American Chamber
of Commerce in Uzbekistan
ALL MONTHLY MEETINGS
Ambassador Addresses American Chamber of Commerce (10/29/2009)
U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland highlighted economic expansion projects and the strengthening bilateral relations between the U.S. and Uzbekistan during a speech Oct. 29 at the American Chamber of Commerce in Uzbekistan.
Norland spoke about the expansion of the Navoi airport into an international cargo hub, construction of the Navoi Free Industrial Economic Zone, and plans to extend rail links from the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan border to Mazar-e-sharif, where goods can be transferred to roads leading to other parts of Afghanistan and South Asia.
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AmCham Monthly Meeting on September 17, 2009
The changing insurance laws in Uzbekistan were the topic of discussion at the September monthly meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 17. The event’s main speaker, Mirodil Abdullaevich Mirsadikov, director of the Association of Professional Participants of the Insurance Market of Uzbekistan, spoke directly to this subject in a presentation titled “Current State of the Insurance Market of Uzbekistan and Principal Points of Civil Liability Insurance of Employers.”
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Monthly Meeting on May 21, 2009
Visiting Delegation of the American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce headed by the Chairman Mr. Harry Eustace Sr. spoke to AmCham community on Monthly Meeting in May. The delegation was represented by AUCC directors and members including Neil Livingstone, Alan Ogden and Don LaGuardia. The presentation of Mr. Harry Eustace which entitled “Improving Prospects for the Bilateral Relationship: The Business Perspective” was highly interesting. The presentation was broad and covered not only AUCC mission, membership, new AUCC leadership agenda but also its engagement with U.S. Government and business community. Mr. Harry Eustace mentioned that US – Uzbekistan relations are on a positive trajectory. The agenda of AUCC for bilateral progress includes: ratify Bilateral Investment Treaty in Washington, encourage USTDA re-engagement, encourage reopening of OPIC window, work with Government of Uzbekistan on Investor Incentive Packages and many others. More than 80 AmCham members, Diplomatic Corps and visiting guests participated in the event. After very profound presentation people enjoyed cocktail drinks and had an occasion to exchange opinions on the presentation.
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Monthly Meeting on April 30, 2009
AmCham Monthly Meeting in April took place at the Hotel InterContinental, DOME Restaurant.
Mr. Vahabov Ulugbek Karimovich, Head of Department for Foreign and Public Relations, State Property Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan was the honorable speaker of the month. His presentation entitled “Opportunities for foreign investors offered by privatization program of the Republic of Uzbekistan”. Mr. Vahabov spoke about main goals and principles of privatization in Uzbekistan, institutions responsible for privatization, forms of privatization, and role of foreign investors in the process of privatization in Uzbekistan. As a special part of the presentation Mr. Vahabov mentioned the assets offered for sale in Uzbekistan. Mr. Vahabov mentioned that according to privatization program total 1432 Enterprises are to be privatized for the years 2007-2010. The presentation in details is available at AmCham office.
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Monthly Meeting on March 19, 2009
Mr. James Callahen, Regional Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime was invited to be AmCham honorable speaker of the month in March. The presentation Mr. Callahen presented to AmCham community entitled “UNODC Programme in Central Asia". It covered drug situation in Central Asia, activities of UNODC in the region and its joint project with other organizations in this sphere. As the second speakers on the Monthly Meeting we invited the representatives of Red Crescent Society of Uzbekistan representatives, who presented the activities of RCSU in Uzbekistan. All AmCham community enjoyed substantial presentations made by both speakers and had time to discuss and socialize at the cocktail drinks after the official part of the evening was over.
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Monthly Meeting on February 26, 2009
Mr. Pierre-Paul Antheunissens, Europe House Coordinator kindly agreed to be AmCham honorable speaker of the month on February membership meeting. More than 60 representatives of the business society, diplomatic corps, and international organization had the honor to see the presentation of Mr. Pierre-Paul Antheunissens. The presentation entitled "Activities of European Commission and European Commission's Support to Private Sector". Participants had known from the presentation that the Europa House is the Liaison Office of the European Commission in Uzbekistan. Main priorities for Uzbekistan are rule of law, good governance and democratization, youth and education, economic development, trade and investment, energy and transport; environmental sustainability and water, combating common threats and challenges. Mr. Pierre-Paul Antheunissens spoke in details of each of the above mentioned priorities of European Union. The February Monthly Meeting turned to be extremely informative. After the presentation all the guests were invited to enjoy cocktail drinks and discussions at the premises of the Hotel InterContinental.
