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EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

LATEST NEWS : FEBRUARY 2007

Mr. Iain Kelly has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan in succession to Mr. David Moran who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment, UzReportcom reported.

Mr. Kelly will take up his new appointment in April 2007, Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in release.

Curriculum Vitae

Full Name: Iain Charles MacDonald Kelly
Married to: Linda
Children: Two sons

2003 - 2007 FCO, Deputy Head Whitehall Liaison Department
1999 - 2003 Minsk, Her Majesty's Ambassador
1996 - 1998 Amsterdam, Head of Post, Consulate General
1992 - 1995 Moscow, Head of Commercial Department
1990 - 1992 Los Angeles, Consul
1988 - 1990 FCO Desk Officer, North and South Korea
1986 - 1988 Istanbul, Consul
1982 - 1985 FCO, Desk Officer, East European and Soviet Department
1979 - 1982 Kuala Lumpur, Third Secretary
1976 - 1979 Moscow, Third Secretary
1974 - 1976 FCO, Desk Officer, Caribbean Department
 

UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) in cooperation with the Uzbek government and Thompson Fund (UK) organized a symposium on communicational readiness to crisis situation of pandemic influenza on February 17-19, 2007, UzReportcom reported.

During three years, representatives of Uzbek Health Ministry, Emergency Ministry, Public Education Ministry, Veterinary Service and other state bodies considered priority principles of communication at emergency situation in healthcare. The seminar paid attention to such issues as prevention of panic and minimization of effect of pandemic and save lives.

Reza Hossaini, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan, said information and readiness are key to control pandemic influenza and fight against it. He said mass media should play key role in emergency situation in healthcare.

Mr. Hossaini said the situation can affect children, who are the most vulnerable group. Good planned communication with public and transparent work with national and international media are important part in preparation to pandemic.

UNICEF at the support of Japan government organizes several symposiums on communication in various countries.

The current symposium considered issues on internal and external communication inflow in crisis situation and transfer of information to government and country as a whole.

Roundtable in Tashkent considered issues on training and re-training of journalists was held in Tashkent on February 21, 2007. The roundtable organized within joint project of Conrad Adenauer Foundation and International Centre on re-training of journalists at support of European Union.

The project designed from February 2007 to February 2010 and directed to assist Uzbekistan to improve professional skills of journalists and improve press services' activity in state structures.

The roundtable was attended by representatives of state bodies, partner organizations, media, journalism departments of Uzbek universities, foreign experts. They discussed new project and development of cooperation directions for further improvement of skills of journalists.

It is expected that the project will attract 600 journalists and 300 students of journalism departments of Uzbek universities, 150 press secretaries of Tashkent and regional bodies.

The project envisages creation of re-training programme, creation of Young Journalists School in Urgench and Bukhara, visits of press secretaries of state bodies to Germany and Belgium, organization of press clubs and others.

ICT Policy (ICTP) project of the UN Development Programme in Uzbekistan and Tashkent University of Information Technologies published manual on information technologies (IT) entitled "Akhborot Tekhnologiyalari" (Information Technologies), UzReportcom reported.

The ICTP said the manual is result of the cooperation of the project and Tashkent University in development of modern manuals and training of specialists.

The aim of the book is to assist in deepening knowledge in modern information technologies, role of IT in organization, modern network technologies and programming methods.

The book consists of 12 chapters and it covers three directions of information technologies, including information systems, computer network and structure of database.

The manual designed for students of universities, colleges and lyceums. The book was published with 1,000 copies and it will be circulated among libraries of Tashkent University of Information Technologies and its regional branches.

Ms. Annette Dixon, the World Bank's newly appointed Country Director for five countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), is visiting Uzbekistan on February 21-23, 2007, UzReportcom reported.

In this new position of the Country Director for Central Asia, Ms. Dixon's top priorities will be to lead the country teams and country programs in the five Central Asian Republics, paying particular attention to developing and implementing country strategies tailored to the specific development challenges of each country and, together with key development partners, to promote regional cooperation in Central Asia in order to integrate the economies of the five countries with the wider Central Asia Region and with the global economy.

"During the past 12 months I had a chance to live and work in Central Asia and became fascinated with this region and its beautiful culture, wonderful hospitality, and rich history," – said Annette Dixon, Country Director for Central Asia. "The countries of the region have lots in common, yet they are very different and face various challenges in their development.

The Bank has been working in the region for 15 years to help improve the living standards of Central Asian people and we will continue providing our financial resources and global knowledge in response to each country's needs. In Uzbekistan the World Bank's program concentrates its efforts on improving the social and municipal infrastructure and services, including health and education sectors, maintaining and improving the efficiency of the country's irrigation and drainage infrastructure and providing technical assistance. We hope the collaboration in Uzbekistan will help people living both in urban and rural areas", - she added.

Ms. Dixon, a New Zealand national, joined the World Bank in 1999. She has since held various positions, her most recent assignment being Operations and Strategy Director for ECA region.

Before joining the Bank Ms. Dixon held several senior government positions and worked for ten years with non-governmental organizations in the social policy sector in her own country.

No cases of bird flu among poultry or people have been registered in Uzbekistan, deputy health minister and chief sanitary doctor of Uzbekistan Bahtiyor Niyazmatov told UzA.

The whole poultry-keeping sector in the country has been taken under special control, including farms, processing companies and markets.

The control has also been strengthened at pre-school establishments, public transport and other public places. Eighty-nine sanitary control posts have been set up at border crossing points, including at railway stations and airports, Niyazmatov said.

Regular analysis of water quality flowing to rivers and open reservoirs from neighboring countries has been organized. All laboratories of the country have been provided with required equipment, diagnosticums and reagents, he added.

Ilkhom Theatre will participate in Tokyo International Arts Festival with its play "Imitations of the Koran" in early March, The Japan Times reported.

For 2007, Tokyo audiences are set to be treated to performances by four foreign theater companies -- from Uzbekistan, Tunisia, Ireland and Lebanon, the report said.

Uzbekistan's Ilkhom Theatre has been a troupe to watch since the 1990s when roving theater experts first began to sing the praises of this remarkable company -- the former Soviet Union's only private drama group when it was formed in 1976 in Tashkent by Uzbek-born Mark Weil, now aged 54, the report added.

Since then, Ilkhom has performed in 15 countries with its multiethnic cast and crew comprising Russians, Uzbeks, Uighurs and Koreans, and it has become one of Central Asia's leading companies.

Ilkhom Theatre, known in its homeland as "theater of dissent," is presenting a typically provocative piece for its Japan debut at TIF this year, Weil's "Imitations of the Koran." Based on a poem of the same name by the Russian writer Aleksandr Pushkin, the play was attacked following its 2002 Tashkent premiere by both conservative Islamic groups and anti-Islamic groups, angry at its subject matter in the volatile post-9/11 climate.

That is perhaps not so surprising, since, on the theater's Web site, Weil describes the play's dialogues as "containing thoughts about women, lies and sin, about the right of one person to make others die for faith's sake, and about ways to relate to the truth." With live rock music, song, dance and multimedia video projections, "Imitations" promises to be genuinely intriguing.

First international specialized exhibition of equipment and services for cinema production, sound recording and photo, “Cinema. Flash & Sound”, will be held in Tashkent on 1-3 March. The event is being organized by the international exhibition company IEG Uzbekistan, UzA reported.

“Cinema. Flash & Sound” is targeted at specialists engaged in creation of cinema and broadcast products and will present the full range of goods and services for that purpose – lighting equipment, sound recording equipment, cameras, trick effects, etc.

The participants will have the chance to see and try the newest photo and video cameras, lens systems, home videos, projectors etc., as well as exchange news and experience with colleagues from various countries.

Main sections of the exhibition:
 

• Cinema equipment and services;
• Amateur and professional photo;
• Sound;
• TV and Radio.

Official support:
 

• Uzbekistan National Television and Radio Company;
• Uzbekkino National Cinema Agency;
• Uzbekfilm Film Studio.

More on the exhibition: http://www.ieguzexpo.com/eng/coming_detail_cinema.asp
 

The traditional international tournament o­n “Stranja” boxing has concluded at the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv. The 58th contest hosted the fighters from 28 countries of the world, including Uzbekistan, Jahon agency reported.

Four Uzbek boxers out of the six have secured the top podiums. The super heavyweight Rustam Saidov came out in the 91-kg weight category and won the gold medal.

Zakir Artikov, the 64-kg Uzbek boxer, also was close to the success, but he missed his chance by losing the final fight to Gennadiy Kovalev of Russia with 17 against 29. He has earned silver, according to the reports.

Two bronzes went to Rafik Sultanov (48 kg) and Bekhzod Khidirov (57 kg), both in the featherweight categories. Arzubek Shaimov (54 kg) and Abdugafur Umarov (60 kg) failed to move further to a final, where otherwise they might have earned either of the gold, silver and bronze.

New ambassadors of Kuwait, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan presented credentials to President Islam Karimov on February 21, 2007, UzA reported.

Accepting credentials from Adyl Muhammad Khasan Hayat, Shakhril Sabaruddin and Aziz Madmarov, respectively, Islam Karimov wished them success in the missions they are starting in the country.

Saying the relations with the countries the diplomats represent were developing steadily, President of Uzbekistan expressed hope they would make a worthy contribution to expansion of bilateral cooperation.

Uzbekistan’s Fund for Supporting Independent Press and News Agencies announced two contests for the country’s journalists, UzA reported.

The names of the contests are “Society and Me” and “Acknowledgement”.

The first contest is aimed to identify the best works covering reforms in the socioeconomic, cultural and legal spheres, as well as implementation of programs in medicine, education, personnel training, entrepreneurship and sports.

Internet journalists, photo reporters and students are also eligible to apply.

The second contest has the aim to identify the best newspaper, business publication, sports publication, children’s publication, the best newspaper/magazine design and the best online publication.

Exposition of Bukhara’s folk and applied art has opened at Leipzig ethnographic museum, Germany, UzA reported.

The exhibition has been organized with the assistance of the Uzbekistan’s embassy in Berlin following the participation of the Uzbek specialists in several international exhibitions in Germany.

Works of Alisher and Abdulla Narzullayevs, Salim Khusainov, Bakhshulla Jumayev, Robiya Yunusova and Zukhra Obloberdiyeva are among those presented at the exhibition.

Uzbekistan created additional places to hospitalize those, possible infected with bird flu, head of National Flu Centre Ravshan Rakhimov said at the meeting in Tashkent dedicated to development of strategy against avian flu, UzReportcom reported.

Mr. Rakhimov said currently, reserve of necessary medicaments and disinfection means were created and explanation works are carried out among population.

Uzbek official said no bird flu cases were registered in Uzbekistan, but recent incidents with bird flu in Moscow region and Great Britain are worrying.

Uzbekistan developed and enforced national programme against bird flu. Corresponding structures, ministrues and departments are trying to prevent threat of virus. The operation of sanitary-control points in state borders, railway stations and airports were strengthened.

Corresponding services are carrying out control at battery farms and markets, as well as over wild birds, Rosbalt reported.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the government of Uzbekistan are holding international seminar on development of children in early years, Narodnoye Slovo newspaper reported.

The report said representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Russia are attending the event.

It said the forum noted that protection of health children, bringing up him and pre-school education are important problems. The report said Uzbekistan carried out various state programmes in these directions.

The seminar included practical training on main elements of development in life of children and visit local neighborhood in Tashkent region.

The organizers have announced the competition among all those who are interested in and support the idea of socially active women, UzReportcom reported.

