May 22, 2015
Tashkent hosts regular Sectoral Industrial Fair 2
Uzbekneftegaz Channels off Nearly $100Mln for Energy-saving Technology. 3
Human development: the century’s main problem.. 4
the tenth international music festival “Sharq Taronalari”. 6
Samarkand prepares for the International music festival “Sharq Taronalari”. 6
Republican Puppet theater completes its 75th jubilee season. 7
economy
Tashkent hosts regular Sectoral Industrial Fair
Sectoral industrial fair of the complex on development of mechanical engineering and electrical industry, standardization of products kicked off yesterday in Tashkent at “Uzexpocentre”.
This event is part of the first phase of the traditional annual International Industrial Fair and Cooperation Exchange (IIFCE), which will be held this year from October 26 to November 2.
The main objective of the sectoral industrial fair is to assist enterprises in enhancing the long-term economic relations in the production and supply of recycled raw materials and components, finished products and development of new products based on the development of sectoral and inter-sectoral cooperation; attract foreign buyers and potential partners, who are planning to organize manufacturing in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Industrial enterprises of Uzbekistan, including representatives of small and private businesses during the whole period of the operation of the fair are demonstrating their industrial potential for a wide range of visitors. For the most complete picture of the technical and technological capabilities, institutions and business associations will present their businesses and make proposals for future cooperation.
Moreover, a lot of work this year was carried out both to attract foreign partners interested in purchasing exhibited products and to participate in industrial cooperation for the development of the most popular types of import-substituting and export-oriented products, including the organization of production in Uzbekistan.
As a result of the planned measures industrial enterprises will become familiar with the country’s manufactured products, negotiate and conclude an agreement for the supply of products, including for export, and the agreement of intent for the development of new industrial products.
In order to ensure broad access of domestic and foreign buyers, firms and companies that intend to carry out the purchase of domestic products or to establish production in Uzbekistan, the Directorate of IIFCE annually publish an electronic catalog “Industrial production of Uzbekistan”, which contains information about the goods produced and services provided in the country. The new electronic catalog of 2014-2015 was released in Russian and English languages and covers more than 30 thousand types of products manufactured by more than 10 thousand companies of the country. In order to become familiar with the electronic version of this catalog and register a company in it, we recommend visiting the official website of the Directorate of IIFCE – www.cooper.uz, “Marketplace” section.
It is worth mentioning that last year the sectoral industrial fair was attended by 135 companies, which presented 1000 kinds of products, out of which 80 – new species, including developed on the Program of localization. The fair was visited by about 2,500 people. Participants of the event had concluded agreements for the supply of industrial cooperation for the export totaling 150.6 billion soums and $3 million respectively (currency rates of CB RU from 22.05.2015 1$= 2527.58 soums).
(Source:UzReport.uz )
ENERGETICS
When Wires Rule the Roost
The power industry of Uzbekistan keeps introducing innovations that would enhance the effectiveness of the system’s operation and ensure uninterrupted supply of energy to the population and the real economy in the near future. In 2015, Uzbekenergo is implementing 26 large investment projects that will see eight new facilities enter into use.
The construction of combined-cycle plants at Tashkent, Tolimarjon, Navoi and Takhiatash thermal power plants promises a significant increase in power generation, and decrease in energy consumption. It is planned to start up a new combined-cycle plant at the Tashkent TPP late this year. The project’s cost exceeds $511 million. It is implemented by a consortium of foreign companies Synecta a.s. and Istroenergo Group a.s. (Slovakia), CKD Export (Czech Republic), SNC Lavalin (Canada). The plant’s capacity makes up 370 MW.
Uzbekistan has been working on the development of backbone networks in the furtherance of its energy system, ensuring stable operation of power networks, reduction of losses during its transmission. For instance, the construction of 218 km of high-voltage line Talimarjan TPP- SS Sogdiana, and 130 km of high-voltage Syrdaryo TPP – Novo-Angren TPP has been in progress.
The capital city is seen in the frontline of innovations in the network development. This year, 30 km of electrical network in Tashkent will be transferred to innovative SSIW – self-supporting insulated wires, which are already used in some areas of the capital.
Wires in power lines are usually made of aluminum or copper, without insulation. If a tree falls on them, the wires get ripped or a short circuit occurs. SSIW are stranded insulated cables with a steel cable inside, so they keep operating even if a tree falls on them. Insulation protects from frost. Self-supporting insulated wire also prevents unauthorized access to electricity.
To date, a total of 85 km of SSIWs have been installed in Yashnaobod, Mirobod, Mirzo-Ulugbek, Shaihantaur districts. Wires are produced domestically – at the facilities of Andijankabel plant.
