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EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

EXPLORE UZBEKISTAN

                                              LATEST NEWS : March 2010                             ARCHIVES

The Exhibition Hall of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan in Tashkent is reported to have been hosting the traditional exposition of photographic works, according to the Uzbekistan National News Agency.

Such creative project launched in the framework of the “Year of harmonious development” State program is being hosted along with cooperation with Ministry for Culture and Sports, Republican Scientific and Methodical Center for People’s Art and Cultural-Enlightenment Work and News Center, Academy of Arts, “Oltin Meros” and “Makhalla” funds, as well as the “Kamolot” Public Youth Movement, according to the news agency.

The exhibition presents over 150 works of winners of Karakalpakstan-held, regional and Tashkent city exhibitions devoted to ensuring rights and interests of youth in Uzbekistan, creating conditions for education of young men and women, according to the report.

Also, the pictures reflect life and activity of talented youth known to have secured certain successes in the sphere of education, culture, arts and sports.

With the photography exhibition being over its organizers are expected to award authors of works that succeeded to artistically reflect the life of the Uzbek youth, the report added.
 

www.jahonnews.uz   
 

Uzbekistan pays a special attention to protecting population and territories from emergency situations of anthropogenic nature, natural calamities, and particularly, protecting from torrents and landslides, the report by the Uzbekistan National News Agency said March 30.

Those who have spoken at the news conference held at the Ministry for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan said that at the moment a particular work has been underway in terms of implementing the certain decrees and resolutions by President in this direction, as well as coordinating the concerted reaction of state structures during emergencies.

According to the news conference, the banks of rivers and lakes prompt to allow floods have been reinforced with the state of throughput capacity of torrent flows and landslides to have also been examined.

Also, the awareness work is being held among population in terms of telling them about the rules of reacting given possible emergencies and saving those in need of help. The necessary study and methodical tools were prepared, according to emergency officials.

The policy measures now accomplished in Uzbekistan to ensure safety of people result in curtailing the cases related to emergency situations in the country. The vigilance and watchfulness of people themselves also on rise, the report also said.
 

www.jahonnews.uz  
 

In connection with terrorist acts that took place on March 29 this year in the Moscow subway and led to numerous victims, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov expressed the deep condolences to the President of the Russian Federation Dmitriy Medvedev.

“Accept deep condolences and the words of a sincere sympathy with kith and kin of the fallen”, the telegram sent to the Russian President has read, in particular.
 

www.jahonnews.uz
 

International Business Center in Tashkent hosted a forum of business circles of Uzbekistan and Oman.

As the deputy minister for foreign economic relations, investments and trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan N. Najimov noted, economic cooperation between the two nations has been bolstered by the agreements reached during meetings of leaders. President Islam Karimov’s visit to Oman in October 2009 helped lift the bilateral relations to a new level and created opportunities for further cooperation.

A large number of representatives of major companies from Oman who took part in the forum, underscored the keen interest of business circles of the country in cooperation with Uzbekistan.

“There are tremendous opportunities for the promotion of economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Oman. Uzbekistan has all the necessary conditions for free and active entrepreneurs. This favors stronger trade and economic cooperation. Together with Uzbek partners, we intend to develop and implement a number of mutually beneficial projects,” said executive chairman of OITE-Oman International Trade & Exhibitions, Ahmed Saleh Baabood.

Businesses of Oman received detailed information on the priorities for attracting investment into the economy of our country, fuel and energy complex of Uzbekistan, its potential in the transport communications, automobile, building materials, information technologies, tourism, agriculture, as well as on the conditions and privileges of the free industrial and economic zone in Navoi.

The guests highly appreciated the privatization process ongoing in the country, reforms undertaken for the development and modernization of economy, innovations and transformations implemented for the development of small businesses and entrepreneurship.

On the same day, there was a cooperation exchange with representatives of business circles of Uzbekistan and Oman. The delegation has also visited a number of ministries and agencies, had negotiations on the development of mutual cooperation. Following the visit, delegations of Uzbekistan and Oman signed a package of documents on cooperation in the petroleum and chemical industries.
 

www.ut.uz
 

President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan met with Oman’s Trade and Industry
Minister Maqbul bin Ali bin Sultan, at Oqsaroy on 22 March.

Welcoming the guest, the Head of state said relations between Uzbekistan and Oman have been developing steadily.

President Karimov’s state visit to Oman in October 2009 facilitated to raise the bilateral cooperation to a higher new level, and about twenty documents were signed during that visit.

During the current visit of Oman delegation, a forum of business circles of the two countries will be held, where the sides plan to discuss new projects and investment opportunities. Oman’s business circles have demonstrated enormous interest in Uzbekistan’s Navoi Free Industrial and Economic Zone.

During the meeting at Oqsaroy, Maqbul bin Ali bin Sultan expressed sincere gratitude to President Islam Karimov for the warm welcome and reaffirmed Oman’s interest in boosting the cooperation with Uzbekistan in all areas.

Prospects to consolidate trade, economic and investment cooperation as well as other topics of mutual interest were discussed at the occasion.

www.ut.uz  
 

 

Accompanied by beauty and tenderness, spring has arrived in Uzbekistan, and brought its warmth with festive ornaments. So has Navruz, abundant in fragrant flowers and bright sunshine, merry songs and cheery dances.   It is the period when one takes special delight with brilliant colors of nature and magnificent traditions. People of Uzbekistan celebrate these days the favorite holiday of Navruz. They look forward to it with particular fervor and dedication.

As it was thousands of years ago, Navruz is celebrated today in every family, every home, as the most beloved, joyous, dazzling and beautiful day. It symbolizes Uzbek people’s noble deeds and kindheartedness.

Navruz has lately become one of the brightest and most momentous feasts in the life of these people to be marked by euphoric and elated soul. The breath of new life is genuinely felt in every town and village, up in the mountains, in blossoming gardens of our adored Motherland. The new day has presented the entire country a generous sun, inspired pleasure and jubilant mood.

These days, Uzbekistan’s capital city looks exceptionally gorgeous, as its guests commend. Indeed, the festive decoration of Tashkent’s streets and squares, parks and gardens fascinate the eyes with fresh emerald luxuriance, while the populace - full of bliss - hastens to festival. Major festivities are traditionally set at Alisher Navoi National Park. Majestic, sparkling carnival that spread out there on an enormous stage proved impressive. It was arranged in a subtle and superb program that sought to reflect the entire palette of radiant unique colors from regions as well as the power of young talents.
 

President Islam Karimov delivered a greeting speech at the central festival.   He put thus, “today, in every corner of our amazing Motherland – from Farghona Valley to Surkhon mountains, from infinite plains of Karakalpakstan to generous gardens of Samarkand and emerald landscapes of Tashkent oasis, – old and young are in harmony with nature, breathing the unique spirit and beauty of Navruz.   It is splendid that this wonderful holiday is celebrated by everyone of our compatriots who live in a single and united multinational family on this prosperous land of Uzbekistan in the atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.”   On these brightest days of Navruz, our natives vividly demonstrate such noble features as caring for relatives and close ones, helping the people of age, supporting the ill and the lonely – in one word, brilliant samples of superior humanism.

Since ancient times people have voided quarrels and grudges on Navruz days, replacing conflicts with compassion and mercy, love and understanding, all the qualities we call noble. It is hardly accidental that the United Nations Organization, given the vital importance of this holiday in the development of human civilization, has declared it the International Day of Navruz to be marked from this year on, which makes us feel proud.”
 

Navruz is a season of youth, beauty and perfection. The deaclaration of 2010 as the Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation inspired a feeling of delight; it presented the younger people with a powerful incentive for further cultivation of their potential. Uzbek people have always been inclined to care about the younger generation by doing their best for the posterity’s happier future. During Navruz, the community usually plant trees as a symbol of their children’s happiness.

They say spring sets the tone for the entire year. And the future of nation is defined by conditions created for the young in every sphere. As President Karimov stresses, no matter what goals we aim at, or great deeds we perform, everything is rooted on the dream to grow our children physically and spiritually healthy, to see their happy and prosperous future.

TO NEW DAY WITH NEW ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The values of Navruz, the holiday of a new day are in its traditions. Over centuries they were passing from generation to generation, getting richer and multiplying. Particular traditions of Navruz formed during the years of independence too. It is symbolic that it is celebrated with new achievements every year and the inauguration of new objects is timed to Navruz. For example, in many regions of the country on the edge of Navruz a number of industrial enterprises, social objects, public health and educational establishments, sport complexes are commissioned. More than 120 cultural-living and industrial objects enriched the infrastructure of Andijon; it means that thousands of new jobs are created and it will undoubtedly contribute to the consolidation of economic potential and prosperity of the nation. The opportunities of younger generation are expanded for them to grow physically strong and intellectually rich.
 

In Djamboy district of Samarqand region, Jomboy Javohiri joint venture is put into service that jointly with Turkish partners produces crushed calcite from local raw materials. The output will be distributed to both domestic and foreiugn markets. Residents of Sattarabod settlement of Farg’ona district celebrated Navruz with a special festivities. A new school constructed here on the basis of a modern project. This educational institution has all the conditions for studying on advanced pedagogic methods. It is clear that the upbringing of comprehensively developed generation is raised to the level of the government policy from the first years of independence.   For obtaining the education and learning new skills there are all the necessary conditions created in our country. The national education program and the national school education development program are the basis of grandiose plans with long-term goals.   In 2009 alone, 1,957 schools, 214 academic lyceums and professional colleges were built and reconstructed. They are equipped with the educational labware, computers, textbooks and educational-methodological manuals etc; sport infrastructure is also created.

All this goes to show the large-scale work carrying out in the name of future of youth.

Comprehensively advanced generation is certainly a healthy generation. A large work is being held in this direction. Development of the diagnostic service, maternal healthcare, improvement of medical service to fertile-age women, enrichment of food with vitamins and microelements, growth of medical culture in families, regular medical examinations of couples to get marry, all this promotes birth of healthy kids. A new screening center became an excellent gift for Sirdaryo region residents by Navruz celebration days. The latest medical equipment there help reveal genetic disease and birth defects of development of expectant mothers and newborn babies in initial stages; this will promote their treatment and birth of healthy kids.

In the days of the nationwide holiday, Yoshlik sports and fitness complex was launched in Bekobod. This is the fifth complex of this type there. The construction of new sport complexes, will surely involve the rising generation to the regular sports exercises. Comprehensively advanced generation is first at all the healthy kids. That is why in recent years we pay attention not only to the developing intellectual potential and wide outlook, but also to physical training and development of children sports. The three-stage sport system established on the initiative of the president, Umid Nikhollari, Barkamol Avlod and Student Games, along with a wide involvement of younger generation to sports has an inestimable importance for the upbringing of outstanding athletes who carry with honor the flag of Uzbekistan at international competitions. Rich experience of the child sports development accumulated in our country attracts a big interest from all over the world.

MAY EVERY DAY BE NAVRUZ

This wonderful expression belongs to the great Alisher Navoi who glorified the new day holiday in his verse. There are many magnificent and inimitable holidays in the world. But Navruz differs with its particular beauty, incomparable greatness and deep essence. That’s why it is not an exaggeration to say that Navruz is the most ancient and favorite national holiday of our nation we are waiting with impatience. It is not just a date in a calendar. During the years of independence under the direction of the president the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the nation got revived. The nation values these initiatives as an enormous contribution to the world culture. The inclusion of Navruz in the UNESCO list of non-material cultural heritage of humanity is the bright evidence of this.

The 21st of March is the day of spring equinox, the beginning of a New Year. It was known in ancient times, as celebrating the holiday people organized mass festivities. For example, Navruz celebrations are mentioned in the literature monuments of the past along with ancient customs and traditions. There are much information on this holiday in historical sources, works of scientists and thinkers as Beruniy, Kashgariy, Rabguziy, Omar Khayyam and others.

From the earliest times Uzbek people held wide street festivities, holiday fairs, horse races and various entertaining competitions.

According to the old men, in the past the preparations would start long before the holiday. It was snowing and the wind was blowing, but every family waited for the spring, sewing national costumes. The last night before the holiday was the most important and exciting. Everywhere one could hear the ringing of beads and bracelets. Girls plaited their hair, made up eyebrows with usma and penciled eyes with dye. Everyone would wait for the sunrise. As soon as it began to dawn, the gate were opened wide and people went outdoors. Everywhere one could hear the rejoicing sounds of karnays and sunrays as the boisterous doira set the pitch. The central festival venue was especially decorated; usually it was in the open air. There were hearths of coppers where the pilaf and other traditional meals were cooked. The holiday was flaring up and the dances of young girls to dutar and tambourine became more and more exciting. It was the kind of contest, a hot and inspired contest: the talent resisted the talent, the beauty opposed the beauty. In this spring day all the best appears before the thousands of eyes.

