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EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

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LATEST NEWS : JULY 2008

Uzbek schoolchildren successfully attended the 49th International Mathematics Olympiad in Madrid, Spain, on July 14-20, UzA reported.

Diyora Salimova of the academic lyceum at the Samarkand Institute of Economy and Service, Sherzod Safoev of the School No.2 at the Karakul District in Bukhara Province, Alisher Eshonkulov of the First Specialized School in Bukhara and Farkhod Khaydarov of the 6th specialized school in Uchkurgan District in Namangan Province secured the bronze medals.

Besides, the schoolchildren of the First Specialized School at the Karakul District in Bukhara Province Abror Pirnafasov and Elbek Kurbanov were awarded the special diplomas of the International Olympiad.
 

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has conducted the first international conference in Tashkent on introducing a regulatory impact assessment system. This will enable an accurate assessment of the impact of regulatory changes in the country, helping create a regulatory environment that better serves private and public institutions, UzReportcom reported.

The event was conducted in collaboration with key Uzbek ministries and agencies. It was attended by international experts from Bulgaria, Mexico, Russia, and the United Kingdom, who delivered presentations on the importance of regulatory governance and shared their worldwide perspective and experiences. Representatives from partner organizations, government ministries, and regulatory agencies also participated.

"This conference has created a forum for all stakeholders to develop specific actions that will help introduce a regulatory impact assessment system in Uzbekistan," said Vsevolod Payevskiy, Project Manager for the IFC Uzbekistan Business Enabling Environment Project.

A regulatory impact assessment system represents an advanced mechanism to develop, adopt, and control implementation of legislative documents. It enables state regulators to assess the effects of adopted legislation on the country's socioeconomic environment. The goal is to create stable, transparent, and efficient legislation.

The system was introduced in the early 1980s and is currently being implemented in more than 30 countries, such as the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Mexico, and the United States. It uses a variety of economic analyses, including cost benefit or cost-effectiveness methods, to examine government regulations.

A draft agreement between IFC and Uzbekistan to introduce the system is under consideration by the government. Some institutional and legislative elements of the system are already in use in the country.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments.

IFC's vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed US$8.2 billion and mobilized an additional US$3.9 billion through syndications and structured finance for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory services in 97 countries.
 

Iran have arranged a friendly with Uzbekistan on August 20 at home after being snubbed by African champions Egypt to play the game on the same day due to political reasons, UzReportcom reported.

Iran, coached by Ali Daei, reached Czech Republic capital Prague on Tuesday after their 10-day camp in Spain and are scheduled to play local side Sparta on Wednesday.

Team Melli were reduced to twice-daily practice sessions in Spain following cancellation of their planned three friendlies against Spanish clubs Marbella and Malaga and English side Charlton Athletic.

Iran were drawn into Group B in the final round of World Cup qualifiers along side Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, DPR Korea and UAE. They begin their campaign against Saudi Arabia away on September 6.

It will be the first test for Rauf Inileev's Uzbekistan who are also preparing for the World Cup qualifiers. The Central Asians have also set up a friendly with DPR Korea on August 29 at home.

Uzbekistan will begin their fourth round qualifying campaign against Qatar on September 6. Australia, Bahrain and Japan are other teams in their group.
 

The Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber As-Sabah ended his official visit to Uzbekistan. President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov saw off the high-ranking guest at the Tashkent airport on 23 July, UzA reported.

The visit of the Emir of Kuwait was fruitful and provided a good opportunity to discuss a wide range of bilateral relations and perspectives of cooperation.

Islam Karimov and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber As-Sabah exchanged views on the issues of Uzbek-Kuwaiti relations, as well as international and regional problems representing mutual interest.

The Republic of Uzbekistan and the State of Kuwait signed a Joint communique. Besides, about 10 documents were signed during the visit.
 

As the Information Agency “Jahon” reported earlier referring to the local agencies, on July 21 the Emir of State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber as-Sabah arrived in Uzbekistan on an official visit upon the invitation of President Islam Karimov.

On July 22 the Kuwaiti Leader visited the Khazrati Imam (Khastimom) complex in Tashkent accompanied by the First Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Azimov.

The role and significance of the Khazrati Imam complex is invaluable in the history and spiritual life of Uzbekistan. On the initiative of President a profound work has been accomplished at this sacred place of worship in terms of restoring and bettering the site.

The high-profile guest is reported to have learned about the Khazrati Imam Mosque. It was built in 2007 based on the project worked out under the leadership of President Islam Karimov.

The Emir of State of Kuwait also visited the unique historical monument – Muyi muborak Madrassah built in the 16th century. Last year the madrassah was fully restored and transformed into a Museum of Usman Muskhafi (Koran of Osman).

Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber as-Sabah examined the unique Koran which is now safely kept there. It is well-known that the copy of the said Koran was written on parchment in the period of Caliph Osman (644-656).

Emir said that this unique historical monument made an enormous impression on him. He underlined the special attention now paid to reviving and further enriching the heritage of great ancestors, restoring the sacred places of worship, studying the rich scientific and cultural heritage and propagating it among the forthcoming generation.

The Emir of State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber as-Sabah wrote an entry to the Book of Honorable Guests of Khastimom Complex.
 

The Ministry of Finance of Uzbekistan and the Reform on state finances in Uzbekistan UNDP program organized the roundtable “Principles of holding the cameral inspection: opportunities and prospects” in Tashkent, UzA reported.

The staff members of the Cabinet of Ministries, Finance and Economy Ministries, State Tax Committee, international organizations and higher educational establishments participated at the roundtable, the Pravda Vostoka newspaper reported.

The delegates to the roundtable have said that the objective uncovering the infringements of law by physical and legal entities and timely collection of means to the state budget depend on the efficiency of conducting the tax inspections.

The article 70 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan envisages the introduction of cameral inspection. The control is accomplished based on studying the taxpayer reports. To optimize the cameral inspection it is important to work out the principles and methodology, as well as normative basis of carrying out the inspections.

Uzbekistan studied the advanced skills in the sphere of tax administration of France, Latvia and Turkey in the framework of joint project. The country also analyzed the existing practice in this direction, examined the opportunities and perspectives of introducing the cameral inspection and worked out the procedure of its holding.

