus makes the travel exotic and spices it with unforgettable feelings. This is a wonderful opportunity to plunge into the history and through a prism of the past to comprehend the present, make enthralling explorations among speechless sands and endless silence.

As like appear oneself in the fourth century BC, in the period of history of ancient Khorazm that got the name ‘Kanguy period’, one could walk around Janbasqal’a. The fortress is located in the conjunction of lands of old irrigation and nomad steppe.

It was built in the desert upland locking the chain of hills extending to the southeast from Sultanuizdag mountains. Perfectly remained massive walls of the fortress Janbasqal’a are orientated with sides straightly to four corners of the earth. Double, five-meter-thick walls, strewn in some places with sand barchans, reach the height of ten meters. Art of fortification of builders of Janbasqal’a fully demonstrated in this sophisticated construction that reached our days almost in good state. The fortress defended the only gate that led to the settlement.

Remains of the temple of fire adjoining to the wall of the fortress draw much interest. Residents of Janbasqal’a were adherents of Zoroastrianism, the oldest world religion, dominated on the territory from Khorazm to India and from Xinjiang to Middle East for more than thousand years.

Those inquisitive travelers are awaited ancient ritual, as well as national Karakalpak and Khorazmian dances. Spectacular performance next to the evening fire and captivating atmosphere would imprinted in minds of tourists for a long time.

UT News Agency

Minister of Culture and Sports of Uzbekistan Tursunali Kuziev received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to Uzbekistan Le Mang Luan.

The press service of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Uzbekistan said that Advisor of Ambassador on cultural affairs Nuguen Then and head of department on development of international relations Anvar Mahsudov participated at the event.

Ambassador Le Mang Luan congratulated Tursunali Kuziev for appointed to new post and expressed gratitude for the meeting.

During the meeting, Tursunali Kuziev said he follows development of Vietnam and believes that the country will achieve new economic and cultural progress. Minister underlined that he will do his best for developing cultural, art and sport relations between two states.

Ambassador Le Mang Luan welcomed this proposal and said there is huge opportunity for boosting cultural exchange and establishing ties in sports between Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

In this connection, Ambassador Le Mang Luan offered to hold Days of Culture of Uzbekistan in Vietnam dedicated to the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between two states. He invited Uzbek football players to hold joint training with Vietnamese counterparts.

Uzbek Minister fully supported these initiatives. Vietnamese envoy expressed gratitude for the assistance.

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Uzbekistan increased production of granulated sugar by 15% year-on-year in January-June 2011, the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan said.

According to the State Statistics Committee, the country produced 172,400 tonnes of granulated sugar in the reporting period.

Khorezm Shakar JV OJSC (Khorezm Sugar), largest sugar producer of Uzbekistan, produced 172,406 tonnes of sugar and realized 177,275 tonnes in the first half of 2011.

Khorezm Shakar JV OJSC is largest sugar producer in Uzbekistan. Khorezm Sugar Plant was commissioned in 1998. The cost of the plant is US$83.25 million.

Preliminary plant was designed for processing sugar-beet, which was planned to plant in Uzbekistan. The capacity of the plant was 3,000 tonnes of sugar-beet a day. But low crop pushed to conserve the plant.

Shakar Investment, an Uzbek-Austrian-US joint venture, carried out project on transfer of the capacity to processing of cane sugar with the cost of US$2 million in 2002. Currently, the plant can process 1,000 tonnes of cane sugar a day.

In March 2006, Austria’s SEID Нandelsgesellshaft mbH acquired 99.43% state shares of Khorazm Shakar OJSC for US$17.6 million. Other 0.57% share belongs to individuals and management of enterprise.

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General Motors and Uzavtosanoat joint stock company are planning to create joint venture on production of transmissions for automobiles in Uzbekistan, RIA Novosti reported quoting Prime news agency.

The agency reported that the sides achieved preliminary agreement on implementation of the project and currently, the sides are discussing technical and financial issues.

The project cost is estimated at US$310 million. It is planned that the enterprise’s capacity will make 250,000 units of transmissions and other spare parts of engines a year.

The project will be implemented within four years. If the sides can sign constituent documents, new enterprise will become third venture of GM in Uzbekistan.

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UzChasys, an Uzbek-Korean joint venture on production of headlights and lights and one of leading producers of Uzavtosanoat OJSC, received international certificate ISO-9001 for introduction of quality management system.

The quality management system will become real tool for improvement of the enterprise’s activity and source of economic benefit. The system will allow to improve management and activity of the enterprises.

UzChasys JV has been created in September 2009 in line with the presidential resolution “On programme of modernization and technological re-equipment of automobile industry for 2008-2009” from 5 December 2007. The enterprise produces nine types of headlights and lights for Chevrolet cars, produced in Uzbekistan.

The enterprise produces headlights and lights for Nexia and Matiz cars of GM Uzbekistan production. GM Uzbekistan is main customer of the venture and it also exports goods to Russia.

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Central Bank of Uzbekistan introduces to circulation new jubilee coins with the value of 500 soums dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence from 1 September 2011. The Central Bank said that the coins are in white color and produced from steel with nickel alloy cover.

Front side (observe) of the coin has image of International Symposiums Palace, constructed in Tashkent. Below the image, the par value of coin “500” indicated. Under the figure, there is word “so’m” (soums). Figure and words are made in pressed form.

External circle of coins has inscription “O'ZBEKISTON MUSTAQILLIGIGA 20 YIL” (20 years to Uzbekistan’s Independence). Beginning and end of words limited with one dot.

The reverse side has emblem of Uzbekistan and inscription “O’ZBEKISTON MARKAZIY BANKI” (Central Bank of Uzbekistan”. Below the emblem, there is the coin’s date, thus 2011 and with two dots.

The national emblem rounded with 72 embossed dots. The coin diameter is 25 mm, thickness – 1.6mm and weight – 6 grams.

Central Bank of Uzbekistan said that new coins will be accepted on nominal value for all payments between business entities and population without any limits.

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Uzbekistan and the World Bank are working on furthering cooperation in tourism and hospitality industries.

State Property Committee of Uzbekistan held a meeting with World Bank officials led by Mr. Takuya Kamata, head of WB resident mission in Uzbekistan.

Today the tourist industry of Uzbekistan is one of the most promising ‘growth points’ of the economy, given the strong potential of the country’s historical heritage, world-famous city sights and resorts. At the same time the development of the industry entails the development of a wide range of other areas – hotels, sightseeing, transportation, handicrafts, stimulate job creation, improvement of infrastructure at the sites of historical and architectural monuments. In this regard, now Uzbekistan is actively working on a development strategy for tourism.

Experts stress that the government is interested in enhancing the role of the private sector in tourism too. The priority here is given to attraction of private direct investment, both foreign and local, within the privatization and public-private partnership in implementation of various socially-oriented infrastructure projects.

Another important aspect in the development of the tourism industry is the infrastructure of services meeting world standards and willing to offer tourists not only the highest quality and professionalism, but also the uniqueness and individuality of service. As shown by recent trends in world tourism markets, it is becoming more personalized, segmented and narrow-directed.

This has increased the level of tourism culture, stimulated the worldwide development of the service sector. Uzbekistan is adequately meets the needs of the time. In the last few years the country has built dozens of large and medium size hotels, small private hotels. Hotels in Tashkent, Samarqand, Urganch, Shahrisabz and other cities have undergone major reconstruction.

Significantly, most of them introduced new standards that enabled them to flexibly respond to market changes and to adequately respond to all customer demands.

Following the meeting the partners agreed that in the nearest time Uzbekturizm will host a meeting with representatives of the World Bank to determine the range of issues on which they could work together.

UT News Agency

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov has sent a greeting note to President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovich on the national Independence Day.

Islam Karimov expressed confidence that the traditionally friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Ukraine built on principles of mutual respect for the interests of one another, will further advance systematically and comprehensively for the benefit of the two peoples.

www.press-service.uz

In January-June 2011, the realization of measures of the State program “Year of Small Business and Private Entrepreneurship” stimulated the creation of 22,800 new small business enterprises (excluding private farms) in Uzbekistan, the State Statistics Committee said.

In the reporting period, the share of small business in the total volume of GDP of Uzbekistan reached 42.2%, which is 1.1 percentage points more than in January-June 2010. The share of small enterprises and microfirms in GDP in January-June 2011 was 25.7% versus 25% in January-June 2010.

In January-June of the current year small business entities provided jobs to 8.784 million persons (74.5% of total persons employed in the economy), including 6.316 million persons employed by the individual sector and 2.468 million persons by small enterprises and microfirms.

The number of persons engaged in the private sector of small business was 7.977 million or 90.8% of total employment in the sphere of small business.

