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EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

                                              LATEST NEWS : July 2011                     ARCHIVES

The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan held its regular session on 27 July and approved a number of laws. The law on introducing changes in the law on railway transport is aimed at ensuring safety of railway transportations. It envisages improvement of the national security system on railway transport objects, including measures to prevent emergency situations that may cause threat to the lives and health of the people, public security and stability.

The law on holding in custody during the process on the criminal case is aimed at protecting the rights and freedoms of the people in custody, and bringing the national legislation in compliance with international standards. Another law envisages introducing changes in various legislative acts in connection with adoption of the new law.

The Legislative Chamber also approved amendments to the law on licensing separate types of activities, which aims at improving the efficiency of the licensing procedures.

Another law introduces changes in several legislative acts in connection with reduction of checks of the activity of entrepreneurship subjects. The changes, in particular, cover laws on farms, on state control of economic entities’ activities, on guarantees of freedom of entrepreneurship, on private enterprise and the Tax Code.

The lower house of the parliament also approved a number of draft laws in the first reading. Among them is a draft laws on exchange of credit information, on competition, and on improvement of microfinancing sector.
 

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One year has been left for the most prestigious event of the 2012 sport season, which is the 30th Summer Olympic Games in London. The Ministry of Culture and Sports, the National Olympic Committee, the UK Embassy, the Sports Wrestling Association and the Judo Federation held events in Tashkent devoted to the upcoming Games. The participation of Uzbekistan in the Olympic Games as an independent team started in 1996 in Atlanta, USA. At the games in Atlanta, Sydney, Athens and Beijing, the Uzbek athletes won 4 gold, 5 silver and 8 bronze medals.

In January 2009, President of Uzbekistan signed a resolution on the preparation of the sportsmen of Uzbekistan for participation in the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

All conditions have been created in the country for the thorough preparation of the athletes to the games and increasing their skills and experience.

“The 2011 season is a very important period for our country’s athletes,” head of the Olympic and sports reserve department of the Culture and Sports Ministry Rashid Matkarimov said.

“This year, our athletes will participate in a number of competitions, which give the right for participation in the London Olympics. Among these events are rowing and canoe championship in Hungary, judo and heavy athletics tournaments in France, boxing tournament in Azerbaijan, freestyle and Greek-Roman wrestling championship in Turkey and others.”
 

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The eighth international music festival Sharq taronalari (Oriental Melodies) will be held in August in Samarkand.

The festival has a particular importance in demonstrating the art and culture of Uzbekistan, as well as other countries.

Thanks to satellite broadcasting the event will be available on TV in almost 100 countries.

An international conference on “The role of sources in the study of culture of the Orient” will take place in the framework of the festival.

Numerous exhibitions, fairs, presentations, concerts and meetings are also planned in various districts of Samarkand region.
 

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Governments of Uzbekistan and Japan signed exchange notes on the project “Provision of scholarships for personnel training” on 25 July in Tashkent.

The government of Japan has been supporting the National program for personnel training implemented in Uzbekistan. A number of grants for projects aimed at development of secondary special and professional education, as well as training have been issued.

The collaboration with the Japanese government in education and personnel training has been carried out since 1999.

In accordance with the signed documents, grants amounting to USD 2.6 million will be allocated for training masters students from Uzbekistan at universities of Japan in their chosen specialties.

The documents were signed by the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov and Ambassador of Japan to Uzbekistan Yoshihisa Kuroda.
 

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An exhibition titled “Enterprising businesswomen of independent country” opened at the Exhibition hall of culture and arts of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

The exhibition, devoted to the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan, has been organized by the National NGOs Association jointly with the Women’s Committee, Tashkent city administration, “Tadbirkor va Ishbilarmon Ayollar” association and other organizations.

At the event, products made by female entrepreneurs, home workers and craftswomen of Tashkent city and Tashkent region are demonstrated.

The purpose of the exhibition is to create conditions for exchange of experience of women engaged in small business and entrepreneurship, family business and home work, as well as expand social partnership between the government agencies and community organizations.

One of the youngest participants of the exhibition is Sevara Khudoyberganova, director of a private enterprise Sevara Unique. She graduated from Tashkent professional college of commerce this year.

Her business project was highly evaluated at the Tashkent city stage of the national contest of young entrepreneurs and the contest “My business idea”.

