INFORMATION DIGEST OF PRESS OF UZBEKISTAN # 83

April 28, 2017

POLITICS
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Jizzakh region

ECONOMY
Order for providing entrepreneurs a security fund gets approval

EXPORT
Uzbekistan exports 101.8 thousand tons of fruits and vegetables in first quarter

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
ADB approves $80 mn towards electrification of railway in Uzbekistan

Uzbek FM holds talks with Deputy Foreign Minister of Kuwait

Uzbek Foreign Minister receives EU special representative

LITERATURE
Samarqand has hosted the events dedicated to the 139th anniversary of the birth of Sadriddin Aini

TOURISM
Afrosiyob changes timetable

POLITICS

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Jizzakh region
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Jizzakh region on 27 April to review the creative and beautification works in the region, the pace of social-economic reforms, large projects under implementation, to conduct a dialogue with people.
During the years of independence, the region has developed comprehensively, its towns and villages have transformed, the life standards and the welfare of the population have increased. Due to consistently implemented reforms, sound indicators in developing construction, agricultural spheres, small business and private entrepreneurship, a social sphere have been achieved.
In 2016 the rates of growth of the gross regional product constituted 9,6 per cent. The volume of industrial production increased by 17,8 per cent, the gross agricultural product by 6,4, construction works by 11,8 and retail turnover by 15,2 per cents.
Last year 304 projects in the industrial sphere, 696 projects in the agriculture were implemented.
Thanks to measures on supporting the entrepreneurs and protection of their rights, the share of small businesses and private entrepreneurs in the gross regional product reached 80,3 per cent in 2016.
“Jizzakh” free economic zone has a special significance in developing industry in the region. The companies, operating in the free economic zone, have manufactured products for 163 billion soums (currency rates of CB RU from 28.04.2017, 1$= 3706.22 soums).
Currently 20 companies (15 in Jizzakh and 5 in Sirdarya) have been established in the zone, established based on the decree of the First President of our country “On establishing special industrial zone “Jizzakh” on 18 March 2013.
Over 1000 new workplaces have been created in the enterprises, equipped with modern technologies. 60 per cent of workplaces are occupied by recent graduates of higher educational institutions and professional colleges.
At present, different industrial goods, in particular, brake pads for trucks and cars, TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, LED lamps, polypropylene yarns, video and IP telephones, telecommunications equipment are produced at the “Jizzakh” FEZ.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his pre-election manifesto had laid out huge plans and goals on consistent continuation of the creative works in the region, comprehensive development of the region, ensuring the interests of the population. The President of our country is expected to inspect the implementation of these plans, the reforms under implementation and prospective projects during his visit to Jizzakh.
* * *
On 27 April President of the Republic of Uzbekistan attended the ceremony of laying the first stone of the modern oil refinery complex in Jizzakh region.
Huge transformations have been accomplished during the years of independence in all spheres of the economy of Uzbekistan, including in the oil and gas sector, which has played a decisive role in attaining fuel-energy independence, acceleration of economic alterations, industrial development, increasing the people’s welfare.
The Actions Strategy on five priority areas of development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021 attaches a particular attention to increasing the competitiveness of the national economy through reinforcing macroeconomic stability, modernization and diversification of leading spheres, deepening structural changes.
Provision of the population and industrial enterprises with quality petroleum products, as well as increasing the export potential of our country in this sphere are the most important tasks of today and the future in achieving these priority goals.
In accordance with the path on the modernization of the power complex through implementation of advanced, science-intensive and innovative technologies, the Head of state resolved to construct a new modern oil refinery complex, the design capacity of which is 5 million tons of processed hydrocarbon raw materials annually.
The oil refinery complex, the groundbreaking ceremony of which was attended by the Head of our state, is designed in collaboration with leading international companies and specialists, based on the most advanced technologies of deep processing of hydrocarbon resources.
It will be one of the unique industrial facilities not only in Uzbekistan, but also in the whole Central Asian region.
The design will use international norms and standards on ensuring industrial and ecological safety, environmental protection.
The technologies of the new complex differ in their flexibility in processing various types of hydrocarbon feed with maximal output of wide specter of petroleum products, on demand in the world market.