Small businesses produced industrial products for 3.583 trillion soums (August 19, 2011. 1 USD = 1731,36 UZS) (18.6% of total industrial production of Uzbekistan in the reporting period), which grew by 20.4% year-on-year.

The sector utilized 2.499 trillion soums of investments (30.3% of total utilized investments in Uzbekistan) or grew by 26.6% year-on-year.

Small businesses executed construction works for 3.067 trillion soums (70% of total construction works), which increased by 51.5% year-on-year.

The sector ensured the growth of freight turnover of motor transport by 6.6% (75.4% of total freight turnover) and passenger turnover by 8.9% (84.9% of total passenger turnover).

They formed 49.2% (5.902 trillion soums) of total retail trade turnover (+15.4%), 41.8% (1.887 trillion soums) of total paid services (+12.6%).

Small enterprises exported goods for US$955 million (13.2% of total exports of Uzbekistan), which grew by 45.1% year-on-year, and imported goods for US$1.743 billion (36.1% of total imports of Uzbekistan), or grew by21.6% year-on-year.

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Total volume of agricultural output in Uzbekistan made up 7.597 trillion soums (August 19, 2011. 1 USD = 1731,36 UZS) in January-June 2011 or grew by 6.7% year-on-year, of which output of plant-growing was 4.051 trillion soums (+6.5%) and animal husbandry - 3.546 trillion soums (+7%).

Plant-growing

According to the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, in January-June 2011 the share of crop production in total agricultural output was 53.3%.

According to the preliminary data, as of 1 July 2011 total sown area of agricultural crops for the yield of the current year in farms of all types was 3.589 million hectares, which is 98,800 hectares less than for the yield of 2010.

The area under grains was 1.603 million hectares (68,700 hectares less than in 2010), cotton – 1.329 million hectares (12,400 hectares less), potatoes – 73,300 hectares (2,900 hectares more), vegetables – 174,300 hectares (3,300 hectares more), forage crops – 308,200 hectares (5,700 hectares less).

Harvesting

As of 1 July 2011, farms of all types produced 5.585 million tonnes of grains, including 5.577 million tonnes of spiked cereal, of which 5.461 million tonnes were wheat.

In the reporting period, the production of potatoes was 874,800 tonnes, vegetables – 1.675 million tonnes, melons and gourds – 107,800 tonnes, fruit and berries – 582,300 tonnes, and grapes – 15,700 tonnes.

Animal husbandry

In January-June 2011, the share of animal production in total agricultural output was 46.7%.
As of 1 July 2011, the population of cattle increased by 542,700 heads (by 6.3%), including cows by 202,900 heads (5.6%), sheep and goats - by 846,400 heads (5.5%), poultry - by 4.665 million heads (13.9%).

In the reporting period, farms of all types produced 727,100 tonnes of meat in living weight (6.8% more than in the corresponding period of the previous year), 3.008 million tonnes of milk (7%), 1.658 billion eggs (16%), 14,500 tonnes of wool (5.5%), 908,100 pieces of karakul (10.2%).

The production of animal products (meat, milk, eggs) in all regions has mainly increased at the expense of dekhkan and private farms. The share of dekhkan farms in total production of meat was 95.1%, milk – 96,1%, eggs – 54.3%.

Private farms

The output produced by private farms in January-June 2011 was 1.989 trillion soums or grew by 2% year-on-year.

In comparison with the corresponding period of 2011, the number of cattle in private farms has increased by 6,600 (by 1.3%), including cows – by 6,000 (by 3.6%), and poultry – by 1.036 million (by 26.9%).

www.UzDaily.com

The retail trade turnover of Uzbekistan reached 11.978 trillion soums (August 19, 2011. 1 USD = 1731,36 UZS) in January-June 2011or grew by 14.6% year-on-year, the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan said.

The committee said that in the structure of retail trade turnover, the share of food products was 49.5% and that of non-food products – 50.5% (in January-June 2010 – 49.8% and 50.2% respectively).

In January-June 2011, the retail trade turnover of trade enterprises reached 5.22 trillion soums or increased by 14.4% in comparison with January-June 2010. In the structure of the retail trade the turnover of trade enterprises was 43.6%.

In the total turnover of trade enterprises, the share of the retail trade turnover of trade enterprises in the rural area was 22%.

The sale of agricultural products and livestock in dekhkan markets increased by 18.1% and reached 4.327 trillion soums, the share of sales in the retail trade turnover was 36.1%.

The goods turnover of commodity and specialized markets was 2.432 trillion soums or grew by 9.4% year-on-year. The share of the informal sector in the total volume of goods turnover was 20.3%.

www.UzDaily.com

Some 1.777 trillion soums (August 19, 2011. 1 USD = 1731,36 UZS) or 21.6% of total volume of investments utilized in the non-production sphere in Uzbekistan were used in housing construction, the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan said.

In January-June 2011, total volume of utilized investments in fixed capital in national currency was 8.255 billion soums.

In January-June 2011, 39,000 buildings or 39,300 apartments with the total space of 4.824 million m2 (+9.2% year-on-year), including 3.723 million m2 (+19.6%) in rural areas, were built and put into operation.

According to the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan from 3 August 2009 №PP-1167 “On additional measures for expanding scales of housing construction in the rural area” in January-June 2011, some 2260 dwellings with the space of 326,200 m2 were built and put into operation in the rural area, and 375.6 billion soums of investments were utilized for their construction, including credits of Kishlok Kurilish Bank for 204 billion soums or 54.3% of their volume.

Out of the total investments utilized in the non-production sphere, some 238.1 billion soums (8.8% of their volume) were used in construction of education establishments, 118.5 billion soums (4.4%) – in communal construction, 198.4 billion soums (7.3%) - in construction of medical establishments.

About 24.9 billion soums of investments were used for construction and reconstruction of academic lyceums and vocational colleges, which made up 0.9% of investments in the non-production sphere and 10.5% of investments in education.

Some 83.3 billion soums of investments were used for new construction and capital reconstruction of hospitals and out-patient departments, 8.9 billion soums – for construction and capital reconstruction of other health care projects, which made up 42% and 4.5% respectively of investments in public health.

About 59 billion soums were used for construction of water-supply networks, of which 29.5 billion soums – budgetary funds (50% of their total volume), 17.9 billion soums - foreign investments and credits (30.3%), and 6.5 billion soums – means of population (11%). About 6.2 billion soums were used for construction of gas networks, of which 6.2 billion soums (100%) - means of population.

In January-June 2011, construction works were fulfilled for 4.382 trillion soums, which grew by 3.5% year-on-year.

Out of the total volume of construction works, 78.2% fell on new construction, reconstruction, expansion and technical re-equipment of enterprises, 20.1% – on capital and current repair and 1.7% – on other contract works. (Source: UzDaily.com)

www.UzDaily.com

National Company "Uzbektourism" has sum upped the results of tourism sphere as of the first half of 2011.

It was been noted activation of measures on developing tourism sphere, supporting small and private business, creating new tourist services and also developing of tourism infrastructure in regions. Because of realized measures growth rate of tourist services grew by 27%, the volume of tourist services – by 6.6%.

From beginning of this year significantly grew up number of enterprises which are taking part in tourist business. During the 1st half of the year it was granted licenses to 71 travel agencies and 29 hotels in this sphere.

Today there are 782 travel agencies, 294 hotel, many tourist base and camping, about 450 tour operators operating in Uzbekistan.

With the aim of promotion of tour products to foreign markets it was taken the complex of measures. In the framework of realization of new marketing project – "maga-info-tour" in Uzbekistan, it was attracted 214 new foreign travel agencies from Italy, Spain, France, Japan, China, Great Britain, Russia, Netherland, Hungary, Singapore and others countries.

Such tours allow to prolong periods of tourist seasons and to increase the number of days of staying tourists in our country, as well as to demonstrate that Uzbekistan is equally attractive in every season of the year and each season is wonderful in one's own way.

According to the information from Government Committee on statistics the volume of exported tourist services mad up $226,2 mln. as of 1st half 2011, which exceeds indicator of last year by $52,0 mln. or 29,9%. The share of tourism sphere in GDP of Uzbekistan has made up 1,8%.

UzReport

On August 16, 2011 was held a meeting of the Committee on the Issues of Ecology and Environment Protection in cooperation with the deputy group of the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan, devoted to the study of implementation of the Law “On Waste” in Navoi and Samarkand regions. It was attended by deputies of the Legislative Chamber, representatives of the Ministry of Health, the State Committee for Nature Protection, State Committee on Land Resources, Geodesy, Cartography and State Cadastre, the State Inspectorate “Sanoatgeokontekhnazorat” under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the agency “Uzkommunkhizmat”, khokimiyats of Navoi and Samarkand regions, the mass media.

