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LATEST NEWS : OCTOBER 2007

On October 29 this year at the Oksaroy Residence in Tashkent the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Anatoly Serdyukov, the Uzbek news agencies reported.

“We consider your visit yet as another confirmation of the developing relations between the defense ministries of our countries, which have gained a powerful impetus following the Treaty on allied relations has been signed in 2005,” – President Islam Karimov has said.

The military, military-technical and military-scientific cooperation, which has been established between the two countries, is aimed at providing the Armed Forces with arms and military techniques, the development of exchange of information and technologies, training and retraining the cadres. So far at their firing ranges Uzbekistan and Russian have held twice the joint tactical antiterrorist exercises.

There is an Agreement on military and military-technical cooperation in force between Uzbekistan and Russia. The two defense ministries annually work out and implement the joint programs and plans. This visit of the Russian Defense Minister A.Serdyukov saw the signing of the bilateral cooperation plan for 2008, the reports have said.

The two countries also strengthen the legal basis of interacting in military sphere. In May this year Uzbekistan and Russia signed the agreement in Moscow on maintaining the air defense land troop units with portable antiaircraft complexes, their exploitation and exchange of information.

The sides also closely cooperate in the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). These ties serve the cause of strengthening security and stability in the CSTO space. Besides, Uzbekistan’s access expands to the rapid intelligence and analytical data by Russia’s special services, as well as cutting-edge armament and technique.

The state and scale of the current practical military cooperation allow saying that Uzbekistan and Russia also traverse along extending allied relations in the military sphere.

Russian Defense Minister Serdyukov thanked the Uzbek Leader for the cordial welcome. He has said that Russia treats the military cooperation with Uzbekistan with a special attention and stands ready to consistently continue all joint programs and plans in this direction.

On October 29 the visiting Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Anatoly Serdyukov met with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ruslan Mirzaev, according to the report by “Pravda Vostoka” newspaper.

The sides are reported to have underscored that the cooperation in the military sphere between Uzbekistan and Russia is consistently developing based on the Treaty on allied relations signed in 2005 by presidents Islam Karimov and Vladimir Putin.

There is an Agreement on military and military-technical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia. The contacts in the said sphere stand for the establishment of the interstate programs on supplies of military products, renewal of military technique, exchange of experience, holding of joint military exercises, as well as research of space, according to the newspaper.

The two ministers are also reported to have discussed the issues of further development of cooperation between their respective ministries and consolidating the regional security. Besides, the sides exchanged views on the state and prospects of partnership in the military area, elaboration and implementation of the new joint projects.

The talks have resulted in signing the bilateral cooperation plan for 2008 between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the newspaper report has concluded.

The Lower Chamber of the Parliament launched a sequential plenary session. Discussions have unfolded on nine draft laws seeking to make amendments to the current legislation and a new draft law “On the securities market”, Uzbekistan Today (UT) newspaper reported.

In the third reading deputies adopted the draft law “On amendments and additions to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On natural monopolies”, which will be transferred to the Senate. As was commented to UT by a member of the Committee on the Budget and Economic Reforms Sharbat Abdullaeva, the new amendments and additions will concern services of transport terminals. One of the amendments introduces the term “the transport terminal” and simultaneously determines that the work of transport terminals is regulated by the state. The legislator also provides an opportunity for structures occupying the position of state monopolies to develop and carry out programs of re-structuring, which provide allocation from structure of state monopolies of the competitive enterprises and their subsequent privatization.

“An addition is also being made on the control function of subjects of natural monopolies. It entitles institutions and individuals, state bodies and economic management to address with a complaint in case of infringement of the legislation on natural monopolies in the State Committee on Demonopolization, Support of Competition and Entrepreneurship. Also according to the new addition, subjects of natural monopolies acquire the right to independently reduce prices for products, goods and services with the notice of the Ministry of Finance. At the same time the reduction of prices should not be selective for separate consumers, but for all simultaneously” underlined the Deputy.

Members of the same committee proposed a draft law “On additions to some legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan with a view of improvement of investment conditions”. The document is developed with in an effort to draw active investments into the real sector of economy by maintenance of optimal conditions for investors.

The new legislative initiative provides modification and additions in the Tax Code and in the Law “On execution of judicial certificates and certificates of other bodies”. As the vice-president of the Committee on the Budget and Economic Reforms Ravil Sabirjanov has explained, changes will concern means and property, entered as investment obligations which will not be a subject to taxation on income and the VAT, and the tax on development of the social infrastructure and accomplishment of the territory. Also during the whole investment period according to the concluded contract of sales and purchases means and property introduced investors will not be a subject of compulsory repayment of the past debts of the enterprise.

Later the discussion developed on the presented draft law “On ratification of the Contract between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on mutual legal aid on criminal cases (Tashkent, March, 14th, 2007)”. Deputies have noted the importance of the document for development of the international relations, in view of the brought offers the draft law has been adopted in the first reading.

Deputies have begun a clause-by-clause reading of the draft law “On the securities market”, whose task is the definition of activity of professional participants of the securities market, the order of regulation and supervision of the securities market and protection of the rights of investors and owners of securities. In the agenda of the plenary session were also such issues, as increase of the state provision of pensions of citizens, modification in Civil Remedial Codes, the Law “On seed-growing” and the draft law “On the securities market”.

The Uzbek President Islam Karimov has approved the Republic’s investment program for 2008. It is intended to invest US$ 1.435 billion on 79 investment projects due to attracting foreign capital next year. The share of investment in industry will be 60% of total foreign capital, according to the newspaper Uzbekistan Today.

More than 65% of total foreign capital falls to the share of oil and gas, chemical industry, metallurgy and textile industries. The industrialization remains main priority of investment policy of the country and the efficiency of investments in this sector goes up. It is aimed to invest US$ 413.45 million on 37 projects of planned amount at the expense of foreign credits under the government’s security and US$ 1.022 billion on 42 projects at the expense of foreign direct investment.

In recent years the attraction of foreign investment has focused on the oil and gas sector. The Uzbek government predicts that then in last two or three years textile and communication remain more significant sectors for foreign direct investments.

The basic investment aspects of oil an gas companies who plan to invest US$ 628.6 million in 2008 are conducting prospecting works and launching new oil and gas fields. For instance, in 2008 Russia’s “Gasprom” will invest US$ 105 million in prospecting works in Ustyurt region having total investment of US$ 260 million for the period of 2006-2008.

Another Russian company, “Lukoil” wants to rank second after the “Gasprom” in gas production. While realizing these plans, the “Lukoil Overseas” will offer to implement a project worth around US$ 2 billion on developing the gas fields in Kandim group in Bukhara region and prospecting in Ustyurt.

Next year the Chinese CNODC (the CNPC’s section) will continue exploring in five oil and gas units worth US$ 208.5 million by late 2010. The Malaysian Petronas will finish exploring the Boisun investment unit totally estimated at 47.8 million in Surkhandarya region in the south of Uzbekistan. Another Russian company, “Soyuzneftegaz” will continue implementing a project worth US$ 462 million on developing the deposits in Ustyurt and South Gissar.

Pumping gas this year from one of the fields of Bukhara-Khiva group, the Swiss “Zeromax” will go on implementing a project worth US$ 400 million. Simultaneously the company began exploring and drilling in Tagam-Shimoliy Tandirchi zone of Gissar region in the south of Uzbekistan.

It is intended to invest next year around US$ 161 million foreign direct investment and credits of the China Development Bank for further expanding and modernization the networks of mobile and mail communication by buying new technological equipments.

An active attraction of direct investment in the industrial sector of economy allows the country to concentrate its efforts of attracting credits and loans under the government’s security on implementation of projects in social, agrarian, land-reclamation and communication spheres. Particularly, it is aimed to invest US$ 50 million in healthcare. This capital will be invested in the implementation of “Health 2” Project with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank and equipping various healthcare establishments of the country with medical equipment with the support of the Islamic Development Bank and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. In the education sphere US$ 80 million will be spent on the construction and equipment schools and professional colleges and integrating information communication technologies with various international finance institutions.

Thus, a balanced investment policy for attracting direct foreign investment in the real sector of economy and promotion of this process with integrated system of benefits and preferences will allow the country, in turn, to support actively its social projects and its positive credit reputation among the international financial organizations.

The Uzbek President Islam Karimov has approved the Republic’s investment program for 2008. It is intended to invest US$ 1.435 billion on 79 investment projects due to attracting foreign capital next year. The share of investment in industry will be 60% of total foreign capital, according to the newspaper Uzbekistan Today.

More than 65% of total foreign capital falls to the share of oil and gas, chemical industry, metallurgy and textile industries. The industrialization remains main priority of investment policy of the country and the efficiency of investments in this sector goes up. It is aimed to invest US$ 413.45 million on 37 projects of planned amount at the expense of foreign credits under the government’s security and US$ 1.022 billion on 42 projects at the expense of foreign direct investment.

In recent years the attraction of foreign investment has focused on the oil and gas sector. The Uzbek government predicts that then in last two or three years textile and communication remain more significant sectors for foreign direct investments.

The basic investment aspects of oil an gas companies who plan to invest US$ 628.6 million in 2008 are conducting prospecting works and launching new oil and gas fields. For instance, in 2008 Russia’s “Gasprom” will invest US$ 105 million in prospecting works in Ustyurt region having total investment of US$ 260 million for the period of 2006-2008.

Another Russian company, “Lukoil” wants to rank second after the “Gasprom” in gas production. While realizing these plans, the “Lukoil Overseas” will offer to implement a project worth around US$ 2 billion on developing the gas fields in Kandim group in Bukhara region and prospecting in Ustyurt.

Next year the Chinese CNODC (the CNPC’s section) will continue exploring in five oil and gas units worth US$ 208.5 million by late 2010. The Malaysian Petronas will finish exploring the Boisun investment unit totally estimated at 47.8 million in Surkhandarya region in the south of Uzbekistan. Another Russian company, “Soyuzneftegaz” will continue implementing a project worth US$ 462 million on developing the deposits in Ustyurt and South Gissar.

Pumping gas this year from one of the fields of Bukhara-Khiva group, the Swiss “Zeromax” will go on implementing a project worth US$ 400 million. Simultaneously the company began exploring and drilling in Tagam-Shimoliy Tandirchi zone of Gissar region in the south of Uzbekistan.

It is intended to invest next year around US$ 161 million foreign direct investment and credits of the China Development Bank for further expanding and modernization the networks of mobile and mail communication by buying new technological equipments.

An active attraction of direct investment in the industrial sector of economy allows the country to concentrate its efforts of attracting credits and loans under the government’s security on implementation of projects in social, agrarian, land-reclamation and communication spheres. Particularly, it is aimed to invest US$ 50 million in healthcare. This capital will be invested in the implementation of “Health 2” Project with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank and equipping various healthcare establishments of the country with medical equipment with the support of the Islamic Development Bank and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. In the education sphere US$ 80 million will be spent on the construction and equipment schools and professional colleges and integrating information communication technologies with various international finance institutions.

