Uzbekistan – June 1-30, 2019

UZBEKISTAN – JUNE 1-30, 2019

Top News of the period ...... 2 Central Bank of Uzbekistan talks on innovations in payment system (Exclusive) 2 Politics and Law ...... 2 B2B e-invoicing to become mandatory from 2020 2 Uzbekistan to hold UN’s FAO conference 3 Uzbekistan, UAE to cooperate in healthcare sector 3 A delegation of Uzbekistan arrives in Brussels 3 Brussels celebrates Uzbekistan Energy Day 4 Uzbekistan, EU hold 15th meeting of Subcommittee on Justice, Internal Affairs, Human Rights and Related Issues 4 Samarkand to host 65th meeting of UNWTO Regional Commission for Europe 4 Economy and Finance ...... 5 Wholesale electricity exchange could be set up in Tashkent 5 Uzbekistan intends to build wind power stations with a capacity of 500 MW 5 New projects are designed to solve a strategic task - to unite the 4 largest transport corridors in China, the CIS, Europe and South Asia 6 Implementation of investment projects in energy, chemical industries instructed to be accelerated 7 Investment cooperation prospects are discussed in Brussels 7 Uzbekistan’s economic transformation gets further boost, with US$ 500 million World Bank loan 8 Business 8 Uzbekistan plans to create an innovative medical park 8 Uzbekistan, Turkey to launch joint cluster for production of shoes, leather 9 Samsung talks on introduction of digital technology [for uzbekistan post company] in Uzbekistan 10 Renault could launch [production of] budget cars in Uzbekistan 10 Modern railway station is built in Angren 10 Tourism and Culture ...... 11 An exhibition dedicated to Uzbekistan to be organized at the Louvre Museum 11 Grandvoyage Tourism Awards: Uzbekistan recognized as the best developing tourist destination 12 Alliance Française’s Representative Office opens in Namangan 12 International airport "Bukhara" is recognized as the best among the CIS countries 13

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TOP NEWS OF THE PERIOD

Central Bank of Uzbekistan talks on innovations in payment system (Exclusive) A project on payments and payment systems that will ensure the solution of tasks related to legal, technical and technological support of payment systems is to be developed in accordance with the resolution of the president of Uzbekistan, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan B. Zakhidov told Trend in an interview. Zakhidov noted that it is necessary to fulfil the tasks of improving the regulatory issues and regulatory support of payment systems. In his words, another task is to create an interbank system of remote customer identification with the ability to integrate with an interdepartmental integration platform of e- government. Zahidov stated, "Moreover, the further development and widespread use of remote banking services as well as introduction of modern technologies for retail payment systems and online services are also important." Among other major objectives the Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan named ensuring conditions for the smooth operation of banking information systems and resources, and the continuity of functions including functions for interbank information exchange. "At the same time, special attention will be paid to ensuring the smooth functioning of the Interbank Payment System and the Clearing System of Central Bank Settlements alongside expansion of their functionality and transition to the round-the-clock operations," he said. In addition, Zakhidov noted, the presidential decree also provides for the creation of a full-fledged Data Processing Center to ensure the smooth operation of the National Interbank Processing Center, the interbank payment system and the clearing center of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan. Trend News Agency – trend.az

POLITICS AND LAW

B2B e-invoicing to become mandatory from 2020 The Government issued the Measures to Improve the Use of Electronic Invoices in the Settlements System. In accordance with the resolution, from July 1, 2019, the execution, storage and registration of electronic invoices will be voluntary in Uzbekistan, while from January 1, 2020 it will become mandatory for all businesses. The “New Technologies” scientific information center under the State Tax Committee has been designated as the authorized roaming operator for centralized storage, inter-operator transfer and keeping records of e-invoices.