During the meeting, issues of enforcement provisions of the Law “On Waste” aimed at providing life and health of citizens, environmental protection, development and adoption of standards and limits on waste and their placement in order to comply with health regulations and environmental safety requirements were discussed.

Along with the work, aimed at implementation of the Law, shortcomings were marked during the discussions. In particular, at the regional centers of regions implementation of the work on collection, storage, removal and disposal of wastes are assigned to the district units on accomplishment. Due to the fact that their material and technical base does not meet today's requirements, in most cases, removal of domestic waste is carried out satisfactorily. Centralized storage of waste is not protected because of lack of finances and is lack of protection. As a result of an insufficient number of specialized vehicles allocated for waste removal of the settlements in their place of permanent storage, their insufficient supply of fuel, lubricants and spare parts, there are cases of irregular export of solid waste.

In addition, most household of waste disposal sites do not meet environmental, health and building requirements, are not fully protected and provided with special containers, available ones have been ruined, and the tracks leading to them are missing or need repair. As a result of this situation the rules of the waste collection by people is violated. Attention was also drawn to the lack of competition among public sector economic entities, engaged in activities related to waste disposal.

Participants of the meeting thoroughly discussed the problems existing in the field of waste management, recycling, development of utilities and enterprises. They also raised specific suggestions on improving legislation in this area. Following the meeting, appropriate decision was made.

www.parliament.gov.uz

OOO IZ-KARTEX, which is part of Russia’s OMZ Group, will produce EKG-10 and EKG-15 excavators for its long-term partner Navoi Mining and Metallurgy Combine (NGMK, Uzbekistan).

Russian company said that the contract for production of equipment for one of largest world gold producer was signed in August 2011. The EKG-10 excavators will be delivered to customer by December 2011 and EKG-15 – by February 2012.

The company said that OOO IZ-KARTEX produced and shipped 19 excavators so far in 2011, including twelve EKG—10 excavators, four – EKG-15 excavators, one EKG-12K excavator, one EKG-18R excavator and one EKG-32R excavator.

OMZ Group is one of the leading heavy industry companies specializing in engineering, production, sales and service support of equipment for nuclear, oil and gas, mining industries, as well as special steel production and industrial services. OMZ Group’s facilities are located in Russia and Czech Republic. The Group is controlled by Gazprombank.

www.UzDaily.com

In January-June 2011, 583.2 million tonnes of cargoes were carried by all types of transport in Uzbekistan, which grew by 9.2% year-on-year, the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan said.
The committee said the freight turnover was 37.7 billion tonnes-km and has exceeded the level of January-June 2010 by 6.8%.

Some 523 million tonnes of freights were carried by motor transport, which is 9.2% more than in January-June 2010. The freight turnover has increased by 4.4% to 10.6 billion tonnes-km.

The freight turnover of motor transport of individual entrepreneurs has exceeded the level of January-June 2010 by 6.4% and was 7.5 billion tonnes-km. The share of private carriers in total freight turnover of motor transport was 71.1% versus 69.8% in January-June 2010.

About 16,700 tonnes of freights were carried by air transport, which was 18.4% more than in January-June 2010. The freight turnover has decreased by 1.9% to 81.9 million tonnes-km.

The freight turnover of main pipelines has increased by 11.1% and was 16 billion tonnes-km.

www.UzDaily.com

One of the most refined types of applied art in Uzbekistan is carving on ganch. Having won the world fame this type of art in creativity of folk masters is represented in greater diversity of ornamental geometric and arabesque compositions. This craft is to be widely presented in a new album “Genius of Folk Art Master of Independent Uzbekistan.”

“Value of a product is evaluated not by a costly material it is made of but skilful hands of a master that created this wonder,” goes the popular wisdom that quite appropriate to the art of carving on ganch. Being one of the most simple and assessable materials, it is for many centuries widely used by Uzbek folk masters in decoration of walls, ceilings, arches and niches with refined subtle carving.

Ganch carving is one of the oldest types of artistic crafts of Uzbekistan that represents a unique school on its style and specificity of techniques.

The history of this crafts gets emerged in the third-fourth centuries. Ancient monuments of architecture, such as the Palace Varahsha, residence of rulers of “noble Bukhoro”, have reached our days. The palace’s columns, walls and arches were decorated with subtle plaster ornaments and stucco details. The list of unique world heritage includes the Palace of Muhammad Rahimkhon in Khiva – “town-museum” under open air. Everyone who visits this place gets admired with the sublime décor of interiors created with enthralling ganch carving and drawing. Fine laced patterns make monuments of Samarqand majestic and stunning. Namely at the outskirts of the ancient settlement, in remains of the Palace of Samanids, there was discovered a carved panel from ganch. In the early Middle Ages the ornamental art of carving was widely spread.

Ganch is the popular in Central Asia binding material that is received from burning special rock containing gypsum and clay. In the past it was used for plastering walls and used as solution for bonding bricks. Yet, boundless imagination and talent of masters turned simple alabaster into refined decoration for palaces and mosques. For many centuries ganch carving reached the height of true art. Ductile, fast-setting, flexible and extremely firm after drying, it has smooth, velvety surface and soft white color.

Every master of ganch carving – ganchkor, has tens of instruments allowing them to create the most complex patterns called pardoz. Masters themselves make clichés for ornaments, while the most beautiful and best of them were gathered and kept for the whole life. It was the main riches of a ganchkor that was passed over from generation to generation from father to son. Skilful ustos (masters) always have apprentices that could be their children or those from locals. Thus, during centuries there have been emerged dynasties, and sometimes whole settlements and towns got popular because of the proficiency of local masters. Training lasted for 10-12 years, and honorable name of master was given by the quorum of elder carvers after an apprentice independently decorated a house or public building.

True prosperity to this art came by the 18th – 19th centuries when they started to decorate not only mosques and houses of nobles, but dwellings of ordinary people as well. This period is characterized with the improvement of methods, techniques, types of carving and creation of schools. By the end of the 19th century and beginning of 20th century in the territory of Uzbekistan several centers of ganch carving operated – Khiva, Bukhoro, Tashkent, Samarqand, Farghona.

Popular masters of that period included the Bukhoro ustos – Sh. Murodov, M. Solikhov, the Samarqand ones – Jalilov Rashid and Quli, Sh. Ghofurov, Y. Azizov, T. Imamov, M. Yunusov, the Tashkent masters – U. Ikramov, T. Arslonqulov, from Faghona – A. Musayev, Soliyev, from Khiva – r. Masharipov, A. Boltayev and others. The creativity of ganchkors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was linked with the decoration of palatial constructions, quarterly mosques and traditional houses. According to researchers, in carved wall panels of that period it is possible to observe methods used in monuments of architecture of Samarqand and Bukhoro of 15th -17th centuries.

From the time immemorial, geometric and arabesque motifs were used in ornaments. There are lots of methods of carving differing in style, deepness and complexity; yet, genuine master commands all subtleties and secrets of the craft. He masterly combines tens of kinds of decoration creating from soft white plaster vivid compositions.

Sometimes it is rather difficult to determine where one method ends and another begins, it is so harmoniously they interlaced. Contrasting light and plastic effects of various methods, masters of Uzbek ganch carving create compositions bewitching people with great diversity.

Depending on sort of ganch its tints vary from light-grey to yellowish, owing to which there was emerged the technique of carving on two-colored and multi-colored plaster. In the beginning of the 20th century it was created an artistic method of ganch carving on mirror surface making décor spectacular and easy.

For long years of its existence this art experienced periods of flourishing, oblivion and revival. Generation of Uzbek masters managed to preserve and bring our days the secrets of their enthralling craft. Huge merit in it belongs to the outstanding Tashkent hereditary ganchkor-master Mahmud Usmonov who stood for traditional kinds of artistic decoration in modern architecture.

Nowadays, ganch carving in Uzbekistan gets widely popular as architectural decoration in construction of houses, theaters, clubs, houses of culture and other public buildings. In Bukhoro, Samarqand and Farghona people study the aged craft of master-ganchkors with enthusiasm.

The most part of ganch works are wall ornamental slabs at which one could observe the aspiration of masters to follow the traditions of the old architectural carving. However, there are articles that widen the sphere of application of carved décor. Thus, ganchkors made from this material various lamps: wall brackets, stand lamps, and table lamps. Subtle carved ornaments on these products resemble light lacy patterns.

Today, ancient fine carving perfectly combines with modern architectural solutions. The evolution of this type of art is demonstrated by the decorative design in a number of administrative buildings in Uzbekistan, as well as Alisher Navoi National Library, Tashkent Hotel, Muqimiy State Uzbek Theater of Musical Drama, the capital’s Turkiston Palace, towers of Tashkent Chimes and architectural pearl of the capital – State Museum of History of Temurids and many other objects.

