POLITICS



New appointment President Islam Karimov signed a decree appointing Inoyatov Ulugbek Ilyasovich as public education minister. Prior to his appointment, Ulugbek Inoyatov had been working as Rector of the Tashkent State Pedagogical University. In this post Inoyatov replaced Temir Shirinov, who has served as minister since July 2011.

Ambassadors Present Credentials

President Karimov received credentials, at the Oqsaroy on February 5, from the newly appointed Ambassadors – Nicolas Bruel of the Swiss Confederation, Muhammad Nur Osman Yusuf Balkar of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Muhammad Sadek Daudzai of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and Guseyn Kuliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

ECONOMY



Project of Ustyurt Gas Complex has entered into Top Ten Global Investment Projects

A project on construction of Ustyurt Gas Chemical Complex on the base of Surgil field was included into top ten global investment projects of the world in 2012 according to the rating published by the authoritative consulting company Dealogic (Great Britain).

In the top ten investment projects were included the projects of oil and gas, mining, transport and communal infrastructure implemented in Australia – 4 projects and in the USA, France, Great Britain, Singapore, Germany and Uzbekistan by 1 project.

The complex will ensure processing of 4.5 billion cubic meters of gas and produce 400 thousand tons of polyethylene and 100 thousand tons of polypropylene per year. The volume of annual exports makes up 750 million USD. The enterprise will export products to Europe, Eastern and Southern-Eastern Asia. It is expected that Ustyurt Gas Chemical Complex will be put into operation in 2016.

The joint venture Uz-Kor Gas Chemical, which is implementing the construction of Ustyurt Gas Chemical Complex, was founded by the National Holding Company Uzbekneftegaz and an investment consortium of Korean companies KOGAS, Lotte Group and STX Energy.



CBU keeps refinancing rate at 12% APR

The Board of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan adopted decision to keep refinancing rate at the level of 12% APR. The bank said that the decision was adopted in line with the set macroeconomic figures for 2013, including inflation rate, and in order to ensure stability of resource base of commercial banks.

Last time, Central Bank of Uzbekistan changed refinancing rate on 1 January 2011. The bank cut refinancing rate from 14% to 12% APR.

CULTURE



Great poet’s heritage in paintings

An arts exhibition celebrating the 572nd anniversary of Alisher Navoi opened at the Centre of national arts.

The paintings dedicated to the works of the great poet are on display at the exhibition, organized by the Forum of arts and culture of Uzbekistan Foundation, Ijod association of artists, art critics and national craftsmen.

The great poet’s heritage is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for representatives of all spheres, in particular, for artists. These features are demonstrated in the works of artist Temur Sadullaev. The artist works at the State museum of literature named after Alisher Navoi. In his paintings he captures the essence and meaning of the works of the great poet.



Savitsky Museum to Expand

Quite soon the Karakalpakstan Savitsky State Museum of Arts that got the second name ‘Louvre lost in sands’ is to have two new buildings.

As commented the director of the Savitsky Museum, Marinika Babanazarova, the new building of the museum that is famous worldwide, was built at the initiative of the head of the state and opened in 2003, in the days of celebration of the 70th anniversary of the capital of Karakalpakstan. Currently, the government has decided on its enhancement. The new two buildings will be meant for funds depository and exposition block. 10 billion soums have been allocated for it in 2013, while for the implementation of the project is spent 36 billion soums.

TOURISM

Tourism Starts with Exhibitions

For the second time Uzbekistan will be represented in a single national stand at the 20th International Tourism Fair Balttour 2013, which is annually held in Riga and is the leading tourism trade fair of Baltic States.

Last year’s exhibition helped to establish many business contacts between tourist companies of both countries. It offered an extensive presentation of tourist potential of Uzbekistan.

This year the Uzbek stand will feature wide cultural and historical resources of Uzbekistan in a more cognitive and attractive way.