The resolution has approved the Regulation on the use of electronic invoices in the settlements system. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz

Uzbekistan to hold UN’s FAO conference The 32-nd regional conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for Europe will be held in Uzbekistan on May 5-7, 2020, Trend reports with reference to the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan will host this event for the first time. The agreement to hold the conference was reached in Rome on June 23 in the framework of the 41st session of the FAO Conference, where the Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khojaev participates. Uzbekistan became a member of the FAO in 2001. In 2014, a representative office was opened in Tashkent. FAO's strategic goals are to contribute to the fight against hunger, increase the fertility and stability of agriculture, forestry and fish farming, and reduce poverty in rural areas. AzerNews – azernews.az

Uzbekistan, UAE to cooperate in healthcare sector Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will cooperate in healthcare sector. Minister of Healthcare of Uzbekistan Alisher Shadmanov and Head of the Office of the Government of the Emirate of Dubai Sultan Khalifa Sultan Belobaid Alsuaidi signed a memorandum of understanding on rendering technical assistance within technical support of medical institutions of Uzbekistan worth US$1 million. This agreement will serve to further improve the quality of medical service and meet the needs of the population in modern high-tech medical care in our country. UzDaily – Uzdaily.com

A delegation of Uzbekistan arrives in Brussels On 17 June 2019, a delegation of Uzbekistan led by high-ranking Advisor to the Minister of Innovative Development Karsten Heinz arrived in Brussels. The Uzbek delegation will hold a presentation of the investment potential of the country, organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Belgium, together with the European Institute for Asian Studies. About 100 representatives of ministries, agencies, research centers, business people and mass media of the Benelux countries and EU institutions are expected to attend the event. It is planned to hold negotiations at the Brussels Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the European External Action Service, the EU Commission’s Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, and the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. The delegation will also attend the European Development Days forum on June 18-19. Europe’s leading forum on development since 2006, organized by the European Commission, bring the development community together each year to share ideas and experiences in ways that inspire new partnerships and

innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. It is expected to gather more than 8,000 people. UzDaily – Uzdaily.com

Brussels celebrates Uzbekistan Energy Day The event is organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Belgium jointly with the Brussels Energy Club. Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC Thermal Power Station F. Shaismatov made a presentation on the process of fundamental reforming the electric power industry conducted in Uzbekistan and creating favorable conditions for attracting foreign investment. Chairman of the Board of JSCB Kapitalbank K. Olimov and consultant of this bank Sh. Ziyaviddinov informed about participation of Uzbekistan banks in investment projects. Participants of the event highly appreciated the results of large-scale reforms implemented in Uzbekistan by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in all spheres of socio-economic life. Uzbekistan National News Agency - uza.uz

Uzbekistan, EU hold 15th meeting of Subcommittee on Justice, Internal Affairs, Human Rights and Related Issues The 15th meeting of the Uzbekistan-EU Subcommittee on Justice, Internal Affairs, Human Rights and Related Issues was held on June 24, 2019 in Brussels. The Uzbekistan delegation headed by the Deputy Minister of Justice A.Tashkulova discussed with the EU officials the issues of cooperation in the field of strengthening the rule of law, protection of human rights. The meeting also discussed cooperation in the framework of the CADAP-6, BOMCA and other projects. An important item on the agenda of the meeting was the preparation for the second round of negotiations on the Extended Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the European Union. the EU officials expressed interest in the early completion of the harmonization of the text of the document, which aims to elevate the bilateral cooperation to a new level. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz

Samarkand to host 65th meeting of UNWTO Regional Commission for Europe At the headquarters of the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations (UNWTO), the Uzbek Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of to Spain J. Ganiyev presented to the UNWTO Secretary General Z. Pololikashvili his credentials on accreditation as Uzbekistan’s Permanent Representative. The parties also exchanged views on the current state and prospects for advancing ties between Uzbekistan and the UNWTO. Ambassador Ganiyev thanked the Secretary General for supporting Uzbekistan’s initiative to hold the 65th meeting of the Regional Commission for Europe of the UNWTO in 2020 in the city of Samarkand.