Snow-white ganch carving still amaze with its beauty, diversity and talent of a master who puts his heart and soul to patterns he created. Though, masters of various artistic centers took active part at decorating one or another object. The artistic decoration of the Alisher Navoi State Academic Grand Theater could be served as an example of it. This is a true gallery of art of ganch carving where every hall is decorated in artistic style of one local school.

At the same time, design of halls makes up one single architectural-artistic style of the theater itself. The Khiva and Termiz halls are decorated in traditional style, while Bukhoro, Tashkent, Farghona and Samarqand halls – in modern style.

At recent years ganch carving keeps one of the leading types of national decorative-applied art of Uzbekistan. Moreover, its role in decorating architectural constructions grows. Main ganch carving centers of today are Khiva, Bukhoro, Tashkent, Samarqand, Andijon, Namangan, Quqon.

UT News Agency

My obsession for Central Asia and the Silk Road again pushed me to Tashkent – says Agha Iqrar Haroon (Former President Ecotourism Society Pakistan and Former consultant Ministry of Tourism Government of Pakistan) at www.travelvideo.tv.

I have travelled there many times while my soul lives there always. My journey to Samarkand from Tashkent will be interesting and presented soon but I am excited to explain not about history or archeological spots of Samarkand—the jewel in the crown of East – but about how this time I went deep inside villages to feel and smell the Real Uzbekistan.

Samarkand is the second largest and most densely populated city of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The city is located on the left bank of the River Zerafshan.

From 1924 till 1930 it was the capital of Turkistan ASSR. Samarkand is one of the ancient cities of the world, and with its historical and architectural monuments, is comparable with world famous centers of civilization.

At the first millennia B.C Samarkand already existed under the name of Marokanda, but later, the city acquired the current name of Samarkand. The city was conquered by the troops of Alexander the Great in IV century B.C, Arab caliphate in VII century and Chingiz Khanin the XIII century.

It was a capital city of the powerful country Sogd, the center of the vast empire of Great Tamerlane, a place that takes care of its fortification and beauty. Exactly in the epoch of Timurid's in XIV-XVI, Samarkand reached the highest peak of its bloom. Wonderfully blue facing tiles of buildings, exquisite architectural forms, and complex vegetable and geometrical ornaments decorate the architectural buildings.

World famous ensembles of the city are: Registan square – with its three remarkable madrassah: the Madrassah of Ulughbek, Sher- Dor, Tillya Kori; the Shakhi Zinda complex, which consists of 11 mausoleums, with theirs being a unique glaze of patterns, and the grandiose mausoleum of Bibi Khanum. The most famous monument of the Samarkand city is the crypt of Timurids. Gur Emir Mausoleum is one of the best patterns of Central Asian architecture. In the north- east part of the city, there is a sextant-observatory, which was built in 1428- 1429 by Ulughbek. Ulughbek was an outstanding scientist, the ruler of Samarkand and the grandson of great Tamerlane . Not far from the observatory one can discover the city before the Arab invasion at Afrasiab settlement.

The history of the city is closely connected with prominent figures of the ancient East such as astronomer Kazi Zade Rumi, poets Alisher Navoi and Abdurahman Jomiy.

The architectural masterpieces of Samarkand still retain their beauty for tourists all over the world.
In Samarkand my host was Mr. Ravshan Turakulov who is an energetic, young but very professional person running Silk Road Destinations – a tour Operation Company. Ravshan is a multilingual person and his command of French is remarkable because he got his Masters degree in that language, a reason for which he is attracting major French markets and bringing French tourists to Uzbekistan.

Ravshan believes that local communities must get financial benefits from tourism dollar and this is the reason he has taken on the initiative of an ecotourism project to support a local community at the outskirt of Sarmarkand City. He invited me to visit this project since I had been a former Consultant of the Ministry of Tourism in the government of Pakistan and former president of the Ecotourism Society of Pakistan, so it gave me tremendous excitement to critically look into an ecotourism project in rugged central Asia.

Mitan is a small village in the vast and beautiful district of Samarkand, 60 km from the famous oasis of Registan. I never heard this name before because few foreigners are aware of this village, away from major tourist routes. The area is in the heart of the great steppes, and is also a land of contrasts that hide secret paths through beautiful villages with mud houses, where life seems to have stopped centuries ago.

Only one dirt road leads to Mitan village and you could find mules full of loads passing this route. The villagers are mostly farmers of cotton and livestock (cattle, silkworms, bees). I found locals very friendly and it was enchanting for me to contact and exchange views through Ravhsan as my translator.

My stay in a homestay traditional house was a remarkable experience. I was amazed to see European and Turkish touches in restroom facilities, but other construction was purely local.
Mitan is truly an ecotourism destination where you can plunge into the heart of the Uzbek culture gradually as meetings and exchanges with the villagers.

Through immersion in village life you will discover the Real Uzbekistan. You can visit the village and discover the lifestyle of Uzbekistan. You can see and even practice milking cows, preparing traditional cakes, doing embroidery, plowing, harvesting, etc.

UzReport

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov has sent a greeting letter to President of the Republic of Hungary Pal Schmitt on the public holiday – St. Stephen’s (Szent Istvan) Day of the foundation of Hungarian state.

The head of our country wished Pal Schmitt a sound health and all the success, along with prosperity and wellbeing for the people of Hungary.

www.press-service.uz

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov has greeted the leader of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai on the occasion of national holiday, Independence Day.

In his congratulatory note, Islam Karimov expressed confidence in that the centuries-old bonds of neighborliness, friendship and fraternity between the two nations will keep moving forward for the benefit of our peoples.

www.press-service.uz

The delegation of Uzbekistan took part in the Libramon-2011 Annual International Agricultural and Livestock Fair held in Belgium.

During the exhibition the Uzbek delegation held talks with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of the Belgian province of Luxembourg, heads of leading foreign companies that manufacture high-tech equipments. The sides exchanged views on prospects for further cooperation in the processing of livestock and agricultural production.

The representative of Chamber of Commerce of the Belgian province of Luxembourg Michelle Barbets noted that the participation of representatives of Uzbekistan in the exhibition enabled the European participants to explore the investment potential of the country and to establish business partnerships, identify the most promising areas of cooperation.

During the talks mutual interest in establishing contact between Uzbek and Belgian farmers, as well as discuss concrete possibilities of attracting investments into the country to establish manufacturing advanced agricultural machinery and equipment for processing meat and milk were stressed. There was an exchange of experience in design, construction and maintenance of farms.

The Uzbek delegation also met with leading European manufacturers of agricultural machinery.

They were informed about the main directions of agricultural development Uzbekistan, as well as the main provisions of the state program “Year of Rural Development and Improvement” and “Year of Small Business and Private Entrepreneurship”.

UT News Agency

Kungrad Soda Plant, only soda ash producer in Central Asian region, produced 52,000 tonnes of soda ash in the first six months of 2011.

According to the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, the growth rate made up 10.9% year-on-year.

Kungrad Soda Plant is only enterprise on production of soda ash in Central Asia. The enterprise was commissioned in August 2006 by China’s Citic Pacific Ltd. and Uzkimyosanoat. Total project cost was US$100 million.

In line with contract, Citic Pacific Ltd. designed and constructed technical part of the plant on “on turnkey” basis with the cost of US$32.3 million. China Industrial-Commercial Bank financed technological part of the project under insurance coverage of China Export-Credit Insurance Corporation (90% of the contract) and loan of Uzpromstroytbank (10% of contract) under the guarantee of the Uzbekistan Government.

General construction works were executed by local insurance companies due to own resources of Uzkimyosanoat. The project capacity of the enterprise is 100,000 tonnes of ash soda a year. The main raw material for construction of soda ash is sodium chloride (salt) and limestone.

All main raw materials for production are produced in Uzbekistan. The sodium chloride is mined at Barsakelmes deposit, located 53km away from Kungrad Soda Plant and limestone at Jamansay limestone deposit, developed at 250 km away from the plant. According to geologists, the approved reserves of these raw materials can satisfy demand of the plant for over 100 years.

At necessity, these reserves can be expanded. Another component of production is ammonia, which is supplied by enterprises of Uzkimyosanoat – Maxam-Chirchiq (Chirchiq city) and Navoiazot (Navoi city). For last three years, Kungrad Soda Plant increased exports by five times.

According to targeted figures of industrial development of Uzbekistan for 2011-2015, the production volume of soda ash in Uzbekistan will reach 95,000 tonnes this year. According to forecast, the plant will reach its designed capacity (100,000 tonnes) in 2012.

Uzkimyosanoat is planning to increase production capacity of Kungrad Soda Plant to 150,000 tonnes a year. Uzkimyosanoatloyiha, planning institution and part of Uzkimyosanoat, started to develop preliminary feasibility study of the project on expansion of production at the Kungrad Soda Plant.