The goal of the roundtable was to discuss the outcomes of the research. Specialists of the State Tax Committee reported on sources of establishing the information database for this type of inspection, as well as the procedure of its holding, using the results and informing about them. They emphasized the importance of advancing the tax control by way of using the information and communication technologies.

The delegates to the roundtable noted that transition to cameral inspection would provide for stability of business operations, cut their expenses, as well as increase the efficiency of work of tax bodies.
 

A few days are remaining to the start of the most prestigious sport contest in the world, the 29th Olympic Games due in the Chinese capital of Beijing, the Uzbek agencies reported.

The sports community and fans are keenly awaiting the start of the Games taking into account that there are considerable arguments in terms of successful participation of the Uzbek athletes at the Olympics.

For over the years of independence the Uzbek sportsmen always earned medals at the summer Olympic Games. For the first time the athletes of Uzbekistan performed in Atlanta Olympics in the United States in 1996 as an independent team. In Atlanta the judo wrestler Armen Bagdasarov secured silver and the boxer Karim Tulaganov – the bronze medal.

In previous Olympics the Uzbek athletes have earned more medals. In 2000 in Sydney Olympics in Australia the boxer Mukhammadkodir Abdullaev won the gold medal. In 2004 in the Olympics in Athens two of the Uzbek athletes Artur Taymazov (the free-style wrestling) and Alexander Dokturashvili (the Greek-Roman wrestling) stepped up to the top of the pedestal.

Starting from the Beijing Olympics the International Olympic Committee (OIC) significantly increased the normative indicators that give the right to gain the Olympic licenses.

IOC has already confirmed the licenses of 53 Uzbek athletes. This process is going on, so the number of athletes to the Beijing Olympics can increase. At the moment, over 30 types of sports from those 50 widespread in Uzbekistan are included in the Olympics program.

The Uzbek athletes will compete in such sport types as Greek-Roman and free-style wrestling, boxing, judo, weightlifting, shooting, artistic gymnastics, canoe-paddling, track and field athletes and tennis.
 

From July 14 to July 20 the Uzbek schoolchildren successfully attended the 49th International Mathematics Olympiad in Madrid in Spain, UzA reported.

Diyora Salimova of the academic lyceum at the Samarkand Institute of Economy and Service, Sherzod Safoev of the School No.2 at the Karakul District in Bukhara Province, Alisher Eshonkulov of the First Specialized School in Bukhara and Farkhod Khaydarov of the 6th specialized school in Uchkurgan District in Namangan Province secured the bronze medals.

Besides, the schoolchildren of the First Specialized School at the Karakul District in Bukhara Province Abror Pirnafasov and Elbek Kurbanov were awarded the special diplomas of the International Olympiad.
 

Delegation of Thailand headed by Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Charivat Santaputra is on a visit to Uzbekistan, UzA reported.

On 22 July, the members of the delegation held talks with the chairman of the Commerce and Industry Chamber of Uzbekistan Alisher Shaikhov.

“Uzbekistan is a country with a stably developing economy,” Charivat Santaputra said at the meeting. “We are interested in further strengthening of the bilateral cooperation.”

The negotiations focused on the current state and perspective of trade-economic and investment relations between the two states.

The Thailand delegation also held talks at the Foreign Ministry, Uzbektourism national company and the International Kurash Association.

Besides, they visited the Hazrati Imam (Hastimom) complex, the State museum of Temurids history and the State arts museum of Uzbekistan.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received US Ambassador to Tashkent Richard Norland at Oqsaroy residence on 22 July, UzA reported.

Welcoming the US diplomat, President Karimov said the meeting was a good opportunity to exchange views on the issues of mutual interest.

Working in Uzbekistan since November 2007, you have been able to closely familiarize yourself with the life in the country, Islam Karimov said.

“You have gathered materials about the real situation in Uzbekistan, which differs from those that the US receives from other sources,” the President noted. “This is an important factor in development of cooperation based on mutual trust.”

The sides considered a number of issues related to further strengthening of the bilateral relations.

Richard Norland expressed confidence that the cooperation between the two states would continue developing in the mutually beneficial manner.

In the US Ambassador’s view, currently it is important to strengthen mutual trust between the two countries, and develop cooperation in regional security, namely in issues related to reconstruction of Afghanistan.

At the same time, it is important to continue cooperation in implementation of economic reforms in Uzbekistan, joint projects in the humanitarian sphere and interaction in promotion of human rights.
 

President of Uzbekistan signed a decree on 21 July 2008 on increasing the size of the minimum salary, pensions, stipends and social allowances, UzA reported.
 
The document envisages increase of the minimum salary of the budget-supported structures’ and organizations’ employees, as well as stipends, pensions and social allowances 1.2 times on the average.
 
In particular, the document sets the following minimum monthly sizes:
 

• salary – 25,040 soums;

•  pension and allowance to disabled from childhood – 49,600 soums;

• allowance to elderly and disabled citizens without the required work experience – 30,040 soums.

The Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber As-Sabah arrived in Uzbekistan on an official visit on 21 July. President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov welcomed the high-ranking official at the Tashkent airport, UzA reported.

The official welcoming ceremony of the Emir of Kuwait took place at the Durmen residence. After that, Islam Karimov and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber As-Sabah held face-to-face talks, which focused on bilateral relations, as well as problems of international and regional character.

Kuwait is one of the closest and most reliable partners of Uzbekistan in the Gulf region, Islam Karimov said.

Emir of Kuwait noted that the visit to Uzbekistan was a good opportunity to discuss important matters of bilateral cooperation.

Uzbekistan and Kuwait have common views on many political issues and cooperate in fighting terrorism and extremism, drug and arms smuggling.

The two countries had signed documents on cooperation in trade and economic, scientific and technical spheres, on joint stimulation and protection of investments, and on avoiding double taxation.

Islam Karimov and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber As-Sabah participated in the negotiations of the official delegations of the two states.

