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Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover reaches US$10.82bn

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Tashkent, (DNA)- According to the results of January-April 2020, the foreign trade turnover (FTT) of Uzbekistan reached US$10.82 billion, which, compared with the same period of last year, decreased by US$1.3 billion.

Of the total FTT, exports reached US$4.41 billion (a decrease of 10.6% compared to January-April 2019 was recorded), while imports reached US$6.4 billion (a decrease of 10.8%) A passive balance of foreign trade turnover in the amount of US$1.99 billion was registered.

Uzbekistan has trade relations with more than 150 countries of the world. The largest volume of its foreign trade turnover among them was recorded with the Russian Federation (16.7%), China (16.6%), Kazakhstan (8.3%), the Republic of Korea (7.4%), Turkey (5.6%), Kyrgyzstan (2.0%) and Germany (2.0%).

Significant changes have been achieved in the structure of exports as a result of increased production of products that replaced imported goods and diversification of industrial production.

In addition, there is a strengthening of relations with neighboring countries, and a lot of work is being done to develop relations in the socio-economic, commercial, industrial and cultural spheres with these countries.

In particular, there have been significant changes in the FTT in recent years with neighboring countries, such as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The presence of an active foreign trade balance with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan can be considered as a positive result in the country’s foreign trade.

The largest volume of the FTT with other states (except for neighboring countries) falls on Russia, China, the Republic of Korea and Turkey.

Among the 20 major partner countries in foreign economic activity, there is also an active foreign trade balance with six countries, in particular with Afghanistan (US$213.7 million), Kyrgyzstan (US$138.8 million), Tajikistan (US$93.7 million), Turkey (US$42.8 million), France (US$23.6 million) and Iran (US$8.0 million). With the remaining 14 countries, a passive balance of foreign trade is maintained.

One third of the FTT volume falls on the CIS countries and, in recent years, there is a tendency to increase this indicator. This, in turn, indicates the expansion of foreign economic relations with the CIS countries.

As a result of measures taken by the government of the republic to strengthen cooperation with the CIS countries and comprehensive support for foreign trade, the share of foreign trade of the CIS countries, compared to the same period of 2018, increased by 3.1% and their share in foreign trade, according to the results of January-April 2020, made up 35.1%.

The volume of foreign trade turnover of other states in January-April 2020 decreased (a decrease of 10.5%) and made up 64.9% of the total foreign trade turnover.

In January-April of the current year, the total number of exporting entities made up 3 651 units and this ensured that the volume of exports, excluding special exports, reached up to US$2.86 billion (a decrease of 22.9% compared to the same period of 2019).

In the export structure, 83.0% is occupied by goods, which mainly account for industrial goods (17.1%), mineral fuels, lubricating oils and similar materials (8.0%), food products and live animals (6.2%).

There is a difference in the direction of export of goods and services between the CIS countries and other foreign countries. So, 27.5% of exports to the CIS countries primarily accounted for services, followed by industrial goods, various finished products, as well as mineral fuel, lubricating oils and similar materials.

During the reporting period, the export of beverages, tobacco, non-food raw materials (except fuel), machinery and transport equipment, various finished products, as well as animal and vegetable oil to the CIS countries increased at the fastest pace, the decline was primarily noted in the export of mineral fuels, food and chemicals.

An analysis of the structure of exported goods and services in January-April 2020, sent to other countries, showed that, compared with January-April 2019, the volume of exports of machinery and transport equipment, raw materials of non-food, mineral fuels, lubricants and similar materials, as well as services declined.

Over the past three years, the volume of exports to the CIS countries has increased and their share in its total volume has increased from 24.2% to 30.2%. Accordingly, the share of the total exports of other foreign countries decreased from 75.8% to 69.8%.

Compared with January-April 2018-2019, our main partners in the export of goods and services in foreign trade in January-April 2020 were such countries as the Russian Federation (11.9% of total exports), China (11, 6%), Turkey (7.3%), Kazakhstan (5.3%), Afghanistan (4.9%), Kyrgyzstan (4.1%) and Tajikistan (2.8%). Their share in total exports reached 47.8%.

In January-April 2020, compared to the same period, among the seven major partner countries for the export of goods and services, China went down one position, losing its leading position in the share of exports to the Russian Federation. The geography of partner countries for the export of goods and services, compared with the same period of 2019, increased from 135 to 140 countries.