The Sevara Unique company manufactures confectionery and cheese products, as well as national clothes. At present, more than 15 young people are working at the enterprise.

Non-governmental non-commercial organization Opa-singillar (Sisters) operates in Kibray district of Tashkent region. According to the NGO specialist Laylo Kubeyeva, it deals with professional training, improving skills and qualification of people from families in need of social support, especially women and youth, providing them with job on the basis of outworking.

Thanks to this NGO, currently more than 50 women of various age are currently working from home. They produce national and children’s clothes, as well as various household items.
 

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The traditional exhibition of works of artists of Uzbekistan and South Korea opened in Tashkent on Thursday. The opening ceremony of the event, devoted to the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan, gathered artists, foreign diplomats, art scientists and others. Deputy chairman of the Arts Academy Ravshan Mirtajiyev said Uzbekistan was actively developing ties with South Korea in all areas, including arts and culture, science and education.

The representatives of South Korea often take part in various creative projects in Uzbekistan, including art and photo exhibitions, SHarq Taronalari international music festival, Art Week Style.Uz and other events.

The present exhibition demonstrates works of artists of the two states, depicting the beauty of nature, portraits of ordinary people.
 

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Uzbek wrestling kurash has been included in the program of the Asian Games. This was announced at the 30th session of the General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia.

At the press conference titled “Uzbek sport: kurash on the way to the Olympiad” held in Tashkent, president of the International Kurash Association K.Yusupov, minister for culture and sport T.Kuziyev and others participated.

They said kurash was receiving wide development under the leadership of President Islam Karimov, who is the honorary president of the International Kurash Association.

Kurash, with a history of three centuries, reached the new level of development during the eyars of independence of Uzbekistan. On the President’s initiative, Kurash Federation was created in the country. International federations and kurash support and development funds were also set up.

This national sport is today expanding presence in the whole world. Kurash confederations exist in Asia, Europe, America, Africa and Oceania, uniting more than 100 member countries.

In accordance with the OCA decision, kurash has been included in the program of the fourth Asian martial arts games of 2013 in South Korea. Representatives of more than 40 countries will participate in kurash competitions.
 

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In accordance with the State program “Year of small business and private entrepreneurship” a new sewing company was commissioned in Nakkosh village of Shafirkan district.

With financial assistance of Bukhara regional branch of the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of Uzbekistan, the enterprise was equipped with modern sewing machines, and procured a stock of raw materials.

The company specializes in producing children’s clothes. Currently, production is supplied to the domestic market. Future plans of the company include export of products abroad.

The new company employed about 40 young people, mostly graduates of professional colleges. By the end of the year, it is planned to increase the number of employees to 100 people.
 

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At 12.35 am local time on 20 July, an earthquake was registered on the territory of Uzbekistan, with an epicenter 235 km south-east of Tashkent, in the border area of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Its magnitude comprised 7-8 on the Richter scale, according to Tashkent seismic station.

The quake intensity on the MSK scale made up 5 in Tashkent city, as well as Andijan and Ferghana regions, and 4 in Namangan region.

According to the Emergency Ministry of Uzbekistan, the earthquake caused damage to some old houses in Rishtan, Bagdad and Uzbekistan districts of Ferghana region.

As a result, 13 people died, and 86 were provided with emergency medical aid, of which 35 were hospitalized.

In line with the resolution of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, the government is taking timely measures to eliminate the consequences of the emergency situation and provide required help to the affected.

The leadership of the country expressed condolences to the members of the families and the close ones of the victims of the earthquake.
 

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Young researcher of the Alisher Navoi Language and Literature Institute of the Sciences Academy of Uzbekistan Eunkyung Oh arrived in Uzbekistan one year ago. The topic of her research is a comparative analysis of the Uzbek and Korean heroic epos based on dastans Alpomysh and Jumong. 15 years ago Eunkyung Oh read the Alpomysh for the first time and fell in love with the main hero. It was then that she promised herself to visit his motherland and learn the Uzbek people, their traditions and culture better.

Last year, her dream came true. When Eunkyung Oh shared her plans to study the Alpomysh with the Uzbek institute, she received full approval, since the project has a great importance. Her supervisor is Professor Mamatqul Jurayev, head of the Folklore Department.

