Getting into a New Stream A Launch Pad for
Transcription
Getting into a New Stream A Launch Pad for
Weekly Since September 1, 2006 A Launch Pad for Future Accomplishments OPINION Despite the negative trends in the global economy, the domestic real sector and investment policies keep showing a positive trend. In the first quarter of 2015 the volume of industrial production increased by 7.9%, GDP - by 7.5%. 53 new investment projects totaling $4.8 billion have been launched. The international conference on ‘The Role of Trade Unions in Ensuring Citizens' Rights for Decent Working Conditions: the Experience of Uzbekistan’ in Tashkent has proved a successful presentation of accomplishments of Uzbekistan in this direction. building of up-to-date developed infrastructure. Assigned for 2015-2019, the programs will give way to implementation of 846 projects on modernization, technical and technological extension of production totaling $40.8 billion, 141 projects aimed at the construction and development of engineering and communication and road infrastructure worth $9.8 billion, as well as 602 projects on localization of production worth $5 billion, as well as the launch of manufacture of 1,200 new products. 4 Uzbekistan is a leader in the development of karate in the continent. This was demonstrated at the Second Asian Championship among clubs in Tashkent. 6 On the Way to Harmony Fifty gold and fifty silver medals doled out at Festival of Fine and Applied in Tashkent 7 Goal: Hit the Bull’s Eye Thanks to Server Ibragimov’s win, Uzbekistan is set to participate in the Paralympic shooting competitions for the first time 8 Civil Society: Current Stage and Prospects of Development Igor Chyornih system is that in order to achieve high performance clubs can use not only their own but also foreign athletes. That is why the Asian Championship was attended by athletes from the United States and European countries.” 8 Dinora Ziyayeva On the eve of International Day of Dance, which the world marks on April 29, two festivals were held in Uzbekistan. It appears they take a firm root in the cultural life of the country. One of them – “Dancing actor” – is established by the Ministry of Culture and Sport Affairs at the initiative of the Republican Theater of Young Spectators. Actors of drama and musical theaters, students of schools of music and art, as well as students of the higher educational institutions of the capital city have taken part in it. Next year the festival will be held in all the regions of the country. “We did not expect that all the items will be at that much high level,” says deputy director of the Republican Theater of Young Audiences Zulfiya Hamrayeva. “The jury, which included People’s artists, choreographers, producers, and teachers, had difficulties in identifying the best dancer.” The Gala-concert of the festival was opened by the integrated “Face” Motion Theater, proving that the impossible is possible. It was awarded the diploma “For Purposefulness and Love to Scene”. 7 1 Bright Days in the Neighborhood For war veteran Nazar Nazaryan, Remembrance and Honor day is more than just a holiday 5 Story without Words cyan magenta yellow black THE FORUM WAS ORGANIZED by the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan. It brought together the delegations of the International Trade Union Confederation, the International Labour Organization, heads of Uzbek missions in UNDP, EU, OSCE, UNICEF, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, members of the parliament, representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations, international experts from Germany, France, Denmark, China, Russia, Lithuania, Moldova and other countries. The Uzbek side detailed the guests on the state policy in the field of social and labor relations, creation of decent working conditions, active involvement of trade unions in this process with the focus on the protection of the socio-economic interests and labor rights of workers and their families. Enshrined in the Constitution and laws, basic workers' rights fully comply with international labor standards, and in many respects even surpass them, noted the forum participants. There are specific benefits and guarantees in providing employment and creating appropriate conditions for workers. In recent years, about 60% of expenditures of the national budget have been channeled to social sector. Large-scale measures on raising the level and quality of life and providing workers with decent salary and safe working conditions have been underway. The country has accrued a considerable experience in the development of social and labor institutions. Much has been done to streamline the labor law and pension system, and regulate the labor market. Uzbekistan has been successfully extending social security system to fully meet the priorities. For instance, the state social insurance covers all employees. There are cash payments or services for sickness, maternity and old-age pension, disability and survivor benefits. Specific measures are being taken to stimulate the demand for labor, and create stable jobs. 4 Inside: more than 430 new types of localized products has been launched. The growth of investment activity has contributed to the increase of contract construction works by 18.9%. Experts dwelled on the future prospects of the domestic economy. Approved in February and March, the industrial production and transport infrastructure development programs are expected to become a strong foundation for future economic growth, enhancement of structural transformations and diversification of production, bringing major industries to a new level of development, and Bahrinisso Babayeva, a bronze medal winner “The Asian Karate Federation for the second time trusted Uzbekistan with hosting a major competition. It is no secret that the organizing committee and board members took into account the high level at which in 2012 Tashkent held the championship of Asia. This time, the tournament was also organized at a very high international level,” said the chief judge of the Asian Karate Federation, Patrick Lim. “The sports complex ‘Uzbekistan’ provided excellent conditions for performances of athletes and the work of judges. Foreign participants were pleased with the reception and accommodation conditions.” “Two years ago, the Asian Karate Federation has set its sights on the development of region based karate clubs, which are highly developed in Europe,” said the president of the Karate Federation of Uzbekistan Bahtiyor Mirzakulov. “The advantage of the club Tourism exhibition ‘The World of Recreation’ presented opportunities in eco-tourism, sports tourism in Uzbekistan as well as crafts Igor Saneyev Getting into a New Stream Rahim Turdiev Tourism: A Delicate Matter Decent Working Conditions Kamil Akhrorov The statistics was announced at a government session in Tashkent. Economists estimate that the national budget was executed with a surplus of 0.1% of GDP. Inflation did not exceed the estimates. The measures on the full support of domestic manufacturers of consumer goods and a balanced stimulation of domestic demand have contributed to an increase in production of consumer goods by 11.2%, retail trade - by 15.2% and services - by 13.1%. The participants reviewed the progress of major programs and investment projects aimed at structural changes, modernization and diversification of industrial production, enhancement of localization of production of finished goods, components and materials. The ongoing active investment policy and accelerated process of modernization, technical and technological extension of industrial production and creation of developed infrastructure have contributed to the growth of investments by 8.7%, including foreign direct investment – by 10%. 53 projects worth over $4.8 billion have been launched under the Investment Program for 2015. The manufacture of No. 17 (445) May 1, 2015 Experts discuss trends in the development of civil society in Uzbekistan The capital hosted the annual conference of the Independent Institute for Monitoring the Formation of Civil Society (IIMFCS) devoted to the quantitative and qualitative changes in the development of civil society in Uzbekistan. The conference was attended by members of the Parliament, representatives of public and government organizations, research and educational institutions, experts from foreign and international organizations (UNDP, the EU delegation, OSCE, USAID missions, the NDI, the NGO ‘Regional Dialogue’, the fund named after F. Ebert and others), as well as the media (total about 150 people). The Independent Institute for monitoring the formation of civil society plays an important role in the development of further measures to stimulate the activity of public organizations and their participation in the implementation of the most important components of government programs, development of social partnerships in the country. The deep studies carried out by its staff in identifying the real problems of the development of civil society, analysis of the structural and qualitative changes in the society, the legal framework in this area, the study of foreign experience are becoming the basis for the development of further measures to build a strong civil society. The results of the annual monitoring of the state of civil society in Uzbekistan in 2014 were presented to the participants of the conference. Specialists of IIMFCS carefully examined the trends and dynamics of non-profit organizations, public foundations, and trade unions in the system of democratic institutions, the media, political parties, and local authorities. “During the years of independence, the country implemented comprehensive measures aimed at establishing the organizational and legal conditions for the formation of civil society,” said director of the Independent Institute for monitoring the formation of civil society G. Abdukarimov. “Today they are an important factor in protecting the rights and interests of the people, and enhance their social activity and legal culture, providing a balance of interests in the society. The present stage of social development is characterized by the increasing role of democratic institutions in all spheres of life: economics, politics, spirituality, etc.” 2 2 www.ut.uz www.facebook.com/uztoday www.twitter.com/uz_today www.plus.google.com/+uzbekistantoday www.vk.com/ut_uz No. 17 (445) May 1, 2015 TODAY IN UZBEKISTAN PARLIAMENT Cultural Legacy: from Theory to Practice Civil Society: Current Stage and Prospects of Development The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis has hosted a scientific-practical conference ‘Protection and Use of Cultural Heritage Sites: Theory and Practice’ that was organized by the Committee on the Issues of Science, Education, Culture and Sport. State policy of Uzbekistan highlights the issues of revival, preservation, study and popularization of our rich historical heritage. The requisite legal framework is created for that. The laws ‘On import and export of cultural property’, ‘On protection and use of cultural heritage sites’, and others have been approved. National legislation in this sphere leans on the international documents and conventions, ratified by Uzbekistan. The country possesses over 7,500 cultural properties (over 59 percent of which are archeological sites). Museums store thousands of objects, while millions of documents are kept in archives. The conference participants discussed the work on the implementation of the State program on protection, use and popularization of cultural heritage sites for 2010 – 2020, as well as its subsequent effective utilization in the future. The gathered shared interesting opinions and proposals. In particular, they focused on the necessity to develop the service industry nearby cultural sites, and along the roads leading to them. MPs underscored the improvement of the sites’ condition as one of the factors of tourism development in the country. They assured that upbringing of the younger generation in the spirit of considerate attitude to historical heritage promotes their comprehensive development and spiritual education and brings up in them the feeling of strong national consciousness. They also noted the importance of strengthening the government control and legal liability for the safety of the operands, as well as social protection of this sphere’s employees. It was also pointed out that there is a need in increasing the responsibility of all institutions concerning the protection of these objects. MPs believed that it is necessary to improve legislation in accordance with the time requirements, regulate the sphere of legal relations, and prevent violations. The conference participants agreed that special attention should be paid to the implementation in the national legislation of the international instruments relating to the protection and use of cultural heritage sites, to strengthening control over the implementation of laws and state programs in this area, especially illegal export and import of such cultural values. Concrete recommendations were elaborated on the results of discussions. MPs, representatives of government and public organizations, educational and research institutions attended the conference. Parliamentary Commission Discusses Funding for Social Projects Eldor Sattorov The meeting of the Parliamentary Commission for Management of Assets of the Public Fund for Support of NGOs and Other Civil Society Institutions at the Oliy Majlis has discussed the funding of prospective, socially significant programs and projects for 2015. The meeting participants proposed to allocate 10 bln soums from the government budget to implement the priority tasks in deepening democratic reforms and formation of civil society. Their volume in comparison with 2014 grew by 22 percent. Programs and projects of social partnership will be supported in the form of government subsidies, social service procurement, and grants on a competitive basis. In particular, 2 billion soums have been allocated in the form of social service procurement for funding socially significant projects of NGOs, the media and other civil society institutions. Social service procurements will be provided for the implementation of the tasks defined in the State Program ‘Year of Attention and Care for the Senior Generation,’ as well as assistance in the upbringing of physically healthy and comprehensively advanced younger generation, strengthening the fundamental principles of a democratic legal state and civil society, and inter-ethnic cohesion. The priority areas were identified to ensure effective measures for social protection of lonely elderly citizens, the disabled and other socially vulnerable categories of the population, improvement of the mechanisms of social services, and strengthening of material base of medical and social institutions. Projects aimed at increasing involvement of the population in the protection of the environment, education of young people, and increasing the legal awareness of the population will be provided in the form of government grants on a competitive basis. For this purpose, the Parliamentary Commission has allocated more than 4.75 bln soums to support about 350 projects. Government subsidies in the amount of 3.25 billion soums have also been allocated. Overall, the implementation of the projects in 2015, funded by the Public Fund under the government grants, subsidies and social service procurement, ensure involvement of more than 2 thousand NGOs and other civil society institutions. [1] The democratic reform is aimed at building a legal state and civil society. Strong organizational, legal and institutional mechanisms have been formed for the development of civil institutions. The participants praised the measures implemented for further deepening democratic reforms and formation of civil society. The importance of passing the laws ‘On social partnership’, ‘On transparency of the activity of bodies of state power and governance’ aimed at strengthening the role of NGOs in the development and implementation of socio-economic programs, public and media access to information of the state bodies of power and control, openness and transparency in the past year have been emphasized. The participants highlighted the increased level of political and legal culture, and civic engagement during their presentations. Thus, the elections to the Oliy Majlis and local councils of people's deputies, which showed an increased socio-political activism of citizens, the role and maturity of political parties and civil institutions, has been marked as an important event in 2014. The growing role of civil society in the implementation of democratic reforms in the country has been also discussed at the conference. In particular, last