Z. Pololikashvili highly valued the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to create the Silk Road International University of Tourism in Samarkand and easing the visa regime, and supported the idea to hold a tourism business forum on the sidelines of the UNWTO Regional Commission in Samarkand. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz

ECONOMY AND FINANCE

Wholesale electricity exchange could be set up in Tashkent International Wholesale Electricity Exchange is planned to be created in Tashkent. "We are planning to set up in Tashkent in the near future, let's say that the prototype of a wholesale electricity exchange. Various electricity producers from other countries will be able to offer their electricity surplus for sale," the deputy Energy minister Sherzod Khodjaev said during a press conference. According to him, the National Electric Networks of Uzbekistan, which are authorized to carry out export and import operations, will also be able to make use of it. This company, he added, will be able to enter into long-term contracts for purchase of electricity for resale, for example, in Afghanistan. Khodjaev added that Uzbekistan and Afghanistan are planning to sign a ten-year contract for the supply of electricity on a take-or-pay basis before November this year. One of its conditions is that Uzbekistan will have the opportunity to sell electricity to Afghanistan, purchased from other countries, in case Uzbekistan lacks enough of its generating capacity. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz

Uzbekistan intends to build wind power stations with a capacity of 500 MW Uzbekistan intends to accelerate the implementation of an investment project for the construction of wind power stations with the participation of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC - Masdar. The draft resolution of the President of Uzbekistan “On the accelerated implementation of an investment project for the construction of wind power stations with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC - Masdar” has been published for discussion. The document notes that within the framework of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United Arab Emirates from 24 to 26 March 2019, an agreement was concluded between the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, JSC Uzbekenergo and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC - Masdar (UAE) on investments in the construction of wind power plants with a total installed capacity of 500 MW. The agreement envisages the phased implementation of an investment project for the design, financing, construction, ownership and operation of a wind power plant. The resolution proposes to determine the National Electric Networks of Uzbekistan JSC as the executive body responsible for the implementation of the Agreement. The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan will be the coordinators for the implementation of the Agreement.

Sredazenergosetproekt will become a designer for conducting research and developing a scheme for power output to the power grid. The project is being implemented by the Investor together with the National Electric Networks of Uzbekistan JSC at the expense of its own funds and credits independently attracted by the investor. The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan plans to entrust, by 1 December 2019, as part of the project, to ensure the involvement of the law firm White & Case and a financial consultant. UzDaily – Uzdaily.com

New projects are designed to solve a strategic task - to unite the 4 largest transport corridors in China, the CIS, Europe and South Asia At a briefing held at the Agency for Information and Mass Communications for media representatives, the main results of the participation of the President of Uzbekistan in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit held in Bishkek and the Council on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, held in Dushanbe. One of the key issues discussed at the SCO meeting was transport corridors. Journalists showed particular interest in relation to the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China railway and to what extent its construction is relevant. Why this road and other logistics communications are important was explained by the director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies, Eldor Aripov. “First of all, the railway“ Uzbekistan - Kyrgyzstan - China ”is the shortest way from China to the countries of Europe and the Middle East. Compared with the existing routes, the distance will be reduced by 900 km, the time of delivery of goods by 7-8 days. According to experts, the carriage of goods in the amount of not less than 5 million tons per year can fully cover the cost of road construction. The prospect of this project is demonstrated by the already established “Kashgar-Irkeshtam-Osh-Andijan- Tashkent” auto corridor, which for the first time allowed auto carriers from Central Asia to directly enter China. Eldor Aripov noticed that this is not the only promising project. The construction of the Mazar-i-Sharif- Kabul-Peshawar railway with access to the Pakistani port of Gwadar can also be very promising. Uzbekistan, together with Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and Russia, has already begun to discuss this project. In December 2018 and March 2019, a five-sided meeting of the heads of railway departments was held in Tashkent, during which it was decided to establish a Working Group on its implementation. “Pakistan’s trade with the countries of Central Asia and the CIS countries is growing dynamically. According to forecasts, by 2025 it will be 6 billion dollars. The only thing holding her back is the absence of direct transport corridors,” the expert emphasized. He also added that this corridor will connect Central Asia via Afghanistan via Pakistan with the shortest route, and also provide an opportunity for South Asian states to enter the markets of the CIS and Europe. Moreover, together with the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China corridor, the Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar road will solve a strategic task - combining 4 major corridors in China, the CIS, Europe and South Asia. “It is important to understand that transport communications do not just solve interconnectedness problems, they create new jobs, stimulate trade, and motivate development. In order to provide funding for these transport and infrastructure projects, the President of Uzbekistan announced the initiative to