According to the popular belief, the affairs made within the thirteen days after the holiday will assist the person whole year. That’s why in Navruz period it is appropriate not to argue with anybody, forget the hostility and offense and help needy people. These days are especially rich in different charitable events. So, this year with in the celebration of Navruz thousands of lonely retirees, large needy families, invalids and orphans got the material aid. In addition, homes of lonely and aged people get repaired.

By commissioning new objects, planting the gardens, decorating the squares and city streets, we demonstrate the steady tread of Uzbekistan on the way of democratic transformations. The spirit of the holiday becomes apparent in the desire for living in peace and harmony, saving the traditions of friendship and fraternity among the nations. The preparation to the celebration of Navruz that united people of more than 100 nationalities living in Uzbekistan was the illustrative evidence.

The time changes but not the spirit of this holiday. Nowadays this day in all regions of Uzbekistan, in every city and settlement from the early morning the mass festivities, the concerts in parks and public gardens, national equestrian sports contests are being held. The celebrations last till night. An enormous number of people, artists, musicians, singers and street acrobats, rope-walkers, wrestlers and many other people rejoice the occurrence of the Eastern New Year. Nobody stands aside. There are trading fairs, holiday meals prepared. And traditional sumalak in nice bowls is always the major adornment of the holiday table. The love for Navruz helped save the richest heritage of its splendid traditions and customs.

By the way, the preparation of sumalak, a meal cooked at the firewood from flour and germinated seed of wheat, remains the central tradition of Navruz. The germinated seed is a symbol of life, warmness, prosperity and good health. As a rule, sumalak is cooked by all the mahalla with the songs and cheerful couplets. It is believed that this meal endues people with the physical and spiritual forces, and the more people taste it, the richer will be the mahalla in the next year. This tradition that came from the ancient days even today unites people and gives them the brightest impression of holiday.

The nature meets the morning of a year, when everything awaits its full blow. People also wait for the spring. That’s why this time found its reflection in the folklore, poetry, prose, painting and music. The celebration of Navruz has its particularities in every nation. But wherever it is celebrated, it carries the valuable qualities inherent in our nation – the kindness and clemency.
 

www.ut.uz  
 

A delegation of Uzbekistan took part in the ITB-Berlin annual international tourism fair. Along with Uzbekistan the representatives of more than 180 countries came to participate in this fair.

The regular participation in similar international events becomes traditional for Uzbek representatives. Taking into consideration that the touristic markets of East with the markets of Europe, America and Africa crossed in Berlin, the members of Uzbek delegation had a good opportunity not only to perform their proposals, but also to conclude the mutually beneficial agreements on cooperation.

“More than 15 years we organize annually the trips of touristic groups from European countries to Uzbekistan”, said Margrit Sengupta, the manager of Indo Orient Tours GmbH travel agency (Switzerland).

She emphasized that the German tourists visiting the splendid historical cities of Uzbekistan admire the majesty of ancient architectural monuments, their today’s condition which is preserved due to the particular attention of the government of the republic.

Within the current exposition in Berlin Uzbek specialists had an opportunity to present to the visitors the information which contains all the palette of touristic potential of Uzbekistan and the possibilities for its further development. During the fair they held a number of business negotiations with the representatives of the foreign touristic companies for the purpose of augmentation of the tourist flow in Uzbekistan from other regions of the world.
 

www.ut.uz 
 

 

From the point of view of the reappointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Uzbekistan Recently, Wolfgang Neuen has set out to the duties of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Uzbekistan.   Receiving the credentials of the German diplomat, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov remarked the successful development of the cooperation between Uzbekistan and Germany in political and economic spheres as well as the widening scales of the Inter-Parliamentary cooperation. Today the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Uzbekistan Wolfgang Neuen is our guest.   – Mr. Ambassador, you have set out to your duties at the beginning of the year. What priority tasks do you set as the head of the diplomatic mission of the Federal Republic of Germany in Uzbekistan?

– The noblest goal of every ambassador is the development of ties between his homeland and the country where he present it.

That is why I consider as my main goal the constant stimulation of the further development between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Federal Republic of Germany. It means the continuation of the constructive Uzbek-German dialogue in all levels and spheres. Our countries have great potential.

I have to remark that Uzbekistan is the heart of Central Asia and strategically important in the guaranteeing the stability in the region.

– Presenting the credentials to the Chief of our state you emphasized that in the course of your mission to Uzbekistan you intend to pay a particular attention to the further development of the economic cooperation and the growth of the number of joint ventures. How do you assess in general the prospects of the bilateral cooperation between Germany and Uzbekistan?

– Since Uzbekistan gained its independence our countries maintain close and confidential relationships and develop the cooperation in all directions.

In economic sphere there are the most-favoured conditions. Year by year the mutual trade volume grows. Today there are more than 100 joint enterprises in Uzbekistan established with the assistance of German investors, 60 German companies and enterprises have opened their representative offices in Uzbekistan.

The range of the activity in the assistance to the development includes professional education and provision of business advice to certain enterprises. The cooperation in this direction is also focuced on the support to the public health sector.

Along with the constant exchange in trade and investment areas we support the political dialogue on different levels which includes the issues of both bilateral and multilateral cooperation. For example, Germany as well as Uzbekistan is interested in the rapid stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan.

In cultural cooperation the intensive contacts are arranged in educational sphere. Within the initiative of “School: partners of the future” the government of Germany supports a number of schools with the advanced study of the German language. Nowadays the Goethe-Institute is one of the most recognized educational and cultural establishments in Tashkent which deals with the exchange between German and Uzbek art figures. German singers visit Uzbekistan, Uzbek orchestras and choirs collaborate with German partners.

– What joint projects in cultural sphere between Uzbekistan and Germany do you schedule this year?

– I would like to draw your attention to a joint project of the embassy and the Goethe-Institute named “The German Week” which is planned dor the autumn 2010.

Within “The German Week” not only cultural events, but also academic seminars, conferences, exhibitions dedicated to the enhancement of bilateral cooperation will be held in Tashkent and regions.

Taking the opportunity, I would like to congratulate Uzbek people on Navruz holiday and wish Uzbek citizens good health, personal happiness and success in all endeavors.
 

www.ut.uz
 

The UN General Assembly officially recognized the 21st of March the International Navruz Holiday.

According to UN resolution, the Navruz holiday meaning “a new day” will be celebrated the 21th of March in the day of the spring equinox by more than 300 millions of people all over the world as the beginning of the New Year.

It is also mentioned in resolution that Navruz have been celebrating since more than 3.000 years in Central Asia and Caucasus countries, the Black Sea basin, Mideast, the Balkans and other regions.

The General Assembly urged the UN member countries to study the history and traditions of Navruz for the purpose of spreading this knowledge among the international society as well as to organize the annual festive events on the occasion of this holiday.

It worth mentioning that Navruz is one of the most long-expected holidays in Uzbekistan and it is celebrating in the mood of national-wide merriment. Every year on the edge of Navruz in our republic the wide-ranging works on rehabilitation and gardening of cities and villages are carried out and the celebrations are held with the participation of numerous artistic groups and art figures who reflect the national traditions and values in their performances.
 

www.ut.uz
 

 “Indian Exhibition” is being held in Tashkent. The event has been organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry “India-CIS”.

At the press-conference addressed to this event, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India in the Republic of Uzbekistan Said Manal Shakh Alkadri emphasized: “The economic and political ties between Uzbekistan and India have the centuries-old history; the current exhibition is the endeavor to extend the mutually beneficial cooperation of entrepreneurs and to enhance the dealings between two states.”

Further the Ambassador added that in the exposition will take place 22 companies which will represent the Indian production, particularly, the pharmaceutical and textile products, printing presses, cosmetics from herbs, tea, jewelry, ceramic veneers and Indian instruments.

According to the co-chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry “India-CIS” I. Sani, the Indian producers are interested in the import of Uzbek cotton, in addition they are about to create the cotton-cleaning, spinning and weaving co-productions in Uzbekistan, as well as the factories of the export-oriented finished products.

The establishing of co-productions in pharmaceutical industry attracts the mutual interest of the entrepreneurs of two countries; the Indian tea companies examine the possibility to create the joint venture.

In the opinion of the head of the diplomatic mission of India in Uzbekistan, the exhibition held in Uzbekistan will undoubtedly promote the further development of the cooperation between two countries in investment and trade and economic spheres.
 

www.ut.uz
 

ADB ranks first among the international financial institutions by the volume of acting lending portfolio in Uzbekistan.

During 15 years of cooperation ADB allocated $1170.9 million to Uzbekistan for the implementation of 25 projects.

Numerous projects in spheres of transport infrastructure, energy sector, agriculture and municipal engineering, small and private business as well as higher, secondary and professional education were carried out in our country in collaboration with ADB.

The purposefulness and forwardness of the partnership is clearly observed in the phasing of implementing projects.

The cooperation between Uzbekistan and ADB is also developing in the network of multilateral relations. The direction of the bank coordinates the activity of other international financial establishments in sphere of the development of regional cooperation in Central Asia in such priority directions as energy sector, commerce and transport infrastructure.

It is expected that on the 43th Annual meeting of ADB which will take place in Tashkent in 1-4 of May 2010 will be discussed the progress achieved within the long-term strategic program of ADB adopted in 2008. During the meeting it will be also examined other themes including the reformation of global financial system, post-crisis development of Asian countries, the climate changing etc.

In future, cooperation in the sphere of development of railway system and motor roads as well as the activation of the work on the perfection of the water supply system in the regions of the country is to be established between Uzbekistan and ADB.
 

www.ut.uz
 

Tashkent University of Information Technologies and its branches in Qarshi, Nukus, Samarqand, Urganch and Farg’ona established a single virtual library accessible from all computers in information resource centers at those branches. This is the first library of this kind in the country.

The software for the library’s operation was developed by the national software engineers and library specialists from the Tashkent University of Information Technologies, National Library and KARMAT-PLUS Ltd. the Uzbek Agency for Communication and Informatization provided with the high-speed fiber optic communication. The stocking of the library with electronic books and textbooks, theses, scientific articles and multimedia is provided by the information resource centers of TUIT and its branches. The use of the library’s resources for the conduction of teleconferences and television lectures, as well as development of the distance education system is the priority direction.

Specialists note that the experience of the TUIT can be used in the process of the establishment of the integrated information and library network in Uzbekistan to unite stocks of all information resource centers in the country and make them accessible from any computer with Internet access. The establishment of this network is projected for 2010-2015. Incidentally, the TUIT does not deny the possibility of connecting the other users to the virtual library.
 

www.ut.uz
 

Over 30 thousand young people are to graduate from academic lyceums in the academic year 2009-2010

Academic lyceums aim at training students for entering universities. Zaynitdin Khudoyberdiev, head of academic lyceums’ administration, deputy director of the Secondary Special and Professional Education Center told the UT correspondent about what is done for increasing the quality of preparation of graduates of these educational institutions.

“A scaled work is carried out to improve the training of the academic lyceums’ graduates for the university entrance examinations. With this purpose we propagate the best experience of certain lyceums’ activity, upgrade the vocational guidance and psychological training of students.”

Tell about the propagation of the best examples in detail, please…

“The first academic lyceums were established in 1999, and a total of 138 lyceums have been opened over the ten years. The elder the educational institution is, the higher its indicators of students’ training. This was confirmed by the rating that we composed together with the State Testing Center on the basis of the university entrance outcome last year. The rating spotlights the Shayhontohur academic lyceum under the World Economy and Diplomacy University and the Uspenskiy Republican Special Music Academic Lyceum that are those educational institutions where they worked out their own traditions ensuring the high training quality. At the present time we summarize the experience of those lyceums and include it into the guidelines. At the same time, we favor the establishment of interaction between lyceums for the experience exchange.”

What has been done for the improvement of the vocational guidance?

“We introduced the consulting service for graduates to consult them on a specialty and university to choose. A psychologist and teachers of a lyceum consult students proceeding from the personal qualities of each of them. I would also like to note that we take a range of measures to improve the vocational guidance of school leavers this year together with the Ministry of Public Education.”