Competition has two nominations. Qualified jury of 10 people will choose 45 best photos as well as essays entitled "Women involved in society". Next, three best works out of all photos and three best essays in each nomination will be selected, the authors will be granted with valuable prizes.

In addition, as a result of the competition a week-long photo exhibition, where best 45 works of authors, including the winners' works, are displayed will be organized. The exhibition, to be hosted by the representatives of various women NGO's will give visitors an opportunity to learn more about the activities of such organizations and learn about lives of successful women of Uzbekistan.

A documentary entitled "Uzbekistan is a pearl of the Islamic world" has recently been aired by the first channel of the Kuwait television.

A half an hour film in the Arabic has been prepared by the National TV company of Uzbekistan and drawn a profound interest from the Kuwait viewers. Director at the Kuwait office of the Open Arabic University Fuad al-Mikrad has visited Uzbekistan for several times so far, Jahon agency reported.

Commenting the documentary, he noted that Uzbekistan had an ancient and rich history, unique culture. "It is also a Homeland of the great scholars and scientist, who profoundly contributed to the development of the Islamic as well as, the world civilization. The film has given us an opportunity to directly learn the unique historical and architectural monuments, holy places and national traditions of the Uzbek people,"– he said.

Teacher of the Kuwait University Abdul Rida al-Najjara underscored that the film had unfolded for him the ancient history and unique culture of Uzbekistan. "It has also informed the Kuwait viewers of the great attention and careful attitude of the Uzbek leadership to the preservation of the ancient historical monuments, renewal of spiritual values and upbringing of young generation in the spirit of national pride and love towards the Homeland," he noted.

Gulasal Idieva a master of the national handicraft from Gijduvon town of Bukhara region, invited to visit Munich, Germany, Pravda Vostoka newspaper reported. The Uzbek master will present her sewed suzane from rags, dastarkhans, pannos. The exhibition will include forty span-new works.

The works of Gulasal Idieva are demonstrated in the museums and exhibition halls of Italy, Germany and many other European countries.

Ms. Idieva is a master of the highest rank. She has been a winner of regional stage of "The best handicraftswoman" and republican contest in nomination of "Applied arts" in Uzbekistan so far.

After Germany she plans to visit Italy with the delegation of handicraft masters, report concluded.

Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyayev met President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko in Kiev, Ukraine, on February 20, 2007, Uzbek Media reported.

The sides discussed issues on energy, science and education, including development of ties between Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

Ukrainian President said the Uzbek-Ukrainian dialogue was "positively developing" and that the two countries were obviously ready for constructive cooperation.

He invited the leader of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, to visit Ukraine this year.

Mr. Mirziyayev is a co-chairman of the Ukrainian-Uzbek Cooperation Commission, which convened on February 19, 2007 in Kiev, capital city of Ukraine.

Uzbek Embassy in Tehran hosted a roundtable dedicated to nuclear free zone in Central Asia, Jahon news agency reported.

Representatives of political and scientific circles of Iran, diplomatic corps and international organizations, accredited in Iran, participated in the event, the report said.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov vowed the initiative on creation of the nuclear free zone in Central Asia at the 48th session of General Assembly of UN in 1993. After several years of negotiations, five Central Asian states signed agreement on creation of nuclear free zone in Central Asia on 8 September 2006 in Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan.

Professor Mehdi Sanai, director of Iran's Institute on issues of Russia, Central Asia and Caucasus, said the creation of nuclear free zone in Central Asia displays new stage in political development of the region and it is important geopolitical move.

He said Iran supported initiative of the Uzbek President Islam Karimov, which became important step in strengthening security in the heart of Eurasia. Considering Uzbekistan as key country in the region, Iran supports constructive foreign policy of Tashkent, he said.

Millan Gonsalez, charge d'affaires of Mexico in Iran, said the country supports initiative of Uzbekistan and ready to develop cooperation with Uzbekistan and other countries of the region to ensure security. Mexico considers initiative of Uzbekistan as an important event of international scale.

Avazbek Atahanov, Kyrgyz ambassador to Iran, said the agreement on creation of nuclear free zone in Central Asia has international significance not only in security, but also in political and humanitarian sphere.

He said the government of Kyrgyz Republic, signing agreement, demonstrated full support to initiative of brother Uzbekistan. Central Asian states show single positions in implementation of agreement and try to live in nuclear free world.

Li Jeng Tang, Chinese envoy to Iran, said China supports friendly relations with all states of the region and actively cooperates with them within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Initiative of the Uzbek president is concrete intend of Central Asian states to live in peace and nuclear free world.

Yoshitaka Hoshimo, advisor of Japan embassy in Iran, said Japan is only country in the world against which nuclear weapon was used. The Japan government is for full enforcement of non-proliferation treaty and supports creation of nuclear free zone in Central Asia. He said experience of the countries in the region attracts attention and should serve as an example to other states.

A number of bilateral documents have been signed in Kyiv today on the results of the seventh session of the joint Ukrainian-Uzbek Commission for Collaboration, UzReportcom reported.

In particular, Prime Minister of Ukraine Victor Yanukovych and Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyeev signed a protocol of the seventh joint commission for thorough collaboration.

In addition, the sides signed an agreement on the collaboration of the State Customs Services of Ukraine and Uzbekistan and an agreement between Commercial Chambers of the two countries.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych is planning to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan among a government delegation in April, UzReportcom reported.

He announced this during a press conference following the 7th meeting of the Ukraine - Uzbekistan intergovernmental commission for all-round cooperation.

"The visit is scheduled for April, but everything will depend on our preparedness for it," Yanukovych said.

He noted that the commission was to discuss on Monday and draft proposals to be approved by the President of Uzbekistan.

As earlier reported, in December 2006 Yanukovych declared the intention to visit Uzbekistan soon to discuss oil and gas cooperation, particularly, Ukraine's possible participation in the development of gas and oil deposits in that country's territory.

Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyayev arrived in Ukraine with two-day visit on Monday, February 19, 2007, Uzbek media reported.

Uzbek Prime Minister will meet senior officials of Ukraine and today he will attend the meeting of the joint intergovernmental Ukrainian-Uzbek commission on cooperation. The meeting will be co-chaired by Shavkat Mirziyayev and his Ukrainian counterpart Victor Yanukovich.

It is expected that joint intergovernmental Ukrainian-Uzbek documents will be signed on the results of the meeting.

It is also planned that the Uzbek premier will meet Ukraine's President Victor Yushenko, visit exhibition of agriculture equipment and acquaint with activity of local farm, energysaving technologies, etc.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the Kingdom of Belgium presented credentials to King Albert II, Jahon agency reported.

The report said the sides discussed the state and perspectives of bilateral relations in political, economic and humanitarian fields.

The King highly evaluated the level of Uzbek-Belgian relations and expressed hope they would continue developing in all spheres.

King Albert II also conveyed his wishes of prosperity and success to President Islam Karimov and the people of Uzbekistan, the report added.

The majority of Uzbek citizens polled by the Ijtimoiy Fikr public opinion center evaluated the socioeconomic state of the country as good and stable. According to the center's latest poll, every second surveyed person believes the pace of economic reforms is normal.

Most respondents support the measures of the government aimed at strengthening stability and international consent in the society, UzA reported.

The survey indicated improvement of the living levels, with the population buying more household items. Each fourth family is said to have a car, according to the survey.

While most respondents said they have stable access to electricity and gas, water supply and heating turned out to be a problem for the most part of the rural population.

Asked about migration, the majority of the surveyed said they did not want to leave Uzbekistan for permanent residence.

Human rights commissioner of Uzbek parliament (Ombudsman) Sayyora Rashidova received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Uzbekistan Matthias Meyer, UzReportcom reported.

Ombudsman acquainted the guest with report of Human rights commissioner of Uzbek parliament, perspectives of ombudsman institute, cooperation with national and foreign partners.

Mr. Meyer expressed gratitude for receipt and received answers on visit of Uzbek Ombudsman to Berlin, situation in prisons, requests of European Union on concrete facts, opportunity of visit of Human Rights Watch representative to Uzbekistan.

The meeting was held in constructive mood and the Uzbek part handed over information on activity of Ombudsman in German and other manuals.

Ombudsman of Oliy Majlis (parliament) of Uzbekistan received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic to Uzbekistan Yozef Machishak, press release of the Ombudsman's Secretariat said.

Ombudsman, after being introduced to the participants of the meeting, expressed her satisfaction about the results of the trip to Slovakia and thanked the Embassy for the assistance. She then told about the prospects of the activity for the period until 2010.

Mr. Machishak expressed his gratitude for the reception and noted that he hoped that cooperation between the Ombudsmen of the two countries would develop in the future. He expressed his assumption that the Slovak Ombudsman would visit Uzbekistan during his second term with the assistance of the UNDP and the OSCE. He positively accepted the suggestion to invite specialists from Slovakia to the conference on the implementation of the Presidential decrees on the abolition of the death penalty and the transfer of arrest sanctions to courts.

At the end of the meeting the Ambassador received written congratulations addressing the Ombudsman of Slovakia on the re-election, as well as the materials on the activity of the Uzbek Ombudsman.

A member of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, a member of the Commission for the Protection of People's Constitutional Rights and Liberties Yu. Nishonov and the Head of the Secretariat M. Usmanov participated in the meeting.

UNDP Communications Office reviewed all country office websites and announced the results of 2006 CyberStar Awards, which indicates top 10 websites of UNDP Country Offices worldwide, Uzreportcom reported.

These web sites demonstrate overall excellence – as measured by Balanced Scorecard indicators that assess branding, practice and MDG-related content, and frequency of site updates – but have gone above and beyond that in creative ways. UNDP Uzbekistan's website was also selected as onne of the "UNDP CyberStars" for the "Web site's overall excellence and for Best projects database".

UNDP's Country Offices use their public Web sites to put their "best face forward," showing the world what they do, how they do it and why, as well as to advocate for the MDGs and particular development issues. Some CO's have been especially skillful in doing all of this, coming up with creative ways to communicate complex programme information and policy recommendations to national and international audiences.

To celebrate these accomplishments last year, the UNDP Communications Office has announced its first annual "Cyberstars" awards to recognize the top ten Country Office Web sites. In 2006 UNDP Uzbekistan's website was completely renewed with additional functionality and contents, which positively affected evaluation of our website by UNDP Communications Office.

Below is the list of TOP 10 websites in alphabetical order (copied from UNDP Bulletin):

Cambodia - http://www.un.org.kh/undp 
Best feature stories

Press releases inform the media about what we do, but the impact of actual stories reaches everyone. Aside from a basic press release archive, Cambodia goes above and beyond by posting well-written feature articles about their work in the field. One particularly interesting series is "A View From the Inside," which interviews locals about their daily lives.

Democratic Republic of Congo - http://www.undp.org.cd 
Best use of photos

UNDP in the DRC has adopted a unique template and its navigation is seamless, offering within each section a list of related news items, documents and multimedia features. The site also boasts a photo gallery that provides a unique insight into the activities of UNDP on the ground. Each focus area is accompanied with a selection of relevant photos with captions, and users can also choose to view the entire picture gallery.

Honduras - http://www.undp.un.hn 
Best project descriptions for the Web

Posting relevant and updated project information is a challenge for all country offices. Most solutions tend to show basic, and often outdated, project information that mentions when projects have begun. Seldom is there any follow-up to show project results and if so, rarely is it rewritten for public audiences. UNDP Honduras has tackled this challenge by creating project pages that explain each project, its impact and UNDP's role in a simple language that is comprehensible to an external audience. The projects are easy to navigate as they are categorized by service line and also easy to compare since they follow a consistent template.