The largest volume of exported goods among major partner countries accounted for mineral fuel, lubricating oil and similar materials, industrial goods, and various finished products.

According to the results of January-April 2020, the volume of export of services made up US$749.3 million, or 17.0% of its total volume and decreased by 22.8% compared to the same period of 2019. Over the past three years, the share of services in total exports has increased due to growth. In the export of services, the largest share falls on transport services (61.6%) and travel (tourism) (27.1%).

The volume of exports of fruits and vegetables in physical terms made up more than 362.6 thousand tons and, in value terms, exceeded US$185.4 million (the rate of decline compared to the same period of 2019 was 19.1% and 42 ,4 %).

Of these, 308.8 thousand tons of vegetables were exported in the amount of US$121.0 million, as well as 26.8 thousand tons of fruits and berries in the amount of US$34.2 million (the rate of decline in value terms, compared with the same period of 2019, respectively, made up 31.9% and 43.0%).

The main export markets for fruits and vegetables are Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan.

Daily Islamabad Post May 27

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EPAPER DAILY ISLAMABAD POST MAY 27, 2020

ATC, approach tower controllers submit written reply to probe board

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KARACHI, May 26 (DNA): The Air Traffic Controller (ATC) and approach
tower controllers have submitted written reply to the investigation
board probing into Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane, PK-8303,
crash incident.

Major progress has been made in the investigation into PIA plane crash
incident as ATC and approach tower controllers submitted their written
responses before the aircraft accident and investigation.

It stated that the approach tower controller had handled the flight from
Lahore to Karachi and the task was handed over to the ATC to make the
plane safely landed at the airport. The landing task had been given by
the approach tower to the ATC after 10 nautical miles.

The air traffic controller told the probe board that Captain Sajjad Gul
of the ill-fated PIA flight neglected the instructions about the
altitude and speed of the aircraft before landing thrice. He “would
handle the situation” before the aircraft crashed into a narrow
residential street, bringing significant damage to houses in a
densely-populated neighborhood.

The Karachi-bound jet was 15 nautical miles from the Jinnah
International Airport, flying at an altitude of 10,000 feet above the
ground instead of 7,000 when the ATC issued its first warning to lower
the plane’s altitude.

However, the report said, instead of lowering the altitude, the pilot
responded by saying that he was satisfied. When only 10 nautical miles
were left till the airport, the plane was at an altitude of 7,000 feet
instead of 3,000 feet, it said.

The ATC issued a second warning to the pilot to lower the plane’s
altitude. The pilot responded again by stating that he was satisfied and
would handle the situation, saying he was ready for landing.

The ATC added that both engines of the aircraft were badly damaged after
hitting the ground as the plane landed without opening landing gear. It
seems that the captain forgot to open the landing gear while maintaining
speed and altitude of the aircraft, said the air traffic controller.

Later, the captain had asked permission to land once again and informed
the control tower that both engines of the aircraft were not working.
The plane had been granted permission to land at the left side of runway
number 25.

According to the ATC and approach tower controller, the captain of the
aircraft had been informed them regarding any kind of emergency. The
captain had told the air traffic controller that he was calm and he will
manage to land the aircraft.

The report said that the plane had enough fuel to fly for two hours and
34 minutes, while its total flying time was recorded at one hour and 33
minutes.

The investigators are trying to find out if the crash is attributable to
a pilot error or a technical glitch.

On May 22, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft with more
than 90 passengers and eight crew members on board

Another 176 Pakistanis stranded in India  to return home

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ISLAMABAD/DNA

Another 176 Pakistanis stranded in India due to COVID-19 lockdown will return home via Attari-Wagah border on Wednesday, 27 May 2020.

These Pakistanis were stranded in different Indian States including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and Delhi due to the extended lockdown and closure of Attari-Wagah border following the outbreak of coronavirus.

In line with the Prime Minister’s directions, for safe and smooth repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi remained in close contact with the Indian side and the Foreign Office has been coordinating with other national authorities in Pakistan. The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi also facilitated and coordinated logistics for transfer of these Pakistanis to Attari from more than twenty different Indian cities, amid the lockdown.

