News on

1/07/2018

CONTENTS

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News of the period ...... 3 Single portal for investors to be created in Uzbekistan 3 Politics……… ...... 3 Uzbekistan takes part in EU-Central Asia meeting in Ashgabat 3 German expert becomes deputy minister of innovation in Uzbekistan 4 Uzbek-Afghan co-operation gets boost with planned consulate in Termez 4 Uzbekistan, EU to ink Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement 5 Economy and Finance ...... 5 Uzbekistan introducing blockchain technology into its economy 5 First Central Asian economic forum may be held in Uzbekistan 6 Housing developers in Uzbekistan exempt from paying sales percentage 8 Foreign investors to obtain residence permit when buying real estate in Uzbekistan 8 Projects to be implemented in the territory of small industrial zones 9 Uzbekistan grants foreign carriers right to use its largest transport pass 10 Shavkat Mirziyoyev orders to accelerate construction of aboveground metro in 10 Uzbekistan to create 6 small industrial zones in districts 11 Expensive [40 000 USD and higher] and electric cars exempted from import duty 11 Tashkent to host conference on new transport corridors in Central Asia 12 Business…………...... 12 Uzbekistan to manufacture textile products under Zara, Nike, Adidas brands 12 GM Uzbekistan intends to hold a presentation of Spark car with electric motor 13 Siemens may build filling station for electric vehicles in Tashkent City 13 First separate waste collection center opens in Uzbekistan’s region 14 Uzavtosanoat JSC plans to attract third-party organizations and enterprises for localization of car components 14 Public education ministry is inviting foreign investors to open private schools 15 Uzbekistan exempts individual entrepreneurs from paying some taxes 15 Made in Belarus expo to be held in Uzbekistan 16 Siemens may build 100 MW wind farm in Uzbekistan 16 Tashkent to host the first Uzbekistan Textile Conference 17 Single center for promotion of investors established in Tashkent 17 Tourism and Culture ...... 18 Online tourist registration launched in Uzbekistan 18 Margilan to host Atlas Festival 18 Wizz Air offered to make flights to Uzbekistan 18

www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com The first stage of world-class ski resort to be launched in December 19 Uzbekistan simplifies car rental, first services to appear soon 19 TomTom and State Cadaster Committee to create navigation map of Uzbekistan for tourists 20 Lonely Planet puts Uzbekistan 2nd in top spots to visit in Asia 20 Uzbekistan Airways again named most punctual carrier 21 Huawei is implementing “Safe Tourism” pilot project in Bukhara 21

NEWS OF THE PERIOD

Single portal for investors to be created in Uzbekistan

A Single investment portal will be launched in Uzbekistan in the near future, Deputy Prime Minister Sukhrob Kholmuradov said, "Podrobno.uz" reported.

He noted that, the main task of the portal is to establish a direct connection between the state and potential investors who will be able to get answers to all their questions.

"The portal will not only collect all relevant information about the investment potential of the country, industries and territories, the available raw material base, conditions, benefits and preferences created for investors, but also will closely monitor which ministry or state agency did not provide assistance to investors in time. The portal will have a complete and constantly updated database", said Kholmuradov during the first meeting of the Single platform for open discussion of investment proposals.

He also added that, more than 960 enterprises with foreign capital were created in the country in the first half of the year, which is almost three times more than in the same period last year.

"Companies of Russia, Turkey, China, Kazakhstan and South Korea are particularly active in this issue. A significant growth in activities for attraction of funds from international financial institutions and foreign governmental financial organizations has also been observed recently. The agreements on allocation to Uzbekistan of the loans in the amount of about $ 1.5 billion have been signed with those institutions and organizations since the beginning of the year. The issue of signing new agreements on attraction of funds is being worked out currently," he stressed.

The key feature of the portal will be its ability to provide a variety of interactive services to investors, including the acceptance of applications and other documents. At the same time, potential participants will be able to monitor the progress, regardless of the place and method of submission of investor's application, in the online mode.

It is also planned to publish a constantly updated list of recommended investment projects, to create a special module for direct appeal of potential investors and state officials. Trend.az

POLITICS

Uzbekistan takes part in EU-Central Asia meeting in Ashgabat

The delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Dilshod Akhatov has taken part in the regular meeting of the high-level dialogue on policy and security in the format of "European Union – Central Asia" in Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) on July 9, 2018.

The forum participants have discussed the implementation of the agreements reached at the last meeting of the dialogue in June 2017 in Bishkek and the informal Ministerial meeting in March 2018 in Tashkent, the

schedule and agenda of the upcoming meetings of various levels in the EU-CA format, according to the data provided by the press service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

The sides exchanged views on measures to enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism and prevention of violent extremism.

The delegations also considered the issues of cooperation in border management, combating drug trafficking and organized crime, as well as regional environmental issues.

Trend News

German expert becomes deputy minister of innovation in Uzbekistan

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree appointing Karsten Heinz, a German national as Deputy innovations minister. the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Berlin said in a statement.

A number of talks were conducted with the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, in order to make use of the Germany's extensive experience in building of modern innovation infrastructure in Uzbekistan, which resulted in the German side agreeing to send an expert to work in the Uzbek Ministry of Innovation.