Lao PDR - http://www.undplao.org 
Best MDG section

The Lao PDR site has a particularly good section on progress of the Millennium Development Goals. The site provides an overview of the MDGs in the Lao PDR, but each listed goal also links to a detailed page about the current progress of that particular MDG in the country. The site also features MDG success story videos on topics such as child health and food security.

Malaysia - http://www.undp.org.my 
Best use of corporate template

Malaysia continues to use a clean, well-organised version of the existing corporate template, simultaneously promoting UNDP's brand and giving the site a unique look and feel. The corporate templates at http://www.undp.org/templates are tools that help country offices create Web sites, but every office has the flexibility to make it their own. Malaysia's template sets an excellent example of balancing creativity and common graphic standards, and a number of offices have used it as a model for their site redesigns.

Peru - http://www.pnud.org.pe 
Best transparency

UNDP Peru continues to be a best practice for transparently publishing country office business processes. By integrating its Business Innovation Lab ideas into its online communications strategy, UNDP Peru has valuable information for our external audiences and working partners such as online NEX guide and a dynamic display of ATLAS information.

Syria - http://www.undp.org.sy 
Best foreign-language template

When developing a language version of a site, it is important to fully maintain this "additional" site so that it mirrors the English version. Syria's site is one of the best examples of a multi-lingual Web site. Its Arabic version is not only integrated into the corporate template, but it is also fully translated.

Tajikistan - http://www.undp.tj 
Best current progress indicator

Tajikistan's "monitoring" feature, which is entirely public, makes it easy for anyone to follow the progress of each project. A color code indicates that the project: is on track to achieve its objectives (green); might only partially fulfill its objectives or be delayed (yellow); will only achieve some of its objectives (orange); or will not achieve its objectives (red). Every month, each programme director has to report on the progress made and justify the color code. Tajikistan's feature is a great example of how UNDP's public sites can increase the transparency of the organization's activities.

Uzbekistan - http://www.undp.uz 
Best project database

All of UNDP Uzbekistan's projects are listed on the country office Web site. The office's fact sheets offer a comprehensive overview of the background, objectives, achievements and time span of each project. They provide all of the information that is relevant to UNDP's partners on the ground: project ID, focus area and service line, related MDG targets, geographical focus, implementing partners, contact details and a "last updated" feature.

Viet Nam - http://www.undp.org.vn 
Best focus area pages

The Viet Nam site does an excellent job of keeping readers engaged in all the content that they have to offer on their focus area pages. Instead of restricting their press releases to the "Newsroom" section, publications to their "Publications" section, and so on, Viet Nam filters out all the content that is relevant to democratic governance, poverty reduction, and so on, and features it in a variety of ways across the entire site. Since statistics have shown that Web site visitors tend to stay on a site an average of just one page, the Viet Nam site provides a number of ways for readers to "stay" on the site.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov congratulated Gurbanguli Berdimukhamedov with election to the post of the President of Turkmenistan, UzA reported.

“Please accept my sincere congratulations on your election as the President of Turkmenistan,” Islam Karimov’s letter said.

“I am convinced that your activity on this high post will serve further strengthening of independence of Turkmenistan, growth of its authority on the international arena, as well as prosperity of the Turkmen people,” the head of the state wrote.

“I believe relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, based on good neighborhood and traditional friendship, will continue developing and strengthening in the interests of the people of the two countries.”

The meeting dedicated to the anniversaries of the great ancestors of Uzbek people – poets and statesmen Alisher Navoi and Zakhiriddin Mukhammad Bobur held at the State Museum of Temurids History, Jahon Agency reported.

Prominent scholars, young researchers, students and admirers of the classic poetry have participated in the meeting.

A great attention to study the history of Uzbekistan, the rich spiritual heritage of great ancestors is paid in our country upon the initiative of President Islam Karimov.

The works, lives and creation of Alisher Navoi and Bobur are comprehensively studied in Uzbekistan. Their literature heritage is carefully preserved, as well as the humanistic ideas, reflected in their works are gradually instilled into the minds of younger generation.

The participants delivered speeches o­n the present significance of literature heritage of Navoi and Bobur. They also covered issues of studying and advocating the noble ideas of great poets.

Exhibition of works of the Honored worker of arts of Uzbekistan, the prominent artist Vladimir Burmakin was held at the Tashkent House of Photography, Uzbek media reported. The secrets of arts V.Burmakin has learned from such talented artists as Rakhim Akhmedov and Abdulkhak Abdullaev.

His works were displayed at the many international exhibitions, foreign museums, galleries and private collections, the reports have said.

At the exhibition the visitors are offered to view the photography works of the artist along with pictorial works “Marathon of the Moon”, “Rose”, “Poem” and “Before coming out to the stage”.

The evening o­n the topic “Today’s Uzbekistan” has been held at the National Institute of Oriental Languages and civilization INALCO in Paris. It was dedicated to the outcomes of the trip of the institute students to Uzbekistan, Ghayrat Shukurov of the Information Agency “Jahon” reported from Paris.

The professors, teachers and students of the institute, foreign diplomats, as well as the representatives of the “Avicenna-France” Association have participated at the event. It was organized by the INALCO along with the Uzbek Embassy to France and “Avicenna-France” Association, according to the report.

INALCO is o­ne of the oldest higher education institutions of France, where the students are studying 96 languages of the world. It should be underscored that department of countries of the Central Asia has been operating since 1903.

“For over the 25 years I have been teaching the history of Central Asia. During the trip our students directly have had an opportunity to see and learn the ancient history and rich culture of your country and discover Uzbekistan for themselves”, - the students group leader, the professor at INALCO Catherine Pujol has said.

The student at the INALCO Alexander Gudarzi said that the trip to Uzbekistan was very productive and interesting.

“I was quite amazed that the representatives of various nationalities and cultures peacefully coexist in your country. The hospitality and warmth of the Uzbek people have strengthened our interest in Uzbekistan. Now I wish to visit your country o­nce more”, - he said.

During the evening another student Kate Daniela has performed the Uzbek folklore dances met with warmth of the visitors to the event.

A delegation of India, headed by the Director-General of the Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development Mr. Rashpal Malhotra, conducted a press briefing at the National Press Centre of Uzbekistan, Press-UZ.info Agency reported.

Editor-in-Chief of The Asian Age and The Deccan Chronicle M.J. Akbar, and the head of the Regional Policy Fund Sayfiddin Juraev also participated in the briefing.

At the beginning of the meeting Mr. Rashpal Malhotra thanked the participants and the Regional Policy Fund for organizing the press briefing, noting on particular importance.

The members of the delegation answered the journalists' questions concerning plans for the future and cooperation between the Centres of the two countries, development and increase in the number of private media outlets, cooperation in the sphere of security, fight against religious extremism.

In particular, Mr. M.J. Akbar said, "I visited Uzbekistan for the first time in 1987. In 1993 I once again visited this country and saw great changes not only in the agricultural sphere, but also in the spheres of industrial activity."

Mr. Malhotra said, "In May 2007 the Centre will conduct an international conference on education, agriculture and industry. On 4-11 November 2006 the Centre conducted an international conference on "Peace and Prosperity" in Chandigarh (the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana). That conference was attended by the delegates from Austria, Italy, Israel, China, Russia, Slovakia, Uzbekistan, Japan, Korea, Pakistan and other countries. Special attention was given to the urgent problems, such as threats of terrorism and extremism, the democratic government and decentralization as a precondition to peace and prosperity, relations between countries in the conditions of globalisation, gender measurement of peace and progress".

"Our region is currently facing an oppressive threat. Our neighbouring countries are creating the threat of war, disturbing political and economic stability. And in hard times as this we try to direct our actions in two main directions. These are – friendship and cooperation. The development of bilateral cooperation is the main task for our country, as the development of cooperation between two countries results in peace and stability, and its development is impossible without intellectual centres. Also the development of cooperation between the intellectual centres largely relies on mass media, as they provide publicity," added Mr. M.J. Akbar.

The guests also answered the questions regarding the development of agriculture, small and medium-sized business, and farms in India and bilateral relations with Uzbekistan.

In conclusion Mr. M.J. Akbar once again stressed the colossal changes he observed in the economy and politics of Uzbekistan and thanked the audience for attending the press conference, and wished everyone good luck.

While in Uzbekistan, the guests visited several farms as well as medical facilities in Tashkent region. They also visited the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, where once again the witnessed the country's geo-political development. The guests discussed the strengthening role of political parties.

The aim of the delegation's visit to Uzbekistan was to familiarize with the course of economic, political development, security in the region, and discuss cooperation in different areas and strengthening of relations between the national centres of the two countries.
 

An Uzbek-German Business Forum on the expansion of commercial and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Germany was held at the International

Business Centre in Tashkent, UzReportcom reported

A delegation of German businessmen headed by the Deputy Head of Department at the Ministry of Economy and Technology Mr. Frank Weising participated in the forum.

At the meeting, the German party was familiarized with the main trends in the socio-economic development and investment in the economy of Uzbekistan, and the prospects of German companies' participation in the privatization process. Mr. Weising in turn outlined the priority directions in the development of investment cooperation between Germany and Uzbekistan.

It is worth to point out that every year since 1994 Uzbekistan and Germany have been signing intergovernmental agreements "On financial and technical cooperation" with the list of specific joint projects planned by the parties in the framework of the German state preferential loans and grants. At this time the relations between the two states are regulated by over 100 contracts and agreements on interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental level.

In May 1995, together with the German Federal Ministry of Economy, a constantly operating Uzbek-German Working Group for Trade and Investments was created. Its first meeting was held in June 1995. The following meetings were held on annual basis in one of the two countries. The working group meetings attended by the representatives of business circles of the two countries are devoted to the issues of economic development of both states, the status of bilateral relations, and the key directions of the structural reforms and the course of implementation of joint investment projects, etc. In April 2005, Tashkent hosted the 9th meeting of the Uzbek-German Working Group for Trade and Investments.

The parties discussed the intensification of trade and economic cooperation, the proposed projects to be implemented in cooperation with German partners in the sphere of machine-engineering, light (cotton fabric and finished garments production), food and processing industries, chemical industry, including privatization projects.

Last year the dialogue was as intensive as in the previous years – intergovernmental constulations were provided on the financial and technical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Germany. A delegation of the representatives of the leading German companies headed by the Chairman of the East Committee of the German economy K. Mangold visited Uzbekistan and held business conferences in Samarkand and Termez cities.

Germany is one of the largest investors in the economy of Uzbekistan. To date, some 95 investment projects for the total amount of over 1 billion euros have been implemented in Uzbekistan together with the German banks. The total volume of financial and technical assistance provided by the German Government to Uzbekistan has exceeded 239.55 million euros.

In accordance with the agreement "On partnership and cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU", the most favourable climate has been created for the trade between the two countries. In 2005, trade turnover totalled US$325.8 million or 101.7% against the previous year's figure. In 2006, trade turnover made up US$324 million.

Currently 125 companies set up in cooperation with German investors are in operation in Uzbekistan. Of them, 17 are with 100% German capital. Enterprises with German capital are mainly concentrated in the light, pharmaceutical, agricultural processing, cargo and passenger transportation, auto-service, research and development, trade, and other industries.