Thus, a balanced investment policy for attracting direct foreign investment in the real sector of economy and promotion of this process with integrated system of benefits and preferences will allow the country, in turn, to support actively its social projects and its positive credit reputation among the international financial organizations.

The development of an innovative economy based on the advanced scientific and technological solutions, and the integration of science and production required for this process were discussed during the Innovation-2007 International Scientific Conference held on 25 October at the Tashkent State Technical University named after Abu Rayhon Beruni, Uzbek media reported.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialised Education of Uzbekistan, the Uzbek Department of the International Academy of Sciences, the inter-industrial Centre of Strategic Innovations and Informationsations, and several other agencies.

Among the participants of the meeting were the representatives of higher educational institutions, scientific-research institutes, large industrial enterprises, and the developers of advanced technology from Uzbekistan, Belarus, Germany, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Ukraine.

The solution of this strategically important task of the intensification of the processes of country's innovative development set by President Karimov largely depends on the efficiency of the cooperation between the educational, scientific and production structures. The basis for the expansion of this interaction for the purpose of increasing the competitiveness of the national economy, and preparation of new format specialists is successful implementation of the National Staff Development Programme being implemented on the initiative of the head of state.

In light of this, as mentioned during the conference, special attention is being given to the development of the process of innovation. Innovation is a basic resource of economy. Uzbekistan has a huge, and internationally recognized scientific-technical and intellectual potential. Its efficient use would allow the Uzbek nation to solve the key problems related to the construction of the new society, to become a reputed participant of the world economic relations. The integration of advanced technology into production, the launch of export-oriented goods, the expansion of import-substituting production is largely determined by the increased innovative culture of the society, the establishment of the national system of innovation.

Every country's national innovation system is unique, but the structure of all of them is similar and includes different sorts of state and regional organizations, some scientific institutions and enterprises, techno-parks, which contribute to the development and integration of new technology. That is why it is important to develop international cooperation in this sphere, to share the experience and information available.

One of the major links forming the national system of innovation of Uzbekistan is the Navoi Mining and Smelting Kombinat (NGMK), the example of which illustrates the efficiency of the integration of knowledge, science and production. The NGMK constantly modernizes its production, establishes close contacts with the higher educational institutions preparing the staff it may require, and works together with them to prepare the specialists according to the requirements of modern production. The company has its study-scientific-production complex, where the staff is trained.

This example was discussed and commented on by the rector of the Tashkent State Technical University Sh. Shoobidov, the Director of the Centre of Strategic Innovations and Informatisation A. Kadyrov, the Chief Engineer of the NGMK P. Shemetov, the Director of the Ukrainian Centre of Information and Computer Systems A. Vernal, the Deputy Rector of the Ural State University of Communication Routes V. Antropov, the Professor of Saint Petersburg State Electro-Technical University I. Gerasimov and other conference participants.

They also discussed the issues concerning the improvement of staff development, the involvement of talented students in research and development, the expansion of the process of innovation in different sectors of the economy, the development of ICT, the integration of modern automated systems to manage technological processes and objects.

The United Nations Office in Uzbekistan on 24 October released a publication entitled "UN and Uzbekistan: partners in development", a press release of the UN Tashkent office said.

It gives a brief overview of support that the UN and its programmes and agencies have been providing to Uzbekistan's development since 1993. These are UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNODC, UNESCO, WHO, and UNAIDS.

The publication reveals that the UN agencies bring in not only a wealth of resources, but also a unique combination of experience and skills gained by the Organization over the years of development work throughout the world. Each agency has its own mandate and area of expertise and thus complements each other's activities.

The UN agencies implement in Uzbekistan a comprehensive portfolio of projects that aim to advance economic and social reforms, to improve living standards and quality of health and education, to strengthen democratic institutions and broaden public participation in development processes, to protect the environment and the unique cultural heritage of Uzbekistan as well as to help enhance human resources capacity in all these priority development areas. In doing so, the UN system cooperates with a wide range of partners, including the Government, donor organizations, civil society, academia and the media.

Special attention is paid to the UN contribution in advancing the goals of the 2007 Year of Social Protection. Through technical advice and projects, the UN in Uzbekistan facilitates the Government's efforts to increase efficiency of the national social protection system.

Working in their mandated areas, the UN agencies place a special emphasis on supporting the most vulnerable groups of the Uzbek population – children, women, the disabled, low-income families and the elderly - so that they have access to improved health care, education and jobs.

The publication "UN and Uzbekistan: partners in development" came out in Uzbek, Russian and English languages.

Uzbekistan attaches great attention to strengthening the public health sector, improving the level of medical service and preventing various infectious diseases. With this aim, the country will hold a mass vaccination against measles and rubella in November. Currently, preparations for this event are under way in localities.

This was a topic of a scientific and practical seminar held in Samarkand at the initiative of the Health Ministry in partnership with UNICEF. Representatives from relevant departments, organizations and institutions, doctors and journalists attended the seminar.

It is planned to vaccinate all residents of Uzbekistan aged between 11 and 29 against the diseases.

Currently, vaccination offices are being set up, a list of citizens subject to the vaccination is being drawn up and they are being registered in localities.

A total of 1,862 vaccination offices have been set up in Samarqand. Vaccines that meet international standards will be delivered there. The most skilful and experienced doctors and specialists will be involved in this event.

The seminar focused on the importance of this work and on its practical aspects. The participants in the seminar received answers to all the questions they were interested in.

On October 26, 2007 the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the Vice President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Ruler of Dubai Sheik Muhammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Uzbek news agencies reported.

President Islam Karimov said that the similarity of approaches of sides to many international political issues and consistently expanding scales of economic ties witness about comprehensive development of cooperation. Also, all of that testifies to the fact that Uzbekistan attaches a profound significance to the relations with the United Arab Emirates, according to he Uzbek Leader.

Both countries are the reliable partners. And there is an enormous meaning that such high-level meeting in Tashkent has coincided with the 15th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.

The United Arab Emirates, and in particular, the Emirate of Dubai has received the ISESCO decision to announce Tashkent as the capital of Islamic culture in 2007 with big satisfaction. The book by President Islam Karimov “Uzbekistan on the way of spiritual development” has been published in the UAE in the Arabic language. This stands for a vivid confirmation of the political and spiritual closeness, mutual respect and trust between the two nations, in keeping with the reports.

In accordance with the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, at the moment the launching of the Uzbekistan Embassy in the UAE is underway. This also speaks about the mutual interest of the two states to comprehensively extend ties.

The economic cooperation also sees its rise. Since 1992 the Uzbekistan Airways Air Company has been undertaking flights along the route Tashkent – Sharja – Tashkent. Yet the sides are intensively developing the partnership in the sphere of tourism.

In 2006 the volume of trade between Uzbekistan and the UAE accounted for 112,4 million dollars. Uzbekistan mostly exports the non-ferrous metals, silk, fabrics, as well as transports air cargo and passengers. At the same time, it imports rubber and Indian rubber, clothing, household techniques, construction materials, furniture and transports.

There are 66 joint ventures with participation of the UAE investment now operating in Uzbekistan. Almost half of them have been established fully on the UAE capital.

Uzbekistan and the UAE enjoy much experience of operations in the oil and gas industry as well as the petrochemical sphere. Therefore, the two sides may well cooperate in these areas, as well.

This year Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates established contacts in the framework of Arab Coordination Group. In July 2007 the Group held its meeting in Tashkent, which saw the consideration of over 20 projects of Uzbekistan in the sphere of education, health, agriculture and water economy, energy, chemical industry, public utilities, construction and metallurgy. Also, several documents were inked in Tashkent.

Yet there are big opportunities to extend ties in humanitarian sphere, as well. The Abu Raikhan Beruniy Institute of Oriental Studies at the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan closely cooperates with the Juma Al Majidi Dubai Cultural Center in studying the antique manuscripts.

In Oksaroy Residence in Tashkent Sheik Muhammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum thanked the President for the sincere welcome. He has said that his country supports expansion of cooperation with Uzbekistan that plays an important role in the development of Islamic civilization and enjoys enormous economic potential.

On October 26, 2007 the Vice President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Ruler of Dubai Sheik Muhammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum paid an official visit to Uzbekistan, the Uzbek media reported.

The same day the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the government of the United Arab Emirates signed the agreement on avoiding the double taxation of incomes and preventing the capital tax evasion, promotion and protection of investments, as well as the protocol of cooperation and consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries.

Also, on October 26 Sheik Muhammad Bin Rashid Al Maktum visited the Mustakillik (Independence) Square and laid flowers to the Independence and Humanism Monument – the symbol of the Uzbekistan’s freedom, bight future and noble aspirations.

He is reported to have assessed the profound creative and betterment work accomplished at the Independence Square led by the Uzbek Leader. According to him, such grandiose complex witnesses about considerable reforms held in the country and enormous potential of the Uzbek people.

The members of the delegation of the Republic of Korea visiting Uzbekistan headed by the Minister of Information and Communication Yu Yong Khwan met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Director-General of the Uzbek Agency of Communication and Informatization (UzACI) Abdulla Aripov on 25th of October, UzA reported.

During the meeting, the parties noted that the agreements reached at the meetings of the heads of two states serve as an important framework for the development of cooperation between the two countries in all spheres, particularly in the sphere of information and communication technology.

The head of the South-Korean delegation highly appraised the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan on the initiative of the President of the country Islam Karimov, particularly the reforms envisaging the integration of modern technology in the ICT sector, the modernization of the communication networks in cities and district centres, and provision of high quality telephone communication and data transmission services to the population, enterprises and organizations.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged opinions on the issues concerning the development of the communication and informatisation, including wide integration of modern telecommunication technology, complex information systems, production of highly-technological products, and the prospect s of development and implementation of modern projects on preparation of highly qualified staff for the industry.

The same day, Tashkent University of Information Technology hosted the opening of the Uzbek-South Korean Centre of Information Technology "Internet Plaza". The centre has a computer class with the most modern technology, Internet and conference halls. The services provided by the centre will be made available not only to the students of the university but also scientific researchers, and other visitors.

Large-scale work is being implemented in Uzbeksitan to develop the telecommunication infrastructure, integrate digital communication networks, raise their conductivity, computerize the economic and social spheres, and improve the preparation of qualified staff.

Thus, to compare in 2002 the total of 136,000 people used Internet, whereas this year the indicator exceeds 2 million. The telephone networks are being digitalized, the mobile communication service is growing in popularity. To support the computerization and integration of information technologies special customs and tax benefits have been introduced by the government.

"The opening of the Internet Plaza centre is one of the practical results of the close collaboration between our countries," Mr. Yu Yong Kwan said. "Every time, visiting Uzbekistan, I am convinced in the fact that the ICT sector of this country is developing very intensively. Mutual consultations, provision of technical support, sharing of experience, discussion of the innovations in the ICT sphere help further develop and strengthen bilateral ties."