year over 1.5 thousand representatives of the third sector attended the central and local public places of discussion of the bills, while more than 400 NGO’s took part in the implementation of the State program ‘Year of healthy child’. Every year, the Public Fund for the Support of NGOs and other civil society institutions under the Oliy Majlis, the Fund for support of NGOs in the NANGOUz and other organizations sent substantial funds for the implementation of future projects to address critical social and economic problems. The result of this great work was an increase in the number of civil institutions, in particular NGOs, to over 8,100 by January 1, 2015. In 2014, the number of NGOs participating in scholarship competitions held by the Public Fund for Support of NGOs and other civil society institutions in the country's parliament made up 421, of which 176 were the winners. In 2014, the leaders and activists of non-governmental organizations continued to work as members of more than 40 permanent national inter-ministerial committees. The status of NGOs has increased, and the efforts of civil society keep gaining the recognition of the public. In 2014, representatives of 46 NGOs received state awards. At the same time last year, according to the results of parliamentary elections, 20 representatives of NGOs were elected to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis. It was noted likewise that the country is experiencing a dynamic growth in the number of mass media, in comparison with 1991 their number increased overall 3.5 times over, the newspapers - by 2.5 times, magazines - by 3.5 times. As of January 1, 2015 the Uzbek Agency for Press and Information registered about 1,400 media and more than 60% of them were privately owned. The number of Internet resources registered as the media has more than doubled in the past five years, and last year amounted to 304. The analysis of the monitoring data shows a significant increase in the role of the media in identifying and highlighting current issues of concern for people in the field, the implementation of public control over The Return of Pistachio Ilxom Ilyasov There are many varieties of pistachios on the shelves of local stores. However, the high price and the fact that it is imported from abroad, even from distant California often confuses the customers. Meanwhile, this valuable crop, resistant to droughts and high temperatures, is a native of our land. Will pistachio return to its homeland? A positive answer to this question was given by the participants of the seminar, held in Bostanlik district of Tashkent region. Saylik village is an indescribably beautiful place. Mountains, snow-capped peaks, clean air and well-groomed fields on the slopes. Here, a local farmer Komiljon Sidikov grows grapes, apples, cherries and other fruits. In 2013, he visited the United States through a grant of the Ministry of Agriculture, to adopt the experience of top American farmers. Now he is obsessed about trying to grow pistachio at home. “If a farmer in California has at least five hectares of this culture, he is a very wealthy man,” says Komiljon. “But it's not just about profit. Once all of these slopes were filled with pistachio, and now we have it in short supply. But we cyan magenta yellow black 2 can make a difference.” Upon returning home, the motivated farmer got down to business. He became a member of the Small Grants Programme (SGP) of the Global Environment Facility in Uzbekistan, where experts provided substantial assistance, in particular, by providing the seedlings in containers. This year K. Sidikov allocated five hectares of dry lands under pistachio, but in the future intends to increase this area. The workshop brought together 17 young farmers who drew Komiljon as an example, and decided to cultivate pistachios. Experts of SGP told them in detail how to lay the plantation, showing how to plant the seedlings grown in containers, how to care for young shoots and to carry out the budding. Particular interest was aroused by the presentation of an expert from the Republican Scientific Centre of Landscape Gardening and Forestry Galina Chernova, who dedicated her life to pistachio, and cultivated 40 new varieties of this crop. “The pistachio loves the height, the wind and the sun,” said Galina to the participants. “All of these you have in abundance. But growing this crop will require your patience, knowledge, and experience. The first harvest will appear only after ten years. Do not believe the activity of the state power and administration. They also highlighted the strengthening of the autonomy and independence of the media and their role in identifying and highlighting current issues of concern of the population on the ground. Thus, in 2014, the printing media published 2452 significant critical and analytical materials (while in 2013 only 2159). The speakers noted the growth of readers’ trust in the media as an effective means of expression regarding some socially relevant issues, and as a tool of public control over the activity of state bodies in solving the acute problems. The event has also analyzed the results of monitoring in strengthening the role of political parties in the political life of the country, the authority and impact of self-government in addressing local territorial problems, the implementation of targeted social protection of the population. Other issues of civil society in Uzbekistan were also reviewed. The importance of improving the legal culture of the population, and the citizens' sense of justice in this process was strongly emphasized. “Uzbekistan has made a big step forward in the formation of the foundations of a strong civil society,” said regional director of the international NGO ‘Regional Dialogue’ Mjusa Sever (Slovenia). “A thorough platform has been created for the activities of NGOs and other civil society institutions, which enjoy the support and authority among the population. Based on the analysis conducted by IIMFCS, assessment of civil society in Uzbekistan and its institutions is highly positive.” “We have established a close cooperation with the IIMFCS. Given the increased number and quality of the activities of non-profit organizations in your country, legislative consolidation mechanism of social partnership, we are interested in continuing this work and want to contribute to the realization of certain priorities,” said representative of the National Democratic Institute (USA) Eric Brett. “And here special attention is deserved by NGOs that are currently working to solve specific problems in the regions.” “ T h i s conference is interesting in terms of defining future priorities,” said the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, Ambassador Gyorgy Szabo. “Uzbekistan has established a solid base for the development of civil society institutions. Indicators of development, in turn, help to improve the organizational and legal mechanisms of their activities.” The annual report of the IIMFCS, presented at the conference, covered the main directions of shaping the civil society. In this regard it should be noted that an important aspect of the research activities of the Institute is to organize public hearings on topical issues, including the improvement of legislation. It has become a practice to hold large national and international forums. The information and analytical work received a new impetus. One of its results was another brochure ‘Development of civil society institutions in Uzbekistan: Facts and Figures 2014’ issued by the IIMFCS. Following the conference several recommendations have been made on the subject of further improvement the activity of IIMFCS, strengthening the role of civil society institutions in democratic renewal and modernization of the country. In particular, it will focus on such areas as creation and organization of effective functioning of public commissions for social partnership created at the local Councils of deputies within the framework of implementation of the Law ‘On social partnership’. And taking into account the provisions of the Law ‘On the openness of public authorities and administration’ work will be focused on the organization of further effective cooperation with the media, active members of the bodies of selfgovernment, creating public awareness on the implementation of socioeconomic development programs. However, taking into account the results of the elections of 2014, the activities of the institute will focus on the issues of further raising the level of legal awareness of members of party groups in local councils of people's deputies, and developing their parliamentary activity skills. An Original and Innovative Approach Mansur Ochilov The presentation of the publication ‘The mechanism of protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan’ has been held in Tashkent. all sorts of myths, for example, that a single tree can generate hundreds of kilos of harvest. It is a great achievement if you can collect at least 10-15 kilos, and it will happen only in twenty years. But know that there is nowhere in the world pistachio grows to be that much tasty.” The participants learnt a lot about this valuable crop, in particular, that it significantly improves the condition of soil, local environment, restores degraded barren foothills. This is a wonderful medicine, which was acknowledged by Ibn Sina. And it is known as a wood complex, as all its parts: wood, leaves, fruit, and tar can be used for the needs of people. ... Now 200 tons of pistachios are produced each year in Uzbekistan on an area of 30 thousand hectares. For comparison: Iran produces 200 thousand tons of pistachios every year. But the interest of young farmers in the country, who decided to revive the crop in its native land, will certainly change this situation. It is published with the support of the National Centre for Human Rights in cooperation with the academic lyceum of the Tashkent State Law University. Its author is Muhayo Ochilova - leading teacher of the educational institution. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministries of Justice, Internal Affairs, General Prosecutors Office, the Women's Committee, as well as the faculty and students of the Lyceum. It was noted that Uzbekistan has joined more than 70 international human rights documents and accepted the obligation to create necessary organizational and legal conditions and guarantees to support their compliance. These include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and many others. The Head of the National Centre for Human Rights Akmal Saidov emphasized the practical significance of the publication, focusing on an original and innovative approach of the author to the presentation of this complex topic. It consists of five sections that describe the fundamental documents on human rights, and provide a brief history of the adoption of laws in this area. Crossword puzzles and logic problems are provided for young readers. The publication will be useful for teachers and for students of educational institutions and is designed for a wide range of readers interested in human rights issues. During the presentation, teachers and students of the Lyceum showed theatrical performances on this topic, and participants discussed which rights have been violated in a particular situation. 3 www.ut.uz www.facebook.com/uztoday www.twitter.com/uz_today www.plus.google.com/+uzbekistantoday www.vk.com/ut_uz No. 17 (445) May 1, 2015 WORLD UN Envoys Wraps up Mission Special Representative of UN Secretary General Miroslav Jenca has completed his mission in Central Asia. Miroslav Jenca, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) since 2008, visited Uzbekistan for a meeting with Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov. The sides discussed the state and prospects of interaction between Uzbekistan and the UN as well as the schedule of upcoming bilateral meetings in the current year. Uzbekistan at Baltic Fashion & Textile Riga 2015 Uzbekistan participated in an international exposition, Baltic Fashion & Textile Riga 2015, in Riga, Latvia, along with about 400 companies from over 15 countries. For a second year running, Uzbekistan’s Uzbekyengilsanoat has presented products by country’s light industry, from cotton yarn to ready-to-wear to fabrics, in Riga. International specialists concurred that the high quality and competitive prices of Uzbek-made goods can lead to increased deliveries to Europe. Negotiations between Uzbek and European specialists have resulted in cooperation agreements. Specifically, the sides struck over $1.5 million worth of deals for the delivery of textiles to European countries. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Laszlo Sabo, who headed a representative delegation of business circles, visited Uzbekistan. The visit program was fruitful and informative. Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov received Lazlo Sabo on the 28th of April. In the course of the meeting the sides confirmed their mutual interest in further expansion of Uzbek-Hungarian cooperation in the trade, economic and investment spheres. The Uzbek side had supported the Hungarian Government intention to open a diplomatic representation in Tashkent. An Uzbek-Hungarian business forum with participation of business circles of the countries was held in Tashkent on the April 29. The event was organized within the framework of the visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan of the deputy minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, co-chairman of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation Lazlo Sabo. In his welcoming speech he highly praised the modern level of bilateral trade and economic cooperation and called upon the Hungarian companies to make more active use of available potential in the implementation of join trade and investment projects. . Taking part in the business-forum were heads and representatives of such leading Hungarian organizations as the Hungarian Agrarian chamber and EximBank of Hungary, companies manufacturing modern equipment for the food and pharmaceutical industries, medical and electro-technical equipment, purification systems and industrial and public utility services, technologies for deep processing of farm products and building materials. In the course of the business-forum were held presentations of Uzbekistan’s economic and investment potential, as well as concrete projects of prospective cooperation in the pharmaceutical, food and electro-technical industries and in the sphere of production of building materials. Also were considered proposals on increasing the delivery of Uzbekistan companies’ products to the Hungarian market. Cooperation exchange and negotiations between business circles of the two states were held in the second half of the day. NOTE The Republic of Uzbekistan and the Hungarian People’s Republic established diplomatic relations in March 1992. In October 2002, the governments of the two countries signed agreements on mutual protection and encouragement of investments and international automobile transpor tation of passengers and cargo. In April 2008, the two governments inked a Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion. In compliance with the Agreement on Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the EU, most-favored-nation treatment was established between the two countries. According to results of the year 2014, the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Hungar y totaled over $63 million. There are three enterprises with the par ticipation of investors from Hungar y, among them two joint ventures and one – with 100% Hungarian capital. Representative offices of four Hungarian companies are accredited with the MFERIT. There is an intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Hungar y operating since 2013. The commission’s activity is regulated by the Agreement on Economic Cooperation of November 7, 2011. The last meeting of the commission was held on November 24-25, 2014 in Budapest. “Our Countries Care about Sustainable Development” The President of Latvia’s Academy of Sciences, Ojars Sparitis, has authored an article dedicated to the development of science in Uzbekistan for the Latvian magazine “Izglitiba un Kultura” (Education and Culture). Sparitis tells readers about cooperation between Uzbekistan and Latvia in education. The author writes that “the Latvian University and the National University of Uzbekistan signed an agreement on the expansion of interaction in environmental monitoring as well as protection of scientific research into water resources and soil desalination. Latvia and Uzbekistan accord attention to the policy of sustainable development: as a result, the countries are ratcheting up scientific collaboration and