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LATEST NEWS : SEPTEMBER 2007

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov visited Jizzakh and Syrdarya regions of the country on 27th of September, UzA reported.

During the visit, the head of the state met farmers in both regions, and discussed issues related to cotton growing.

About 5,000 farms of in Jizzakh region’s total 10,000 specialize in cotton growing. Last year, farms produced 98% of cotton in the region. This year’s target is producing more than 225,000 tons of raw cotton.

Islam Karimov said agricultural sector was developing successfully in Jizzakh. At the same time he named some shortcomings that had led to delayed cotton ripening this year.

The President said farmers should cooperate with scientists in developing new sorts of cotton meeting local conditions.

In the year 2008, he continued, the government planned to increase financing of the improvement of the lands’ meliorate condition from the state budget.

In Syrdarya region, Islam Karimov met farmers of three districts. Discussing the agricultural issues with the local residents, the President said the state should help farmers in solving the problems they cannot solve themselves.
 

Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan and the National TV and Radio Company signed an agreement on coverage of the elections of the President of Uzbekistan, UzA reported.

“The agreement envisages cooperation in timely provision and distribution of information on the preparation to and holding of the presidential elections on central TV and radio channels,” Central Election Commission chairman Mirzo-Ulugbek Abdusalomov said.

“The National TV and Radio Company will provide technical assistance in airing TV and radio programs prepared by the Election Commission about the conduction of the election campaign,” he added.

The main goal of the agreement is to provide the necessary conditions for the voters to be able to freely participate in the elections, and familiarize them with the programs of the political parties and candidates.
 

The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan considered the macroeconomic forecast, the concept of tax and budget policy and the draft state budget for 2008 on 26th of September, UzA reported. Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev conducted the Cabinet session.

Vice Prime Minister and Finance Minister Rustam Azimov, Economy Minister Botir Khodjayev, State Tax Committee Chairman Botir Parpiyev, State Customs Committee Chairman Sodirkhon Nosirov, Commerce and Industry Chamber Chairman Alisher Shaykhov, Tashkent Mayor Abdukahhar Tukhtayev and others spoke at the session.

The Cabinet supported the proposals of the economy and finance ministries on macroeconomic forecast for 2008, which envisages keeping the real GDP growth at the minimum level of 8%, the growth of industrial sectors of 9.6%, the increase of the capital investments by 16% and the inflation level at 6-8% with the growth of the real incomes of the population.

Minister of Public Education Turobjon Jurayev and Health Minister Feruz Nazirov in their reports drew attention to rational and efficient use of budget funds in implementing state programs of personnel training, school education development, healthcare reform and social protection of the population.

During the discussions, concrete proposals were elaborated on the improvement of the tax and budget policy and 2008 budget parameters.

In particular, it was proposed to reduce the single tax for micro firms and small enterprises from 10% to 8% in order to create additional incentives for small business development and solving the employment problems.

It was also proposed to reduce excise tax for natural gas by 5% and income tax for commercial banks by 2%, as well as cancel the excise tax for consumer goods produced in Uzbekistan.

To meet the task of increasing the salaries and other payments 2.5 times during 2007-2009 set by President Islam Karimov, the supply of the 2008 budget envisages additional assignations for gradual increase of the salaries, pensions, stipends and allowances.

At the same time, it was suggested to bring the share of the supply for social sector and social protection of the population to 54%.

The Cabinet also considered issues of improvement of budget planning and financing educational institutions, providing state support to farms growing cotton at low-yield lands, and cardinal increase of financing for land-reclamation.

After the discussions, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the macroeconomic forecast, the concept of tax and budget policy and the draft of the 2008 state budget. They will now be considered by the Legislative Chamber.

The parameters of the state budget for 2008 will be announced after the approval by the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of Uzbekistan.
 

The first Eurasian Games on 10 types of sports have been the success for the Uzbek sportsmen, Jahon agency reported. The championship took place in Brest (Belarus), which saw the participation of about 1,000 athletes from 10 countries around the world. Uzbeks have participated on free wrestling, dzyudo, kurash, track and field athletics, and sports gymnastics.

The first medals for Uzbekistan were earned by the free wrestlers Sh.Dadajonov (gold) and J. Ahadov (silver). M. Juraev, M. Saidnazarov and B. Rahimov became the bronze-winners of the tour.

In the competition among the track and field athletes, the second place went to G. Sattarova on 1500-meter distance. She has been reported to have also secured the gold on a 3 km-long run. On throwing the spear A. Svechnikova won the gold, while Yekaterina Voronina – silver. V. Kanatova also won the bronze on triple jumping.

In his own category J.Egamberdiev won the gold medal in kurash. Among the sambo wrestlers the gold medal went Sh. Kuchkarov and R. Rahmatullaev. S. Obidov and S. Davronova secured the silver, while Sh. Yuldashev is reported to have earned the bronze.

Amongst the dzyudo wrestlers K. Bustonov embraced the second place, while A. Fayziev, S. Ostonaev, F. Zoitov, and B. Sahatovs have earned the bronze. In all, at the Eurasian Games the Uzbeks won the 23 medals – eight gold, nine silver and six bronze.
 

The Second International Specialized Exhibition of Energy “Power Uzbekistan-2007” has opened at the “Uzexpocenter”, Uzbek media reported. It was organized upon the initiative of Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the “Uzbekenergo” State stock company and Tashkent municipality, according to the agencies.


More than 60 companies from about 10 countries, including Austria, Germany, Russia, Turkey and the Ukraine are participating at the event. They are the leading producers and suppliers of equipment and services for hydro-, thermal and atomic electric power stations and energy systems, producers of energy-saving equipments and technologies, representatives of construction and repair organizations.

The visitors have an opportunity to get acquainted with such products as the electric machines and spare parts, low-volt and high-volt equipment, cables, wires, materials and insulators, measurement tools, light sources and others.
 

National exhibition of information technologies – ICTExpo 2007 – opened on 25th of September at Uzkurgazmasavdo exhibition complex in Tashkent, UzReportcom reported. The three-day event demonstrates the country's strong interest in the ICT development.

The exhibition has been organized by the Association of Uzbek IT enterprises and Organizations with an official support of the Uzbek Agency for Communication and Information. UNDP Country Office in Uzbekistan acted as official partner through its project "Assisting the Government of Uzbekistan in the formulation and implementation of ICT for development policy".

This year, the organizers have been holding exhibition in Tashkent and Samarkand simultaneously. Tashkent exhibition has taken place at Uzkorgazmasavdo and about 90 companies have been presenting their products and services in the exhibition.

Kyoko Postill, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, said at the opening ceremony: "UNDP welcomes the organization of ICTExpo, which demonstrates the country's strong interest in the ICT development, and which encourages policy discussions during the annually organized IT week. Moreover, we are glad to be part of and witness the expansion of this year's exhibition to outside of Tashkent as well. This proves again the growth of ICT industry and ICT market in Uzbekistan."

"We hope that ICTExpo 2007 will contribute to promoting a better understanding of the latest information technologies, create business opportunities through information exchange and, ultimately, to further advance into the information society."

Ms. Postill also added: "We look forward to our continued cooperation with the Government of Uzbekistan and our other national and international partners in implementing new ICT activities for further development of the country."

Recognizing the importance and potential of the ICT for Development in Uzbekistan, UNDP has been providing support in this area for the last decade. UNDP implements ICT Policy support project and other ICT for Development projects as well as mainstreams ICT initiatives in many projects in the area of Economic Governance, Good Governance, Environment and Energy Governance in Uzbekistan.