The preliminary cost of the project is US$50 million. The expansion of capacities of the plant will be carried out due to raising limestone production at Jamansay field and technical salt at Barsakelmes field in Karakalpakstan. The annual demand of these raw materials makes up 153,000 tonnes of limestone, 160,000 tonnes of salt and 1,000 tonnes of ammonia.

www.UzDaily.com

Production of cotton-fiber in Uzbekistan decreased by 7.6% year-on-year to 589,800 tonnes in January-June 2011, the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan said.

According to the committee, Uzbekistan produced 9.1 million square meters of non-woven materials like fabric in the reporting period, which grew by 26.2% year-on-year.

Production of knitwork in Uzbekistan grew by 28.1% year-on-year in January-June 2011 and made up 35.8 million units.

In the reporting period, the enterprises of Uzbekistan produced 7,772 tonnes of stockinet, which fell by 13.5% year-on-year.

Production of raw silk threats grew by 54.9% to 81,000 tonnes, carpets and carpet products – by 9.1% to 267,000 square meters. Uzbekistan manufactured 766,900 square meters of silk fabrics (-16.5%).

Production of hosiery products grew 6.2 times year-on-year to 568,500 pairs in January-June 2011. Uzbekistan also manufactured 3.4 million square decimeters of leather products.

www.UzDaily.com

Uzbekistan increased production of cement by 0.1% in the first half of 2011, the State Statistics Committee said in its report.

According to the committee, the cement production enterprises manufactured 3.457 million tonnes of cement in the reporting period.

Currently, largest cement producers of Uzbekistan are Kyzylkumcement (3.1 million tonnes), Ahangarancment (1.74 million tonnes) and Quvasaycement (920,000 tonnes).

Share of cement industry in total production volume construction industry in Uzbekistan makes up about 72%.

Within the programme on priorities of industry development in Uzbekistan for 2011-2015, it is planned to implement several project on re-equipping and modernization of cement industry of Uzbekistan.

www.UzDaily.com

Muaythai World Championships in Tashkent September 20-27 is to be an event of the year for fans of martial arts in Uzbekistan.

Of all the martial arts Muaythai that was born more than two thousand years ago, is considered to be one of the most perfect ones. In its homeland in Thailand it is the absolute number one sport. The last seven consecutive years, the main event of the year was held in Thailand, and Thais did not want to give the World Championship to another country.

However there is a decent candidate, arguing its right to hold the world championship both by the successes of the athletes on the international arenas and organizational advantages. The President of the International Federation of Muaythai Amateurs (IFMA) Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, having visited the last year’s Asian championships in Tashkent, underscored the high organizational level of competition and Uzbek athletes, said Sherzod Tashmatov, chairman of the Association of Muaythai Amateurs and Professionals of Uzbekistan. “And we won the contest to host the world championships in 2011 over 15 other contenders.”

The Uzbek Muaythai masters are among the strongest ones on the planet. At the world championships they have won a total of 17 gold medals, 11 Asian, by 7 Asian and World Games. Providing the guests with the maximum hospitality at home, the hosts still are not going to give them up the ring: matches promise to be hot and uncompromising.

“We are very seriously preparing for the September battles of the strongest masters,” said Timur Aripov, deputy chairman of the Association of Muaythai Amateurs and Professionals of Uzbekistan.

“55 countries have already confirmed their participation in the World Championships, and there are still another 40 days ahead. The importance of this championship for Uzbekistan can be judged by the fact that on August 1 Cabinet of Ministers issued a special resolution.

The preparations being actively controlled and directed by the Center for the Development of Martial Arts do not stop even for a day. We have solved almost all the organizational issues, from visa support to visiting delegations, including journalists and fans to making sure that everyone could visit not only competition but also the historical centers of Uzbekistan - Samarqand, Bukhoro... We have solved all the organizational issues associated with the accommodation, transport, food, medical care, services, cultural programs, souvenirs, and the opening ceremony... We are going to tell about this at a press conference on August 15.”

A very special moment is preparation of our athletes. Recently, in Samarqand we had a Championship of Uzbekistan, which brought together a large number of participants. But the selection to the national team is a multi-stage process, and the head coach Rahmatjon Ruziahunov and the coaching board of the association have to make a more thorough job on the formation of the team. We have excellent athletes.

The main thing is to choose the best, most deserving, those who can make a gift to the Independence Day.

UT News Agency

On August 11-13, 2011, the Committee on the Issues of Defense and Security of the Legislative Chamber in cooperation with the Republican Military Prosecutor's Office held for young professionals, serving in the military prosecution authorities, scientific-practical seminar on “Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan - the guarantor of stable development”.

It was attended by representatives of the Ministries of Defense and Emergency Situations, the staff of the General Prosecutor of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Military Prosecutor's Office, experts from the Republican Center of Forensic examination named after Kh.Suleimanova, professors of the Tashkent State Law Institute, as well as members of the mass media.

During the event, the participants were provided with detailed information about the meaning achievements of Uzbekistan national independence, the nature and content of the national idea and the basic directions of development of the country.

Analyses were made on the main priorities of incremental reforms undertaken in the country under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 20 years of independent development. They also talked about systemic change aimed at the renewal of society, building a democratic state, improving the market economy, preservation for future generations, national and spiritual values of our people, improving living standards, acquisition of Uzbekistan its rightful place in the world community.

It was noted that from the first years of independence Uzbekistan has chosen its own path of development. Over the past 20 years, the country has enormous changes. The basis of change was based on the developed by the President Islam Karimov “Uzbek model” of development of the country, which is consistently implemented in all spheres of public life. Through the implementation of the developed by the head of state of the five principles of building civil society and rule of law, the practical implementation of the principle “from a strong state – to a strong civil society”, our country in a historically short period passed a distance equal to ages.

During the workshop was held an exchange of views on further improving the professional skills of young professionals in the Republican Military Prosecutor's Office, strengthening their accountability. Participants of the event - young professionals got comprehensive answers to the questions that interested them.

As the result of the workshop, appropriate recommendations were adopted by the committee.

www.parliament.gov.uz

Kuwait's Ambassador to Uzbekistan Khalaf Buthehair met the Chairman of the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry Alisher Shaikhov on 11 August.

The talks focused on means of cooperation in the economic, trade and investment fields, namely the need to work more closely on increasing the size of bilateral trade. The ambassador stressed the importance of opening up and easing exchanged investments between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the Uzbek official commended the attendance of Kuwaiti companies in a recent international trade exhibition in the country, the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.

UzReport

In pursuance of the Resolution of the President of Uzbekistan dated 7 February 2011 titled "On state program "Year of Small Business and Private Entrepreneurship", Uzbekneftegaz developed the Branch program.

To provide enterprises of small business and private entrepreneurship with natural gas, Uztransgaz (Uzbek transportation gas) JSC issued an order dated 28 February 2011 under No.143 titled "On measures to provide uninterrupted supply of natural gas to subjects of small business and private entrepreneurship".

In the first half of 2011 gas providers of the company made agreements with 1,530 subjects of small business and private entrepreneurship. Totally, natural gas was provided in the volume of 16 million cubic meters, 1,258 technical specifications were issued.

Uzneftegazdobicha (Uzbek oil and gas extraction) provided 35,000 tons of polyethylene and over 109,000 tons of liquefied gas through Uzbekistan Commodity Exchange (UzCE) to subjects of small business and private entrepreneurship.

Uznefteprodukt (Uzbek oil and gas product) made agreements and provided petroleum and diesel to subjects of small business and private entrepreneurship.

UzReport

As part of the accelerated development of transport and communication infrastructure in 2011-2015, the sectors attracted $104.3 million of capital investments in the first half.

For the first six months of 2011, road builders have laid 156 km of asphalt concrete on roads of international and national importance, including the Uzbek National Highway, including 70 km of A-380 Ghuzor-Nukus-Kungrad-Beineu highway and 22 km of A-373 Tashkent-Osh highway.

Along the Uzbek National Highway road infrastructure development organizations have completed and commissioned eight roadside infrastructure and service facilities.

UT News Agency

GM Uzbekistan, an Uzbek-US car producer, increased production of automobiles by 4.2% year-on-year to 106,300 in the first half of 2011, the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan said.

According to the committee, production of the specialized automobiles in Uzbekistan fell by 42.5% to 302 units.

In the reporting period, the country produced 322 cargo vehicles, which is 22.4% less compared to the same period of 2010, the committee added.

According to the official statistics, production of buses decreased by 36% to 401 units in the first six months of 2011.

Uzavtosanoat and South Korea’s Daewoo Motor created a joint venture - UzDaewoo Auto - on parity conditions. In 1996, the venture launched car production plant. The capacity of the venture is 200,000 cars per year.