The UAE and Uzbekistan signed three agreements on investment promotion and protection, avoidance of double taxation and political consultations to extend cooperation, UzReportcom reported.

The agreements were signed in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Shaikh Mohammad returned home on Saturday after a two-day official visit to Uzbekistan. He was received at Dubai airport by Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Shaikh Saeed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Earlier in Tashkent, the Vice-President held talks with Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyayev on various political and economic issues as well as bilateral ties and ways to bolster them in all fields.

Precious gift

Mirziyayev warmly welcomed Shaikh Mohammad and described his visit as a step towards extending bridges of economic and cultural cooperation between the two nations and their people.

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, returned home on 27 October after a two-day official visit to Uzbekistan, UzReportcom reported.

Earlier, Shaikh Mohammad had held talks with Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyayev on various political and economic issues. They discussed relations between the UAE and Uzbekistan and ways to enhance them in various spheres.

Sh.Mirziyayev expressed his hope the visit would contribute to bringing the relations between the two countries to the highest levels for the benefit of the two nations and their people.

Following the talks, Shaikh Mohammad and Sh.Mirziyayev attended the signing ceremonies of a number of cooperation agreements that pave the way for further economic and investment cooperation, GulfNews reported.

Mutual investments

The agreements were signed in the presence of Shaikh Mohammad and the Uzbek Premier. The first agreement provides for encouragement and protection of mutual investments by creating encouraging conditions and an adequate and proper atmosphere for investment and capital movement between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by Dr Mohammad Khalfan Bin Kharbash, Minister of State for Financial and Industrial Affairs, and Ganiev Elyor Majidovich, Uzbek Minister for Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade.

A double taxation waiver agreement was also signed between the two countries. According to the agreement, government institutions and national carriers of both countries will be exempted from income taxes.

The agreement also fixed a five per cent reduction on revenue tax on the share profits of Emirati and Uzbek citizens.

A memorandum of understanding on political consultations between the foreign ministries of both countries was also signed by Mohammad Hussain Al Sha'ali, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Uzbek Deputy Foreign Minister Shah Azim.

Shaikh Mohammad and Sh.Mirziyayev exchanged traditional mementoes.


South Korean Minister Visits Uzbekistan, Sides Launch IT Center

On October 25 this year the visiting delegation of the Republic of Korea led by the Minister for Information and Communication Yu Yong Hwang met with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Director General of the Uzbek Agency for Communication and Information Abdulla Aripov, the reports by Uzbek newspapers have said.

The sides have said that the arrangements secured during the meetings of leaders of the two states serve as an important legal basis to develop the cooperation between the two countries in all spheres, including in the sphere of communications and information technologies.

The head of the South Korean delegation is reported to have highly assessed the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan, and particularly, in introducing the latest technologies into the system of communications and information, modernizing the communications networks in the urban and district centers, rendering services to population, enterprises and organizations through the high-quality telephone communication and transmission of information.

The sides have also exchanged views on improving communication and information, including broadly introducing the modern telecommunication tools, complex information systems, creating the high-tech products, as well as prospects of elaboration and implementation of joint projects on training the highly qualified cadres for the sphere.

The same day the Uzbek-South Korean Information technologies center “Internet Plaza” was launched at the Tashkent University of Information Technologies. The Center is reported to have accommodated the computer class supplied with the latest technologies, Internet and conference halls. Alongside with students other visitors may use the services of the IT Center-based high-speed Internet for the purposes of research.

At the moment, the enormous work is being carried out in Uzbekistan on developing the telecommunication infrastructure, switching onto the digital communication networks, enhancing their conductivity, computerizing the economic and social spheres, as well as putting in place the training of qualifies cadres.

If in 2002 136,000 people used the Internet in the country, then at the outset of this year this indicator reached nearly to 2 million. The telephone networks were digitalized with expansion of the mobile telephoning.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on 26th of October at his Oksaroy residence received Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arabic Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UzA reported.

Welcoming the guest, the Uzbek leader noted that the similarity of views of the two sides at many international political issues, and the consequently expanding scales of economic ties were the evidence of all-round development of mutual cooperation, and that Uzbekistan paid special attention to the relations with the United Arabic Emirates.

The volume of commodity turnover between Uzbekistan and the UAE made up US$112.4 million in 2006. Uzbekistan exports to the UAE mainly non-ferrous metals, silk, fabrics, carries out air transportation of cargoes and passengers. The UAE in their turn import rubber, garments, household electronic appliances, building materials, furniture and vehicles.

66 joint ventures are operating in Uzbekistan with the UAE investments. Almost half of them have been created with the 100% capital from the UAE enterprises. Uzbekistan and the UAE have vast experience of activity in the oil and gas industry, petrochemistry and have capacities to develop cooperation in these spheres.

During the meeting at Oksaroy residence Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum thanked the President of Uzbekistan for warm reception, noted that the UAE support expansion of wide scale collaboration with Uzbekistan that plays important role in the development of Islamic civilization and has huge economic potential.

During the talks, the sides exchanged opinions on the issues of further strengthening cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Arabic Emirates, as well as full use of available capacities.

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arabic Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, arrived today in Tashkent on an official visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan, UzA reported.

On 26 October Shaikh Mohammad met Uzbek President Islam Karimov and discussed with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyayev means of boosting bilateral cooperation in the economic, trade and investment spheres.

Shaikh Mohammad is accompanied by a high-level ministerial and government delegation that includes Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Economy, Dr Mohammad Khalfan Bin Kharbash, Minister of State for Financial and Industrial Affairs, Mohammad Hussain Al Sha'ali, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Hanif Hassan, Minister of Education, Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and other government officials and media personnel.

German-French master class on modern choreography led by Antonio Baer from Berlin and Alis Shoshe from Paris is being held at the Tashkent State National Institute of Choreography and Dance on 22-30 October, UzReportcom reported.

The master class is organized with the assistance of the Victor Hugo French Cultural Centre and Goethe Institute in Tashkent, a source at the Embassy of France in Uzbekistan said.

The modern dance is not taught in Uzbekistan as individual discipline. The aforesaid master class is for the junior and higher-grade students at the Institute of choreography, who major on the "Artist of ballet".

On the conclusion of practical lessons on 30 October a play will be staged at the Bolshoi Hall of the institute.

During the master class the choreographers will present to students the forms of expression in the modern dance.

The participants are also engaged in the groups of short dances, in which each of them play in turns the role of dancer or director choreographer.

"The level of economic relations between Israel and Uzbekistan is below the existing potential," Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Israel Farhod Khakimov said at the briefing held on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan and the upcoming elections of the President of the country, newsru.co.il reported.

Opening the briefing, Ambassador spoke about Uzbekistan's achievements over the 16 years of independence. He said that immediately after gaining independence, the government of Uzbekistan started to develop the programmes of economic, social and political reforms intended to ensure gradual development of Uzbekistan during the transition period. The government institutions were created in the country, judicial reforms were implemented, a social programme and a programme of staff preparation were developed and implemented. Khakimov noted that the total investments in education comprised some US$5 billion, and today the financing of the educational sphere makes up about 12% of the GDP.

Ambassador also noted that the whole Post-Soviet period in Uzbekistan could be divided into two phases of development: from 1991 to 2000 and from 2000 to 2007. During the first phase, the government managed to tackle two important tasks – fully satisfy the state's demand for electric power and the population's demand for food products in the required amount. At this time, he emphasized, Uzbekistan was not only fully independently satisfying its demand for electric energy and foodstuffs, it has actually begun to produce for export.

In 2000, the reforms in the political system were launched. An upper chamber of parliament, the Senate, consisting of the representatives of all regions, was created. The law on political parties, intended to strengthen the role of political movements in the administration of the state was passed, and the punishment system of the country was reformed. "The law on the abolition of the death penalty has recently been passed," the Ambassador informed the media.

The country's economic growth averages 7%, and since the beginning of the year 2007 the growth of the economy made up 10%. The total amount of foreign investments in the economy of Uzbekistan has made up US$100 billion.

Proceeding to the issue of Uzbek-Israeli relations, Farhod Khakimov noted that Israel was one of the first states to recognize the independence of Uzbekistan and open an embassy in the capital of the country. In general, the relations between the countries could be evaluated as positive, he said. The Ambassador reminded the participants of the briefing that the diplomatic relations between the two states turned 15 in March this year.

"At the same time, I should say, that the economic relations do not yet correspond to the existing potential. The volume of bilateral trade between our countries made up only US$30 million last year. We hope to attract more Israeli investors, particularly, within the framework of the privatization programme that envisages the sale of more than a thousand of industrial enterprises," Khakimov said.

He reminded that in 2004-2006 400 specialists from Uzbekistan studied in Israel within the frame of international cooperation between the centres of Mashav and Sinadko (transliterated). Also, more than 9,500 people attended trainings organized in Uzbekistan with the assistance of Israeli experts.

The Ambassador noted that a large community of former residents of Uzbekistan now resides in Israel. "Jews settled on the territory of Uzbekistan as early as 2,500 years ago. Today, still about 20,000 Jews live in our country. They take an active part in different spheres of the country's life. We are pleased that the migrants from Uzbekistan to Israel support the contacts with their former homeland and keep the traditions," he said.

According to Ambassador, in 2005 some 3,000 tourists from Israel visited Uzbekistan. In 2006 the figure increased to 4,000, and in the first nine months of this year alone – it exceeded 5,500 people. "Less tourists go from Uzbekistan to Israeli, in part, due to the strict visa regime. But we are working on this issue," he emphasized.

"In general, I am optimistic about the future of our relations," Khakimov stressed.

Touching upon the issue of upcoming elections of the President of Uzbekistan, scheduled for 23 December 2007, the Ambassador said that according to the laws of the country, the candidates for the post could only be the citizens aged at least 35, and that have resided on the territory of the country for at least 10 years. The candidate can be put forward by a registered political party or a citizens' initiative group. The candidate is also required to collect the signatures of at least 5% of the voters in different regions of the country. There are currently six candidates – five from each of the registered parties (socio-democratic, people's-democratic, national-democratic, liberal-democratic and democratic), and one put forward by the citizens' initiative group. One of the candidates is the current President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov.

The Israeli politicians, diplomats and experts, including the head of the Institute of CIS countries Alex Zinker, the Director of the Department of the Eurasia in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Garry Koren, the member of the Knesset Robert Ilatov, who visited Uzbekistan together with the Knesset member Amnon Koen during the first visit of the parliamentary delegation, and political and public figures of Israel spoke at the briefing. Speaking of this visit to Uzbekistan, Ilatov said that during the trip not only the economic issues, but also the topics of security, particularly the problem of Iran and Islamic extremism had been raised. Zvi Magen, the Head of the Centre of Eurasian Studies of the Interdisciplinary Centre in Herzlia spoke of the unique strategic position of Uzbekistan and the key role the country plays in the conflict between the Western and Islamic worlds. He emphasized that Uzbekistan was one of the rare Muslim countries supporting good relations with Israel.