Thanks to her efforts, Eunkyung Oh learnt the Uzbek language in a short time. Moreover, the scientist is writing her work in the Uzbek language, which, of course, inspires great respect.

“Eunkyung Oh has already prepared several articles for publication in scientific journals,” Professor Jurayev told UzA. “Studying the plot, she finds interesting parallels in these wonderful literature monuments of our peoples. She also has a brilliant knowledge of the modern world folklore.”

On the initiative of President Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan widely celebrated the 1,000th anniversary of creation of Alpomysh in 1998. Huge work was carried out to thoroughly study the dastan and expand the related scientific research. The rich history, beautiful architectural monuments, wonderful dastans and makoms, and, most importantly, talented and generous people of Uzbekistan attract people from allover the world.

At the Language and Literature Institute, this girl is called Nigora. This Oriental name has a deep meaning, and Eunkyung Oh responds to her Uzbek name with a smile.

She is translating Alpomysh into the Korean language and wants this dastan to become the heritage of the Country of the morning freshness, too.
 

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An Uzbek-Swiss agreement on implementation of the project “Development of professional skills in the field of water management in Uzbekistan” was signed in Tashkent.

The document was inked by the first deputy minister of higher and specialized secondary education, director of the Center for specialized professional secondary education Jahongir Ismailov and the ambassador of Switzerland Ann Boti.

The goal of the project is to create a new model of cooperation among the professional colleges and water resources management enterprises in preparation and retraining professionals for the sector.

The three-year project will be implemented in nine colleges in Ferghana, Namangan and Andijan regions. They will become regional centers for training professionals for the water management, supply and canalization systems. Besides, working specialists will be able to raise skills in these colleges.

The signed project is part of the Agreement on technical and financial cooperation and humanitarian assistance signed between Uzbekistan and Switzerland in 2002. The share of the Swiss side in the project is USD 3.4 million.
 

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The joint session of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan was held on 15 July.

The meeting considered the implementation of the Program of measures taken by the government to deepen democratic market reforms and liberalize the economic, as well as realize the State program “Year of small business and private entrepreneurship”. Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev made a report on the topic.

This session was held in the framework of implementation of the Law “On introducing amendments and addenda to certain articles of the Constitution (articles 78, 80, 93, 96 and 98)”. The law was adopted in accordance with the Concept of deepening democratic reforms and formation of civil society in the country, presented by President Islam Karimov in his report at the joint session of chambers of Oliy Majlis in November 2010.

The amendments made to the Constitution give the Oliy Majlis the right to hear reports of the Prime Minister on topical issues of socioeconomic development of the country. The joint meeting of the Legislative Chamber and the Senate, as noted by its participants, was the first step in implementing the provisions of the law, becoming an important factor in improving parliamentary control over the activities of the executive authorities on central and local levels, further development of checks and balances mechanism in the government, and enhancing the role of parliament in democratic socioeconomic reforms.

At the session, it was stressed that the government was conducting consistent work to implement the Concept in regard to deepening democratic reforms and economic liberalization. In particular, in the first half of 2011 draft laws “On exchange of credit information”, “On competition” and “On licensing procedures in the field of entrepreneurship” and others were developed and submitted to the parliament. They all address the tasks posed in the Concept to democratize the system of management, eliminate unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurial activity, improve the antitrust laws, promote the active participation of the banking and financial systems in the investment process, and further the country’s progress towards a free market economy.

As a result of implementing the State program “Year of small business and private entrepreneurship”, approved by the President, and other acts of legislation, only in the first half of 2011 more than 22,8000 small business entities were registered. Subjects of small business and private entrepreneurship created 331,200 new jobs. The industrial production volume of small businesses increased by 20.4 percent, while exports and sales of own products through exchanges grew 1.5 times.

In the first half of 2011, the volume of lending by commercial banks of the real sector increased by 38 percent, including small businesses and entrepreneurial – 1.5 times. Only in the second quarter of this year, the amount of government purchases from small businesses made up UZS 44.6 billion, or 89 percent of the total purchases carried out via electronic trading.

At the same time, during an open dialogue and constructive exchange of views, the senators and deputies made a number of comments and suggestions to further improve the efficiency of work of the government and the state management bodies, aimed at solving the tasks of deepening market reforms and developing small businesses and private entrepreneurship.