In May 2005, Uzavtosanoat purchased 50% shares of Daewoo Motor in UzDaewoo Auto. General Motors and Uzavtosanoat completed process of creation of GM Uzbekistan on the base of UzDaewooAuto in the end of March 2008.

Currently, Uzavtosanoat possesses 75% shares in GM Uzbekistan.

www.UzDaily.com

International Day of Youth was celebrated in Tashkent on 12 August with youth action held at the concert hall of Youth Creativity Palace. Centre for Youth Initiatives Kelajak Ovozi under Fund "Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan", United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Volunteer Program (UNV) joined hands in organizing the celebration of this annual event.

International Youth Day is celebrated annually on 12 August. This observance, celebrated by thousands of young people, activists, and youth organizations worldwide, brings public attention to important issues related to youth, in particular the need for better addressing youth concerns in international development efforts.

This year's International Youth Day represents the culmination of the International Year of Youth - designated by the UN to comprise the 12 month period between Youth Day 2010 and Youth Day 2011 - and the 25th Anniversary of the first International Year of Youth.

As such, "Change Our World" has been chosen as the theme for this day, as it not only expresses the level of impact that young people strive to achieve, but also reflects the notion of a global community that is a core principle of the United Nations.

In our country, International Year of Youth has triggered hundreds of youth-driven actions and initiatives by youth networks and volunteers. Activists of UNFPA-supported Y-PEER educational network and Kelajak Ovozi have come up with a number of activities to highlight the Year of Youth and make young people's voices heard.

In particular, an initiative announced by UNFPA and Y-PEER globally, "10 Days of Activism" campaign, has been particularly popular among active young people in Uzbekistan and has resulted in a number of exciting actions on important development issues.

Thus, the International Youth Day sums up the year with celebration events that include annual awarding ceremony for most active and talented youth, and a charity concert by popular Uzbek performers.

Holding of annual awards ceremony has become a good tradition of Kelajak Ovozi and UNFPA. Young people – members of the two organizations' youth networks were awarded in various nominations, such as "Most active volunteer of the year", "Best project on healthy lifestyle" and many others.

UNFPA and Kelajak Ovozi have been working together throughout the years, on promoting healthy lifestyle among the young people in Uzbekistan. Both partners share similar visions on strengthening the rights of young people and enhancing their potential to increase their role in society.

UzReport

 

The Uzbekistan team won one gold and three bronze medals at the Asian Boxing Championship held in Incheon, South Korea. The representatives of the government, sports community and the general public welcomed the team at the Tashkent international airport. Over 150 athletes from 22 countries competed at the 26th continental championship. Shuhrat Abdullayev (pictured) defeated Chuluntumur Tumurhuyag from Mongolia in the final fight in 75 kg category and won the gold medal.   Nodirbek Kasymov, Kobiljon Babajanov and Alisher Mahmudov brought bronze medals of the championship.   www.uza.uz

Over 16.5 million people participated in the nationwide charitable hashar held in Uzbekistan on 13 and 14 August.

The people participated in the construction, cleaning and improvement works in cities, towns and villages.

According to organizers, improvement works were held on a total of 30,000 hectares. Over 23 km of aryks and canals were cleaned.

The hashar participants also contributed to wide-scale construction works currently underway in all regions of Uzbekistan.

Among such construction objects are Boburshokh, Uzbekistan and Amir Temur Streets in Andijan, Al Khorazmiy street in Urgench, a sports complex in Bukhara, a park and a sports complex in Navoi and many others.

The participants of hashar helped the families with low incomes and in need of social support in repairing their houses, as well as visited the lone elderly and the disabled.

www.uza.uz

 

Judoist Sherali Jurayev brought the first medal to the team of Uzbekistan at the 16th World Universiade in Shenzhen, China. In the final fight in 90 kg category, the Uzbek athlete defeated to the Russian Abdul Omarov and won the silver medal of the Universiade. Prior to the final, Sherali Jurayev won over Sainjargal Batbayar from Mongolia, Mark Odental from Germany and Valentin Radun from Romania.   www.uza.uz

On the invitation of President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, President of South Korea Lee Myung-Bak will pay a state visit to Uzbekistan on 23-24 August.

During the visit, issues of expansion and strengthening cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea, as well as important problems of regional and international character will be considered.

On the results of the negotiations, signing of bilateral documents, aimed at deepening interaction of the two states in various areas, is planned.
 

www.uza.uz

The capital of Uzbekistan will host the stage of the World Cup and the Happy Caravan international tournament in rhythmic gymnastics on 3-8 September.

The world cup stage will gather 39 strongest gymnasts and 11 teams from 24 countries. Uzbekistan will be represented by Ulyana Trofimova, Jamila Rahmatova, Zamira Sanakulova, Olga Kiryakova, Zarina Kurbanova, Luiza Ganiyeva, Yayra Serjanova, Yekaterina Safronova and Feruza Aminova.

The upcoming event will be a qualifying stage to the world cup, which will be held on 17 September in France.

The Happy Caravan international tournament will be held among young gymnasts. From Uzbekistan, Maftuna Shamsiyeva, Valeriya Davydova, Maya Filippova and Anastasia Serdyukova will participate.

Another important event planned during that period is the session of the Executive Committee of the Asian Gymnastics Union, in which representatives of 17 countries will take part.
 

www.uza.uz
 

A cultural event devoted to the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan was held at the Republican International Cultural Center in Tashkent.

Opening the event, the center director Nasriddin Muhammadiyev and the ambassador of Turkmenistan Soltan Pirmuhamedov said the two countries were successfully cooperating in various spheres.

During the years of independence, the two brotherly nations have achieved significant results in development.

Cultural relations play an important role in strengthening cooperation between the two states, which have close values, traditions and customs.

There is a good tradition to hold friendship festivals during the visits of the heads of the states in Uzbekistan or Turkmenistan.

Currently, about 170,000 Turkmens live in Uzbekistan, where almost 50 schools teach Turkmen language. In more than 20 schools, teaching is done completely in Turkmen.

There are seven Turkmen national cultural centers in Uzbekistan, and their activity is coordinated by the Republican Turkmen Cultural Center, set up in 2001.

During the event, an exhibition of Turkmen national clothes and craft samples, as well as a concert of Uzbek and Turkmen songs were held.
 

www.uza.uz
 

The fourth international exhibition of products and services for children, teenagers and women Kids Land opened in Tashkent. It has been organized by the ZarEXPO exhibition company in cooperation with the ministries of public education and healthcare, as well as Tashkent city administration and the Association for support of children and families.

The exhibition consists of sections like children’s food and drinks, vitamins and medicaments for children, footwear, clothes and accessories for children and future and nursing mothers, toys and games, and other.

A number of events are planned within the Kids Land exhibition, including conferences of the role of toys and game in children’s development, early education, relations between parents and children, presentation of a social project Milk at School, drawing master classes for children and others.

www.uza.uz

Wide-scale construction and improvement works have been carried out in Bukhara region during the years of independence of Uzbekistan.

www.uza.uz

The Internet festival of the national domain UZ, devoted to the 20th anniversary of idependence of Uzbekistan, started on 10 August. Among its organizers are the Fund “Forum of culture and art of Uzbekistan”, Youth initiatives center “Kelajak Ovozi” and Computer and information technologies development center UZINFOCOM. The official support to the event is provided by the Uzbek Agency for Communication and Information (UzACI). InfoCOM.UZ magazine is the festival coordinator.

The number of internet users in Uzbekistan is over 7.7 million, including 4.27 million using the net through mobile phones, Khurshid Mirzakhidov, first deputy director-general of UzACI said at the press conference devoted to the Internet festival.

The first internet festival was held in Uzbekistan in 2001. Starting from 2007, the festival is held only among websites in the UZ domain. The national top-level domain UZ was created on 29 April 1995. As of 10 August, the number of active second-level domains in the national zone is over 12,500.

This year’s festival will be held until 26 September. Its main goals are popularizing the internet among the population, promoting development of the national online content and expansion of use of the Uzbek language on the internet.

www.uza.uz 

20 houses were commissioned on the eve of the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan in Yangi Charmgar neighborhood in Kitob district, Kashkadarya region.

The houses were constructed within the nationwide program on building residential housing in rural areas, approved by the President of Uzbekistan in 2009.


One of the new house owners, farmer Khaidar Malikov with daughter Sitora.

Specialized companies Kitob Sifat Qurilish and Qurbonmurod Ashurov participated in construction of the new houses in Yangi Charmgar.

At present, objects of social infrastructure – a school for 180 students, a teahouse, stores and service centers – are being built here.
 

www.uza.uz 

Uzbekistan National News Agency correspondent talked to Abdul Aziz bin Harun, Ambassador of Malaysia to Uzbekistan, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the independence of Uzbekistan.

