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India, Uzbekistan discuss Afghanistan; announce strategic relationship
India and Uzbekistan Monday upgraded their bilateral ties to a strategic relationship, and held discussions on the precarious situation in Afghanistan.
This was announced after the end of discussions between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting Uzbek President Islam Karimov here Wednesday.
Karimov, who arrived Tuesday evening, is on a two-day state visit to India. Both leaders 'agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a long term and strategic partnership based on equality and mutual understanding', a press release issued by he ministry of external affairs said.
'The partnership envisages active cooperation in a wide spectrum of areas including political, counter-terrorism, economic, education, health, human resource development, energy, science and technology, tourism and culture,' it said.
The press note also stated that both leaders had a 'detailed discussion' on the 'continuing unstable situation' in Afghanistan. They also 'underlined the importance of early establishment of peace and stability in the country'.
Manmohan Singh, who was on short visit to Afghanistan last week, also shared his 'perspectives' on the war-ravaged nation.
Terrorism also featured in the talks, with both leaders condemning it 'in all its forms and manifestations'. Both leaders agreed that the Indo-Uzbek joint working group, which has been holding consultations on the subject, will continue.
Besides, both of them also held discussions on various regional and international issues. 'They noted and welcomed a strong similarity of outlook on bilateral, as well as, as a host of regional and global issues,' said the press note.
As many as 34 bilateral agreements were signed at the meeting, which covered varied area from science and technology, textiles, oil and gas and pharmaceuticals.
A joint statement was also released at the conclusion of the visit.
One of the significant memorandum of understanding signed in textiles, with Uzbekistan being a major producer of cotton at over one million tonnes per annum.
Besides, an agreement to amend the 1993 bilateral treaty on avoidance of double taxation was also signed.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed support for India's candidature for permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council.
The two sides also resolved to expand their cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
India is currently an observer at the SCO and is keen to become a member of the six-nation Central Asian organisation.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com)
Islam Karimov arrives in Delhi
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov arrived in Delhi for a state visit on the invitation of the President of the Republic of India Pratibha Patil.
The main events of the visit will take place on 18 May. Islam Karimov will meet Indian president Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Speaker of the Senate, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Minister for Foreign Affairs Somanahalli Malay Krishna and other senior officials of India.
Following the talks, the side will sign several bilateral documents aimed at deepening the relations of two countries in various fields.
UzA (MFA.uz)
India and Uzbekistan agreed to develop tourism
On May 16, 2011 India and Uzbekistan signed the action plan on cooperation in tourism sphere.
The document was signed by Rustam Mirzaev, the chairman of NC "Uzbektourism" and the head of Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). The action plan provides an exchange of tourists and representatives of mass-media, creation of joint ventures for development of business tourism, opening of tourism representative offices.
The sides also have agreed to co-operate in the sphere of development of a tourism infrastructure, preparation of tourism personnel and production of souvenir goods. The sides will conduct the joint information-advertising campaign for advancement of the countries in tourism directions.
Within the limits of cooperation Uzbekistan and India will consider questions of the organization of mutual fact-finding trips for tour operators and representatives of mass-media.
Let's remind that governments of Uzbekistan and India signed the Cooperation agreement in the field of tourism in New Delhi (on July 29, 1993) and in 2005 in Tashkent between NC "Uzbektourism" and ITDC.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz)
First outcome from Indian trip
The OrexCA.com employees met at a business lunch with Indian tour operators and representatives of corporate circles. The tour industry was represented by general managers and owners of travel companies. The corporate sector was presented by delegation of one of the biggest chemical company’s leaded HR chief manager.
During the conversation were discussed visitors experiences by info-tour in Uzbekistan. The organization of tour and travel potential of the country deserve the highest grade, the guests noted the special appeal of boutique hotels in Samarkand, a high level of driving safety during the tour and the enormous potential of Bukhara as a promising destination for Indian tourists.
It’s important to note, that consisting info-tour is a result of contacts established by OrexCA.com stuff while participating in the TTF Delhi in February 2011.
Chess Festival in Tashkent
In the capital of Uzbekistan held a friendly meeting, held in four batches of the "match-Rapid, between the current world chess champion Viswanathan Anand (India) and 17-meter world champion Rustam Kasymjanov (Uzbekistan), which has caused great interest not only in chess but the whole community of the country.