In conclusion, dwell upon the psychological training of graduates for their entrance examinations, please …

“Currently the academic lyceums conduct the so called entrance examinations’ rehearsals followed by the correction of common mistakes. This favors improvement of children’s knowledge, their acquaintance with the policy of examinations, procedure of filling in the answers’ list. We are going to conduct a dress rehearsal in May together with the State Testing Center. Currently all tests are checked by teachers. However, they will be checked by the Testing Center during the dress rehearsal. This will enable students assessing impartially their knowledge once again and choose the specialty and the university to enter.”
 

www.ut.uz
 

 

On March 23 Uzbekistan celebrated the holiday of Navruz - the fete of kindness and clemency, prosperity and generosity. On such landmark occasion President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov addressed his message of congratulations to the people of the country. Here is the full text of the message in English as it has been translated from Uzbek at the Information Agency “Jahon”.   Welcoming address by President Islam Karimov at the celebrations dedicated to the Navruz holiday

Dear compatriots!
Esteemed friends!
Distinguished guests!

The long-awaited holiday of Navruz, which is a symbol of rejuvenation and renewal, arrives in our land abound with blessings.

As I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart, my dears, and our entire nation on this great celebration, allow me to express to all of you my highest respect and heartfelt wishes.

Dear compatriots!

From the very earliest times, Navruz is the sacred and esteemed for all of us, above all, as an awakening of nature, as a commencement of Oriental New Year, as the most ancient and truly national holiday, which has turned into an integral part of our spirituality.

Indeed, in this captivating season with the sun shining bright and warming the skies and soil we also feel ourselves as if we were born anew, as if our souls and hearts are filled with pure intentions and our entire being is imbibed with new power and energy.

It is at these radiant days as the human being enjoys the nature he strives to share a delight with his kith, kin and friends by sitting at the dastarkhans (festively laid national table) which is decorated with such springtime viands as sumalak and khalim, guja and kuksomsa.

It is at these beautiful moments at all cities and villages of our unique Homeland– from the Ferghana Valley to the mountains of Surkhan, from Karakalpakstan to the gardens of Samarkand, to the thick green foothills of the Tashkent oasis – our people, both young and old-aged compatriots blend in harmony with nature, hold the public fetes and various performances and welcome Navruz with profound joy and elation.

Each and every people irrespective of their nationality and ethnicity who live in our magnanimous land as one united family celebrate this wonderful holiday with enormous joy and delight.

It is on such particular moments the high features and noble values peculiar to our nation, i.e. tolerance and clemency, obtaining blessings of the most respected old men, showing the munificence, care and attention to orphans, rendering the gratuitous assistance and support to the needy and the sick, time and again do find their confirmation.

Yet another rare omen of this great and incomparable holiday is that with arrival of spring and flowers bursting into bloom each and every person embraces members of his family, his kith and kin, greets and welcomes not only his acquaintances, but also unknowns, wishes them a good health and peace, happiness and luck, as well as desires that peace and tranquility prevail and accord ever strengthens in our land, and skies be always clear over our heads.

As it is known from the several millennia-long history, in the season of Navruz various conflicts and standoffs are forgiven, such humane feelings as kindness and clemency, compassion and generosity, as well as unity ever strengthen.

Certainly, it is not by chance that taking into consideration the great contribution Navruz has made to universal civilization, starting from this year the United Nations recognized this holiday to be the World Navruz Day, and it accords to all of us a profound pride and delight.

Dear friends!

Our cordial and hospitable people always wish good and address best wishes as much to themselves as to other people. Availing myself of this opportunity, allow me to sincerely thank and cordially welcome the esteemed ambassadors of foreign states, staff members of foreign representations, our friends and partners from near and far abroad, who are participating at today’s celebration, treat us kindly and support us, render a big assistance for the development of our country.

Dear compatriots!

At this sacred time, when the unsullied breath of spring is blowing and our dekhkans (peasants) are sowing the seeds with new dreams and aspirations I embrace you all and once again congratulate on the holiday of Navruz.

I am happy to express my deep respect and sincere wishes to our esteemed veterans, who are adding a charm into this beautiful venue, our graceful sisters and our youth – my dear children, who shine with a joyous mood as well as power and strength.

May our New Year which starts with such a joy bring our Homeland peace, happiness, well being and prosperity!

Let our farmers be successful!

Let our yield and crops be plentiful!

Let our households be bountiful!

Happy Navruz to all of us!
 

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On 16-18 March, 2010 the delegation led by the Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs of India Ms. Latha Reddy visited Uzbekistan to participate in political consultations between foreign ministries of two countries. The visit has become a logical continuation of meetings held by the Minister of External Affairs of India S.M. Krishna in October 2009 in Tashkent. During that visit Mr. S.M.Krishna was received by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov. Mr. S.M. Krishna also held talks with his Uzbek counterpart Mr. Vladimir Norov.

In the course of political consultations in Tashkent, the sides reviewed the present state of cooperation and discussed a wide-range of issues with regard to giving new impetus to mutually beneficial ties of two countries. The Indian delegation visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Center of Information Technologies at Tashkent University of Information Technologies. They were briefed about the activities of the Center and its teaching programs. At the meeting with the University management the sides elaborated on how to enhance the qualification of the Center’s teachers and training system.
Speaking on the outcomes of the visit Ms. Reddy said, “I am confident that our countries have excellent prospects for yet more developing bilateral relations whose history go back deep into the centuries. Now it is time for us to work for the benefit of future of our countries. We have discussed outstanding issues of our relations and set forth the prospects for enhancing cooperation in a number of areas including science, education, high technologies, international security and defense. I believe our countries have enormous potential for developing partnership in all these spheres”.

Ms. Reddy also said, “First time I visited Uzbekistan two years ago. This time I’ve had a chance to see ancient Samarkand. I should say that I was amazed by its beauty. We visited historical monuments of the city. They are really impressive, especially Registan square. I hope yet more tourists will visit Uzbekistan in the future to learn about ancient culture of your people and historical monuments of your wonderful country”.
 

Based on the report by Jahon Information Agency in Russian language  
 

 

The Head of nation Islam Karimov has met with Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev on March 17. At the official welcoming ceremony at Kuksaroy, a guard of honor lined up in tribute to the guest, and national anthems of the two countries got played when the heads of state raised to the podium. Presidents Karimov and Nazarbayev walked by the guard of honor. At the talks tet-a-tet, the leaders discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, cooperation within international organizations. They also addressed regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The presidents exchanged opinions on security issues. They stressed the need for joint actions to counter such threats as terrorism, extremism, drugs and arms smuggling, as well as proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
President Karimov expounded on the Afghan problem. Achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan is key to consolidating security and stability in Central Asia and other regions.

The leaders deliberated on bilateral and multilateral cooperation in providing for environmental, energy, and information security. At the same time, given the growing importance of food security, they consulted on issues of fighting against plant pests and diseases, as well as smuggling of contaminated products.

Islam Karimov and Nursultan Nazarbayev continued negotiations with the participation of official delegations of the two countries. The talks focused on trade and economic and humanitarian cooperation.

The ongoing financial and economic downturn in the world notwithstanding, the mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan has continued to increase, the sides said. Since 2007, the figures exceeded USD 1 billion annually. Notably, the share of raw materials has been decreasing, while that of industrial products with higher added value has grown.

The trade and economic cooperation is one of crucial aspects of relations between the nations. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan possess a remarkable potential in this area that has scarcely been used to a full extent. Thus both sides expressed interest in increasing the volumes of bilateral trade and reviewing the export and import structure.

Uzbekistan produces aircraft, cars, buses, trucks, agricultural machinery, cable products and construction materials, processes cotton and silk, grows fruit and melons. Kazakhstan has a demand for these products. At the same time, there is an ample field of activity for Kazakh exporters in the Uzbek market.

Production, supply and transit of energy resources have also been a promising realm of cooperation since Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are bulky in energy reserves. In 2009, a gas pipeline was laid from Turkmenistan to China through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which is a bright example of thriving multilateral interaction.
Transport communications in the two countries allow for greater incomes from international transit. The use of automobile roads and railways as an interconnected and single system ought to be improved, and coordinated actions to ensure free and faster movement of export-import and transit cargoes are to be continued.

The two governments have implemented the Economic Cooperation Program for 2006-2010 and the Economic Cooperation Strategy for 2007-2016. These documents outline prospective dimensions of bilateral interaction in trade, water and energy complex, investments and finance, transport and communications, customs, and innovations. Their completion will let the bilateral trade increase several times.

Both nations’ scientific and economic potentials expose decent perspectives
for efficient use of water resources, including melioration and irrigation. Development and introduction of water saving technologies and information exchange in this area remain rather imperative. This, in turn, helps address a number of environmental troubles.

Issues of rational use of water and energy resources in Central Asia have also been addressed during the negotiations. The sides stressed that interests and security of all nations of the region ought to be taken into account when constructing hydropower plants on transboundary rivers.

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries covers science, education, arts, healthcare, tourism and sports. The Uzbek and Kazakh delegations exchanged views on boosting this aspect.

Following the negotiations, Islam Karimov and Nursultan Nazarbayev signed the Joint Communiqué of Presidents. Other documents included Intergovernmental Agreement on Allocation of Land for Diplomatic Missions; Program of Cooperation between Ministries of Foreign Affairs for 2010-2011; and Program of Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation for 2010-2012.
At the press conference that followed the signing ceremony, the presidents declared that talks were constructive and open.

“Both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are interested in developing the mutual cooperation,” Islam Karimov said. “In 2009, the bilateral trade turnover totaled USD 1.3 billion, which is twice the 2006 figure.”

“Uzbekistan is a major country in Central Asia and center of ancient culture,” Nursultan Nazarbayev suggested. “Despite the world financial and economic crisis, the economy of Uzbekistan has shown a steady growth in 2009. Our countries have a notable potential for expansion of mutual cooperation.”

On the second half of the day, Presidents Islam Karimov and Nursultan Nazarbayev visited the Mustaqillik (Independence) Square in the center of Tashkent. The high guest laid flowers to the Monument of Independence and Humanism, which is a symbol of freedom, bright future and noble aspirations of the people.

The President of Kazakhstan also introduced to the recently erected “Uzbekistan” International Forums Palace. Nursultan Nazarbayev said he was impressed by the wide-scale construction and improvement works held in Tashkent.

The Kazakh head of nation visited Hazrati Imam (Hastimom) complex that includes Hazrati Imam Mosque, Muyi Muborak madrassah and the unique manuscript of the holy Koran – Usman Muskhafi.

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Uzbekistan approved the Action Plan on agreements reached during the visit of President Islam Karimov to the Republic of Korea on February 10-12.

South Korea is one of Uzbekistan’s major political and economic partners in the Asia-Pacific. Trade turnover between the two countries last year increased by 8.2% and exceeded $1.22 billion.

For developing and boosting the bilateral cooperation, the government has approved a resolution on measures to implement the accords reached and enhance cooperation between Tashkent and Seoul. The directive also approves the directory of investment projects with participation of Korean corporations and companies.

During the February visit of President Islam Karimov to South Korea, the two countries signed a number of intergovernmental and interagency treaties on trade, economic, investment, cultural and educational interaction. In particular, the sides sealed an investment pact on the project of Ustyurt gas-chemical complex at Surgil gas deposit with field construction, an agreement on cooperation in the development of alternative energy sources and energy-saving technologies as well as other documents aimed at promoting relations in various fields.
 

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Partnership with leading international and regional organizations is one of central priorities of SCO. The activity of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), particularly in countering terrorism, radical extremism, separatism, drugs trafficking and organized crime has not only regional but also global significance. In this regard, during the June 2004 Tashkent SCO summit, the Group turned to international and regional organizations to proceed with a gradual establishment of partnership network of multilateral associations.

A number of countries and international associations, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed their readiness to cooperate with the SCO.

According to experts, there is a prospect for cooperation between SCO and ASEAN, primarily, due to the fact that these organizations adhere to common positions on many regional and global issues.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Secretariats of the SCO and ASEAN signed in April 2005 in Jakarta, combating terrorism and transnational crime, drug smuggling and arms trafficking, money laundering and illegal migration have become cooperation priorities. The parties also agreed to cooperate in such fields as economy, finance, energy, especially hydropower and bio-fuel, tourism, environment and natural resources.

In November 2008, Beijing held a meeting at the level of Secretaries General of the SCO and ASEAN, in which the mutual intention to maintain regular contact on the basis of the Memorandum was confirmed.

It should be noted that one of the SCO-ASEAN cooperation’s key areas is ensuring regional security. As one can know, ASEAN serves as an effective mechanism for discussing and addressing global challenges and threats in the Southeast Asia.

In this regard, the experts stressed that the anti-terrorist line that has become a priority in the activities of SCO has some similarities with ASEAN’s.

Given that member states of the SCO and ASEAN associate geographical proximity and common goals in the Asia-Pacific there is a growing interest in establishing mutually beneficial cooperation in such fields as economy, transport, culture and tourism.