Iranian Official in Kabul to Discuss Drowning of Afghan Migrants

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Kabul: (dna A probe team led by Iran’s deputy Foreign Minister Mohsin Baharwand on Tuesday met with Haneef Atmar, Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, and the two sides discussed issues around the investigation of the border incident, the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. On May 22, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said that talks between Afghan border commissioners and Iran concerning last month’s alleged drowning of Afghan migrants by the Iranian border police ended without results on Friday.
“Mr. Mohsin Baharwand expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms,” said MoFA.
According to the statement, the Iranian delegation said that such an act was not acceptable to the people and government of Iran and that Iran is ready to investigate the case together with the Afghan probe team to maintain justice.
At the end of April, over 50 Afghan migrants were trying to cross the border when they were “tortured and drowned” by Iranian guards, according to eyewitnesses.
On May 8, Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani tasked a 10-member team to probe reports of the drowning of dozens of Afghan migrants by Iranian border security forces earlier this week.

Webinar on 69th Anniversary of Pakistan-China Diplomatic Relations

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 26 (DNA) – “Pakistan and China enjoy a unique relationship, which has grown with the passage of time, and at present it is far more diverse and vibrant, than ever.”

This was stated by  Zahoor Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific), addressing a webinar organized to commemorate 69th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On 21st May, 1951 diplomatic relations were established between Pakistan and China. To mark the occasion, China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a webinar. H.E. Yao Jing, Ambassador of China in Pakistan made keynote remarks, while Mr. Zahoor Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the Chief Guest. Panelists included Pakistan’s former diplomats who had represented Pakistan in China over the past decades.

Dr. Talat Shabbir in his introductory remarks underlined that during past 69 year’s relationship between China and Pakistan withstood changes in international system. Pakistan and China have complete identity of views on all major regional and international issues. He highlighted that CPSC continues to strive towards deepening and promoting Pakistan-China bilateral relationship through research, analyses and outreach activities.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director-General ISSI, in his welcome remarks, underscored that it is special occasion to mark establishment of diplomatic relations. Projects such as construction of Karakorum Highway, JF-17, FTA-I and II, and CPEC are building blocks that have only strengthened the relationship over the decades. He said work of CPSC and ISSI have assumed greater importance in the age of narrative and it is extremely important for both sides to maintain constant communication and coordination to save the relationship from detractors.

Speaking at the occasion, former foreign secretary Salman Bashir paid tribute to leaders and diplomats who have nurtured the relationship over the decades.  He noted that it is truly genuine friendship which cannot be quantified and explained through traditional theories of the international relations.

 Meanwhile, former diplomat, Raiz Khokhar opined that Pakistan-China relationship is a story of model state-to-state relationship that has evolved over the decades. Pakistan cannot thank China enough for extending vital support during difficult times in 1965 and 1971.

Additional Secretary Zahoor Ahmed, highlighted that at present we are in new stage of the relationship which is dynamics and multidimensional. Most importantly, relationship with China remains a central pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He specifically highlighted extensive support of China to Pakistan during the recent COVID-19 crisis, which he noted underscored strength of the relationship.

Masood Khalid, Pakistan’s former Ambassador to China, underlined the significance of strategic cooperation for regional stability, and noted that Pakistan-China relationship has assumed regional and international importance. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman ISSI and also former ambassador to China underscored that five principles of peaceful co-existence continue to guide the bilateral relationship.

He highlighted that youth needs to be engaged in various facets of expanding cooperation for enhancing people to people contacts.In his keynote remarks, Ambassador Yao Jing commended CPSC and ISSI for organizing the webinar to commemorate establishment of bilateral relationship, which he noted continues to be guided by mutual respect and mutual support to each other.

 He underscored that a key feature of bilateral engagement is non-interference in internal affairs and support to each other’s core interests. These central tenets have remained consistent over the decades. He said China is satisfied with the current direction of the relationship, as it has expanded in recent years to economic sphere.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, DG-ISSI, delivered concluded remarks and thanked esteemed guests and panelists for joining the webinar. 

Ensuring sustainability of transportation system discussed

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Tashkent, Uzbekistan (DNA — On 25 May 2020, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on ensuring sustainable functioning and consistent development of the transport industry.