"One of the main goals of this meeting of champions - a popularization and development of a mass of chess in Uzbekistan, which is on the rise here, as well as the preservation and multiplication of cultural and sporting traditions, increasing the skills of young athletes in your country, which comes ahead of several world powers to develop mass children's sports, including chess, - said President FIDE Kyrsan Ilyumzhinov, who met with heads of agencies, organizations that oversee the sport - I have witnessed this memorable match that brought joy to many fans of this ancient game, the home is India. I am sure the guys in Uzbekistan, who met at the chessboard with these great chess player the world will always remember these days and will be seeking to sporting heights. The leadership of your country and the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov will create all conditions for this. FIDE also will make all efforts to contribute to this development."
Do not stay aside from this important sporting event, the Council of Friendship Societies and the educational and cultural ties of Uzbekistan with foreign countries and the friendship society "Uzbekistan-India: Viswanathan Anand and Rustam Kasimdzhanov were given mementos and certificates of merit for his contribution to the development of chess countries in all continents.
Leading players of the world presented a young chess talent Uzbekistan gift - a seminar-training (simul), who were satisfied with Viswanathan Anand, Rustam Kasimdzhanov, coaches. But, most importantly 40 juniors - the leaders of the chess school in Uzbekistan.
These unforgettable meetings were organized by the Chess Federation of Uzbekistan and the Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan.
Flora Fakhrutdinova
OrexCA.com at Indian market
Representatives of OrexCA.com: Manager Groups Alexandra Tursunova and Manager Business Development Dmitry Vidmanov made a business trip to India from Feb.16 to Feb.27, 2011.
The target of this trip was support and development of contacts with Indian tour operators, and also participation in the most significant Tourism Fairs on the West and North of the country - TTF Mumbai 2011 and TTF Delhi 2011.
During the exhibitions members of OrexCA.com promo-team were wearing made on purpose T-shorts which had the logotype of the company and a sign “TASHKENT?! ASK ME!!” Due to such a creative approach our employees succeeded to attract the attention of visitors interested in Uzbekistan even without a special stand.
In the given tour the meaning of the presentation on touristic potential of Uzbekistan and capability of the company during carrying out TTF Mumbai 2011 was especially emphasized. 
This was caused by the information got by OrexCA.com concerning National Airline “Uzbekistan Airways” planning to open the regular flight Tashkent-Mumbai. On Feb.25 in the course of TTF Delhi 2011 employees of OrexCA.com gave an interview to the news program “AKHBOROT” on Uzbek television.
During the break between exhibitions there was a number of meetings with Uzbekistan officials in India: Mr. Sarvar Komilov - the Consul of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in India, Mr. Ashraf Bahrief and Mr. Atabek Atabaev - the Heads of “Uzbekistan Airways” Representative Offices in the cities of Amritsar, Delhi.
Also on Feb.22 and Feb.23 the employees of OrexCA.com passed internship in Thomas Cook Company in Delhi where besides traditional program on exchange of experience our people passed trainings on managing staff, creation and development of new touristic products. This internship in Thomas Cook Company held for the 3rd time became a good tradition for OrexCA.com. It helps constantly enrich the experience of the company by methods on effective work of one of the world leading tour operators.
Meeting Day
Society of Uzbekistan and South India "held a friendly meeting on the occasion of Independence Day of Uzbekistan.
Greeted the crowd turned academician Saidahrar Gulyamov - Chairman of the Council of Friendship Societies of Uzbekistan with foreign countries, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of India in Uzbekistan Said Manal Shah Alkadri, Chairman of the friendship society "Uzbekistan - India, President of the International Association of Cyrus Kamilzhan Yusupov, who spoke about the friendship ties in economy, culture, education, sports, which strengthened from year to year.
In the cultural program were made by the national poet of Uzbekistan, Muhammad Ali, dancing groups of the Indian Cultural Center, singers - prize-winners "Nikhol", was shown the film "Uzbekistan - India. Friendship time-tested", which tells of the close ties of the Uzbek and Indian people for thousands of years, prepared by the creative team of "SINEMA market".
March 29, 2010 there was an article "Best ways to plan your vacation" dedicated to the direction of Central Asia in general and Uzbekistan in particular published in Mall Today, New Delhi.