specialist exchange to implement joint projects, conferences and publications as well as cementing ties between the countries’ top universities.” Sparitis also shares impressions of his visit to the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry affiliated with Uzbekistan’s Academy of Sciences: “Uzbek scientists have created a lot of developments in the area of diabetes and hepatitis. Particular attention should also go to research in agricultural development. In particular, developing more productive varieties of cotton, wheat, and seed potatoes, which I believe, may be described as achievements of the 21st century. Competitions in discoveries in genomics are currently held between Uzbekistan, the USA, China, the Netherlands and other leading countries. Therefore, cooperation between Latvian and Uzbek chemists and biologists as well as members of agricultural and forestry institutions is promising.” “Uzbekistan’s Role in Regional Security is Evident” Institute of Forecasting and Security in Europe (IFSE) has initiated a “Round Table” in Paris, devoted to the results of Presidential Elections in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Taking part in the event were representatives of the French public, political, academic and expert circles. The participants have discussed the results of the elections and reviewed the aspects of ensuring the regional stability and security. The elections in Uzbekistan were held under qualitatively new socio-political and economic conditions, significantly increased inter-party competition, political and civil activeness of population. The evidence of their democratic and transparency nature was the involvement of observers from 43 states, as well as five International organizations: OSCE, CIS, OSC, A-WEB and OIC – such is the opinion of the French experts, who visited the country in the capacity of observers. IFSE President Emmanuel Dupuy: VIEWPOINTS Business Cooperation NEWS “The role of Uzbekistan, which it plays in the problem of ensuring regional stability and security, is evident for Europeans. Namely because of that was organized the “round table” on the subject “The Role of Uzbekistan in ensuring security and sustained development in Central Asia” within the framework of the IFSE visit to the country jointly with the Institute of strategic and inter-regional research. Europe, and France in particular, should cognize the strategic importance of this region, stemming from contemporary realities and its own security and expand its interaction with the region.” Pierre-Emmanuel Dupont, lecturer of the Paris University of law, economics and management: “I have visited dozens of voting stations of Samarqand and have to admit the high level of their logistical support. I think that the results of the elections fully comply with the spirit and expectations of the population, which had chosen a course of political stability and consolidation of the country’s international prestige.” Banks: Quality and Stability Constructive Dialog A parliamentary delegation led by Chairman of the First Committee of Friendship of the Kuwait’s National Assembly Saud Nashmi Al -Khariji has visited Uzbekistan. A meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan took place during the visit, where the sides discussed the state and prospects of bilateral relations in various spheres. The parties stressed that both sides are interested in strengthening cooperation between Oliy Majlis and the National Assembly of Kuwait, legislative support for the further development of political, trade-economic and humanitarian ties, improving the legal framework of cooperation. Kuwait is one of the most important economic and investment partners of Uzbekistan in the Arab world. After the official visit of President Islam Karimov to Kuwait in January 2004, relations between the countries have risen to a higher level, and are aimed at strengthening the legal basis of bilateral relations, and new opportunities for expansion of cooperation were involved. A great contribution to the development of bilateral relations was made by an official visit to Uzbekistan of Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in July 2008, following which several documents were signed to strengthen UzbekKuwaiti relations in such areas as countering terrorism and organized crime, trade and economic, scientifictechnical spheres, mutual protection and promotion of investments, avoidance of double taxation, air transportation, environmental protection and natural resources, as well as health and tourism. The program of the delegation included meetings at the Legislative Chamber and Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, MFERIT, the Committee on Religious Affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers, as well as a visit to Samarkand. The meeting at the Legislative Chamber emphasized the role and importance of the Concept of further deepening democratic reforms and formation of civil society in the country to improve the activities of Parliament. The meeting with the members of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis focused on issues in expanding and strengthening cooperation between the two parliaments, organizing activities for the further development of interparliamentary relations, exchange of experience in legislative activity. Following the talks, the head of the delegation, said, “Kuwait is interested in further development of relations with Uzbekistan. I am sure that interparliamentary cooperation between our countries will continue to develop.” Women Enjoying Protection The United Nations Office in Geneva reviewed a report on the social protection of women in Uzbekistan. “One of the priorities of Uzbekistan’s state policy is social, economic and legal protection of women. Trade unions actively participate in this process. Specifically, the Council of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan is working cyan magenta yellow black 3 to protect the socio-economic interests and labor rights of women. It is with this goal in mind that a Council of Women was established. Morover, commissions working on women’s issues operate in the country. The commissions undertake measures to to further enhance social protection of working women,” the report says. Creation of home-based jobs receives special attention. Trade Unions, which allocate funds for the creation of new jobs, contribute to the expansion of free legal counseling, especially for female entrepreneurs. At companies and organizations, young mothers with children aged 2 to 3 are provided with financial support in accordance with collective agreements. Working schedules not exceeding 35 hours per week have been set up for working mothers at enterprises of the nongovernmental sector. The report presents information on the Federation Council’s efforts to encourage and support active women. In 2014, as many as 1,960 women were given electric home appliances to the tune of 1.5 billion soums. Sanatoriums affiliated with trade unions pay more attention to medical treatment of women, especially those from rural areas. To boot, the number of social passes for treatment provided for fertile-age women and veteran women is growing year after year. Exactly one year ago, the Moody’s agency for the fifth time confirmed the forecast of banking system development as “stable”. The stable dynamics of assets’ quality, high rates of economic growth, good banking profit indicators, sustainable level of liquidity and the efficiency of banks are factors that determine predictions for Uzbekistan. Last week the Central Bank of Uzbekistan jointly with the Moody’s held the fifth annual conference devoted to receiving international ratings by the country’s commercial banks. Three-hundred head and responsible officers of commercial banks were its participants. The conference was opened by General Director of the Association of Uzbekistan Banks Saydulla Abdullayev. He noted that significant work was carried out in the country in recent years on further raising the sustainability of the financial and banking systems. Their indicators meet the requirements of international standards and on a number of standards have even more stable positions. As a result all commercial banks received rating assessments from such well-known international agencies as Moody's, Standard & Poor's and Fitch Rating's, which confirm their stability and sustainable growth. The speakers admitted that the efficient supervision carried out by the Central Bank, including continuous monitoring of capital and liquidity sufficiency quality indicators create necessary conditions for sustainable operation of commercial financial establishments. They reminded that the Central Bank keeps improving the process of banking regulation on the basis of the best international practices in compliance with recommendations of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Basel Committee on Bank supervision. The Moody’s experts told about the methods of awarding credit ratings and shared their opinion on the results of reforms carried out in the banking system of Uzbekistan. The major factor of the positive forecast in the development of the banking system of Uzbekistan is the country’s sustainable economic growth ensuring favorable operational environment for banks within the forecast period making up to 12-18 months. Issues were considered in the course of the conference related to changes in the economy of the European zone and their impact on the CIS countries; and were reviewed by the Commonwealth countries’ banking systems in conditions of turbulence. The Conquering Power of Painting A modern art exhibition titled “New Silk Roads: Painting Beyond Boundaries” has opened its doors at the ION Art Gallery in Singapore. The seven-day art show was given the goal of putting the spotlight on the cultures and fine art of Central Asian countries and helping revive traditions of the historical Silk Road. Organized with support from Lassale College of Arts and ENE Central Asian Art, the unique exhibition came as a remarkable cultural event for people of the island since it was the first art show to present magnificent paintings from Central Asia. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador of Singapore in Uzbekistan Zulkifli bin Baharudin highly praised the creativity of the artists while emphasizing the implications of this kind of exhibitions for mutual understanding and mutual internalization of cultures and growth of creative ties between the countries: “I am privileged to be participating in such an important event for intercultural exchange. The exhibition “New Silk Roads: Painting Beyond Boundaries” which has been presented for the firstever time in Singapore is an excellent opportunity to get a taste of the unique culture, traditions and art of the Silk Road in Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan. Each painting demonstrates utmost mastery and each work conveys oriental colors and ambience. I am sure that all the art aficionados who have gathered together here today will appreciate the originality and singularity of each piece on display.” President of Lassale College of Arts, Professor Steve Dixon, also shared his impressions saying that artworks by Uzbek painters piqued his interest by virtue of “incredibly sophisticated and unusual compositional solutions”. He noted that they have all it takes to be true art: style, sense of color and utmost mastery. The works by these masters reflect the centuries-old culture and spiritual values of nations living in this region. He said he is convinced that “the art presented at the event will give Singaporeans and international guests a deeper insight into the spiritual world of the Uzbek people.” 4 www.ut.uz www.facebook.com/uztoday www.twitter.com/uz_today www.plus.google.com/+uzbekistantoday www.vk.com/ut_uz No. 17 (445) May 1, 2015 BUSINESS It is projected to implement 846 projects on the modernization, technical and technological renovation in the years to come A Helmsman and His Team Uzbekistan renounces government corporations Ravshan Rustamov No business, even having most advanced equipment and skilled staff, is capable to operate effectively without a wellbuilt system based on international standards. In the near future Uzbekistan intends to dramatically change the existing approaches to corporate governance, focusing on the efficient use of production, investment, logistical, financial and human resources. A Launch Pad for Future Accomplishments [1] The participants thoroughly reviewed the progress of programs on building the industrial capacity in the regions, integrated development of road transportation, engineering, communications and social infrastructure there. 434 new production facilities have been commissioned since the beginning of the year as part of the regional programs of socio-economic development. 169 km of water and 54 km of gas networks, and 1.3 million square meters of housing have been built in the countryside. The construction of 12,000 individual standard design houses with all related engineering, communication and social infrastructure has been underway. The discussion of the measures on the increase of the scale and expansion of the range of export products, enhancement of product competitiveness in foreign markets and diversification of exports were central points at the session. Despite the growing unpredictability and volatility of the world markets, the implementation of systemic measures on stimulation of export enterprises and support in the promotion of their products to foreign markets has ensured the growth in exports by 13.9% and a positive trade balance. Since the beginning of 2015, 146 new enterprises have been involved in export activity, and 102 new kinds of products have been exported. Small business and private entrepreneurship was in the spotlight as the major locomotive of the national economy. The ongoing system-based measures have contributed to the establishment of over eight thousand new small businesses in the first quarter of 2015, which is 10.2% more YOY. Banks have allocated 2.8 trillion soums of loans to small businesses, which is 1.3 times more YOY. 55 state assets worth 28.3 billion soums were sold to private owners, of which 13 operands were sold to investors at zero redemption value under the condition of adopting obligations on investing 9.7 billion soums. New jobs rank among the major indicators of success in any economic model. More than 141,000 new jobs have been established in the first three months of 2015, of which over 88,000 jobs, or 62.6% were created in rural areas. The implementation of measures under the national program The Year of Attention and Care for the Senior Generation has entered its active phase aiming at rendering proper attention and all-round support to older people, improving the quality of health and social services, which is funded by nearly 593 billion soums from all sources. Catching the Wind in a Net A map of domestic wind treasures outlined Hurshid Rasulov Renewable energy sources (RES) rank among the global economy’s fastest growing sectors. In the next five years, experts expect a 40 percent growth. Uzbekistan intends to reach new export markets due to advanced technologies Planting Investments Sarvar Navruzov The World Bank and the Uzbek government have signed a loan agreement for $150 million to finance the project on the development of horticulture sector. It will be implemented in eight regions: Karakalpakstan, Andijan, Jizzakh, Ferghana, Kashkadarya, Namangan, Samarkand and Tashkent regions. Development and strengthening of mutually beneficial relations with international organizations, international institutions, world industry-specific institutions has been among the main thrusts of the foreign policy strategy of Uzbekistan over the years of independence. The mutually beneficial partnership with the World Bank since 1992 has made a special contribution in this context. Horticulture Development Project comprises three components: agricultural support services, access to credits and establishment of effective management system. “Having more jobs and better paying jobs is critically important for the well-being of people living in rural areas of Uzbekistan. Horticulture Sector Development Project will create new jobs by improving access to technologies, knowledge and markets, strengthening technical and managerial capacity in the farming and agri-business sectors, and introducing new financial products in the financial sector,” said the World Bank Country Manager for Uzbekistan Junghun Cho. This is the first project in the World Bank Group portfolio in Uzbekistan where the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will join efforts in implementing the project. The IFC will support local food