create a "Financial Dialogue for the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan." Speaking at the SCO summit in Bishkek, the President of Uzbekistan also proposed to develop and adopt the SCO Strategy on the development of interconnectedness of economic and transport corridors,” the Director of ISMI said. UzDaily – Uzdaily.com

Implementation of investment projects in energy, chemical industries instructed to be accelerated On June 17, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with government officials to discuss the acceleration of implementation of investment projects in the oil and gas, chemical and power industries. These sectors are instrumental in development of manufacturing industry and entrepreneurship, in elevation of living standards. Therefore, these areas have numerous promising projects under implementation. Thus, this year 16 projects are planned to be realized in the oil and gas sector by mobilizing investments for 2 billion 730 million dollars, 17 projects for 850 million dollars in the chemical industry, and 28 projects for more than 1 billion dollars in the electric power industry. The meeting served for discussion of projects, while responsible officials presented reports on the progress of their implementation. The Head of the state stressed the need for financial support for enterprises – manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of energy resources, enhancement of hydrocarbon production and manufacturing of goods. The President ordered to accelerate and complete in the current year the works on construction and modernization of Turakurgan, Navoi, Takhiatash thermal power stations, as well as to activate the installation of modern gas-steam installations in Tashkent and Surkhandarya regions. The need for a wider implementation of the Automated System of Accounting and Control of Electricity was noted. Objectives were defined in commissioning of production lines for polyvinyl chloride, caustic soda and methanol in the joint-stock company Navoiazot and chemical additives for textile industry at Jizzakh Plastic Plant, for stepping up the execution of a project for production of ammonia and carbamide in the city of Yangiyer. “Investment projects in these sectors, which augment the competitiveness of our economy, should be carried out qualitatively and in time. They also help ensure the development of related industries and create many jobs”, the President said. Results projected to be achieved in the oil and gas, chemical and electric power industries by the end of the year, as well as plans for the next year were considered. Uzbekistan National News Agency – uza.uz

Investment cooperation prospects are discussed in Brussels The European Institute for Asian Studies hosted a conference “The EU Central Asia Strategy – Trade and Investment in Uzbekistan”, in Brussels. High-ranking Advisor to the Minister of Innovative Development Karsten Heinz, Head of the Central Asia Division of the European External Action Service Boris Iarochevitch addressed the event.

Representatives of the expert community, official and business circles discussed the investment policy of Uzbekistan, prospects for further development of cooperation in this area. Uzbekistan National News Agency - uza.uz