From 5 to 13 February 2010 the promotion group of OrexCA.com, consisted of junior and middle management, had held a number of successful events for promotion of tourist potential of Uzbekistan at the leading tourism and travel exhibitions such as TTF Mumbai 2010 and TTF Delhi 2010.
While visiting the above exhibitions, the promotion group has distributed a lot of advertising materials and has held more than 60 meetings with companies prepared for sending their tourists to Uzbekistan; however, these companies need informational support, reliable partners, flexible pricing policy and fast communication system. The participants of the promotion group have been dressed in tailored T-shirts, due to which they have attracted attention of the companies interested in Uzbekistan without a special stand.
The only representatives from Uzbekistan and Central Asian Republics at TTF Mumbai 2010, reportedly, were the representatives of OrexCA.com.
From 14 to 16 February two employees of OrexCA.com had undertaken work placement in Thomas Cook Company, Delhi, whereon they had had trainings on personnel management and service rendering process and others along with Experience Exchange program. These work placements in Thomas Cook Company are getting traditional for OrexCA.com – two employees of OrexCA.com, involved into activity with Indian tourism market, had undertaken same training program at the same period last year.
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On 18 February the promotion group of OrexCA.com visited Amritsar, Jalandhar and Chandigarh for meetings and distribution of advertising material amongst travel agents of these cities considered as perspective cities of Punjab, northern State of India, for tourism expansion to Uzbekistan.
On 19 February 2010 the conference dedicated to mutual cooperation in tourism between two countries has been held at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in India; the Director Marketing of OrexCA.com has been a speaker at the conference. The performance has attracted the genuine interest and attention of Indian businessmen and investors.
The internet website www.GoUzbekistan.com specially oriented to business-to-business (B2B) Indian tourism market, has been already opened.
OrexCA.com is the biggest MICE operator in Uzbekistan
From August 14 to September 14, 2009 the OrexCA.com team conducted incentive tours for seven large groups, totaling 580 tourists. These tours were ordered by one of the leading Indian tour operators - SOTC Company (Kuoni Travel group) for the pharmaceutical company Torrent, which organized the trip for outstanding doctors from all over India.
To satisfy the numerous needs of the Torrent Company, an extremely demanding customer, which is famous in India for a great number of incentive tours and guest conferences as well as its high requirements for quality, our team had to work really hard during these tours. Practically every element of the team was involved in the work, in particular, with the first few groups. And we did provide top level service - every day we performed several dozen confirmed operations, beginning with presenting flowers to the guests at the airport, providing Indian snacks while a group of 100-120 people was being quickly (15 minutes!!!) checked in, arranging in advance stopovers "for tea" on the way to Samarkand and the mountains of Charvak and finishing with conferences, as well as placing the Torrent Company's advertising materials everywhere: at each stop, in each hotel room and restaurant.
Organizers of corporate events, OrexCA.com welcomes you to Uzbekistan. Now we can offer organization for your conferences, team building programs and incentive tours at the highest level of standards.
Presentation of the NGO “Central Asia’s Friends Forum” takes place in Delhi
The presentation of nongovernmental organization “Central Asia’s Friends Forum” took place last week in Delhi. Its mission will be the promotion of direct contacts between citizens of the region’s countries and India. The event hosted representatives of various social and analytic circles, diplomatic corps and media.
The guest of honor of the occurrence – minister of tourism of India Mr. Sultan Ahmed in his speech showed satisfaction with development of collaboration with Central Asia’s countries, including in tourism sector. The participants have also discussed the possibility of opening the representative office of Indian Ministry of Tourism in one of the CIS countries in order to foster the networking in this field.
Special Uzbekistan info-tour, organized by OrexCA.com for Indian tour operators
A delegation from the Punjab Travel Agents Association (PTAA) visited Uzbekistan from 22 to 25 May, 2009.
The Indian delegation included 44 representatives of the PTAA and visited Tashkent, Samarkand and the Charvak mountains, at the invitation of OrexCA.com, and with the support of the Uzbekistan Airways office in Amritsar.
Mr. Ramesh Bhatia, Chairman of the Punjab Chapter of TAAI (Travel Agents Association of India), said the delegation visited Uzbekistan to discuss cooperation at the level of private tour agencies, and to study the available tourism products of Uzbekistan. He said that the agenda of the visit was slightly changed after arrival and the establishment of cooperation with the Uzbekistan national tourism administration was proposed.