The practical seminar workshop for the chairpersons and secretaries of district election committees on the elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan took place in Tashkent, Jahon agency reported. The members of the Central Election Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, chairpersons and secretaries of district election committees, as well as representatives of mass media participated at the seminar.

The Chairman of the Central Election Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan M.Abdusalomov spoke about ensuring observance of legislative acts on preparing and holding the elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Elections in Uzbekistan in line with Constitution and national election legislation are held by way of secret voting based on the universal, equal and direct suffrage. Therefore indeed, the elections are one of the important factors of raising the social and political activeness of citizens, shaping the political and legal culture in them, establishing the democratic law-governed state and strong civil society.

The Central Election Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, district and divisional election committees shall ensure holding of elections. They are called up to promote implementation of democratic principles of election system and provide for the free expression of people’s will.

Decisions by election committees taken within the scope of their powers shall be mandatory for implementation by all state and public bodies, enterprises, agencies and organizations. The state and public bodies, bodies of political parties, enterprises, agencies, organizations and officials are obliged to assist the election committees in executing their powers, provide with data and materials deem necessary for their work.

The Central Election Committee on all territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan undertakes control over the implementation of Law “On elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan” and provides for its uniform application, within its powers issues instructions and provides with explanations on organization of elections, as well as directs the activity of election committees.

For over the past period the Central Election Committee established 14 election districts in the borders of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, provinces and the city of Tashkent, established the district election committees, and approved their nominal list. The latter has been printed in mass media. The committees include the chairman, deputy chairman, secretary and not least than 8 people. At the moment, these committees started to work.

It should be underscored that the make-up of district election committees in line with requirements of the national election legislation has been established by Central Election Committee based on the proposals by local Kengashs (councils) of people’s deputies out of the respected representatives of public with their affiliation with no party. This must ensure the fairness in their work.

The participants of seminar workshop were offered detailed information on the order of operations of district election committees on holding elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In keeping with law and the CEC calendar schedule, the district election committees established the polling stations. Until November 13 given the immediate participation of district and city Kengashs of people’s deputies they shall establish divisional election committees.

All necessary organizational and legal conditions have been created so that the election committees could openly and transparently carry out the work on preparing and holding the elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. After all, only in such society, where the openness and fairness reign, the elections are truly held based on democratic principles, in the framework of national legislation and in line with the world standards. In this, certainly, it is required so that the mass media fairly and objectively cover all events related to the preparation and holding of elections. The Central Election Committee renders profound assistance in this.

The participants of seminar visited the CEC Press Center and learned about conditions created for journalists. The conference hall and cabinets are furnished with modern furniture, and equipped with computer and Xerox technology, telephones and faxes. All conditions have been created at the press center so that the representatives of mass media could rapidly receive, as well as prepare and transmit the necessary information over the Internet.

The head of the Central Election Committee Press Center B.Alimov gave the participants of seminar the practical recommendations and explanations on ensuring the publicity, openness and transparency of election campaign, working with representatives of mass media, and establishing the press centers at district election committees. The participants received the manuals prepared by the Central Election Committee.

The delegates to the seminar workshop also visited one of the polling stations established on the territory of the Tashkent city election district. They have learned about the conditions created there for voters.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of Singapore Alisher Kurmanov granted his credentials to the President of Singapore Sellapan Ram Nathan, Jahon agency reported.

During the conversation, which followed the official ceremony, the sides have talked about the state and prospects of bilateral relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Singapore in political, trade and economic spheres, as well as in the area of culture and tourism.

President Sellapan Ram Nathan manifested confidence in consistent development of bilateral ties between Singapore and Uzbekistan in the interests of people of both countries and in line with arrangements secured during the visit of President of Uzbekistan to Singapore in January 2007.

From October 22 through October 30, 2007 the German-French master-class on modern choreography led by Antonio Baer from Berlin and Alis Shoshe from Paris is held at the Tashkent State National Institute of Choreography and Dance.

The master-class is organized with an assistance of the Victor Hugo French Cultural Center and Goethe Institute in Tashkent, the Embassy of France in Uzbekistan has been quoted as reporting by UzReportcom.

The modern dance is not taught in Uzbekistan as individual discipline. The aforesaid master-class is for the junior and higher-grade students at the Institute of choreography, who major on the “Artist of ballet”.

On the conclusion of practical lessons on October 30 the play will be staged at the Bolshoi Hall of the institute.

During the master-class the choreographers will present to the students the forms of expression in the modern dance.

The participants are also engaged in the groups of short dances, in which each of them play in turns the role of dancer or director choreographer.

On October 23, 2007, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed the Decree “On raising the amount of salaries, pensions, stipends and social allowances”, according to UzA.

In line with the document, starting from November 16, 2007 the amount of salaries for the employees at the budget-funded agencies and organizations, pensions, social allowances and stipends shall be increased on average by 1,2 times.

The expenses related to the increase of the salaries for the employees at the budget-funded agencies and organizations, pensions, allowances and stipends shall be incurred at the expense of the State budget and non-budget Pension fund of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, according to reports.

The German company CLAAS, one of the world’s leaders on production of agricultural techniques, exhibited its products in Urgench, Khorezm Province, UzA reported.

The new series of combiners, mowing-machines and tractors were displayed at the exhibition, according to the report.

The specialists of agricultural sphere in Khorezm Province and the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the heads of agricultural companies and farmers themselves observed the exhibition.

More than 10 farms are reported to have signed contracts for the purchase of the CLAAS products.

Since the early 2007 the astrakhan breeding farms in Uzbekistan are reported to have produced over 230,000 astrakhan, almost 3 tons of fur and 12,200 tons of meat, according to UzA.

The Astrakhan breeding farms are now doing much to produce quality and exports-oriented goods, raise the livestock and improve its breed, as well as increase the material stimuli among the cattle breeders.

The livestock of sheep and goats compare to the same period of last increased up to 35,400. This year 1,1 million lambs were born and nearly 90 percent were saved to breed. Besides, this year 30,000 more astrakhan has been produced compare to the same period in 2006, according to the report.

143,200 astrakhans were sold in the auction sales, while the produce worth 2 million dollars was exported abroad.

The United Nations Office in Uzbekistan on 24 October released a publication entitled "UN and Uzbekistan: partners in development", a press release of the UN Tashkent office said.

It gives a brief overview of support that the UN and its programmes and agencies have been providing to Uzbekistan's development since 1993. These are UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNODC, UNESCO, WHO, and UNAIDS.

The publication reveals that the UN agencies bring in not only a wealth of resources, but also a unique combination of experience and skills gained by the Organization over the years of development work throughout the world. Each agency has its own mandate and area of expertise and thus complements each other's activities.

The UN agencies implement in Uzbekistan a comprehensive portfolio of projects that aim to advance economic and social reforms, to improve living standards and quality of health and education, to strengthen democratic institutions and broaden public participation in development processes, to protect the environment and the unique cultural heritage of Uzbekistan as well as to help enhance human resources capacity in all these priority development areas. In doing so, the UN system cooperates with a wide range of partners, including the Government, donor organizations, civil society, academia and the media.

Special attention is paid to the UN contribution in advancing the goals of the 2007 Year of Social Protection. Through technical advice and projects, the UN in Uzbekistan facilitates the Government's efforts to increase efficiency of the national social protection system.

Working in their mandated areas, the UN agencies place a special emphasis on supporting the most vulnerable groups of the Uzbek population – children, women, the disabled, low-income families and the elderly - so that they have access to improved health care, education and jobs.

The publication "UN and Uzbekistan: partners in development" came out in Uzbek, Russian and English languages.

The delegation of representatives of state, commercial and private banks of the Republic of Uzbekistan visited Italy, UzReportcom reported.

It has aimed to establish the business contacts between the banking institutions of the two countries, develop bilateral trade and economic relations, as well as attract the Italian investment to Uzbekistan’s economy.

As a part of its stay in Italy, the delegation traveled to the city of Milan, where in association with the “ABI” Banking Association of Italy it has held the roundtable.

Besides, given the support and assistance of the Milan Chamber of Commerce “Italy-Uzbekistan” the Uzbek delegation met with the leadership of the largest European banks “Intesa SanPaolo” and “UniCredit Group”.

During the negotiations the head of the Uzbek delegation deputy chairman of board “Ipoteka-Bank” Sh.Khakimov has led the presentation of contemporary social and economic development of Uzbekistan, as well as the ongoing reforms in the country.

Also, the presentation has dwelled on the banking system of Uzbekistan. The delegation presented prospective directions of investment cooperation between the sides.

On their turn, “Intesa SanPaolo” и “UniCredit Group” manifested keen interest to extend cooperation with the Uzbek banks. They considered the dynamically developing market of Uzbekistan as the most prospective to develop the partnership in the days to come.

The sides have also underscored the need to continue the dialogue and jointly analyze the specific directions of fiscal and investment activity. The Italian side has said it would stand ready to consider the mutually beneficial proposals by the Uzbek banks.

The members of the delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France led by the director of Department for Continental Europe Jacques For met with the Authorized of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan on human rights (Ombudsman) Sayyora Rashidova and Director of the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for human rights Akmal Saidov, Uzbek newspapers reported.

The sides have underscored the effective development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and France in all spheres, and in particular, on the issues of parliamentary interaction and protection of human rights. The agreements achieved during the meetings of heads of the two states are an important basis of good cooperation.

They have also said that the world community, in particular, the European countries highly assessed the decrees of President Islam Karimov “On abolition of death penalty in the Republic of Uzbekistan” and “On transferring to courts the right to sanction arrest warrants” as well as the laws, which were adopted on their basis.

These laws have come as a logical continuation of further liberalization of judiciary in Uzbekistan. They will promote establishment of a law-governed democratic state onto a newer stage.

The visiting delegation has learned about the ongoing democratic processes in Uzbekistan, the Ombudsman institute and work of the National center for human rights.

“Uzbekistan is one of the important partners of France in Central Asia”, - Jacques For has said. “France supports the reforms being consistently undertaken in Uzbekistan. The cooperation between our countries is developing in trade, economic, humanitarian and other spheres. The expansion of ties promises to be prospective”.

The 13th Tashkent International Tourist Fair “Tourism along Silk Road” has concluded, according to the UzA. Nearly 80 firms and companies from about 30 countries such as Russia, Spain, Greece, Czech Republic, Turkey, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan participated at the two-day event.

The main goal of the traditional event was to expand the opportunities for the development of tourism in Uzbekistan. The participants were able to learn he successes achieved in the sphere of tourism in the international scale as well as gained experiences.

The representatives of the national and international tourism organizations, hotels and restaurants, museums, bank structures, insurance companies and sanatoriums participated at the event.

The current fair has distinguished with the great number of its participants and displays, as well as the new tourist destinations.