According to preliminary estimates, the complex will annually produce over 3,7 million tons of motor fuel, over 700 thousand tons of jet kerosene and 300 thousand tons of associated petroleum products.
The commissioning of this complex will create over two thousand new jobs for qualified specialists and over 14000 in auxiliary production and services, open new prospects to significantly broaden the flight geography of airplanes of Uzbekistan, allow to have a deserved place among the countries, exporting petroleum products. A modern road and transport, communications and social infrastructure will be created, which will contribute to radical make-up of the appearance of the region.
The construction of oil refinery complex in Jizzakh region will be yet another demonstration of successful realization of the Actions Strategy on further development of Uzbekistan.
* * *
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has visited Jizzakh town’s centre for the provision of help to entrepreneurs.
At this centre, all kinds of services are provided for entrepreneurs.
As information communication technologies are rapidly developing today, computers, Internet access and other means of communication are turning into an integral part of life even in distant villages. The effectiveness of the use of modern technologies is rising with every passing year, and computer equipment and electronic document handling systems are developing. In all spheres, advanced communication technologies are becoming convenient and fast information exchange and service provision systems.
At this centre, specialists of various spheres give answers to questions of interest to entrepreneurs. Now entrepreneurs do not have to go to different establishments in order to solve their problems. At this centre, specialists of all these spheres study their requirements and proposals and look into their issues.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said that centres for the provision of help to entrepreneurs should be their real helpers.
In districts, centres have been created for the attraction of people to entrepreneurship, and these engage in such activities as the effective use of homestead land, the establishment of small businesses, the drawing up of documents for small credits and the monitoring of credits that have been allocated. In this region, 91 such centres are to be opened.
On the slogan “making people entrepreneurs”, commercial banks are carrying out consistent work in localities for the effective use of possibilities there to develop entrepreneurship and to provide small businesses with convenient and reliable resources.
Sufficient ideas and knowledge should be provided for people before entrepreneurial activity can develop in remote areas.
If conditions and possibilities are created for entrepreneurs, they will provide themselves and local populations with work, the President said.
There information was given about results of work of the region’s industrial sector, about the formation of a business climate, about the system for the provision of support for entrepreneurs and about the region’s socio-economic development.
* * *
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has considered construction projects that are to be carried out as part of the implementation of the general development plan of the town of Jizzakh.
In the town of Jizzakh, too, as in all the other towns of this country, large-scale construction and improvement work is being carried out in these years. Modern buildings, new roads, streets and avenues are being created.
An architectural concept project for Temiryolchilar (railway workers) and Tashkent Streets is directed towards the development of railway infrastructure and the provision of people with modern and affordable housing. Under this project, a new four-lane road will be built. This 900-metre road will link those two streets, ease traffic and create conveniences for those who use the railway station. On this new street, modern five- and seven-storey apartment houses will be constructed. On Mustaqillik (independence) Street, too, seven-storey buildings are to be built. And Uzbekistan Street is to be widened.
Modern four-storey apartment house construction projects were presented. Such apartment houses are to be built in the district centres of the region.
The Head of State said that this new street and houses would play an important role in changing the town’s appearance and in raising the prosperity of its population.
There was also a presentation of projects for the creation of avenues of Sharof Rashidov, Hamid Olimjon and Zulfiya.
At a meeting with voters in Jizzakh Region on 18 November 2016, Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward a proposal to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Sharof Rashidov, the Uzbek people’s prominent son, and to build a memorial complex in his native land of Jizzakh.
As part of the implementation of this initiative, Jizzakh District was renamed Sharof Rashidov District.
On 27 March 2017, the President’s resolution “On celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of prominent statesman and writer Sharof Rashidov” was adopted.
In accordance with this document, consistent work is in progress. In Jizzakh, an avenue named after Sharof Rashidov is being created. His monument will be put up there. The avenue will be opened in November this year.
Instructions were given to create Hamid Olimjon and Zulfiya avenues and to establish their creative schools.
(Source: UzA)