Mr. Bhatia said the Indian side confirmed its intent to the Uzbekistan national tourism administration to enter the tourism market of Uzbekistan and offered to sign a memorandum of development of mutually beneficial cooperation in tourism.
Mr. Sarbjit Singh, Guru Nanak Travel Advisers representative, said it is easier to travel from Amritsar to Tashkent than the Indian resort of Goa, taking into account direct flights between Tashkent and the Punjab.
The sides also discussed issues hindering the attraction of Indian tourists to Uzbekistan. Among them were the simplification of tourism formalities, including visa issues, decrease of air ticket prices, improvement of tourism infrastructure and others.
The Great India Travel Bazaar 2009
From April 9 to 21, 2009 the OrexCA.com management made a successful tour of the Indian cities of Amritsar, Delhi and Jaipur successfully promoting the Central Asian countries as new travel destinations.
The essential part of the tour was participation in the exhibition “The Great India Travel Bazaar 2009” in Jaipur where OrexCA.com was able to establish links with many companies organizing tours “both ways” – to Uzbekistan and other countries of Central Asia and from Uzbekistan to India.
16.02.2009
We now have "our own people" in India!
Between 5 and 10 February, 2009, two senior employees of OrexCA.com - Head of Tourism Department Elena Turaeva and Tourism Manager Alexandra Tursunova, visited TTF - is India's leading exhibition for the travel & tourism industry in Mumbai and New Delhi. Our colleagues also underwent training in the company "TCI" (Thomas Cook India Ltd.) in Delhi - occurred an event, perhaps the first at such a high level in the development of the staff of our rapidly growing organization.
After training and practical experience in several departments of the giant company, our leaders have not only raised the level of their education in the field of management, but, above all, knowledge of the specifics of service of Indian tourists and work with partners from the subcontinent.
Dear Indian guests - we have learned how to serve you at the highest level!
Uzbek theatre's artistes are on concert tour in India
Artistes of Uzbekistan Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after Alisher Navoi (ABT) are visiting India on concert tour.
ABT is the only Bolshoi Theatre of opera and ballet in Central Asia. The theatre will mark its 80th anniversary in 2009. The theatre has over 50 plays in its repertoire.
Uzbek artistes performed Don Quijote ballet at complex Siri-Fort Auditorium and concert of symphonic music.
Radjaya Mathu, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India-CIS, said that he was surprised with high level of ballet development in Uzbekistan. He said that the Uzbek artistes can compete with their European and Asian colleagues.
Don Quijote ballet in performance was marvelous, Ukrainian envoy to India Igor Poliha said.
President of India-Central Asia Fund Krishnamurti Santhanam said the symphonic music of the Uzbek performers delighted him. He added that national classic music was great.
Within the tour to India, Uzbek artistes will perform in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai.
OrexCA.com and the Indian Sub-continent
From 19 November to 05 December, 2008, OrexCA.com conducted a long and fruitful business tour of Incredible India.
And was there anyplace they didn’t visit?
In the north, patriarchal Amritsar and Jalandhar; the capital New Delhi; ultra-modern Mumbai (coincidentally during the tragic events); ancient Agra; even the Himalayas - the highland resort town of Manali.
During the trip, a large number of agreements with tourist agencies were concluded on receiving Indian tourists in Uzbekistan and the countries of Central Asia, as well as providing tours to India for Uzbek citizens; also, much research was conducted into the details and nuances necessary for quality service regarding both Indian and Uzbek tourists, travelling in both directions.
Uzbekistan and India study experience of formation of a civil society
In Delhi "the round table" on a theme "Formation of a civil society: experience of Uzbekistan and India" has taken place. It has been organized by Institute on studying of a civil society of Uzbekistan together with the Center on studying of Russia and the Central Asia at University of a name of Dzhavaharlal Nehru. Participants have exchanged opinions on a course of political reforms in our republic.
Gathered also have positively estimated the measures undertaken in Uzbekistan on liberalization of mass-media. It has been underlined that in Uzbekistan it is created and effectively the complete system of protection of the rights and freedom of the person which consists of national institutes of human rights, the specialized courts, independent mass-media functions. Measures on the further liberalization of judicial-legal system, achievement of equality of charge and protection in litigation, liberalization of the criminal legislation are taken. In the total resume the positive estimation has been given system in our country system and consecutive measures on formation of a strong civil society in Uzbekistan which are true in real historical conditions.