– Your Excellency, we are meeting on the eve of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan. What can you say about the achievements of Uzbekistan during these 20 years?

– First of all, allow me to take this opportunity on behalf of the Embassy of Malaysia, its staff and my personal behalf to convey my heartfelt congratulations and sincere felicitation to the government and the people of Uzbekistan on this joyful occasion of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the independence of Uzbekistan, which will be celebrated on 1 September.

I can feel how joyful and proud are the people of Uzbekistan in celebrating this significant and joyful occasion. Although 20 years of independence is considered to be very short, Uzbekistan, thanks to its visionary President Islam Abduganievich Karimov and the hardworking people, has been able to utilize these 20 years of independence to score great achievements in the development of Uzbekistan’s economy and society and at the same time to gain recognition and achieve success in conducting its foreign policy in the international arena.

All of the political stability and rapid economic progress which Uzbekistan has been enjoying throughout its 20 years of independence could be considered as marvelous achievements. If one compares Uzbekistan with some other developing countries of the world, for example with some countries in Asia or Africa, one can clearly see that Uzbekistan has been able to make tremendous strides in economic and social development, which can be envied even by other developing countries who gained their independence far earlier than Uzbekistan.

The beauty of Uzbekistan’s development is that the government and the leadership of the country make sure that all the fields of society develop simultaneously, therefore in Uzbekistan we can see not only economic progress but also great achievements in the fields of social administration, sport, culture, architecture and in many other walks of life.

The recent tremendous achievement of Uzbekistan’s U-17 national football team in the U-17 World Cup in Mexico by reaching quarterfinals was quite a feat. Moreover, Uzbek athletes and sportsmen regularly perform well on all kinds of games including Olympic Games, Asian Games and others, all of which boost national pride and spirit of unity among the Uzbek people.

– The bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and Malaysia has been developing very fruitfully in various areas. What can you say about the future of our relations and can you name joint cooperation projects that are currently being implemented?

– As a developing country, Malaysia is very keen to share our experience in developing our economy with our brothers in Uzbekistan. Malaysia gained her independence in 1957 and the success of our economy is based on institutionalizing free market economy based on the principles of laissez-faire and free competition.

We are happy that some joint ventures have been established between Malaysian national oil and gas corporation PETRONAS and Uzbekneftegaz, and we sincerely hope that other Malaysian companies will join PETRONAS in venturing into Uzbek economy and contributing to its development.

I believe that the Navoi Free Economic and Industrial Zone created in the Navoi province of Uzbekistan which offers favourable investment climate and could be a good avenue for other Malaysian companies to enter Uzbek market and contribute to its economic development.

– Can you share with us your thoughts about the bilateral cooperation in the area of tourism?

– Malaysia and Uzbekistan have many similarities in terms of geographic size, population, culture, religion, traditions and way of life.

Uzbekistan has a great advantage in terms of its ancient civilization and unique historical and architectural heritage which has been well preserved thanks to the wise policy of Uzbekistan’s leadership. As such the historic cities of Uzbekistan such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Kokand and others, which are rich in Islamic traditions and legacy, are very attractive to Malaysian tourists.

It makes not only Uzbek people, but also many more Muslims in the world proud that the government of Uzbekistan is putting great efforts in preserving the ancient Islamic historical and architectural legacy of Uzbekistan for all of us to marvel.

On our side, Malaysia can share its experiences with Uzbekistan in building a modern tourist infrastructure here, which will compliment the rich historical and architectural legacy that Uzbekistan already has. Last year alone Malaysia received more than 24 million foreign tourists, which generated income of about USD 12 billion, as such Malaysia has a very successful experience in developing the tourism sector and would be happy to share our experience with our Uzbek brothers.

Last year alone, more than 3,000 Malaysian tourists visited Uzbekistan and about 5,000 Uzbek tourists visited Malaysia. We also appreciate Uzbek government’s decision to establish direct air-link between our two friendly counties since 1993, which have been serving as a bridge between our two countries and peoples.

Let me share with you one more good news: one of the Malaysian hospitality industry colleges is currently seriously considering establishing its branch campus in Uzbekistan in order to train tourism sector specialists for the development of Uzbekistan’s tourism sector in the future.

– How do you evaluate the anti-crisis measures undertaken by the government of Uzbekistan to mitigate the negative effect of the international economic and financial crisis on the Uzbek economy?

– I think the anti-crisis measures undertaken by the government of Uzbekistan have been successful in avoiding the negative effects for Uzbekistan of the 2008 international economic and financial crisis that rocked the world economy. The Uzbek government’s anti-crisis program for 2008-2012 has been successful in mitigating the crisis and minimizing the exposure of Uzbek economy to the negative effects of the international economic and financial crisis. Despite the international economic and financial crisis, Uzbek economy has been achieving over 8% GDP growth for the last four years, at the same time the government of Uzbekistan has also managed to curb inflation and keep it below 8%. The government of Uzbekistan has also been successful in creating around 1 million new jobs in Uzbekistan every year, which has positively contributed to the rapid development of Uzbekistan’s economy by taking advantage of its young population.

I believe Uzbekistan’s success in navigating its economy successfully at a time of international economic and financial crisis could be a very good case-study example for other developing countries to learn from.

– Can you share with us your opinion on the initiatives and measures taken by the government of Uzbekistan aimed at preserving peace and stability not only in Uzbekistan but also in the whole of Central Asia?

– Peace and stability of the region could be considered as the paramount objective not only for Uzbekistan but also for all other countries in the Central Asian region, and every country in the region has its own role in preserving the peace and stability in the whole region. Therefore, each country has to make sure that its internal stability is solid before addressing the regional challenges to peace and security.

The international community must compliment the government of Uzbekistan which made its first priority in preserving and strengthening its domestic stability before preaching others. Continuous peace and stability in Uzbekistan have been cornerstone for economic and social progress not only to the country but also to the region.

If every country in the region adopts the same policy, I think the region as a whole will become stable and prosperous in the future. In this regards, I believe the Central Asian countries should not only work individually but also collectively in preserving the peace and stability in the region and in tackling the various challenges such as illegal drug-trafficking, terrorism, organized crime and others.

The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) experience in the South-East Asian region has shown that working together and in the spirit of espirit de corps in promoting close political, economic and social cooperation brings more results for all its members.

In the final analysis, all of the countries in Central Asia must work together as a group or team, of course, in the early stages this might create some uneasiness since the spirit of cooperation requires give-and-take which is not always easy to implement, but the example of the ASEAN could be a good case study for Central Asian countries in promoting peace among its 10 member countries with a total population of 550 million, who have managed to keep aside their various differences for the sake of greater benefits for all its members in terms of political, economic and social cooperation which have been recognized by the international community.

– How do you evaluate the efforts made in Uzbekistan in preserving the cultural and historical-architectural heritage of the country?

– The great efforts by the government of Uzbekistan, especially President Islam Karimov, to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan has already been recognized and commended by the international community, including UNESCO. If the rich cultural and historical heritage of Uzbekistan were not taken care of, it would be a great loss not only for Uzbekistan but also for the international community, especially the Islamic Ummah.

I think the harsh Soviet colonization resulted in the loss of some of the cultural and architectural legacies of Uzbekistan, however, the great efforts undertaken by President Islam Karimov during the years of the independence in reviving the history of Uzbekistan and its own culture has boosted the national self-esteem and the awareness among the Uzbek people of their great and ancient civilization.

The Islamic scholars, ulema and scientists in the middle ages such as Imam Al-Bukhariy, Al-Beruniy, Imam At-Termiziy, Ibn Sino, Al-Khorazmiy, Mirzo Ulugbek and many others made great contributions to the development of Islamic civilization and various sciences, such as public administration, physics, chemistry, geography, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, Islamic law and tradition and others which has been useful to the whole mankind not only during that era but also their knowledge has contributed positively until today to the development of human civilization all over the world.

By reviving the study of the great history and civilization that existed in the territory of Uzbekistan in the past, the government of Uzbekistan has also been able to revive the spirit of intellectuality and progressiveness among its peoples. I have no doubt that if these efforts are continued in the future, by developing education and research, Uzbekistan can once again become the brightest star in Asia in the future.

I wish warmest felicitations on the 20th anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan and long live the close friendship between our two brotherly countries.
 

www.uza.uz 

Uzbekistan attracts tourists and foreign visitors for its unique historical monuments, rich culture and tradition, beautiful nature and modern cities. UzA correspondent asked tourists about their impressions of Uzbekistan.

Ahmad Tashfik (Singapore):

- I first visited your country ten years ago. I can‘t hide my admiration for the results of large-scale reforms implemented in various fields, including economics, construction, information technology and agriculture.