ECONOMY

Order for providing entrepreneurs a security fund gets approval
The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan adopted a Resolution "On measures on organization of activity of Guarantee Fund for small entrepreneurship development".
This Government resolution approved the Regulation on the procedure of providing small businesses loans of commercial banks issued for the purchase of new equipment and other purposes, to the extent not covered by collateral.
Under the regulations, the Guarantee Fund is not available on projects involving:
— the return of previously obtained credits or any other debts;
— the production of alcohol and tobacco products;
— the formation of working capital of trade organizations and public catering enterprises;
— funding the construction of trading objects and public catering facilities;
— the organization of gambling and other games based on risk, as well as the acquisition of equipment for data purposes.
(Source: «Business partner.uz» newspaper)

EXPORT

Uzbekistan exports 101.8 thousand tons of fruits and vegetables in first quarter
Domestic fruits and vegetables in fresh and processed form are supplied to more than 50 countries to date.
In order to export fruits and vegetables produced in the Republic, JSC ’Uzagroexport’ takes part in various international exhibitions and fairs held abroad.
The results of the work done on the establishment of cooperation, the organization of export of domestic produce can be judged by the results international fair ’Green Week 2017’, held in Berlin (Germany). Foreign trade companies and farms from different regions of our country presented the agro-industrial potential of our country at this prestigious international fair. In particular, they showcased a wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables and melons, dried fruits, spices and seasonings, processed fruit and vegetables etc.
Our delegates concluded export contracts with companies of Germany, UK, Latvia, South Korea, India, China, UAE and Turkey, worth $151.2 million.
Another international exhibition was held in Moscow. In the framework of ’ProdExpo-2017’, agreements were reached for the supply of fruit and vegetable products from Uzbekistan to new markets, in particular, Mongolia and Vietnam.
In the framework of the state visit, during talks in Moscow on 5 April, President of Russia V. Putin and President of Uzbekistan Sh. Mirziyoev highlighted the high level of the trade turnover between Russia and Uzbekistan.
In particular, pursuant to the obligations stipulated in the export contracts signed during the I International fruit and vegetable fair held in 2016 in Tashkent, as well as exhibitions and fairs, held in Berlin (Germany), Moscow (Russia), Kiev (Ukraine) and Astana (Kazakhstan), in the first quarter of 2017, JSC ’Uzagroexport’ exported fruits and vegetable products in the volume of 101,8 thousand tons, 6.7 thousand tons or 107% up year-on-year.
(Source: «Business partner.uz» newspaper)

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

ADB approves $80 mn towards electrification of railway in Uzbekistan
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an $80 million loan for the electrification of 145 kilometers (km) of railway in Uzbekistan, linking the cities of Pap, Namangan, and Andijan. The electrified track is part of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Corridor 2, a critical transport link in the region.
“Ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of railway networks is an important component of growth and development for a landlocked country like Uzbekistan,” said Takeo Konishi, ADB’s Country Director for Uzbekistan. “Improving transport in Uzbekistan will strengthen the country’s strategic location as a trade and transport hub in Central Asia.”
The project will facilitate direct and efficient operation of both freight and passenger train services linking major cities in the Fergana Valley — home to nearly a third of Uzbekistan’s population — with Tashkent, the country’s capital. The project will help improve transport connectivity and encourage growth and job creation in the Fergana Valley. It will also increase regional trade along CAREC’s Corridor 2 as well as improve environmental and safety performance of the railway. An expected 10,000 tons of CO2 will be saved every year as a result of the project.
The total project cost is estimated at $177.45 million, with O’zbekiston Temir Yo’llari (UTY) — the public railway company — and the government contributing $97.45 million. ADB’s investment will finance supervision consultants, procurement of plant, procurement of maintenance equipment and machinery, and procurement of materials for external power supply.
The project is in contribution to the ongoing efforts of UTY and the government in upgrading Uzbekistan’s Soviet-era railway network. It builds on the successes of other projects, including one which recently completed the electrification of a 140 km railway track between the historical cities of Samarkand and Karshi in the south of the country.
(Source: UzReport.uz)