producers and processors in implementing the internationally recognized food safety solutions. That will help companies along the agribusiness value chain to improve their competitiveness and long-term value chain sustainability. The IFC support will also improve capacity building of commercial banks’ staff by promoting all types of agricultural lending to ensure access to markets for farmers-producers. Meanwhile, HDP is just one out of numerous initiatives to be implemented in the coming years. Current World Bank commitments to Uzbekistan amount to over $1.6 billion, of which almost 40% fall to the energy sector and enhancement of energy efficiency. Projects worth more than $5.7 billion will cover the further development of relations under the new strategy of the World Bank partnership with Uzbekistan by 2020, of which $3 billion accounts for energy. The increase in the share of alternative power generation in a total energy production has been caused not just by the desire to decrease the dependence on hydrocarbons, but by the long-term and strategic development trend of world energy. Uzbekistan has been actively involved in the development of its own products for the renewable energy system. The policy of renewable energy has been pursued not only by the countries poor in natural resources, but also by Saudi Arabia, the USA, Great Britain, Norway and other oil and gas producing leaders. The reason is simple: the global power industry enters a new phase of its technological development, so if the chance is missed, one will likely never be able to catch up with competitors, because of the lack of the know-how and practice. Therefore, Uzbekistan has been arranging many expert sites, attracting leading foreign experts and specialists for sharing experiences and adapting best practices on the Uzbek land. One of them - national conference on building wind energy capacity – wrapped up last week in Tashkent. In his keynote speech at the conference, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Uzbekistan Batyr Khodjayev pointed out to the need for breakthrough technologies in this field. “In Uzbekistan, the electricity consumption will double by 2030 against the current indexes and exceed 105 billion KWh. Therefore, the development of new highly efficient technologies and renewable energy sources is not just an option, but a necessity. Introduction of renewable energy turns into a crucial factor to not just balance the growing demand and consumption of energy, but also increase the innovation capacity as part of the country’s economic development,” he said. An ‘Atlas of Winds’ is designed to become a kind of a pass into the renewable power energy future of the country. The interactive information and analytical system of the wind energy capacity of Uzbekistan was designed through computer simulation by German companies Geo-Net and Intec-Gopa. According to German experts, wind energy resources are estimated at over 520,000 MW of installed capacity and more than a billion megawatt-hours of electricity per year as the preliminary results of conservative assessment. On the foot of the atlas, the Uzbekenergo company has identified two promising areas in Navoi region and in the south of Karakalpakstan for further detailed studies to clarify their wind capacity. This March, 85 meter meteorological masts were installed in each area to measure the wind speed and direction, as well as air density and temperature. The devices transmit information to an online server for further analysis through a satellite system. It will help to determine the most optimal unit capacity of wind turbines and calculate the capacity of electricity generation in the preparation of an investment project. At the conference, the expert community dispelled the myth of the high cost of electricity generated by renewable energy sources. Today, under favorable conditions, the relative capital investment in one MW of installed capacity of wind power plants exceeds $1 million, which is almost equal to the similar cost of up-to-date combined-cycle plants. The production cost of electricity using alternative sources averages 5.5 cents per 1kWh. European experts have been actively supporting Uzbekistan in the development of alternative energy. The Sustainable Energy Program for Central Asia (CASEP), financed by the European Union, has launched the development of technical documentation under the program of electricity supply to 400 hardly accessible rural health units on the basis of alternative sources. “We have embarked on the development of technical documentation. In the second stage we will seek funding for the pilot projects, and furthermore - loans for implementation of the program. It is expected that the technical part will be completed this October-November, and five or six pilot projects are scheduled for next year,” said program’s key expert on renewable energy Paata Janelidze. Tourism: A Delicate Matter Daniyar Salomov The Uzbek capital has hosted not the first, but definitely the most colorful and attractive exhibition in the new season. The Uzbek international tourism exhibition ‘The World of Recreation’ has welcomed its visitors. The exhibition of vintage cars was the spotlight of it, the attraction for both residents of the capital and regions, and foreign guests. No need to be an expert to see the obvious boost of tourism in Uzbekistan, as evidenced by the increasing inflow of foreign tourists in Tashkent, Samarkand, Khiva and other cities, as well as world-renowned hotel brands and tourism companies. This year, the exhibition was represented by over 147 companies, including travel agencies, guest houses, hotels and hotel chains, airlines from 30 countries, among them Spain, Malaysia, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Switzerland, the Maldives and the Seychelles. The visitors could see the tourism potential of Uzbekistan, and explore a variety of services. Besides, the exhibition demonstrated the opportunities of ecotourism, sports tourism in cyan magenta yellow black 4 Exhibition got involved about 150 companies Uzbekistan, folk crafts, as well as a fascinating photo exhibition. “We are here for the first time to learn about the tourism infrastructure in Uzbekistan and present our services. Your country has a good capacity in the historic tourism. Also, you have great opportunities to promote the so-called active tourism - Charvak, Chimgan and Zaamin - there are few like places in the world. It stands to reason that the Tashkent region and its mountain resorts are called the ‘Central Asian Switzerland’,” said the Caribbean Resort Regional Deputy Director for Sales and Marketing Walid Haggag. Fans of vintage and classic cars, glittering hoods and unique frameworks were invited to the exhibition of 20 unique vintage vehicles not younger than 60 years. Every exhibited vehicle has its long history, some were shot in the films and participated in photo shoots, and some transported well-known historical personalities. To date, all cars have been restored and repaired. A range of measures adopted last week by President of Uzbekistan is to become a key to open the door for companies into the future. Experts predict that some of them will be extremely unpopular in some ‘stagnant’ managers of domestic enterprises who are not ready to streamline with the realities of the time. Meanwhile, the real sector of the economy of Uzbekistan might be short of a significant part of foreign investment and lose its share both in external and domestic markets in the near future if the measures are not taken now. It is true that the level of corporate governance in Uzbek companies is still far behind their competitors in developed countries; however, there is a positive trend. Some 1015 years ago, the term ‘corporate governance’ sounded outlandish for the domestic economy. It was a tough challenge for the young republic to immediately shift to a freely regulated market after it had completely changed its economic structure. Therefore, the government designed a special program of phased transition, with large-scale privatization of state assets, establishment of joint-stock companies and private enterprises in the first stage. Today, the domestic companies are shifting to a new stage: economic growth motivates them for accessing foreign markets, and therefore, scaling up their output by channeling investments in the upgrade and technological extension. These objectives seem unfeasible without building a competent system of distribution of rights and duties among staff, without regulations and procedures of decision-making, in a word, without a system of corporate governance. A monitoring showed that the country's 364 joint stock companies are not able to meet the challenges of the time, and are subject to elimination or reorganization by October 1, 2015. To radically change the situation in the rest of the companies, experts have developed a standard organizational scheme of a joint stock company guided by the thorough study of the governance system in the biggest international companies. All domestic joint stock companies should bring their structure in line with the scheme by the end of July. Heads of companies with the state share will have to be certified on the knowledge of modern technologies and principles of corporate governance, management and marketing, information and communication technologies, and their application in the production management system. Upon the results of assessment, the vacant post will be offered to progressive, highly qualified executives meeting modern requirements, as well as foreign managers. As of June, the decision on the appointment of the head of a company’s executive body will be made on a competitive basis. In order to attract the progressive foreign specialists to domestic enterprises it is planned to provide them with certain tax exemptions. For example, joint stock companies are exempt from paying the single social payment from the payroll of foreign workers involved in managerial staff, and revenues of foreign experts are exempt from income and profit tax at the source, as well as mandatory insurance payments of citizens in the off-budget Pension Fund under the Ministry of Finance. A Research and Education Center of Corporate Governance, which should replace the abolished High School of Business, is seen to become a pillar of the new system. It will be established with the involvement of the leading German educational institutions. The new center will provide a methodical platform for the introduction of modern organizational forms and practices of corporate governance, as well as deal with training and advanced training of related managerial staff in accordance with international requirements and standards. President Islam Karimov entrusted the government with the adoption of a special document by the end of May 2015 on the organization of the center's activities, and assignment of specific tasks, functions, structure, and admission quota for students, as well as the measures that would ensure the effective operation of the center. By August 1, 2015 it is planned to develop and approve the Corporate Governance Code. The document will be developed by the Commission on Ensuring Effective Operation of Joint Stock Companies and Streamlining the Corporate Governance System in conjunction with related ministries and agencies. It should envisage recommendations on implementation of best practices in corporate governance, build a development strategy and set long-term objectives, establish internal control system and mechanisms for effective interaction of the executive body with shareholders and investors. The document will define the standard organizational structure of joint-stock companies taking into account their scale, industry specifics and development thrusts, as well as require from them publishing information in line with international audit and financial reporting standards. As of July 1, 2015, Uzbekistan will ban using the word ‘state’ in the names of joint-stock and other business entities, regardless of the share of the state in their charter capital. Besides, the decision on the appointment of the head of the executive body of a company will be naturally made on a competitive basis with the involvement of foreign managers. In case if shareholders, including minority shareholders, claim to the Economic Court of the violation of their legitimate rights and interests, they will be granted with deferral of payment of the state duty, with subsequent recovery from the guilty party. The new measures are expected to simplify access to international markets and foreign investment. They imply the increase in the investment attractiveness of the business, simplified access to loan capital, as well as acquiring the status of credible investor. With this purpose, within 20152018, the Uzbek joint-stock companies will take on the annual publishing of financial statements and conduct of external audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and International Financial Reporting Standards. By July 1, 2015, the Commission on Ensuring Effective Operation of Joint Stock Companies and Streamlining the Corporate Governance System should approve the schedule of publication of annual financial statements of joint stock companies. 5 www.ut.uz www.facebook.com/uztoday www.twitter.com/uz_today www.plus.google.com/+uzbekistantoday www.vk.com/ut_uz No. 17 (445) May 1, 2015 OPINION Decent Working Conditions Uzbekistan is Open to the World Jaap Wienen, Deputy General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation: “Uzbekistan has been taking scaled measures on social protection and development of social par tnership in labor field. We have witnessed how intensively your countr y has been implementing international labor standards. At the conference we have learnt about the activities of cer tain primar y trade union organizations under enterprises and institutions of the republic. We have highly commended good working conditions during our visit to Maxam-Chirchik joint venture in the Tashkent region. Safe working conditions and social protection of employees of the joint venture fully meet international standards and all elements of decent work. This is the outcome of effective social par tnership between the trade union and the employer company, while the collective agreement has been safely ensuring the protection of socio-economic interests and labor rights of workers. The conference was held at a high level, and covered many relevant points. This is a prime example of the fact that Uzbekistan is open to the world, and is enthusiastic about the international dialogue.” An effective mechanism [1] The authorities have been effectively developing small businesses, farming, home-based work, handicrafts, services, supporting livestock production in private farms and establishment of agricultural companies in rural areas, concurrently eliminating all barriers to the development of private enterprise, and cutting the presence of the government in the economy and other areas. All these measures have been scalingup employment, and mitigating the stratification of the population by income level. Trade unions are essential in terms of guaranteeing citizens’ rights at work. Incorporating over six million members in 14 branch unions, the Federation of Trade Unions has been pursuing a system-based policy in this direction. They contribute to the effective implementation of the ILO Decent Work Agenda. The General Agreement between the Government, the Council of Federation of Trade Unions and the Chamber of Commerce and Trade on Socio-Economic Issues for 2014-2016 ensures decent working conditions for different categories of workers. It is a pillar for 90 branch and 14 regional agreements across the country, and more than 100,000 of collective employment agreements at enterprises, organizations and institutions. They cover the issues of employment promotion, protection and safety, legal and social protection of workers, benefits for specific categories of workers, compliance with ILO conventions. Compensation of employees is an important issue. The average monthly wage at state enterprises and budget organizations has been steadily increasing. The law envisages the mandatory fringe benefits for working at night and on the weekends, holidays and overtime. Workers of 32 districts, cities and certain enterprises in desert, arid or mountainous terrains receive regional premium benefits. Trade unions tend to increase workers’ income through local acts, as today they receive some additional income through collective agreements. The policy of equal pay for work of equal value, and timely payment has been pursued under the legislation, national and international standards. Trade unions of Uzbekistan have been increasingly