To date, the total length of SSIW networks has reached 600 km. Uzbekenergo is currently developing a program of modernization and renovation of low-voltage electrical networks for 2015-2019, which envisages the upgrade and reconstruction of 25,185 km of power lines, and 5,259 electric transformer stations. The program will be based on advanced technologies and innovations.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)
Uzbekneftegaz Channels off Nearly $100Mln for Energy-saving Technology
The oil and gas industry of Uzbekistan is planned to implement 11 projects worth about $100 million to optimize energy consumption.
“As part of the energy and resource-saving program is planned implementation of 11 projects worth a total of $100 million. According to preliminary estimates due to their implementation in the oil and gas industry it would be possible to save about 100 million kWh of electricity, 100 thousand Gcal of thermal energy, and to produce additionally about 4 million kW of electricity for own needs,” said the chair of Board of the Uzbekneftegaz National Holding Company, Shokir Fayzullaev.
In particular, in the fields of Yangi Karatepa, Turtsari, Shirkent, Shurtan will be installed mini power stations, which through utilization of about 5.9 million cubic meters of associated gas produce 18 million kWh of electricity. Another project with a mini power station working on associated gas at the deposit Sardoba ($4.7 mln) will generate electricity in the volume of up to 4 megawatt and savings amount to 17.5 million kWh of electricity. Installation of photovoltaic panels for electricity supply of facilities of JSC Uzbekneftegazdobycha ($10 million) will save about 7.3 thousand kWh of electricity.
It should be mentioned that President Islam Karimov signed May 5 a Decree ‘On the Program of measures to reduce energy consumption, introduction of energy saving technologies and systems in the fields of economy and social sphere for 2015-2019.’ As previously reported, in Uzbekistan by 2030 the energy consumption will rise against the current approximately two times and will exceed 105 billion kWh. Last year, the country produced about 55 billion kWh of electricity (up 2.3%) and 8.2 million Gcal of thermal energy.
(Source: IA «Uzbekistan Today»)
Society
Human development: the century’s main problem
Over a long period of time, the world economic order was perceived as a complex and fragile balance of various forces and trends. Of no less importance was the opposition between the socialist and capitalist ways of economic development, whose influence on the world economic order was very appreciable. But since the end of the past century, after the demise of the former Soviet Union, the going of affairs on the international arena changed dramatically, mostly owing to the emergence of a number of independent states.
Many countries have set foot on the high road of integration and globalization. A new trend has been carving its way to the world stage – the formation of a new economic system with a higher-level organization of national and economic interests. A lot of critical problems have arisen before mankind in all their magnitude, including the maintenance of peace throughout the world; prevention of local and global armed conflicts; struggle against extreme poverty and chronic unemployment; provision of mankind with energy and raw materials; preservation of the environment; rational development of the World Ocean’s reserves and other issues that are virtually impossible for any state to tackle on its own.
All these problems are directly or indirectly bound up with human development, in the first place, and, consequently, with the economy. Arising usually on the boundary of relationships between society, man and nature, they have a big effect on the existing structures and mechanisms of management and influence the biological and social aspects of reproduction of labour force and the human population at large. Ignoring these problems is next to impossible: they are sure to manifest themselves in one or another country today or tomorrow. To take only one example, there is scarcely any state in the world that regards passively such shocking phenomena as international terrorism, epidemics, poverty and the like. The world community can only solve them by combining efforts and material resources. Hence the urgent necessity to overhaul the global system of relationships, both political and economic, and to work out a set of actions aimed not only at exploiting natural resources in a more rational manner, but also at selecting optimum versions of development to combine the interests of the individual, the state and society.
People are the most important and valuable resource of any nation, and the human development is, therefore, is at the center of concerns not only for the leaders and corresponding authorities in all countries, but also for a number of international institutions, organizations, experts, analysts, researchers, poets and writers. The famous Russian critic and publicist V. Belinsky wrote: “There is no limit to the development of mankind, and the man will never say to himself: “Stop it, that’s enough, that’s the limit.” The fact that mankind achieved much up to now means that much more can be achieved before long”. This is how matters stand, indeed, because our life implies a process of constant renovation, the emergence of new challenges of times and the elaboration of new approaches and solutions, where the man is not only a central “figure”, but also an initiator of most transformations. Human demand for novelty and striving for new scales and accomplishments always grow together with the scientific-technical progress and development of society itself. It is a rather natural posture of affairs. Moreover, it is an indisputable law and an indispensable condition of human reproduction and development.