Transport links around the world have virtually ceased due to the coronavirus pandemic. Carriers suffer serious losses. So, it is expected that civil aviation alone will lose US$113 billion by the end of this year.

To date, domestic transport enterprises have suffered a loss of 340 billion UZS due to quarantine restrictions. And this figure will increase further until the stabilization of the epidemiological situation.

In this regard, a number of measures are being taken in the industry to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and economic support for enterprises. For example, the joint stock companies Uzbekistan Airways and Uzbekistan Airports, the most affected by the quarantine, were granted deferred loans for US$122 million and tax credits for more than 60 billion UZS. Interest-free loans in the amount of US$50 million were provided from the Anti-Crisis Fund as working capital.

Issues of ensuring the stable operation of the transport sector in the new conditions were discussed at the meeting.

The Ministry of Transport was tasked with developing a business model to overcome the consequences of the pandemic for Uzbekistan Airways and Uzbekistan Airports.

Instructions were given to enter the freight market on the Europe – China route, to optimize current and investment costs.

The issues of attracting new air carriers to the civil aviation market in order to increase competition, transfer Uzbekistan Airways to the management of a prestigious foreign company were considered.

Plans to announce a tender for modernization of airports, to transfer the activities of the international airports of Andijan, Bukhara, Urgench and Karshi into a public-private partnership were announced.

During the pandemic, demand for rail transport increased sharply. In particular, the share of railways in international freight traffic increased from 75 to 87 percent. This is a good opportunity to increase the number of customers by improving the quality of services and reducing costs.

However, the obsolescence of fixed assets in the system of Uzbekistan Railways, the abundance of non-core assets in the structure of society complicates the development of main activities.

In this regard, instructions were given on optimizing non-core enterprises as part of Uzbekistan Railways, improving tariff setting mechanisms, updating the wagon and locomotive fleet.

At the meeting, attention was paid to supporting enterprises engaged in the international transport of goods by road.

As a result of reforms over the past three years, the number of vehicles used in international freight transportation tripled in Uzbekistan, the share of domestic enterprises in foreign trade – from 37 to 48 percent.

Measures were identified to further increase the number of domestic carriers and their share in foreign trade to 60 percent. It was noted that one freight transport can provide work for up to five people, which can create 30 thousand new jobs in the industry.

Instructions were given for modernization of buses serving domestic routes in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the regions, stable provision of such enterprises with financial resources.

UN chief terms countering Islamophobia his ‘top priority’

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ISLAMABAD, (DNA):United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that countering anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia is his “top priority” and he “fully agrees” with the assessment that it could pose a threat to international peace and security.

        The UN Chief gave the statement recently at the virtual meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states at the United Nations (UN) in response to the comments from Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram, who drew his attention to the rising cases of anti-Muslim violence and Islamophobia in India and urged him to adopt a more focused and consistent system-wise approach to fully tackle the menace.

        Speaking at the meeting organized by OIC on the theme of “COVID-19 Solidarity: Promoting Co-Existence and Shared Responsibility”, Guterres voiced his concern over the rise of Islamophobia and called for fighting this phenomenon collectively, the informed sources said.

        In his remarks, Ambassador Akram raised concerns about the alarming rise in Islamophobia and stigmatization of Muslims in India in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

        He also highlighted the oppressive measures imposed in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir since August 5, last year when New Delhi annexed the disputed region in violation of UN resolutions.

        While terming these developments a matter of “grave concern”, Ambassador Akram noted that such vitriolic hate speech, state-sponsored Islamophobia and deliberate targeting of Muslims in India was not only a human rights challenge but could also endangered peace and security in the region.

        Earlier, the Permanent Representative of the OIC Observer Mission in New York, Agshin Mehdiyev, also noted the exploitation of COVID19-related fears where the public discourse had been weaponzied against Muslims by stoking Islamophobia.

        In this regard, he made reference to the OIC’s latest statements urging the Government of India to take immediate steps to end discriminatory treatment of Muslims.

        Earlier this week, Pakistan had proposed the establishment of a dedicated OIC Working Group on Islamophobia. Several OIC countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, Qatar, Malaysia and Egypt welcomed Pakistan’s proposal and need for a concerted OIC position on Islamophobia at the United Nations.