The sides noted that the cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kuwait had been developing successfully. However, they added, the present figures did not satisfy both countries. The mutual commmodity turnover is low and mostly consists of exports to Uzbekistan.

The talks also touched upon humanitarian cooperation, as well as relations in science, healthcare, tourism and sports.

At the end of the negotiations, the sides signed a Joint communique of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the State of Kuwait.

The other signed documents were:
 

• intergovernmental agreements on setting up a joint cooperation committee, on cooperation in healthcare and tourism;
• a credit agreement on reconstruction and equipment of the cardiosurgery department of the Uzbek specialized surgery center (USD 12.97 million to be provided by Kuwait Fund of Arab Economic Development);
• memoranda of understanding on cooperation in oil and gas sphere, protection of environment and natural resources, cooperation between the government of Uzbekistan and Kuwait Fund of Arab Economic Development, between the Uzbek Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade and Kuwaiti company Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al-Kharafi & Sons on construction of a hotel, and a protocol of understanding between the same ministry and the Kuwait Investment Agency.

The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) in Wiesbaden, Germany, announced the ranking that showed the progress of the Uzbek football, UzA reported.

In line with the ranking, Uzbekistan’s Top League secured the 25th place among the strongest national championships and the first place among the Asian and CIS countries.

The successes of the Uzbek sportsmen in international arenas confirm the progress of the Uzbek football. In particular, the Uzbek national team performs well at the qualifications of Football Mundial due in South Africa in 2010. At the same time, the youth and junior teams of Uzbekistan progressed to a continental championship’s final and demonstrated a serious will to gain the ticket to the World Championship among the same-age opponents.

For over the two years Pakhtakor team of Tashkent, the multiple champion of Uzbekistan, twice stepped up to a final of the CIS and Baltic States Champions Cup and secured the first and second places.

Another Tashkent team Kuruvchi successfully went through the group stage of the Asian Champions League this year and is now among the main nominees to embrace victory at the tournament.

According to the IFFHS rating list, Argentina holds the first place among the national championships of 100 countries. English and Brazilian championships joined the three of the strongest.
 

The Chemping-plast Uzbek-Chinese joint venture was launched at the Urgut District in Samarkand Province, ‘Pravda Vostoka’ newspaper reported.

The new JV is supplied with modern equipment to manufacture shoes. Over ten of young men and women were employed. The enterprise will produce 50.000 pair of men’s, women’s and children’s shoes per year. At the moment, the goods produced at the company are delivered to domestic market. The enterprise is going to export its goods in the future since it plans to increase its production capacity.

With launching of enterprise the number of joint ventures operating in the district rose up to 21.
 

Last week the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of Mexico to the Republic of Uzbekistan with the residence in Islamabad Arturo Hernandez-Basave visited Uzbekistan.

During his visit Ambassador Hernandez-Basave held meetings at the Oliy Majlis (parliament), ministries, agencies and establishments of Uzbekistan, as well as visited one of the ancient cities of the country – Samarkand.

Mexico is an industrial and agrarian country, but still – one of the most developed Latin American states. In 2007 Mexico’s GDP made up USD 1.346 trillion.

The United States of Mexico recognized Uzbekistan’s independence on December 26, 1991. On March 16, 1992 Uzbekistan and Mexico established the diplomatic relations. At the moment, the two states actively develop the cooperation in the sphere of politics, economy, culture and others.

Speaking to the Information Agency “Jahon” Ambassador Hernandez-Basave shared his impressions on the outcomes of his stay in Uzbekistan.

According to him, Mexico considers Uzbekistan as a key state in Central Asia. The political stability being preserved in Uzbekistan for over the 17 years allowed to secure tangible economic results and accomplish the gradual reforms in social and legal spheres.

“At the moment, our states are working out the new plans aimed at further extending the multilateral cooperation. Taking into account the modern level of technological development the distances between the countries are not a matter of principle. Uzbekistan has a big economic potential and presents favorable opportunities for attracting foreign investments. No doubt, this factor cannot but attract the attention of Mexican business people,” Mexican diplomat said.

“During my visit to Uzbekistan I held very productive talks with the Uzbek partners. In particular, at the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade we discussed the project related to exchanging the specialists to learn about the opportunities and better the trading skills between our countries”, the Mexican Ambassador said.

“As a part of my stay I visited the unique museum in the open air – the charming Samarkand. I and my family are still living under impression of what we have seen in this town.

I also liked Tashkent. This is green, cozy, friendly city. I tour along the world many times but Tashkent is peculiar and attracts with bright colors, and hospitable people. I think this is the similarity between the Mexicans and Uzbeks. I need to draw one more thing that I have observed during my visit: the Uzbeks are very cheerful and smiling people. Only the nation that lives happy and believes in the future can be like that,” Ambassador Hernandez-Basave said.
 

The Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber As-Sabah arrived to Tashkent with an official visit on 21 July, UzA reported.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov welcomed the high-ranking official at the Tashkent airport.

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

A number of bilateral documents will be signed during the visit, aimed at deepening the two countries’ relations in various areas.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Japanese Finance minister Fukushiro Nukaga on 18 July in Tashkent, UzA reported.

Welcoming the guest, the head of the state said he highly valued the developing Uzbek-Japanese ties.

“Your visit is a logical development of our cooperation and a good opportunity to discuss issues of bilateral relations,” Islam Karimov said.

The Finance minister of Japan said his country was interested in development of relations with Uzbekistan.

The sides considered issues related to expansion of trade-economic and investment cooperation between the two states.

Uzbekistan and Japan signed a Joint statement of friendship, strategic partnership and cooperation in 2002. In 1994, Uzbek-Japanese and Japanese-Uzbek economic cooperation committees were set up, and they conduct regular sessions.

Offices of the Japan International Cooperation Agency and Japanese External Trade Organization function in Tashkent.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Japan invested about USD 2 billion in the economy of Uzbekistan. In particular, the Japanese government issued USD 910 million within the Official development assistance program, and USD 820 million for the development of fuel and energy complex and textile industry through the commercial credits of the Japanese International Bank for Cooperation.

More than 10 large projects with participation of Japanese investments are being implemented in Uzbekistan. One of them is production of Isuzu buses, trucks and cranes at Samarkand automobile plant.

