INFORMATION DIGEST OF PRESS OF UZBEKISTAN # 37

February 21, 2017

POLITICS
25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the USA

ENERGETICS
In independence years, Uzbekistan’s power plant capacity has scaled up by 1.9 million kilowatt-hours and power production has grown by nearly 10 billion kilowatt-hours

INFRASTRUCTURE
Uzbekistan establishes State Highway Committee

REGIONS
New measures have been approved in Uzbekistan to create favorable conditions for the further development of non-cash payment systems through bank cards

ART
In Recognition of the Best

SPORT
Pentathlon to Be Developed in Uzbekistan

POLITICS

25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the USA
US President Donald Trump sent a congratulatory message to Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in connection with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States of America.
On 19 February, the United States and Uzbekistan mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. We may be proud of many accomplishments in our bilateral relations, the message said.
“In the coming years, I hope to work with you on promoting our common goals in the sphere of regional security and stability. The United States support the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Uzbekistan and its neighbors, as well as your endeavor, aimed at building more interrelated and prosperous Central Asia.”
A congratulatory message of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to US President Donald Trump notes that over the past period the countries have managed to significantly reinforce the foundations of friendship and partnership, and our multifaceted cooperation has acquired intensive and comprehensive character.
The Head of our state particularly underscored that the fundamental principles and conceptual foundations of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy remain inviolable. Uzbekistan is firmly committed to maintaining continuity, continual expansion and dynamic development of comprehensive relations with the United States.
An interest in a long-term presence of the American businesses and enhancing investment and technological cooperation with the leading US corporations and companies was underlined.
The President of Uzbekistan highlighted that further deepening interactions in the spirit of strategic partnership based on the principles of mutual understanding, respect and shared benefit meets the fundamental interests of the peoples of Uzbekistan and the United States of America.
(Source: UzA)

ENERGETICS

In independence years, Uzbekistan’s power plant capacity has scaled up by 1.9 million kilowatt-hours and power production has grown by nearly 10 billion kilowatt-hours
Introduction of a 800-MW power unit at Talimarjan Thermal Power Plant in 2004 ranks among the largest projects in the country’s energy sector in the years of independence. The Central Asia’s largest facility of this kind still ranks among the most advanced in the region. The first unit was launched there in August 2013, the second one in December.
“The launch of two power units allows our station to annually produce additional 7.2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) made a great contribution to the implementation of such a big project. Its $293 million loan empowered the installation of two gas turbines with the capacity of 314 MW of electricity per hour by Mitsubishi, and a steam turbine by Fuji. The capacity allows supplying customers with nearly 13 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year,” said Abdusami Normuminov, Director of Talimarjan Thermal Power Plant.
Based on advanced technologies, combined-cycle turbines are very efficient. For example, the 800 MW unit, launched in 2004, requires 315 grams of fuel equivalent for the production of 1 kWh of electricity, while new units consume 219 grams of fuel for the production of 1 kWh of electricity, thereby saving 96 grams of natural gas. The economic effect of dramatic reduction of costs and losses associated with the delivery of gas and electricity over long distances makes up hundreds of billions of soums (currency rates of CB RU from 21.02.2017, 1$= 3356.87 soums) today.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)

INFRASTRUCTURE

Uzbekistan establishes State Highway Committee
The road sector has a great social and economic importance, as the quality of life of the population and the economy as a whole depends on the effective functioning of this system.
Over the years of independence, the Republic has carried out extensive work on the development of road transport infrastructure, which provides safe interstate transportation, as well as an extensive transport link between the administrative centers of regions and districts.
However, there are still a number of unresolved problems associated with the control system of highways for general use, raising the efficiency of use of funds allocated towards maintenance, repair, reconstruction and construction of roads.
The current state and the level of development of the road network in the Republic require specific and effective interventions in all areas of road management, the adoption of additional measures for the management of roads and the qualitative change of the state of the road network of the country in accordance with the demand of economy and the population.
Taking into mention all above, the Head of State has adopted a new Decree "On measures on further improving road management system". It provides for the establishment of the State Highway Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the basis of the abolished State joint-stock company for the construction and operation of highways (SAC "Uzavtoyol").
The main tasks and directions of activity of the State Committee are:
— conducting unified technical, investment and foreign economic policy for the development and improvement of the road network;
— development and implementation of a strategy for the development of automobile roads;
— formation of international transit corridor roads;
— providing comprehensive solutions in financing, design, construction, repair and maintenance of roads taking into account the interests of their users, with regard to modern transport flows and effective organisation of customer service;
— coordination of works on the preservation of existing network of inter-farm rural roads, city streets, urban villages, kishlaks and auls, while maintaining high transport and operational level;
— organisation of scientific research works, introduction of innovative technologies and modern standards in the field of design, construction and operation of highways;
— conducting control over observance of town-planning norms and rules, state quality standards when carrying out construction and repair works on roads;
— organisation of training, retraining and advanced training of relevant personnel, including conducting training courses and seminars abroad.
(Source: UzReport.uz)