Enhancing cooperation will promote establishment of investment cooperation, including information exchange on overcoming the consequences of global recession, as well as contacts between representatives of business and the implementation of joint projects.

At present, SCO-ASEAN interaction is carried out through exchange of information and expertise between the secretariats, consultation of experts.
 

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The Ecology Movement of Uzbekistan presented a book album O’zbekiston Tabiati (Nature of Uzbekistan). The chairman of the Executive Committee of the Central Council of the Ecology Movement of Uzbekistan, head of the parliament group of the Ecology Movement in the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Boriy Alikhanov, noted in his welcoming speech that the issue of this book is a big event in the spiritual and enlightenment life of the country. He noted that the book was the first step of the Ecology Movement in this direction. The head of the press service of the Ecology Movement of Uzbekistan T. Kamarov said that the album book is issued in Uzbek, Russian and English languages to acquaint both local and foreign readers with the unique nature of the republic. The first part of the album is dedicated to Qashqadaryo region. In future the Ecology Movement envisages publishing of similar album books dedicated to all regions of Uzbekistan.

The project will be concluded with the final album book on natural wealth of the country.

Besides, the project of the children’s ecology magazine Buloqcha (Spring) was presented during the conference. According to the movement’s activists, the magazine will promote intensification of the environmental education of the growing generation.

A presentation of the book Environmental Safety and Sustainable Development Issues by the movement’s activists Saidmurod Manashokirov and Eldor Usmonov took place in the press conference.
 

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Nagoya University has opened its office in Tashkent. The Japanese delegation headed by the University President Hamaguchi Michinari paid a working visit to Uzbekistan to participate in the opening ceremony. Uzbekistan has become one of the seven countries selected by the Government of Japan for opening of representative offices of Japanese universities and recruiting students from the region, as well as implementing educational and rewarding projects, presentations, exhibitions, academic conferences.

The Tashkent office of the Nagoya University representing 13 universities of Japan is unique in Central Asia. The office will select applicants not only from Uzbekistan, but also from all other countries of the region.

The opening of regional office is the result of fruitful cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan in education. Under the program about 20 Uzbek students will annually be sent to Japan to study on a grant basis.

Underlining that Japan highly appreciates the fruitful cooperation with Uzbekistan at the opening ceremony, rector of the Nagoya University Hamaguchi Michinari said: “Uzbekistan is a country with high intellectual potential. That is why we have chosen Tashkent to open our representative office.

Currently, dozens of Uzbek students study in our university. Opening of the office creates additional prerequisites for unleashing the potential of talented Uzbek youth. We believe that our university graduates will contribute greatly to the development of Uzbekistan and promotion of relations between our countries”.

The head of Japanese delegation, speaking on the current state and prospects of the Uzbek-Japanese cultural relations, said that up to now there has been a the Nagoya University’s cooperation with Uzbek partners only in the legal field. At present, the Government of Japan has developed a new project, under which the University intends to expand its cooperation with universities in Uzbekistan.

Referring to Japan's plans for a possible opening in the near future a branch of Nagoya University in Uzbekistan, H.Michinari reported that the Japanese side considers the issue. “I think, in future we can open branches of not only Nagoya, but also other Japanese universities in Uzbekistan. Now we are considering a plan, under which Uzbek students will be given an additional opportunity to receive education in Japan”.

Japanese scientist noted that Uzbek students differ by their commitment, talent and high academic performance. The Nagoya University itself is known for that fact that the last four holder of the Nobel Prize were its graduates.
 

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Yesterday concluded the 5th international specialized exhibition UzEnergyExpo-2010 in Uzexpocenter of Tashkent. It was organizeв by the joint stock company Uzbekenergo, State Committee for Nature Conservation, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Institute of Energetics and Automatics of the Academy of Science of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The energy sector of our country possessing a great industrial, scientific and technological potential plays an important role in the development of the whole economy.

The major goal is effective, safe and high-grade power supply of the economy and the population of country. Therefore, this urges the provision of economy with the necessary generating capacities through energy-saving, growth of effectiveness of using fuel and power resources, introduction of latest electrical machinery, innovative technologies, information and measuring machines.

The exposition covered three major directions: “Energetics”, “Clean Energy and Energy Supply” and “Electro-technology” that presented latest achievements of national and foreign sciences in renewable energy, low energy, energy storage and conversion systems, environmental monitoring system and regular power supply system as well as equipment for extraction, conversion and production of energy from local fuel.

A special place in the exposition had Uzbekenergo JSC which effectively accomplishes the reconstruction and modernization of generating capacities and electric power line and carries out integrated technical policy.

The domestic enterprises presented various productions. For example, one of the leading manufacturers of low-voltage and high-voltage electrical equipment, Elstan Chirchiq research and production association presented electric power substations, transformers, electronic relays of different power manufactured with the use of energy-saving technologies. Consequently, they are competitive and have accessible prices.

Uzbekhimmash JSC is the leading enterprise in Central Asia in the production of oil and gas, oilfield and drilling equipment, machinery for thermal stations and hot water supply, turbo-compressor and pumping equipment for mineral resource industry and metallurgy. Now this enterprise has established the manufacture of equipment for ecological purification.

Tashkent-based Mir Solar LLC jointly with Fizika Solntsa research institute of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan is engaged in the development manufacture and complete installation of photoelectric generators for lighting and water boiling.

The exhibition presented a big diversity of companies and enterprises from Austria, Germany, China, Russia, Ukraine Belarus and other countries. Participants of the exhibition expressed opinion that the present exposition furthers the profitable relationships of the specialists of this sphere from different states, exchange of experience and demonstrates the latest technological developments.

Therefore, all this influences the development of the sphere and undoubtedly promotes the consolidation of existing business contacts and establishment of new ones, facilitates the attraction of investment in the national power industry, implantation of up-to-date systems and technologies of energy consumption and its safe use.
 

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Korea’s Shindong Resources Co. Ltd and Luxon Energy Holdings Ltd and the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Geology and Mineral Resources are to jumpstart two joint ventures for the development of tungsten deposits in Samarqand region, worth $80 million.

With Shindong Resources, it is planned to establish a $30 million joint venture for the development of Sautboy and Yakhton deposits. The project also provides for the geological prospecting on the deposits for broadening the existing raw materials base.

With Luxon Energy Holdings, there will a $50 million joint venture for the restoration of tungsten output at the Ingichka deposit.

Besides, Shindong Enercom and the State Committee on Geology and Mineral Resources also signed an agreement on the creation of the joint venture for the development of Shavazsay deposit in Tashkent region for the organization of production of lithium-ion batteries ($50 million).

The State Committee on Geology and Mineral Resources and NeoPLANT signed an agreement on the implementation of the project of production of industrial silicon on the basis of Uz-Kor Silicon joint venture worth $7 million.

Production facilities are to be located on the territory of Navoi free industrial and economic zone. This will increase the profitability of production due to the provided tax and customs preferences.

Two documents signed by the State Committee on Geology and Mineral Resources with the Korean Institute of Geological Sciences and LG International, a memorandum on geological research of promising gold ore fields and a Memorandum of Understanding on implementation of joint research at silicon dioxide deposits respectively, are also aimed to raise the geological potential of Navoi region.
 

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The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Children’s Sport Development Fund, chaired by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, addressed issues concerning education of the younger generation, their health and comprehensive development The expression “Children are our future” speaks for itself. All-round care for the younger generation is the cornerstone of social policy in Uzbekistan. Starting from the first days of independence it has turned into one of the most pressing tasks.

Pursuing an ambitious objective of achieving comprehensive progress, the country’s leadership is well aware that accomplishing lofty goals in economy, agriculture, social welfare is barely possible without the major precondition – the citizens’ health.

Consistent and calculated actions directed toward addressing this goal demonstrate genuinely extensive efforts taken to ensure good health of the people. In his address to finalists of Umid Nihollari sports competition last year in Guliston, President Islam Karimov stressed once again that “for our children to grow physically healthy and spiritually mature, we set ourselves a task of establishing modern sports complexes, stadiums and swimming pools in every town, village and settlement, where professional and highly qualified coaches and trainers will work with kids. I am sure we will achieve this goal in the coming years.”

This challenge is addressed by the entire society. Both government bodies and different public organizations such as National Olympic Committee, sport federations, various funds and others make their contributions to this work. For example, Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan Foundation plays an important role in popularization of sports: a sport complex for children Forum Junior Sport was opened, an excellent sports palace Forum of Champions was built, under the project of the same name promising young athletes obtain special grants, even the world football star Cristiano Ronaldo was invited to Tashkent. But in the first place there is the Children Sports Development Fund initiated and approved as far back as in 2002 by a decree of the head of state.

The major wealth of multimillion and multiethnic Uzbekistan is its young citizens. After the acquisition of independence the concern over the youth’s development, their spiritual and physical education became the goal of primary importance carrying out in the way of the concept of education of comprehensively developed generation. The government spares neither efforts nor resources for this. The great role in this work is assigned to the familiarization of children with the sport exercises.

Since their schooldays practically all young Uzbek people are involved in the splendid world of sports, Umid Nihollari competition followed then by Barkamol Avlod games and Student Games, which together represent a unique three-stage system of physical education established in our country. These competitions became the springboard for many young gifted athletes. Not only because of the grandiose finals of national competitions - all regional centers have renovated sports infrastructure – but also the preceding mass circles involving almost all school pupils, lyceum, college and university students.

The possibility of such mass coverage is ensured by the activity of the Children Sports Development Fund which carries out the consecutive work on construction of sport facilities, school sport halls, their repair and equipment with necessary tools as well as addressing the challenges of staffing sport objects with qualified trainers and instructors. The priority directions in this work is given to the development of sport infrastructure in rural areas and involvement of girls in regular sport exercises. Within 2003-2009 in our country there were erected 1,123 sport complexes, 922 of which in rural areas. Within the same period 674 schools opened sport halls, 178 separate sport objects for children were constructed and put in commission. In 2009 alone, there were built 174 school sport halls.

For involving the youth in sports, last year the Ministry of Public Education jointly with Ministry of Cultural and Sports Affairs, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Soglom Avlod Uchun, Makhalla Funds, “Kamolot” civic youth movement, Vatanparvar and Yoshlik youth sports societies organized 85 national competitions with the number of participants of 10,000 people. Young Uzbek athletes go abroad for the participation in international competitions, and the training process plays an important role in the popularization of sports. In 2009 thanks to the fund, 595 young athletes including 218 girls visited 23 countries, where they took part in 51 international competitions. More than half of them, 371, including 120 girls came from rural areas. At these competitions, young athletes from Uzbekistan won 63 gold, 45 silver and 58 bronze medals. And what is more, they set an example for their peers, classmates and co-villagers, provoking the wish to go in for sports.

In general, an athlete who has returned from the competition with a victory, provokes in hearts of young men and girls the pride for him and the desire of achieve the same success and even more. It was also mentioned on the session of the Council of Trustees. That’s why our country honors the prize-winners of the highest sport forums as its heroes.

The examples for youth are boxers who won 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals at the world championship in Milan, the hero of the group of fighters Abbos Atoev who became the world champion, wrestlers Zaurbek Sokhiev, Dilshod Aripov and Dilshod Mansurov who returned from Denmark with the medals of all values, a canoeist Vadim Menkov who won the champion’s title in Dartmouth, Canada. And the young javelin thrower Anastasia Sveshnikova became the world champion among girls. The list of prize-winners of the most important international competitions of last year can be continued, adding there kurash wrestlers, arm-wrestling masters and representatives of other sports who held the banner of Uzbekistan on world sport arenas. Each of them made a worthy contribution not only to the glory of their homeland, but also the popularization of sports and awakening the interest in sports in many hundreds or even thousands of boys and girls.

Today, stadiums, sport halls, tennis courts, swimming pools and playgrounds have become the integral part of not only urban landscape, but also of rural area. The system of targeted collaboration of sport federations of the republic with regions on development and popularization of sports on-site adopted by the Fund of Development of Child Sports in 2009 is aimed for children to find their way to sport areas.

Thus, the Federation of Tennis carries out charitable actions of sharing sportswear, equipment and stock with the regional federations and clubs for supporting the promising beginner tennis players. And the Federation of Gymnastics began the cooperation with regional branches of the fund in involving the girls into their sport classes. The brilliant performance of the representatives of rhythmic gymnastics at home championship of Asia in February of this year confirmed once again that the interest in this elegant sport in our country is steadily growing.

In 2009, the Children Sports Development Fund jointly with the federations organized mass interregional competitions in 29 sports: handball, rowing slalom, athletics, table tennis, gymnastics, swimming, rock climbing, weightlifting etc. Many federations are working efficiently with children: federations of tennis, football, rowing, fighting, boxing and others. Now, equipping of sport complexes constructed by the fund allows them to run twenty sports simultaneously.