22 large Japanese corporations have representative offices in Uzbekistan, among them are Mitsui, Mitsubisi, Nishe Ivai and others. A number of joint ventures operate in machinery, light industry, internal and foreign trade, transport services and tourism.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov participated in the session of the Cabinet of Ministers, which took place on 18 July in Tashkent. The session participants considered the results of the country’s socioeconomic development in the first half of 2008 and priorities for the rest of the year, UzA reported.

The growth of the gross domestic product in the first six months of the year comprised 9.3%, it was said at the session. Industrial production increased by 12.2%, consumer goods production by 16.6%, agriculture by 5.4%, retail trade by 14.4% and paid services by 18.9%.

Foreign trade turnover retained high growth rates – almost 1.5 times, mostly due to export growth. State budget was executed with a surplus of 1.8% to GDP and the inflation levels did not exceed the forecasts.

Implementation of the Investment program, as well as localization and modernization programs in the key industries ensured growth of investments by 19.8%, including foreign direct investments by 29.4%.

185 new industrial objects were commissioned in the reporting period, among which are textile enterprises Asaka Textile, Surkhontex, Navbahor Tex, Rishtan Textile and others.

The share of the small business in the GDP increased to 40.2% against 38.1% in the same period of 2007.

372,100 new workplaces were created in January-June, including 130,200 in the service sector and 132,600 on a home basis.

In the framework of the Year of youth state program, UZS 702 billion was allocated for the support of the young people, creation of new workplaces, improvement of the young families’ living conditions and quality of the education. Young families received soft mortgage credits worth UZS 17.1 billion.

Positive tendencies in the country’s macroeconomic development were highly evaluated by the international organizations, including the International Monetary Fund.

Speaking at the Cabinet session, President Islam Karimov stressed that the measures to modernize industrial sectors, introduce new technologies, creation of new jobs, especially in rural areas, and improvement of living conditions had to be expanded.
 

The Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber As-Sabah will pay an official visit to Uzbekistan during 21-24 July on the invitation of the President Islam Karimov, UzA reported.

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

A number of bilateral documents will be signed during the visit, aimed at deepening the two countries’ relations in various areas.
 

Automobile plant in Asaka, Andijan region of Uzbekistan, turns 12 on 19 July. It was on this day in 1996 that Uzbekistan became one of the world’s 28 car-producing countries, UzA reported.

Lacetti, Nexia, Matiz and Damas manufactured at the Asaka plant enjoy high demand not only in Uzbekistan, but also abroad. Starting from this year, the plant produces new models named Captiva, Epica and Tacuma.

Uzbek cars are exported to Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. They are popular for their technical characteristics, design and optimal price-quality ratio.

The volumes of production at Asaka plant have been increasing from year to year. In 2007, the plant produced over 170,000 cars against 34,000 cars in 2002. The plant will soon reach its project capacity, which is 200,000 cars per year.

Today’s car industry of Uzbekistan includes a number of enterprises, among which are joint ventures producing seats, paints, interior parts, etc. Private companies also produce a large number of details for the GM Uzbekistan joint venture.

Uzbek automobile industry’s partnership with the world leader – General Motors corporation – created conditions for attraction of new technologies, creation of new workplaces and expansion of the assortment of production.
 

A round table on economic and legal guarantees of development of nongovernmental noncommercial organizations and other civil society institutes, as well as priority directions of protection of women’s rights was held in Samarkand, UzA reported.

Representatives of corresponding departments and establishments, law-enforcement bodies, political parties and NGOs took part in the forum.

The Universal declaration of human rights was the first international document that Uzbekistan joined after proclaiming independence. Principles put forward in the declaration have found reflection in the country’s Constitution and laws.
 

Exhibition “India Minitech-2008 – mini-technologies of India for small business” opened at Uzexpocentre in Tashkent. It has been organized by the Ministry of foreign economic relations, investments and trade, State committee for demonopolization, Commercial and industry chamber and the Embassy of India, UzA reported.

50 companies of India present their services and products at the exhibition. Among them are Seam Projection Technology, Tishya Gems, Pacon Industries, Singh Technical Works, Modern Industries, Raksha Packaging, Madro Agro Industries, Kanwal Food & Spices.
The main goal of the exhibition is presentation of modern technologies for development of small and private business in Uzbekistan and expansion of cooperation with India.
 

The situation in Kagan and Bukhara region in general is currently stable, UzA reported.

State and nongovernmental organizations, industrial enterprises, the airport and the bus stations, stores, markets and places of recreation are functioning as usual.

As reported earlier, an explosion occurred in the night of 10 July at the ammunition depot of the Defense Ministry’s military unit in Kagan district.

A government commission is working on the place of accident, which is considering the issues of neutralizing the situation, ensuring security measures and providing help to the injured.

The causes of the tragedy are being investigated and the measures to liquidate its consequences are being considered.

The people affected by the accident are being provided with medical and other help.
 

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Uzbekistan, in the night of 10 July 2008, an ignition occurred at the rocket and artillery depot of the Defense Ministry’s military unit in Kagan district of Bukhara region, resulting in fire and explosion of the ammunition at the depot, UzA reported.

On receiving the information about the fire, the regional Interior Affairs Department and the Defense Ministry troops cordoned the area of the accident. The civilians living nearby were evacuated.

Soldiers of the Defense Ministry, as well as staff of the regional emergency and interior ministries have been attracted to neutralize the emergency.

According to preliminary data, 3 people were killed and 21 injured as a result of the explosions. All of the victims are being provided with necessary medical care.

A government commission consisting of heads of the Government, the National Security Service, General Prosecutor’s Office, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Internal Affairs and other structures has been set up to neutralize the situation, conduct the necessary security measures and provide assistance to the victims.

The commission has begun the investigation of the causes of the accident.
 

UzbekTelecom Mobile, a subsidiary of UzbekTelecom JSC redering mobile communication services under Uzmobile brand, has completed a US$6.6 million upgrade of its CDMA450 network.

The infrastructure consisting of 70 base stations was supplied by China's Huawei, Uzmobile's technical director Galina Gafurbekova told Interfax.