Besides, the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade of Uzbekistan has accredited the offices of 51 firms and companies of the Federative Republic of Germany, including the world-known producers, such as Siemens, Daimler-Chrysler, Tissen-Krupp, BASF, Lufthansa, Alkatel, Beyer, Ferrostal. Also, the offices of Deutsche Bank AG, Bankgeselschaft Berlin AG, Kommerzbank AG, and Dresdner Bank AG are present in Tashkent.

German charity organization and pharmaceutical company has sent a humanitarian aid to Uzbekistan, Jahon Agency reported.

The report said German charity "Comrade – help to children" and pharmaceutical company Dr August Wolf GmbH.

It said the cargo worth 188,000 euros. The cargo with weight of 4.9 tonnes includes medicaments, electric and hydraulic beds, footwear and others.

STS Logistic GmbH delivers humanitarian aid to Uzbekistan at support of Germany's Knauf construction firm. The cargo will de delivered to medical establishments, mercy houses, rehabilitation centres and children TB centres.

The 8th Iran-Uzbekistan Joint Economic Commission meeting is to be held in Tehran on February 19, 2007, Deputy Commerce Minister and Head of Trade Development Organization of Iran Mehdi Ghazanfari said, UzReportcom reported.

Speaking to IRNA, he said during the two-day meeting, representatives from both sides would follow up implementation of agreements already signed by Iran and Uzbekistan and would also explore new grounds for expansion of economic cooperation between the two parties.

Iran's Commerce Minister Masoud Mirkazemi would head Iranian delegation and the Uzbek delegation would be led by the Uzbek deputy prime minister, he said. With 27.3 million population the Republic of Uzbekistan is among most populated Muslim regions in the ex-Soviet Union.

"Expansion of economic cooperation with Uzbekistan as the heart of Central Asia and wide access to regional countries is of prime importance to us," he said.

The two countries have taken concrete measures to boot mutual economic cooperation, he said.

Setting up exclusive trade exhibitions and establishment of Bank Saderat branch in Tashkent were among Iran's measure to broaden mutual economic cooperation, he pointed out.

Establishment of independent and joint economic units, implementation of technical and engineering projects, rendering financial supports, granting of a dlrs three million financial aid to help investors are among steps which would help boost economic cooperation between the two sides, he said.

Uzbekistan advanced to the second round of qualifiers for the Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008 on February 14, 2007.

Uzbekistan faced Tajikistan in the first leg and defeated neighbors 6-1 in aggregate. Uzbekistan led by Vadim Abramov recorded 4-1 victory in Tashkent.

In Dushanbe, Uzbek team scored two goals in each half and ended dreams of Tajikistan to qualify to Beijing Games.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov named seven important priorities of economy of the country for 2007 at the session of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to 2006 results and priorities for 2007, UzReportcom reported.

President Islam Karimov said ensuring sustainable and balanced growth, structuring and modernization of economy, technical and technological modernization of all industries and further liberalization of tax policy.

He stated that maximum favourable conditions for businesses, first of all private businesses, should be created and presence of the state in economy should be gradually decreased.

Uzbek President said the work in attraction of foreign investments, first of all direct investments, should be strengthened. He said the payment for labour and quality of life of population should be improved gradually.

President Islam Karimov said fast development of small businesses and private entrepreneurship should be supported and solved issues on employment and well-being of population.

He said the reforms in banking system should be deepen and expanded and economic reforms should be continued in communal services.

Foreign direct investments increased by 25.4% in 2006, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov said at the session of Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to 2006 results and priorities for 2007.

Uzbek leader said over 68.3% of total foreign investments were directed to develop industrial sector of Uzbekistan's economy.

President Islam Karimov said Kungrad Sodium Plant, Topalang hydroelectric power station, 11 large textile projects were launched.

Islam Karimov underlined launch of Uzbekistan Reconstruction and Development Fund, which will finance important investment projects and national state programmes and projects.

The Fund to Support NGOs of Uzbekistan awarded prizes to the winners of the 3rd contest for the best projects of social importance. The contest was conducted among the NGOs of Uzbekistan, UzReportcom reported.

The Fund to Support NGOs was established in accordance with the Presidential Resolution dated 23 June 2005 "On the measures to assist the development of civil society in Uzbekistan".

In accordance with the clause 8 of the resolution, Uzbek media is recommended to widely elucidate the activity of the Fund and publicize its positive experience in the development of NGOs in Uzbekistan, as well as to provide informational support, including advertisement.

On February 12, 2007 the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a meeting on the results of socio-economic development in 2006 and the priorities for 2007, Uzbek Media reported.

President Islam Karimov delivered a reported.

The President's statement says that as a result of consistent measures on intensification of reforms and liberalization of the economy, high rate of economic growth has been kept, accompanied by the decline in the level of inflation and the increase in the population's welfare.

In 2006 the GDP grew by 7.3%, industrial production – by 10.8%, agricultural production – by 6.2%, paid services – by 19.3%, and contractual construction works – by 12.8%.

The flow of foreign investments, particularly direct investments, into the economy of Uzbekistan has grown. Over a half of all investments are directed into the modernization and technological re-equipment of the production base, and procurement of new equipment. Active development was observed in foreign economic activity – export volumes rise, improving the country's foreign trade balance.

Reforms have been intensified in the sphere of agriculture. Farms are currently the main source of agricultural production in the country. As a result of systematic implementation of purposeful complex development programmes, employment level has increased, accompanied by the improvements in the level and quality of living standards of the population.

Last year measures were taken to address the problems of vulnerable groups, most needy categories of the population. National programmes were implemented in the spheres of education, staff development, healthcare and social protection of the population.

In his speech, the President drew the audience's attention to the unsolved problems and pointed out the priorities of the economic programme for 2007.

Among these were the support of stable and balanced economic growth, further restructuring, technical and technological renewal of the strategic industries, particularly through the attraction of foreign investments, increase of staff remuneration and improvement of living standards of the population, creation of favourable environment for small business and private enterprise development, strengthening the role of private property, and intensification of reforms in the banking and finance system and communal sphere.

Also, reports were delivered by the Deputy Prime Minister E. Shoismatov, Chairman of UzbekYengilSanoat (Uzbek Light Industry) R. Ruzikulov, Chairman of the Association of Fat-and-oil and Food Industry M. Gafurov, Chairman of State Tax Committee B. Parpisov, Chairman of State Customs Committee S. Nasyrov, and heads of a number of other departments and agencies of Uzbekistan.

These days ancient Samarkand – the pearl-city of Uzbekistan is preparing to host the sixth "Sharq Taronalari" ('The Melodies of Orient') music festival, which is due in August this year, Narodnoye slovo newspaper wrote.

History of the festival, which is held every two years, dates back to 1996 when it was first launched. Its profile has considerably grown since then and representatives of 52 countries participated in the last festival in 2005.

"Initially the "Sharq Taronalari" was aimed at the advocacy of the unique samples of music and song art of the Oriental nations, preserving and developing the national traditions of this region", - says head of the International department of general administration of the festival Shirin Karimova. "But musicians and singers from Europe, America and Africa also manifested interested in it and thus the scope of countries is now gradually expanding. I would like to underscore that the festival is of a profound interest not o­nly for musicians, but also the researchers, critics, mass media, and music organizations such as the UNESCO International Music Council, to name a few."

"This year we usually expect participants from numbers of countries", Ms. Karimova continues. "I am sure that this time we will also witness the tough contest to secure the Grand Prix, prizes and incentive prizes. We have received applications from Azerbaijan, Latvia, the US, Japan, and Sweden so far. Thus, I can say that winter is the "hottest" time for the festival's managers".

This year's festival will be held under the aegis of 2500 years jubilee of ancient Samarkand.

Besides, the "Sharq Taronalari" is celebrating its ten years anniversary and its managers are eager to do all their best to make Samarkand a unique place, where the music from different parts of the world would meet, the report concluded.

Scientists, writers, artists, representatives of youth and public, as well as diplomats participated in the celebrations of the 566th anniversary of the great poet Alisher Navoi on February 9, 2007 in Tashkent, UzA reported. Similar events – conferences and poetry meetings – were held in many cities across Uzbekistan.

The works of Alisher Navoi, which promote humanism, love and mercy, have been translated in many world languages.

In Uzbekistan and many other states, the great poet's works have been deeply and thoroughly studied.

At the poetry meeting that took place the same day, the poems of Navoi and modern poets were recited, according to the report.

The seminar entitled “Uzbekistan is a heart of Central Asia” was held in the Uzbek Embassy in Paris. Representatives of the leading firms and companies of France, business people and all who are interested in the history and culture of Uzbekistan participated at the event organized jointly with the French society “Promenade de la connaissanse”, Gayrat Shukurov of the Information Agency “Jahon” reported from Paris.

President of the Society “Promenade de la connaissanse” Michele Brigaut has said that warm friendly relations between France and Uzbekistan serve the comprehensive development of cooperation between the two countries.

The presentation of the National air company “Uzbekiston havo yullari” was held as a part of the seminar.

Documentaries dedicated to the tourist potential of Uzbekistan helped the participants of seminar to see and appreciate the beauty of cities and ancient monuments of Uzbekistan.

In an interview with the correspondent of the Information Agency “Jahon” Mr. Brigaut said that the society is a non-profit organization the main goal of which is to study and propagate the cultures, traditions and histories of nations all around the world.

“We are organizing the exhibitions and trips to various countries with such an aim. The seminar allowed us find an interesting and important information o­n Uzbekistan, its culture, traditions and architectural monuments. We have understood that we must visit this wonderful country”, - he said.

The first Uzbek-Chinese business-seminar dedicated to the investment and industrial potential of Uzbekistan as well as the new opportunities and prospects of trade and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and China was held in Shanghai, Jahon Agency reported.

It was organized upon the initiative of the Uzbek Consulate General in Shanghai with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the People’s Republic of China.

The heads of more than 120 firms and companies operating in Shanghai, the financial and economic center of China, the representatives of the city administration, diplomatic corps accredited in the city, scholars and experts at the leading Shanghai scientific and research institutions and journalists participated at the event.

The Ambassador of Uzbekistan in China N.Yusupov spoke about political, trade and economic relations of countries and the investment climate created in Uzbekistan, guarantees and privileges established for foreign investments, as well as the projects now implemented with participation of the Chinese side in Uzbekistan.

According to the professor of the Shanghai international researches institute Lo Gan, the stability of the economic development of Uzbekistan, broad opportunities to introduce the new technologies, as well as the course of the leadership of both countries to expand the scale of the mutual cooperation, are the factors, which serve the dynamic development of Uzbek and Chinese relations.

A film “Dynamic Uzbekistan” o­n the modern social, political and economic development of Uzbekistan has been demonstrated as a part of the seminar.

The National Bank of Uzbekistan and o­ne of the renowned Turkish companies “Mimatash Textile” inked a purchase and sale agreement of $48 million worth assets of “Oyim Textile” joint venture, “Narodnoye slovo” newspaper reported.

The deal also implies that $21 million will be invested into the expansion of spinning production and launching the new facilities.

The Turkish “Mimatash Textile Sanay ve Tijeret” company has become an owner of “Oyim Textile” by securing the tender o­n realization of the textile enterprises to foreign investors, which was initiated within the framework of the decree of the President of Uzbekistan.

The document is aimed at financial reorganization of the textile industry enterprises and improvement of mechanisms of their access to the cotton fiber, according to the paper.

“Oyim Textile” processes the cotton fiber and produces the combed yarn with its further reprocessing into the whitened tricot linen.

For the Seventh Annual Bukharian Jewish Congress, the musical "In Bukhara I was Boi" (rich) is being staged for the first time in Israel at the Tel Aviv Cultural Center, Israel Today reported.