Uzbekistan’s economic transformation gets further boost, with US$ 500 million World Bank loan Uzbekistan’s ongoing economic transformation and market reforms, aimed at increasing jobs and prosperity for all its citizens, will receive further support through a $500 million Development Policy Operation (DPO), approved today by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors. The DPO will help sustain Uzbekistan’s economic reforms to reorient the economy towards greater private sector-led growth and job creation. Guided by the Government of Uzbekistan’s 2017-2021 Development Strategy, the DPO supports the authorities in implementing reforms in two critical areas: 1) increasing the role of markets and the private sector in the economy, and 2) strengthening social inclusion. “Uzbekistan’s wide-ranging reforms continue, bolstered by significant support from the country’s citizens and the international community,” said Hideki Mori, World Bank Country Manager for Uzbekistan. “This DPO provides additional support as the focus of reform shifts from regulatory changes to more complex institutional reforms, which are necessary to support private sector growth, increase job creation, and ensure greater social inclusion of the most vulnerable citizens.” According to the World Bank’s “Listening to Citizens of Uzbekistan” survey involving over 4,000 households across the country, 95% of survey participants are optimistic about the future of the country. This Development Policy Operation, which builds on a first DPO from June 2018, supports the Government of Uzbekistan in deepening and sustaining the reforms that started in 2017. The goal is to support the Government’s efforts to increase trade and investment, strengthen financial sector efficiency, and implement key institutional changes that are critical to the country’s economic transition. The DPO also aims to help the Government ensure greater social inclusion during the transition, through reforms that increase formal jobs in the economy, strengthen skills, improve social safety nets, and increase the voice and participation of citizens in the budgeting process. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz

BUSINESS

Uzbekistan plans to create an innovative medical park A delegation of Uzbekistan participated in the International Forum on Innovative Medicine and Cooperation, which accepted representatives of 28 countries and organized in Fangchengang (China) under the leadership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. In the framework of participation in the event, in his speech, the head of the Uzbek delegation, the rector of the Tashkent Institute of Advanced Medical Doctors, Professor Kh.A. Akilov made a report where he

acquainted the participants with the reforms implemented in our country, the program of development of the health care system. The delegation of Uzbekistan met with the leadership of the group of companies of the ZJ Innopark Group (a technology park in the city of Shanghai). The parties discussed the issue of organizing an innovative medical park in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Chinese side agreed to provide advisory support, to conduct trainings for Uzbek specialists in the framework of this project. In addition, a meeting was held with the Rector of the Health Service of the Bahriya University of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Nadjim Sahibkhan. The result was the signing of the Memorandum Project between the Tashkent Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education of Uzbekistan and the Bahr’i University of Pakistan in the field of medical education, the exchange of teaching staff and the opening of joint faculties in our country. UzDaily – Uzdaily.com

Uzbekistan, Turkey to launch joint cluster for production of shoes, leather The Uzbek-Turkish cluster for the production of leather and shoes is scheduled to be launched in the Jizzakh region by the end of this year, Trend reports citing Uzbek media. The head of the economic planning department of the Uzcharmsanoat Association Dilobar Zufarova said that the project to create a cluster is in an active stage of development. "The company has already received the necessary loans, and construction is now underway. By the end of 2019, leather production will be launched with shoe production to be adjusted afterwards. It is planned to master the production of leather goods at the next stage," Zufarova said. The investment cooperation agreement was signed in Istanbul in 2017 by representatives of the Turkish Leather Industrialists Association and the Uzbekcharmpoyabzali Association of Leather and Shoe Enterprises. Within the cluster, it is planned to set up three industrial complexes including factories for leather processing, shoe manufacturing, and leather goods. This will create a complete chain, from the processing of raw materials to the sending of finished products to customers. A significant part of the goods produced will be exported to the CIS countries and Europe. To date, Uzbekistan has achieved one hundred percent coverage of the market for men's shoes, and women's and children's segments are on the way. As was reported earlier, Uzbekistan intends to initiate export of men's shoes and leather goods made from ostrich leather. The exclusive models developed by Uzbek designers will be exported to Italy and Spain. Over 500 enterprises work as part of Uzcharmsanoat. If in 2017 enterprises produced 10.9 million pairs of shoes, in 2018 this figure increased 5.4 times, reaching 58.1 million pairs. The production of leather goods and consumer goods increased 2.7 and 2.4 times respectively. AzerNews – azernews.az