"We have test-launched a CDMA-450 network in nine regions. Now this project has been completed and we can provide the whole of Uzbekistan with mobile phone services," Gafurbekova said.

Funding for the deployment was split between the mobile operator and the Chinese Development Bank.

The operator has a second expansion phase worth US$2 million - with kit being supplied by Alcatel Lucent.

According to estimates from the Mobile World, Uzmobile ended the first quarter of this year with around 20,000 subscribers - representing a market share of just a third of a percentage point.
 

As reported earlier, the Senate [upper chamber] of Oliy Majlis [parliament] of the Republic of Uzbekistan held its plenary session on 27-28 June. The session considered appointment of new ambassadors of Uzbekistan to foreign nations.

Thus, Shoazim Minovarov who previously served as the Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan has been appointed an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

On arriving to the new post of his mission Ambassador Minovarov granted credentials to the President of Egypt Muhammad Hosni Mubarak, Jahon Agency reported.

Egypt recognized Uzbekistan's independence on 26 December 1991. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 23 January 1992. For over the last years the Uzbek-Egyptian cooperation has actively developed in all directions.

The visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to Egypt on 17-19 April 2007 took the relations of two countries up to a qualitatively new level. By now the arrangements secured during that visit are being successfully realized for the sake of good of the two friendly nations.
 

An exhibition of Indian Mini Technologies for Small Businesses will be held at Uzexpocentre in Tashkent on 12-16 July, UzReportcom reported.

The exhibition is being organized jointly by the Government of India and the Government of Uzbekistan. There are 47 Indian companies participating in the exhibition from various sectors of small- and medium-scale industries.
 

Nadira Dadamukhamedova who attends the Uspenskiy Republican special music academic lyceum in Tashkent secured the top place at the international contest of young pianists in Budapest, UzA reported.

The young Uzbek pianist fell in love with music from early childhood. When she turned seven she entered the Uspenskiy Republican special music academic lyceum. The girl began to master secrets of music from the skilled pedagogue Alla Kim.

According to Ms. Kim, Nadira is a gifted and assiduous student. She was a prizewinner at the international contests in Greece, France, Italy, Estonia and Portugal. The young pianist performs the works of not only the Uzbek composers such as Mukhtor Ashrafi, Ikrom Akbarov, Sayfi Jalil, Rustam Abdullaev, Dilorom Omonullaeva but also of world classics.

“The young pianists from Russia, Japan, the United States, Italy and the Ukraine participated at the international contest in Budapest,” Nadira has said. “I have performed fragments from the works of Beethoven, Chopin and Bach. I am immeasurably happy that my performance was highly assessed. I am also glad of the fact that my friends from my lyceum Zarina Agaeva and Tamara Akbarova won in their groups”.

President of Uzbekistan signed a resolution “On State program of strengthening material-technical base and improvement of children’s music and art schools in the years 2009-2014” on 8 July 2008, UzA reported.

The approved program is aimed at creation of favorable environment for development of talents and abilities of children and envisages a fundamental improvement of elementary music education in the country.

The implementation of the program covers the period of 2009-2014, during which a wide range of measures to build a modern logistics base of children’s music and art schools will be implemented. The program envisages construction of 136 new children’s music and art schools and capital reconstruction of 142 existing music schools.

A lot of attention is paid to equipping schools with musical instruments, educational and musical equipment, based on modern requirements. Besides, improvement of standards and training programs, textbooks and teaching manuals on music for both general education schools and children’s music and art schools is also planned.

The program is based on the fact that currently musical and art education is not compulsory in the educational development of children. To this day, not all parents have had the real opportunity to give their children a musical education and introduce them to art. The material base of the existing music schools does not meet the increasing demands and does not provide necessary conditions for efficient music and art teaching. More than 80% of music schools in the country are housed in adapted buildings and are insufficiently equipped with musical instruments.

Preliminary calculations show that a total of more than UZS 355 billion will be spent on the implementation of the five-year program, including UZS 240 billion for capital construction and renovation of music and art schools and UZS 115 billion for musical instruments, equipment and inventory.

The Children’s Sports Development Fund under the Ministry of Public Education has been designated as the single customer for construction and capital reconstruction. This has been done with consideration of the fact that construction and reconstruction of music and art schools will be implemented in conjunction with programs of development of general-education schools and children’s sports.

It has to be underlined that the allocated funds will be used primarily for creating a virtually new and modern material and technical base of music and art schools. While choosing construction sites, priority will be given to residential areas of the country, in order to make them maximally close to place of children’s residence, and not only in provincial centers, but primarily in rural areas.

One of the crucial elements of the program is staffing the music and art schools with highly skilled specialists, as well as their training and improving their material and moral stimulation.

Another important part of the State program is providing moral and material incentives for gifted students. Among them are benefits for payment of the education of gifted children from poor families, as well as regular national festivals and contests involving students of music and art school.
 

The group of the Sabo National Dance Ensemble at the Alisher Navoi State Academic Big Theater traveled to India. Indian Council for Cultural Relations organized the visit, “Jahon” Agency reported.

In December last year the ensemble already took part at the international festival in Delhi and received recognition from connoisseurs of arts of dancing thanks to its high masterly performance. In spite that it has not been so long since it was established, the Sabo ensemble led by artistic director Muborak Mirzaeva and head ballet-master, People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Kadyr Muminov are worthily contributing to propagating the Uzbek national dance abroad.

During the last tours along three large cities of India – New Delhi, Srinagar and Lucknow, the Uzbek dance group performed with an extensive program which included dances of various provinces around Uzbekistan.

“It was bouquet of marvelous dances and performance skills of the Uzbek artists which left an indelible impression on our audience”, - the regional director of Indian Council for Cultural Relations of India T.Geevargheze has said while speaking to Information Agency “Jahon”. “The history of cultural relations of our countries traces back into depth of centuries. Undoubtedly, the cultural program presented by the Sabo Ensemble served for further strengthening the friendly relations between Uzbekistan and India.”
 

Liberalization of the economy requires clear and comprehensive accounting and audit practices, transparency and access to financial information for further development of the real sector and promotion of foreign investment inflow to the country, UzReportcom reported.