Karsten Heinz, the lead expert at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, visited Tashkent and held meetings in the relevant ministries of Uzbekistan.

This is the first time ever that a German civil servant has been appointment to a high position in the government of another country. This move is aimed at supporting the reforms and innovation in Uzbekistan, the embassy added.

Germany is one of the global leaders in sustainable innovation and research, with innovation mainly concentrated in small and medium-sized enterprises and spending on R&D in GDP one of the highest in the world.

The Tashkent Times – tashkenttimes.uz

Uzbek-Afghan co-operation gets boost with planned consulate in Termez

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan strengthened their ties with a recent decision to open an Afghan consulate and business council in Termez.

The agreement came from a July 8 Kabul meeting between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and an Uzbek delegation headed by Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov.

During the discussion, Uzbekistan confirmed its willingness to host an Afghan consulate in Termez, according to the Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

Ghani, in turn, thanked Uzbek government officials for the efforts they have made to enable the peace process in Afghanistan, namely through holding the Tashkent Conference last March.

"Termez is critical and will provide the opportunity for fruit and vegetables to be exported from Afghanistan to and Russia, and this city also has cold storage [facilities] to store Afghanistan's produce," Ghani said, as quoted by TOLOnews.

The consulate will enable co-operation, help develop joint projects and attract investment, officials and business leaders say.

Meanwhile, the business council in Termez will help businesses establish connections for the further development of commercial activities in both countries.

Caravanserai - central.asia-news.com

Uzbekistan, EU to ink Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

On 16 July 2018, the Council of the European Union adopted negotiating directives for the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission to negotiate an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Uzbekistan.

The new agreement will replace the 1999 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and further strengthen the EU-Uzbekistan relations.

The future agreement is expected to cover areas such as political dialogue and reforms, rule of law, justice, freedom and security, human rights, migration, trade, as well as economic and sustainable development. It will promote favourable business and investment environment.

It will also provide for cooperation on foreign policy issues and global challenges such as climate change, corruption and the fight against terrorism.

The Tashkent Times – tashkenttimes.uz

ECONOMY AND FINANCE

Uzbekistan introducing blockchain technology into its economy

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a resolution on measures to develop the digital economy on July 3, "Gazeta.uz" wrote July 4.

The resolution defines the most important tasks for the development of digital economy: the introduction and development of activities in the field of turnover of crypto assets, including mining (activities to maintain the distribution platform and create new blocks with the ability to receive rewards in the format of new units and fees in various cryptocurrencies), smart contracts (contract in electronic form, execution of the rights and obligations on which is carried out by making digital transactions automatically),

consulting, emission, exchange, storage, distribution, management, insurance, crowdfunding (collective financing), as well as "blockchain" technologies for diversification of various forms of investment and business activities; training of qualified personnel in the development and use of "blockchain" technologies with practical working skills with the use of modern ICT; comprehensive development of cooperation with international and foreign organizations regarding crypto-assets and the blockchain technology, hiring of highly qualified foreign specialists for development of "blockchain" technology for the joint implementation of projects in the digital economy; creating the necessary legal framework for the implementation of the "blockchain" technology, taking into consideration the advanced experience of foreign countries; and ensuring close cooperation of state bodies and business entities in the field of implementation of innovative ideas, technologies and developments for the further development of the digital economy.

According to the document, the National Project Management Agency (NPMA) under the president becomes the authorized body in the field of implementation and development of the digital economy. The agency will determine the areas of activity in which the blockchain will be implemented. In addition, the draft legal acts, providing for the development of the digital economy and the introduction of the blockchain, are subject to mandatory examination in NPMA.

Trend News Agency - trend.az

First Central Asian economic forum may be held in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan and Central Asian countries are considering the possibility of holding the first Central Asian economic forum in autumn 2018, "Podrobno.uz" reported referring to the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan.

"This forum will serve as a new excellent platform for establishing a direct dialogue between the business communities and the authorities of the region in the field of trade, industry, will help to find the best conditions for the entry of goods and services produced in Central Asia to foreign markets," said the ministry.

"Much work has already been done in the region to diversify cooperation and develop industrial cooperation. In particular, the joint assemblage of cars and specialized agricultural machinery has been started. Border trade is actively developing," the ministry said.

It was also noted that Uzbekistan attaches great importance to the development of direct cooperation between the sub-regions of Central Asia, therefore, it will continue to advocate for the simplification of trade conditions in the region, the promotion of business cooperation between representatives of the business circles and is ready to take concrete and effective measures in this direction.

"Recently, the government of the country decided to reduce or reset the tariff rates of import duties on the import and transportation of a significant amount of goods. Naturally, the countries of Central Asia will be the main beneficiaries of these measures. We expect a response from the neighboring countries. The countries of the region are natural markets for each other. Our national economies do not compete with each other, and they complement each other in many sectors. We see great prospects for cooperation in this," said the ministry's message.

The trade turnover of Uzbekistan with the Central Asian countries increased by 46 percent and amounted to $1.86 billion in 1H2018.

Trend News Agency - trend.az

"Uzagroexport" talks plans for development of agricultural industry of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is planning to increase the volume of agricultural exports by more than twice and bring it up to $ 5 billion by 2020, a representative of the Uzbek joint stock company "Uzagroexport" told Trend July 19.