It is directly relevant to point out that attention to human development, as a very essential problem, heightened tangibly since the end of the 80s of the past century. 1990 saw the publication of the first UN Report on Human Development. On the basis of this document, the world public and appropriate institutions could analyze and compare the social and economic progress reached in different countries. The subsequent UN Reports on Human Development concentrated on aspects such as the necessities of life, various measurements of human security, possibilities of social progress that appear following the reduction of military expenses, consumption models, struggle with poverty and unemployment, influence of globalization etc. The Republic of Uzbekistan, as an integral part of the world space and the global financial-economic market, doesn’t keep aloof of the planet-wide positive processes. What’s more, in President Karimov’s words, the reforms are carried out in the country not for the sake of reforms, but, first and foremost, to the benefit of the Uzbek people. Put differently, the human development and welfare have been high on the agenda since the first days of independence.
Data on the Republic of Uzbekistan have been included in the world (global) and regional reports compiled by the UN Development Program. In 1995, Uzbekistan prepared its first National Report on Human Development, marking the beginning of annual objective descriptions, analyses and assessments, by both international and indigenous experts, of the situation in various sectors of the national economy and the elaboration of measures to improve all parameters of human development in the country.
Attesting to the fact that human development-relating issues are not just a slogan or appeal, but an aspect occupying a special place in the Republic’s state policy, are the names of calendar years, which largely predetermine the content and direction of proposed socio-economic achievements. For example, Uzbekistan has proclaimed 2008 as the Year of Youth, 2010 – the Year of Developed Generation, 2012 – the Year of Family, 2013 – the Year of Welfare and Prosperity, 2014 – the Year of Healthy Child, and 2015 – the year of Attention and Care for Older Generation. Since any state’s human development is closely connected with its economic development, these two directions of social progress are accomplished simultaneously, i.e. a rise in the economy attends all aspects of human development, and vice versa.
One shouldn’t imply only the material values or wealth when speaking about such a multi-faceted phenomenon as human development. Today, such things as the cultural standards, the level of education and high literacy rates form the cornerstone of the National Personnel Training Program. For the time being, the human development is one of the subjects in the curricula of many higher educational establishments. Its aim is to form in students a new world outlook, including the determination of their own place and role in the world. It is appropriate to mention here a new textbook written by K. Abdurakhmanov, the Uzbek academic, and N. Zakirova, a professor, Doctor of Economic Sciences. Called “Human Development”, it is translated into Russian and English. Covering a plethora of social, economic, scientific, methodological and philosophic issues, the textbook allows readers to comprehend all the important aspects of human development’s modern conception and measurement.
- Chernyshevsky, the famous Russian author, wrote: “In all spheres of human activity, only those directions reach the spectacular development, which establish keen links with the needs of society. What has no roots in the soil of life remains dull and pale; it cannot assume any historical importance and, moreover, even loses its importance and strength, becoming worthless in the final analysis.”
Such a pragmatic and realistic view makes it possible to suppose that the time is ripe to stop the confrontation of the past and to forge a new economic partnership between the countries, based not on charity, but on reciprocal interest and cooperation, not on protectionism, but on the just access to market opportunities, not on egoism and nationalism, but on far-sighted internationalism.
One automatically deduces a conclusion that mankind should ponder, in all seriousness, over the limits of economic growth, the finiteness and exhaustion of separate sources of minerals, non-renewal of separate types of resources, ensuring the conservation of minerals for future generations etc. It seems the time has come to think about the qualitative reorganization of anthropogenesis, i.e. the search of a new human habitat in the environment. Nature neither endures the vacuum nor absolves mismanagement and irresponsible treatment of itself on the part of people.
Over the past several decades, the world has moved a long way forward. Science has turned into a strong production force, progress has been made in many industries and sectors of economy and the population has increased. However, side by side with all these accomplishments, there are still reams of unsettled problems. At the present time, these include terrorism, hostilities, intestine wars, an increase in unemployment, global fresh water shortages, deforestation and others. Their positive resolution is in the hands of people and human society. That’s why the human development in desired parameters depends, above all, on the man himself, on his actions, behavoiur and treatment of the environment. They say that a bad peace is better than a good war. The same is probably true of the environment, meaning, in the first place, its cautious treatment on the part of people.
(Source: “Business Partner.uz” newspaper )
the tenth international music festival “Sharq Taronalari”
Samarkand prepares for the International music festival “Sharq Taronalari”
Samarkand will host the tenth international music festival “Sharq Taronalari” in late August, on the eve of the 24th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan.
The festival program includes competitions in such areas as traditional vocal – competition for the best performance of folk songs, traditional instrumental music – competition for the best performance of the national melodies of the peoples of the world and their interpretation in contemporary music.
Traditionally, the festival will include workshops, round tables, conferences, as well as art and music exhibitions.