In turn, this necessitates the development of appropriate legal framework for effective regulation as well as timely disclosure of complete and reliable financial information in line with requirements of the market economy and universally recognized accounting and audit standards.

A round table meeting was held recently to discuss the issues related to removal of existing shortcomings in accounting and audit practices including improvement regulatory framework, as well as improvement of financial reporting principles among all stakeholders.

The officials from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, entrepreneurs, representatives of professional associations, international organizations and development institutions, accounting and audit faculties and practicing accountants and auditors attended the round table.

International experience of transition to International Audit Standards, quality control over performance of auditors and accountants, implementation of relevant best experiences in the countries – members of the Eurasian Council of Certified Accountants and Auditors, issues of auditor evidence at the final stage of audit of financial reporting and accounting of earmarked cash flows were among major issues discussed during the event.

Furthermore, audit techniques of accounting policies of businesses and particular features of accounting of leasing operations in accordance with the Revised Tax Code were discussed in the course of the round table.

Proposals and recommendations on such areas as improving company audits, maintaining records of earmarked cash flows, and financial lease were presented during the round table.

Moreover, the need for more in-depth analysis of existing legal framework for assessment of the prospects and implications of adoption of the International Audit Standards in Uzbekistan was noted.

Open and active discussions conducted during the event contributed to identification of new areas for improvement of accounting and audit practices in Uzbekistan. Specific recommendations on changes and amendments to the National Accounting Standards and National Audit Standards were developed.
 

The 14th International Exhibition Biennale of children’s drawings organized by the Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan and Dong-won Educational Fund of South Korea opened in Seoul in the Republic of Korea, ‘Jahon’ Agency reported.

The representatives of ministries and departments of Korea, diplomatic corps accredited in Seoul, public organizations and mass media participated at the solemn ceremony of opening of the exhibition.

About 24.000 children at the age of 4 up to 15 years old from 85 countries around the world filed applications to participate at the high-profile contest of young talents. The exhibition included the best works of 200 young artists who have become winners and laureates of the contest.

The works of young masters of fine arts from Uzbekistan the 9-year-old Marina Mikhaylyants “Wedding” and the 11-year-old Roman Golubev “My Homeland Uzbekistan” have much impressed the visitors.

President of the South Korean Dong-won Educational Fund Kim Je-chil highly assessed the talents of the Uzbek contenders and said: “Looking at these works one can note the artistic talent of children and youth of Uzbekistan who were brought up based on cultural, historical, spiritual values and love to Homeland, respect to the centuries-old family canons. It is the evidence of the fact that the Uzbek Government traverses on the right path in terms of upbringing the young generation”.

The organizers are going to continue the expositions of the 14th International Exhibition Biennale for 30 days aimed at popularizing the and enhancing the children’s artistic creation, strengthening the cultural relations between the people around the world, revealing the young gifted artists.
 

Last week the exhibition of the Honored Worker of Culture of Uzbekistan Aziza Mamatova “Human and time” was held at the Central Exhibition Hall of Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, the Uzbek newspapers wrote.

The arts critics pointed out the originality of Aziza Mametova’s artistic talent. She fruitfully works in portrait genre creating a great deal of bright works of the Uzbek great ancestors such as al-Ferghani, Ibn Sino, Alisher Navoi, Zakhiriddin Muhammad Bobur and Kamoliddin Bekhzod.

The uniqueness and originality of the talented master of brush are brightly manifested in other pictorial genres. Her pictures run through anxious love to Homeland, eternal values and hard-working fellow countrymen. The works of the artist are now safely kept at the museums, galleries and exhibition halls nationwide, as well as private collections in Germany, Turkey and Russia.
 

Sergey Lagutin from Uzbekistan won the multi-day bicycle race Tour de Korea-Japan 2008, UzA reported.

The first two stages of the tournament, in which representatives of some 20 countries took part, were held in Japan.

In the following 10 stages in South Korea, the team of Uzbekistan won the second place.

The leader of the team Sergey Lagutin was the first to cross the finishing line in 220-km race. He also received a special prize for demonstration of speed and patience during the race in mountainous area.

Lagutin, born in Fergana in 1981, is considered one of the strongest bicycle racers in Uzbekistan. He became the world champion among sportsmen under 23.

Currently Lagutin conducts preparation for this year’s Olympic Games in Beijing.
 

Several countries in Asia have seen outbreaks of enterovirus infection. Deputy health minister of Uzbekistan, chief state sanitary doctor Bahtiyar Niyazmatov spoke to UzA about the measures taken in the country to prevent the spread of the infection.

“Enterovirus infection is transmitted through contaminated food, unwashed hands and various objects of the environment. Children aged 5 to 9 are mostly subject to this infection,” Niyazmatov said.

According to the deputy minister, so far no cases of diseases caused by dangerous enterovirus-71, observed recently in some Asian countries, have been registered in Uzbekistan.

At present, state sanitary epidemic control services are taking measures to prevent the infectious diseases. The main targets of this control are children’s, educational and medical institutions, public transport, crowded places, including markets, as well as food and trade companies.

Sanitary checkpoints work round the clock at the railway and bus stations, airports and border-crossing points. The doctors examine the health of citizens entering the country, the quality of foodstuffs and epidemiological safety of other products.

Control over observance of food safety requirements has been strengthened at children’s and medical establishments, including kindergartens, schools, and now summer camps. Sanitary doctors operate in direct contact with primary healthcare facilities – polyclinics and rural medical points, Bahtiyar Niyazmatov said.
 

The councils of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan adopted a joint resolution on 3 July 2008 “On measures to enhance the support of non-governmental non-commercial organizations and other institutions of civil society”, UzA reported.

Currently, there are more than 5,000 NGOs in Uzbekistan operating in different spheres, including economics, culture, humanitarian and social spheres. Public Youth Movement “Kamolot”, Women’s Committee, “Mahalla” and “Nuroniy” foundations, as well as the National Electronic Media Association, the Public Fund for Independent Print Media and News Agencies Support are among the institutions that enjoy a broad public support.