On 17 October, 2008, the grand opening of the massive new hotel Sunshine Turon was held. Sitting in the very center of Tashkent, and run by a group of Indian investors, the hotel will begin regular operations in mid-December 2008. During the first stage, it will have 120 rooms.
After the completion of the second phase of the reconstruction project (it used to be an old Soviet hotel named Leningrad) hotel will contain 180 rooms, including large suites and modern equipped standard rooms.
Eighth meeting of Uzbek-Indian Intergovernmental Commission
The Uzbek delegation headed by the Minister of Economy of Uzbekistan, Botir Hodjaev, has taken part in a session of the Uzbek-Indian Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) in Delhi. The eighth session of the commission discussed prospects of further expansion and deepening of business cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and India.
The delegation of Uzbekistan was presented by leading specialists in information technologies, oil and gas, light and pharmaceutical industry. The Uzbek specialists held meetings in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Commercial and Industrial Chambers of India.
During bilateral negotiations, the members of the commission discussed vital issues in trade and economic spheres. The parties mapped out plans on their prompt implementation.
Participants of the intergovernmental commission especially noted the role of Spintex Industries, which became the pioneer of promotion of the Indian capital and technologies in Uzbekistan’s textile industry.
Also, the IGC stressed successful activity of another large Indian company, Minda, which cooperates with GM Uzbekistan in supplying of some spare parts for Nexia and Matiz cars.
The parties noted historically developed friendly relations connecting the Uzbek and Indian people. The parties said Uzbekistan and India had considerable potential for versatile cooperation in political, business and cultural spheres, the basis of which had been laid by the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and the Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh during bilateral meetings.
At plenary session of the intergovernmental commission, the State Minister for Commerce and Industry of India, Jairam Ramesh, stressed importance of expansion of interaction between Uzbekistan and India, including in the oil and gas industry. He said the Indian side is interested in carrying out of exploration work and industrial development of tungsten, molybdenum, gold and diamond deposits as well as cooperation in power engineering.
Regarding educational cooperation, participants of the session noted successful interaction between the Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies and the University of Delhi, which actively cooperate in interuniversity student exchange and improvement of professional skill of specialists in various areas.
Within the IGC, the Uzbek delegation also presented economic potential of Uzbekistan and favorable investment environment, created in republic for foreign investors. The presentation was held in Commercial and Industrial Chamber of India. In this connection, the president M. Choudhri of Spintex Industries, successfully operating in Uzbekistan, speaking of the primary factors promoting advantageous and long-term business in Uzbekistan said, “The main guarantee is that the republican government pays a great attention to creation of favorable investment conditions for foreign businessmen, constantly improves legislative base of the country meeting modern international requirements. An important role here is the tax-free mode of trade with the CIS countries that is of a great importance for foreign businessmen. I would also like to stress the factor of highly-skilled personnel in Uzbekistan.”
Uzbekistan-India Friendship days in Khorezm
May 6-7, 2008, were celebrated as Uzbekistan-India friendship days in Khorezm with the organization of academic and cultural programs in Urgench and Khiva.
The programs commenced on May 6 with the Ambassador of India, Skand Ranjan Tayal, placing flowers at the monument of world renowned mathematician Al Khorezmi. This was followed by an academic seminar, “Uzbekistan-India Friendly relations”, held at the Regional Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment in Urgench. Eminent scholars from Urgench State University participated in the Seminar and spoke of the age-long ties between the peoples of two ancient civilizations, and the potential of enhancing cooperation in modern times.
The members of the Indian delegation were impressed with the achievements made by the people and administration of Khorezm, particularly in building a specialty hospital of Urology at Urgench and the development of tourism by providing excellent training facilities for young people at the local college. There exists a great potential for the exchange of tourists between India and Uzbekistan. Uzbek cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Urgench have been centers of civilization of Central Asia. They could be hugely popular destinations for a large number of Indian tourists in search of history, culture, art and hospitality.
Ambassador Skand Tayal discussed with the local Hakimiat and businesses several concrete proposals to promote joint ventures and mutually-advantageous economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of textiles and leather.