Work on the design of the city in the spirit of the festival, the preparation of the hotels, mount of the main stage on the Registan square, repair and improvement of recreation parks “Sogdiana”, “Yoshlik”, amphitheatre “Mujiza”, and other preparatory work has already started on a full scale.
For recent years, the festival has gained wide popularity and was included in the prestigious international forums of musical art, and the popularity is growing year by year. The fact that it is recognized as the largest music festival of the East and passes under the auspices of UNESCO speaks of its high political and spiritual value.
Recall that the history of the International music festival “Sharq Taronalari” began in 1997, when at the initiative of the head of state the music of different Nations of the world for the first time sounded under the arches of the square. Then the festival was attended by creative teams and performers from 31 countries. The number of participants has been increasing year by year. In 2013 the festival was attended by representatives of 56 countries.
(Source: UzReport.uz )
theatre
Republican Puppet theater completes its 75th jubilee season
One of the children’s most beloved theaters – the Republican Puppet theater completes its 75th season jubilee season. The actors have input much effort to make this year a memorable one for young spectators.
The theater lives in the expectation of good changes – reconstruction of the building is coming forth. And new colors will change the inimitable fairy-tale architecture of the building. In the meantime the creative group keeps working trying to turn each play into a memorable event and give children food for thought and to heart.
“The season opened up with the first night and we will complete it with two new ones,” says chief producer of the theater Shakhzoda Ishmukhamedova. “In June we stage the first night of Ibrokhim Sodiqov’s “The Girl with a Basket”. Producer is Hotam Okhunov. The play is imbued with the spirit of Surkhon0daryo region. The first night of “Buka” –- a play about a hare, which cannot make friends – is staged by producer Dinara Yoldosheva based on the play by Mikhail Suponin. The mischievous fairy tale was already staged at the theater several decades ago; all components of the play will be renewed in the new version. The young spectators will see the new play also in June.
The play “Flying Rubbers” is among the premieres of the current season. I staged it jointly with Hatam Okhunov based on the Uzbek fairy tale “Zumrad and Qimmat”. It tells about the value of responsiveness and devastating force of falsehood, about eternal fight between the good and the evil. The play is experimental in many aspects – the action takes place on four backgrounds. The puppets too are quite unusual with greatly exaggerated forms. They are made by the theatrical artist Ziyoda Zakirova. Music composed by Avaz Mansurov helps to vividly and emotionally reveal the performance’s content. In the course of preparation for the play’s final approval we heatedly argued about the appropriateness of such an unusual solution. The children, however, liked it. While at the Fifth Republican festival of theatrical art “Debut-2014” we were awarded the first place for this play in the nomination “For the best play scenography”, and a diploma and a title of a laureate – for the best production.
For New Year’s Day celebrations, we staged a new version of the play “Father Frost’s Fur Tree”. The performance was preceded by a show with the participation of favorite characters – children-heroes of modern cartoons and films. The children were delighted with the performance.
Overall, there are 30 performances in the Uzbek and Russian languages in our repertoire. Many of them recreate the roots of traditional puppet performance, for example, the play ‘Caravanserai’”.
Modern plays also involve the participation of actors along with puppets…
“Puppets are our major tool. If other theaters’ actors and producers need only the text of the play to start their rehearsals, then our work starts only after a prolonged period of manufacturing puppets. Initially, an artist draws up sketches based on which out puppet shop produces the “heroes”; the design shop “gives them life” through creating the mechanics of mimics and motion. Simultaneously other shops work on scenery and stage properties. And following the completion of the entire preparatory processes we start working on the production of a play. Also important is musical accompaniment, which is created for each production.”
Guiding the fairy tale characters is truly an art, which talented people are able to master. Can you please tell us about them?
“The theater has accumulated traditions, which the youth is willing to support. They are assisted in this by masters of stage Yuri Shibkov, Olim Otaboyev, Honored Artists of Uzbekistan Karima Jabbarova, Farkhulla Hojayev, and Natalya Danilova, awarded the order of “Dostlik” in commemoration of the country’s 23rd anniversary.”
What qualities should the theater’s play possess to captivate little fidgets with the performance?
“The theater works on plays for different age groups, including those for teenage audience. It is problematic today to impress the informed and advanced children. Hence the need in absorbing plot and in fully dynamic and bright performance. But the main objective is to make children think about what they have seen. Each performance sets the task of teaching a lesson of national and general human values. It is not easy to do it through the playful nature of a performance, rather than thrusting it on children. This explains why the young spectators are involved in practically all performances’ actions – the audience and the actors communicate and discuss the course of events during the entire duration of a performance. We also plan to stage plays for the adult audience in the future.”
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)
Reference to the source is a must in reproducing materials