With all this impressive pattern of achieved results it is quite evident that children’s sports in Uzbekistan is at the beginning of the way to announced by the President of Uzbekistan: “Whatever goal we define, whatever great deals we accomplish, in their basis there is always a dream of bringing up our children physically and spiritually healthy, being second to none, to see their happiness and problem-free future.” This is lofty, but real and undoubtedly achievable goal, if we start working as it is inherent in the Uzbek nation: to do the important things together and jointly. And what else can be more important than the health of the younger generation of our state!
 

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Tutors and students of the software department of the Tashkent University for Information Technologies (TUIT) explored the creation of their own blogs in the UZ Internet zone to use them for the training purposes.

The process has started a few months ago, when the department’s faculty had developed a training upgrade plan using the internet technologies. Thus, the web-site of the TUIT software department www.atdt.uz was established in the internet, providing the distance learning section with some training courses by the faculty tutors.

“The distance learning is not the alternative to the full-time tuition,” commented Akram Nishanov, professor of the TUIT department. “However, they have become a good aid for students, in case if something was not understood or the lecture was missed to some reasons. Nowadays all our students have the access to this distance learning system providing them with any class within the curriculum.”

At the same time, the faculty of the software department has extended the process of introduction of the distance learning. In particular, they created for each teacher and student a blog – an Internet diary in order they could submit their written tests through this technology.

“Introduction of the distance learning technologies in the educating process created a number of amenities,” notes student Shahboz Agzamov. “In my opinion, it becomes more convenient to submit written tests through the distance learning system, , which should be done with creative approach. Distance learning technologies allow us to work with no restrictions, than one lesson, that promotes the most qualitative carrying out of tasks.”

“I’d like that students used the resource more actively,” Akram Nishanov shares his impressions. “Today we have all conditions to provide each of our 360 students with the access to the distance learning system. However, many students are still studying this opportunity. We hope that all of them will soon become active users of this resource and, therefore, the training effectiveness will increase.”
 

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President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov chaired the session of the Trusteeship Council of Children’s Sports Development Fund, at Oqsaroy on March 10. The head of state stressed the need for comprehensive analysis of the Fund’s activity in 2009 and for outlining priorities for its coming work. Upbringing the comprehensively advanced generation is the greatest goal of the people of Uzbekistan who strongly believe in the bright future. No matter which development goals are set by the country, seeing our children grow physically and morally healthy is the basis of all achievements, the President said.

Over the years of Uzbekistan’s independence, a huge work has been implemented in this direction. The National Professionals Preparation Program, acknowledged worldwide as the Uzbek model of continuous education, is the basis for solution of the long-term tasks.

Comprehensively advanced generation is, first of all, healthy children. This is why in the past years the particular attention was paid to forming high intellectual potential, independent thinking, development of mass sports and construction of modern sports complexes in all regions.

In October 2002 the head of the state signed a decree on the creation of the Children’s Sports Development Fund, followed by the President’s decree on measures to expand the activities of this fund of August 2004.

Speaking about the tasks of the fund, Islam Karimov said no country in the world has such an organization. The Children’s Sports Development Fund is a unique structure, and a number of countries have been studying the results of its activity as a valuable experience. The head of the state highlighted the successful work in construction of sports complexes and school gyms and their provision with modern equipment, and touched upon other aspects of the children’s sports development.

“The sport helps young people become physically strong and healthy, comprehensively developed and independent persons. The sport serves as a certain basis for the formation of the healthy atmosphere in the family and the society. Moreover, it creates opportunities for the further growth of the image of Uzbekistan on the international arena,” Islam Karimov said.

At the meeting of the fund’s Trusteeship Council on 16 January 2009, tasks were set for creation of the single system of evaluation of the quality of the domestically-produced sports equipment, increasing the number of producers, reconsideration of the norms of equipment of the sports complexes according to world standards and their efficient use. These tasks were thoroughly analyzed at the session in Oqsaroy.

“Proclaiming 2010 the Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation, we had set the goal to create al required opportunities and conditions for the comprehensive development of our children. Construction of sports objects helps attract more children to sports and healthy lifestyle,” Islam Karimov noted. The State Program “Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation” for 2010 pays a special attention to the continuation of the work carried out in the physical training and sports field, in particular, development of children’s sports, construction of modern sports objects in the cities and villages, and providing them with equipment and qualified trainers.

An important aspect is that the more the young people are interested in sports, the more they strive to achieve high results. Looking at sportsmen returning from the competitions with victory, the boys and girls feel proud for these sportsmen and at the same time want to achieve similar and higher results. “The sport is one of the effective instruments having a decisive importance in upbringing the youth and protecting it from various evils,” the President continued. “The young people who go in for sports have good health, clear thinking and understand the importance of the healthy lifestyle in the family.”

In accordance with the President’s resolution of 12 December 2007 on approving the budget of the Children’s Sports Development Fund for 2008, a list of the required equipment for the sports complexes and school gyms built in 2008-2009 was approved. All of them were provided with the equipment.

In 2009, 174 school gyms were built across the country. Since the fund’s creation in 2003, gyms were opened at 674 schools. Over this period, 178 separate children’s sports objects were commissioned.

“Our country has gained a rich experience in constructing sports objects. The life has proved the correctness of the way we had chosen. But how effectively are the sports objects used? This question should always be in the center of our attention,” the head of the state stressed.

In 2003-2009, 1,123 sports complexes were raised in Uzbekistan, including 922 in rural areas. It is important to provide all of them with sporting equipment. The enterprises producing such equipment should be supported, Islam Karimov said.
The work carried out in this area in the recent years has produced positive results. If last year Uzbek companies produced 73 of 120 required types of equipment for children’s sports objects, today they produce 113 types.

Such sports as futsal, rhythmic gymnastics, kayak and canoe racing, boxing, freestyle and Greek-Roma wrestling and others have been developing in Uzbekistan. If back in 2003 children were trained in 8 kinds of sports, now the level of equipment of sports complexes allows training them in more than 20 kinds of sports.

The three-level system of mass attraction of the young people to sports – Umid Nihollari and Barkamol Avlod competitions, as well as the Universiad, which form an integral and important part of the National Professionals Preparation Program – helps prepare self-sacrificing sportsmen who spare no strength and energy in fight for the honor of the country.

The motto “Uzbekistan is a country with a great future” includes, among other aspects, development of sports and children’s sports in particular, the President said.

“There is no doubt that natural riches, economic potential, achievements in state and social construction are the basis of the great future. At the same time, there is another factor of the great future, which is the health of the young generation and its physical and moral development,” Islam Karimov underlined.

At the 15th World Boxing Championship in Milan in September 2009, in which 554 athletes from 133 countries took part, Uzbek boxers won one gold, one silver and two bronze medals, occupying the third place in the team competition. Our famous boxer Abbos Atoyev became the twice world champion.

The performance of the Uzbek football youth team at the world championship in Egypt also deserves attention, as well as gold, silver and bronze medals at freestyle and Greek-Roman wrestling world championship in Denmark, and 9 gold, 10 silver and 8 bronze medals at the kayak and canoe Asian championship in Tehran.
Various sports events organized in the regions play an important role in the harmonious development of the children of Uzbekistan. The achieved results show that the young people are particularly interested in football, indoor football, tennis, swimming, kayak and canoe racing, boat racing, chess, rhythmic gymnastics,
kurash, belbogli kurash, greek-Roman wrestling, boxing and acrobatics.

“Over the past years, based on the “Healthy mother- healthy child” program, wide-scale reforms have been developed and implemented,” Islam Karimov said. “Diagnostics, screening and perinatal centers, new maternity hospitals have been built, particular attention has been paid to the health of the mothers and children. All of this contributes to upbringing healthy generation.”

The head of the state underlined the importance of the special approach towards attraction of girls to sports. Such elegant types of sports as rhythmic and sports gymnastics have been actively developing in the recent years. Uzbek sportsmen showed high results at the rhythmic gymnastics Asian championship held in Tashkent in February 2010.
The development of the children’s sports, and creation of the necessary conditions for the girls’ going in for sports, especially in rural areas, requires constant attention, the President emphasized.

The meeting participants also considered the activities planned for the current year in the framework of the State program for improvement of activity of the children’s music and arts schools in 2009-2014. It was noted that in 2010, 11 new sports objects and 14 children’s music and arts schools would be built, in addition to 40 school gyms.

Islam Karimov underlined that this year UZS 36 billion would be allocated for the construction, reconstruction and capital repairs of the music and arts schools.
“Sports and music are closely linked to each other. The sport trains the body and strengthens willpower, while music clears the soul and ennobles the heart. Sport is culture. It is great if a sportsman is interested in music and a musician in sport,” the President said.

Vice Prime Ministers Abdulla Aripov and Botir Khodjayev, as well as heads of a number of regional administrations presented reports on the considered issues.
The Trusteeship Council adopted corresponding decisions on the considered issues.
 

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Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Kingdom of Belgium Bakhtiyar Gulyamov granted his credentials to the King of the Belgians Albert II.

In the conversation that followed the ceremony the sides discussed the state and prospects of bilateral relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Belgium in political and trade-economic spheres.

In particular, the sides have spoken of the potential for further deepening and expanding the mutually beneficial cooperation, enhancing political and economic contacts, as well as developing the cultural ties and tourism.

The King of the Belgians Albert II expressed sincere wishes of well being and successes to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and entire nation of Uzbekistan.

Prior to his appointment Ambassador Gulyamov served as an Uzbek Envoy to Germany.

Information Agency “Jahon” with the Embassy of Uzbekistan to Brussels contributed to this reporting.
 

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On March 4 this year at the Oksaroy Residence in Tashkent the three newly appointed ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary – of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Turkey and South Korea to Uzbekistan – granted credentials of their mission to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov.

According to the news agencies that reported the story in the Russian and Uzbek languages, as the Uzbek Leader received the credentials from Ambassador Boriibay Jeksembin of Kazakhstan, Ambassador Mehmet Sertac Sunmezai of Turkey and Ambassador Chon De-wan of South Korea, he has congratulated them on their appointment and wished them success in their mission to Uzbekistan.

During the short talks that followed the official ceremony the President and the Kazakhstan envoy believed that the Uzbek and Kazakh nations shared the community of history and similar customs. They have also underscored that the relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan developed based on the modern requirements both on bilateral and multilateral basis.

“Kazakhstan secures one of the leading positions in Uzbekistan’s foreign trade,” Ambassador Jeksembin told journalists prior to the ceremony. “Our countries develop not only the trade, but also undertake mutual investments. Kazakhstan imports the products of agriculture, chemical industry, construction materials, as well as many other goods and services from Uzbekistan. The Kazakhstan businesspeople are to offer Uzbekistan the new proposals. As an envoy I am going to pay a scrupulous attention to extending such ties.”

The relations between Uzbekistan and Turkey are dynamically developing in the trade, economic and financial spheres. In particular, the two states have established an active cooperation with Turkish partners in the textile and food industries. Many joint projects serve for extending the investment cooperation and supporting the direct contacts between Uzbek and Turkish businesses, the Uzbekistan National News Agency reported.

“In my mission I am going to channel all efforts to develop the trade, political and humanitarian relations between Uzbekistan and Turkey,” Ambassador Sunmezai of Turkey said while speaking to journalists.

By now Uzbekistan and South Korea took their relations up to the highest level, the Uzbekistan National News Agency wrote in its story. This is vividly confirmed by the results secured during the State visit paid by President Islam Karimov to the Republic of Korea last month.

To date, the volume of South Korean investments into Uzbekistan’s economy exceeded 2 billion US dollars. With implementation of the arrangements secured during the visit of the Uzbek Leader to Seoul such indicator will make up 5 billion dollars.

The two states also well cooperate in political, cultural and humanitarian spheres, according to reports.

“It should be underscored that the two leaders established solid friendly relations between each another”, Ambassador Chon De-wan said as he spoke to reporters prior to the ceremony. “This serves as an important factor in extending the relations.”
 

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On January 27, 2010, president of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved the national program of the “Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation”. The key objectives of the program cover improvement of the legal framework aimed at protecting the rights and interests of children and young people, further strengthening of measures for upbringing a healthier generation, radical improvement in the quality of education all across the country through the widespread introduction of new information, communication and educational technologies in the educational process and much more.

For the implementation of the national program of the Year of the Comprehensively Advanced Generation, the National Association of Electronic Mass Media of Uzbekistan (NAEMM) jointly with the Fund Forum, Kelajak Ovozi center for youth initiatives and Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan organized a telethon “In the name of a happy childhood” on March 7.