The company also announced that, "Uzagroexport" is planning to significantly increase total agricultural production - to 25 million tons.

The company said that Uzbekistan increased the volume of agricultural exports by 3.5 times during its first 25 years of independence: from 5.6 million tons in 1991 to 19.7 million tons in 2016.

"The country produces more than 180 types of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, which are supplied to the markets of more than 80 countries. At the moment, the country ranks second in the world in exports of dried and fourth in exports of fresh apricots. Uzbekistan also ranks seventh in the world in terms of plum exports and eighth in terms of cabbage exports," the company noted.

The growing production and exports create a need to expand and improve the productive base and infrastructure, the representative of "Uzagroexport" said.

"Some 160,000 farms and procurement bases are operating in Uzbekistan at the moment. The acreage for fruit and vegetable products is 721,400 hectares. These products are stored in 1300 cold stores and storage facilities with a capacity of over 800,000 tons," the company stated.

The construction and reconstruction of 197 modern refrigeration chambers and storage facilities for fruits and vegetables with a total capacity of over 100,000 tons have been planned for 2018 in Uzbekistan, the representative of "Uzagroexport" said.

The "Uzagroexport" joint-stock company was established in accordance with the decree of the dated April 7, 2016.

The main objectives of the new organization - to ensure the promotion of domestic fresh and processed fruits and vegetables for export, establishing permanent links with reliable foreign buyers, search and development of new markets, study of supply and demand in foreign markets, as well as conducting in- depth market research.

The unified UzAgro brand has been created in the framework of activity of "Uzagroexport" for export of fruits and vegetables, which is intended to be a guarantee of high quality of products and services for partners in any part of the globe.

It is expected that, the fresh and processed products of agricultural sector and food industry of Uzbekistan will be able to take a worthy place in the international market thanks to the single stable UzAgro trademark.

Trend News Agency - trend.az

Free Wi-Fi network can be created in Tashkent metro

A project for creating a free Wi-Fi network in Tashkent metro has been approved. This was reported by the Public Council of the city of Tashkent.

Acting Khokim of Tashkent Jahongir Artykkhodjaev got acquainted with more than 100 projects from 11 districts of the capital.

"The vast majority of submitted projects were approved: the project to build a network of Best Western hotels, free Wi-Fi in the metro, the creation of a promenade and so on," the Public Council said.

Artykkhodjaev suggested that business should meet regularly, develop parks, develop Public-Private Partnership. He voiced several master-plans, including the project of Farghona Yuli, proposed to work and build within concepts, avoiding chaos.

UzDaily – uzdaily.uz

Housing developers in Uzbekistan exempt from paying sales percentage

Developers of residential buildings in the capital of Uzbekistan will no longer pay percentage off the sale of real estate, "Podrobno.uz" reported.

"Now, after the completion of the construction of residential buildings, the state will not be paid the percentage off the real estate sales, but from 10 to 15 percent of the total number of apartments will be transferred at the disposal of the city administration. In turn, the administration will give these apartments to orphans, disabled and poor people. This will also contribute to the prosperity of the city and will have a positive impact on the life of the people," said the message of the administration of the capital city on Facebook.

A meeting with entrepreneurs and foreign investors who are ready to implement their initiatives in Tashkent was held the other day in the Tashkent city administration.

The entrepreneurs and foreign investors presented at this event their projects for the further development of Tashkent, its industrial production, service sector and maintenance services, as well as other industries. In total, 55 major projects for 11 districts of the city were presented here.

Trend News Agency - trend.az

Foreign investors to obtain residence permit when buying real estate in Uzbekistan Foreign citizens and stateless persons who buy real estate in Uzbekistan for $200,000 or more will be able to obtain a residence permit in a simplified procedure, "Podrobnosti.uz" reported, referring to the draft decree of the head of state.

In addition, investors who acquire stock and shares of economic companies, and also create a foreign enterprise with an investment of not less than $200,000, will be able to receive a multiple entry visa for up to three years with the possibility of an unlimited number of renewals, without the need to leave the territory of Uzbekistan.

Another innovation is that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan has been instructed to make proposals on implementation of the procedure for awarding the status of "Honorary Citizen" to foreign persons who make significant investments in priority areas of the country's economy.

The document also provides for the development of proposals for the making and implementation of the openness principle in all branches of the authorities and participation in the activities of the international organization "Open Government Partnership".

The Open Government Partnership is an international organization officially established on September 20, 2011 with the goal of establishing the ideals of an open state: the development of administrative professionalism which is open to civilian control.

Eight countries are involved in the creation of the organization: the United States, the UK, Brazil, Norway, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa. The requirement for joining the organization is the adoption of the "Open Government" declaration. To date, over 70 states have done so.

Trend News Agency - trend.az

Projects to be implemented in the territory of small industrial zones

The decree of the Head of State on measures to further strengthen the development of the production of prosthetic and orthopedic products and rehabilitation equipment, as well as the material and technical basis of medical and social institutions.

The decree outlines specific tasks for improving the quality of domestic prosthetic and orthopedic products and rehabilitation equipment and expanding their types, creating a strong scientific and methodological base, deepening scientific research in the field of medical and social assistance, training and retraining of personnel, the wide implementation of international production standards prosthetic and orthopedic products and rehabilitation equipment.