Uzbekistan has a thoroughly developed legal and regulatory framework providing free development of NGOs. Laws “On public funds”, “On charity activities”, “On public associations”, “On strengthening the role of political parties in the renewal and democratization of state governance and modernization of the country”, “On mass media”, as well as a number of decrees of the President and the government were issued.

The Law “On guarantees of activity of non-governmental non-commercial organizations” established a system of legal, economic, organizational and technical measures to support the activities of the NGOs.

At the present stage of political reform, public support for NGOs and other civil society institutions is an important prerequisite to ensure their real independence. Only free and independent NGOs, which have sufficient financial resources, can fulfill their tasks effectively.

In this regard, the joint resolution of the two chambers of the parliament of Uzbekistan is another important step towards ensuring a coherent independent development of NGOs and civil society institutions, as well as strengthening their role in the process of democratic renewal of the country.

The resolution establishes an independent system of forming the sources of financing the activities of NGOs and other civil society institutions.

From now on, issues related to definition, distribution and monitoring of the use of funds from the state budget to support the activities of NGOs are transferred from the executive authorities, including the Ministry of Finance and the Cabinet of Ministers, to the country’s highest legislative body – the Oliy Majlis (parliament).

To implement these functions, the Oliy Majlis is setting up a Public Fund to support NGOs and other civil society institutions. The fund’s money will be managed by a specially created Parliamentary Commission consisting of deputies of the Legislative Chamber, members of the Senate, as well as experts from relevant ministries and departments, representatives of NGOs and the media.

The activities of the Public Fund and the Parliamentary Commission is set to be based on the highest democratic requirements, principles of transparency, accessibility and objectivity.

The fund will allocate funds directly to NGOs based on their applications and the decision of the Parliamentary Commission, without the participation of intermediate bodies.

The volume of funds allocated to NGOs will be defined by the Oliy Majlis on the proposal of the Parliamentary Commission during the discussion and adoption of the state budget. The reports on the use of the allocated funds will be discussed in the same way.

The fund will publish annual activity reports in the media, which should include information on how NGOs and other civil society institutions used the issued funds.

The Joint Resolution clearly defines the goals that the social and public projects proposed by NGOs should address. These are specific socio-economic issues of the country’s regions, increasing the social activity of the citizens and strengthening the material base of NGOs and other institutions of civil society.
 

The International Cinema Forum “Golden Knight” ended in Moscow. The main goal of the festival was to revive the universal cultural values and consolidate interethnic unity and accord.

The Uzbek feature films as the “Horseman” directed by Khamidulla Khasanov and cartoon films as “Two neighbors and melon” by Aziz Mukhamedov, as well as “Bludgeon” by Sergey Chufarnov participated at the contest, ‘Pravda Vostoka’ newspaper reported.

The documentary film “Tashkent – the capital of Islamic culture”, shot last year, was demonstrated in the “Religions. The 21st century” section.

The film “The 18th quarter” directed by Jakhangir Kasymov went on the “World cinematographers against terrorism” special program. That motion picture secured the special prize of the Russia’s antiterrorist committee.

At the first International Cinema Festival “Noah's Ark” held in the town of Gudermes of the Chechen Republic Bakhadyr Yuldashev earned the award in “The best camera work” nomination for his film “Shima” (‘Island’), according to the report.
 

As has earlier been reported, on June 27-28 the Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan held its plenary session. In sum, the session considered fifteen issues, including the seven laws, previously passed by lower chamber - the Legilative Chamber of Oliy Majlis (Parliament), ‘Jahon’ Agency reported.

As soon as the institution of bicameral parliament has been established in Uzbekistan consisting of both lower and upper chambers the latter, along with other powers, was delegated with those as to appoint heads of Uzbek diplomatic missions abroad.

Thus, the June 27-28-session in Tashkent, as a part of its agenda, has resulted in signing by the Chairman of Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ilgizar Sabirov of several resolutions that legally empower the Uzbek envoys to officially embark on their missions once they step on the foreign soil.

The Sabirov-signed document has resolved to appoint Minovarov Shoazim Shoislamovich an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Prior to appointment Mr. Minovarov served as the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The text of the resolution has been dated as June 28, 2008.

In keeping with yet another document inked by the Senate head dated as same as with another appointee cited above – June 28, 2008 – Jamalov Shovkat Kabuljanovich has been appointed an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of Indonesia.

Earlier Ambassador Sh.Jamalov served at the Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Bangkok.
 

Uzbek scholars now carry out considerable research work to comprehensively study the rich history of Tashkent and its role in the development of civilization.

The new discoveries and sources are the testimony to the fact that the culture of the Uzbek capital was well-known as far back as from the ancient times, UzA reported.

That was particularly emphasized at the scientific and practical conference “History of Tashkent in the written and archeological sources”. Institute of History at the Academy of Sciences organized the event in the framework of the Republican scientific seminar “History of the Uzbek people and its statehood”.

The participants of the conference said that Uzbekistan attracts the attention of world community as one of the ancient cradles of civilization. Historical venues, especially Tashkent, plays profound role in it.

In line with the Resolution of President of Uzbekistan on preparing and holding the 2200th anniversary of the city of Tashkent of April 2 this year, the jubilee of the city will be festively celebrated in 2009. These days the nation is actively preparing to commemorate this landmark date.

The delegates to the conference also exchanged views on the outcomes of scientific research held in this direction, on the objectives to study the culture of cities and town-planning, as well as the new directions of works.

As a part of the conference the presentation of the project on developing the tourism in Tashkent worked out by the Institute of History jointly with the Uzbekturizm National Company was held, according to the report.
 

The International Music Festival was once again marked in Uzbekistan this year, ‘Pravda Vostoka’ newspaper reported.

By tradition this day the musicians give free concerts. Since 2001 Tashkent has been hosting its celebration. This year the holiday moved on to Bukhara. The festival was held at the local caravansary on the support of Victor Hugo French Cultural Center.

The Bukhara groups Benom, Alikhan, Shaydo, Ulmas, Giyokh, Nur and singer Akmal Nasyrov, as well as one of the leading violoncello players of Europe François Salik, the 30-year-old lecturer at the Higher National Conservatory of Paris, winner of international contests in Lausanne, Geneva, Munich and P.I. Tchaikovsky contest in Moscow performed at the concert.
 