The telethon was launched on the International Day of Children’s Television and Radio marked in many countries. In Uzbekistan, the day is marked for the first time. Uzbekistan Television Network NTT decided to join this action in the year of comprehensively advanced generation.

On this day, from 8 AM until 5 PM young viewers, as well as their parents could watch various children’s programs on the NTT channel. The telethon included two special programs by Yangi Avlod studio, feature films, 15 reports prepared by children from Samarqand, Namangan, Andijon, Surkhondaryo regions, and 6 programs by Kelajak Ovozi youth studio covering such topics as creating cartoons, benefits of sports and other issues.

“The programs are focused not only on children, I think they were interesting for adult viewers too,” said Kobuljon Akhmedov editor in chief at NTT. “In addition to entertainment programs, the telethon also included a variety of educational television programs. It is noteworthy that most of them have been prepared by children themselves. On this day, they acted not only as broadcasters, some of them actively and passionately involved in editing. Our current campaign has two main objectives. First we would like to tell our viewers about the conditions created in our country for the development of talents and creativity of the younger generation. And second, no less important goal is the development of children’s journalism in our country.”

In this regard, in the interval between the programs we started broadcasting special educational videos and clips about comprehensively advanced generation.

In the course of the telethon, there was a children’s talk show “In the name of a happy childhood”, which was attended by both children and teachers, experts. The major themes of the talk show were interests of children at the present stage. The show also paid attention to issues of support and education of talented children, creation of necessary conditions for full realization of their creative potential.
 

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Committee on Budget and Economic Reforms of the lower house of parliament organized a round table to discuss the role of legislative and executive bodies in shaping and managing the national budget.

As MPs noted during the occasion, modern processes of the country’s development require them to demonstrate greater legislative initiatives, as well as active participation in not only adoption, but also control over the execution of laws. In turn, for more effective implementation of these powers, members of the newly elected parliament should study in detail the legislative framework, including that covering the formation and management of the national budget.

For improving the legal framework of the system of forming and managing the state budget, the republic has adopted such laws as “On the budget system”, “On the treasury execution of the state budget”, and other legal documents that were also discussed in detail during the meeting. The discussions touched such important issues as ensuring macroeconomic stability, national budget expenditures, their role and importance in the implementation of the budget policy, mechanism of its treasury execution, the role and importance of the new budget classification in ensuring transparency and proper use of budgetary funds, priorities in the fiscal policy.

According to Muhamajon Tursunov, a member of the Committee on Budget and Economic Reforms, the address to this topic is caused by the necessity to enhance the monitoring of the formation and execution of the State Budget for optimization of public spending, tax rates and tax base.

“This will also enable legislators to propose new initiatives in monitoring the efficiency of state budget execution, both at national and local levels,” said the deputy.

As was noted during the discussion, one of the distinguishing features of the national budget system of the republic is that there is no country to practice a quarterly review of the report on the performance of the national budget by the parliament. Effective use of these powers is among the urgent tasks of the parliament. In this regard, it was also noted at the meeting that in exercising parliamentary control, a particular attention should be paid to the institutions that allow diversion of funds allocated by the government, as well as stricter control over business entities that fail to fully pay taxes on time, which affects the formation of the budget revenues.
 

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The Center for International Studies of Development and Environment (ZEU) at the Justus Liebiga Gessen University (Germany) held a scientific-practical seminar on the Center’s new project “Land use, care for ecosystem and welfare of the population of Central Asia» (LUCA).

The project will last three years and carried out jointly by the University of Marburg, and the Center for Geo Researches of the city of Potsdam, and funds for the project are intended to support young scientists from Central Asia to conduct researches on land management, environmental protection and development.

Opening the event, President of the University Prof. Joybrato Mukherjee briefed participants about the research potential of the University, importance of international projects undertaken by the Center of the University. According to the scientist, the project for Central Asia will assist in training and education of young specialists and scientists from the region by providing them with opportunities to conduct researches on specific topics.

Participants were informed in detail about the crisis in the Aral Sea region, its implications, as well as problems of water management in the region. Uzbekistan has also provided information on estimates on water and energy problems in the region and approaches to their solution. In this regard, the Uzbek position was noted on mandatory accounting for fate and interests of 50 million people living in the region, when using water resources of transboundary rivers.

A meeting with President of the University Prof. J.Mukherjee and the University’s leading scientists was held during the event, where two sides discussed possibilities of establishing and promoting bilateral cooperation between universities and scientific institutions of Uzbekistan and the University of Giessen.
It should be noted that the German scientists and experts commended the Government of Uzbekistan aimed at informing the world community about the problems of the Aral Sea, their negative impact on the ecological and socio-economic situation in the region, as well as proposals to strengthen international cooperation in addressing the Aral Sea crisis.
 

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Announcement of 2010 as the Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation in Uzbekistan is a logical continuation of wide-ranging measures aimed at creating the necessary opportunities and conditions to ensure that the younger generation in Uzbekistan will grow not only physically and mentally healthy, but comprehensively advanced and intelligent as well.

These thoughts and concerns were communicated to the participants of the presentation held in our country's embassy in India. The event was attended by ambassadors of foreign countries, representatives of sociopolitical, cultural, humanitarian and business communities, heads of leading Indian firms and companies, analysts and experts engaged in research in Central Asia, journalists, as well as Uzbek students studying in universities of the Indian capital.

Participants focused on the fact that various youth movements, organizations and foundations that direct their activities toward improving the system of professional training, school education, physical education of youth are functioning in the country. Due to this, the youth plays an increasingly important role in the economic, political, social and cultural life of the country.

In particular, one of the largest organizations is Kamolot Civic Youth Movement uniting around 5 million young people.

In addition, a large number of large-scale projects to support young people are carried out by nongovernmental non-profit organizations. One of them is the Fund “Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan” which initiates and supports several major projects aimed at assisting talented and gifted young people in order to provide them with the necessary conditions to fully realize their intellectual and creative potential.

Participants of the presentation also shared their assessments of the youth policy in Uzbekistan. In particular, a prominent social activist, co-chairman of the Chamber of Commerce India-CIS Bal Ram Saini said that he had an opportunity to get acquainted with the achievements of the republic in supporting the younger generation during visits to Uzbekistan.

“Last time I had such an opportunity during parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan this December, where I was an international observer,” said Bal Ram Saini. “During visits to the polling stations, I asked young voters what they think about the elections, the country's political life and was pleasantly surprised by the answers of young people, their views on the significance of the election to life, especially the election campaign of candidates. From each young man or woman, I have heard sober, well-reasoned responses and evaluation of internal and external political processes, while they clearly understood the essence of the reforms and changes implemented in the country.”

The representative of the Secretary General of the League of Arab States in India, Salim Saleh al-Vahishi noted that he is well familiar with the measures of the Uzbek government to support youth.

“Uzbekistan is a land of great scholars and theologians who have made invaluable contribution to the development of world civilization, science and culture,” he said. “I observe with great interest how people in Uzbekistan guard their ancient and unique spiritual and cultural heritage, teach the youth to love this priceless wealth. The country undertakes massive efforts to provide youth with best knowledge and access to information and communication networks, improve their health and physical fitness.”

“I am confident that within the announced Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation in Uzbekistan noble deeds towards full support of young people will gain new impetus, embracing new ideas and initiatives. And the Uzbek youth will be worthy successors of the noble traditions and deeds of their great ancestors.”
 

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Today, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is one of important international partners of Uzbekiston Temir Yollari (Uzbekistan Railways) state joint-stock railway company.

To date, the result of this active cooperation has been a large-scale work for the rehabilitation of about 700km of trunk railway in the country, as well as modernization of telecommunication systems and creation of a fiber optic line. Using its own funds as well as those borrowed from the ADB, Uzbekiston Temir Yollari (Uzbekistan Railways) state joint-stock railway company also purchased modern track machines and mechanisms.

The next stage of the Project “Modernization of Railways of Uzbekistan” at the expense of the second ADB loan has began in 2002. The project also plans creation of a fiber-optic line that would held to modernize the telecommunications network and implement an effective network and information systems management.

According to experts, as a result of completing the railways’ rehabilitation more efficient cargo and passengers transportation was promoted, volume of transit traffic grew as well as increased the speed of freight trains’ delivery timing.

In order to reduce operational costs and equipment of modern technology, Uzbekistan Railways plans to attract in the future the ADB loan in the amount of US$20 million for the investment project “Upgrading the Fleet of Railway Track Machines and Mechanisms”.
 

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Seventh international exhibition Furniture Expo Uzbekistan-2010 held in Tashkent on.

Annually FurnitureExpo Uzbekistan demonstrates innovative solutions for the production of furniture. This year the exhibition has become the center of business communication for manufacturers of furniture, accessories, as well as suppliers of new progressive equipment and consumables.

The furniture market of Uzbekistan develops intense competition among domestic manufacturers indicating the rapid progress of the furniture industry in the country. Experts associated the fast growth of furniture production with the implementation of one of the most important social priorities, growth in revenues and improving living standards of the population. For the stimulation of the national furniture industry, the government reduced the tax burden on imported wood. Increasing demand for quality furniture entails the use of new equipment, innovative materials, hardware accessories for furniture. All this is presented to the participants FurnitureExpo Uzbekistan-2010.

The exhibition presented about 30 companies from 10 countries. For example, leading furniture manufacturers in Belarus, Pinskdrev and Rechitsadrev. They are also suppliers of components, particle board, plywood and other wood produce to Uzbekistan. Enthusiasm of domestic manufacturers of furniture and accessories at the exhibition indicate the accelerated development of the furniture industry in Uzbekistan. Orient-Mebel JV, Mebel JV, Eman, Tus Buero are the producers of a wide range of furniture for home and office, public and social institutions.

A wide exposition, presentation of progressive and modern equipment will provide a powerful impetus for the further development of the national furniture market. MebelExpo Uzbekistan will attract all players of the industry whose professional interests are closely connected with the manufacture and sale of finished furniture and accessories.
 

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Altogether, according to the quantity of innovations and developments presented at the 3rd Republican Fair Innovative Ideas, Technologies and Projects, higher educational institutions have come to the fore. The specialists explain it that today more than a half of academics of the country are concentrated in the higher educational institutions and that much emphasis is placed on discovering young talents.

For instance, the exposition of Tashkent State Technical University (TSTU) is the largest among higher educational institutions’ and consisted of 68 inventions and innovative offers, 27 from which belong to doctoral candidates, post-graduates, undergraduates and students of Bachelor Degree engaged in science. Among works of young academics there is a new author's model of motorcycle with the cart for agriculture, and the device for treatment of nose diseases, as well as advanced latches for water supply systems, and many other things.

“The youth keep abreast with their tutors,” comment representatives of the Ministry of the Higher and Secondary Special Education. “Only for last three years representatives of the teaching staff and fellows of TSTU have received 46 patents for inventions, 8 patents for useful models, 27 certificates on registration of software products and more than 10 certificates on registration of trade marks. 65 more demands for reception of patents are at a consideration stage at corresponding instances.”

As a whole, today Tashkent State Technical University on issues of integration of education, science and production is served as a model for other higher educational institutions. Eight research-and-production centers and enterprises are function within the university, where both academic-tutors and students can materialize their scientific intention, advance it, make it ready sale. And as a whole, the most part of researches is conducted under the special order of the largest branches and enterprises of the country such as National Holding Company Uzbekneftegaz, the State Joint-stock Company Uzbekenergo, Navoi and Olmaliq Mining and Smelting complexes, the Uzbek Complex for Refractory and Heat-resistant Metals.
 

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The double champion of Uzbekistan, Tashkent Bunyodkor top the group B in AFC Champions League after two rounds

The match in Abu Dhabi between the local Al-Wahda and Tashkent Bunyodkor was Uzbek club’s 100th appearance in the Champions League. But, of course, this remarkable fact was not what defined the mood of “swallows” on the match, it was the professional approach of Luiz Felipe Scolari.

At the same time, the experienced Brazilian coach achieved not only the full commitment of each player, but also built-up a real teamplay, backed up by each player’s unconditional implementation of his tactical plans. He also nurtured winners’ complex to the players. Of course, Rivaldo and Denilson do not need such education. But for their Uzbek partners it was quite necessary...

The fact that the coach managed to solve this difficult task could be seen when the team crushed the Saudi Al-Ittihad at home and the first official away match confirmed it. At the Al-Nahian stadium of UAE capital Bunyodkor players did not look like timid guests: they played their game and managed to take three points in a confident and beautiful style. Yet, their opponents were far not an easy team to play against - Al-Wahda’s attacks were persistent and backed up by remarkable personal skills. However it was Bunyodkor to force their opponents to make mistakes which eventually became fatal for the home team.