The document also identifies measures to study the issues of expanding species and improving the quality of domestic prosthetic and orthopedic products and rehabilitative technical equipment, to ensure the implementation of industry projects in free economic zones and small industrial zones. Finally, to implement complex measures will involve leading foreign enterprises for the production of prosthetic and orthopedic products and rehabilitation equipment, foreign investment, grants, loans and earmarked funds international financial institutions, foreign government funds and organizations.

According to UzLiDeP, this decree will serve to radically improve the quality of medicine based on the principles of public-private partnership, meet the need for private medicine in quality medical services, introduce more effective and modern technologies and innovations in the healthcare sector, create an atmosphere of healthy competition in the provision of qualified medical assistance.

UzDaily – uzdaily.uz

Uzbekistan grants foreign carriers right to use its largest transport pass

Uzbekistan has granted foreign carriers the right to use the Kamchik pass for transportation of goods, Podrobno.uz reported.

This is provided for by the changes and additions to the list of routes intended for the transit movement of foreign road carriers through the territory of the country.

Eight new routes have been added to the list of routes intended for foreign carriers, Previously, the list included 44 such routes.

"This is conditioned by the opening of traffic for transit trucks through the Kamchik pass," the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan said.

The road through the Kamchik pass is the only highway connecting the most populous part of Uzbekistan, the with the rest of the country. More than 21,000 cars move through the pass during a day.

The government of Uzbekistan is considering now the construction of a second road tunnel on the Kamchik pass with a total cost of more than $175 million. The second tunnel is planned to be wider than the existing one, which will allow for increasing its traffic capacity, as well as equipping it with modern ventilation and lighting systems.

Trend News Agency - trend.az

Shavkat Mirziyoyev orders to accelerate construction of aboveground metro in Tashkent

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev ordered to commission the first stage of the aboveground metro in Tashkent on the eve of celebration of Navruz national holiday (March 20-21) in 2019, the presidential press service stated.

The corresponding orders were given during a visit of the president to the Yashnabad district of the capital.

Construction of new metro lines, the total length of which is 52.1 kilometers, is carried out in five stages. On the first stage, a line will be laid from the Dustlik station of the Tashkent Metro to the Kuilyuk market. On this 11-kilometer segment 8 stations will be built.

“It is wrong that public transport depends on oil and gas. The aboveground metro is accessible, convenient and safe means of transportation. Most importantly, it will take on some of the burden of other types of public transport and help relieve the roads in the city center. Moreover, it will be easier to control the charging of fare,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

The head of state ordered to accelerate the work, organize it in several shifts and complete the construction as early as possible.

The French company Alstom earlier told Trend that they expect clarity regarding construction of rail ring around Tashkent to propose corresponding products.

“What is not yet sure for us is how this ring is going to work. Is it going to be single network ring connection like in Moscow or is it going to be suburban train that will go around the city and connect with the outside. On top of that, it is not yet clear how the connection between metro network and this ring is going to be done,” Peille said.

The company added that they continue discussions in this regard with Tashkent Metro and Tashkent municipality.

Trend News Agency - trend.az

Uzbekistan to create 6 small industrial zones in districts

In accordance with the decree of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, six small industrial zones will be created on the area of 149.3 hectares in city, as well as in Namangan, Narin, Pap, Turakurgan and Chust districts, UzDaily news agency reported. “These small industrial zones will be created on the territory of empty or unused buildings and facilities on the basis of public-private partnership,” said Ibrohim Sattarov, head of Namangan regional council of Uzbekistan Liberal Democratic Party. “This will allow entrepreneurs to start their activity in a short time without constructing a new building, and also to save their own and state budget funds," he said. Construction is underway in the Pakhtalikkul industrial zone on an area of about 2.8 hectares by 15 business entities. In the coming days it is planned to complete the construction and launch production plants. The full involvement of projects in the industrial zone will make it possible to establish production of men's, women's and children's footwear, garments and other products, and about 800 jobs will be created.

Trend News Agency - trend.az

Expensive [40 000 USD and higher] and electric cars exempted from import duty

Zero rate import customs duty will be applied to cars having a price tag of 40,000 US dollars and over, and manufactured less than two years ago, and to electric cars (HS Code 870380) starting from January 1, 2019, with the excise tax rate at 20% of the customs value.

This is stipulated by the President’s June 29 Measures to Further Improve Foreign Economic Activity and Customs and Tariff Regulation of Uzbekistan Decree.

So how much will the Uzbeks have to pay for a 40 thousand US dollar* Lexus IS luxury class car with conventional engine?

Car price (USD): 40,000* Excise: 40000 × 20% = 8,000 VAT: (40000 + 8000) x 20% = 9,600 Total price: 57,600

Electric car (Tesla Model 3) (exempted from excise duty). Car price (USD): 35,000* VAT: 35000 × 20% = 7,000.

Total price: 42,000

Note: customs clearance fee (0.2% of the customs value, but not less than $ 25 and not more than $ 3,000) and a 3% fee for the Republican Road Fund shall be charged additionally.