        The remarks made by the UN Secretary-General indicate that the OIC will pursue Pakistan’s proposal for collective action to counter Islamophobia. As a Pakistani diplomat remarked, no Indian puppet can prevent OIC countries from condemning the rising Islamophobia of India’s Hindu extremists.

Pakistan keen to deepen ties with Africa: FO

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A.M.BHATTI

\

ISLAMABAD :Pakistan joied the world community in celebrating the “Africa Day 2020”.

Marking the landmark establishment of the African Union (then called OAU) on 25 May 1963, this Day is observed across the globe to celebrate the African nations’ heroic struggle for emancipation from colonialism, as well as the Continent’s immense cultural and civilizational contributions, its tremendous economic potential, and its impressive strides in all fields of human endeavour.

 One of the most remarkable achievements has been the conclusion last year of the historic agreement on establishing African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), geographically the largest trading bloc.

While commemorating AU’s 57th anniversary, we extend heartiest felicitations to the leadership and people of all fraternal African nations said Foreign Office spokesperson,

She said the African Union stands tall today as a symbol of the hopes and aspirations of tens of millions of Africans for forging a united and even brighter future, premised on common values and shared prosperity. This year’s Africa Day assumes salience in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, which is also impacting African countries. The pandemic continues to challenge humanity to close ranks in the face of odds, and persevere to confront a common enemy — virtues aptly embodied by the African Union and its constituent Member States.

Pakistan has a long and illustrious history of friendly relations, mutual support and beneficial cooperation with African friends and partners. Historically, Pakistan has played its role in lending support to African freedom struggles from colonial rule; combating apartheid; extending humanitarian assistance, where needed; and supporting building capacity through training programmes and initiatives.

Pakistan is also proud of its contribution to peace and security in Africa since the 1960s. Under the UN auspices, Pakistani blue helmets, including women peacekeepers, continue to play their part in peace-keeping and peace-building efforts across the Continent.

In line with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s foreign policy vision, Pakistan has embarked upon a new, path-breaking “Engage Africa” Initiative toward the African Continent by strengthening political and diplomatic linkages, further deepening and broadening mutually-beneficial trade and economic ties, and expanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi is spearheading the realisation of this initiative. As part of this initiative, Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and presence in Africa is being significantly enhanced. 

The resounding success of the first-ever Pakistan-African Trade Development Conference, convened in January 2020 in Nairobi, highlighted the untapped potential of bilateral trade and investment ties, and underscored the mutual desire to take them to a new level.

As the world observes Africa Day 2020 while combating the Covid-19 pandemic, Pakistan reaffirms its full solidarity and support for the aspirations and valuable endeavours of African nations for peace, progress and prosperity. We also reiterate our abiding commitment to forging a stronger Pakistan-Africa partnership that helps advance our shared objectives and takes our fraternal ties and cooperation into a new era.

Plane crash: Turkish PM condoles with Imran Khan

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ISLAMABAD (DNA)- Prime Minister Imran Khan received a telephone call from President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan,.

President Erdogan and Prime Minister Imran Khan exchanged greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

President Erdogan offered condolences on the tragic crash of airplane in Karachi and reiterated Turkish nation’s strong support to its Pakistani brethren in this difficult time.

The two leaders further agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation against COVID-19 pandemic to jointly address the situation.

Prime Minister Imran Khan briefed the Turkish President on the steps taken to control the spread of Coronavirus in Pakistan. He thanked President Erdogan for providing valuable medical equipment, which was reflective of historic linkages between the two countries to help each other in times of need.

The Prime Minister, while discussing the long term economic repercussions of COVID-19, said that a comprehensive coordinated plan of action on debt relief and restructuring was needed to stave off socio-economic turbulence. The Prime Minister highlighted his call for “Global Initiative on Debt Relief” for developing countries aimed at helping them cope with the challenges.

Prime Minister Imran Khan briefed President Erdogan on the worsening human rights situation in IOJ&K accentuated by double lockdown and intensified military crackdown. He also shared Pakistan’s concerns on India’s moves to alter the demographic structure of the occupied territory, while the world was preoccupied with fighting the  pandemic.

The Prime Minister also apprised him of the demonization of Muslims in India in the context of COVID-19, which should be rejected by the international community.

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