The three largest Uzbek mobile operators – Beeline, MTS and Coscom – occupied the central place in the exhibition like last year. Such neighbourhood looked rather originally and the mobile companies oriented their exhibits – products in the sphere of GSM data transfer services – on wide groups of visitors.

This time ICTExpo has not changed its traditions and it was profile and practical. At bottom of fact the success of such level event depends on several factors. Firstly, among autumn exhibitions ICTExpo has its constant participants that display their stands and products, and secondly organizers succeeded in optimal combination of consumer and corporate expositions.

Along with quality (expansion of assortment and range of services) and quantity (sale volumes of suppliers) indicators of development and dynamics of ICT market, the exhibition reflects the situation in all its spheres. So, we hope that the IT business will be one of the most perspective in Uzbekistan next year too, and organizers will have an opportunity to make the exhibition more interesting and representative in 2008.
 

The Second Power Uzbekistan International Exhibition will open on 25th of September in Tashkent, UzReportcom reported. The event will take place at UzExpoCentre, and will be open for the professionals of the energy sector until 27th of September.

The organizer of the Power Uzbekistan 2007 is ITE Uzbekistan international exhibition company, a leader in the expo-market of Uzbekistan.

In an interview with the World Energy magazine, the Director General of the ITE Uzbekistan Iskander Yakubov commented on the importance of the exhibition to the development of the fuel and energy complex of Uzbekistan.

- On 25 September, the Second Power Uzbekistan Exhibition will open in Tashkent. What projects in the power industry have already been implemented by ITE Uzbekistan?

- Power Uzbekistan 2007 Exhibition will be our second project. The first and a very important experience was the Oil and Gas Uzbekistan Exhibition. In fact, the success of this event inspired the idea of organization of this new project, Power Uzbekistan. The exhibition will be organized for the second time this year and will be conducted as an independent event. The need for this gradation was determined by the nature of the exposition and the desire of the participants. We clearly distinguished two segments – oil and gas, on one side, and electric energy (power industry) on the other.

Power Uzbekistan 2007 is intended to provide an opportunity for the demonstration of the scientific and industrial technology and equipment that could be potentially used in the power industry of Uzbekistan, an opportunity to find clients and partners, expand the sales market for domestic and foreign producers, expand the cooperative contacts between different sorts of enterprises, organizations, firms and investors. ITE Uzbekistan's projects in the electrical energy sector are organized with the support of Uzbekistan's state structures, which naturally reflects on the status and level of the event. Power Uzbekistan 2007 has received the support of the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan, UzbekEnergo State Company, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Management of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent city khokimiat (authorities) and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan. Organisational assistance was provided by our old and constant partner – UzExpoCentre.

- What will be the main sections of the upcoming Power Uzbekistan 2007?

- Today, our country – a state with an intensively developing infrastructure, has a huge fuel and energy complex. The content of the exhibition includes a wide range of products, highly demanded in the power sector of Uzbekistan. This includes generator machines and component parts, low-voltage equipment, high-voltage equipment, cables, wires, accessories, insulating materials and insulators, transformer technology, electronics and electric components, controlling and metering devices and automated technology, wiring equipment and electric tools, energy saving technology and equipment, alternative energy sources, etc. A separate specialized section of the exhibition will be given to lighting technology.

- What measures is ITE Uzbekistan taking to create a business atmosphere at the exhibitions?

- Our exhibitions are united by the business model of the ITE. The power industry exhibitions are organized and conducted by the ITE's partner offices in six countries of the world. In Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, these exhibitions are conducted under the general brand "POWER". With an extensive experience in the expo-market of Uzbekistan, it is extremely important for us that the quality of Power Uzbekistan corresponds to international standards, and the requirements of the participants.

We hold on to the "business for business" principle. The organizational work involves attracting participants, as well as specialists to whom these exhibitions represent any interest. The venue is a business centre in Tashkent, the developed infrastructure of which provides an opportunity to the participants to use to use the exposition area to the maximum benefit, and the visitors' time and power are used efficiently.

- What, in your opinion, are the attractive aspects of the energy component of the fuel and energy complex for investors?

- Energy sector is fast developing segment of the economy, which corresponds to the general dynamic economic development of the country. The Presidential decree "On intensification of economic reforms in the energy sector of the Republic of Uzbekistan", definitely is of interest to potential investors. According to the decree one of the priority areas of reforms in the energy sector is wide attraction of foreign investments in the existing enterprises of the industry. The investment attractiveness is determined by the opportunity to expand production in correspondence with the growth of internal and external demand for electric energy (power), and the mutual interconnectedness and mutual dependency of the power systems of the countries of Central Asian region. Located in the geographical centre of the united energy system of Central Asia, the energy system of Uzbekistan plays an noteworthy role in maintaining uninterrupted power supply to the consumers in the region, as well as the transit of electric power and export supplies to the neighbouring states.

- What would you like to say about this year's exhibition?

- We are convinced that the very fact that the Power Uzbekistan 2007 exhibition is being held is a sign for the world community, reminding companies of the opportunity to expand business together with the ITE Uzbekistan. I am sure that Power Uzbekistan 2007 will be a platform for business communication of the specialists of the power industry, and will speed up the expansion of the areas of cooperation, the establishment of new business contacts, and the integration of Uzbekistan with the world economy. I wish all participants of the exhibition successful business in Uzbekistan, prosperity and well being in the future.
 

Uzbek-Singaporean Business Forum was held at the International Business Centre in Tashkent on 24th of September, UzReportcom reported. Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and Singapore Business Federation organized the event.

Heads of ministries and departments, companies and concerns responsible for foreign trade and economic relations, finance, oil-and-gas sector, construction, mechanical engineering, food, chemical, light and textile industries, healthcare, information technologies, transport and tourism between the two countries participated in the forum initiated to develop Uzbek-Singaporean relations in trade, economic and investment cooperation.

Speaking at the meeting, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan N.Najimov said that the agreements reached during the meetings of both countries' leaders formed a solid legal basis for development of all-round collaboration, in particular, in trade and economic, humanitarian spheres.

"The state visit of President Islam Karimov to Singapore in January 2007 lifted the mutual relations between the two countries to a new level," Najimov noted.

Singapore is a reliable partner of Uzbekistan. The volume of trade turnover made up US$113.5 million in 2006, and nearly US$105.4 million in January-August 2007 alone. Some 20 joint ventures founded in cooperation with Singaporean partners are operating in Uzbekistan, several large Singaporean companies have opened their representative offices in the country.

"Uzbekistan has vast economic opportunities, rich culture and history," said Singaporean Ambassador to Uzbekistan Sim Cheok Lim.

"The favourable investment climate created in Uzbekistan for cooperation with foreign investors raises the interest of Singaporean businessmen. This factor serves to further development of cooperation between our countries. We are interested in further enhancement of bilateral trade, economic and humanitarian ties," Singaporean envoy added.
 

Annual week of information and communication technologies (ICT) – InfoCom 2007 – started in Uzbekistan on 24th of September, UzReportcom reported. The event aims to unite the efforts of all ICT market participants, government, public and international organization on speeded up development of this sector and wider introduction of ICT in the country.

A press conference devoted to InfoCom 2007 was held at InterContinental Tashkent hotel on Monday, 24 September.

Organizers of the event noted that today it is hard to imagine some field of activity without ICT. Special attention is paid in Uzbekistan to increase of its role in all spheres of life. Computerization and ICT Development Programme for 2002/10 is being implemented in the country on the initiative of the government.