The customs duties and excise tax for the imports of other cars have not virtually changed. *approximate price

The Tashkent Times – tashkenttimes.uz

Tashkent to host conference on new transport corridors in Central Asia

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, will host an international conference titled “Central Asia in the system of international transport corridors: strategic perspectives and unrealized opportunities” on Sept. 20-21, the Foreign Trade Ministry of Uzbekistan stated.

During the event, issues of effective and mutually beneficial use of international transport corridors, formation of a single, branched and outwardly integrated transport space in Central Asia will be discussed to strengthen interrelations based on mutual trust and good-neighborliness.

The aim of the event will be further development of the dialogue with international financial institutions, organizations, transport unions, as well as representatives of transport and logistics companies to develop existing and form new transport corridors.

Trend News Agency - trend.az

BUSINESS

Uzbekistan to manufacture textile products under Zara, Nike, Adidas brands

Arnasoy Gold Tex, an Uzbek textile company, is planning to establish manufacture of products under the Zara Home Collection and Tac Home brands in the territory of Uzbekistan, Gazeta.uz reports.

Arnasoy Gold Tex, which has a factory with the latest textile equipment and quality standard of ISO 9001, has won the support and recommendations from such world fashion houses as Zara Home Collection and Tac Home. Specialists of these brands have been involved in the work for successful completion of the project, as well as for cooperation for a period of 5 years.

The company has an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certificate, which serves as an additional confirmation of the quality of its products. The factory will be launched in early 2019 and will provide jobs for more than 700 people.

The presence of ISO 9001 certificate will allow Uzbek textiles to enter international markets, where the presence of such certificate is a mandatory requirement.

Also, it is planned to sign contracts with the world famous brands Nike and Adidas for production of sportswear. This news will be a real gift for football fans, especially now that Uzbekistan is actively developing this branch of sports and physical culture in general.

The products to be manufactured at the new factory will easily compete with the products from the world textile leaders.

Residents and guests of Uzbekistan will have a great opportunity to buy comfortable and fashionable novelties from well-known manufacturers, made of domestic cotton and sold at an affordable price.

Trend News Agency – trend.az

GM Uzbekistan intends to hold a presentation of Spark car with electric motor

In September 2018, GM Uzbekistan plans to hold a presentation of the Spark car with an electric motor. This was reported at the session of the International Press Club in Tashkent.

It is expected that the company will present a Spark car with an electric motor in September 2018. It is not known when the company will arrange the production of cars.

This is due to the fact that the company must introduce new technologies and train staff. The release of cars with an electric motor can start within 5 years or earlier. During this time, the company intends to carry out preparatory work.

UzDaily-uzdaily.uz

Siemens may build filling station for electric vehicles in Tashkent City

The German company Siemens may build in Tashkent a filling station for electric vehicles, within the framework of the initiatives being implemented in the territory of the Tashkent City business center, the company announced during the presentation held in the capital of Uzbekistan.

Siemens presented its solutions for modern business complexes, such as systems for power supply, complex automation and building safety, road and pedestrian traffic management, and smart parking.

The German company is also planning to build the first 100-megawatt wind power plant in the Zarafshan district of Navoi region on the terms of public-private partnership. The total cost of the project is $100 million.

In mid-May 2018, it was reported that Siemens considers Uzbekistan to be one of the promising markets in Central Asia and expects to begin implementing joint projects in the energy, industrial and other sectors soon.

Tashkent City international business center will be located on an area of 80 hectares in the center of the capital between Alisher Navoi avenue, Olmazor and Furkat streets and Islam Karimov avenue.

The project will build high-rise buildings for offices, hotels and apartments. In addition, conference halls and exhibition centers, a hypermarket, a large number of retail space, restaurants and cafes, as well as underground parking will be created.

Trend News Agency – trend.az

First separate waste collection center opens in Uzbekistan’s region

The first center of separate waste collection, called "Biopoint", with a daily processing capacity of 6,500 tons of household waste has opened in Termez (Surkhandarya region), Uzbekistan National News Agency Uza.uz reported.

It accumulates and sorts of household waste from Termez City, Termez and Angora districts, including 970 residential houses, 12 catering points and 21 points of household services.

The company plans to open 20 additional centers.

The "Biopoint" center has separate rooms for receiving glass, paper, plastic, food waste, rubber and textile products, as well as unsorted waste. The campaigns from gift-giving to exemption from payments for a certain period will be held for customers who bring sorted garbage.

It is planned to produce glass mosaic, plastic products, wooden briquettes, cardboard from the recycled waste, and to obtain biogas and biohumus from the food waste.

Bio Texno Eco Company plans to interact with customers by phone and mobile messengers. In particular, citizens can report waste accumulated in different places.

The company plans to introduce the distribution of special bags for the removal of construction waste from facilities.

Trend News Agency – trend.az

Uzavtosanoat JSC plans to attract third-party organizations and enterprises for localization of car components

Uzbek automaker Uzavtosanoat JSC intends to attract third-party organizations and enterprises to localize components for cars, the Uzbek company said.