The members of the parliament highlighted the importance of full implementation of resolutions of the President to reduce checks of the business entities, improve the control over the work of the small business, prevent unlawful interference in their activities, simplify the process of organization and conduction of entrepreneurial activity, increase the participation of small businesses in public procurement and their access to highly liquid products.

They highlighted the need to continue the work to increase the consumer demand in the country as an important factor in ensuring stable economic growth, turning the small business into the main source of income and improvement of living standards, as well as implement the measures foreseen by the Anti-crisis program, deepening social partnership with civil society institutes in realizing the state programs of socioeconomic development in the regions.

A particular attention was drawn to the need to strengthen the government’s achievement of forecast parameters job creation and employment for 2011, and employment of graduates of professional colleges in accordance with their specialties.

The session participants also stressed the need to improve the legislative, control and analytical activities of the parliament’s chambers, their role in ensuring the rule of law, improving law using practice in government operations on central and local levels as the most important condition for realization of socioeconomic reforms.

Following the discussion of the government’s report, a joint decree of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis was passed, which identified a set of measures aimed at fulfillment of the tasks to deepen the democratic market reforms and economic liberalization, as well as provisions of the State program “Year of small business and private entrepreneurship”.
 

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Excellency, Dear President Karimov,

I write to express my profound gratitude for the support of your Government and your congratulatory letter following the renewal of my mandate as Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Upon taking office nearly five years ago, I pledged to serve the Member States with all of my heart and to the best of my abilities. I promised to lead by example and listen attentively to your concerns. I declared myself full of hope for the future – an optimist who, with your support, would seek to deliver more and better for the people throughout the world who turn to the United Nations for life-saving and life-enhancing help.

These beliefs and commitments have guided me ever since. I assure you they will continue to inspire and underpin my second term.

It has been an immense privilege to serve as Secretary-General of this great Organization, and to lead such a courageous and dedicated staff. We have worked closely together to achieve progress on critical global issues of peace and security, development and human rights. We have shown that good things can happen when we stand shoulder-to-shoulder, united in common cause for the global good. I am proud of all we have done together, even as I am aware of the formidable challenges ahead.

I am eager to deepen our partnership, and determined to build a strong and effective instrument of service to humankind, all while upholding the principles enshrined m the Charter. As I said at the start of my term and believe all the more passionately today, the United Nations – our United Nations – is needed now more than ever before.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

With deepest thanks for your strong support.

I wish You continued good health and success.

Ban Ki-moon,
Secretary-General of the United Nations
 

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Justin Yifu Lin, World Bank Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics, made an official visit to Uzbekistan on 7-10 July.

During the visit, he held talks at a number of ministries and departments of Uzbekistan and familiarized himself with the work of the industrial enterprises.

The World Bank is among the leading financial institutions providing assistance to Uzbekistan in implementing reforms and economic development. Uzbekistan became the member of the bank in 1992. The same year the WB opened its office in Tashkent.

The cooperation between Uzbekistan and the World Bank is focused on projects in economy and finance, agriculture, healthcare, education, environment and others.

“The main goal of my visit was to get acquainted with the structural transformations in your country, as well as measures to ensure stable economic growth,” Justin Yifu Lin told journalists at the completion of his visit.

“During the years of independence, Uzbekistan has achieved huge success in the economic development. Despite the global economic crisis, the country has managed to ensure high economic growth, with the annual GDP increase over the past fie years at 8-9%.

“These achievements of Uzbekistan have been made possible thanks to a wise policy. I believe the country has the potential to reach the level of the highly developed industrial states in the nearest years,” the World Bank’s Chief Economist said.

During the visit, the World Bank delegation got acquainted with the activity of the industrial enterprises in Navoi and Samarkand region, as well as the city of Tashkent.

“We visited Samarkand and Navoi regions and got acquainted with the pace of economic reforms there, achievements in the industrial sector and the rich cultural heritage of the Uzbek people,” Justin Yifu Lin said.

“We were greatly impressed by the abundance in the markets, conditions for foreign investors and the entrepreneurship of your people. The programs implemented in Uzbekistan to modernize and diversify production are giving positive results.”

The World Bank delegation visited Navoi free industrial and economic zone, which is located in the heart of Central Asia. Favorable conditions and incentives for business are attracting foreign investors. There is no doubt the Navoi zone will make a huge contribution to the development of economy of Uzbekistan.