On the evening of May 6, the famous Avesto stadium in Urgench came alive with the beats of Indian and Khorezmian music and dance with the grand silhouette of the unique Avesto monument in the background. The Indian Kathak teacher, Dr. Ranjana Sarkar, and her students from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Center for Indian Culture in Tashkent charmed the audience with their grace and skill. The cultural show was also held in the stadium of the walled city of Khiva on May 7. The events were truly historical as it was for the first time in Independent Uzbekistan that Indian music and Uzbek music from Khorezm has brought artists and peoples together.
The packed stadiums in both the cities witnessed the young people of Urgench and Khiva clapping and dancing to the music of famous ‘UzbekBollywood.info’ numbers presented by the students of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Indian Cultural Center, and many famous Khorezmian artists.
Visits to the sprawling ‘Ichkan Qalla’ complex and the famous Mamun Academy in Khiva left a deep and unforgettable impression on the Indian delegation.
In keeping with TAFI's objective of developing and promoting new tourism markets to spur business for its members, a delegation comprising the TAFI managing committee from its chapters across India recently visited Uzbekistan as part of a joint initiative with National Company UzbekTourism and Uzbekistan Airways. By Sanjay Yalavatti
Underlining TAFI's core objective and its commitment towards its members, its president, Praveen Chugh, said that the association strives to constantly uncover destinations that can be easily promoted by its members - destinations that are a good value, where people are friendly and eager to welcome Indian tourists.
One such destination that it recently explored was Uzbekistan, and Chugh had this to say: "When we spoke to representatives of Uzbekistan Airways and UzbekTourism we got the feeling that this was definitely a country that had such potential." The delegation visited Taskhent, Bukhara and Samarkand to experience the local sights and culture and meet local tour operators.
L-R: Skand R. Tayal, Indian ambassador to Uzbekistan; Zahid L. Khakimov, chairman, National Company UzbekTourism; Alisher H. Shamsiev, chief of division for international relations and investment, National Company UzbekTourism with TAFI delegation members Praveen Chugh, Pradip Lulla, Promod Kohli, Bharat Shah and M. Bharathan TAFI's exploration culminated with a formal meeting, where a range of issues were discussed, spanning opportunities and challenges to help increase tourist traffic between India and Uzbekistan. The meeting was also attended by the Indian ambassador to Uzbekistan, representatives of major tour operators and local media.
Zahid L. Khakimov, chairman of National Company UzbekTourism, which coordinates all tourism and related activities in Uzbekistan, highlighted the tourism potential Uzbekistan has to offer and shared information regarding tourism-related initiatives it has undertaken in cooperation with various countries. With regard to India, he said: "The friendship between Uzbekistan and India has a long history. Bilateral relations have been growing dynamically following a delegation in 2005, with various agreements on tourism being signed." He stressed the importance of a sustained dialogue for further promotion of bilateral ties and tourism. Recognizing the importance of movies in creating awareness, he also suggested making a UzbekBollywood.info movie in Uzbekistan.
Khakimov expressed regret that the current volume of tourist traffic from India was dismally low, totalling just a couple of thousand, out of the millions of outbound Indians. Accordingly, he invited the TAFI delegation to share their experiences and offer suggestions to correct this situation. "We consider the TAFI visit to be an event of great significance. This trip has been planned so that TAFI's opinions and credible recommendations can be obtained," he said.
Skand R. Tayal, Indian ambassador to Uzbekistan, opined that it was mostly a lack of information about Uzbekistan and related promotion in India that accounted for the low numbers. Concurring with this view, Chugh stated that they were extremely impressed with the scenic beauty, monuments, art and culture of Uzbekistan as well as the hospitality of the locals. He added that TAFI was also happy to note the 'hunger' for promoting tourism, even among individual local operators who unequivocally displayed enthusiasm in partnering with Indian tour operators and travel agents for their local logistics and travel requirements.
Expressing that Uzbekistan was ideally positioned to take advantage of the travel boom in India, Chugh assured the congregation that TAFI would extend its complete co-operation to promote Uzbekistan within India.
The process would be initiated by circulating information about the destination and its international tourism fair among all TAFI members, and extending invitations to Uzbekistan tour operators to attend the various tourism fairs in India. Working closely with National Company UzbekTourism and with Uzbekistan tour operators is the crucial next step.