REGIONS

New measures have been approved in Uzbekistan to create favorable conditions for the further development of non-cash payment systems through bank cards
In particular, the measures extend by 2020 customs privileges for producers of bank microprocessor plastic cards and payment terminals in the form of exemption from customs duties on import of raw materials, consumables and components, materials, software, and licenses that are needed for their production.
Processing centers of retail payment systems are exempt from customs duties on importation of software, ATM machines and other hardware for plastic card operations for the same period.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)

ART

In Recognition of the Best
In Tashkent, the Istiqlol Palace of Arts in the capital Tashkent hosted February 14 a ceremony of awarding the winners of Etirof (Recognition) Award. By tradition, the awarding ritual was accompanied by an enchanting and grandiose concert program and the excitement of winners did not leave anyone indifferent.
“Everyone is waiting for the ceremony reverently, because the definition of the best is always interesting for spectators and nominees themselves,” shared his opinion before the opening of the ceremony Ravshan Irmatov, one of the world’s top football referees. “To me, as a member of the jury, this year has been particularly difficult to make a choice, because the year 2016 was the most successful for the athletes of Uzbekistan. Our compatriots won 13 medals at the last Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, demonstrating to the whole world that they are in no way inferior to anyone. There were many worthy candidates, and only three of whom were nominated. I know how nice to receive these awards, because athlete faces enormous efforts and great work to gain any achievement. Such awards as Etirof motivate and inspire to achieve better results.”
At the opening of the show program the jury members were announced who included Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports Murod Aliyev, the Honored Worker of Culture, production-director Khaydarali Kasymov, Rector of the Higher School of National Dance and Choreography Shuhrat Tokhtasimov, founder of the Union of Writers Usmon Azim, the Honored Artist of Uzbekistan Ramiz Usmanov and others. After that, the experts went to a special room, where they selected out the winners in various categories.
“I think that not only me, but also the spectators want to see the most deserving candidates receive the Etirof Award. Today in the arts, especially in the field of fine arts, there are many talented people of all ages. This year a new category has been added for art theorists. I think that eventually more different nominations will be added as there are many trends in the art,” says chairman of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, the People’s Artist Akmal Nuritdinov. “Choosing is always difficult, because all the nominees deserve this award. I would like to see in the future more young candidates.”
The wonderful voices of charming beauties of Durdona band, delicate dance of exquisite ballet dancers, and excellent music of the Symphonic Orchestra - all this was a really worthy of the opening of the concert program.
The first winners in the arts category were announced by Akmal Nuritdinov. Hakim Mirzaahmedov won in the category ‘The Best Artist’, Rahmatilla Zakirov was named best in the nomination ‘The Best Outstanding Hunarmand’, and ‘The Best Art Historian’ prize went to Kamola Akilova.
In the field of sports the prizes went to Hasanboy Dustmatov as the athlete of the year, Bahrom Abdumalikov was named the best coach, while Khusnutdin Norbekov – the best Paralympian.
Besides, the winners on other more categories were announced. Those included the best television journalist, poet, writer, journalist, theater actor and actress, director, playwright and stage designer of the year. According to the jury, the best performance in 2016 was ‘Mirzo Ulughbek’ of the Samarkand Musical Drama Theater. The names of the best in cinema and circus were also determined. The film ‘Baron’ that enjoyed great popularity in Uzbekistan won in the best film of the year category. By the way, the director of the film was found the best film director. In total, this year the winners in 49 categories for the award have been determined.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)

SPORT

Pentathlon to Be Developed in Uzbekistan
The country’s Ministry of Justice has registered the Federation of Modern Pentathlon.
Modern pentathlon is a type of sports of all-round class where participants compete in five disciplines: show jumping, fencing, shooting, running and swimming. In March and April, it is planned to hold the championship of Uzbekistan in modern pentathlon, as a result of which the national team will be formed.
Federation intends to become member of the International Union of Modern Pentathlon for participation in international competitions and tournaments.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)

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