Justin Yifu Lin noted that the General Motors Powertrain Uzbekistan joint venture, which is currently being built in Tashkent region and is expected to be launched late this year, will become the only plant in the region producing automobile engines.

One of the important factors of Uzbekistan’s achievements is the huge scientific and intellectual potential of the people. The country’s openness in education also deserves praise, the World Bank official said.

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President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed an order on 11 July on awarding the members of the juniors football team (U-17) who participated in the world cup in Mexico.

All members of the team, including the head of the delegation and the coaches, will receive a commemorative sign “O`zbekiston Respublikasi mustaqilligiga 20 yil” (20 years of independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan).

The awards, according to the order, are being granted for the team’s outstanding performance t the 2011 world cup in Mexico, as well as contributing to the increasing of the country’s image on the international arena and demonstrating the brightest qualities of the harmoniously developed generation that is being brought up in Uzbekistan.

Apart from the commemorative signs, the head of the state awarded the head coach Alexei Yevstafeyev and the senior coach Ahmadjon Musayev with Lacetti cars, and 13 players with Spark cars.
 

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Junior football team (U-17) of Uzbekistan, which became one of the eight strongest teams at the World Cup in Mexico, returned to Tashkent on 8 July. The solemn meeting of the players at the Tashkent International Airport was attended by representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, sports community, media, relatives of juniors and numerous fans. Since Uzbekistan proclaimed independence, huge attention has been paid to the development of sports, including football.

This has resulted in high achievements of Uzbek athletes at numerous national and international competitions. The wide-scale reforms in the country contribute to upbringing of the harmoniously developed generation. For sport is the most efficient means of glorifying the country and demonstrating potential.

Despite the fact that young players of Uzbekistan participated in the World Cup for the first time, they showed a beautiful game, drawing the attention of thousands of professionals and fans with their discipline and confident victories. It should be noted that only the team of Uzbekistan received the right to play in the quarterfinals of the World Cup among the CIS and Baltic states. At the championship, they defeated teams of the USA, the Czech Republic and Australia, which have strong, and world-recognized football schools.

“The game of our young players at the World Cup was highly evaluated by many specialists,” said the head coach of the team Alexey Yevstafeyev. “They make a worthy present for the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan. Our players were able have shown to the whole world that Uzbekistan grows talented athletes.”

“To protect the honor of the country at the world championship is the dream of every football player,” the team captain Abbosbek Makhsitaliev, who scored three goals against the rivals, said. “We are infinitely glad that were able to play at the World Cup and justify the confidence of the President and our people. Although we could only reach the semi-finals, we could demonstrate the high potential of the Uzbek football to the whole world.”

“I am proud of my son Sardor,” said Sobit Sobirkhodjayev. “With his talent and skills, he reaches high frontiers that we could not even dream of.”

The young Uzbek athletes who have successfully performed at the world championship, made their confident step into the big sport. In the future these players will face new competitions, new serious challenges and reach new victories.
 

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Traditional international boxing tournament started in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol.

More than 100 boxers from Uzbekistan, Russia, Moldova, South Korea, Sweden, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are participating in it along with the hosts.

Four of Uzbek boxers who fought in the beginning of the tournament reached the next stage. The captain of the national team, winner of the Asian Games Elshod Rasulov defeated Ukrainian Viktor Nefedov with a score of 16:4. Two-time world champion Abbos Atoyev won over Russian Timur Kerefov.

Young boxer Fazliddin Goibnazarov defeated Ukrainian Oleg Tombovtsev with 9:4, and the Asian champion Sanjarbek Rahmonov with 13:6 defeated another representative of Ukraine Alexander Grechikha.
 

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The final stage of the competition “The most active outworker” was held in Fergana region.

The contest, organized in cooperation with the regional association of trade unions, women’s committee and the Department of Labor and Social Welfare, was attended by 18 female outworkers, who won in city and district stages.

In Uzbekistan, particular attention is paid to participation of women in society and their employment. The practical results in this direction contribute to development of work from home.

Decree of President Islam Karimov “On measures to stimulate the expansion of cooperation between large industrial enterprises and production services on the basis of work at home” dated 5 January of 2006 is an important legal basis for ongoing work in this direction.