Tourism is an important factor of stable development and serves to increase the life standards of the population, create additional work places and strengthen the mutual relations. At the moment the hotel economy and all branches of tourism infrastructure are developing in Uzbekistan. The number workers engaged in this sphere is on the rise, as much as the number of zones of rest is expanding .

According to the specialists, a number of tourists visiting Uzbekistan will increase to 3,5 times until 2010. Conveniences to the foreign investors, tax advantages, strong competitive and business environment must promote such endeavor.

For the first time Tashkent will become the expo-centre of the chemical industry, plastic, rubber and mining equipment, UzReportcom reported.

International exhibitions ChemPlastAsia Uzbekistan 2007 and MiningWorld Uzbekistan 2007 will be held on 6-8 November this year at UzExpoCentre in Tashkent.

The organizers of the exhibition are ITE Uzbekistan and its partner ITE Exhibitions and Conferneces Ltd (UK).

Simultaneous organization of these two major industrial exhibitions will provide a good opportunity for the optimization of the visits, demonstration of chemical and mining industries to potential customers, specialists in the fields, and other concerned entities. It will serve as an optimal platform for sharing experience and finding integrated industrial solutions.

ChemPlastAsia Uzbekistan 2007 is a new project of the ITE Uzbekistan's series of industrial exhibitions. The exposition will include feedstock, resources, and equipment for the chemical industry, controlling and metering as well as laboratory equipment, chemicals and reagents, chemical technologies and scientific innovations, technology and equipment for the production and processing of plastic and caoutchouc, resources and materials for the production of plastic and rubber goods, etc.

The Second Uzbek International Exhibition MiningWorld Uzbekistan 2007 promises to become one of the major events in this industry in the region. The exhibition brings together the professionals of the mining industry and demonstrates the latest achievements of domestic and foreign companies currently standing at the forefront of the world production of mining equipment. It demonstrates contemporary trends in the development of mining industry, strengthens economic and scientific contacts and helps find new customers and investors.

ChemPlastAsia Uzbekistan 2007 and MiningWorld Uzbekistan 2007 international exhibitions will close the fall season of 2007 for the ITE Uzbekistan Company and its partner ITE Exhibitions & Conferneces Ltd.

A roundtable meeting on the reforms in the book-keeping system of Uzbekistan, their results and future prospects was held on 18 October at the conference hall of Radisson SAS Tashkent Hotel, UzReportcom reported.

The event was organized by the UNDP's "Public finance reform in Uzbekistan" Project in partnership with the USAID project on the development of accounting and CIPA Programme.

The changes taking place in the economic system of Uzbekistan require an adequate mechanism for managing these processes, including one of its important components – accounting. Bringing the national book-keeping system to compliance with the requirements of the market economy and international standards of financial reporting would substantially assist the flow of foreign investments for the development of the private sector and would help raise the economy of Uzbekistan as a whole. The accounting and finance reform is the most efficient method of ensuring the transparency and access to financial information.

Among the participants of the roundtable meeting were the officials from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, individual entrepreneurs, practicing accountants and lawyers, as well as representatives of international and public organizations, and higher educational institutions.

In the recent years, the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan has carried out major work to speed up the accounting and finance system reforms to bring it to compliance with international standards of financial reporting. At this stage of reforms, a new task – complete harmonization of national and international accounting standards emerges. The urgency of the issues discussed at the meeting is determined by the need to eliminate any shortcomings in the sphere of accounting, particularly the need to improve the regulatory base for the national accounting system in different sectors of economy, and the principles of financial reporting.

The Head of the Department of Metrology of Accounting and Audit of the Finance Ministry S. Khaitov said: "efficient financial management requires timely, comprehensive and reliable reporting of financial information in accordance with the internationally-accepted accounting standards. The system of financial reporting should meet the requirements of the market economy."

Among the main topics of discussion were the contemporary trends in accounting in Uzbekistan, the integration of consolidated financial reporting into practice of enterprises and organsations, accounting of investment obligations, etc. Also, during the roundtable meeting, participants discussed the adoption of the regulatory documents developed with the technical support of the joint project of the UNDP and the Ministry of Finance of Uzbekistan "Public finance reform in Uzbekistan."

In the course of lively discussions recommendations and suggestions were given on the ways to further increase the efficiency of the accounting system of Uzbekistan.

This roundtable meeting was one of the many projects being implemented in the country by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on behalf of the American nation. Since 1992, USAID has extended over US$300 million as a part of technical support to Uzbekistan.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov arrived in the Turkmen capital city of Ashgabat on 18 October with an official visit at the invitation of Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. After talks the two presidents signed a number of interstate agreements, UzA reported.

During the face to face talks, Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the cooperation between the two countries was developing gradually and the visit of Uzbek leader would serve as a new impulse to bilateral mutually beneficial partnership based on mutual trust and respect.

The presidents exchanged opinions on the issues of present state and perspectives of relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and regional and international problems interesting both sides. They discussed issues concerning political, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as strengthening regional security and stability.

The fuel and energy complex opens new opportunities for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the presidents said. Our countries have abundant deposits of energy sources. In current conditions, when the world is experiencing rising demand for oil and gas, naturally, this circumstance can serve as a perspective basis for joint projects.

In particular, there are capacities for successful implementation of the agreement reached in May this year among Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Russia and Kazakhstan on construction of new Caspian gas pipeline and reconstruction of existing oil and gas pipelines from Central Asia to Russia. These countries are reliable partners well knowing the capacities and potential of each other. Undoubtedly, the cooperation in such conditions has mutually beneficial character not only from financial and economic, but also political and humanitarian standpoints.

On results of negotiations, the Presidents Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed Interstate Agreement on economic cooperation, Interstate Agreement on further strengthening of friendship relations and all-round cooperation, Joint Uzbek-Turkmen Communiqué.

Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan signed an Intergovernmental Agreement on admission points through state border.

Ministry of Culture and Sports of Uzbekistan and Ministry of Culture and TV-Radio Broadcasting of Turkmenistan inked an Intergovernmental Programme of cooperation in cultural and humanitarian sphere for 2007-2010.

Ministry of Agriculture and Water Management of Uzbekistan and Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan reached an Interdepartmental Agreement on mutual cooperation in pest control.

Interdepartmental Agreement on cooperation was signed between the Uzbek and Turkmen chambers of commerce and industry.

Customs committees of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan signed an Interdepartmental Protocol on the organization of exchange of information.

At a press conference, Islam Karimov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the talks were constructive and passed in the spirit of mutual respect and trust, while the agreements reached during the Uzbek president's visit will serve to raise the Uzbek-Turkmen interrelations to new quality level.

"During the talks we have reached agreement on further expansion of bilateral relations," said President Islam Karimov. "Both Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan enjoy vast potential for the increase of the volume of mutual commodity turnover and the number of joint ventures".

"We know the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov as a close friend of Turkmenistan, who has contributed greatly in the development of relations between our countries," Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted. "The documents signed today will serve to further expansion of the scales of interrelations, and a new impulse in the promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation".

National Human Rights Centre of Uzbekistan, Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan, Human rights commissioner of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan (Ombudsman) with support of UNDP Country Office in Uzbekistan organized an international conference on "Improvement of interaction of the Republic of Uzbekistan with international organizations on human rights and freedoms", UzReportcom reported.

The conference was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions, international organization, law enforcement bodies of Uzbekistan, NGOs, members of parliament, civic society and others. The participants considered issues on cooperation of Uzbekistan with international organizations, including with the UN and its agencies, in human rights and freedoms, as well as efforts of Uzbekistan in improvement of legislation in this area.

Briefing moves of Uzbekistan in human rights direction, Akmal Saidov, director of National Human Rights Centre, said: "I hope that today's conference will give new impulse to our cooperation with foreign partners and international organizations." He, as an example, told about cooperation of the centre with UNDP in promotion and protection of human rights.

Kyoko Postill, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, said: "Significant improvement is only possible if mandates of the institutions entrusted with the promotion and protection of human rights are effectively implemented, as well as international mechanisms that the States ratified or signed are followed."

UNDP supports the work of the national human rights' institutions in Uzbekistan to strengthen their capacity, including the National Human Rights Centre, Uzbekistan Bar Association, the Parliament, the Women's Committee and others, she said.

The event was supported by UNDP's "Development of Capacities of the National Human Rights Institutions in Uzbekistan". The main objective of the project is to strengthen capacities of the national human rights institutions and relevant bodies to effectively fulfil their mandates for promotion and protection of human rights in Uzbekistan.

The project focuses primarily on activities relating to human rights matters that form part of the mandate and day-to-day work of operational national human rights institutions, which would consequently improve the promotion and protection of human rights.

Turkmenistan is a country with centuries-old history, friendly and hospitable people, and splendid mineral resources. Independence in Turkmenistan was pronounced on 27 October 1991.

Following the independence, Turkmenistan managed to create an economic foundation with a developed fuel and energy, processing, textile, construction agricultural, transportation and communication sectors. The country is gradually implementing reforms in the field of medicine, education, social and spiritual spheres.

As a founding principle of its foreign policy, the country has selected constant neutrality. At the core of the state's foreign policy doctrine lies, first of all, the aspiration for mutually beneficial and equal righted cooperation with foreign partners, Jahon agency wrote.

Uzbek and Turkmen nations have been tied by strong bound of friendship and good neighbourly relations based on the commonness of mentalities, language, culture, history, traditions, and customs for centuries. A common feature of Uzbek and Turkmen etiquette is hospitality, respect to the elderly, modesty. Both nations have always highly appraised moral qualities, such as sincerity, honesty, carefulness about the feelings of friendship and love, showing hospitality.

Diplomatic relations between the two states were established on 7 January 1993.

The basis for the development of multi-sided relations between the countries was laid during the top-level summits (including two visits to Uzbekistan – in 1996 and 2004 and two to Turkmenistan – 1996 and 2000).

A new stage in the development of bilateral cooperation was entered on 9 June 2007 in Saint Petersburg, when within the frame of informal summit of CIS states, the Presidents of the two countries held bilateral meeting. They shared opinions on the issues concerning the development of mutually beneficial bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation.

The main documents regulating the fundamental principles of relations between the two countries are the Agreements on friendship, cooperation and mutual support between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Turkmenistan signed in February 1996, and the Agreement on peace, strengthening of trust, and development of cooperation of 19 November 2004. Trade relations between the two countries are regulated by the Intergovernmental Agreement on the main areas of long-term trade and economic cooperation signed on 16 January 1996. In order to develop mutually-beneficial cooperation, the same year the Intergovernmental Commission for Economic cooperation of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan was established.

Despite the fact that according to the results of the first eight months of 2007 the total volume of bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan increased only by 64.3% to US$50.8 million, the available potential is by far not implemented.

Uzbek export now mainly consists of the products of flour-milling industry, mechanical engineering, chemical industry, transportation and communication sector, ferrous metallurgy, services, as well as fertilizers, tobacco, seeds and fruit and nut production. Import from Turkmenistan includes plastic goods, services, mineral resources, etc.