And how your capital city became beautiful! Walking in Tashkent, I admire the Square of Independence. I was particularly impressed by the amazingly beautiful buildings, green lawns. Monument of Independence and Humanism, Monument of a Happy Mother are symbol of peace, stability and happiness in your country and firm belief in the great future.

Arto Candeloro (Italy):

- I want to emphasize that Uzbekistan is one of the few fastest growing countries in the world. During the years of independence, your country achieved great results in many areas. The authority of Uzbekistan in the international arena is increasing. All this is the result of great care by the state to raise the welfare of people and ensure social and political stability.

Modern buildings, straight roads are built in towns and villages, new gardens are laid. Along with the large-scale creative work, imparting a special beauty of Tashkent, variety of trees and flowers please the visitors. I witnessed the rebirth of ancient national traditions and values, and it is very gratifying.

Khalid Sharkawi (Kuwait):

- Most of the cities of Uzbekistan are known worldwide for their historical monuments related to Islamic culture. This land has given the world great thinkers who have made a great contribution to world civilization like Imam Bukhari, Abu Rayhan Beruni, Abu Ali ibn Sina, Mirzo Ulugbek, Muhammad Khorezmiy, Ahmad Fergani, etc.

In 2009, I took part in an international music festival “Sharq taronalari” in Samarkand as a guest. I was delighted with the beautiful and unique view of Samarkand. Every time when I come to Samarkand and visit its unique historical monuments and sacred places, I admire again and again. The ancient and eternally young, Samarkand, known as the “face of the earth adornment” was one of the centers of science and enlightenment. Since independence, this holy city has become even more beautiful.

Hee Jeong Lim (South Korea):

- Thanks to the great attention paid to the support of all sectors, rates and economic growth in Uzbekistan is increasing.

For several days I have been visiting various parts of Tashkent and enjoying its beauty. This city has everything for a full-fledged tourist destination. Museums and galleries give aesthetic pleasure, I especially admire the hospitality of Uzbek people. I am sure, that every tourist who visited Uzbekistan once, will want to come back here again.
 

www.uza.uz 

Javlon Isomurodov, student of academic lyceum 3 at Bukhara State University, achieved high results at the 52nd World Olympiad in mathematics in the Netherlands.

In the international competition of knowledge, which was attended by 600 representatives of 105 countries, our young countryman came in third place and was awarded a bronze medal.

“Thanks to reforms made in the years of independence in education, our institution achieves great success,” said Tuhtamurod Jumaev, the director of Academic Lyceum, located in Karakul district.

“This lyceum, which was a specialized boarding school until 2009, accumulated rich experience in the implementation of advanced educational technologies. Our students demonstrate their knowledge in full compliance with international standards. A case in point is the conquest of the world and international competitions in mathematics, physics and chemistry of 25 medals.”

Two years ago, the institution was completely reconstructed in accordance with modern requirements, epanded opportunities for more in-depth training for youth. At present, 450 boys and girls are enrolled at the lyceum.
 

www.uza.uz 

 

Art exhibition called “Eternity tree” devoted to the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan opened at the National Arts Center of Tashkent. The exhibition, organized by the Fund “Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan” together with the Association of Artists and Craftsmen of Uzbekistan “Ijod”, features works of woodcarving by the People’s Artist of Uzbekistan, academician of the Arts Academy Ortiq Fayzullayev.

Ortiq Fayzullayev is one of the persons who are continuing old traditions of woodcarving, making a worthy contribution to the development of this craft.

It took the artist almost one year to create one of the exhibits, which is a patterned chair. A painting of an oriental bazaar reflects the historical significance of the Great Silk Road.

The total number of exhibits at the event is over 200.

Today, samples of the master’s – columns, patterned doors and wall panels – decorate the buildings constructed in the years of independence. Among them are the buildings of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, “Uzbekistan” international forums palace, a number of museums, institutions of culture and art, and others.

The works of Fayzullayev have been highly evaluated by professionals and amateurs at fairs and contests held in European countries, as well as Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Pakistan.
 

www.uza.uz 

Your Excellency,

I would like to express my thanks to You for the productive and constructive exchange of views on a range of subjects at our meeting during my recent visit to Uzbekistan.

I was very impressed by the development progress achieved by Uzbekistan under Your leadership which I observed in Your country. Uzbekistan plays an important role in the peace and stability of the region. Your personal commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals is not only laudable in itself, but also is a vital contribution to making progress on the Goals.

Since meeting with You, I have personally briefed the UN Secretary General on the issues we discussed, particularly on the need for greater international attention to the Aral Sea crisis, the issue of trans-boundary water resources, and the status of the independent international enquiry following the Kyrgyz crisis last year.

Allow me also to express my appreciation of the support You have given to Your country’s partnership with UNDP on all areas of our cooperation, including on the issue of a new building for our organization.

I would like to assure You that UNDP is very committed to partnership with Uzbekistan as it advances its development agenda. That includes facilitating the sharing of global best practice on issues related to human development across the global South.

Finally, let me congratulate You and the people of Uzbekistan on its twentieth anniversary year of independence. I am confident that Uzbekistan’s cooperation with UNDP will continue to strengthen for the benefit of the people of Uzbekistan.

Yours sincerely,

Helen Clark,
Administrator, United Nations Development Program
Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations
 

www.uza.uz 

United States was one of the first countries in the world to recognize the independence of Uzbekistan. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992. The legal basis of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States includes more than 50 documents, in particular, Declaration on principles of strategic partnership and cooperation, signed in 2002.

Currently, bilateral relations are developing on the basis of norms and principles of the mentioned declaration in the spirit of equality, constructive cooperation and mutual respect of interests. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of state independence of Uzbekistan, UzA correspondent talked to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Uzbekistan George Krol.

– On the eve of the 20th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, what can you tell us about the reforms and achievements of Uzbekistan in various fields during the years of independence?

– I’m very pleased to be here as US Ambassador and feel very much at home in this country famous throughout the world for its hospitality. It’s a great honor, opportunity, and pleasure for me to be the chief of the American mission in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan and its people have an ancient history; however, Uzbekistan is a young country. In the past and currently Uzbekistan is a political, cultural, and economic center of this region. Your country has always played a great role in establishing stability, security, and development in this region. Our two countries are both interested in seeing this region develop as a stable, peaceful place. Since its independence, Uzbekistan has achieved considerable results. Much attention has been paid to social and economic progress, which has provided for Uzbekistan’s long-term stability and development.

Using this opportunity, I sincerely congratulate the people of Uzbekistan on the 20th anniversary of its independence. I wish all health, peace, prosperity and success in your efforts.

– What is your opinion about the present condition of the Uzbek-US cooperation and its future development? To what sides of mutual cooperation are you going to pay more attention during your diplomatic mission? How do you estimate our cooperation in the economic sphere?

– We are working to deepen relations between the United States and Uzbekistan in a wide range of areas, from educational exchanges to economic ties, human rights and regional security. The year 2010 was capped by a productive visit by Secretary Clinton to Uzbekistan during which there was mutual agreement to continue improving the bilateral relationship between the US and Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan plays a critical role in supporting international efforts in Afghanistan. Uzbekistan supplies much-needed electricity to Afghanistan. It supports infrastructure projects in Afghanistan.

During the Uzbek-American Business Forum this year our two sides were able to engage in useful discussion on ways to strengthen US trade and investment ties with Uzbekistan. The forum was attended by top American companies such as Boeing, Case New Holland, ExxonMobil, FMN Logistics, General Electric, Honeywell, General Motors and Microsoft, which represent the best of American technology, customer service and commitment to quality. The Obama Administration places a high priority on building economic partnerships in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. This effort includes working with Uzbekistan to improve the business environment in order to enhance investment opportunities for US companies.

Uzbekistan is rich in natural resources and has shown promise in developing its own technological capabilities within the manufacturing sector. In addition to its natural resources, the Uzbek people themselves are a resource that should not be overlooked. It is good to see that Uzbekistan places great value in preparing young people for success.

To deepen bilateral economic cooperation, US partners are interested to know that their investment will be secure, that they will have access to hard currency for the import of inputs and that they can repatriate profits. Working together, I hope, we can achieve good results in the future.

– What do you think about the program of measures carried out in Uzbekistan to overcome global crisis. In general, what do you think about the Uzbek model of development?

– I am aware of the widespread recognition that Uzbekistan was able to avert the worst of the global economic crisis and its macroeconomic growth has been impressive. I understand the Uzbek model to be a systematic step by step approach. I look forward to learning more about it. It is certainly worthy of close study. My country believes open markets, transparency, a strong financial and legal system that encourages entrepreneurship and protects investment are keys to long term economic growth and strength. I see great growth potential here in Uzbekistan and a developed infrastructure to sustain it. America would like to be a partner in Uzbekistan’s economic development.
 

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