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Annual General Assembly on December 10, 2008
In accordance with the By-laws, American Chamber of Commerce in Uzbekistan held its Annual General Assembly meeting at the Hotel InterContinental DOME Restaurant on December 10, 2008. AmCham President Mr. Donald Nicholson II presented the Certificates of Appreciation for the development of the international business to the Chairmen of the AmCham four committees. Their work was extremely active and productive in the year 2008. Mr. Oybek Khalilov, Mr. Yevgeny Onokhin, Mr. Jean-Claude Beaujean, and Mr. Stanislav Zukal were awarded with the certificates. Besides two authors and supporters of AmCham, Lubov Belokon’ and Nargiza Ogulchanskaya received their certificates for an active support of the AmCham activity in Uzbekistan.
Ms. Tatyana Bystrushkina, AmCham Executive Director, described all the events AmCham Uzbekistan arranged in the year 2008. According to Tatyana Bystushkina, AmCham accomplished a great work within the year. The 25 % membership increase was listed among the significant achievements, as well as quite productive activity of the AmCham Committees, enhancement of the regional cooperation and active work with the Government of Uzbekistan.
Mr. Hugo Minderhoud, AmCham Treasurer, made a detailed analysis of the AmCham Uzbekistan financial situation in 2008.
Following the presentations, the AmCham voting members elected the new Board of Directors for the year 2009. Robert McCutcheon, Political and Economic Officer of the U.S. Embassy, kindly agreed to supervise the tabulation procedure of the ballots. We sincerely congratulate the new BOD and wish a successful fulfillment of the AmCham mission in 2009!
Monthly Meeting on January 29, 2009
On January 29, 2009, AmCham in Uzbekistan hosted a panel discussion with the participation of the representatives of the government of Uzbekistan, international financial institutions, and multinational corporations. The main theme which unites all the speakers and participant of the Monthly Meeting was the international financial crisis. Mr. Bakhtiyar M. Irmatov (Director, UZINFOINVEST), Mr. Loup J. Brefort (Country Officer, World Bank Country Office), Mr. Igor Pakan (Country Executive, RBS NB Uzbekistan), Dr. Helmut Fisher (Head of Representative Office, Commerzbank) and Mr. Oybek Khalilov (General Director, UzAIG Company) presented their companies’ experience and measures to minimize the effect of international financial crisis. According to the speakers, the world financial crisis has stricken a significant blow to the financial system of many countries of the world and provoked a liquidity crisis. “World economic growth is set to fall to just ½ % this year, its lowest rate since World War II” warns the International Monetary Fund (IMF’s World Economic Outlook released January 27, 2009). The Eurozone economy poised to shrink by 2.0% in 2009 and the US economy by 1.6%. Growth in emerging and developing economies is expected to slow sharply, from 6.25% in 2008 to 3.25% in 2009. “Global economy is projected to experience a gradual recovery in 2010, with growth picking up to 3%. However, the outlook is highly uncertain” (…) The EBRD has estimated the GDP growth in the transition countries at 6.3% in 2008. In 2007, it was equal to 7.5%, and in 2009 it will drop to 3%. UN ILO (United Nations International Labour Organization) calculated that as many as 51 million jobs worldwide could be lost this year because of the global economic crisis. The probable impacts of the global financial crisis on the countries of Central Asia could complicate ith the threats associated with food, water and energy security. The world financial crisis in the countries may be reflected in lower exports to Kazakhstan and Russia and reduction in remittances of migrant workers. Due to the lack of direct dependence of the financial system of Uzbekistan on foreign sources of financing, it was managed to avoid negative impacts to the national economy. Possible impact on the economy could be seen in a slowdown of foreign investors’ activity in implementation of large-scale investment projects in petrochemical, mining, construction materials is possible, the uncertainty on international markets can, unfortunately, prevent decision making on new investment projects, a sales slowdown of Uzbek export products on the international markets due to the shrinkage of markets and limited money resources of main trading partners, the decrease of remittances of manpower resources from countries, experiencing financial crisis. On the other hand, low debts, high reserves and untapped productivity enhancement opportunities (through further reforms) gives “space” for effective action. Government targets at close to 8% growth in 2009 while IMF is slightly more cautious at 7%. The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan has adopted a complex of specific measures focused on reduction of the risk of lower growth rates during the World financial crisis. Presentations of the speakers of AmCham Monthly Meeting in January are available at AmCham office.
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Monthly Meeting November 27, 2008
On November 27, 2008, the participants of the AmCham Monthly Meeting enjoyed the presentation given by Mr. Alisher E.Shaykhov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan. Mr Shaykhov was invited as the honorable speaker of the month. His presentation was entitled as “The activity of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan. Priorities for the US Direct Investments”. The presentation was extremely profound, and it thoroughly explained the structure of the Uzbek Chamber, membership, sources of financing and many other aspects. Creation of favorable business environment, protection of rights of the entrepreneurs, export promotion, foreign investment attraction as well as cooperation with foreign chambers were mentioned among the main tasks of CCIU. This Monthly Meeting turned to be extremely interesting and informative for all the AmCham members, guests and diplomatic corps.