Samsung talks on introduction of digital technology [for uzbekistan post company] in Uzbekistan In the frame of cooperation bilateral, Samsung will provide a number of products including digital signage, tablets and KNOX software to Uzbekistan Post, which is planning to renovate their infrastructure and transit it to the new level of performance with help of digitalization of the entire process, the PR&CSR manager of Samsung Electronics Central Eurasia Berik Umarov told Trend in an interview. Umarov confirmed that "Uzbekistan Pochtasi" JSC and Samsung Electronics Central Eurasia have signed a corresponding memorandum. "Samsung already has great experience of collaboration with KazPost in Kazakhstan in implementing projects like 'Mobile postman' and 'Digital postal department'. We do hope that we will also achieve positive results in Uzbekistan," he said. "Currently, we have taken the very first steps in this co-project. At this stage, Uzbekistan Post is developing the processes and other internal schemes of work. Upon the completion of the development stage, we will hold a discussion with Uzbek side on the supply of Samsung products," Umarov noted. Talking about the challenges for IT sector of Uzbekistan, Umarov stated that one of the main problems in this sector is lack of qualified specialists, which can be resolved in due course considering the latest developments in the country. AzerNews – azernews.az

Renault could launch [production of] budget cars in Uzbekistan Renault plans to launch the production of budget cars in Uzbekistan, including the KWID hatchback, Dunyo news agency said. The Uzbek Embassy in France held a meeting with the leadership of Groupe Renault, who expressed interest in launching the production of Renault cars in Uzbekistan, and noted that Renault sees Uzbekistan as the potential key long-term partner in Central Asia. According to the company's officials, the fact that in 2018 about 6,000 Lada XRay and Vesta models, also owned by a French company, were sold in Uzbekistan, is the evidence the interest of local consumers in Renault cars. Due to the huge demand and preferences in emerging markets, the Renault management confirmed its readiness to set up the assembly of A class cars at the first stage with further transition to other segments, as well as the phased localization. In particular, Renault is ready to start production of its budget KWID model, including for export in the market of the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan. A strong Renault delegation is expected to visit Uzbekistan in the near future to discuss the possibility of setting up production. Tashkent Times - tashkenttimes.uz

Modern railway station is built in Angren On June 1, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Angren city.

In accordance with tasks defined by the Head of the state during the previous trip, a large-scale construction and landscaping activity was carried out here. Uzbekistan Railways built a city railway station. Angren is a strategically important transport hub. Its importance has increased even more after the construction of the railway station, which brings together Tashkent and Fergana valley. The new station will create great amenities for city residents and tourists. The station is able to serve 100 passengers simultaneously. Modern conditions have been created in the waiting room, mother and child room, first-aid post, trade and catering centers. The President got acquainted with amenities created in the station for passengers and workers. Presentation of promising projects was held in tourism, energy, chemical and metallurgical industries, which are planned to be implemented in Tashkent region. The President paid particular attention to major projects on organization of resorts at the international level in Charvak free tourism zone, as well as creation of a ski resort with participation of a consortium of French companies in Beldersay, Chimgan and Nanay. Uzbekistan National News Agency - uza.uz

TOURISM AND CULTURE

An exhibition dedicated to Uzbekistan to be organized at the Louvre Museum Cultural and humanitarian cooperation is one of the priorities of the Uzbek-French cooperation. An important event in deepening relations in this area was the signing during the official visit of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to France a Memorandum of Understanding between the Foundation for the Development of Culture and Arts under the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan and the Louvre Museum. The Louvre - the world-famous museum, the visiting card of France, is the world’s largest art collection and the second largest square. Every year this museum is visited by almost 10 million tourists from different countries. Given the great interest in France to the historical and cultural heritage of our country, an agreement was reached to hold an exhibition of historical artifacts of Uzbekistan in the Louvre in 2021. The embassy of our country in Paris, together with the Culture and Art Development Foundation and the Louvre Museum, is actively working to organize this historical exhibition at a high level. In particular, representatives of the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan visited France, during which a meeting of the Scientific and Organizing Committee of the exhibition was held. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Institute of Art Studies of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Foundation for the Development of Culture and Art, the Louvre Museum, specialists from the Hermitage and the State Museum of the East (Russia), and international experts. The participants discussed issues related to the concept of the exhibition, the preparation of exhibits, exhibits and exhibition halls of the museum, the release of the scientific catalog of the event.