ICT Summit will be held within InfoCom 2007. The summit will cover trends and main changes in regulative policy, achievements and problems in implementation of national ICT promotion programmes, infrastructure development and other actual issues. This year ICT Summit marks its 5th anniversary and it will close the ICT Week. More than 300 delegates from Azerbaijan, Great Britain, Germany, Canada, Korea, Japan, Netherlands, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine and other countries will participate in the summit work.

ICT Summit is a platform allowing specialists, state bodies and international organizations, as well as private sector to analyze current situation in the Uzbek ICT market, witness new achievements in this sphere, find new stable and reliable partners, attract additional investment resources for further ICT introduction in Uzbekistan.

InfoCom 2007 has been organized by the Coordination Council for Development of Computerization and ICT, Committee on Press and IT of Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, Uzbek Agency for Communication and Information, UNDP represented by "Assisting the Government of Uzbekistan in the Formulation and Implementation of ICT for Development Policy" Project, Association of IT Companies and Organizations of Uzbekistan, UzInfoCom Centre, Tashkent University of Information Technologies and InfoCOM.UZ magazine.

Among the planned events within the ICT Week are international conference on Information Technologies' promotion in Asia - ITPA 2007, ICTExpo 2007 national exhibition of information technologies, media forum on the "Role of modern ICT in printed media and prospects of development of Internet resources of the country", presentation of competence Centre on e-government under IT association of Uzbekistan, Third International Central Asian Conference on Internet and new technology for mobile, wireless and fiber optic communication and ICT application for e-commerce – ICI 2007, Regional Summit on Information-Communication Technologies – ICT Summit 2007.
 

Uzbek banks have been exempted from the customs payments on the plastic cards, payment terminals, software, automated teller machines, information self-service kiosks, and other equipment and materials used in servicing of payments made by means of plastic cards, imported by commercial banks and the Common General Republican Processing Centre. The validity period of the benefits has been extended from 2011 to 2020, UzReportcom reported.
 

The art exhibition "Poems about great city" dedicated to the 2,750th anniversary of Samarkand has been opened at Renaissance art gallery in Tashkent, UzA reported.

Samarkand is one of the ancient cradles of the Uzbek national state and spirituality. This city worthily contributed to the development of world civilization and science with its rich history, unique culture, great thinkers, as well as unique historical and architectural monuments.

At the exhibition one may get acquainted with the works, which reflect the landscapes of the city, its centuries-old monuments, people, markets, traditions and values.

Among them there are "Creation of legend" and "Bibikhonim" by Muborak Yuldashev, "Shokhi Zinda" by Akrom Bakhromov, "Samarkand. The Great Silk Road" by Gafur Abdurakhimov and others.
 

The story dedicated to Margilan, which recently celebrated its 2,000th anniversary, has been published in ‘Assalomu Alaykum’ newspaper of the Friendship Association "Japan-Uzbekistan", Jahon reported.

"Marghilan, which is situated in Ferghana Valley, from the ancient times has been considered as one of the centers of the Great Silk Road. It was well known all around the world for its silk, atlas, ceramics, armory and undoubtedly mouthwateringly delicious vegetables and fruits, the business card of the city," the newspaper wrote.

The story highly assessed the contribution to the development of the Islamic science and culture, as well as world civilization by the well-known scholars, literary men and theologians from Marghilan, including those, whose names are respectfully mentioned, such as Abduaziz al-Marghinoni, Zakhiriddin Ali al-Marghinoni and Burkhoniddin al-Marghinoni.

Besides, the newspaper wrote that a profound work has been carried out in Uzbekistan on studying and promoting the rich scientific and philosophic heritage of the Uzbek people in the world community.

The restoration of historical monuments such as Pur Siddik Complex, Said Ahmad Khoji Madrassah, betterment of spacious avenues and parks within the framework of festive events held early September, will give to the citizens and guests of the city an opportunity once more to get in touch with the rich history and culture of the Uzbek people, and will promote making Marghilan as one of the important tourist centers in Uzbekistan, according to the newspaper.
 

The delegation of Uzbekistan participated in the International Fair of Lawanda, which has been held in the French city of Din-Le-Ben, ‘Pravda Vostoka’ newspaper wrote.

The fair, held since 1921, was dedicated to the Great Silk Road. More than 300 participants from all around the world gathered at Cote D'Azur. Uzbekistan has been invited to the event for the first time and represented as an honorable guest represented Central Asia at this event. Thanks to the support of the "Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan" Fund such trip has been made possible.

The delegation from the Center of national arts consisted of prominent figures of the Uzbek culture, namely, scholars of arts Elmira Akhmedova, artist on ceramics Shakhnoza Muminova, miniaturist Bakhadyr Yuldashev, the Honored artist, dancer Saida Mansurkhojaeva and doira player Davronbek Akbarbekov.

With the support of these people the exhibition "The handicraft art and tourism in Uzbekistan", which demonstrated the achievements of the Uzbek culture, took place at the International Fair. The guests of the event tasted the traditional pilav, which became a real "hit" for gourmands from all around the globe. According to the president of the fair Bernard Tesier, the Uzbek stand was the most attended at the event.
 

On September 20 the newly appointed ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Italian Republic and the United States of America in Uzbekistan – Babakhan Makhmadov, Giovanni Riculli and Richard Norland granted their credentials to President Islam Karimov at the Oksaroy Residence, the Uzbek newspapers reported.

The Uzbek Leader congratulated the diplomats on their appointment to the honorable and responsible post and wished them success in their missions in Uzbekistan. The President said that the cooperation of Uzbekistan with the countries, which they represent, is developing.

The relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are based on the traditions of friendship and neighborhood. The leaders of the two states meet within the framework of bilateral visits, summits of such international organizations as SCO, EurAsEC, CIS, and exchange views o­n bilateral cooperation, regional integration and security.

The sides adopted over 150 documents related to bilateral relations. Agreement o­n eternal friendship signed in 2000 has a special significance in this context. The commercial, economic and humanitarian cooperation are now developing in the spirit of this agreement. Both sides are also reported to have established the Joint Uzbek-Tajik commission o­n trade and economic cooperation. In 2006 the volume of mutually beneficial trade rose by 19,8%.

“The history of relations between our ties traces back millennia,” – Ambassador of Tajikistan to Uzbekistan Babakhan Makhmadov said, “Uzbekistan is our main trade partner. I consider it as a priority part of my mission to comprehensively strengthen the cooperation between our countries and people”.

Italy is one of the reliable partners of Uzbekistan in Europe. The official visit of President Islam Karimov to Italy in 1996 commemorated the launching of bilateral political dialog. During the visit the Agreement on partnership and cooperation has been signed between Uzbekistan and the European Union. The Uzbek-Italian summits were held in 1997 in Tashkent and in 2000 in Rome.

The bilateral economic cooperation, apart from commercial ties, includes holding various forums, including the weeks of Italian technologies in Tashkent, presentation of the economic potential of Uzbekistan in Rome and Milan. With an aim to encourage the commercial, economic ties, cooperation in the sphere of industry and technologies the Working group on cooperation on trade, economy and industry has been established. In Uzbekistan 49 joint enterprises with participation of Italian investments are now operating and 7 Italian companies opened their representation offices in the country.

Ties on humanitarian sphere, in particular, between the higher educational institutions and scientific-research establishments of the two countries have also been established.

The cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States embraces many spheres. The cooperation of the two countries on strengthening the security and elimination of transnational threats is developing.

It should be underscored that the United States is o­ne of the largest partners of Uzbekistan. The U.S. investments worth USD $1,4 billion are channeled to implementation of more than 20 industrial projects in Uzbekistan.
 

Intel Vice President Ravi Jacob and CIS General Manager Dmitry Konash met Director General of the Uzbek Agency for Communication and Information (UzACI) Abdulla Aripov on 21st of September, UzA reported.

According to UzACI website, the sides considered issues of cooperation in education, e-government and introduction of ICT in various spheres in Uzbekistan.

During the visit to Uzbekistan, the company delegation presented Intel vPro processor technology for business and corporate IT infrastructure.
 

New ambassadors of Tajikistan, Italy and the United States of America presented credentials to President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on 20th of September, UzA reported.

The ambassadors are, respectively, Babakhan Mahmadov, Giovanni Ricculli and Richard Norland.

President Karimov congratulated the diplomats with their appointments and wished them success in their missions in Uzbekistan.

The head of the state also expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation with Tajikistan, Italy and the USA.
 

On September 18 the Eighth Uzbek International Exhibition “Telecommunications and information technologies – InfoComExpo Uzbekistan 2007” opened in Tashkent, the Uzbek news agencies reported. The event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Committee on coordination of development of science and technologies at the Cabinet of Ministries of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent city municipality, “Uzeltehsanoat” association with an assistance of international exhibition companies “ITE Uzbekistan” and “ITE Exhibition & Conferences Ltd” (the United Kingdom).

The exhibition offered the visitors all modern directions of the sphere of telecommunication and information technologies. The companies of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Japan, China, Italy, Hungary and Turkey demonstrated their products and services.

The chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan A.Shaikhov is reported to have said that the creation of favorable investment climate in the country serve as an important factor to further expand the trade and economic relations with foreign countries, integrate to the world economy, in particular, exchange experiences and master the latest information machinery.

The exhibition has a profound importance to study the demand and proposals, develop trade, and create necessary conditions for establishing the joint enterprises. The main goal of the event is to further develop the sphere of telecommunication and information technologies, as well as to attract the foreign investments.
 

This week the Third International Uzbek Cotton Fair took place at the “Uzexpocenter” in Tashkent, Jahon reported. As has been reported, numerous companies from around the world participated at it, where they could first-handedly eyewitness and purchase the best-quality Uzbek cotton for their textile and other needs in home-countries.

Below, the excerpts of comments made by some of the visitors to such grand event in the social and economic life of Uzbekistan.

Sheik Muhammad Ali, the businessman, Bangladesh:

- This is my first visit to Uzbekistan. I want especially to underscore that this exhibition has been organized excellently. The conference “The world cotton and textile market: the state and prospects of development until 2010” made an enormous impression o­n me and gave necessary information o­n conditions of the cotton market in the region.

I am very glad that I have had a chance to attend this event and met with many colleagues, business partners from various countries. Bangladesh highly values the quality of the Uzbek cotton and our country regularly imports it from Uzbekistan.

Ahad Heromniy, the “Firdus” cooperative in Iran:

- The main goal of my visit to Uzbekistan was to study the cotton market of your country. Before we used to buy cotton through the European countries, but now we have obtained the opportunity to directly make contracts and bilateral trade agreements with Uzbekistan. Already at this fair we are going to conclude some agreements. I am sure that our countries, which are situated close to o­ne another, must have reliable neighborly and mutual beneficial relations. In this regard I am confident that the friendship and sincere business contacts will be established between the entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan and Iran.
 

The Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan announced 23 December 2007 as the day of Presidential elections, UzA reported. The election campaign will start on 21 September, commission chairman Mirzo-Ulugbek Abdusalomov said.

At its Tuesday session, the election commission passed a resolution on announcing the start of the election campaign. It also approved the plan of events of election commissions to prepare and hold the elections.

The lists of election districts with indication of the number of voters and addresses of the district election commissions will be published before 9 October, Abdusalomov said.

The district election commissions will be formed by 14 October, and divisional election commissions by 13 November.

According to Article 24 of the Law on election of the President of Uzbekistan, political parties and citizens have the right to nominate candidates to the post of the President.

A political party can nominate its candidate only if it was registered by the Justice Ministry at least six months prior to the announcement of the election campaign.

Any citizen or a group of citizens having the right to vote may form an initiative group of voters consisting of a minimum of 300 people.

The law states that the nomination may start 65 days before the elections and end 45 days prior to the elections.

The election campaign starts from the date of registration of candidates by the election commission, which is 18 November.

Both the political parties and the initiative groups of voters are granted the equal right to use the mass media for their campaigns and hold meetings with voters.

In accordance with Article 5 of the above-named law, observers from political parties, voters groups, journalists, as well as foreign states and international organizations and movements have the right to participate in all events related to preparation and holding the elections, including nomination meetings, as well as the voting and the vote-counting process.

The Central Election Commission said it would create all conditions for the open and transparent conduction of the free, just and democratic elections of the President of Uzbekistan.
 

Elections of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan will be held on 23 December 2007, a senior Uzbek official said at the meeting of Central Election Committee of Uzbekistan that was held at the National Press Centre on 18 September, UzReportcom reported.

The press conference was attended by the representatives of Uzbek mass media, as well as foreign information services accredited in Uzbekistan.

Elections of the President of Uzbekistan according to Article 1 of the Law "On elections of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan" are carried out by the citizens of Uzbekistan on the basis of common, equal and direct electoral franchise in secrete vote.

The announcement of the start of the election campaign is in time, as in accordance with Article 8 of the Law "On elections of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan" the commencement of election campaign is announced by the Central Election Committee in mass media not later than three months prior to termination of Uzbek President's authority that falls on December this year.

All citizens of Uzbekistan from 18-years-old have the right to vote for the President. Any direct or indirect restrictions of electoral rights of citizens depending on birth, social and property position, race and national belonging, gender, education, language, religion, type and character of occupation are forbidden.

Elections of the President of Uzbekistan, like in Legislative Chamber (Lower House) of Oliy Majlis (parliament) of Uzbekistan and Jokargy Kenes (parliament) of Karakalpakstan, representative bodies of state authority of regions, districts, cities are held respectively in the year of termination of constitutional term of their authorities – on the first Sunday of the third decade of December.
 

"Uzbekistan – should definitely go there" is the title of the memo of the Assistance Centre (Centrum Promocji) of the Polish Chamber of Commerce (Krajowa Izba Gospodarcza) for the Polish businessmen, inviting them to the Second Polish National Exhibition to be held in Tashkent on 2-5 October 2007. The exhibition will be conducted under the aegis of the Polish Ministry of Economy, UzReportcom reported.

"The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Warsaw and the Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy Javhar Izamov are providing us invaluable assistance," the Chairman of the Board of the Assistance Centre Bozena Wroblewska wrote.

So far, 48 companies from different sectors of Poland have expressed interest in the exhibition. This includes 13 companies of the industrial production sector, 11 – of the construction industry, and 12 of the medical and cosmetics sectors. Apart from this, 12 companies specialized in the production of consumer goods have also registered for the exhibition.