Uzbekistan now has three enterprises founded in partnership with Turkmen entrepreneurs and investors, of them two are 100% foreign companies. Turkmenistan has four Uzbek-Turkmen joint ventures.

An important factor in the development of bilateral relations is humanitarian cooperation. At this time Uzbekistan has six Turkmen cultural regional centres and one republican cultural centre. There are 50 schools that teach Turkmen language, including 13 in which all subjects are taught in Turkmen.

Since 1 January 2005 Yoshlar Television and Radio Channel has been broadcasting programmes in Turkmen language. Moreover, there is also a publication – a weekly newspaper Mekan – which is also published in Turkmen.

In April this year artistic groups from Uzbekistan participated in the international festival of "National Folklore and Theatrical Art" in the city of Ashgabat. In May-June this year, this city also hosted an exhibition of Uzbek artists' paintings titled "Fine arts of Uzbekistan – the epoch of independence".

In August, artistic ensembles from Turkmenistan participated in the international musical festival "Shark Taronalari" held in Samarkand.

The upcoming state visit of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to Turkmenistan will undoubtedly become a new important impulse for further intensification of multilateral Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation, expansion and strengthening of friendly ties between the two nations.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov will pay a state visit to Turkmenistan on 18-19 October on the invitation of this country’s President Gurbanguli Berdymukhammedov, UzA reported.

The meetings in Turkmenistan will focus on expansion of Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation and important international problems representing mutual interest.

Signing of a number of bilateral documents aimed at deepening cooperation between the two states in various spheres is planned during the visit.

Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a session on 16 October, 2007 to discuss results of socioeconomic development of the country in the first nine months of 2007 and approve additional measures to ensure implementation of priority tasks of deepening economic reforms, determined by the President Islam Karimov at government meeting on 12 February 2007, UzA reported.

Heads of central economic ministries and departments in their reports noted that the system measures on implementation of seven important priorities of economic programme for 2007 ensure dynamic achievement of indicators of macroeconomic development of the country, successful realization of main directions of tax and budget policies, timely performance of the state budget of Uzbekistan for 2007.

Thus, according to data of Economy Ministry, State Statistics Committee and Finance Ministry of Uzbekistan for January-September 2007, the gross domestic product grew by 9.8%. Economic growth was achieved due to increase of the volumes of industrial production by 11.9%, agriculture – 3.5%, construction work – 20.4%, retail trade turnover – 18.4%, paid services – 25.2%.

Foreign trade turnover is increasing first of all due to growth of exports – by 41.8%. The state budget was performed with proficit, inflation level did not exceed the forecast parameters.

Favourable investment climate and conditions for attraction of investments allowed to increase the volumes of investments by 31.3%, including direct foreign investments – more than twofold.

The measures taken on support of entrepreneurship, liberalization of their operation conditions and reduction of tax burden provided for the increase of the share of small business in GDP up to 43.1% against 39% in the corresponding period of 2007.

Participants of the session noted that adoption and implementation of a number of important presidential decrees maintained significantly further strengthening of address measures on social support of various groups of the population, gradual realization of target national programmes in the field of education, staff training and healthcare. Within the "Year of social protection" state programme alone, the government directed 370 billion soums to social actions, including 153 billion soums at the expense of state budget funds.

In the reporting period, in accordance with territorial programmes of ensuring employment, some 490,000 new work places were created this year, including 82,000 work places on labour contracts with enterprises, 120,000 work places – in the sphere of service. Work record cards were opened to 275,000 citizens working in the field of cattle breeding.

Heads of complexes and departments of the Cabinet of Ministers, corresponding ministries, have been entrusted to work out a system of criteria and evaluation of introduction and development of information and communication technologies in governance bodies, banks and financial institutions, in rural area, as well as at large productions. These measures should be the basis in preparation and realization of the Uzbek ICT Development Programme for 2007-2015.
 

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and Vatan Charity Fund held a conference on cooperation between Uzbek and Japanese companies in the sphere of processing and manufacturing of leather products, UzReportcom reported.

The conference was held at Inconel business centre on 16 October. It was aimed to establish cooperation between Uzbek and Japanese companies in the manufacturing of leather clothing, and goods, and set up joint ventures in the spheres of textile and leather goods production.

The main issues concerning bilateral cooperation, as well as the establishment of contacts with Uzbek partners were discussed during the forum.
 

A delegation from Uzbekistan consisting of representatives of the President's office, General Prosecutor's office, Ministry of Finance, State Tax Committee, Central Bank and UNDP visited France on 1-5 October to learn French experience in combating money laundering, Uzbek media reported.

The visit was organized by the UNDP "Public Finance Reform in Uzbekistan" and "Improving Tax Administration in Uzbekistan" Projects jointly with OSCE, as well as with support of the Economic Mission of the Embassy of France in Uzbekistan and ADETEF (Agency for international technical cooperation under the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Employment of France).

The overall objective of the visit was to learn the best practices of France in the field of fighting against legalization of incomes received from criminal activities, as well as preventing illegal and suspicious financial operations and fighting against tax evasion.

Delegation visited the key government ministries and agencies of France working on combating money laundering and crime financing, i.e. they met with senior experts of the Ministry of economy, finance and employment of France, Central office on fighting against large-scale financial crime under the General direction of legal police of the Ministry of Interior, Central Bank (Banque de France) and Bank Commission, Ministry of Justice and the Prosecutors' office under the Financial Bureau of the Court of Highest Resort of Paris.

Also, the meetings were organized with the Director on security issues of the Credit Agricol, the biggest commercial Bank of France, as well as with senior management of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) and TRACFIN, which is the Special service of fighting against money laundering under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance.

During the visit the members of the delegation got acquainted with the specifics of work in the field of anti-money laundering of all above-mentioned organizations in France.

The knowledge obtained by the Uzbek delegation during this study-tour to France will be used while improving the effectiveness of the respective ministries and agencies of Uzbekistan involved into combating money laundering and legalization of incomes received from criminal activities.
 

The cotton pickers in Uzbekistan are reported to have harvested by October 15, 2007 more than 3 million 600 thousand tons of raw cotton.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Economy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the dekhkans (peasants) and farmers of the country have sown the cotton plant this year in the area worth 1 million 440 thousand hectares.

The support of the farming movement, the on-time supplies of seeds, mineral fertilizers, as well as the fuel and lubricants to the agricultural enterprises have provided for the raise of the production efficiency.

During the harvesting period all and every attention has been paid to the timely collection of harvest with no any losses. In this, the reports say, it was of a profound importance the beforehand preparation of all cotton receiving stations in the country as well as addressing the technical logistics.

The radical reforms now underway in the agricultural and industrial sphere led by the Uzbek Leader, and especially, the enormous attention being paid to the development of farms, now render their positive results.

“Farming is an affair, which requires generous and hard labor, endurance, tenacity and selflessness,” – President Islam Karimov said while speaking to farmers during his recent trip to Jizzakh and Syrdarya provinces.

100% of this year’s harvest has been collected by farmers. And this testifies to the fact that such movement is a power, which would determine the fate and prospects of agriculture, according to the reports.

The diligent and entrepreneur cotton pickers of Uzbekistan hardened with the life’s trials have grown up the high harvest this year. This way they have worthily contributed to the further prosperity of the country and raising the well being of the people.

Yet there is more of cotton in the fields, the reports reiterate, however the harvesting is still underway. The dekhkans and farmers remain diligent so that to timely harvest the rest of the cotton in the fields while not allowing for any losses along such enduring process.
 

On October 15, 2007 the Central Election Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan held its session, UzA reported. The Chairman of the Central Election Committee Mirza-Ulugbek Abdusalomov presided over it.

In line with the Articles 14 and 24-1 of the Law “On elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan” the Central Election Committee of Uzbekistan adopted a resolution “On approving the list of political parties and voter initiative groups”, allowed to participate in the elections of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan”.

The report by UzA says that the same day session of the Central Election Committee of Uzbekistan tackled other issues within its powers.

According to the report, the same day on October 15 the foreign and local journalists were briefed about the Election’s Committee’s last meeting and issues addressed at it. The Chairman of the Central Election Committee M.Abdusalomov is reported to have told the journalists about the political parties and voter initiative groups, which were allowed to take part in presidential elections in the country, the procedures of collecting signatures in support of the nominated candidatures.

Also, the CEC Chairman told journalists about the establishment of district election committees of the respected representatives of local public, personal make-up of such committees and the way how they would work.
 

2005 AFC Player of the Year runners-up Maxim Shatskikh slammed five goals as Uzbekistan crushed Chinese Taipei 9-0 in the first round of Asian qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup on October 13, 2007, Uzbek media reported.

Uzbekistan, who failed to clinch the 2006 FIFA World Cup Asian zone playoff spot after losing to Bahrain on away goals, started aggressively at the Central Stadium and Shatskikh gave the Central Asians the lead in the fourth minute.

Shatskikh, who struts his stuff for Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kiev, scored four more goals in the 16th, 34th, 57th and 77th minutes as Timur Kapadze (26), Viktor Karpenko (43), Ulugbek Bakaev (54) and substitute Shavkat Salomov (68) also found a place in the crowded scoresheet.

The return leg encounter takes place on October 28.

From the 19 teams that clear the first round, the lowest eight based on ranking move on to the second round and the other 11 to round three. The five top seeds – Australia, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Iran – join the qualification process in the third round.

The draw for the third round will take place in Durban, South Africa, on November 25, 2007.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on 9th of October in his Oksaroy residence in Tashkent received the heads of General Motors Europe (GME) Carl Peter Foster and GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GMDAT) Michael Grimaldy, UzA reported.

GME is one of the largest units of leading world car building corporation General Motors and operates in Europe and Asian-Pacific region. In the first half of 2007, GME sold successfully some 1.1 million cars. And GMDAT produces such known cars, as Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Holden, Opel, Pontiac, Suzuki, and supplies to 150 countries. Chevrolet is among the General Motors' most popular products.

An agreement was signed during the visit of GME and GMDAT heads to Uzbekistan. The document envisages creation on the basis of UzDaewooAuto joint-stock company of a joint venture GM Uzbekistan for production and sale of Chevrolet cars. Along with launch of production of Captiva, Epica and Tacuma models of Chevrolet, increase of production capacities of the plant, the agreement also envisages expansion of projects aimed at localization of production.

Welcoming the guests, President Islam Karimov noted that strengthening of ties between the Uzbek enterprises and General Motors' companies testified the aspiration of both sides to mutually beneficial cooperation.

Indeed, organization of the new production will promote learning the advanced experience of General Motors Corporation and introduction of new technologies in Uzbekistan, while General Motors will expand the sales market of its Chevrolet cars in Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

GME head Carl Peter Foster sincerely thanked the Uzbek leader for all-round support in the process of GM Uzbekistan foundation. He noted that the new joint venture would serve to strengthening of prospective and mutually beneficial cooperation.
 