Bukharian Jews are those from Central Asia who speak Bukhori, a Persian dialect. Their name comes from the Uzbek city of Bukhara, which once had a large and thriving Jewish community.

The playwright, director and actor, Chai Davidov (of Bukharian origin) wrote the musical, based on the lives and experiences of the Bukharian immigrants to Israel.

The musical tells the story of 'Mula Chai-Abu Albanat', who emigrated with his family from Bukhara to Israel, and struggles with the hardships of absorption, cultural differences, language issues, and the social and financial struggles that his family experiences.

Chai, a downtrodden man, who was hopeful, makes a living by selling 'lepeshka' (Bukharian bread) that his wife bakes. He also deals with finding a suitable match for each of his five daughters.

Chai must then deal with his daughters who have adapted to Israeli society, not only selecting their own matches, but those not of Bukharian background.

"The Bukharian Jewish Congress asked me to produce a Bukharian-Israeli production for the annual conference and I saw in it a challenge and also a great honor," said Davidov. "The Bukharians are mostly a community that does not go out to plays due to the difficulties with language and mentality. Here we are producing a musical that speaks their language and touches everyone sitting in the audience."

A press tour for the Uzbek media was organised by the JICA Uzbekistan Office on 9 February in Tashkent. UzReportcom reporter participated in the event and got acquainted with the activity of the volunteers working in different agencies in Tashkent, as well as in JICA projects in Uzbekistan.

Media representatives were first taken to the JICA office where they were greeted by its head Mr. Noriaki Nishimiya. Mr. Nishimiya told the audience about the organisation's activity and the results of the projects implemented in Uzbekistan. In particular, he noted on the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Japan. Cooperation initiated in the 90s of the past century, and developed with the assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), today too continues to expand and cover new areas of life.

Mr. Nisimiya's speech was followed by the "What do you know about JICA?" Contest: journalists were given an opportunity to share their knowledge about the activity of the organization in the country. It was nice to see and hear people speak of their experiences with JICA in Uzbekistan. The most active participants received souvenirs from the organizers.

As the press tour continued, a group of journalists was taken to the 1st clinical hospital named after Abu Ali ibn Sino, where they met a nurse, junior volunteer of JICA Yamamoto Tezuko. The graduate of a medical university, specialist in nursing, she has worked in the intensive care division in the Hospital of Tokyo for four years. "Its almost seven months since I came to Uzbekistan, and I like it a lot. Your people are very kind and I am pleased to work with them and share my experienced," she said.

The journalists then visited Tashkent Finance Institute, where they met Kazutaka Ogava, senior JICA volunteer, a specialist in banking, professor who has been teaching hear since 2005. Mr. Ogava worked in the Sumitomo Bank (currently Banking Corporation of Sumitomo Mitsui) for 30 years, and after retiring at the age of 55, decided to become a volunteer.

After this, the group was taken to the office of the Association of Businesswomen of Tashkent region, where they met Yoshikawa Seiki, senior JICA volunteer. Seiki delivers lectures on small and medium sized business management at the Association. That same day the Association was issuing diplomas to its graduates. "I believe that if women become financially independent, their status, first of all in their families will change, and they will be able to become more independent.

From my own experience I know that if a woman wants to be successful in enterprise, she needs to have business and entrepreneurial qualities and skills. With all my heart, I believe that these graduates will be successful in their businesses," said Yoshikawa.

The final checkpoint of the press tour was at the Committee for Demonopolisation of Uzbekistan. JICA is currently running two projects intended to assist the development of private sector. The first one, titled "Legal assistance for better conditions for private enterprise development" (October 2005 - September 2008) is implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan and with the support of the Centre for Asian Legal Exchange (CALE). In the framework of this project, cooperation is supported in three directions: assisting the improvement of civil legislation, improvement of administrative legislation and partial assistance of modernization of the national legislative database.

The second project implemented together with the Higher Economic Court of Uzbekistan is titled "Commentaries to the Law on Bankruptcy" (2005-September 2007). The project is implemented with the support of the Internatioanl Cooperation Department of the Institute of Research and Training of the Japan Justice Ministry. The aim of the project is to form commentaries to the Law on bankruptcy, and assist its integration.

The journalists met Kie Matsushima, a lawyer and expert of JICA in legal reforms, currently participating in the abovementioned project in Uzbekistan. Ms. Matsushima said that the development of the country could be achieved only through hard work. Cooperation between the two countries in this sphere was initiated in the late 2004, when the work groups were formed. The members of the Uzbek working group are 10 specialists in bankruptcy of the Higher Economic Court of Uzbekistan, State Committee for Demonopolisation, General Prosecutor's Office of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan, and the private sector. The Japanese group includes seven specialists possessing extensive knowledge and experience with bankruptcy (judges, lawyers, scientists and JICA experts working in Tashkent since April 2006). In total, discussions were held eight times in Japan and four times in Tashkent.

This last meeting closed the JICA's tour for journalists. Media representatives thanked the organizers for the event and wished them good luck in all of their endeavors.

Foreign experts' short-term outlook for the insurance market of Uzbekistan highlights three main trends, UzReportcom reported.

First of all, the experts anticipate the integration and consolidation of insurance companies, accompanied by diversification of insurance products offered.

Secondly, the experts note that globalisation of the insurance market is likely to increase the share of foreign insurance companies in the Uzbek market. It is expected that foreign insurers will create different sorts of alliances or joint projects with the existing companies, preference likely to be given to the companies offering wider range of insurance products.

And thirdly, the Uzbek market is expected to observe the diversification and further expansion of insurance service distribution channels, including the Internet.

Centre for Electronic Governance will be created in Uzbekistan under Association of enterprises and organizations of information technologies (IT Association), UzReportcom reported.

On February 08, 2007, ten enterprises, which wished to become official partner of Centre, signed a memorandum of understanding between partners of Centre for Electronic Governance under IT Association.

APC (Kazakhstan), Baik Technologies; East Telecom; Micros, Microsoft (Kazakhstan), Nuron Savdo; Oracle (Kazakhstan), Sharifa-T and Unitech, as well as Uzbek Agency for Communication and Informatisation (UzACI) signed memorandum and became partners of newly created centre.

The main aim of the Centre is to organize regular demonstration area of new hardware and software in e-Governance. It is expected that the Centre will present opportunity to its partners to promote their goods and services in e-Governance, carry out scientific research, and promote creation of information society.

The main task of the Centre will be development of methodology on integrated information system and enforcement of concept on single architecture of e-Government, which envisages creation of united government resources, portals and information systems.

The Centre will position itself as single marketing, consulting, scientific and educational establishment, which directs its efforts to develop e-Governance in Uzbekistan and promote solutions of the project.

The Centre will also promote idea on Single National Information Space and introduction of single standards, which will allow to unite e-systems and simplify search and selection of corresponding solutions.

Conference dedicated to the spiritual-legal protection of children was held in Tashkent. Republican center for spirituality, Tashkent city prosecutor's office and the head department of interior of the city of Tashkent organized the event, Narodnoye slovo newspaper reported.

The main direction of the policy of Uzbekistan is legal, economic and social protection of motherhood and childhood, further improvement the prosperity of families. The rights of children are strengthened in line of documents such as the State programme to reform the healthcare system of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Law "On education", the National programme for cadres training, the State national programme for development the school education for 2004-2009.

The participants of the conference have underscored the measures o­n coordinating the activities of organizations and departments engaged in preventing the homelessness of minors and strengthen their financial and informational basis.

Also, the conference defined the activities as to strengthen the cooperation of governmental and public organizations along further consolidating the measures o­n organizing the right and meaningful leisure of children from the less well-off families and not leaving them without an adult guidance.

Soyuzneftegaz Vostok Ltd. included into SoyuzNefteGaz and Uzbekneftegaz signed up PSA on the prospecting and development of oil/gas fields in Central Ustyurt and South Western Gissar, as it was informed. The investments into the project are assumed to reach $466.22mln, a Russian news source AKM reported.

SoyuzNeftaGaz is an investment financial group working in different sector of the oil/gas complex.

Its performance is aimed to prepare and launch the new projects in the sphere of the oil/gas rpoduciton in CIS and other regions. The partners involve Gazprom, LUKOIL, Rosneft, Tatneft and Sberbank.

National Association of Electronic Mass Media (NAESMI) held a media forum in Tashkent to sum up the results of its activities in 2006 and discuss plans for 2007, UzA reported.

Set up three years ago, the association provides technical and practical assistance to almost 40 non-state TV and radio stations, as well as cable TV stations across Uzbekistan.

In 2006, NAESMI implemented more than 15 projects aimed at supporting media workers, providing equipment to TV and radio channels and journalist training.

The association has set up a special information center, which gathers information from the stations all over Uzbekistan and further disseminates it to interested parties.

The participants of the media forum in the capital approved the program of activities of NAESMI for 2007.

At the moment, the Open Joint-Stock Company “Uzbekiston Pochtasi” (‘Post of Uzbekistan’) develops the system on rendering the new types of services to its customers, UzA reported.

In this, the team at the joint-stock company uses a guideline the government decree of July 19, 2004 “On improving the activity in the sphere of post” and the one of May 19, 2005 “On Program of modernizing the post network, implementing and developing the new types of services based on the information-communication technologies up to 2010”, according to the report.

“Last year we have rendered the services to our customers worth UZS 3 billion 120,5 million,” – the Director of the Tashkent city branch “Toshkent pochtamti” Yusuf Mirsoatov has said an interview to the agency.

The new-tech terminals have been placed in 63 post stations and o­ne insurance post station. This has allowed for customers make payments for all the public services through credit cards. In 2006 3,700 customers made electronic money transfers worth more than UZS 4 million 500 thousand.

At more than 100 post stations the billing system has been introduced to accept payments from customers for telephone services. The company still enhances to improve the services in the sphere. Up to July this year it plans to open up such services yet at 20 locations in Tashkent, according to the report.

Uzbekistan won Tajikistan 4-1 in the first leg of Beijing Olympic Games-2008 qualifiers in Tashkent on Wednesday, February 07, 2007, Uzbek Media reported.

Uzbekistan, led by Vadim Abramov, made important step in the first round of qualifiers and put difficult task for Tajikistan in upcoming second leg in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Tajikistan now needs to score three goals and do not allow Uzbekistan to score.

Parliament of Japan hosted a presentation on political and economic reforms in Uzbekistan dedicated to the 15th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between Uzbekistan and Japan, Jahon Agency reported.

The presentation paid special attention to processes of political and democratic reforms, including recent initiative of President Islam Karimov on increasing role of political parties in modernization and further democratization of state management.

Kyoko Nakayama, Special Advisor of Japanese Prime Minister and ex-envoy of Japan to Uzbekistan, said in her speech that Uzbekistan and Japan has frank and friendly relations. She said the relations are developing closely within intensive and regular inter-governmental dialogue, as well as full mutual understanding of two nations.

Tadao Chino, former president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and senior adviser of scientific-research institute Nomura, agreed with Ms Nakayama and said cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan has great potential.

He expressed hope that Japan and the ADB will help Uzbekistan to improve investment climate and attraction of Japanese investments to priority Uzbek projects.

Takeshi Yagi, deputy director general of Europe Affairs in Japan Foreign Ministry, noted importance of deepening relations with Central Asian states and said Japan promotes cooperation with regional countries within Central Asia plus Japan dialogue. He said Japan considers Uzbekistan as key country, which can lead interregional cooperation in Central Asia.