Among them are companies like ANIMEX SP. Z.О.О., a leading Polish supplier of fresh and processed meat, ChM Sp. Z.O.O., a leading manufacturer of implants, surgical tools and equipment for orthopedics and traumatology, Dax Cosmetics and McBride International Poland – cosmetics manufacturers, Egen Polska LTD, Hunter Douglas Polska and Eurotaxpol K. Pokrzykowski, M. Rachuba SJ – construction materials manufacturers, Hal Import-Export-Handel – household goods and chemicals distributor, Herbapol – a leader in the Polish herbal pharmaceutics market, Kreis Pack – the producer of disposable food packages, paper-plates, and disposable tableware, FagorMastercook – household technology producer, Solarpol - Polskie Centrum Energii Odimawialnej – Polish supplier of solar heating systems, Spomasz Pleszew – food processing equipment producer, Skybone – production and processing lines for tomato paste, jams, juice, etc, Zakted Produkcji Obuwia VI-GGA-MI Grzegorz Garbacz – children's footwear producer, Abplanalp Consulting Sp. Z.O.O. – processing machines, technology, consulting services, Korporacja Ubezpieczeh Kredytow Eksportowych SA – export payment insurance, and others.

To mention, Abplanalp Consulting Sp. Z.O.O. and Skybone SP. Z.O.O. are already successfully operating in the market of Uzbekistan.

"Abplanalp Consulting Sp. Z.O.O., a 100% Polish company, has recently appropriated the funds of the Polish Government loan in Uzbekistan within the frame of the Uzbek Government Programme on the equipment of colleges for some US$16 million," the Director of the Eastern Markets' Bureau Petr Zych said during the company's meeting in Warsaw. "We have recently participated in the exhibition of mini-technology in Tashkent. Among our projects is the supply of technology for wheel production at UzDaewooAuto in Ferghana. We have established clients in Uzbekistan to whom we supply mini-technology and equipment for the processing of fruit and vegetables. The market for these products is expanding fast in Uzbekistan. Our specialists have traveled across the country. We will continue to work and develop this market further," he added.

The President of the Skybone SP. Z.O.O. Company Robert Adamovsky said his company was supplying a wide range of production lines for the food and processing industries. In addition the company is providing financial services to the Polish firms operating in Uzbekistan. The company entered the Uzbek market in 1995.

"The benefit of this type of exhibitions is high," Adamovsky said. "But the main work is what follows them, when partners are found, and the decisions on the arising issues need to be made."

It is pleasing to note that the first thing that attracts everybody's attention on the entrance of the Polish Chamber of Commerce is a large ad of the Polish exhibition in Uzbekistan.

"Polish entrepreneurs are attracted by the fact that Uzbekistan stands out among the countries of Central Asia by the growing economic potential in the field of industry, and agriculture. Uzbekistan is a country very rich in natural resources. Uzbekistan's economy is developing gradually and steadily. The relations between our countries prove that Poland is one of Uzbekistan's strategic partners in Central and Eastern Europe," the Aid to the Chairman of the Polish Chamber of Commerce Stanislav Pogorilo said during the meeting with Uzbek media in Warsaw.

"Poland has a good reputation, which it earned even earlier than the 90s of the previous century. It is a solid partner of Uzbekistan's, which is why the contacts between our countries are developing so fast. The experience of the year 2004, when the First Poolish National Exhibition was held with participation of over 60 companies proves that business can be developed with the benefit for both parties," the Aid to the Chairman of the Board of the Assistance Centre Marek Starczewski said. "The growing demand of the internal Uzbek and the neighbouring markets, attractive prices and the quantity of our goods have led to fast increase in Polish exports to this market.

Indeed, Polish statistics for 2006 indicate a 3.5-fold increase in the volume of bilateral trade. In the first quarter of this year, the growth dynamics of the Polish exports to Uzbekistan made up 121%.
 

A regular session of the council of the interior ministers of the CIS member countries was held in Baku from 6 to 7 September, EurasiaNet reported quoting the Uzbek newspaper Na Postu.

Delegations from the interior ministries of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine, as well as the Armenian Police took part in this session.

The chairman of the [CIS] Executive Committee - CIS Executive Secretary Vladimir Rushaylo - took part in the session.

The session discussed issues relating to increasing the effectiveness of the activities of the council of the CIS member countries' interior ministers in counteracting modern challenges and threats, as well as cooperation in the fight against cyber-crime, prospects for improving the exchange of statistical information, cooperation in training and retraining specialists and improving their skills.

Decisions were adopted concerning the setting up a unified network of computerized multi-purpose data banks, as well as a single procedure of the interstate search for individuals.

Protocols on cooperation for 2008-09 were signed between the interior ministries of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, as well as between the interior ministries of Uzbekistan and Russia during the session.

[Interior] Minister Lt-Gen Bahodir Matlubov signed the protocols on behalf of the Interior Ministry of Uzbekistan.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the heads of the delegations of the interior ministries of the CIS member countries.

The session took place in a friendly atmosphere and in a spirit of mutual understanding, trust and constructive cooperation.
 

Intensive course on the "Library and E-Resources" was conducted at the UNDP-supported Resource Center and Library of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) for nearly 90 graduate students and faculty staff members on 4-10 September, UzReportcom reported.

Dr. Hwichool Kim, Professor of Han-Yang University (Seoul) and tutor of the National Library of Korea delivered the course.

Participants from various Departments of UWED studied and discussed in depth thesis writing, articles writing and work on methodical aid and e-materials for a teaching process; library and distance education through lectures and seminars as well as Internet resources.

As a Chairman of Korea Information Search Committee, Dr. Kim presented modern tools and standards on using of e-resources through University's teaching and study process for separate group of students and academic staff members.

This event was organized in the framework of the UNDP project "Enhancing the Capacity of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy to Support the Foreign Policy of Uzbekistan". The project aims to strengthen the capacity of the University to support the development and implementation of the foreign policy of Uzbekistan, the course will be dedicated to reaching one of its main target, namely improvement and introduction of new methods for bringing the UWED teaching and study process in line with international standards in education for the ensuing career in foreign service.
 

On the eve of the 16th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan the charity houses and special boarding houses of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Bukhara, Navoi and Samarkand provinces received the modern buses “Isuzu” produced at the Samarkand Automobile Plant, UzA reported

According to the report, this time yet other social establishments in Ferghana, Andijan, Namangan, Syrdarya, Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Tashkent provinces and the city of Tashkent received 82 “Isuzu” buses.

The workers of public education and representatives of public, who are reported to have taken the floor at the special event o­n such occasion in the city of Samarkand, have said that the reforms led by Uzbek leader in the social sphere are of a profound significance for the future young generation.

“We are enormously glad for such attention,” – the principal of the special boarding school No.37 of the city of Tashkent Shokhida Ikromova is reported to have said, “this year many good deeds are accomplished at our facility. The attendees of the school now have better conditions for their studies. The facility has been supplied with the latest study equipment. Yet the “Isuzu” bus became a big gift for us”.
 

The presentation of new project financed by the Commission of the European Union “Social partnership for study and education” was held in the “Grand Orzu” hotel in Tashkent, according to the “Pravda Vostoka” newspaper.

The main goal of the event is to assist the reforms underway in the country’s professional education. The objective is to promote enhancing the potential of the organizations engaged in the system of professional training, addressing the correspondence of interests of labor markets and education.

The project expert group will work to address the outstanding problem that is to develop the effective social partnership with participation of educational institutions, organization of employers, labor and people’s social protection bodies, according to the newspaper.

The “ABU Consult Berlin” Limited Liability Company (LLC) will implement the project. Company has a big experience of work in implementing such projects related with development of education and publication of books for the system of the people’s education, including in Uzbekistan.