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Monthly Meeting on October 23, 2008.
Monthly Meeting in October had unusual format. Representatives of the delegation headed by RADM Harnitchek and Brigadier General Lennon had a meeting with potential suppliers of the services and goods for Afghanistan at 5:00 PM. Not only AmCham members but also several local companies proposed their services for the military initiatives taking place in Afghanistan.
At 6: 30 PM AmCham members and friends gathered again at Club Lounge Room of the Hotel InterContinental to listen to presentation given by RADM Harnitchek, Brigadier General Lennon regarding the initiative in Afghanistan followed by questions and answers session. New AmCham members ARHAT Audit Ltd and RED DOOR gave small presentations about their activities. All the participants proceeded to the cocktail to continue discussions in informal atmosphere.
CAROL FAJARDO, Public Affairs Officer (PAO) informed that U.S. Embassy Tashkent was sponsoring a public event dedicated to the U.S. presidential election 2008 on November 5, 2008 at the Hotel InterContinental,
AmirTemurall.More information about U.S. presidential elections is available at the website of the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan www.usembassy.uz
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Monthly Meeting on September 25, 2008
On September 25, 2008 participants of the AmCham monthly Meeting had the opportunity to meet and hear the presentation by Mr. Ercan Murat, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. Although American Chamber of Commerce in Uzbekistan has very long and productive relations with UNDP in Uzbekistan it is always extremely interesting for AmCham members to know about UNDP programs Mr. Ercan Murat explained in details the structure of the UN, funds gathered and allocated for the development of a particular country. Mr. Ercan Murat mentioned about the millennium development goals which include the following: eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality and others.
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Monthly Meeting on July 24, 2008
Director of Information Support and Foreign Investments Promotion Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan “UZINFOINVEST” under the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations Investment and Trade Mr. Bakhtiyor Madamenbekovich Irmatov made a presentation to Amcham on Monthly Meeting on July 24, 2008. Mr. Irmatov spoke about the structure of the agency, information. Which can be provided, informational material published and presentations which ere made in different countries. He informed about the database of potential investors to Uzbekistan and possible ways of collaboration with AmCham in Uzbekistan. The content of the event proved to be very interesting and diverse because by a lucky chance new Deputy Assistant Secretary of State (DAS) Mr. George Krol, who was with official visit in Uzbekistan, made a small speech to AmCham members. He expressed his willingness to speak to AmCham community of one of the Monthly Meetings in the future. AmCham new member software Development Company Olsoft made presentation on their activity after which all guests were invited to cocktail bar.In order to review the activity of AmCham and the work done for the first five months of the year 2008 AmCham in Uzbekistan gathered for the Interim General Assembly on June 26, 2008.
The meeting was opened by Mr. Donald Nicholson II who has been AmCham in Uzbekistan President since 2005. Mr. Donald Nicholson II made general overview of AmCham activity in the first half of 2008. Mr. Donald Nicholson II presented to AmCham community new secretary for DCM Mr. Duane Butcher who recently was appointed to substitute Mr. Brad Hanson. He informed that long standing friend of Amcham and contributor of articles to AmCham newsletter Mr. Santiago (“Yago”) Ruiz-Moralez, IFC would leave the country soon in order to take over new assignment. Mr. Robert Horton, Uz-Texaco presented the financial results of the first half of the year and presented the financial analysis of AmCham. AmCham Executive Director Tatyana Bystrushkina made a detailed and comprehensive presentation on AmCham activity, membership dynamics, membership dues and financial situation. 15 new members versus 2 left in the first half of the years 2008, more active participation in AmCham events, and active work of AmCham 4 main committees are the positive trends in Amcham activity in 2008. Tatyana Bystrushkina presented to Amcham Community the chairmen of the Committees: Mr. Yevgeny Onokhin, Trade and Investment Committee, Mr. Jean-Claude Beaujean, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Committee, Mr. Stanislav Zukal, who replaced Mrs. Vera Makarova-Bell on the post of the Chairman of the Tax and Accounting Committee and Mr. Oybek Khalilov, AmCham Vice-President, who chairs membership Committee. AmCham community welcomed new AmCham director Mr. Abdulkhamid Muminov, PricewaterhouseCoopers. Usually members do not vote on Interim General Assembly and this time was not an exception. After Amcham directors answered questions of the member everybody was invited to enjoy cocktails of the DOME Restaurant of the Hotel InterContinental.