“A lot of progress was made during the meeting,” said Franz Grenet, a professor at the Collège de France research institution, in an interview with the Dunyo news agency. - In particular, the issue of choosing artifacts was resolved, details regarding the scientific catalog and the restoration of exhibits were discussed. I can say that this will be a very important event. The biggest exhibition about Uzbekistan, which was ever organized in France, will be an important scientific and, at the same time, a popular event. This will enable Europeans to get access to the very rich culture of the Uzbek people. Certainly, the exhibition will motivate many French to visit Uzbekistan. We can assume a significant increase in the number of tourists from France. I am confident that this event will be a significant step in the development of friendly relations between our countries. “In the Hermitage they look with great interest at the project of an exhibition dedicated to Uzbekistan in the Louvre,” said Pavel Lurie, head of the Central Asia sector in the Hermitage (Russia). “This will be a significant event and a major milestone in the history of studying Uzbekistan and familiarizing the world community with the richest culture of the country. “A similar exhibition in the Louvre gives Uzbekistan an opportunity to promote its rich and ancient cultural heritage abroad,” said Tigran Mkratchev, a representative of the State Museum of the East (Russia). “I think this will be a significant event for both Uzbekistan and Europe.” Following the meeting, the parties agreed to hold the next meeting of the Scientific and Organizing Committee at the beginning of next year in Tashkent. UzDaily – Uzdaily.com

Grandvoyage Tourism Awards: Uzbekistan recognized as the best developing tourist destination Uzbekistan took the first place in the nomination “The best developing tourist destination” at the Grandvoyage Tourism Awards in Madrid. The press service of the State Committee for Tourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan said in a statement. In addition to this nomination, three more directions were presented at the ceremony: “The Best Big Journey”, “The Best Destination for a Honeymoon”, “The Best Hotel-Resort”. The winners were selected by a vote on Grandvoyage.com. The competition is organized by one of the largest Spanish travel companies, Grandvoyage. President of the company A.Arbarka noted that the awarding of Uzbekistan with the Grandvoyage Tourism Awards is recognition of the results of the work carried out in the country to modernize the tourism industry, as well as the growth of recognition of the travel industry of Uzbekistan not only in Spain, but throughout the world. UzDaily – Uzdaily.com

Alliance Française’s Representative Office opens in Namangan The opening ceremony of the Representative Office of the Alliance Française was held at the specialized boarding school on foreign languages named after Ibrat within the framework of the International Investment Forum “Invest in Namangan”, held on June 7-8 this year. The solemn event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan A.Abdukhakimov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to France S.Rustambayev, Chairman of the Representative

Office of the Alliance Française in Tashkent city Sh.Minnovarov, as well as the leadership of the khokimiyat of Namangan region. It was emphasized that the representative office established at the initiative of the President of the country will serve to improve the methodology of teaching French and effectively organize the educational process in this educational institution. Following the event, an agreement was reached on establishment of a mechanism for improving the qualifications of French teachers at the specialized boarding school on foreign languages named after Ibrat in France and at the Representative Office of the Alliance Française in Tashkent, as well as conducting online courses for students of the school with leading French teachers. Uzbekistan National News Agency - uza.uz

International airport "Bukhara" is recognized as the best among the CIS countries In the nomination “The best airport of the CIS countries” competition held by the International Association “Airport” of civil aviation in the city of Moscow, according to the results of 2018, Bukhara international airport won. As well as the director of Bukhara airport T. Bakhronov was elected president of the Association of Civil Aviation “Airport” of the CIS countries. UzDaily – Uzdaily.com