Tetsudji Tanaka, executive director of Central Asia and Caucasus Research Institute, said recent reforms of Uzbek President Islam Karimov on strengthening role of political parties and NGOs are evidence for democratization of society, where reforms carried out gradually.

Tanaka called Japanese business circles to assist to development of economy of Uzbekistan, noting stable growth in the country.

An exhibition entitled "Turkistan in old pictures and on ceramics" has opened at the Russian State Museum of Oriental Art. The exhibition was prepared by the staff of the museum with the assistance of the Russian Fund for Support and Development of Scientific and Cultural Programmes named after an eminent scientist and historian Shahabutdin Marjani, Jahon Agency reported.

"It all started with the idea of organising an exhibition of the museum's collection of glazed ceramics of the 9-16th centuries," said the Manager of the Department of Caucasus and Central Asia Yekaterina Yermakova. "We then decided to add some ethnographic material. The next step was to include the archived photos from the scientific archive of the Saint Petersburg Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Science Academy, so that the visitors learn about the realities, the environment in which the traditions of the ceramic production were formed and kept to these days in the region. We then came to the conclusion that the palette of the exhibition fill lack colours without beautiful fabrics produced in Turkistan, and they were used as a natural background to the exposition," she explained.

At the opening ceremony, the theme of Uzbekistan prevailed in the speeches of the organisers and guests. And this is not surprising, since the majority of items displayed have Uzbek origination.

"In my first year at the Moscow State University, I was thinking to switch from the Faculty of History to the Faculty of Journalism, but the first archaeological expedition to Surkhandarya changed my plans. I got very interested in archaeology and fell in love with Uzbekistan," said the member of Council of the Federation of the Federal Assembly of Russia, ex-Minister of Culture Natalya Dementyeva. "This ancient, colourful land, where many cultures left their traces. Anyone who has visited this country at least once, who has been so lucky to experience the hospitality of talented Uzbek people, can have no other feelings for them, but love," she said.

"Glazed ceramics has its roots in Movarounnahr of the 9th century. In 10th century it gained extraordinary delicacy and perfection. I am saying this as a person, who participated in the archaeological expeditions in Uzbekistan many times," emphasized the Director-General of the State Museum of Oriental Art, Doctor of Historical Science Alexander Sedov.

Deputy Director-General of the Museum for Scientific Work, Doctor Tigran Mkrtichev, the graduate of Tashkent University, beautifully described Uzbek ceramics:

"For many centuries Central Asia has represented and today continues to represent the forge of pottery and ceramics, which have been lost over the centuries in many other countries. Look at the dishes on the walls – they are like fragments of Samarkand domes, and the turquoise sky above them!"

One could not disagree with him.

Tashkent International Business Centre hosted the signing ceremony of six grant contracts provided in the framework of Japanese Grant Assistance for grass-root projects, UzReportcom reported.

Grant aid is a form of ODA involving the provision of funds to the governments of developing countries without the obligation of repayment. The aim is to cooperate with economic and social development by helping the government of the recipient country to introduce and upgrade its facilities and equipment.

Grant aid is made available mainly for social development in such fields as education, health and medical care, everyday water supply, and agricultural development; upgrading of public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and airports; and environmental conservation projects.

In pursuit of the abovementioned aims, the Government of Japan has issued the total of US$304.152 to four schools and two public organizations, for technical equipment and organization of professional training for staff.

Grant contracts signed with the secondary school No. 41 of Karshi district of Kashkadarya region for the total of US$55.248; secondary school No. 2 of Kizirik district of Surkhandarya region for US$57.759; secondary school No. 1 of Chust district of Namangan region for US$73.831; and secondary school No. 28 of Ferghana city for US$74.769. Also contracts signed with the Centre to Support Rural Women of Kibray district of Tashkent region for the total of US$20.176 and Business Women's Association of Pskent district of Tashkent region for the total of US$22.369.

The contract signing ceremony was the first this year, and all six projects will contribute to meeting the goals and objectives of the State Programme "On pronouncement of the year 2007 "The Year of Social Protection".

In 2006 Japan paid special attention to the projects implemented as a part of Uzbekistan's State Programme "The Year of Charity and Medical Workers". Japanese Government issued some US$1.13 million for 17 projects, including seven projects in the sphere of education, five – in the medical sphere, and another five concerning the initiatives of public organizations.

Yuichi Kusumoto, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Uzbekistan, said at the signing ceremony today's event is another example of close relations between people of Uzbekistan and Japan.

He said it was pleasure to issue grants to equip Centre to Support Rural Women and Business Women's Association as women are centre if family and society in two countries.

Chinese communications company Finex Lts won the tender to buy 25.4% of state assets in “O`zbekiston Pochtasi” National Postal Communications Operator, UzA Agency reported.

The tender was announced in December 2005. According to Uzbekistan Today newspaper, the starting price of the package of 2,093 shares was USD 2.4 billion.

Russian Inlex, Orbita and Chinese Finex were among the companies that expressed interest to the Uzbek Company. The total cost of the contract is not revealed.

51% in “O`zbekiston Pochtasi” belongs to the state, 1.4% to employees and the remaining 22.2% to minority shareholders.

The Uzbek postal company consists of 14 regional branches with over 3,000 post offices across the country, as well as specialized branches like International Post, International Express Post, Uzbekistan Stamp and Money Transfers Control Center. Daily postal deliveries are organized on 34 air routes and 527 automobile routes.

The largest volumes of post are exchanged with Russia, Ukraine, USA, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Israel, France and Finland. “O`zbekiston Pochtasi” is member of the International Postal Union.

The company employs more than 14 000 people.

French Lafarge Company, world leader in producing construction materials, has serious intentions to expand its activities in cement production in Uzbekistan, UzA Agency reported.

Representatives of Lafarge held talks at the Uzbekistan’s State Property Committee last week. The main aim of the visit of the French company’s representatives to the country is to discuss opportunities for participation in privatization of cement producing enterprises here.

Lafarge believes the cement market in Uzbekistan is attractive for long-term investments and expansion.

In Uzbekistan, the French company could participate in development of cement fields in Surkhandarya, Jizzakh and Tashkent regions, as well as in Karakalpakstan. These fields require attraction of strategic investors.

Large companies from Russia, Turkey and Germany have also expressed interest to participate in these developments.

Early this month the International festival of friendship was held in Tokyo. The representatives of the Tokyo city municipality, public organizations of Japan, and the embassies of several states, including Uzbekistan, which are situated in the District of "Meguro" participated at the event, according to the report by Uzbek Embassy in Tokyo.

The exhibitions and presentations, music and dances of the peoples of Asia, Africa and Europe allowed the numerous visitors of the festival to engage in a unique world tour and dip into the world of variety and fun.

The Uzbek Embassy with close involvement of the Uzbek students who currently attend the universities of "Tokyo", "Aoyama", "Hitotsubashi" and others organized the exposition of Uzbekistan, which has raised a special interest among the visitors, Jahon Agency reported.

The tools of the folk applied art and products of china and ceramics, booklets and pamphlets o­n historical places of sightseeing and tourist potential of the Republic of Uzbekistan didn't leave indifferent the visitors of the Uzbek exposition.

The core of the program has served a fashion show of the national clothes accompanied by smooth sounding of the traditional instrumental music of Uzbekistan. The unrepeatable national clothes from atlas attracted attention of the Japanese amateurs of art.

Besides, lessons on studying the Uzbek language were also organized as a part of the event.

An intellectual dialogue dedicated to the issues of enhancing Uzbekistan's regional and global profile and upgrading (modernizing) its relations with the leading members of international community was held in Tashkent, UzReportcom Agency reported. The dialogue was held with the support of UNDP in Uzbekistan.

The participants of the dialogue who represented non-government intellectual circles of their countries were guided by the acknowledgement that amid clear success stories and achievements of Uzbekistan throughout 15 years of independence, the Government and society are also facing some issues, which foreign partners of Uzbekistan may assist in addressing swiftly and effectively.

In the course of an open and constructive exchange of opinions, based on consensus, the participants expressed their visions of political, economic, humanitarian, and other aspects of current transformation of Uzbekistan and further diversification of its relations with the international community.

Views were expressed on the need for all stakeholders to take due actions for effective implementation of the recent decisions of the Government of Uzbekistan to improve the political and economic system, the humanitarian dimension, as well as to facilitate further adaptation of Uzbekistan to the geopolitical and global economic realities of the modern world.

Main conclusion arrived by the dialogue's participants was the recognition of the need to develop a national strategy (in the form of a "roadmap") for Uzbekistan's development where short-term and long-term objectives would be identified. According to participants' opinion, this strategy will lead to a better understanding of Uzbekistan among its current and potential partners and enhance the appeal of the country for constructive cooperation with the leading members of the international community.

The participants said that it could be opportune to continue these discussions in the framework of multilateral and bilateral dialogue with the support of respective governments. This dialogue in Tashkent demonstrated the aspiration for openness and joint discussion of the issues which are equally relevant to the interests of Uzbekistan and of its partners abroad.

Main outcomes of the Intellectual Dialogue in Tashkent will be used to prepare a policy brief by the UNDP office in Tashkent. Participants expressed their gratitude to UNDP for coming with the initiative for such a dialogue.
 

On 1 February 2007, a Memorandum of Partnership was signed between the World Bank Office in Uzbekistan and the National Association of NNOs of the Republic of Uzbekistan (NANNOUZ).

The Memorandum outlines the basis for cooperation and joint action to support civil society organizations in the field of knowledge, learning and capacity-building for increasing their role and importance in the social-economic development of the country.

On behalf of the World Bank the Memorandum was signed by Loup Brefort, Country Manager for Uzbekistan. N.N. Habibullaev, Chairman of the NANNOUZ, signed the document on behalf of the NANNOUZ.

An 80 million-year-old petrified tree stump found in northwestern Uzbekistan could unlock the secrets of flourishing ancient plant life in what is now a bleak Central Asian landscape, Uzbek scientists said February 06, 2007.

The tree trunk, which is two meters long (6.6 feet) and 33 centimeters (13 inches) in diameter, was petrified as a result of a volcanic eruption and was found during excavations in the fossil-rich Sulton Uvaisy mountain range near the Amudaria river.

"The Sulton Uvaisy mountain range is widely known by the world's paleontologists, and many dinosaur remains have been found here," Uzbek researcher Azimboi Sadullayev told AFP.

But before the trunk was uncovered, "we had no findings that could give us an idea about the plants that flourished here 100-150 million years ago," he said by telephone from Khorezm province.

A sample of the stony tree was sent to a nuclear physics institute for further research and to identify its exact age, said Sadullayev, who heads the Khorezm Mamun Academy.

Scientists at the academy, which was founded here in the 10th century, are now developing new strains of plants that can grow in what has become salty, environmentally devastated land.
 

Russia's second largest mobile operator VimpelCom invested US$60 million in 2006 in the development of its Uzbek unit, Unitel, the Uzbek operator's General Director Yevgeny Ruban told reporters, Prime-Tass reported.

The investments were spent on increasing the number of Unitel base stations 90% to 600 units, opening four new branches and introducing various technologies, Ruban said.

Unitel's user base rose to 766,000 as of late 2006 from 350,000 as of early 2006, Ruban said. The company plans to increase its subscriber base to 2 million users by the end of the year from its current 901,000 users, he added.

VimpelCom bought 100% in Unitel in January 2006. Also in January, VimpelCom bought 100% in Uzbekistan's fourth largest mobile operator Buztel, merging the two acquired companies in July.