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AmCham Monthly Meeting on May 22, 2008
It was only in 2005 when representative of USAID spoke to AmCham members for the last time. That is why we were pleased to present to AmCham community Mr. William Frej, USAID Regional Mission Director for Central Asian Republics. Mr. Frej arrived to Tashkent from Kazakhstan to present to AmCham community “Public- Private Partnerships: the USAID Example” on AmCham Monthly Meeting in May 2008. The presentation touched such aspects as USAID activity in Central Asia, private sector advantages from collaboration with USAID, public-private partnership and others. After the presentation participants participated in the discussion of the opportunities in Uzbekistan. All the participants were invited to cocktail which followed the presentation. As usual Monthly Meeting was held at the Hotel InterContinental, restaurant DOME.
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Monthly Meeting on April 24, 2008
On April 24, 2008 AmCham in Uzbekistan held April Monthly Meeting at the Hotel InterContinental. Honorable speaker for the event was Consul of the Embassy of the United States of America to Uzbekistan Rafael Perez. After AmCham President Mr. Donald Nicholson II made opening remarks His Excellency Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of the United States of America introduced the team of the embassy to AmCham community. Mr. Consul and Vice-Consul made general overview of consular services, told about recent changes in the procedure of the registration to interview and other requirements. The presentation outlined AmCham/ US Embassy visa referral program) for AmCham business travelers. To remind AmCham member companies seeking a visa referral should present the following documentation to AmCham office:
* A letter to AmCham requesting a visa referral. This should clearly state the purpose of the business visit; the exact position in the company of person/ persons intending to make a visit, their legal names and passport data, and the timeframe of the visit; and the place of the visit from itself, this must be clearly explained. If the business partner is paying for any expenses this also needs to be stated.
After the reviewing these documents, the executive director will prepare a visa referral letter to be attached to those documents for AmCham file and to be faxed to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy.
Once the Consular Section has received the referral from the AmCham office, it will provide the date and time of the visa appointment to the AmCham office. After this, all correspondence regarding visa appointment should be directed to the Consular section.
U.S. Embassy Visa Procedures.
Application forms and other visa requirements are available www.usembassy.uz/consular under the “ Non-Immigrant Visa” tab. While no supporting documentation is required for the visa application, the Consular Section strongly recommends that Amcham members bring whatever supporting documentation they deem necessary regarding their business trip.
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AmCham Monthly Meeting on March 27, 2008
On March 27, 2008 participants at the AnCham monthly meeting had the opportunity to meet and hear a presentation by Timur Valitov, Chairman of the Republican Universal Agro Industrial Exchange.
It was an interesting and informative presentation in that the Agro Industrial Exchange is one of four exchanges of “birjas” in Uzbekistan, and is the only one that is entirely private. Mr. Valitov gave a detailed presentation with a number of slides. Of particular interest were the ways in which local and foreign companies could use the exchange for their commercial dealings taking advantage of the further benefit that the exchange can facilitate foreign exchange. A number of AmCham members asked specific questions on the workings of the exchange with either Mr. Valitov or the other representatives of the exchange joining in the responses. Members are encouraged to contact Mr. Valitov for further information and the AmCham office will be glad to assist in arranging for individual meetings.
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AmCham Monthly Meeting on February 28, 2008
On February 28, 2008 American Chamber of Commerce in Uzbekistan welcomed honorable speaker of the month Mr. Mr. Sergio Rocha, Vice President of GM Daewoo Auto and Technology Company. The stellar event gathered together not only Uzbek, American and Korean business community but also senior diplomats from both American and the Korean Embassies and Uzbek officials. All AmCham members and guests which altogether were more that 100 had an opportunity to listen to a presentation of Mr. Sergio Rocha about the product which GM plans to produce on the factory in Asaka as well as perspective of auto industry development in the Republic of Uzbekistan . After the presentation and questions and answers session all the participants could discuss the particular questions with Mr. Rocha personally during the cocktail which followed the meeting.
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AmCham Monthly Meeting on January 24, 2008
Following the new stage of Sino-Uzbek relations, AmCham in Uzbekistan decided to invite Counselor on Trade and Economic issues of People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Yu Lixin to be Honorary Speaker of January on AmCham Monthly Meeting. AmCham members, friends and diplomatic community had unique opportunity to listen to very useful presentation of Mr. Yu Lixin regarding development of economic and commercial relations between People’s Republic of China and Republic of Uzbekistan. After presentations and questions and answers session all the participants enjoyed cocktail drinks and make closer acquaintance with the representatives of biggest Chinese companies operating in Uzbekistan, who followed Mr. Counsellor on this meeting.
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