Today, more than 12 thousand women are employed as outworkers at over 100 large and small industrial enterprises and private firms. Over the past six months of 2011, small business and entrepreneurship created 4,500 new jobs in this area, of which 70% are women. Under orders of businesses, they make a variety of components and semi-finished products at home.

Each year, the importance of the competition “The most active outworker” conducted with the aim of social protection and promotion of domestic workers, is increasinng. The success of working from home for enterprises is shared and conditions for the workers of this form of labor are discussed at the competition.

“Under the leadership of President Islam Karimov a great attention is given to women to realize their abilities and potential,” said the head of the regional Department of Labor and Social Welfare Faizullo Kasimov. “The work held in this direction motivates our women who seek to benefit both family and society.”

At the contest participants spoke about the basics of home work, its role in raising household incomes. They have demonstrated their knowledge of the legal aspects of entrepreneurship, as well as the benefits granted to women outworkers. An exhibition of products was organized within the contest.

Outworker of Fergana oil refinary Mahliyo Umarova was recognized as the winner of the competition.
 

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President Islam Karimov on July 5 at the Oqsaroy received credentials of newly appointed Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in the Republic of Uzbekistan – Jiang Xiao of the People’s Republic of China, George Krol of the United States of America, Le Mang Luan of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and Anvarbek Mokeev of Kyrgyz Republic.

Accepting credentials, the head of Uzbek state cordially greeted the chiefs of diplomatic missions, congratulated every one of them with the start of honorable and yet responsibility-intensive undertakings in Uzbekistan and wished success in their posts.

During the conversation with PRC’s Ambassador it has been stressed that the Uzbek President’s April 2011 state visit to China afforded a remarkable impetus to the bilateral cooperation, an event that brought about a new essence to the Agreement on Partnership Relations of Friendship and Cooperation signed six years before.

Uzbekistan considers China a reliable, time-tested partner whose dynamic and sustainable development has generated high respect and acknowledgement. The People’s Republic is one of Uzbekistan’s principal trade partners. The volume of bilateral turnover has grown nearly fourfold in the last five years to reach practically 2.1 billion US dollars in 2010.

The two sides have attached enormous significance to advancing interaction within Shanghai Cooperation Organization, an establishment developing today into a solid factor of regional and international security and stability.

Ambassador Jiang Xiao underscored China’s interest in intensifying its interaction with Uzbekistan in the longer run. He pointed to his willingness, while on the current diplomatic mission, to make a meaningful input into materializing that goal.

Dynamic consolidation of bilateral bonds and buildup of contacts at various levels has been evident currently between Uzbekistan and the United States.

Reinforcement of comprehensive cooperation has been served by annual political consultations whose format provides with a good opportunity to discuss the present state of bilateral relations in a businesslike atmosphere and exchange views on the extensive range of international and regional issues. Second round of political consultations that took place in Tashkent February 2011 and the business forum attended by a number of leading American companies yielded tangible effects, namely, an action plan to promote closer interaction in diverse fields for joint implementation this year.

Material illustrations of productive economic and investment cooperation have included the thriving interaction with General Motors in automotive industry. One of the major cooperative schemes has been the joint venture GM Powertrain Uzbekistan to manufacture 225 thousand modern engines a year, anticipated to be commissioned by the end of year. An enthusiastic dialogue underway currently with chief US corporations Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, General Electric and the likes to attract cutting-edge technologies and direct investments to Uzbekistan.

Ambassador George Krol referred to enhancement of mutually advantageous relations as the foremost objective of his diplomatic mission in Uzbekistan.

The geographic remoteness of Uzbekistan and Vietnam hardly impedes development of bilateral interaction. Vietnam, its growing capacities and potential, diligence of the Vietnamese people and their advanced strides in socio-economic development are well known in Uzbekistan.

A crucial element binding the two peoples together is that more than three thousand Vietnamese graduated from higher education institutions of Uzbekistan and associate the Uzbek land with kind feelings.

Given the dynamic development displayed by the two countries’ economies – the global financial downturn notwithstanding – promising prospects of Uzbek-Vietnamese trade, economic and investment cooperation can leave little doubt. In particular, PetroVietnam’s launch of investment activities to attract latest and unique technologies for geological prospecting in Ustyurt region is welcomed in Uzbekistan.

In his turn, Ambassador Le Mang Luan confirmed his willingness to make the best of his efforts to promote and consolidate Vietnamese-Uzbek relations of friendship and shared gain.