The State Committee for Property Management of the Republic of Uzbekistan announced a tender for the sales of 15% packages of shares of five regional electricity supply enterprises (ES) with a beginning cost of around $25 million and minimal volume of required investment in the amount of $105 million, "Uzbekistan Today" newspaper reported.

The coming of private investors into the market of electric energy will contribute to the inflow of funds for the modernization of Uzbekistan’s most important sector of energy. Such is the opinion of the experts of “Uzbekenergo” State Stock Company (SSC). The obsolescent equipment has caused considerable losses while distributing electric energy. Analyst estimates show that most losses during the distribution of energy occur when it is transformed to a low voltage and distributed through low-voltage lines. Thus, the more users of low voltage and the more sub-lines the system has the more expense it entails in order to maintain it in a working condition and the more energy it loses while transforming the energy.

Electricity supply enterprises through lack of attention on part of investors ended up being fundamentally undervalued. The increased attention of strategic investors in the generation and supply of electric energy as a whole brought about a serious rise in the cost of these assets. Given the reduction of the sizes of share packages of thermoelectric power stations intended for investors – from 39% to 15%, the enterprises that distribute energy came out of shade.

For the first time, in early September 2005, the State Committee for Property Management put up for sale in the “Tashkent” Stock Exchange, state assets of three regional enterprises with an initial cost of around $25 million. During the first half of the year, the assets of two power enterprises – in Bukhara and Fergana provinces – were sold for $7,8 million.

It is known that the reform plan of this branch of the economy consisted of selling the state assets of all the 14 regional enterprises which were part of “Uzbekenergo” SSC. According to experts, the existing system of sales and distribution in the branch is definitely more beneficial for minority shareholders. Power enterprises have a similar balance cost, the area of their work is connected to provinces which makes the control of the networks rather easy.

The main factor of increased interest in these enterprises was the decision of the government to charge the State Tax Committee with the functions of collecting overdue debts and control of the incoming funds from institutions for using electric energy. The established order requires that institutions that use electric energy must settle payments on a monthly basis in accordance with the legislation within 30 days after the completion of a calendar month. In other words, another powerful control of finances has been added to the only source of funds.

Besides the highly promising forecasts of the activity of power enterprises, purchasing them represents the interest in view of the imminent modernization of the infrastructure and power lines.

In spite of the fact that in accordance with the strategy to privatize this sector, primary electricity supply networks are not subject to privatization. The projects to reconstruct power lines and, accordingly, high-voltage substations help to improve the condition of energy networks and allow regional electricity supply networks to gain extra profits.

In particular, “Uzbekenergo” SSC started the construction of power lines with a voltage capacity of 500 kilowatts worth $60 million. The lines with a length of 169 km should link Novo-Angren Fuel-Energy Station with the substation of “Uzbekistanskaya” in the Fergana Valley.

According to the estimatess of “Uzbekenergo”, the construction of the power lines will be finished in 2008. The project is one of priority for the power industry and promoted to supply consumers of Ferghana, Andijan and Namangan provinces with electric power of around 7.5 billion kilowatts a year. It will allow for a savings of additional $200 million for the state.

In February the Uzbek Government aims to announce a tender for purchasing equipment for the construction of power lines that have a five hundred kilowatt capacity which will connect the Syrdarya fuel energy station with “Sogdiana” substation in Samarkand province. The project worth $44 million and financed using IDB (Islamic Development Bank) credits.

“Uzbekenergo” has worked out a complete program on developing and reconstructing generating capacities by 2010. It is intended to attract foreign investment of around $1 billion. The program aims to construct eight km of power lines and put into operation 2.4 million kilowatt transformers in system substations. The development and reconstruction of electric networks form optimal configuration of distributing main lines and increase the safe use of energy systems and flexibility of transmission of electrical energy, reduce losses and transmit additional power in deficit power lines.

The program also includes the construction of a number of stations having power of 110-220 kilovolts including substations and cable lines (110 kilovolts) for increasing safety of the power supply of Tashkent City.

By the end of 2008 Uzbekistan plans to install 5.1 million single-phase electron power counters with plastic card payment systems in all categories of power consumers and 70 thousand three-phase power counters in transformers and 10 thousand three-phase counters in district substations and power distributors.

According to specialists’ calculations, the project allows completing the economizing process of electric power of 2.75 billion kilowatt-hours a year within ten years in dwellings, and reducing waste of greenhouse gas of 1.935 million tons a year. The economized electric power makes up around $85 million a year. Thus, the companies inspecting power delivery and distribution will always have a minimal level of return on investments and therefore, they will always be attractive.
 

“Peresvet-Invest” Moscow closed stock company that is one of the largest realtors in Russian market bought 75 percent of JSC “Samarkand Elevator Plant” worth 1.3 million USD, Uzbek Media reported.

The Russian company won the tender announced by the State Property Committee of Uzbekistan last August. According to terms of sale contract, for a five year period “Peresvet-Invest” aims to invest seven million USD in the development of “Samarkand Elevator Plant”, particularly, to modernize and increase its capacity of manufacturing freight and passenger elevators.

The Samarkand plant was launched in 1975. Its capacity is seven thousand freight, ship and passenger elevators a year. Only 15-20 percent of its total production capacity operates at present. Most of materials and parts used by the plant are manufactured in Russia.

The Russian company owns 75 percent of shares of Samarkand plant and its clerks 11.35 percent and other shareholders 13.65 percent.

In September of 2005 Iranian “Condor Co” obtained 75 percent of shares of JSC “Samarkand Elevator Plant” worth one billion USD having investment duties of 27 million USD during five years. The Iranian company intended to launch production of synthetic detergent worth 24 million USD.

But in early 2006 the State Property Committee canceled the sale contract with the investor because of nonfeasance.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Uzbekistan Tayal Ranjan Skand, has kindly agreed to answer the questions of Uzbekistan Today newspaper on February 02, 2007:

Dear Ambassador, first of all, let us congratulate You and all the people of India on its Republic Day. And our first question is what major achievements of your country in areas of foreign policy, social, economic and technological development could You talk about today?

First of all, I thank You for your greetings on India’s Republic Day. Uzbekistan Today is a very important newspaper and issued in English so I read it every week very carefully. It covers all the aspects of national and international news very well. I congratulate your editorial staff and all of you who are working for the paper on successful work.

India has now been a Republic for 57 years, and the best achievement I would say is that in a very diverse country of more than one billion people, with more than more 18 languages, all kinds of religions and diversity, India has become a very strong, unified, one - country. If you see in the context of what is happening in the world now - in countries where people are not homogeneous and there are so many conflicts - we think that we’ve been very successful in forging an Indian identity among our more than one billion people.

Second, I would say that our democratic procedures, policies are very firmly established. We have regular elections, government change, and everything is done very peacefully.

Third, in the social sector, in India there have been very major achievements through affirmative action. Those sections of the society who for historical reasons were underprivileged before, but with affirmative action they’ve been given some special privileges so that they can catch up with the rest of the society. And all this has been done with consensus, and a very great amount of social harmony.

And the fourth, I would say is very rapid economic development. When we became independent our population was almost half of what it is today. We used to import wheat and rice to feed our people. Today India is a net exporter of wheat and rice – there has been a major “Green Revolution”. India is the biggest producer of milk, and that is what we call “White revolution”. So in different sectors there has been very strong progress to make the life of our citizens better. But, of course, still, there is a very large number of people (almost 30%) who are below the poverty line. And while their number is decreasing, we have a long way to go. The focus of our government is now on economic progress and the distribution of economic growth to all sections of the society.

On external policy, we are a strong believer in resolution of all differences by peaceful means - dialogue and negotiations. We are pursuing a policy of peace all over the world; in different places where there is a conflict the countries concerned should try to resolve the issues either bilaterally or through the United Nations. In our own neighborhood we are doing the same. And with our neighbors we have now better relations including the relations with all countries of the region.

Of course, India’s profile has been rising in the last ten years, because of our very dynamic economic growth. There is a greater awareness among the countries of the world and all the major powers try to engage and work with India for common objectives. And one example of it is that within the last one year only the President of the United States, the President of China as well as the President of Russia and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom have visited India. Our Prime Minister has been to many countries including to Uzbekistan, Japan, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, etc. It is an all-round engagement of India with different regions, but also with Asian countries.

As it is known, thanks to its outstanding foreign policy, and stable economic growth for the last 15-20 years, India has turned into one of the emerging powers of the present. In this regard, what are the main priorities of India’s foreign policy in Central Asia?

Our foreign policy objectives are to have social and economic progress with global peace and regional stability. In Central Asia we value very much the political stability, economic and social progress of all our Central Asian friends. This region has seen some attempts by some fundamentalist groups to mislead people; and even some terrorist acts have taken place, even in Uzbekistan. We are very firmly against any tendency of that kind: we feel that internal harmony and stability is essential for the progress of any society.

We want also to see that Central and South Asia work together: have more communication channels between these two regions. Either it has to be through Afghanistan, and we are hoping that the situation in Afghanistan will become peaceful and stable so that the road route from Central Asia-Afghanistan-Pakistan can go up to India. We are working to open a road between Uzbekistan and up to Bander Abas in Iran through North Afghanistan: India is contributing about $80 million for constructing a road between Zaranj, and Delaram in Afghanistan.

Mr. Ambassador, how would You characterize the current level of Uzbek-Indian political cooperation?

Our Uzbek-Indian political cooperation has been very close, and very productive in the last fifteen years. We have had very regular exchanges of bilateral visits at the highest levels: President Islam Karimov has been to India four times; our Prime Minister has been here twice including last April.

Indian Senior Ministers have been visiting Uzbekistan; and Uzbek Senior Ministers have been going to India. Our countries have also been working very closely together in international forums like United Nations and its agencies. Since India and Uzbekistan are both secular republics, there is a high level of understanding in dealing with political issues.

To your mind, in what areas of economy is there significant unused potential for collaboration between Uzbekistan and India?

In fact, I would say that in most sectors we can do much more than what has been done now. In textiles, for example, we have a natural fit. India has a very long experience of textiles, cotton, and is very successful in its production. Uzbekistan is also one of the leading producers of cotton. I am happy to say that an Indian company invested $81 million here, and bought two textile mills near Tashkent. At present, some other major Indian textile companies are also looking for different textile mills for investment in Uzbekistan.

Another new area for collaboration is geology and minerals. When President Islam Karimov visited India in 2005, he invited Indian companies to come to Uzbekistan to the prospecting and then invest on a production sharing basis. During the visit of our Prime Minister last April the Memorandum of Understanding in this field was signed. One meeting of the joint working group has already taken place in the field of mining and geology. That is the area where I see a lot of prospect.

Then, of course, Uzbekistan is rich in gas. While there are many blocks available for foreign investment, The Gas Authority of India Limited, known as a very big company, is already negotiating with “UzbekNefteGaz” to take 3 or 4 blocks for exploration.

In science and technology we feel that there is a major scope for joint research and the joint development of new technology, and in agriculture there is already a lot of on-going cooperation which we feel could be expanded more.

So, I would say that these three sectors - textiles, geology-mining, and oil and gas - have the most promising potential.

As it is known, during the visit of the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in April 2006 to Uzbekistan, the Center of High-Technology was launched under the Uzbek National University. What do You think is it possible to build further cooperation in this area?

In India we feel that the best resource for development is the human resources. And I see in Uzbekistan there are so many new schools, universities, colleges, lyceums that prepare the new generation for the new challenges and development. We are ready to share our expertise in education and human resources with our Uzbek friends. Already we give about 120 fellowships every year for Uzbek professionals to visit India for 2-6 months in our Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program. We also give 20 scholarships every year for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Indian institutions.