With this aim, Uzavtosanoat also invites all willing parties to cooperate in supply of household goods, stationery, spare parts for equipment, tools for assembling automobiles and general-purpose tools, measuring instruments, lifting mechanisms and spare parts for them, personal protective equipment, electrical goods, metal rolling of construction purpose, office equipment and consumables, chemical gases (argon, oxygen, propane, carbon dioxide), chemicals and reagents, paint and varnish materials, as well as in rendering services on setting up and assembly of various equipment.

On July 24, during a speech at the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Academy of Sciences dedicated to the tasks and problems of science development, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev touched upon the problem of the low level of localization of products of the Uzbek car industry.

"...We are proud to produce cars, although in fact we are assembling them. The first car factory was built over 20 years ago, but spare parts are still purchased abroad. The question is: where is the science, where are the enterprises that implement its results? Why the young people not going into science?" the president said. This was Mirziyoyev's second speech, in which he expressed dissatisfaction with the Uzbek automobile industry.

Trend News Agency – trend.az

Public education ministry is inviting foreign investors to open private schools

The Uzbek Ministry of Public Education is inviting foreign investors to open private schools in the country, the ministry said.

The private schools are to introduce new teaching methods and curricula for IT, natural sciences and foreign languages.

The ministry is preparing draft legal acts that will facilitate investment in into private schools, ensure protection and state support for investors .

"We are convinced that the greater number of private schools and competition among them will boost the education system ," said Minister Sherzod Shermatov. "We invite all international schools to implement joint projects to provide high quality education for our

The Tashkent Times – tashkenttimes.uz

Uzbekistan exempts individual entrepreneurs from paying some taxes

In Uzbekistan, by presidential decree, individual entrepreneurs will be granted a number of new benefits, “Podrobno.uz” reported.

Individual entrepreneurs are exempt from paying a fixed tax payable for each employee hired.

In addition, individual entrepreneurs who organized provision of hairdressing services, tailoring services for individual orders, repairing shoes, in rural areas (with the exception of settlements with more than 5,000 people) are exempt from all taxes before July 1, 2023.

Another positive point is that individual entrepreneurs who have received preferential microcredit for the first time are exempted from paying a fixed tax within 6 months from the date of receipt.

Also, individual entrepreneurs will now pay a monthly fixed tax on transportation of goods by road with a carrying capacity of more than 3 tons at a rate of 2 times the minimum wage.

Subjects of family entrepreneurship received their share of benefits. Now they have the right to hire up to three permanent employees, with the conclusion of an employment contract with them, and to attract other close relatives who reached the working age, including spouses of children and grandchildren who

have reached working age, as participants in the family business without forming a legal entity , brothers and sisters, their spouses and children who have reached working age.

Trend News Agency -Trend.az

Made in Belarus expo to be held in Uzbekistan

An exhibition “Made in Belarus” will be held in Uzbekistan on 14-19 September, Belinterexpo said.

The exhibition will feature more than 100 flagship enterprises: BelAZ, MTZ, Belshina, Belarusian Forest Company, Beryozastroymaterialy, Adani, BelOMO, Conte Spa, Kommunarka, Babushkina Krynka, Belryba and others.

Made in Belarus will run several thematic expositions. The country’s large industrial enterprises will showcase samples of agricultural and municipal vehicles, innovative electro-buses, the R&D in the defense industry. Belneftekhim Concern will present a wide range of chemical and petrochemical products. Wood and construction companies will present timber products, tiles and furniture made of natural wood.

Enterprises of the Belarusian light industry will show collections of fashionable apparel and home textiles. A wide range of foods and drinks will be brought from all regions of Belarus. Organizations subordinate of the Communications and Informatization Ministry will display software development services and production of data transmission equipment.

Made in Belarus will also feature the latest books published by large publishing houses of Belarus, R&D and innovations from Belarusian scientists, university educational programs, and also recuperation programs in Belarus. The interest of Belarusian manufacturers in the event is big.

The exhibition is organized by the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with the government bodies of the two countries. The expo operator is Belinterexpo of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

UzDaily – uzdaily.uz

Siemens may build 100 MW wind farm in Uzbekistan

Siemens plans to build the first wind farm in Uzbekistan under the public-private partnership terms, Shukhrat Sheraliyev, deputy chairman of UzbekEnergo said.

"Uzbekenergo is now working with Siemens on a project of a 100 MW wind farm in Zarafshan district of Navoi province, with the estimated project cost at US$ 100 million," Sheraliyev said.

In 2015, German companies Geo-Net and Intec-Gopa presented a wind atlas that reflects Uzbekistan wind energy potential. According to German experts, Uzbekistan has over 520 thousand MW of capacity and over a billion megawatt-hours of electricity can be generated annually - and this is only the preliminary findings.

Based on the atlas Uzbekenergo identified two promising sites - in Navoi region and the southern Karakalpakstan for further detailed WEP studies.

The Tashkent Times – tashkenttimes.uz

Tashkent to host the first Uzbekistan Textile Conference

Tashkent will host Uzbekistan Textile Conference and International Exhibition of Textile and Fashion Industry “UzTextile Expo”, which will be held at Uzexpocentre on September 4-7, 2018.

“UzTextile Expo” is the only international specialized exhibition of textile and fashion industry of Uzbekistan. It unites the International Exhibition “TextileExpo Uzbekistan”, the Central Asian International Exhibition of Textile Machinery “CAITME” and the International Textile Conference of Uzbekistan.