focusing on protecting occupational safety and health, prevention of industrial accidents and occupational diseases. In this direction, trade unions have been working closely with social partners. For example, 6,000 enterprises and organizations were monitored last year to ensure safe working conditions for employees. This year, Uzbekistan has elaborated a Program of Action to Improve Working Conditions and Safety in Uzbekistan for 2015-2016. An interdepartmental working group will analyze and submit specific proposals on the prevention of occupational injuries. Legal protection of workers is essential as well. Over the past three years, trade unions have considered dozens thousands of citizens’ appeals. About 68% of them related to labor legislation, 28% - illegal actions of employers. In 2014, trade unions submitted hundreds of petitions to the courts and employers, thus restoring the rights of over 1,100 citizens. EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR MARKET ISSUES have been a priority in many countries. The forum participants expressed keen interest in the experience of Uzbekistan in this field. Creation of appropriate conditions for full employment was in the Trade Unions at Their Height Sergejus Glovackas, ILO Chief Specialist: “I am honored to once again participate in this important event. We have addressed many relevant issues of social and labor relations. The level and quality of international conferences in Uzbekistan has been scaling up year by year. There are many skilled trade union specialists in your country, and international trade union centers commend the work being done by your trade unions. I would like to point out to the rapid growth of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the ILO. It is very important that we maintain the dynamic cooperation in this field. Uzbekistan›s experience in ensuring citizens› rights to decent working conditions should be extended to the whole of Central Asia.” Providing Employment Pierre Coutaz, International Department Secretary, General Confederation of Labor of France: “I am impressed to see such a large percentage of working members of trade unions in Uzbekistan. I have appreciated the system-based measures your country has been taking to ensure employment. The conference was very useful, constructive and rich in discussions.” cyan magenta yellow black 5 spotlight. Approximately one million jobs were created in the republic in 2014, including 60% in rural areas. Uzbekistan has a large and rapidly growing labor capacity. The number of able-bodied persons in the country makes up 18 million people, or 62% of the population. The labor force annually increases by 2%. Uzbekistan has been successfully implementing the annual Job Creation Program, which is approved at a joint meeting of the Legislative Chamber and Senate of Oliy Majlis. It has been implemented thanks to several main thrusts. First of all, the program is driven by the accelerated development of small business and private entrepreneurship and creation of a favorable business environment, which provides over 350,000 new jobs every year. Homebased work and family businesses allow employing more than 220,000 people. Poultry, livestock, fish farming, beekeeping in farming enterprises, as well as the greenhouses provide 140,000 new jobs. Nearly 500,000 graduates of vocational colleges come to the country’s labor market every year, so Uzbekistan is taking special measures for their employment, including their assignment to a specific company for internship and subsequent employment. Public organizations and trade unions have been actively involved in this process. Trade unions assist in the implementation of the above-mentioned measures through maintaining public control over the procedure of signing labor contracts and provision of newly hired graduates with special clothing and personal protective equipment, briefing on labor protection and safety measures and providing moral and financial support. Trade unions see it highly relevant that newly employed graduates are introduced to the terms of the collective agreement and attached to a skilled professional. Trade unions also provide public monitoring over the implementation of the Job Creation Program. In case of revealed shortcomings at a business entity or organization, trade unions make a submission to the relevant authorities and employers. In the follow up, Uzbekistan intends to expand productive employment by increasing the number of new high-paying jobs in small business and private entrepreneurship sector, farming, social and market infrastructure. The currently increasing employment of human resources is seen as a factor of growth in income and living standards. THE ISSUE OF SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP in the workplace triggered an interesting dialogue at the conference. In Uzbekistan, social partnership has been part of the ideology of effective social dialogue between the government, trade unions and employers, which allows achieving a balance of interests of all three parties on the basis of cooperation. A strong social policy has paved the way for the development of new trend of social partnership of the state with representatives of all NGOs through the joint development and implementation of state social programs. In September 2014, Uzbekistan adopted the Law ‘On social partnership’, which stipulates the interaction of state bodies with NGOs and other civil society institutions in the development and implementation of the socio-economic development programs. It chiefly focuses on social protection, support and increase of social involvement of the population. The above-mentioned General Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers, the Council of Federation of Trade Unions and the Chamber of Commerce and trade is deemed the major document of social partnership in the labor sector at the national level. The document triggers a range of measures to ensure the creation of decent working conditions for different categories of workers. Under the agreement, the parties may enter into partnership relations at all levels with regard to streamlining legislation in labor, employment programs, prevention of injuries and diseases, social protection of employees, and others. The general agreement has empowered signing of industryspecific, territorial agreements, and collective bargaining agreements at companies, organizations and institutions. Collective contractual relationships cover more than 98% of legal entities, employing trade union members in Uzbekistan. The rate is seen high both at the national level and in the international scale. They attach importance to social security, health and safety, protection of the corresponding rights, improvement of health of employees and their families. All collective bargaining acts comprise the elements like promotion of employment, decent wages, labor safety and security, legal and social protection of workers, benefits for certain categories of workers, compliance with ILO conventions. 5,500 young families received interest-free loans, more than 2,800 students paid contracts for education, about 190,000 workers improved their health at sanatoriums and health resorts last year through collective contracts and agreements. Under the Year of Attention and Care for the Senior Generation, these acts empower financial assistance to older workers, provide valuable retirement gifts, targeted support for retired employees of enterprises, and health improvement of labor veterans on the preferential basis. Collective agreements at all levels are featured by the availability of sections and measures on strengthening social protection and ensuring employees’ rights for decent working conditions based on social partnership. ALONG WITH PLENARY SESSIONS, the conference was held in four sections: ‘Promoting international labor standards and streamlining national legislation for implementation of the fundamental rights at work’, ‘Ensuring favorable and safe working conditions and expanding social protection’, ‘Enhancing the opportunities for decent employment and income’, ‘Social control and social partnership in the context of guaranteeing the rights to decent working conditions’. The forum broadly demonstrated international experience in terms of creation of decent working conditions. First of all, representatives of international organizations clarified the idea itself, which is based on productive employment, rights at a workplace, social protection and social dialogue. In their reports foreign participants brought up such points as ‘The role and place of trade unions in the implementation of social model in Denmark’, ‘Salaries and incentives in Germany’, ‘The experience of France in ensuring salary equality’, ‘National Tripartite Social Dialogue in Azerbaijan’, and others. Conference participants highly Wolfgang Lutterbach, Senior Specialist, ILO Workers’ Activities-Desk Office for Europe: “I see the experience of Uzbekistan in creation of decent working conditions as very interesting. The General Agreement between the Government, the Council of Federation of Trade Unions and the Chamber of Commerce and Trade on Socio-Economic Issues for 2014-2016 suggests many useful things to learn from. The relationships between workers and employers are regulated by collective bargaining regulations, secured by effective transparent mechanisms of public control over the implementation of local acts. This tripartite social dialogue is increasingly recognized as an effective mechanism for policy formulation and implementation in the field of labor, employment and social protection. The forum has become a platform for pooling experience for foreign trade union activists, which is especially relevant in the light of the current effects of the global financial and economic crisis in many countries.” commended the experience of Uzbekistan in ensuring labor rights of citizens, and effective involvement of trade unions in this process. In the wake of the forum the participants approved the recommendations and proposals for the extension of the experience of Uzbekistan in creation of decent working conditions in companies and organizations, further streamlining of the activity of trade unions and partner organizations in this direction, the institutionalization of social dialogue, and establishment of public control. As part of the international conference foreign guests were introduced to the specifics of trade unions at enterprises and institutions of the country, and visited historical cities of Samarkand and Khiva. *** The Council of Federation of Trade Unions held a panel discussion on the occasion of the World Labor Protection Day. As noted at the event, labor protection ranks among the priorities of trade union organizations of the country. Labor protection services have been established under territorial and industry specific trade union organizations to prevent employment injuries and occupational diseases, and strengthen employers' liability in this regard. Uzbekistan has made some progress in ensuring the observation of sanitary rules in workers’ associations, continuous operation of social facilities through collective agreements. Employees are provided with protective clothing and footwear, personal protective equipment, preventive nutrition. The speakers pointed out that the cooperation of trade unions with employers, government organizations and NGOs has been contributing to strengthening of labor protection. The streamlined legal framework in the field has provided opportunities for addressing many issues through social partnership. The panelists discussed the ways of enhancing prevention and occupational safety. They shared the related national and international experience. The meetings on the occasion of the World Labor Protection Day were held in Karakalpakstan, regions and the Tashkent city, in the primary trade union organizations of the republic. Bridges of Cooperation Marlise Brigitte Daane, Press-Secretary, IG Metal Industrial Union (Germany): “Such forums help building effective bridges of cooperation between trade unions in different countries. Uzbekistan has made great progress in protecting socio-economic and labor rights of workers. It is noteworthy that the state has been assisting in addressing problems in labor sector. Such a support has a positive effect on the further development of this work.” Strategic Partnership Zhang Jianguo, Department Head, All-China Federation of Trade Unions: “Having reached the level of strategic partnership in all fields, the ChineseUzbek cooperation has been developing dynamically. My respect for the hardworking people of Uzbekistan, with their long history, rich and multifaceted culture, is boundless. The interaction between the trade union organizations of the two countries has been intensifying year after year. The conference has introduced us to the impressive work Uzbekistan has been carrying out to ensure citizens› rights to decent working conditions. We are impressed by the innovations in this field.” 6 www.ut.uz www.facebook.com/uztoday www.twitter.com/uz_today www.plus.google.com/+uzbekistantoday www.vk.com/ut_uz No. 17 (445) May 1, 2015 SOCIAL ORBIT Schoolchildren attending a career guidance exhibition LAVISHED WITH ATTENTION REMEMBRANCE AND HONOR DAY PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION Bright Days in the Neighborhood Eldar Rahmatullayev With Remembrance and Honor Day and the 70th anniversary of Victory in World War II fast approaching, an unusual atmosphere has set in Uzbekistan. An Uzbekistan Today correspondent visited Hamid Sulaimonov Mahalla (neighborhood) in Tashkent’s Yakkasaroy District. Schoolchildren on the Threshold of Life The Ministry of Public Education continues to introduce information and communication technologies thereby contributing to the implementation of laws that guarantee free twelveyear education, which is split into two segments: nine years at general education schools and three years at a lyceum or college. This year, information technologies are being introduced to the system of monitoring the process of application to secondary special and professional schooling. Moreover, career guidance and counseling for ninth-graders is being computerized. Sanjar Anvarov Director of the Republican Center for Career Guidance and PsychologicalPedagogical Diagnostics of Students at the Ministry of Public Education, Komol Gofurov, has told an Uzbekistan Today correspondent how schools prepare their students for college and lyceum admission exams. “Mr. Gofurov, what innovations are expected this year?” “This year, for the first time applications to lyceums and colleges will be based on an electronic system of monitoring. Last year, it worked in test mode and lived up to expectations. We rely on it to glean accurate information about each and find out whether he or she was admitted to a particular college or lyceum. The monitoring system has made it possible to automate and predict the influx of boys and girls willing to enroll in a particular school. The system contains information based on the results of surveys of students regarding their choice of an educational institution and specialization. The computer system automatically collates all the information and we can now gauge the situation at every college in terms of profession. We can say that approximately 15% of professional colleges will see an increase in the number of applications. These include institutions that train medical and humanities specialists. We now hold explanatory work for applicants so that graduating schoolchildren would know the emerging situation. This way, we would also be able to help them deal with the situation.” “As practice has shown, the most challenging task is to help every graduating schoolchild choose a specialty and profession.” “Yes, that’s exactly why a lot is being done to help every graduate in this regard. The Center for Secondary Special and Professional Education annually adjusts quotas based on predictions with regard to demand for specialists. Schools are also working to familiarize students with requirements in the jobs market. However, the choice of a profession remains a tough task for schoolchildren. Some of them are not ready to cope with it. There are school-based psychologists and career guidance specialists who should come to their aid. But that does not always held. Therefore, we have created a computer program based on developments by local and international psychologists that is used to test students and determines their inclinations for particular professions. This year we tested it at school №110 in Tashkent’s Mirabad District and Schools №11 and №27 in Tashkent Region. We plan to introduce the software at all schools next year. By that time it will be able to HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES A string of events celebrating the 70th anniversary of victory in World War Two is being held in Uzbek regions at the initiative of the Nuroniy Foundation. list not just the names of occupations that fit students, but also provide information about whether a particular profession is in demand in the jobs market.” “But even after the software is introduced, problems related to popular professions and conflict of interest will remain unresolved, won’t they? Testing will show demand for plumbers or carpenters. The labor market indicates a need for “working hands” while students aspire to get into medical, pedagogical and law colleges.” “We conduct student surveys three times a year in order to see their desires and intentions regarding further studies. We have compared results and see how students’ opinions change. As a rule, the first two surveys show the strong influence of the ‘collectivism’ factor on their choice; you can see an entire class willing to continue their studies together. In the third survey, we can see that they demonstrate a more conscious approach. That’s the result of a series of events, called ‘festivals of professions’, which are held in-between surveys. Colleges and lyceums host open house days. Representatives of secondary education institutions come to schools and talk about the opportunities offered by their institutions. Various competitions and quizzes are held in an effort to raise students’ awareness and overall knowledge. And an annual “My Future Profession” essay is administered. All these induce students to think twice before making a choice. Meetings with parents have also become traditional. In recent years, these meetings have been held separately for mothers and fathers as parents have shown different approaches to determining their children’s future occupation. An analysis of the current system of career guidance has revealed that the weakest link is the absence of professional counseling for children concerning their future professions. The child receives advice from his or her teachers, parents, grandparents and friends but never a specific, well-grounded answer to the question of what to be. Once introduced, the computer-based testing will help relieve the acuteness of this problem.” Is there any probability that the recommendations will be made mandatory for implementation? “Children and their parents will always have a choice. Our task is to provide them with maximum professional counseling and help every ninth-grader to gain professional skills that would enable them to engage in their favorite activities and become sought-after specialists. Consequently, all this should contribute to the formation in Uzbekistan of a labor market where every specialist in addition to professional knowledge will be required to have a broad world outlook as well as economic and legal knowledge.” Medical Discoveries That Instill Hope Oleg Gayevoy “Tertiary peritonitis”, a word combination that has not yet become habitual for local surgeons, is an umbrella term for all types of purulent peritonitis that develop after surgeries on purulent complications in health conditions affecting the abdominal cavity that result from other gastrointestinal tract diseases. At the same time, research centers have emerged in Uzbekistan that aspire to remove this condition from the list of highly lethal diseases. International scientists praised results secured by Andijan specialists. Three major medical establishments in Andijan Region – the Andijan Medical Institute, the Center for Clinical Limphology, and the regional branch of the National Specialized Center for Emergency Aid – have joined forces in an effort to address tertiary peritonitis. Following a body of research, a group of specialists working under the tutelage of Professor Erkin Jumaboyev, the son of the founder of clinical lymphology in Uzbekistan Satkul Jumaboyev, has cyan magenta yellow black 6 arrived at a conclusion that tertiary peritonitis is a problem that is to be addressed by using regional lymphatic therapy methods. The treatment techniques they have proposed have made it possible to cut the lethality of the disease two-fold. Around two hundred patients have been treated based on the said methods thus far. The local doctors based their inventions on the numerous discoveries about the greater omentum made over the past years elsewhere in the world. Research has revealed that it is not just a group of body cells that impacts the physique, but also a crucial organ of the human immune system that is responsible for warding off infections from the abdominal cavity and serves as a shield from inflammatory disease. This effect is provided by cells produced by milk spots found in the greater omentum. “Our research has shown that the primary cause of all types of peritonitis, especially tertiary peritonitis, is insufficient activity of cells produced by milk spots. The immune system becomes weak and standard treatment is rendered ineffective,” says Professor Erkin Jumaboyev of the Department of Hospital Surgery I and the chairman of the Mahalla Committee Mahkam Sultonov set out to visit World War Two veteran Nazar Semyonovich Nazaryan. “On April 7, we were joined by members of the District Mayor’s Office and the Ministry of Defense to visit Yuri Shevchenko. We presented him a commemorative medal and a money award on behalf of President Islam Karimov,” Mahkam Sultonov said as we made our way to see the respectable veteran. “But time has mercy on no one; after two days, he departed this life. The mahalla now has only one 1941-1945 war veteran and four labor front participants,” Sultonov said. “They rarely leave their homes but their neighbors remember and respect them for their outstanding services for their motherland. They are visited by doctors and representatives of authorities. Each visit by guests to our mahalla boosts veterans’ prestige and contributes to the understanding of the importance of victory over fascism and aspiration to value peace and rapport that our multinational country enjoys. Being close to them plays an important role in the upbringing of the youth in the spirit of peace and tolerance. “In what has become a tradition, no important event is held without culinary delights, including on Remembrance and Honor Day,” he continued. “In our mahalla, laying a table with treats has become a good tradition. Unfortunately, this year’s celebrations will be without respectable veterans, who won’t be able to join us due to their frail health. Nonetheless, the gathering will talk about and honor them, their feats, and their contributions to the victory. We will also remember and pay tribute to those who passed away, but they have remained in our hearts. On behalf of the mahalla committee and neighbors, each and every veteran will be given souvenirs and sweets in their homes.” …In the course of our conversation we approached a freshly painted gate. The honorable man’s daughter, Margarita, opened the door and greeted us. Then appeared the veteran. Our conversation took place in the small, well-groomed yard. “I joined the war in 1941 as a volunteer and went as far as Germany. I have lived in Uzbekistan for nearly 70 years. Before retirement, I worked as a watch repairman. Today I enjoy life and pray to the Almighty that there would always be peace on earth and that our children lived in peace and accord,” Nazar Nazaryan says. “I don’t leave the confines of my home due to my health. But I don’t suffer from lack of attention. Recently, I was visited by doctors, employees of the mayor’s office and the Ministry of Defense, who extended congratulations on behalf of our President and gave me a medal and a money award. They also offered me free recreation at a sanatorium, but I declined. The other day, high school and college students from the neighborhood came to visit me and offered to help about the house. They are great guys, who helped us clean the house after winter and repair the façade.” For Nazaryan, Remembrance and Honor Day is a very special date. In keeping with tradition, an elderly person’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren get together in the house. “It is now the third generation that enjoys peaceful life. It is my great-grandchildren. And I am in seventh heaven,” Nazaryan says. “I find myself remembering the war, my friends and colleagues who did not make it to this day. The only solace I have is that these deprivations were not in vain.” Nazar Nazaryan …The veteran’s daughter Margarita saw us out. Saying goodbye to her, Mahkam warned her saying: “Expect more guests. A group of entrepreneurs working in the mahalla are planning to visit the veteran with presents.” In the words of the chairman of the Mahalla Committee, the veterans are in for more presents and surprises. The Year of Attention and Care for the Senior Generation has made sure that no one is left unattended. *** The Museum of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan has put together a major exhibition at the Pension Home for War and Labor Veterans. Residents of the pension home have been given an opportunity to view photos and models of military equipment used during the Second World War as well as modern equipment. Exhibits also included military uniforms from various years. Veterans reminisced about their relatives, loved ones and friends that had made contributions to the triumph over fascist Germany. The event concluded with performances by an orchestra and the Central Ensemble of Song and Dance of Uzbekistan’s armed forces. Those gathered listened to wartime songs and modern melodies. *** Over 120 war and labor veterans have taken a rest at Tovoqsoy sanatorium in Tashkent Region. They have returned home full of memories and lasting impressions of the time they spent at the facility. Members of the sanatorium’s administration said that thorough preparations had been undertaken for veterans’ recreation. One of their favorite spots is a gazebo with a national trestle bed that gave them an excellent opportunity to enjoy get-together for tea, enjoying conversations and sharing memories. A mandatory part of the recreation is medical treatment. Veterans were serviced by experienced physiotherapists and treated to herbal drinks. YEAR OF ATTENTION AND CARE FOR THE SENIOR GENERATION History Perpetuated in Snapshots Asliddin Hakimov In the Year of Attention and Care for the Senior Generation in Uzbekistan, the State Central Archive of Cinema and Photo Documents is demonstrating documents reflecting the life of elderly people in various years and helping to add more snapshots to family archives. at the Andijan Medical Institute, who led the research. “Therefore, in order to successfully ward off tertiary peritonitis we focused on looking for techniques that would make these cells work.” The discovery made by Andijan scientists lay in a new area of modern medicine, which has been dubbed “lymphotropic cell therapy”. It refers to boosting cells’ immune activity with the help of certain sets of medications out of the body and introduction of resultant cells to the body in line with lymphotropic therapy rules, that is, to particular zones where they may start to actively fight infection and perform their functions. “Our method does not exclude conventional components of tertiary peritonitis treatment,” Professor Jumaboyev summed up. “But it sharply increases patients’ recovery chances.” The method has been presented at the international conferences focusing on clinical lymphology, where it drew positive reviews from international specialists, and has been incorporated into practices at the Andijan Medical Institute and the regional branch of the National Research Center for Emergency Aid. Tashkent’s Turkiston Palace of Art hosted an event attended by over 500 people, among them 1941– 1945 war and labor front veterans and members of the Kamolot Youth Movement. The event treated those gathered to exciting performances by music teams and Uzbek celebrities. With support from sponsors that included ArtExpoServis and Uzbekyengilsanoat, war and labor veterans were honored with presents. and Care for the Senior Generation.” The staff of the archive has given Uzbekistan Today correspondents an exclusive opportunity to familiarize themselves with such requests. One such request was made by a Malika Saidova, who expressed profuse gratitude after she was provided with what she had been looking for. She had asked the archivists to help find screenshots from a video featuring her father, Malik Rahimov, once a lecturer at the National University of Uzbekistan, then known as Tashkent State University. Another Uzbek citizen, Bahodir Otaquziyev, the son of eminent poet Uygun, had been seeking materials about his father. The staff provided him with a number of photographs and footage featuring the late man of letters. Film director Sharofat Sharipova got hold of copies of films she had directed – “The Kind Storyteller” and “The Life and Creativity of Ghofur Ghulom” (a 20th-century Uzbek poet), a perfect present for her birthday. Following tradition, the State Archive has responded to the announcement of 2015 as the Year of Attention and Care for the Senior Generation by mounting a thematic mobile exhibition. It may be viewed at various events. “The oldest photograph on display dates back to 1930 while the newest one was made during Navruz celebrations, when all the veteran archivists got together and were treated to meals,” says Zulfiya Suleimanova, head of a department. “The photo captures traditions reflecting veneration that elderly people enjoy in Uzbekistan. They are guardians of traditions and customs and play an important role in the upbringing of the rising generation. Uzbek society pays a considerable amount of attention to their prosperity while the government provides a broad spectrum of social services seeking to improve living standards for them. Many people contact the state archive with requests to help find images of their loved ones. Many of them have their requests fulfilled, since a number of newspaper offices, news agencies, film studios and leading documentary makers have long participated in the formation of archives. “We often have people asking us to find photographs of relatives and to find works created by them,” says Suleimanova. “This year, the number of such people has notably increased since many events are being held in Zulfiya Suleimanova describes connection with the Year of Attention photographs on display 7 www.ut.uz www.facebook.com/uztoday www.twitter.com/uz_today www.plus.google.com/+uzbekistantoday No. 17 (445) May 1, 2015 www.vk.com/ut_uz CULTURE AND ARTS On the Way to Harmony Story without Words [1] The hall was overcrowded with lovers of dance. The spectators were enchanted by every single motion of the dancers: you know, that every dance was telling a love and life story. “We are grateful for support to our director Karima Zaripova and coordinator Ravshan Nurmukhammedov. We would not be able to achieve such results without them,” say students of the variety-circus college, awarded with diplomas. “We felt so much agitated because we had to compete with professional actors. We had learnt so much in three days and now we feel confident in ourselves.” The evening ended up with a performance given by the festival winner, actor of the Republican Theater of young spectators Shakhboz Turonov. “An actor should be a Jack-of-all- Nasiba Muminova Fifty gold and 50 silver medals have found their winners at the Festival of Fine and Applied art organized by the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan. Some of the awards were presented to winners living in various parts of the country, at the Exhibition Hall of the Academy of Art of Uzbekistan. International festival of polyphonic ensembles and orchestras of national instruments at the Conservatory of Uzbekistan “I understand that to present a sole work of art focusingg on it the audience’s entire attention is quite a responsible matter,” he said. “It took quite some time for me to get ready to start the work. I had re-read Alisher Navoi’s “The Language of Birds” and was inspired by his poem. Hopefully the idea of a single work of art will become a good tradition.” Students of the National Institute of Arts and Design presented an unusual exhibition-performance in the foyer of the Republican Theater of Young Spectators. Spectators moved around the hall. A thin ray led everyone in the right direction in absolute darkness revealing new secrets of the play, which they became participants of. “It’s everybody’s secret that a human comes to this world and departs it. We tried to look at the subject differently. In this play, an unborn soul travels around the world falling in love with all manifestations of life,” says