First Deputy Minister for higher and secondary special education and head of the Center for secondary special professional education A.Karimov, the representatives of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the country, as well as of educational structures are reported to have taken part in the event.
 

The scientific-practical conference “Uzbekistan: the main achievements in building the democratic state and strong civil society” took place in Bukhara, the Uzbek Media reported. The Institute for the study of civil society, Movement of entrepreneurs and business people – the Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan and National Democratic Party “Fidokorlar” are reported to have organized the conference.

The speakers have said that the address by President Islam Karimov at the joint session of Oliy Majlis, Cabinet of Ministers and Staff of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dedicated to the 16th anniversary of the country’s Independence was indeed a program document and had a profound significance to accomplish further reforms in all spheres of life.

They have added that the head of state has fully and fairly assessed the development of country for over the years of independence and the country’s achievements for over this period.

The partakers of the conference also spoke about the significance of awareness activities aimed at informing the people about the profound reforms now being accomplished in the country.

The conference has particularly analyzed the process of building the law-governed state in Uzbekistan, ensuring equality of all citizens before the law, developing various forms of ownership, and others.

Also, the conference participants spoke about the need to consolidate the successes secured by the Uzbek people and address particular problems that serve as a barrier to the development of social and economic sphere.
 

Chinese and Uzbek leaders have met in the Uzbek capital city of Tashkent to discuss bilateral relations and exchange views on cooperation between the two countries' parliaments and issues of common concern, Uzbek Media reported.

A Chinese delegation headed by He Luli, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress (NPC), paid a five-day visit to Uzbekistan at an invitation of the nation's Supreme Assembly on 6-10 September.

During the visit, He met with Erkin Halilov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber, Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyayev and other senior officials.

Both sides believed that China-Uzbekistan ties have been experienced sound and stable development since the two nations established diplomatic relations 15 years ago.

Political mutual trust between the two nations is deepening, and China and Uzbekistan have achieved fruitful results in the fields of economy and trade, energy, security and culture, they said.

Both sides agreed to further carry out exchanges and cooperation between the two nations parliaments at all levels and in all fields.
 

A four-day training course for Police Academy teachers focusing on modern police education methodologies begins today, 11th of September, in Tashkent, UzReportcom reported.

Best practices from the OSCE region will be introduced during the training course, organized by the OSCE Project coordinator in Uzbekistan to help the teachers learn about interactive teaching and the use of information technology.

"This course gives participants a chance to learn more about new approaches to police education and will help create a police force that is able to efficiently preserve peace and public order and ensure security," said Ambassador Miroslav Jenca, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

Experts from the International Police Training Centre in Hungary, the National Police Academy of Ireland and the OSCE Strategic Police Matters Unit will lead sessions during the course.

The Project Co-ordinator is organizing the course in co-operation with the OSCE Strategic Police Matters Unit and the Interior Ministry as part of a two-year project to assist Uzbekistan's Police Academy.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov participated in the celebrations of the 2,000th anniversary of the city of Margilan on 7th of September, UzA reported.

In accordance with the resolution of the head of the state of 9 November 2005 on celebration of Margilan's jubilee, wide-scale construction works have been held in the city.

Among the newly built objects is the 10-hectare Youth Alley, which includes an aqua park and a 1400-seat amphitheatre where the celebrations were held.

Speaking to the participants of the solemn ceremony, President Islam Karimov congratulated city residents and all people of Uzbekistan with the jubilee.

Head of UNESCO office in Uzbekistan Anna Paolini passed the congratulatory message of the organization's general director Koitiro Matsuura.

While visiting Margilan on Friday, President Karimov familiarized himself with the Said Ahmad Khoja Eshon madrassah, which was built in 1870-1875. Nowadays Margilan craftsmen center functions in the building.

Other objects visited by the President included the newly built school No.32, a 600-cubic-meter closed swimming pool and the new central market.

A number of city streets were reconstructed, and new residential buildings as well as new hotel Adras were built. New digital telephone stations were commissioned.
 

Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China He Luli held talks with the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Erkin Khalilov on 6th of September in Tashkent, UzA reported.

The negotiations focused on issues related to the present state and perspective of inter-parliamentary relations between Uzbekistan and China.

On the same day, the Chinese official held talks with Vice Chairman of the Senate Farruha Muhiddinova.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a resolution on 5th of September 2007 on setting up the Management Development Institute of Singapore in Tashkent, UzA reported.

The educational establishment will be founded by the named institute and the Uzbekistan Banks Association.

The institute will prepare bachelors and masters in banking, business administration, tourism and IT in business. It will also be able to open new courses based on the demand.

The new institute should accept its first students in the academic year 2008-2009.
 

Third International Uzbek Cotton Fair and Fourth International Cotton and Textile Conference will be held on September 17-19, in Tashkent, UzA reported.

The events are being organized by the government of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the International Cotton Advisory Committee and the Cotton Outlook magazine.

The participants will have the opportunity to sign contracts with Uzbek companies for cotton supply of 2007-2008 crops or participate in the auctions and purchase cotton on Uzbek Commodity Exchange.

Round table discussions and negotiations between exporters and consumers of Uzbek cotton will also be held during the fair.

The Uzbek International Cotton Fair was held for the first time in 2005 on the initiative of President Islam Karimov.
 

On the eve of the national holiday – the 16th anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the Republic of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Skand R. Tayal in an interview with UzReport.com correspondent shared his views on the Indo-Uzbek bilateral relations.

-- Dear Mr. Ambassador, let me congratulate you and people of India on the occasion of National Holiday – Independence Day, celebrated on August 15 (since 1947), and wish everyone and country peace, welfare and prosperity.

-- Thank you very much for your good wishes.

-- Please tell us about internal and external economic achievements of India for the last years in such fields as advanced and computer technologies, know how, economics, industry, transport and telecommunications, culture and art. What results have already been achieved and what are perspective plans?

-- India celebrated its 60th Independence on 15th August 2007. During the last six decades India has traveled a long distance on the path of progress and there are many successes and achievements especially in the area of social and economic development.

India is of Continental size and the diversity in the country is even greater than that of a Continent! India's most significant achievement in the last 60 years has been its political cohesion and stability. In a country of over a billion people, Indian nationalism has triumphed over the divisive tendencies of caste, class, religion and languages. The Idea that human beings of different languages, cultures, religions, etc. came together in a democratic way and are united, is wonderful.

Today, India is on its way of becoming the 4th largest market in the world, has a comfortable foreign exchange reserve, has developed indigenous technology in Space, nuclear energy and IT sector, and is sought as a strategic partner by major countries of the world.

As one of the world's largest economies, India has made enormous strides in its economic and social development particularly in the last two decades. Today's India is a place of opportunity, growth and prosperity. Indian companies are making their mark at the global level and are competing confidently with the multinational companies in almost every field.

India started liberalizing and de-regulating its economy in 1991. One and half decades after the liberalization of the Indian economy, India's global integration and economic growth is now unstoppable. Today, India is one of the world's fastest growing free market economies, averaging a GDP growth of 8 to 9% over the last 3 years. Today India is a world leader in Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, higher educational institutions, automobile spare parts and trained manpower. India has emerged as one of the favourite investment destinations among various multinational companies. Higher disposable incomes, emerging middle class, low cost competitive work force, a booming economy, large domestic market and investment friendly policies all contribute towards India being a favourite choice for investors.

