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By the decree of the President the Post and Telecommunications Agency of Uzbekistan is transformed into the Communications and Information Agency of Uzbekistan with the tasks in the field of informatization and computerization. |
The Government approved the Program of development of computerization and information-communication technologies for 2002-2010.
14 february. There was a session of the Cabinet of Ministers devoted to the results of the social-economic development and an evaluation of the progress in economic reforms for 2001, as well as the basic directions of the deepening of reforms in 2002.
At the meeting, President Islam Karimov noted that 2001 was a logical continuation, yet another important stage in the chosen course of deepening reforms in the economy and society.
The support of macroeconomic stability and growth are show by these figures:
GNP increased 4.5%
Production by by 8.1%
Agriculture by 4.5%
GNP exceeded its 1991 level by 3%
Real income increased by 16.9%
Financial stability in the economy was ensured by limiting the budget deficit to less than 1%
Monetary stability was ensured by limiting the growth of money emissions to 6.5%
The level of income payment discipline increased, with practically no debts by leading institutions and enterprises
Foreign trade turnover increase 3.1% with a positive balance, maintaining gold reserves.
15 april. The WB is a major partner of Uzbekistan in projects for restructuring the economy and social sphere. Projects based on strategic cooperation are worked out every two years.
During the present visit of the WB President to Uzbekistan a new cooperation agreement was agreed aimed at improving drinking water in Samarkand and Bukhara. These projects will improve infrastructure of water supply. The WB has issued a $40m credit for this.
1may. At the Uzbek bankers’ association there was a presentation of the yearly accounts prepared by the EBRD dedicated to an analysis of the processes of transition in 2001.
It noted that economic indicators in the CIS showed an average 4% increase and economic growth of about 5%.
The authors stated that the striving of central European countries to join the EU, their reforms were very fruitful. Russian economic stabilization and adopting of world oil prices in 2001 also benefited the CIS.
This year economic growth will be about 4%.
24 may. In Tashkent there was an international conference dedicated to geo-dynamic conditions of oil and gas formation and storage “Oil and gas-OGU-2002”. It was organized by Uzbekneftegaz national holding company and the ITE Group Pic.
Deputy Prime minister V. Otaev noted at the opening ceremony that President Islam Karimov has made oil and gas independence a top priority since independence. As a result, in 1995 it was achieved. Uzbekistan also exports oil and gas.
ITE vice president and city of London mayor Hugh Bidwell said that Uzbekistan is making reforms in oil and gas to meet international demands of the oil and gas market. This attracts the interest of foreign investors.
4 july. Uzbek exporters have the unique possibility of offering their products over the Internet. This is the goal of the new project "Made in Uzbekistan" (UzExport.com), which had a presentation in Tashkent recently.
The new portal is the initiative of the department of foreign economic ties and foreign investment of the Cabinet of Ministers in cooperation with MFEA and GTZ.
18 july.There was a session of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the process and realization of the established priorities and tasks for development of the economy for the first half of 2002 and to the decision of problems associated with them.
President Islam Karimov spoke. He said that the results achieved during the period in all spheres due to the reforms being carried out have resulted in positive changes in the economy, including successes in production and agriculture, in particular, grain production. He dwelt on the further attraction of foreign investment and the growth of SMEs.
The increase in GNP was 4.2%, including 7.2% for production, 11.5% for consumer goods, 4.5% for agriculture, 8.3% for consumer spending, and 12.7% for paid services.
July. On the basis of Tashkent Electrotechnical Institute of Communications the Tashkent University of Information Technologies is created.
First services on wireless Internet connection.
First Internet cards.
19 september. For the great service of leading workers at the Tashkent tractor factory in developing agricultural machinery, introducing new technology in production, actively participating in social life, for their long fruitful work and successes in strengthening the economic potential of the country, carrying out reform in production and increasing international accord, President Islam Karimov signed a decree “On awarding workers in connection with the 60th anniversary of the Tashkent tractor factory.”
30 september. President Islam Karimov received a member of the board of directors of Daimler Chrysler, head of the German committee for economic cooperation with Eastern Europe, the Baltics, the Caucasus and Central Asia, Jorgen Mangold.
Recently, new technology has been introduced by foreign firms in the automotive and other sectors. Daimler-Chrysler is also interested in taking part in Uzbekistan’s privatization.
“We are pleased by the efficient and stable development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Germany in various spheres,” said President Islam Karimov. “Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, during his visit to Uzbekistan this year, noted the development of ties between our states. There is room for more cooperation in new directions.”
3 october. President Islam Karimov visited the reconstruction of the Tashkent airport. He noted that we must always remember that foreign guests arriving in Uzbekistan first see the airport. Though service is on a high level, not enough attention is paid to the airport’s design. For instance, tall trees should be planted on the route to the city, as well as small architectural forms, and an information tableau built inside the building.
President Islam Karimov spoke with airport personnel, customs officials, border guards and security personnel. Service is now better and faster. Registration, customs control, and border crossings do not take more time. New technology is used by security to detect dangerous items and arms.
President Islam Karimov looked at the new output of the Chkalov aviation production firm – the Il-114-100. Its big advantage is its economy. The main planes servicing internal routes are the AN-24 and Yak-40. The new plane is 2-3 times more fuel efficient, and less noisy. It meets the ICAO aviation organization standards.
Compared to the old Il-114, the length of the flight has been extended by 250 kms, and take-off requires 200m less room. The engine strength is 250 horsepower. In the Il-114 there is no system for warning of the danger of hitting another airplane, and the water and electric supply system is less efficient. The new plane can complete flights abroad and domestically where runways are short. It can function in all weather conditions.
30 october. In Tashkent, an international customs conference is taking place, dedicated to the ongoing war against narcotics on the Silk Road. It is sponsored by the World customs organization, and customs officials from 30 countries and international organizations are taking part.
28 november. President Islam Karimov received the president of the EBRD Jean Lemiere.
“We appreciate our cooperation with the EBRD,” said President Islam Karimov. “This bank is a major international financial organization important to Uzbekistan. We approve increasing cooperation with it.”
Though it is only 10 years old, the EBRD is a leading authority among international banks. It has investment projects in 27 countries worth 20.2b euros.
20 projects worth $2.4b have been completed in Uzbekistan. The contribution of the EBRD to them was $723.8m. 8 more projects worth $320m are being prepared. This shows the level of cooperation. The EBRD considers Uzbekistan a reliable and prospective partner in the region. The next board meeting of the EBRD will be held in Tashkent in May 2003.
At the meeting yesterday, further cooperation and new projects, as well as preparation for the future board meeting in May 2003 were discussed.