Normurod Negmatov, producer and young painter. Every day of the Festival was devoted to one of the educational institutions under the Academy of Art of Uzbekistan. “Boys and girls with certain level of preparedness – graduates of Children’s Schools of Music and Art, specialized Lyceums and Colleges – enroll at our higher educational establishment. The Chair of monumental painting is one of the most complex ones, since this direction is linked with architectural structures. Nevertheless, girls too study with us successfully,” shared his thoughts Nodir Shoabdurakhimov, teacher of the Chair of the Kamoliddin Bekhzod National Institute of Arts and Design. “Upon completion of training the graduates join the ranks of the country’s specialists in the regions. They are in demand everywhere because new architectural and townplanning structures are being erected everywhere.” “It’s a bit sad that this holiday, which lasted for five days all over the country, has come to an end. About 300 students from our boarding school had taken part in it. The works by students of the artistic department had attracted everybody’s attention. The interest to children’s fine art is always great – their paintings are noted for their sincerity and rich fantasy. And the students of the musical department gave a concert at the closing ceremony of the Festival,” says director of the Republican Boarding school of art Somiy Sodiqov. “Many were awarded with diplomas and medals. This is not only a motivating factor for the growing generation but also an powerful propaganda of children’s creative activity.” “I think that successes in the development of different trends in art are linked with our nation’s love to the beautiful, aspiration to decoration in a good sense of the word,” said People’s Artist of Uzbekistan, academician Sobit Rakhmatov. “Just recall a traditional Uzbek courtyard, every room in a house – an aspiration to ennoble the surrounding environment is seen in everything. This is a proof of the nation’s cultural level and its aspiration towards a harmony.” Children Play Navruz Melodies Sayora Ruzihojayeva The “Navruz sadolari” (Melodies of Navruz) International festival of polyphonic ensembles and orchestras of national instruments was held in Tashkent. More than 50 children’s ensembles and orchestras of national instruments, numbering more than one thousand participants from three to fifteen years of age from all the regions of the country and near abroad took part in the musical forum. Hence this year the festival got the status of an international one. “The objective of the festival is further development of polyphonic performance on national instruments, promotion of creative activity of national instrumental groups, strengthening of international creative relations, exchange of repertoires and acquaintance with modern music,” said the festival coordinator, artistic director and chief conductor of the “Sogdiana” Designer by Nature and Profession Uzbek State chamber orchestra of national instruments, Professor Feruza Abdurakhimova. “Playing national instruments is a foundation of musical culture. And if we want to preserve and develop it, we have to pay attention to children’s musical education. The festival is devoted to the Year of Attention and Care for Older generation, and also to the 105th birth anniversary of the founder of the first orchestra of national instruments, Merited Art worker Ashot Petrosyants, and 90th birth anniversary of one of the founders of modern ways of playing national instruments, professor Anvar Hakimov.” “We performed at such a responsible event for the first time with our 14 small children aged from three to six years,” says musical chief of preschool children’s educational establishment No.360 of Uchtepa district of Tashkent Nilufar Rejametova. “Children tried hard, and jury members evaluated highly their performance. The children’s ensemble won the first place in their age category. Clothes designer, founder and leader of one of the leading Fashion houses of the capital LALI – Lali Fazilova – is one of those who makes art functional and through her creative activity she implants in people love for national and global fashion industry trends. She popularizes overseas the modern tendencies in the Uzbek fashion, traditions and customs of the Uzbek people. She introduces successfully in Uzbekistan her foreign colleagues’ best practices. For the majority of Uzbekistanis the concept ‘Fashion house’ is associated with production of smart clothes demonstrated on the podiums. What did your creative path in this matter start from for you? “The Fashion house is the result I have arrived at. I had started with regular orders on garments. After many years of work at the Republican fashion house I decided to try my individual creativity. The first orders Lali Fazilova makes the art functional were made on the Veritas sewing machine, which my father presented me with. My customers, accepted depends on many factors. who liked my work, invited new customers and the One week ago I came back from Kazakhstan, number of orders kept growing up. To cope with where had been held a Fashion week. Our new new orders I invited an assistant. This is how it had collection “Intizor” had aroused a great interest of all started. the public and mass media. It was like a fresh spirit In time the dressmaking establishment turned in the Kazakhstan Fashion week, where traditionally into the Fashion house. We elaborate seasonal take part many Georgian designers in whose works collections of stylish garments for our charming dominate leather and black color. I think that our ladies, who want to look nice and proudly wear garments gladdened the eyes with rich colors and clothes made in Uzbekistan.” finesse so much peculiar to Uzbekistan. I would How are the works of national designers like to believe that we had worthily presented the accepted abroad? modern Uzbek fashion through this collection. Its “I always attach major attention to traditional elaboration was inspired by the guest room design – elements. Our models are made of natural national intizorhona – at the architectural monument of the fabrics, we had carefully studied the cut of historical Bukhara Emir’s summer residence – Sitorai Mohi costume of Uzbekistan and use hand embroidery Hosa. Its carving and painting designs are widely inspired by the Central Asian motifs. We use fabrics used in the making of the clothes. It was namely manufactured by Marghilon craftsmen – keepers of there that was born the idea of the “Forest fairy” traditions. The ideas themselves, which enable us to dress, abundant in flowers and butterflies. create original smart clothes, are kind of symbiosis I remember the Festival of Turkic speaking nations created on the basis of modern fashion trends held in Turkey. We presented there a collection made and stylized application of elements of national up of traditional Uzbek dresses: ensembles, which creativity. And how this creativity is going to be used restored historical cut and aesthetics of popular 7 costumes. The show was complete with a bride’s dress. It was made in the form of a cocoon and decorated with embroidered mulberrytree leaves symbolizing the youthfulness of the bride opening up like a butterfly from cocoon.” What do you feel when your collection is parade on the catwalk? “I always had a wish to see the show from the hall, not from behind the scenes. But unsuccessfully so far. Fashion show is an important event; it is quite labor-consuming and requires tremendous concentration. First comes excitement, which one has to suppress; followed by feeling of pride for the job done well. Then comes self-criticism: gradually in the course of the show I admit for myself those moments, which I would like to take into account and what corrections need to be introduced in the next collection. And, naturally, during the final official show, when I see the reaction of audience, everything acquires that very meaning, which I had to work so hard for.” Are your dresses in demand in Uzbekistan? “We present our seasonal collections in the show-room of our Fashion house in Tashkent. Show-room is a relatively new concept in our fashion-industry, but is a rather popular practice in the activities of foreign Fashion houses. One can get acquainted with a brand collection, buy the original or order a copy of one or another dress in the showroom.” Does it mean that there are no exclusive dresses? “We produce dresses in small batches. There is very little probability that you may come across two ladies dressed up in identical dresses. Each dress is made for a concrete customer.” The festival provided the children an excellent opportunity to display their creative talents.” “Orchestra music, I am confident, is a powerful lever for patriotic upbringing. This is why apart from scrupulous study of national, classical and modern music annually we take part at the “Navruz sadolari” (Melodies of Navruz) festival,” shared his ideas teacher of Gulistan College of art and Children’s school of music and art No.1 Ismoil Bakhodirov. “The school orchestra won the first place in its nomination thanks to playing complicated items. This is not an accidental success. It is the result of care and attention to children. Schools of music and art are being reconstructed and new ones erected everywhere – this creates favorable conditions for spiritual upbringing of the growing generation.” The festival days turned out full of events and fruitful; an international conference, an exhibition of popular instruments, and master classes were held within it. Tribute to Music Geniuses Malika Akhmedova Sanjar Anvarov cyan magenta yellow black were identified in the nominations “For artistic skill, “Original idea”, “The best team”, “The festival discovery”, “Enchanting performance” and others. FESTIVAL The public had warmly supported all the winners. But applauses were especially loud when Hudoyshukur Rajabov, first year student off e, the Republican Design College, al. showed up to get his silver medal. “Hudoyshukur Rajabov hass noo hands,” says chief pedagogue inn easell ge painting of the Republican Art College theless, this thiis Zukhriddin Islamshikov. “Nevertheless, own for his young man from Khorezm is known uch energy g self-control, courage and so much remendous that he manages to achieve tremendous successes. It looks like he sees everythingg through his heart. When he paints one ws an exact feels amazed at how he draws h. This time line or stroke of the paint-brush. ng with his too he had surprised us, including knowledge acquired during incomplete academic year. He created a deeply meaningful work on the planner, for which he deserved the silver medal.” On the eve of the award presentation ceremony the Central Exhibition hall for five days was turned into a huge art studio on the planner. All sorts of master classes were also conducted here. Creative competitions, discussions, meetings and concerts were held within the framework of the Festival. The Art critics had the opportunity to discuss the urgent issues at two national conferences. Creative works by eminent painters, sculptors and craftsmen were represented at the Festival devoted to the Year of Attention and Care for the Older Generation. “We brought their works to the exhibition, which are presented to the audience for the first time,” told us Chairperson of the Karakalpakstan branch of the Academy of Art of Uzbekistan Gulbakhor Izentayeva, “as well as works by experienced painters Sarsenbai Baibosynov, Abdulla Rajabov, ceramist Daribai Tajimuratov. Students of the specialized school of art under our branch had also come to the exhibition. Performer of epic legends Salamat Ayapov adorned its folkloric part. Merited Art worker of Uzbekistan Damir Rusybayev – out of his numerous works - presented at the exhibition of a single work of art, opened at the State Museum of Art, a sculpture of a bird. trades, i.e. be able to sing, dance, play musical instruments,” says the actor. “The festival brings together actors from different theaters and turns into a scene for pooling creative ideas. The participation in the festival itself has become a good lesson for me. I am grateful to my partner – Nargiza Rustamova, who invited me to take part in the competition.” The youth of Uzbekistan keep abreast with the time, which is proved by the participation of more than two thousand young dancers in the “Yoshlik zavqi” (Joy of Youth) festival of ballet and modern dances. 226 of them faced the jury at the national stage, demonstrating the best items in three directions – dance from a well-known ballet, modern dance (hiphop, tic-tonic, break-dance, electro, etc.) and a variety-sport dance. Winners in the three directions were announced at the Gala-concert at Turkiston Palace and the best dancers At the gala concert at the Theater of Young Audiences A series of concerts is held at the Organ Hall of the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan devoted to composers, whose jubilee birthdays are marked this year by the world musical public – 205th birth anniversary of Frederic Chopin and Robert Schumann, 175th anniversary of Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky and 140th anniversary of Morris Ravel. The works by the classicists filled the program of a series of evenings at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan. Students of the Chair of special piano and the Lyceum for endowed children under the Conservatory performed popular works by classic composers. The baton then was passed on to vocalists who sang to the accompaniment of the Conservatory faculty staff – professor of the Chair of accompaniment skills and chamber music Malik Qosimov and assistant professor of the Chair Makhfuza Qozoqboyeva. They presented the chamber-vocal works by Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky. “The composer liked the vocal art and wrote quite a number of wonderful works,” says professor Malika Qosimova, “They were performed by soloists of the Bolshoy Theater named after Alisher Navoi, among them an experienced vocalist – Merited Artist Gulshan Azizova, and young vocalists – Gulnar Aljanova, Nadezhda Bandelet, Umid Isroilov, Gulnara Samykova, and Jabrail Idrisov. The youth strives to achieve the heights of performance mastership, all participants of the concert are the laureates and winners of many significant contests. Thus, Jabrail Idrisov had recently won the title of a laureate and the third place at the International competition of Italian opera performers Competizione dell’Opera held in the capital city. And a promising Umid Isroilov is a laureate of the State prize “Nihol”. Their performances bring true delight to music lovers. This time too all performers managed to deliver to the audience the content of the works by prominent composers and were rewarded with thunderous applauses. “Columbus with a Conductor’s Baton” Galina Ametova A monograph by assistant professor of the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan, musical critic Inessa Gulzarova “Eldar Azimov. Conductor with a Name” has come off the press. The book is devoted to creative path of the Merited art worker of Uzbekistan, artistic director and conductor of the “Turkiston” chamber orchestra Eldor Azimov. The orchestra under his leadership has for the first time in the country performed many classical and modern musical pieces of the world. A great number of musical works were written by composers of Central Asian republics specifically for this musical group. “It is not incidental,” writes the author, “the maestro Azimov is called a ‘Columbus with the Conductor’s Baton’, who gave life to several dozens of musical items.” The publication is devoted to the 70th birth anniversary of E.Azimov and 20th anniversary of the orchestra he heads. The author writes with sincere enthusiasms about her hero and people, who surrounded and surround him; tells in detail about the establishment of the “Turkiston” chamber orchestra. She lifts the veil over the birth of various concert programs and reveals certain secrets of this difficult but incredibly interesting profession of a conductor. Essays by contemporaries who had come into contact with the endowed maestro add up depth to the content of the book. I.Gulzarova also provides reviews of the orchestra performances published in the newspapers and magazines, including those of her own. A big number of photographs, which fixed the moments of performances, attach the narration voluminous visuality. 