Uzbekistan has been tied to Kyrgyzstan with ages-old bonds of friendship and neighborliness. The historical, linguistic and cultural closeness have helped our peoples uphold multifaceted relations and mutually advantageous cooperation.

The two nations established close and equal relations right in the wake of independence, and the present-day interaction has covered bilateral format as much as that in the framework of international institutions like the CIS, SCO, UN and other organizations.

Ambassador Anvarbek Mokeev has assured of his enthusiasm to cash in his knowledge and experience as a history scholar and diplomat to further multi-dimensional Kyrgyz-Uzbek relations built on longer-term interests of the two countries and the ages-old wisdom of the two peoples.
 

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The Uzbekistan Culture Days will be held in China from 6 to 11 July with participation of the famous artists, musicians and dancers of Uzbekistan.

The Uzbekistan Culture Days will be held in two cities – Beijing and Sian. They include events reflecting rich cultural, historical and spiritual heritage of Uzbekistan. A large program of national music and singing art will be presented.

Famous singers like Munojot Yulchiyeva, Zulayho Boykhonova, Giyos Boytoyev, Gaful and Gulom Eshchanovs and others will participate in the days.

Cultural and humanitarian ties occupy an important place in the bilateral relations of Uzbekistan and China. They contribute to better understanding of each other and strengthen mutual trust and friendship.

The representatives of China have since 1997 participated in the Sharq Taronalari (Oriental Melodies) international music festival held in Samarkand every two years.

The Uzbekistan Culture Days will serve to further expansion of cultural ties between the people of Uzbekistan and China.
 

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On the eve of the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan, UzA correspondent talked to the Charge d`Affaires of the Republic of India Muraleedhar Babu.

– Mr Muraleedhar Babu, what are the current status and perspectives of ties between Uzbekistan and India? Would you tell us about the ongoing joint project?

– India has very close and friendly relations with Uzbekistan. These relations based on deep historical and cultural ties are growing stronger and stronger with passage of time. Both India and Uzbekistan have similar views on bilateral, regional and global issues and are committed to work together for economic development of the countries and promotion of international peace. The relations between the countries are developing on a consistent and practical partnership which aims at producing the best results in achieving prosperity of the people of the two countries while working towards global peace and stability. There has been regular exchange of high level visits between India and Uzbekistan. Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh visited Uzbekistan in April 2006, and in May 2011 President of Uzbekistan Mr Islam Karimov visited India. During the recent visit to India of the head of Uzbekistan, many important agreements relating to cooperation between our states were sighed.

Uzbekistan exports to India cotton, leather, foodstuffs, construction materials, non-ferrous metals and a range of services, and imports from India pharmaceuticals, mechanical and electronic equipment, foodstuffs and plastic products. In 2010 trade between the two countries amounted to USD 150 million. There are about 60 joint ventures organized with participation of Indian investments in Uzbekistan, mainly in the sectors of textiles, pharmaceuticals, food processing, vehicle spare parts, tourism, agriculture, construction, trade and services.

– Given the proximity, traditions and values of our people, what can you say about the cultural links between the two countries?

– Cultural relations between India and Uzbekistan are age-old. Cultural interaction between the two countries was made possible by the Silk Route which dates back to 100 B.C. Spread of Buddhism in the earlier times and Islam and Sufism later between India and Central Asia, of which Uzbekistan is a part, was aided by the Silk Route. Cultural and linguistic affinities between India and Uzbekistan have only grown stronger with the passage of time. There are a number of common words in spoken Hindi and Uzbek languages. Indian music, dance, cinema and Yoga are very popular in Uzbekistan. Hindi is taught in a number of schools and Universities in Uzbekistan.

An Indian Cultural Centre under the Indian Embassy was opened in Tashkent in 1995. In 2005 this centre was named Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture. One of the main objectives of the centre is to promote cultural interaction between the people of Uzbekistan and India. The centre organizes several programmes to help popularization of Indian culture, music and dance. The centre also imparts training in Yoga. At present there are two full-time Indian teachers in the centre for teaching Yoga and Kathak, which is a popular Indian classical dance. In addition to these, the centre also conducts classes in Hindi language.