TAFI also presented a comprehensive list of suggestions aimed at addressing the hurdles and stimulating tourist traffic to Uzbekistan (see box). Chugh affirms, "Wherever TAFI has gone, we have witnessed growth in tourism to that destination. Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia is one such example." With northern India being the initial target segment, given the current flight connectivity, TAFI is now exploring the feasibility of conducting its northern region conference and workshop in Uzbekistan. Mirroring the delegation's collective sentiment, Pradeep Lulla, TAFI's VP, says, "Uzbekistan is an ideal virgin destination with unique offerings, and only needs to be marketed well."
Actress Bhavana is in Uzbekistan to shoot a song sequence for the Tamil film Jayam Kondante. The shooting of the film will complete after picturizing the songs of both Bhavana and Vinay.
59th Republic Day of India
The Uzbek friends of India and the Indian community in Tashkent enthusiastically celebrated the 59th Republic Day of India in the Embassy of India on the morning of 26th January 2008. Ambassador Skand Tayal unfurled the national flag. President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil’s message to the nation on the eve of Republic Day was broadcast and the students of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Center for Indian Culture in Tashkent presented patriotic songs.
A Reception was hosted by Ambassador Skand Tayal in the evening, where the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, H. E. Mr. Abdulla N. Aripov, was the Chief Guest. Members of the diplomatic corps in Tashkent, senior Uzbek officials, academics, artists and other eminent citizens of Uzbekistan also attended the Reception.
42nd death anniversary of Late Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri
The 42nd death anniversary of the Late Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, former Prime Minister of India, was solemnly observed on 11th January 2008 at the Shastri Memorial in Tashkent.
Ambassador of India, Shri Skand R. Tayal, laid a wreath at the Shastri Memorial and spoke about the patriotism, humility and public service of the departed statesman. Members of the Indian community, Uzbek Indologists, faculty members of the Tashkent Institute of Oriental Studies, Teachers & Students of Lal Bahadur Shastri School, Officials & family members of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Center for Indian Culture and the Embassy of India in Tashkent were also present and paid their homage to Shastriji.
Uzbek nationals and friends of India cherish memories of Shastriji, who tragically passed away on 11th January, 1966 in Tashkent.
In the freezing cold of the snow-capped mountains of Uzbekistan, the handsome hunk of UzbekBollywood.info was chilling out with the crew of his next film.
John, along with the entire cast and crew of Kumar Mangat’s No Smoking, was shooting in the snowy land of Uzbekistan. The film’s director, Anurag Kashyap, was battling the cold like many others on the set. The crew was holding up and is primed for the shoots, while many of the local unit members frequently suffered from illness in the freezing temperature of minus 25 degrees…
‘No Smoking’ was shot in India, Uzbekistan and Russia. The film was edited by Kashyap’s wife, Aarti.
Interview of Indian envoy to Uzbekistan
Newly appointed Ambassador of India to Uzbekistan, Mr. Skand Ranjan Tayal, gave an interview to "AAJ" correspondent Aloke Shekhar on 16 November, 2005. Below is the text of that nterview, presented by Mr. Shekhar to UzReport.com.
- You are the new Indian Ambassador in Uzbekistan. What are your impressions so far about the country and its people?
- I am overwhelmed by the warmth and friendship of the people of Uzbekistan towards my country. When people here learn that I am the Ambassador of India, they fold their hands and say "Namaste". I am also very much impressed by the well-developed infrastructure of Tashkent and have enjoyed the beautiful parks and gardens here.
- What plans do you visualise for providing thrust to bilateral cultural links considering the historical ties between the two nations?
- We already have an active Indian Cultural Center in Tashkent, which offers free classes to students of Hindi language, Yoga, Kathak dance and the Indian drum "Tabla". I am very happy that in several schools and institutes Hindi and other Indian languages are taught, and the response of Uzbek students is very enthusiastic. The popularity of films from our UzbekBollywood.info is a powerful vehicle for bringing our culture close to the people of Uzbekistan. To build on this very strong foundation, I propose to organise a festival of quality Indian films in Tashkent and possibly several other cities of Uzbekistan in the coming year. I would also explore the possibility of holding a more comprehensive festival of Indian culture in major cities of Uzbekistan.
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