According to “Uztuqimachiliksanoat” (Uzbekistan Textile Industry) Association, the combined exhibition event will demonstrate the achievements and innovations of Uzbekistan and foreign leaders of textile industry and technologies along the whole technological chain – from yarn to ready-made garments, accessories, technologies and textile chemicals, covering an area of 12 000 sq.m.

Within the framework of the exhibition, the organizers will hold a special Buyer program and B2B, B2C, B2G meetings. Over the past years, it was attended by more than 10,000 exhibitors from 35 foreign countries and 500 buyers from the EU, Korea, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Turkey and other countries.

Uzbekistan National News Agency – uza.uz

Single center for promotion of investors established in Tashkent

The Tashkent city administration intends to create a new agency – a Single center for the assistance to investors in the development of new projects, Podrobno.uz reported.

"The city administration is open to cooperation with interested persons and companies in order to develop public-private partnership. A single center for assistance to investors in the development of new projects will be established under the city administration. All questions concerning the acquisition of permits, the allocation of land plots for construction, as well as controversial issues with the district utility services will be considered as soon as possible, and appropriate measures will be taken to address them without unnecessary bureaucracy," the city administration noted.

All projects for investment and the land plots allocated for the construction will be openly exhibited in the form of lots.

Each investor will be able to choose a particular project and invest money in it. In addition, one of the main principles of public-private partnership in the field of investment will be social orientation, emphasis on the urban beautification, expansion in the number of parks and green areas.

Trend News Agency – trend.az

TOURISM AND CULTURE

Online tourist registration launched in Uzbekistan

Starting from July 15, online registration of foreign citizens through the E-mehmon system (transl. e-guest) at www.emehmon.uz has launched in Uzbekistan. As reported earlier, by the May 29 Government’s decree, which took effect immediately, foreign nationals staying in Uzbekistan hotels, medical institutions and other residences shall no longer be held liable for violation of temporary registration rules.

Liability for tourist registration, except for foreigners on a self-guided journey, shall be borne by the inviting or receiving parties (tour operators, hotels, medical institutions, residential premises and etc.).

For registration visitors need to sign up, enter details, fill out the Arrival Guest List in the Lists menu and pay the tourist fee by a bank card. The same can be done through the mobile app Emehmon (for the time being available on Android).

The Tashkent Times – tashkenttimes.uz

Margilan to host Atlas Festival

Festival of Traditional Textiles “Atlas bayrami” is held since 2015 in the ancient city of Margilan with the support of the UNESCO Office in order to preserve the cultural heritage, support the development of crafts, as well as improve the quality and design of traditional crafts.

Due to successful holding of this festival from year to year, it has become one of the significant events not only in the region, but also in the republic. Representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and also took part in the third festival, allowing to expand the geographical limits of the event.

The main goal of “Atlas bayrami” Festival is to preserve and popularize the intangible cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, in particular traditional textiles using silk, as well as its transfer to the next generations.

As reported by the Press Service of the State Committee for Tourism Development, the fourth festival (September 11-15, 2018) is planned to focus on traditional textiles along the . Having the main goal of supporting the development of traditional crafts, improving the quality and design of handicraft products, as well as attracting tourists to discover Fergana region for themselves.

Uzbekistan National News Agency - uza.uz

Wizz Air offered to make flights to Uzbekistan

Hungarian lowcost airline Wizz Air has been offered to open flights to Uzbekistan, Uzbek media reported.

The delegation of Navoi region visited Hungary in order to establish close trade and economic cooperation between the regions and attract Hungarian investments to Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek delegation met with the President of the Hungarian low-cost Wizz Air airlines Jozsef Varadi, during which the potential of the international airport Navoi and the tourism opportunities of Uzbekistan

was presented. The sides also discussed the economic efficiency of establishing the Budapest-Navoi- Budapest flight.

Wizz Air is a Hungarian budget airline with headquarter in Vecses. The airline was established in September 2003 and operates mainly in the market of Central Europe.

Trend News Agency - Trend.az

The first stage of world-class ski resort to be launched in December

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Aziz Abdukhakimov visited a construction site of the mountain resort “Amirsoy” in Bostanlyk district of .

Aziz Abdukhakimov chaired the meeting at the construction site of Amirsoy resort, which is the first ski resort in Uzbekistan with world standards of comfort and safety.

The meeting was held on slopes of the Maygashkan mountain, the Beldersay tract. This territory is a part of the Free-Tourist Zone “Charvak”, creation of which was initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the end of last year.

During the meeting, the representative of the managing company PGI Management, H. Antonio (Andorra) held a presentation of the resort infrastructure. The total cost of the project is more than 100 million euros.

The main idea of “Amirsoy” is to create a unique infrastructure and provide a first-class service, which will delight visitors from small to large at any time of the year. It is also important that the conditions will be created for both professionals and amateurs of active recreation, as well as for beginners conquerors of peaks and children.

In total, 28 ski slopes with various degrees of complexity and a total length of more than 21 kilometers, 7 ski lifts, equipment rental outlets, a snowboard park, a sports school, summer campuses, open areas, restaurants, residential and service infrastructure will be constructed.