Deja vu occurred in this match one after another. First Omani defender Hassan Madafar repeated the Frenchman Thierry Henry’s trick, with only one difference – he played a handball in his own penalty area while clearing the ball. And, just like in the match between France and Ireland everyone saw it but the referee. And then there was a moment that reminded the worst goal Bunyodkor conceded last year, when Ignatiy Nesterov failed to catch the ball in the quarterfinal match against Korean Pohan Steelers and was punished by Stevica Ristic who played for the Korean club then. Only this time Nesterov’s Arab vis-a-vis Odil Al-Hasani made a similar mistake. And Bunyodkor’s new player Denilson, who claimed that the team that makes fewer mistakes will win the match, immediately punished the home team.

The goal came on the 37th minute of the first half. In the end of the second half, not only withstanding the onslaught of Al-Wahda players to even the score, but actually from time to time threatening the opponents’ goal, the swallows scored their second goal. And again, it was Denilson, who showed his great scorer’s instincts: he was in the right place in the right time when Al-Hasani reflected the ball after a powerful left-foot strike of Jasur Hasanov. Everything that the home team could do is to get one goal back on the 90th minute of the match...

Bunyodkor’s competitors Iranian Zobahan and Saudi Al-Ittihad played each other in Jeddah. The game ended in a draw - 2:2.

Unfortunately, Pakhtakor could not build on the success after the away win in the Emirates. They lost to Saudi Al-Shabab at home - 1:3.

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Construction projects of gigantic hydropower facilities in Central Asia are a great concern for all those who objectively review the possible consequences of their hasty implementation. Uzbekistan fundamentally and consistently calls for the need of an independent international assessment of such projects’ impact on environmental and water balance in the region, as well as threats of anthropogenic disasters.

Today this view is shared by many independent experts in various countries. For example, the article “Epos rather than reality: the fate of the mega hydropower plant in Central Asia remains unclear...” written by the director of the Bishkek branch of the Institute for CIS Countries, doctor of historical sciences, professor, member of Russian Geographical Society, Aleksandr Knyazev, and published in several online news agencies, gives an unbiased, deep and thorough evaluation of the problem.

It is an impartial opinion of the author, who could not be suspected of lobbing anyone’s interest.

He notes that the water basin of Amudaryo and Syrdaryo rivers constitutes a single organism providing water supply and well-being in Central Asia. He underscores that the interests of Uzbekistan in the use of transboundary rivers of Syrdaryo and Amudaryo are not just ignored in the upper reaches. “The fact that Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are already running construction of hydrotechnical facilities allows us to speak about large-scale threats to security, first of all for Uzbekistan, as well as Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan,” Aleksandr Knyazev writes.

At the same time, the expert draws attention to the fact that “there are strict international regulations that govern the construction of such facilities which are ignored in the upper reaches of rivers. However, neither Kyrgyzstan nor Tajikistan are signatories of all international conventions associated with this issue, particularly the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Helsinki, March 17, 1992), which Russia adheres to since October 1996, the Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (New York, May 21, 1997) and many others. However, because of purely selfish understanding of their own national interests, the two republics, got stuck on hydropower plant projects as a certain cure to save their economies, and stubbornly insist on the implementation of these plans using semi-primitive methods, due to scarce and mostly borrowed budgets and in endless search for a foreign investor.

He also recognizes the absurdity of the allegations that the country in whose territory the transboundary waters are formed may dispose it at their discretion, and the invalidity of debates about which of them are internal, and which are not.

“If we proceed from the fact that the rivers Narin-Syrdaryo and Amudaryo with their inseparable feeder Vakhsh are transboundary watercourses (it can be easily seen on a map), then Kyrgyzstan simply does not have the right to build Kambarata hydropower stations without permission from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Tajikistan has no right to build a hydroelectric power station on the transboundary river without the consent of not only Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, but also Turkmenistan which is located downstream. It does not matter how many times we say that Vakhsh is an internal river, it still is one of the main feeders of Amudaryo, so in this case all the international principles on the use of transboundary rivers must be applied,” pointed out Aleksandr Knyazev.

The author clearly declares that “the current situation with Rogun hydropower plant can be easily compared with the Kyrgyz Kambarata-2, which Kyrgyzstan is also building on their own. Both of these projects are finally crimes directed against their own people, and neighboring countries. The quality of this construction clearly does not meet the necessary requirements - a dam for Kambarata-2 that is being built can serve as an example of that. After unique, in general blasting works in December last year for the transfer of soil, Kyrgyz builders did not achieved the necessary results. Not to mention the fact that the created ground obstruction did not reach the design height, irregularities in the blasting operations resulted in a large number of voids, which are now being primitively covered: by raking up and pouring ground from outside. The safety of such facility is quite arguable.”

He noted the challenge of ensuring the safe operation of existing hydropower facilities repeatedly raised by experts: “It would be far more efficient to put in order Tajikistan’s Nurek and Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul hydropower stations and their reservoirs inherited from the USSR. In both cases, the small accumulation of water is connected, along with objective reasons, with the fact that throughout the post-Soviet time, no one has been seriously engaged in preventive work, upgrading of these stations, siltation of reservoirs exceeds all permissible limits. The recent accident at Nurek hydropower plant brought no serious consequences, but it is a quite serious signal both to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

In the context of all these issues Knyazev declares: “Therefore we must reach agreement. Otherwise - nothing prevents Uzbekistan from blocking Rogun, Kambarata, whether any of them will be built, even if it will require military intervention. And the leadership of Uzbekistan would probably be right, since it will be ensuring the safety of not only ten million of its own population, but also the safety of the population of the three regions of Kyrgyzstan (Osh, Jalalabad and Batken), and one of Tajikistan (Soghd) located in the Kambarata projects’ zone, the Farg’ona Valley.”

“We can only be sure about the fact that the construction of new dams on the background of reductions in water and its growing deficits, its use for energy purposes, without serious consideration can lead to extremely negative consequences for the water balance and sustainable development,” writes Aleksandr Knyazev.
The expert agrees with Uzbekistan’s demands to comply with the requirements of the country’s interests and security of its population.

“Each country has its own national interests, so the only solution is to find a compromise, each side must make concessions. And the behavior of Uzbekistan can not be called aggressive, more likely - extremely worried. The leadership of Uzbekistan is absolutely right, if it is already thinking about the possibility of applying the most serious action against Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan the interests of Uzbekistan will not be taken into account in these projects. And the emotionally discussed height of the dams and their character is not that important, but the quality of dams, scientific approach in defining the potential volume of reservoirs, everything associated with the margin of safety, security - these are all to be the most important things.”

The author cites his Russian colleagues who acknowledge such facts as “unfounded, illiterate use of energy resources, inefficiency and backwardness of the technologies, lack of qualified engineers and skilled workers.”

And, finally, the last argument of the initiators of construction of large-scale hydropower facilities is huge economic benefits that allegedly can be obtained as a result of their construction and operation are estimated by the scientist with great skepticism.

“...The big question is also the economic feasibility of the projects,” he writes, analyzing the calculations of highly questionable payback for these projects.

At the same time he concludes that for the population it would be much more efficient, economically profitable and safer to build a network of small hydropower stations in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Speaking of potential external participants of these projects, the author warns: “We all remember how a few years ago, the Chinese side quickly shut down the Zarafshan hydropower plant construction project in Tajikistan - identical to those inRogun and Kambarata, but with smaller-scale, realizing the possible conflict with Uzbekistan, a key country in the region. The recent proposals of the Kyrgyz side to participate in the hydropower projects were treated with barely hidden skepticism by China.

In this regard, he also notes: “Naturally, Russia’s hydropower activities abroad should not be a source of regional conflict that, in relation to projects in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, seems quite real.”

The published article is not always straightforward. Not all the proposals and conclusions of the scientist can be agree on, for example, in the part concerning the establishing water and energy consortium. But fundamentally important is that Knyazev is aware of the seriousness of the problem, recognizes the validity of the anxiety, Uzbekistan’s concern about the potential of large-scale threats to safety of millions of people living in the region.
 

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Initiatives of President Islam Karimov aimed at improving the efficiency of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during Uzbekistan’s presidency in the Organization have been reviewed in Turkmenistan.

The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan held a briefing on this occasion, attended by representatives of political, social and business circles of Turkmenistan, heads and staff of diplomatic missions and international organizations, accredited in Ashgabat.

Speakers at the briefing praised Uzbekistan’s efforts to improve efficiency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Chinese Ambassador to Turkmenistan Wu Hongbin said that SCO is among few international organizations that has consistently and progressively gained credibility not only in the region, but in the world. In particular, he said: “The basis for this positive trend is a unity of views and approaches of all the members of the Organization towards tasks that before them. SCO Member States demonstrate a commitment to deepen and expand cooperation on such key issues as security, development of trade and economic ties, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

The Chinese diplomat expressed his confidence that the Presidency of Uzbekistan in SCO will further strengthen the Organization. Initiatives, proposed by the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, will certainly contribute to the existing potential of SCO and its efficiency.

In this context, according to participants of the briefing, efforts to further develop transport and communications are of particular importance. Today Uzbekistan is one of those first completed the project for reconstruction and building the Trans-Asian highway. The introduction of this road will create necessary conditions for a multiple increase of trade and enhance cultural exchanges between SCO Member States.

According to ambassador of Romania in Turkmenistan Horumbe Liviu Radu, the Uzbek presidency in SCO should give an important impetus to development of this influential Organization, importance of which only grows in the recent years. “The proposals and initiatives put forward by Uzbekistan are relevant and necessary for further development of SCO in modern conditions”, - ambassador said.

Counselor for Political Affairs, the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia Arthurs Pupols believes that the position of Uzbekistan to establish and develop contacts between SCO and international organizations, in particular, with the UN is a right approach. “Such an intention is on the whole consistent with modern realities and is aimed at consolidating efforts to preserve security and stability not only in the region, but throughout the world. In this context, the initiative by President Islam Karimov to address the situation in Afghanistan and ongoing activities of States to assist the country deserve a special attention,” the diplomat believes.
 

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The Democratic Party Milliy Tiklanish and the Social Democratic Party Adolat convened for their sessions last week in Tashkent to review their activities in the past year and outline their plans for the year in progress.

Currently, all political parties of Uzbekistan work on the action plan both for this year and five years ahead, proceeding from the priorities, specified by the head of the state in the joint meeting of two houses of parliament in January, 2010. It is these tasks, which are now the core issues at the agenda of all events, arranged by political parties.

The members of the Democratic Party Milliy Tiklanish treated the leader’s report as the action program.

Summing up the last year and parliamentary election, the democrats critically evaluated their activity. Speaking about the participation of Milliy Tiklanish party in the last election, the head of the party Akhtam Tursunov noted, that in spite of the operation of all branches, the whole potential of the DPUMT was not used. The participants noted the necessity of drawing the right conclusions of serious mistakes and shortcomings and outlined the priority tasks for the party and faction to be fulfilled this year.

According to Ulugbek Jalmenov, the member of Milliy Tiklanish parliamentary faction, they made a decision on strengthening of the work of the deputy groups at the local people’s representatives’ councils.

“The improvement of the interaction between the party bodies in regions and establishment of the effective communication between the local party organizations and deputies of all levels will become an important aspect for the improvement of the party’s activity this year. Besides, the personal responsibility of heads and officers of the party’s councils will be strengthened. With this purpose some special regulations were adopted on the official responsibility of authorities and officials of the local councils. The strengthening of the activity of the executive committee of the party’s central council at the expense of skilled professionals and youths is another important step,” explained Ulugbek Jalmenov.

The Social Democrats, whose session followed the plenum by Milliy Tiklanish, were not less strict evaluating their activity and concrete in mapping out the current year. Dwelling upon the election outcome, the head of the party Ismail Saifnazarov emphasized, that this result is the consequence of the passive activity of some territorial branches of the party. Therefore, to achieve a certain progress the local activities should be maximally intensive. First of all, this refers to monitoring the implementation of state programs, observance of laws and protection of rights and interests of the party’s electorate.

As Qodir Juraev, the deputy of Adolat parliamentary faction told UT, the plan of their activity for 2010 has several directions. First of all they intend to activate the participation of the party’s members in initiating and developing laws, discussion and solution of the issues of socioeconomic development in the regions of the country. Besides, they focus on strengthening of the supervisory and analytical activity of deputies, expansion of the partnership with NGOs and other public organizations. Many events are aimed at the interaction with the electorate.