Uzbek FM holds talks with Deputy Foreign Minister of Kuwait
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov received Deputy Foreign Minister of Kuwait Ali Suleiman Al-Said in Tashkent on 27 April 2017.
The sides discussed current state and perspectives of relations between Uzbekistan and Kuwait. They also considered international and regional issues.
Diplomats confirmed mutual interest in further development of an interstate dialogue on a constructive and mutually beneficial basis, as well as intensifying cooperation in trade, economic and investment spheres.
First Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah is planning to visit Uzbekistan. The sides considered time and agenda of the visit of Deputy Prime Minister of Kuwait. They also discussed organization of the first meeting of the joint cooperation committee and other bilateral events.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and Kuwait also held the first round of the political consultations on the same day.
(Source: UzDaily.com)

Uzbek Foreign Minister receives EU special representative
Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov received EU Special Representative for Central Asia Peter Burian on 27 April, to discuss Uzbek-EU cooperation in politics, trade, economy, investment, finance, and certain regional affairs.
According to the foreign ministry’s press service, the sides talked about the upcoming interregional ministerial EU-CA meeting in Uzbekistan.
They also exchanged views on diplomatic agenda and joint institute sessions.
Eduards Stiprais, head of the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, also attended the meeting.
(Source: UzReport.uz)

LITERATURE

Samarqand has hosted the events dedicated to the 139th anniversary of the birth of Sadriddin Aini
A round table discussion on the theme ‘Sadriddin Aini and Samarkand’ was held at the Samarkand State University.
The great writer lived in this city for 40 years, in which he created many of his best works: the stories Odina, Kulbobo, The Old School, The Death of the Usurer, and the novels Dohunda and The Slaves. He won the world glory for his story The Death of the Usurer, written in 1936. His book The Memoirs in 4 volumes was highly appreciated by literary critics, and for this work he received the State Prize. He also wrote historical and documentary stories The Hero of the Tajik People - Temur Malik and The Rebellion of Mukanna. He wrote these works in 1944.
The house of Sadriddin Aini in Samarqand is located on the Registan Street. Today, it is a house museum, where all willing can get information about the writer’s life.
“In Samarqand University, he worked as professor of the department of Uzbek literature and language, and brought up a plenty of the best Uzbek scientists and literary critics. Many of our writers considered him their mentor,” Aidi Kabir Urunkhodjaev, a researcher at the Sadriddin House Museum, said. For his services in the development of Uzbek literature and science Saidriddin Ainiy was awarded the Buyuk Khizmatlari Uchun Order. One of the large avenues of Samarqand and school in the Old Town bear his name.
Every year on April 15 fans of the writer’s creativity gather in the House Museum. Aini Readings are held with participation of schoolchildren, students, scientists-philologists, writers and poets.
“At this event, our students received a lot of valuable information about the life and work of this outstanding writer and scientist, which are directly related to our city,” Muhamadjon Buzrukov, a senior lecturer at the Samarqand State University, noted. “Sadriddin Aini lived here and worked for many years, became a world-famous writer. Here he wrote his best works, and here numerous students continue his work.”
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)

TOURISM

Afrosiyob changes timetable
Starting from 10 April, another new high-speed train Afrosiyob started to run in the direction Tashkent-Samarkand-Tashkent. Due to this, its timetable was changed:
Train No. 760/759, following the direction Tashkent – Karshi – Tashkent departs daily from Central station Tashkent in the morning at 07:00, in the afternoon at 16:48 the passenger train departs back from Karshi to Tashkent.
Train No. 762/761, following the direction Tashkent – Bukhara – Tashkent departs daily from Central station Tashkent in the morning at 07:30, in the afternoon at 15:51 the passenger train departs back from Bukhara to the capital.
Train No. 764/763, following the direction Tashkent – Samarkand – Tashkent departs daily from Central station Tashkent in the morning at 08:00, it departs back at 17:00.
(Source: «Business partner.uz» newspaper)

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