8 www.ut.uz www.facebook.com/uztoday www.twitter.com/uz_today www.plus.google.com/+uzbekistantoday No. 17 (445) May 1, 2015 www.vk.com/ut_uz SPORTS Summer Biathlon CLOSE-UP Goal: Hit the Bull’s Eye Husniddin Erkinov The construction of a roller track has begun on the territory of the sports base of the Tashkent Regional Center for technical and applied sports in Chirchik. It will allow athletes to return to the leading positions in summer biathlon, according to Coach Sergei Serebryakov. Mahmud Utembaev “If someone told me a few years back that I, a disabled man from Syrdarya, would become a world champion in shooting with a pistol, I would not believe them. But this became a reality,” said a member of the Paralympics team of Uzbekistan Server Ibragimov. Server became a professional sportsman when he was in his thirties. The Olympic Movement of Uzbekistan had a huge influence on the life of a man with cerebral palsy. “They came to my home and said, enough watching TV, let’s get you to the gym. This was chairman of the Paralympics Association of Syrdarya Region Akmal Saburov,” says Server Ibragimov. “I did come to the gym, but had doubts about the whole thing. I was worried that no one will assist me or help me with the trainings. However, everyone was focused on helping me to become a proper paralympian. We first started off with athletics and weightlifting, but I did not like these disciplines. Then we moved on to shooting and I loved it. In a few months on the republican competitions I showed the highest result. This was the beginning of my new life.” For the last two years Server is rarely at home, as most of his time he spends in Tashkent at the training camp before the next major international competition. Our correspondents met with the successful athlete and his coach Natalya Yefimova on the shooting range of Chilanzar District affiliate of ‘Vatanparvar’ Organization, right after their return from Poland. “For me, this trip to the Shooting World Cup was very hard,” recalls Server Ibragimov. “Firstly, the road was difficult, and secondly, I experienced emotional stress after beating my own personal record, updating the world record, becoming the first in the world rankings, and wining the license to Rio de Janeiro. It just does not fit all in my head.” Natalya Yefimova commented in a coaching manner «It was the fourth start for Server in international competitions. In each of them he improved his results. If his start, which opened the way for international competitions were 505 points, which he earned at the national championship, at the World Cup in Szczecin he had already received 576 points! This is the best result for shooting from a pistol from 10 meters that has ever been recorded by a Paralympian. The credit belongs to the fact that he more than anyone else hit the bull’s eye. Of course, Server made a great leap forward in his development. Before that, his best result was 562 points and sixth place in Incheon on the Asian Paralympic Games. “The World Cup Final was the most difficult test for me, which had to take place in the sports arena. I was very worried, because never before had I come so close to the ‘gold’ in international competitions. I tried very hard to focus on my targets as I knew that I was capable of winning the competition,” said Server Ibragimov. “A burst of energy that I felt after I went through to the final helped me a lot. Moreover the German athlete knew that I had very little experience of performing at such prestigious competitions, and thus relaxed too early.” It's only been a couple years since Uzbekistan began to thoroughly prepare its athletes with disabilities for international competitions in shooting. And for the short term thanks to the victory of Server Ibragimov the country will compete in shooting at the Paralympic Games for the first time. Sergey Valentinovich, how is national biathlon being developed? “We are continuing with its systematic popularization throughout the country. In April, the Cup and Championship among youth and juniors were held in the republic. They showed that today Namangan, Samarkand, Tashkent region and Tashkent city are clearly in the lead in this sport. The highly qualified coaching staff is one of the main factors influencing the good results of the athletes from these regions. Along with experienced coaches, good performances are being shown by the triple world champion Ruslan Nasyrov, winners of the Asian Championship Alina Aiupova and Dilafruz Imomhusanova and other athletes who have shown good results in international competitions.” Why weren’t our athletes able to win high awards in the last couple of years? “Among the highest awards, which our athletes were able to win in recent years is the first place of Ruslan Nasyrov at the 2006 World Junior Championships, and then equivalent performances in 2009 and 2011 at the world championships, 16 clubs from 8 countries competed for the coveted prize. Uzbekistan was represented by 3 clubs. “All three clubs of Uzbekistan are composed by selecting the strongest athletes from across the country, including the 12 functioning professional clubs in the country. The same method of creating clubs is used by many countries participating in the Championship,” said the head coach of the national team Kamil Adylov. “It has allowed us to use the championship to prepare athletes for the other major competitions.” The best result of the three local clubs, which participated from Uzbekistan, was shown by ‘Uzbekistan-1’ Club. It took second place, losing only to Iranian club Islamic Azad University of Iran. Ilhom Fayzullaev Last week, Uzbekistan hosted an important international event in the region - the first qualifying round of the Central Asian League, FEI World Cup, during which the traditional team competition ‘Cup of Nations’ also took place. The competition ended with the victory of Uzbek athletes. but among adults. He and several other athletes, performing in various age categories, have traditionally occupied the top places in the finals of the Open European Championships, World Championships and the Asian Cup. However, in recent years, our positions on the international arena became a little weak. This is due to the fact that the high-speed roller program has become more popular and spectacular in the world, and our athletes are traditionally strong in the cross. Unfortunately, many competitions in summer biathlon, including the World Cup, are exclusively Roller programs. And I must admit that we are lagging behind in the preparation of athletes for the starts in this discipline due to lack of a track in the country required for training and competitions.” What are the development prospects of Summer Biathlon in Uzbekistan? “Today the main task is to regain the lost ground in the world championship. This year, the ‘Vatanparvar’ organization has allocated funds for the construction of a training facility on the sports base in Chirchik. It will help ensure an adequate level of training of athletes. Builders promise to finish the project within a few months. Given that not every athlete is able to successfully switch from cross-country programs to high speed roller programs, we are preparing the children in both directions. For this we are using the existing facilities.” Get into a New Stream [1] A Successful Start During the first qualifying stage of the Central Asian League, FEI World Cup, riders from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan scored points required to obtain a license for the finals of the World Cup in 2016. There are still two phases. In Jumping up to 160 cm Uzbeks were able to easily compete with their rivals. Once again, the good results were shown by our most experienced rider Gayrat Nazarov. Over 17 years of participation in the World Cup he has won it 9 times. This year in overcoming 130-135 cm obstacles he won two medals - gold, riding the Soloist, and a bronze on Lasinos Boy. Gayrat also showed good results in jumping over 140 cm obstacles, where Soloist was third. “Three medals in one competition is a great result and will surely help me get the scores needed to continue the fight for a ticket to the World Cup,” Gayrat Nazarov commented on his performance. “Not a bad start to the year and I try to keep it up for the upcoming stages.” SPRINT REVIEW Its members have won three gold, two silver and six bronze medals. Thanks to the gold medals won by Sadriddin Saymatov and Ikbol Uzokov, that were achieved individually in the kumite and the gold of the women's team in the team-kumite competitions, our team was able to rise to the second place in the standings. Club ‘Uzbekistan-2’ with two silver and three bronze medals took the eighth place and ‘Uzbekistan-3’, which won only two bronze medals was at the 12th spot. During the Championship our teams won 3 gold, 4 silver and 11 bronze medals. The participants of the championship were unanimous that the Tashkent meeting will contribute to further development of club karate on the whole Asian continent. Competitions among athletes over the age of 60 in the four kinds of national martial arts were hosted in Jizzakh. Competitions were organized by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan jointly with the Republican center of national sports and Jizzakh regional administration within the framework of the Year of Attention and Care for the Elder generation. In the kurash competitions first places were won by Mashrab Normatov, Eshpulat Abduvohidov, Chorshanbi Turaev, Kuldosh Hudoyqulov, and Abdulla Saidov. In the competitions of belted kurash first places were given to Mashrab Normatov, Berdikul Shoimov, Sotimboy Ergashev, Kuldosh Hudoyqulov and Bahtiyor Yusufbekov. The teams of the regions also held exhibition matches of turon and the Uzbek martial art. The best results were achieved by the teams of Surhandarya, Jizzakh and Kashkadarya regions. *** The Asian Championship in 64 cell and 100 cell checkers is being held in the capital. Our athletes won 15 gold and silver and 12 bronze medals. Currently they are competing in the blitz and rapid competitions of 64 cell checkers. *** Last week, our tennis players played in three international tournaments, and won a top prize in one of these tournaments. Temur Ismoilov has won Yaroslav Shilya from Belarus on the courts of Kazakhstan with the score 7:6, 6:1. *** Uzbek athletes have won 8 medals at the international Greco-Roman wrestling tournament in Russia. Ahmad Mahmudov, Aram Vardanyan, Mirzohid Tursunov and Jahongir Turdiev won gold medals in their relevant weight categories. Kamariddin Zayniddinov, Mirzabek Rahmatov and Daler Rahmatov were awarded silver medals, while Islom Bahromov won a bronze medal. *** Vladimir Shmelev, one of our most experienced athletes also showed great results. He has two silver medals, which he won in the competitions to overcome the 130-135 cm and 140-160 cm obstacles. There was no equal to Abdushukur Sobirjanov in overcoming 140 cm obstacles. Our compatriot Abdulaziz The Republican Championship on Hapkido was hosted in the ‘Jar’ Sports Facility in Tashkent. Mamatkhonov riding the Fojulia, competed in Jumping of 140-160 cm obstacles. He was able to overcome both experienced and younger athletes. And at the last team competition ‘Nations Cup’ Azam Tolliboev, Feruz Abdullayev, Gayrat Nazarov and Umid Komilov won the main prize as part of our team. This is the 19th victory in the history of this prestigious competition. The contenders showed their strengths in bouts, self-defense and special technique. Hayrulla Hamdamov, Semen Zabolotniy, Alerksander Hegay and Davlat Rashidov were awarded the top prizes in their respective disciplines. Another Pratfall for FC Pakhtakor The ‘railroaders’ beat Pakhtakor in the capital city’s derby match Aleksander Novitskiy The sixth round of the Championship of Uzbekistan brought several interesting results. In the central match the victor and the runner-up of the last championship Pakhtakor and Lokomotiv played in a thrilling match. This is the second meeting of the teams in the last couple of months, and the result was really unexpected. Pakhtakor, a team which plays strong attacking football even against the strongest teams on the continental Champions League, could only score once against Lokomotiv and conceded two goals to give the victory to the ‘railroaders’. The capital derby was the last game of the round. Both teams already knew the results of their main rivals Bunyodkor, Nasaf, Neftchi and Almalyk which had a staggering start to the season and are in contention for the leadership. To maintain the leadership Pakhtakor needed to win. The Super Cup meeting between these teams ended with the victory of the ‘railroaders’ and fans were hoping that Pakhtakor would take revenge. But this was not destined to happen. Already on the 13th minute Ruslan Koryan put Lokomotiv forward. ‘Pakhtakor’ showed a very slow game by only putting in some crosses to the opponent’s penalty area. As a result later Samvel Babayan would comment that the lack of creativity in the final third did not allow his players to score more goals. On the 51st minute Igor Sergeev scored a penalty for Pakhtakor and made it 1:1. But the draw lasted for a brief 15 minutes as Ikrom Alibaev scored a stunner to make it 2:1 and send Pakhatakor packing, again. Vadim Abramov was in high spirits after the match: “It was a difficult game. As they say, a derby match is always more challenging. Both teams wanted to win the match, but we had luck on our side. We were lucky in some episodes of the game. This is our first home win against Pakhtakor,” said the coach. The match in Bekabad attended by Bunyodkor was very intense. Both teams had several chances to score. In the beginning of the match the capital team was able to score through Dostonbek Hamdamov. The players of Bekabad were able to score an equalizer through Dilmurod Karimov, who converted the penalty making it 1:1. Bunyodkor was able to overcome their rivals by using clever substitutions. Sardor Rashidov, Vohid Shodiev and Artem Filiposyan were able to bring in a new life to the attacking game of the guests and made the score 1:2 in favor of Bunyodkor on the 86th minute through Vohid Shodiev. Nevertheless the head coach of Bunyodkor was not very happy with his team: “I'm happy with the win, but not with the game. We made a lot of mistakes and now must work hard to get them fixed. Today, more than luck smiled upon Bunyodkor. Metallurg had a lot of 100% chances which it could not convert. Frankly, I expected that the opponent will play on defense. In fact, everything turned out differently. The hosts attacked a lot and were always ready to counterattack,” stressed the head coach of Bunyodkor. Shurtan at home almost achieved the impossible as they barely missed out of points from the game with Nasaf. One of the main reasons was that Nasaf players had only returned from Iran after playing their Champions League match and were clearly fatigued. So the team took to the field without leading players like goalkeeper Eldorbek Suyunov and defenders Maksud Karimov, Hamza Karimov and Erkin Baidullaev. The first half was very quiet as both teams did not rush the proceedings. However in the second half on the 47th minute Gulom Gulyamov scored for Nasaf and made it 1:0. The game was decided by the substitutes as Faruh Sayfiev leveled the score on the 86th minute and Ilhom Shomuradov scored the final goal in additional time, making its 1:2 in favor of Nasaf. “The win was not easy. I am happy to see that my players showed real character and came back into the game after conceding a goal. The opponents showed a great game and I am delighted that we won the match,” said the head coach of Nasaf Ruzikul Berdiev. Other matches ended with the following results: Navbahor – Dinamo 2:1, Neftchi – Sogdiana 4:1, Mashal – Kokand 1912 3:0, Kyzylkum – Andijan 1:0, Bukhara – Almalyk 0:4. The newspaper is distributed through the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Uzbekistan in more than 45 countries around the world Acting Editor-in-Chief: Dilbar Babadjanova Acting Duty Editor: Tohir Halniyazov FOUNDER: NA “UZBEKISTAN TODAY” cyan magenta yellow black Day of issue - Friday The newspaper is registered with Uzbekistan Agency for Press and Information. Registration number: No. 0008 of 04.10.2013 Volume - 4 printed sheets. Circulation - 4,263 copies. Paper size - A2. Offset printing. Price negotiable. Issued in Russian and English. Individual subscription code - 533. Institution subscription code - 534. The weekly is designed and laid out at NA “Uzbekistan Today”. Published in PPSC “Sharq”. 41, Buyuk Turon Str., Tashkent. 8 The publication also uses UzA and Jahon Information Agency materials. The Board opinion may differ from the opinions authors bring. The publication does not provide reviews on manuscripts. The editorial board is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising materials. The order № Г- 0560 41, Buyuk Turon Str., Tashkent, 100000 Tel.: 2331419 Fax: 2330741, Marketing and advertising department Tel.: 233-77-82 Web: www.ut.uz, e-mail: [email protected] Time of issue: 03:30 01.04.2015 12345