UzLiDeP and PDPU are currently getting ready for the conduction of sessions of their political councils to be held next week. Meanwhile, UzLiDep discussed some topical tasks for the current year in the enlarged meeting of the political council with participation of the Farm Association of Uzbekistan.

Summing up the joint activity, the leader of the party Mukhammadyusuf Teshaboyev noted, that they held over 15 thousand various meetings, trainings and seminars for the country’s landowners. Meanwhile, he paid attention to the passive activity of the number of territorial structures of the party and association. He said it was necessary to correct and solve the emerging problems locally and immediately.

The list of projects mapped out for this year includes the initiatives on the further strengthening of legal foundations of the farmers’ movement. Besides, it is planned to establish an information resource center for landowners with the joint cooperation of the party and association. According to the UzLiDeP members, the center will be able to assist in purchasing the compact equipment, mini technologies and new devices by means of attraction of some commercial banks and leasing companies. The program of action also includes the training of farmers in the UzLiDeP political education centers, the broad coverage of issues related to the protection of rights and interests of the party’s electorate.

The People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan has analyzed the activity of its branches in the regions of the country and worked out the action plan for the current year with the participation of some state and public organizations. For example, together with the Ministry of Health and Oila Academic and Practical Center they organized the dialogue dedicated to the tasks of the Year of Harmoniously Developed Generation.

Some time before the specialists gathered at the round table in the capital to discuss the tasks specified in the report by the head of the state on the further liberalization of mass media and party newspapers.

“In order to turn the party editions into the hot debate tribune, first of all we have to have a profound knowledge of the topical problems, challenging our electorate to solve them within the socioeconomic reforms in our country,” said Safar Ostonov, chief editor of O’zbekiston Ovozi and Golos Uzbekistana (Voice of Uzbekistan) newspapers. “First of all this depends on courage, enthusiasm, authority of the party’s editions, political competence, mastery and high responsibility of our journalists.
 

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House of Receptions at Uzbekistan’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs has hosted the 6th chess tournament among teams of diplomatic corps and international organisations accredited in the country. It is traditionally organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diplomatic Service and the Republican Chess Federation.

Opening the tournament, the first deputy minister of foreign affairs Abdulaziz Komilov expressed gratitude to diplomats for their contribution to the growth of cooperation between the countries they represent and Uzbekistan. Komilov said that these gatherings have become a good tradition in consolidating the friendly relations and mutual understanding among nations. And the dean of the diplomatic corps, the Turkmen ambassador to Uzbekistan Soltan Pirmuhamedov stressed that for the passed years the tournament has turned into a favorite holiday for diplomats working in Uzbekistan.

A year ago, the ambassador of Latvia Igors Apokins had acknowledged: “The fact of my physical presence here at the contest is vital for it is patriotic to support our embassy’s team.” He stood by this principle and took part in the event. His colleague from Switzerland, Ann Boti, adhering seemingly to the same belief, bravely entered the competition against men. However, the number of women in the tournaments has grown throughout years: this time, the teams of German, Ukrainian, and Italian diplomats also included ladies.

Nonetheless, the spouse of Italian Embassy attaché Maria-Luisa Rikkardi who
participated in the occasion for the first time, played with so much confidence that came triumphant in six out of seven rounds and was second only – in a half-point less score – to another debutant, the physician of Afghan Embassy Jamshid Delavar. The latter made kust one draw against Kolbay Musaev from the SCO team. By the way, Mr. Delavar is close to graduating from Tashkent Medical Academy.

A help from the employee of Italian Embassy Sergey Kolenko who gained 5 points last year, to Maria-Luisa Rikkardi allowed the second team of Italian diplomats to come first in the tournament. Said Ahmad Yamo Mirzoda’s added four points to those won by Jamshid Delavar. As a result, the team of Afghanistan rose to the second position as last year. And winners of the last, 5th tournament, Indonesians have been rolled away in the 6th on to the third place – Judhi Nernavan and Mussa Derek accumulated five points each.

One more indication of the growing interest of diplomatic missions’ employees in chess is expansion in the number of participants and teams representing one embassy, as well as partaking in the tournament of parents together with children. Two years ago, the counselor of Kazakhstan Embassy Asan Alibayev gave start to this phenomenon, making a team together with his 11-year-old son Arystan.

This time around, the Kazakh Embassy - as well as those of Afghanistan and Iran - came up with two teams. Yet the father ended up in the second team, while the son in the first. It was significant that Italy was represented by three teams where the third one enlisted Ricciulli’s family - father and son. And father and son Walkers presented an American duet.

Organizers of these annual diplomatic chess weekends departed from one tradition nevertheless, by resolving to allocate competitions among representatives of international organizations to a separate tournament. It was won by the employee of joint venture Asia-Trans Dilmurod Gafurov.

Players experienced another more unforgettable impression presented by the international grand master Anton Filippov who displayed multi-board chess play. And if one year ago, as few as 14 players proved brave enough to face Saidali Yuldashev, Filippov’s colleague, this time it was 17, including the ambassador of the United States Richard Norland as well as Igors Apokins and Ann Boti.
 

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A prominent Uzbek surgeon Mirjamol Zufarov has been awarded the highest international award - “Occupation is Life” prize in the nomination “For Faith to Profession”. The “Occupation is Life” award is international public award designed for institutions and organizations, as well as outstanding individuals for their contribution to the development of science, technology and practical medicine, for their professionalism. Mirjamol Zufarov is a doctor, scientist recognized in many countries as a leading x-ray endovascular surgery and interventional cardiology expert. The establishment and development of x-ray endovascular surgery in Uzbekistan as a branch of practical healthcare and science is associated with Mirjamol Zufarov. Ten years ago he directed establishment of a department running the most complicated high-tech closed surgeries to restore the integrity of vessels by means of angiography (x-ray endovascular) installation in the Republican Specialized Surgery Center of Academician Vahidov.

Today, this outstanding professional directs the development of unique methods of diagnostics and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. He has published more than 300 scientific works, including monographs and inventions. As noted by members of the organizing committee of “Occupation is Life” award, by some aspects Mirjamol Zufarov’s department takes the leading position among similar healthcare centers in the world.

For the past ten years x-ray endovascular surgery has significantly increased its capacity in Uzbekistan. These methods have been grasped in the republican scientific centers for emergency medical aid and neurosurgery, and the clinic of Tashkent Pediatric Medical Institute.

Professor Mirjamol Zufarov continues working at the Republican Specialized Surgery Center of Academician Vahidov, he combines medical and scientific activities with administrative work, while acting as deputy director of the center for introduction of high technology.
 

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Young journalists are attached an extraordinary priority these days around. An encouraging environment is being arranged for their fruitful activity. Youth studios have been instituted at the regional centers of Kelajak Ovozi on the basis of local TV and radio stations. Students from various educational establishments acquire practical journalist skills there. New studios with all necessary technical facilities were built for them with the support of local nongovernmental television stations. Seminar trainings and media forums are held to enhance quality of youth programs.

The National Association of Electronic Mass Media of Uzbekistan (NAEMM) together with the Fund Forum, Kelajak Ovozi and Kamolot have organized a seminar training within the government program of the Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation. About 50 young presenters, cameramen and film editors representing youth studios from all regions of Uzbekistan took part in the training. It aimed at teaching of making social videos and author’s programs. They focused on the close-up exposure with its bright emotions.

The seminar participants were prepared a very rich program. Renowned directors were invited as trainers to tell about the whole nicety of making social videos and commercials. Lola Zununova from Yoshlar TV and radio channel of the National TV and Radio Company, Bakhtiyor Turakhanov from NTT, Shakhnoza Ghanieva from TV Markaz were among them.

On first days the participants divided into groups and worked on special tasks, such as making the video on children’s rights or the author’s program. Young journalists shot videos about activities supporting the youth creativity development in 12 establishments, including children’s creativity centers and Kelajak Ovozi.

“I was astonished at the creative thinking of young journalists,” commented Bakhtiyor Turakhanov, the chief trainer at the seminar. “They have very special ideas in spite of their young age. Though, they lack some knowledge and skills. That is why this training was organized: we aimed at assisting young journalists in becoming the real professionals.”

“It is very important that we can tell our peers about the life of youth in accessible and understandable way. We are young, we have much in common and therefore we easily understand each other,” says Nargiza Ahmatova, the journalist from the Samarkand youth TV studio. “Of course, our programs should be made in a quality and professional way. For that a journalist should be able to combine the tasks of both cameraman and director. He should combine numerous professional characteristics. In the course of the seminar we acquired some necessary knowledge to advance our proficiency and learned various methods of interactive interviewing. Having returned to Samarqand we will work on raising the level and quality of the youth journalism using all skills we have acquired at this seminar.”

“We have been taught making programs and commercials correctly by representatives of the governmental and nongovernmental TV and radio companies during a week,” said Inomjon Masharipov, cameraman and film editor of the Kelajak Ovozi studio and To’rtko’l youth studio of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. “The professionals noted many times that a program would fail if there is no cohesion within the team. A journalist, cameraman, director and light specialist should work bodily. Only in this union they can create a quality product taking into consideration that now we have all necessary conditions for the fruitful activity. We use modern facilities in excellently equipped studios. We are expected to work professionally. This is what this seminar provided us with.”

“It would be no exaggeration to say that this week spent in the company with TV masters was the best experience for each of us,” shared Elnura Tojiboeva, journalist at a youth studio in Andijon. “We learned not only theory but also had an opportunity of practicing it in the seminar. We were to make 10-minute programs covering the course of the implementation of the State program the Year of Harmoniously Developed Generation. In our programs we told about the scaled building of various structures for youth, including colleges, lyceums, sports stadiums, creativity houses and many other things. We made all that to tell and show out peers the measures taken by the state for their comprehensive development.”

After filming the participants demonstrated their videos at the seminar and then assessed each other’s works pointing at all right and wrong sides. At the end of the discussion they selected the best stories ranking the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively in children’s and adult’s categories. They will be shown on the NTT channel on 7 March –International Day for Children’s TV and Radio Broadcasting. It is notable that this holiday was announced by the representatives of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Cannes in April, 1994. Thousands of TV and radio presenters in over a hundred countries take part in this event’s program to celebrate its uniqueness and festivity.

“NTT is also intending to join this action this year, which was announced the Year of Harmoniously Developed Generation,” said Farid Sharapov, director of the NTT TV and radio channel. “A great diversity of events is held in the republic every year to support the creative youth, and journalists in particular. This activity has intensified this year, and the stories made during the training demonstrate that. Broadcasting these stories on our channel we will tell the broad community, including the foreign audience, about the life of the youth in Uzbekistan, its creative progresses and the conditions arranged for the development of its talents.”
 

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About 130 contracts worth a total of over UZS 3.2 billion were signed at the Third National Innovative Ideas, Technologies and Projects Fair held at UzExpoCenter on 1-3 March.

The forum was organized in the framework of implementation of the tasks set by President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to speed up modernization and re-equipment of production and increase production of competitive products.

Ministries, departments, associations, banks, state and private companies from various sectors, scientific and educational establishments, scientific and technological centers, as well as individual inventors participated in the fair.

Over 600 prospective innovative projects and samples of highly technological equipment for industry and agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceutical sector, information technologies, science and education were presented at the forum.

The fair participants had the opportunity to discuss expansion of collaboration between science and industry at the practical seminars on intellectual property management, technology transfer and other topics.

On the last day of the fair, a round table on Innovative Development of Uzbekistan: Problems and Perspectives developed recommendations on development of innovative economy in the country.

The fair competed with the awarding ceremony of the winners of the best projects contest, which was held in 14 nominations, covering all sectors and areas presented at the forum.

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov participated in the closing and wawarding ceremonies of the third innovations fair.

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Ambassador of Japan to Uzbekistan Tsutomu Hiraoka met Vice-Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov on 1 March. The sides discussed issues of development and implementation of joint projects.

At the end of the talks, the governments of Uzbekistan and Japan signed exchange notes in the framework of the Japanese government’s cultural assistance program.

In accordance with the document, Japan will allocate JPY 33.2 million (almost USD 330,000) for the project of improvement of the lighting and audiovisual equipment of the Alisher Navoi State Academic Theater of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

On 3 February, President of Uzbekistan signed a resolution on the effective use of the grant of the government of Japan, issued for the provision of the theater with special equipment.

“The signed document will serve to further development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan in the field of culture,” Ambassador Tsutomu Hiraoka said.

Japan supports wide-scale reforms implemented in Uzbekistan. The two countries have established close cooperation in various areas, including culture. Currently, an Uzbek-Japanese archaeological expedition is exploring territories of Qoratepa, Kampirtepa and Dalvarzintepa in Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan.
 

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