Uzbek and Indian artists regularly take part in a number of festivals and exhibitions organized in both countries. Indian musicians and singers have been participating in the international music festival Sharq Taronalari held in Samarkand every year. Last year an Uzbek musical and dance troupe participated in the Saurajkand Mela in Haryana, India.

– How do you assess the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan in the years of independence for the country`s development and further enhancing the welfare of the people, and their results?

– Through consistent socioeconomic reforms carried out after its independence in 1991, Uzbekistan has been able to achieve remarkable success in proving a high quality of life to its citizens. Success achieved by the country in the fields of health, education, sports, culture and in infrastructure development is commendable. Uzbekistan is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Its GDP has been able to grow at the of 8-9% during the recent years when many countries in the world were hit by economic recession.

– How do you evaluate the initiative of the President Islam Karimov to strengthen peace, stability and security in Central Asia?

– Uzbekistan is one of the most important and influential states of Central Asia. True to its leading position, it has taken a lot of efforts in maintaining stability, peace and security in Central Asia. Uzbekistan`s fight against terrorism and religious fundamentalism is a story of success and its leadership under President Islam Karimov deserves much appreciation in this regard. I believe that continuation of these efforts will contribute for maintaining stability and peace in the region.

Taking this opportunity, I congratulate the government and people of Uzbekistan on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan and wish for happiness, peace and prosperity to the nation.

www.uza.uz 

The well-known Russian socio-political newspaper “Federalnaya gazeta” published an article by the editor Zulfiya Bonoeva headlined “Rogun project - a catastrophe for Central Asia”.

The author raises outstanding issues of current agenda – the use of water, construction of large hydropower facilities on transboundary rivers and their destructive impact on the ecosystem of the region.

The article notes that in recent years there have been occurring many natural cataclysms. This is evidenced by global climate change, natural and manmade disasters on a largest ever scale, and, as a result, many human casualties.

In this context, the author notes that the construction of a giant dam - the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) - on the river Vakhsh, can lead to a terrible catastrophe for the entire Central Asian region and threaten the lives of 50 million of its inhabitants.

The article offers the information communicated by the academician, honorary director of the Institute of Seismology of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan Mr Sabit Negmatullaev. He notes that on the territory of Tajikistan the earthquakes with magnitude of about 9 points were recorded in 1907 in Karatag, in 1911 in Pamir and in 1949 in Hait. These earthquakes were equivalent in strength to the Japanese earthquake of March this year. The academician predicts that over the next ten years we should expect strong underground fluctuations in the Pamir-Hindu Kush mountain site.

“In the event of a major earthquake, like the Japanese, a sharp increase in pressure will occur on the dam with over 335 meters height caused by movable bases and the enormous pressure of the water column. It is clear that the dam can not withstand such combination of load, and while collapsing, it will trigger a real tsunami.

The breakthrough of the dam will lead to a hitherto unknown disaster for Central Asia and, above all, for Tajikistan itself... As a result, all the remaining hydrosystems of the Vakhsh cascade will be destroyed, dozens of towns and villages will be flooded in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan”, the article says.

The Russian newspaper writes that in the case of destruction of the dam of the Rogun HPP, the wave, which would rush down the Vakhsh stream, will be at least 100 meters high and by its destructive power will exceed the Japanese tsunami many times.

The article quotes the opinion of Pierre-Emmanuel Tomman, a renowned expert, professor of the Paris Institute of Geopolitics, who has underlined that yearning to implement the utopian hydropower projects in Central Asia linked in particular with the construction of huge hydropower structures on transboundary rivers, is crude in terms of consequences they may lead.

In particular, P-E.Tomman noted that “the intention of Tajikistan to implement the construction of the Rogun HPP is extremely risky by nature”. He has urged everyone, who is set to implement similar projects, to listen to the voice of reason and address all the issues based on generally accepted norms and principles of international law.

The author stresses that the construction of the Rogun HPP not only poses a huge risk and danger of manmade disaster, but also can have a detrimental effect on the glaciers, which feed the river Vakhsh since the ancient times. In 1958 the “patriarch” of the Central Asian hydrology Vladimir Schulz warned that because of the rise of humidity the temperature in the mountains will invariably rise, which will lead to melting of glaciers.

In conclusion the article notes that according to leading experts in the field of hydropower problems the issues of generating energy could be well resolved through construction of small hydropower plants, which do not alter the river beds, while the cost and construction time are more economically attractive.