The Nehru Center on Information Technology that was established with our assistance and inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is another step in the same direction. We have created training facilities here in areas where we have significant knowledge. And I am happy to say that the response of Uzbek students has been very good, and there are more applications for courses at the Center than it can accommodate.

Moving in the same direction, we are now working with the Uzbek Government to create a Center for Entrepreneurship Development in Tashkent, because we feel that for young people to have employment is the most important task both in India and Uzbekistan. Government can not provide all the jobs but people have to be trained so that they can become entrepreneurs, which require some different skills: for example, how to raise money, keep accounts, do management of small enterprise, and develop management information system.

So this Center would pick up young entrepreneurs and train them systematically to become an entrepreneur; what they should look for - how they should move forward.

Another proposal which was discussed when our Prime Minister was here is to establish some mechanism for tele-education and tele-medicine between India and Uzbekistan. We have our own satellite space and in those satellites we will give the required band-width free for the use of Uzbekistan.

For example, some Indian hospitals can be connected with the hospitals here: suppose there is some major surgery, then the Indian surgeons from there can show what is to be done through satellite that can be immediately seen by doctors in Uzbekistan; similarly doctors doing surgery here can be seen in real time by specialists in India.

As far as tele-education, for example, management institutions in India are supposed to be very good! Then if some lectures are being given there simultaneously students in Uzbekistan can also listen to those lectures, ask questions like they are in the real class. This is another project which will take some time but already the concept is here and we are thinking about it also.

Mr. Ambassador, last year Tashkent Aircraft Production Assosiation named after V. Chkalov (TAPAC) transferred a few air-planes IL-76 and IL-78 to India, which means that there is a tradition of cooperation in the aviation industry between the two countries. Within the recent visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India an agreement on joint manufacturing of new transport carrier between the Russian Federation and Republic of India was signed. In your opinion, could Tashkent Plant of Air-transport participate in the project as a partner?

Our Indian Air Force has very good experience of working with TAPAC for the last 10-20 years. And recently we have purchased some planes. But as far as I understand, there are some issues to be resolved between TAPAC and The Design Bureau in Moscow. And depending on that it will be possible for any foreign buyer to buy additional planes from TAPAC. But, having said that I am sure that India will very much welcome the participation of Uzbekistan in any deal that we have with Russians for joint manufacture of aircraft and planes. And I feel this tri-lateral cooperation is a very good way of moving forward in high-technology areas.

And finally, what is the potential for cooperation between Uzbekistan and India in educational and cultural areas in future?

As I’ve mentioned earlier, many students go from here for higher education in India and many professionals go for short-term trainings in India. The way to move forward could be to have more memorandums of understanding or more exchanges between Indian and Uzbek institutions.

When President Islam Karimov visited India in April 2005 such a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Jawaharlal Nehru University of New Delhi which is a very prestigious university and the University of World of Economy and Diplomacy here in Tashkent. And already some academic exchanges have taken place. There could be also exchanges of students for short-term courses.

Last year when our Prime Minister was here then similar Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies and University of Delhi. And we would like that more and more Uzbek students go to India for the study and research, and the Indian students come here for study and research.

And, of course, in the field of culture already there is a lot of interaction. Last year was very productive. We had several cultural groups visit Tashkent and for the first time a cultural group of Uzbekistan “Sogdiana” from the Tashkent Conservatory went to India. All of their performances were very appreciated and it was very well covered in the Indian press. I would urge that as we have our Lal Bahadur Shashtri Center for Indian Cultural here in Tashkent, Uzbekistan should also open its cultural center in New Delhi so that Indians become more familiar with your rich culture, and music, and dance, and literature.

Of course, India is very well-known here because of our films. But the films depict the dream world – it is not reality. But it is a good way for the Uzbeks to know how India is; what the culture in different parts of India is. Last year we had sons of Radj Kapur who came to Uzbekistan in November, and they had very popular concerts, two in Tashkent, one in Namangan and one in Samarkand. And it was very beautiful experience for them and for the Uzbek people.

Again, remember - that famous actor, producer, and TV-director Radj Kapur really loved this country and been here 14 times. So there is a very good foundation for our cultural links but we have to continue building more and more on that foundation.
 

In 2006 Japan paid special attention to the projects implemented as a part of Uzbekistan's State Programme "The Year of Charity and Medical Workers". Japanese Government issued some US$1.13 million for 17 projects, including seven projects in the sphere of education, five – in the medical sphere, and another five concerning the initiatives of public organizations.

On February 6, 2007, International Business Centre in Tashkent will host the signing ceremony of six grant contracts provided in the framework of Japanese Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects, UzReportcom reported. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Uzbekistan Mr. Yuichi Kusumoto and the Third Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Uzbekistan

Ms. Hiroko Kitamura will attend the ceremony representing the Japanese Government.

Grant aid is a form of ODA involving the provision of funds to the governments of developing countries without the obligation of repayment. The aim is to cooperate with economic and social development by helping the government of the recipient country to introduce and upgrade its facilities and equipment. Grant aid is made available mainly for social development in such fields as education, health and medical care, everyday water supply, and agricultural development; upgrading of public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and airports; and environmental conservation projects.

In pursuit of the abovementioned aims, the Government of Japan has issued the total of US$304,152 to four schools and two public organizations, for technical equipment and organization of professional training for staff.

Grant contracts will be signed with the secondary school No. 41 of Karshi district of Kashkadarya region for the total of US$55, 248; secondary school No. 2 of Kizirik district of Surkhandarya region for US$57,759; secondary school No. 1 of Chust district of Namangan region for US$73,831; and secondary school No. 28 of Ferghana city for US$74,769. Also contracts will be signed with the Centre to Support Rural Women of Kibray district of Tashkent region for the total of US$20,176 and Business Women's Association of Pskent district of Tashkent region for the total of US$22,369.

The contract signing ceremony will be the first this year, and all six projects will contribute to meeting the goals and objectives of the State Programme "On pronouncement of the year 2007 "The Year of Social Protection".

An earthquake took place in Uzbekistan on February 01, 2007, Uzbek Media reported. Its magnitude is estimated at 3-4 on the Richter scale.

No victims or destructions reported.

Social security is the main criterion, which identifies nation's moral appearance in every society, final objectives of the chosen path, essence and content of conducted reforms.

The announcement of the year 2007 as the "Year of Social Security" is one more evidence of the intensified attention to the given sphere and is a logical continuation of activity devoted to protection Uzbekistan citizens' interests, UzReportcom wrote. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, on the ceremonial meeting, devoted to 14 years since the adoption of the Constitution of our Republic specifically emphasized the most important tasks and objectives arising in our society.

In January 2007 the Public Fund for Support and Development of Independent Print Media and News Agencies of Uzbekistan collectively with the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan, Institute for Civil Society Research conducted a seminar on "The role and significance of mass media in resolving tasks identified in the report of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov devoted to the 14th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan".

Deep understanding of the report's content, main tasks and objectives determined in it, increase of responsibility of their execution in the activity of mass media employees along with representatives of other spheres had been noted at the seminar. This is due to the fact that mass media plays an important role in conducting reforms in all spheres of our life, democratization of the society and reformation of the country, providing rights and interests of citizens and is considered to be the "fourth power" in the country.

During the seminar the following reports were presented and discussed: "Aims and objectives of mass media brought up in the report of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov concerning 14 years of the adoption of the Constitution in the country", "Reforms for the human and his interests. Legal fundamentals for renovations conducted in the country", "Today's press: quality, level and perspectives", "Issues concerning increasing legal knowledge of mass media employees", "Issues of wide in journalist's activity on "Charter of print media" and "Code of ethical norms of print media journalists".

Conducted event was the first stage of the Republican seminar and its continuation will be organized in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and other regions of our county.

It is widely known that the Republican contest "Kelajak Ovozi" had been conducted in terms of identifying talented youth, its support and stimulation by the Fund "Forum of culture and art of Uzbekistan" and the Central Counsel of Public Youth Movement "Kamolot".

The Public Fund for Support and Development of Independent Print Media and News Agencies of Uzbekistan announced a contest among journalists of print media and news agencies in order to expand the borders of the contest where more than 170 creative works were counted and journalists of print media of all regions of Uzbekistan participated. Winners of the contest were awarded diplomas and monetary prizes during the seminar.

Representatives of the legislative chamber of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, governmental and public organizations, and chairmen of regional divisions of the creative union of journalists of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Karakalpakstan, as well as mass media employees took part in the seminar.
 

One of the important issues on the EurAsEC agenda is Uzbekistan's accession to all documents of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), UzReportcom reported.

Despite Uzbekistan's de jure accession to the community, the state still has to join many of the organisation's agreements. To date, Uzbekistan has signed 16 documents; however, another four on the visa-free traveling, customs procedures and social issues still await ratification.
 

The third day of the Winter Asian Games in Changchun Province of China has concluded, UzReportcom reported. The representatives of ten types of winter sports, namely skating, short-track, ice hockey, biathlon, snowboard, skiing, freestyle, curling, figure skating and mountain-skiing from all around the world are competing in Changchun these days.

Uzbek sportsmen are to join the competition today. Our mountain-skiers Guliza Gayupova, Xenia Grigoreva, Ilvira Haliulina and Madina Rasuleva are to step o­n the route of slalom and giant slalom mong women.Oleg Shamaev, Denis Grigorev, Nail Shriazdanov and Kayrat Ermetov will compete at the men's category.

The figure skaters will start tomorrow. Duet of Marina Aganina - Artyom Knyazev will present their show in pairs' competition and Anastasia Gimazetdinova is to render her program among singles.

Uncapped players named in Indian Davis Cup squad

Uncapped Vivek Shokeen and Somdev Dev Varman were included in the Indian Davis Cup team for the Asia-Oceania Group 1 first round away tie against Uzbekistan in Namangan city, Uzbekistan from February 9 to February 11, 2007, PTI reported.

Leander Paes has been named the playing captain and will lead a young bunch that also includes Karan Rastogi and Sunil Kumar Sipaeya as the fifth player.

The inclusion of Shokeen and Somdev comes in the wake of Rohan Bopanna's pull out and injury to Prakash Amritraj.

"Bopanna spoke to me and expressed his wish to attempt to qualify for the Grand Slams in doubles this year. He has also got a doubles wild card for an event in Delray Beach (in Miami, USA) this week," Anil Khanna, Secretary-General of All India Tennis Association, told PTI following the announcement of the Indian squad.

With the team already missing the services of Mahesh Bhupathi, the withdrawal of Bopanna, very much an in-form player, is bound to leave a gaping hole since he also would have filled in as doubles partner for Paes.

Paes was pragmatic about the turn of events.

"Even with Rohan in the team, playing Uzbekistan in Uzbekistan is a tough proposition," the captain said.

"We have a fresh crop of players and my job is to motivate them and give them the best opportunity," Paes said.

"For me, it is not so much about this result as about trying to set up a team that can make it to the World Group in the future.

"Being near-sighted is not the way to go about it. We have to prepare these players overtime."
Paes said he will decide on who will play the singles and who will be his partner after reaching the venue and the final round of practice sessions.

"It is going to be interesting. Whomever I will be playing with, it will be the first time I will be partnering him," he said.

The lead up to the tie has been marred by the spat between Paes and Bhupathi.

Bhupathi declared during the Asian Games that he would never player for India as long as the team comprised Paes as captain and Nandan Bal was the coach.

Bal has been retained for the Uzbek tie and will have Sandeep Kirtane to assist him.