In the manufacturing sector also India has emerged as a major player due to low labour cost, flexible and business-friendly environment, encouragement to entrepreneurship and availability of required infrastructure. Indian manufacturing companies have been proved second to none and are competing successfully in global market. Our Uzbek friends have been using Indian pharmaceutical products with full satisfaction. Our quality is assured and the prices are competitive and studies have shown that setting up a pharmaceutical plant in India is 40% cheaper as compared to developed countries.

India has many highly educated and professionally qualified people who are making their mark domestically and globally in Science, Engineering, Information Technology and Research & Development.

India is becoming a major source of R&D, about 100 multi-national Corporations have already set up their R&D Centers in India, leading to enhancement of the technological and innovative capabilities among Indian firms.

Similarly, India has witnessed the Telecom Revolution. Fierce price competition has resulted in Indian mobile telephony becoming one of the cheapest in the world, with subscription of more than 47 million people.

The economic platform of India is vast and all the factors of production are available within the country. To lead the country to become a developed nation, the leadership of our country is now working on the long-term planning to further enhance our infrastructural facilities. Future perspective of our nation is to transform India into a developed nation by the year 2020.

-- The peoples of India and Uzbekistan share ancient friendly, trade, economic and cultural bilateral relations, rooted in centuries old traditions and history. Your Excellency, please tell us about the most important results of Indo-Uzbek cooperation of the last years and perspectives of our cooperation in economy, transport, tourism, culture and art (in particular with Uzbekistan Academy of Arts), people-to people diplomacy, as well as of cooperation in the framework of bilateral intergovernmental commission.

-- The close friendly relations between India and Uzbekistan are characterized by mutually beneficial all round cooperation. The friendly relations between India and Uzbekistan are grounded in the commitment towards global peace and regional stability, and are based on our shared historical and cultural ties. Both our countries share common values such secularism, religious tolerance and strong opposition to the forces of fundamentalism and extremism. Our cooperation is evident by the signing of nearly 60 bilateral agreements in various fields. Both countries are marching on the road towards rapid social and economic development in an environment of increasing globalization and we wish to transform our cultural and historical ties into strong economic and commercial linkages. The close ties between our countries were reinforced by the important visit of H.E. President Islam Karimov to India in April 2005 and the highly successful visit of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Tashkent in April 2006.

Both India and Uzbekistan are on the path of progress and development and are working to improve the quality of life of their citizens. Though Uzbekistan falls in the extended neighbourhood of India, it is more like a neighbour in practical terms, because flying time from Delhi to Tashkent is around 2½ hours, which is even less than domestic travel between some of Indian cities.

Trade and economic links between our countries are also as old as our cultural and historical ties. The Great Silk Route used to be the historical road to connect India to the Central Asia and East Asian countries. At the present time also we have good trade and economic links but absence of a safe and direct land route between Tashkent and North India is a handicap. We are working with the Government of Uzbekistan to develop the land route to the Iranian port of Chabahar through northern and eastern Afghanistan. Once this route is fully developed, it would facilitate transit of goods between our two countries.

We seek to promote greater investment by Indian companies in Uzbekistan in various fields. An example has been set by an Indian company Spentex by investing US$81 million in the textiles companies near Tashkent. This shows the seriousness of the Indian companies to invest in Uzbekistan.

The current state of trade between our countries does not conform to the requisite potential. Despite the global size of Indian economy, the bilateral trade was only US$ 61 million in 2006. Our endeavour is to bring the trade, investment and commercial ties between both the countries to the level of sizable business partnership. Our companies can make investment in the areas in which Uzbekistan has raw materials available and export the finished and semi-finished products to India and to third countries.

With the strong initiatives of private sector also, India has established itself well in the field of higher education. The seven Indian Institutes of Technology. The National Law School, Bangalore, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are the top institutes of India and rank among the best in the world. Our relations in the sphere of education are also on the path of progress. To enlarge collaboration in the academic field, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Delhi University (DU) and the Tashkent Institute of Oriental Studies (TSIOS) during the visit of Prime Minister of India H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh to Uzbekistan in April, 2006. Cooperation between DU and TSIOS is being pursued and some fruitful joint projects are expected to be undertaken in near future.

Also, Government of India is committed to the human resource development of Uzbekistan and we are conducting an educational training programme "Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) to impart training in the areas of IT, banking, management, finance, etc. We are sending 120 professionals from Uzbekistan every year to India under ITEC Programme to attend various courses fully financed by the Government of India.

There have been equally encouraging people to people contacts between our countries. We have an "India Chair" at the prestigious University of World Economy & Diplomacy (UWED), and the UWED is collaborating with the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) New Delhi under an MOU signed during the visit of H.E. President Islam Karimov to India in April 2005.

The India-Uzbek IT Centre named after Jawaharlal Nehru established in Tashkent University of Information Technology with the Indian financial assistance of Rs.30 million was inaugurated by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during his visit to Uzbekistan in April 2006. Till now the Centre has successfully trained 400 students.

The Information Technology sector of Uzbekistan has a lot of potential and this area can be of cooperation for investment. Indian software and business processing outsourcing firms are the best in the world. From Uzbekistan, Indian companies can cover the entire CIS region by providing IT enabled services, which will generate employment for the local population.

Automobile sector of India is booming and the component suppliers in India are world class and their clientele includes many internationally renowned auto producers. Our effort now is to encourage our companies to establish joint ventures here and supply components to the growing Uzbek automobile sector.

The Medical Tourism is the new area which is rapidly growing in India. Today we have world class modern medical facilities at one tenth of the cost of US or Europe. The most complicated medical services by the best doctors are available in India today which is comparable to the best available services in the world. Being geographically so close India can serve as a good destination for medical treatment of Uzbek nationals at a very reasonable cost.

Uzbekistan is a country of ancient civilization and custodian of many historic and cultural heritage sites which can be promoted as tourist destinations among the Indian tourists. There is a need to generate demand by way of publicity about these unique places. Similarly, India is one of the favorite tourist destinations in the world. Recently, Taj Mahal has been voted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in an internationally held poll. We expect that the inflow of Uzbek tourists to India to see Taj Mahal will increase in the near future.

Our cultural relations are nourished by Lal Bahadur Shastri Indian Cultural Centre functioning in Tashkent as part of our Embassy. The centre is engaged in the teaching of Hindi, Yoga, Indian Music and Dance to the Uzbek youths. The People of Uzbekistan have a unique respect and liking for Indian culture.

Our countries are victim of the menace of terrorism and understand the danger that terrorism pose to the security and stability of the world. Recognizing the importance of bilateral cooperation in this vital area, India and Uzbekistan have established a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism in 2003 and till now three very useful meetings of this JWG have been held. The Third Meeting of India-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Combating Terrorism was held during May 2007 in Tashkent.

Our cooperation under the framework of bilateral Inter-Governmental Commission is also progressing satisfactorily. The Seventh Session of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation between India and Uzbekistan was held on 13-14 April, 2007 in Tashkent. The Indian delegation was led by Hon'ble Minister of State for Commerce Shri Jairam Ramesh and Mr. Abdulla Aripov, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan co-chaired the session from Uzbek side. Both sides reviewed the implementation of the decisions of the sixth Session of the Commission. The Commission discussed further expansion in the cooperation on trade and investment between both the countries in the fields of textiles, cotton fibre processing, production of knit and readymade garments, production of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, leather processing and production of leather, agro-products, information technology, oil and gas, minerals and metals and development of SMEs etc. Both sides also discussed cooperation in financial and transport sector including Railways, culture, tourism and consular matters. On the sidelines of IGC meetings, a business forum was also organised in which leading public and private sector companies and representatives from apex Chambers of Commerce and Industry from both the sides participated.