The first stage of the resort, worth more than 30 million euros, will be launched in the winter season of 2018-2019. It is planned to launch 13 ski slopes with a length of more than 12 kilometers, two cableways, a helicopter pad, a residential town of 21 “chalets”, two restaurants, an instructor school, a multifunctional center with rental points for ski and other equipment.

UzDaily – uzdaily.uz

Uzbekistan simplifies car rental, first services to appear soon

Uzbekistan has allowed renting cars for a period of 30 days without a notary, Uzbek media reported. The corresponding changes have been provided by amendments and additions to the civil code approved by the president of Uzbekistan.

Now, legal entities that provide services for the rental of cars and motor vehicles can conclude contracts with individuals in simple written form for up to 30 days.

To register a lease, only an international driving license will be required in addition to the passport. As a result, citizens of Uzbekistan and foreign tourists can rent a car for up to 30 days without notarizing and registering with the internal affairs bodies.

The first services for short-term car rental (car-sharing) are planned to be launched in four tourist centers of Uzbekistan – Bukhara, Tashkent, Samarkand and Khorezm.

Trend News Agency - Trend.az

TomTom and State Cadaster Committee to create navigation map of Uzbekistan for tourists

TomTom of the Netherlands and the State Committee of Uzbekistan for Land Resources, Geodesy, Cartography and State Cadastre agreed to create a navigation map of Uzbekistan for tourists.

Representatives of the two organizations held talks in Tashkent, the press service of the State Committee said in a statement. The parties discussed the issue of creating a navigation map of Uzbekistan.

In accordance with the agreement of the parties, TomTom and State Cadaster Committee will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation. Within the framework of the document, a navigation map will be created for smartphones, car navigators, personal navigators and web applications for route planning, as well as to increase the capacity of the committee staff.

Creation of the navigation map will allow tourists to easily determine directions to attractions, hotels and restaurants, and also help in planning tourist routes.

TomTom is the Dutch manufacturer of navigation, traffic and map products, GPS Sport Watches and fleet management solutions.

UzDaily – uzdaily.uz

Lonely Planet puts Uzbekistan 2nd in top spots to visit in Asia

Lonely Planet has published has included Uzbekistan in its "The best places to travel in Asia".

Uzbekistan has entered the list for the first time and has taken the second place after South Korea (Busan).

In the Lonely Planet’s ranking, the country is ahead of such traditional and "promoted" areas as Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China and Indonesia.

Uzbekistan "with its fascinating mosaic mosques and legends extended along the Silk Road had a strong influence on the imagination of travelers for a long time. But the country was not well known to the rest of the world until recently," said the report.

The publication highly appreciates the steps taken in the country to improve the conditions for tourism.

"By the end of 2017, the country had made huge strides by opening up its tourism sector, announcing visa- free and e-visa schemes, new air routes, and expanding its brilliant high-speed rail network, providing easier than ever access to its brilliant architectural collection and ancient cities. Uzbekistan enjoys the benefits of its hospitality, and the country is undergoing positive reforms," according to the Lonely Planet.

Trend News Agency - Trend.az

Uzbekistan Airways again named most punctual carrier

In June 2018, Uzbekistan Airways once again became the most punctual air carrier, ranking first among foreign airlines that fly to/from Moscow's Domodedovo airport, the Uzbek company stated.

Uzbekistan Airways is currently operating 36 scheduled flights a week from the cities of Uzbekistan to the Domodedovo airport, including 16 flights a week from Tashkent. In the autumn-winter period, the national air carrier plans to increase the frequency of flights from the capital to Moscow to 21 flights a week. The Uzbek air carrier is planning to transport over 3 million passengers in 2018 thanks to the active advertising company, reducing a number of tariffs and expanding the geography of flights, especially in the CIS countries.

In addition, Uzbekistan Airways plans to equip its entire aircraft fleet with Wi-Fi. The work on the aircraft retrofitting will be carried out on the basis of Uzbekistan Airways Technics.

Trend News Agency - Trend.az

Huawei is implementing “Safe Tourism” pilot project in Bukhara

Huawei Tech Investment Tashkent, with support of the State Committee for Tourism Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, is initiating “Safe Tourism” pilot project in the city of Bukhara.

During the trip to the most ancient city of the country, which is also considered one of the centers of tourism development, the company’s top managers met with the leadership of Department of Internal Affairs of the region, the deputy khokim of Bukhara region and representatives of the Committee for Tourism Development.

It should be noted that “Safe Tourism” project is part of “Safe City” concept and combines a set of solutions such as creation of a converged command center, a unified LTE communication network, a data center, and high definition video cameras with face recognition function, car colors and numbers, as well as the ability to conduct analysis of large data.

Huawei has extensive experience in integrating and implementing projects within the framework of “Safe City” and “Safe Tourism” concept. Successful projects have been implemented in Kenya, Nairobi, Pakistan, Lahore, the unified call center system in Saudi Arabia, the Safe Traffic Project in Dushanbe and others.

After successful launch of “Safe Tourism” pilot project, Huawei also plans to help the administration of the city of Bukhara to improve other areas of public services based on development of information and communication technologies. UzDaily – uzdaily.uz