From October 2 through October 8 this year the Fourth Tashkent International Biennale of Modern Arts “New: illusions and reality” was held in Tashkent, Jahon agency reported. About 200 artists, scholars of arts and specialists from 33 countries, among which there were from Uzbekistan, Russia, China, Japan, Greece, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan took part in it.

The well-known artists, scholars of arts and specialists of Uzbekistan and foreign countries, representatives of diplomatic corps accredited in Uzbekistan participated at the festive closure of the exhibition. The Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, “Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan” Fund and Tashkent city municipality have organized the event.

This biennale has been distinguished from previous o­nes with the big number of participants and projects. Within the framework of the biennale various exhibitions have been held at the institutions of culture and arts in the country, as well as presentations of about 200 projects were offered, according to the report.

The winners of the biennale have been announced at the end of the ceremony. Hironori Murai from Japan has been awarded with the top place for his project “Japan Noise Grand Prix USO 800”. Fayzulla Akhmadaliev from Uzbekistan secured the first place for his “Dialog s hlebom” (‘Dialog with bread’), the second place went to Ireneush Solarek from Poland with “Record-2” and the third place went to Andreas Vidmer from Switzerland.

“I have had an opportunity to take part in many international exhibitions”, - F.Akhmadaliev has said, “by the “Dialog with bread” I have attempted to say that bread is the symbol of life and the existence of men is indissolubly connected with it”.
 

General Motors, the world's largest carmaker, has announced a joint venture with UzAvtoSanoat to assemble and distribute Chevrolet cars in Uzbekistan, the central Asian Republic and part of GM Europe region, UzReportcom reported. A press conference on this occasion was held at InterContinental Hotel in Tashkent on 8th of October.

The joint venture, which will be called GM Uzbekistan, will extend Chevrolet's rapid expansion in Eastern Europe and Asia.

"Chevrolet has become the fastest growing brand in Europe, demonstrating its strong appeal especially in the opportunity markets of Eastern Europe", said Carl-Peter Forster, President of General Motors Europe. "The start of operations in Uzbekistan and the launch of a series of new Chevrolet models will help us continue our rapid growth."

Sales of Chevrolet models in Europe have increased 32% year-to-date, with 328,000 units registered through September. Chevrolet is on track to reach the 450,000 unit mark this year, a more than 30% increase over 2006.

Under the terms of the joint venture, General Motors will hold a 25% equity stake with the option of increasing this amount in the future. General Motors will provide new technology, manufacturing expertise and training for the joint venture, which will have access to the portfolio of GM's largest and fastest growing global brand, Chevrolet. Senior GM managers will hold key positions in the new joint venture, particularly in manufacturing, quality, and sales and marketing.

"We are very pleased to join forces with our reliable manufacturing partner in Uzbekistan," said Michael Grimaldi, President and CEO of GM Daewoo Auto & Technology. "Demand is high around the world for the new Chevrolet models we build in Korea. The new joint venture means we will have added manufacturing capacity to assist us in meeting the growing demand for our cars in Central Asia and Eastern Europe."

The GM Uzbekistan manufacturing plant, situated in Asaka, Andijan Province, 350km from the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, has a total manufacturing capacity of 250,000 units, which, over time, is to be fully utilized for producing Chevrolet cars. The first three Chevrolet models, Captiva, Epica and Tacuma, will be assembled from SKD kits starting immediately, with other carlines to be added for assembly from CKD kits and full-scale production over the next three years.

"Entry into the General Motors family gives access to a modern model line and modern automobile technologies", asserts Rustam Azimov, Vice Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan. "Quality improvement, growth of production and consumer requirements' satisfaction in Uzbekistan and in other countries, where Uzbek cars rightly deserved popularity and recognition, these are key points to which the new joint venture will focus on".

The new Chevrolet models will be sold initially at seven showrooms in Tashkent and other major Uzbek cities. By the end of 2008, the dealer network is expected to grow to over 60 showrooms as the Chevrolet range for the Uzbek market is extended to additional carlines.

Until now, the Asaka assembly plant, which started production in 1996, has been building the Daewoo Matiz, Nexia and Damas for sale both in the domestic and neighboring markets. These models will be lined up along with Chevrolet models: Captiva, Epica and Tacuma during the interim period.

"The newly created enterprise will increase production volumes to 250 thousand cars per year", said Ulugbek Rozukulov, the Chairman of Board Uzavtosanoat SC. "Besides, along with production of new models, we are planning to implement a number of localization projects of KD parts in Uzbekistan, which also will contribute to the development of the industry".

The assembly plant will begin using GM's common Global Manufacturing System, in which performance is improved through the consistent adoption of five principles: people involvement, standardization, built-in quality, short lead times and continuous improvement. The principles are interrelated and implemented as a complete system. The plant will also be integrated into General Motors' global purchasing and supply chain with a view to increasing the quantity of components and materials sourced on the domestic market.

With a population of 27 million (up 7 million in the past 15 years), Uzbekistan is an auto market with significant potential for further expansion. The country's economy has grown by an average of 7% over the past five years. In 2006, vehicle sales reached a total of 65,600, 19% more than in the previous year.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov has taken part in the session of Interstate Council of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) and the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), UzA reported.

During the EurAsEC summit in Dushanbe, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan discussed issues connected with completion of work on formation of a Customs Union (it consists of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, while other states are still adapting their legislations), creation of single energy market of the Community, and water and energy consortium.

The presidents discussed also issues of pursuing mutually coordinated economic policy, joint formation and development of energy market, full operation of transit potential of member states, cooperation in agro-industrial complex, creation of a single market of finance and services, expansion of ties in social sphere.

At the CSTO session, the heads of Uzbekistan, Armenia, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan considered issues of strengthening security and stability, further development of cooperation in fight against terrorism, extremism, narcotics trade, organized transnational crime.
 

General Motors Corp has set up a joint venture in Uzbekistan to produce and sell cars in the central Asian state, Reuters reported quoting UzAvtoSanoat (Uzbek Automobile Industry) state-run company.

The state company said in a statement the two had signed an agreement to set up the venture, based on an existing car plant in Uzbekistan with annual production capacity of 250,000 Chevrolet cars.

The statement said GM would hold a 25% in the venture with a possibility to raise it to 40%. The statement did not say how much the deal is worth and GM could not immediately be reached for comment.

The plant in eastern Uzbekistan was set up in 1996 together with South Korean company Daewoo Motor. UzAvtoSanoat has been looking for a strategic partner in the project since the Korean firm went bankrupt during a financial crisis in the late 1990s.
 

Pursuant to the Law "On elections of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan", the right to nominate the candidates for the post of the President is given not only to the political parties functioning in the country, but also to the citizens directly – through the establishment of initiative groups of voters.

On 5th of October, a meeting of one of such voters' initiative group intending to nominate a candidate for the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan was held, UzReportcom reported. The group included the representatives of different strata of the population.

During the meeting it was noted that the elections of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to be held on 23rd of December 2007, are an integral and important part of the mechanism of democratic construction, renewal and modernization of the country. Its results will determine the future intensification of the socio-political and economic reforms being implemented in the country. This was the reason for granting the right to nominate the candidates for the post of the President not only to political parties, expressing the interests of social groups and the population as a whole, but also directly to the citizens supporting the programmes of social, political reforms of individual candidates.

The members of the group of voters decided to nominate Akmal Saidov – the Chairman of the Committee for Democratic Institutes, Non-Governmental Organisations and Citizens' Self-Government Bodies of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan as a candidate for the post of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
 

Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan held a session on 5 October to consider formation of electoral districts for presidential elections, UzA reported. The session was held by Election Commission chairman Mirzo-Ulugbek Abdusalomov.

In accordance with articles 9 and 14 of the Law on Election of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the commission adopted a resolution on creation of electoral districts in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regions of the country and the city of Tashkent.

The Central Election Commission also considered other issues related to preparation and conduction of the elections of the President of Uzbekistan.
 

The 4th Uzbek International Automobile Exhibition – AutoMotorShow Uzbekistan 2007 – will take place on 9-12 October at UzExpoCentre in Tashkent, UzReportcom reported. A press conference dedicated to this event was held at Radisson SAS Tashkent Hotel on 5th of October.

The exhibition is officially supported by the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan, Toshshahartransxizmat (Tashkent city transport service) association, National Association of Automobile Components (Russia), Tashkent City Administration, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan. The project is organized by ITE Uzbekistan international exhibition company and its partner I.T.E. Exhibitions & Conference Ltd. (Great Britain).

Speaking on behalf of organizers, ITE Uzbekistan Director General I.Yakubov welcomed and congratulated all participants and guests with opening of the automobile exposition that has become traditional, attracting the growing interest of the Uzbek population.

The first AutoMotorShow exhibition was held in November 2004 with participation of 25 companies from 7 countries. That was a break into the Uzbek car market for some foreign companies.

Today the AutoMotorShow Uzbekistan is one of the most perspective exhibition projects gathering advanced Uzbek companies and representatives of foreign car producers. This year nearly 40 enterprises from 11 countries have applied to participate in the show. Among them are leading manufacturers from Germany, Iran, Korea, China, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

The exhibition will allow not only to admire the novelties, but also to get necessary information on the situation in the world motor-car industry from participants and dealers, known brands. Presentations of UzAvtoSanoat (Uzbekistan), AvtoVAZ (Russia), UAZ (Russia), KIA Motors (Korea), Chevrolet-Niva (Russia), Mitsubishi (Japan), Saipa Corporation (Iran) are reported to take place within the framework of the exhibition.

Organizers believe that the motor show will be a cogent evidence of vast potential of the international cooperation in the field of motor-car construction. It will be a good platform for meetings of leaders of the Uzbek market and specialists from other countries, while participation in the event will promote the increase of company's image in the Uzbek car market, according to organizers.
 

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan together with the Trade-Industrial Chamber of Latvian Republic are organizing a visit of the delegation of Latvian entrepreneurs to Tashkent, capital city of Uzbekistan, on 8-10 October, UzReportcom reported.

The delegation consists of heads of nine large Latvian companies operating in the spheres of metal and wood processing, peat extraction, logistics, agriculture, building materials production.

It is planned to hold an Uzbek-Latvian business forum and cooperation exchange between the businesses of the two countries at Radisson SAS Tashkent hotel on 9 October.
 

MTS-Uzbekistan, the largest mobile operator in Uzbekistan, has announced the reduction from 1 October 2007 of tariffs for outgoing international calls to the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), UzReportcom reported.

Among the countries covered by the new reduction policy are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Ukraine, the company's press release said.

Now all MTS-Uzbekistan subscribers (except for those using RED and TIME plans) can call to CIS countries at advantageous price – only US$0.3 per minute. It means that tariffs have been reduced by 34% for Central Asian states, and more than 2 times for other CIS countries.
 

TransInsurance Uzbek-Swiss Joint Reinsurance Company joined the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) on 24th of October, UzReportcom reported.

According to the company's management, membership in this reputed international organization will expand the opportunities for the company in provision of reinsurance services to the clients dealing with the transportation of cargo.