-- Please share your impressions of stay in Uzbekistan. What have you already got to know, what does interest you the most in our country and what are its attractive features? What wishes do you have for the people of Uzbekistan?

-- I am very impressed by your beautiful country. I find that your cities are clean, well planned and with lots of green spaces to provide a healthy and unpolluted environment. I have traveled a lot with in Uzbekistan and have seen many ancient and medieval heritage sites including in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Karshi, Namangan, etc. What attracts me the most is the warm and kind hearted people of Uzbekistan and the fondness and love they show for India.

Uzbekistan is a country with an ancient civilization. The collections of scientific centres and museums in different parts of the country contain numerous manuscripts and objects that testify to the distinctive and centuries old history of the area. It is a very interesting historical fact to observe that Buddhism spread throughout East Asia and countries of the Far-East from the ancient city of Termez, major centre of Buddhism in Central Asia during the Kushan Period.

There is so much in common between the people of Uzbekistan and India. Hundreds of words are common between Uzbek and Hindi languages. Uzbek architects and craftsmen have left a lasting legacy in the historic monuments of North India, particularly in Agra and New Delhi. I very much admire the quality of your miniature paintings, calligraphy and ceramics – a skill which goes back to centuries in Uzbek history.

It is really heart warming for me to observe the love for Indian art, music and films among the people of your country. From big cities to rural areas, I have personally witnessed the interest with which Uzbeks watch Indian films, sing Indian songs and dance to Indian music. This is mainly because we share similar family values and have similar cultural interests.

Taking this opportunity I would like to congratulate the readers of your paper on the 16th Independence Day of Uzbekistan and wish them peace, prosperity and a great future ahead. In the last 16 years of Independence Uzbekistan has achieved notable successes in every field, specially in the socio-economic sphere and it is a matter of great satisfaction for India as well that your country, under the able leadership of President H.E. Mr. Islam Karimov is progressing towards greater heights of development and well being.
 

MTS-Uzbekistan Company has expanded the geography of its international roaming network for the subscribers, the company' s website says. In the late August, another mobile operator – Mobitel (Sudan) joined the list.

MTS-Uzbeksitan is an absolute leader in the market of mobile services, particularly in terms of the number of roaming partners: it currently has 251 partnership agreements with the mobile operators of 140 countries of the world.
 

The nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of Uzbekistan comprised 10,115.6 billion soums ($1=1250 Uzbek soums) in the first half of 2007. The real GDP growth made up 9.7%.

The GDP deflator, in the reporting period, constituted 117.8% as compared to the prices of January-June 2006, according to the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan.

In general, about 75.3% of the GDP was contributed by the non-state sector of the economy (up 1.5%), and 24.7 % - by the state sector.

Industry-wise, the shares of different sectors of the economy in the total country GDP were as follows: industrial production - 25.9% (down from 27.2% in 2006); agriculture – 11.8% (down from 12.6%); construction – 6.7% (up from 5.8%); transportation and communication – 11.3% (down from 11.4%); trade and catering - 10.8% (up from 10.5%), and other – 20.9% (up from 19.9%).

In general, the growth of production is observed across all sectors: construction has grown by 20.5%, transportation and communication – by 15.2%, trade and catering – by 18.9%, industrial production – by 6.5%, agriculture – by 5.5%, and production in other spheres – by 8.2%.

Product-wise, the production of goods continues to dominate with about 44.6% of the GDP (down from 45.8%). Production of services has grown from 41.6% of the GDP in the first six months of 2006, to 42.8% in the reporting period.

The share of small business in the total volume of GDP was recorded at 38.1 %, up from 34.1% last year. Small enterprises and microfirms contributed about 21.0 % of the total GDP, which exceeds their last year's GDP share by 3.9 percentage points.

In several regions the, regional GDP growth was above the country average. Thus, in the Republic of Karakalpakstan it constituted 12.1 %, in Andijan region -12.0 %, in Bukhara region - 11.4%, in Samarkand region – 11.4 %, in Kashkadarya region – 10.6%, in Surkhandarya region – 9.8% and in the city of Tashkent – 11.8%.
 

The 1st Uzbek-German Summer Academy on the protection of architectural monuments will be held on 3-21st September in Tashkent and Samarkand, UzReportcom reported.

In the eyes of a tourist Uzbekistan much more than a country of deserts, oases, river landscapes, and mountains. Foreign tourists show great interest in the wonderful combination of extraordinarily beautiful aspects of the country's nature and the monuments of centuries-old culture and architecture.

Uzbekistan is a country with a thousands-year old history, which has shaped the country's unique Islamic culture. For centuries innumerable caravans went along the Great Silk Road to make the trading in goods between the east and west possible.

In light of this the higher specialized educational institution of the city of Potsdam, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbeksitan, DAAD German Academic Exchange Service, Technical Assistance Agency of Germany (Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit – GTZ), and the Gerda Henkel Foundation, organised a summer school on preservation of the architectural monuments of Uzbekistan.

The conceptual and organizational support was provided by the architectural and construction institutions of the city of Tashkent and Samarkand, represented by Professor Baboev, Professor Samigov, Professor Tulyaganov, and Professor Sultanov, as well as the Academic Coordinator of the Potsdam Institute – Kristiana Keizer.

The aim of the project is to develop closer friendly contacts not only among young participants, but also among the teaching staff. It is envisaged that parties will continue to organize and hold similar joint projects intended to strengthen cooperation and stimulate the sharing of experience between the countries.
 

Leaders of foreign states and international organizations congratulated the President and the people of Uzbekistan with the country's 16th independence anniversary, UzA reported.

Presidents of Russia, US, Germany, UAE, Singapore, China and other states, as well as UN Secretary General were among those who sent their greeting to President Islam Karimov.

"We highly value the trustful and constructive character of the bilateral political dialogue," President of Russia Vladimir Putin wrote in his congratulatory message. "I am convinced that multilateral fruitful relations between Russia and Uzbekistan will see new achievements in economic cooperation, culture, science and education."

"Stable political situation, stable economic development and constant improvement of the living level have been observed during the years of independence in your country," wrote Chinese leader Hu Jintao. "We are glad to observe this and wish your country new and bigger successes."

US President George Bush confirmed his country's adherence to cooperation on a wide range of issues, as well as firm position in support of Uzbekistan's full sovereignty and independence.

"For the past 16 years our countries have jointly worked to overcome old and new challenges. We are currently striving to a partnership that would improve our cooperation in a number of fields, including fighting terrorism, democratic and market reforms, as well as regional economic integration," the American leader said.

Uzbekistan may continue counting on Germany's support in building modern state and market economy, Horst Koehler, German President, wrote. "I want to express my support in your determined movement on the way of democratic reforms and reforms aimed at strengthening the principles of the legal state for the benefit of your country and its citizens."
 

Celebrations of the 16th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan were held on 31st August 2007 at the National Park in Tashkent, UzA reported.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov participated in the celebrations. He congratulated the people of Uzbekistan with the anniversary.

“Sixteen years is a very short period of time in history. However, if we evaluate this period of formation and growth by the results of the reforms, there is no doubt that every past year may be equaled to tens and hundreds of years by their significance,” the head of the state said.

The performance that followed demonstrated the country’s achievements during the years of independence.

The concert program included children’s performance, songs of various nations, as well as military marches.