The INSA Art Center in Seoul launched the photography exhibition ‘Salom, Uzbekistan’ (‘Hello, Uzbekistan’). The non-government organization Institute of Visual Projects jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea organized the event. ‘Jahon’ agency reported.

Over 150 works of Korean photographers who visited Uzbekistan in various periods of time and pictured what they have seen were displayed at the exhibition.

At the opening ceremony of the exhibition the Director of Institute of Visual Projects Ham Cheol said that for the first time he visited Uzbekistan in 1996.

“At that very time I learned about the history of Koreans who upon the will of fate found themselves on the Uzbek soil. I was deeply touched with the hospitality, kindness and generosity of the Uzbek people which embraced my fellow countrymen. Such particular feeling of gratitude made me to do the utmost to return even a small part of debt for the love and warmth of manifested by the Uzbek people”, he said.

Thus, the group of Institute’s photographers initiated the project on launching the photo exhibition the goal of which is to make the South Korean public know about the lifestyle and culture of the peoples that live in Uzbekistan, as well as architectural and historical wealth of the country.

Organizers and participants of the exhibition hoped that holding of photo exhibition would promote further consolidation of friendship, cooperation and development of dialogue between the Uzbek and Korean people. According to the Ham Cheol, the Institute plans to continue this project in the days to come.
 

Vice chairman of Vietnam National Assembly (parliament) Wang Tiu Liu held talks with Uzbekistan justice minister R.Muhiddinov on 1 July, UzA reported.

The sides considered relations in the legislation and law-enforcement areas, as well as cooperation between the justice bodies of the two countries.

On the same day, the Vietnam delegation visited the Foreign ministry, the National university and the Temurids history museum.

The head of the Vietnam delegation noted that his country was interested in further strengthening of the cooperation with Uzbekistan in the fields of science, education and other spheres.
 

Deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of Uzbekistan continued consideration of the issues on the regular session agenda on 1 July. Chamber speaker Dilorom Tashmuhamedova chaired the session, UzA reported.

The chamber adopted the Law on rescue service and status of rescuers in the second reading and entrusted the responsible committee with introducing changes in the document for its consideration in the third reading.

The Committee for budget and economic reforms presented the draft law on introducing changes and addenda in the Law on estimation activities.

The document proposes improvement of the articles related to obligatory requirements to the estimation services agreement, as well as the rights and duties of the estimation organizations.

Taking into consideration the proposals made during the discussion of the draft law, the Legislative Chamber approved its concept and adopted it in the first reading.
 

The Senate of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of Uzbekistan held its 14th plenary session on 27-28 June in Tashkent, UzA reported. The members of the parliament’s upper chamber considered a package of laws adopted by the Legislative Chamber, as well as other issues.

The senators approved the Law on Uzbekistan’s accession to the UN Convention against corruption (New York, 31 October 2003). The document envisages a number of measures to fight corruption, including international cooperation in this area.

The UN Convention against Corruption is a universal international legal instruments aimed at preventing and combating corruption, at both national and international levels. The objectives of the Convention are to promote and strengthen measures aimed at effectively preventing and combating corruption and encouraging international cooperation and technical assistance in this area.

The Law on ratification of the Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against transnational organized crime (New York, 15 November 2000) was also approved.

The protocol envisages implementation by the participating state of complex activities to combat trafficking in persons (preventing trafficking, assisting the victims, prosecution of traffickers, cooperation with other participating nations), as well as improvement of the national mechanisms in this regard.

The accession to the protocol will help to further improve the system of protection of human rights and freedoms, provide legal and other assistance to victims of trafficking, adopt additional measures for their rehabilitation and social protection and develop international cooperation in this field.

The senators approved amendments to the Law on social protection of the disabled. The document is a continuation of the systematic and comprehensive measures to protect the interests of people with disabilities. The main purpose of the changes in the law is to improve the protection of the disabled, expand their rights and guarantees to working, modern living and medical conditions, as well as develop norms and legal mechanisms in accordance with international requirements.

The laws on development of the securities market, improvement of the system of legal protection of inventions and industrial samples, as well as implementation of the ICAO standards in the national legislation were also considered at the plenary session.

The members of the Senate considered introducing changes in the structure of the Supreme Court and the Higher Economic Court, as well as appointment of the new ambassadors to Egypt and Indonesia.

A total of 15 issues were considered at the Senate session, including 7 laws.
 

Vice chairman of Vietnam National Assembly (parliament) Wang Tiu Liu met Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) of Uzbekistan Dilorom Tashmuhamedova on 30 June in Tashkent, UzA reported.

The sides discussed the state of cooperation between the higher legislative bodies of Uzbekistan and Vietnam. They expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between the two countries in various areas.

“We are interested in further development of mutually beneficial cooperation with Uzbekistan,” Wang Tiu Liu said.

On the same day, the members of the Vietnamese delegation met vice chairman of the Constitutional Court of Uzbekistan Bahtiyor Mirboboyev and held talks at the General Prosecutor’s Office.

Wang Tiu Liu gave a high evaluation to the wide-scale reforms in Uzbekistan on the way to ensure the rule of law and social justice, as well as protection of human rights.
 

Construction of the Uzbekistan-China gas pipeline started on 30 June near the Sayot village of Jondor district of Bukhara region, UzA reported.

Uzbekistan and China signed the agreement on the principles of construction and exploitation of the pipeline in April 2007 during the visit of the chairman of the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Ma Kai to Tashkent.

To coordinate the design, construction and exploitation of the gas pipeline on the territory of Uzbekistan, an Uzbek-Chinese joint venture Asia Trans Gas was set up.

Vice Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Ergash Shoismatov, vice chairman of the NDRC and head of China’s National Energy Bureau Zhang Gobao, as well as vice president of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Liao Yongyuan participated in the construction launch ceremony.

The project worth a total of over USD 2 billion, stipulates construction of two 500-km-long lines. The first one will be commissioned in December 2009, while the second one in 2011.