"Besides, our company intends to expand the geographical dimension of its operations through other members of the FIATA," a source in the TransInsurance's management said.

FIATA deals with the transportation and freight forwarding services at the international level, and protects the interests of freight forwarding and logistics firms. The Federation was founded by 16 national associations of freight forwarding companies in May 1926 in Vienna.

The organization is now headquartered in Switzerland, and unites over 40,000 companies and associations operating in the transportation sector in 150 countries of the world and employing some 10 million people. It is the largest non-governmental organization in the transportation industry in the world.

The use of the FIATA's unified documents in the sphere of freight forwarding around the world has long become a tradition. These documents possess excellent reputation and are treated with trust around the world. Experts note that the FIATA's papers contribute significantly to the development of world trade.
 

Theater of Samarkand Historical Costumes El-Merosi has demonstrated its arts in three countries. The group of the theater traveled to Germany, Belgium and France, Jahon agency reported.

Elholding non-governmental organization has supported such endeavour financially.

The group has demonstrated the show program "Mgnoveniya vechnosti" ('The moments of eternity'), which has come as a rare genre: ethnography, plastic arts, dance and music had allowed to turn over the pages of the country's ancient history. The defile of modern costumes with tenderly pouring natural silk served not less the light adding to the main programme.

"The Great Silk Road" is the name of the new show programme, which is still in the making and soon is expected to join the repertoire of the theater. The mean idea of the colored stage act is the dialect culture in the language of arts, according to the report.
 

The Fourth Tashkent International Biennale of Modern Arts “New: illusion and reality” is continuing in Tashkent. On October 4 the presentation of the project “The modern Uzbek video art” was held at the Cinema Museum, the UzA reported.

About 20 works of the Uzbek artists, who are engaged in video art, were demonstrated at the event. Among them there are “V efire” (‘On air’) by Arkadiy Kabulov and Anvar Kalandarov, “Tri etapa zhizni” (‘Three stages of life’) by Aleksey Ulko, “Sentimentalniy Giniol” (‘Sentimental Giniol’) by Oleg Karpov and Vyacheslav Useinov, as well as “Radio Tupratikons” (‘Tupratikons radio’) by Ruslan Kurtvaliev and Askar Urmanov.

The same day the “Mifi i realnost” (‘Myths and reality’) exhibition was opened at the Exhibition of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan Gallery. The presentation of projects “Put k pravosudiyu” (‘Path to justice’) by Arkadiy Kabulov from Uzbekistan, “Pamir, sleduyushiy den” (‘Pamir, the next day’) by Georgiy Mamedov from Tajikistan, “Poslovitsi” (‘Sayings’) of Grigoriy Mayofis from Russia and “Gruppa Nilon” (‘Nilon group’) of Konstaninos Politis from Greece were held at the gallery.

The works of artists from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, as well as the young Uzbek masters have also been presented at the exhibition.
 

The rendezvous of the Russian producers of techniques and equipments for the agriculture with their Uzbek colleagues was held in Tashkent, the Narodnoye slovo newspaper reported.

The heads of companies that are part of the Association of producers of agricultural techniques for the “Soyuzagromash” agricultural and industrial complex are reported to have been among the high profile delegation of Russia.

During its visit the delegation has learned about the work of Tashkent Tractor Plant, which since March this year has joined the “Soyuzagromash”. Besides, the delegation members visited farms and machine and tractor depots, including those in Bukhara and Samarkand.

During the roundtable the sides have been briefed in detail about the work o­n the development of agricultural machinery now being accomplished in the partner country.
 

The exhibition “The harmonic China: aspirations and dreams” has been held at the Republican International Cultural Center in Tashkent. The selection of stands with a brief information told about one or another side of the country’s life, the people of which are nearing to the two billion, according Uzbek news agencies.

“The exhibition is distinguished with the fact that it shows the real life of China, the one which you would eyewitness once you visit the country”, - the chairman of the Tashkent Chinese national cultural center Yan Yaoun has said. “Each year we held such events. While organizing such events we want to rouse interests all, who love the Chinese culture.”

The displays vividly showed the country from various aspects, while also demonstrating the Shoaling martial arts, Chinese circus, Beijing Opera, as well as various spheres of production.

“Several years ago I have been for my studies in the Chinese province of Lang Zhou”, - the third-year student at the State Institute of Oriental Studies Ikrom Matyakubov is reported to have said. “The history of this country, especially the rich Chinese culture, has won my heart. The exhibition broadly exposes these topics. Once I have found myself here I had learned many things, - those which I was not able to see in China”.
 

Within the framework of the Fourth Tashkent International Biennale of Modern Arts the “New: illusions and reality” the presentation of the project dedicated to the German video arts has been held at the Gallery of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan, the UzA reported.

The German scholars of arts Christian Delbruger and Ralf de Mol told about the history of development of the video art in Germany and spoke about this sphere. They have also said that in Germany alongside with painting, sculpture and photography arts the video art was also developing, and the number of admirers has been o­n the rise. Besides, they have demonstrated the samples of video art as a part of the event.

“The Tashkent biennale is the biggest cultural event of a global scale,”- the director of the German Cultural Center “Art Depot” Galena Briger has said, “the artists and sculptors, scholars of arts and critics were able to learn about the works of their colleagues and exchange views”.

The visitors to the exhibition watched the works of the artists from China, South Korea and other countries. o­n their originality the works by Kim Mi Un, Son Hung Yuan from South Korea and U Mei Chen, Bi Zongxi from China drew a curious attention of visitors.

The same day the presentation of projects by the Uzbek masters Ulugbek Kholmurodov and Anush Avakia “POP Olam”, “Postizheniye smisla” (‘Realizing the essence’) by Tursun Ali, “Otrazheniye” (‘Reflection’) by Shalva Khakhanashvili from France and Shahnoza Karimbabayva from Uzbekistan was held at the Tashkent House of Photography, according to the report.
 

On October 4, 2007 the “Belarus – 2007” national exhibition of the Republic of Belarus started in Tashkent, Jahon agency reported. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan alongside with the Ministry of Commerce of the Republic of Belarus, Center for national exhibitions – “BelEXPO” and the Embassy of Belarus in Uzbekistan organized the event.

More than 50 enterprises, which represent the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of the Belarus, Ministry of Commerce, as well as companies that make up the structure of concerns of “Belneftehim”, “Belbiofarm”, “Belesbumprom”, “Belgospishprom”, “Belorussian automobile factory” (BelAZ) and other are participating at the exhibition.

The main goal of the exhibition is to expand the mutual beneficial economic relations between the two countries, strengthen cooperation of the Belarusian firms and companies with the Uzbek producers, enterprises of trade and service.

At the opening of the event the participants have said that the trade and economic relations between the two countries are dynamically developing. In 2006 the bilateral trade accounted for $70 million US dollars, but yet for over the eight months of this year alone this figure amounted to $70 million US dollars.

The visitors of the exhibition were reported to have been interested in the products made of wood and chemical goods, electrical and mechanic equipments, tractor and other transports made in the Republic of Belarus.
 

The presentation dedicated to the tourist potential of Uzbekistan took place at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Brussels in Belgium, Jahon Agency reported. The event saw the presentation of information on the development of tourist sphere of Uzbekistan for over the years of national sovereignty. The attendees of the presentation have been told in detail about the historical and architectural places to see in Uzbekistan, popular tourist destinations in the country, as well as the activity of the National Air Company “Uzbekistan Airways”.

The video footage “Welcome to Uzbekistan” on the tourist potential of Uzbekistan has allowed the participants of the presentation to see and appreciate the beauty of the cities and ancients monuments of the country.

“Uzbekistan belongs to the group of countries, which are more actively reaching out to the world and European tourist markets with their unique tourist products,” – Bea Suis, the director of the Belgian tourist company “Vitamin Travel”, has said while speaking to the Information Agency “Jahon”, “such cities as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, which are nearly 3,000 years old, particularly attract the tourists from Europe”.

“Our company has been representing the tourist routes in Uzbekistan for more than ten years now,” – Ben Maasman, the head of the Dutch tourist company, has said.

“I have been to Uzbekistan several times, where I always have a heartfelt welcome by the magnanimous and hospitable Uzbek people,” – he added.

According to him, the interest of the Dutch tourists in Uzbekistan has been on the rise year to year. They are now traveling to Uzbekistan in scores. At the same, the measures now taken in Uzbekistan in promoting the sphere are positively affecting such trend.
 

The first International Kurash Wrestling tournament took place in the Ukrainian city of Eupatorium, Jahon Agency reported. The International Kurash Association alongside with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Kiev, as well as the Eupatorium city council and the Kurash Wrestling Federation of the Ukraine organized the event.

The athletes from the Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Poland, Russia, and other countries participated at the tournament.

It was held in three weight categories: among men, women and juniors at the age of 17-18 years old. The best athletes have received the memorable medals, valuable gifts and diplomas.

“This tournament will further promote the Kurash wrestling in the Ukraine,” – B.Chelepjanov, the deputy mayor of the city of Eupatorium has said, “and will serve the cause of bringing the traditions and cultures of our people more closer to one another”.
According to athletes themselves, the Kurash wrestling promotes friendship and cultural dialog between the nations, and helps to learn more about historical and cultural heritage of the Uzbek people.

Since the Kurash Wrestling Federation was founded in the Ukraine in 2005 this type of martial arts has been popular and rapidly progressing in this country. The participation of the Ukrainian athletes at the first International Kurash Tournament “Grand Prix of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan - 2007” in France serves as an evidence to the aforesaid. Then they have secured the top places.
 

On October 28, 2007 at the Oqsaroy Residence in Tashkent the President of Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received the Secretary-General of the International Union for Telecommunications Hamadun Tura, according to UzA.

While welcoming the guest the Uzbek Leader said that Uzbekistan has been fruitfully cooperating with this organization on computerizing all spheres of social and economic life as well as introducing the latest information and communication technologies, the reports have said.

Uzbekistan accomplishes the considerable work on developing the infrastructure of telecommunications, digitalization of communication systems and raising their effectiveness, computerizing the economic and social areas, training the qualified cadres for the sphere.

The Tashkent University of Information Technologies and a number of professional lyceums and colleges have been established to train the cadres, raise their skills, put in place the international exchange of experience and master the cutting edge technologies.

The ICT week has been traditionally held in Uzbekistan for several years now. It includes holding of several events bound to further develop the sphere.

Hamadun Tura arrived in Uzbekistan to take part at the International summit on information communication technologies, which has completed the ICT week in Tashkent.

During the meeting at Oqsaroy Residence Mr. Tura is reported to have underscored the progress of Uzbekistan in introducing the information communication technologies and computerization of society. He has also stressed the high organizational level of the ICT week and the efficiency of the summit held in town.

Mr. Ture thanked President for the warm welcome and noted that the International Union for Telecommunications will consistently develop the cooperation with Uzbekistan, according to the reports.