Pearl of the Great Silk Road

Transcription

1 THE REPUBLIC OF Pearl of the Great Silk Road EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW AUGUST 2018 VILLAGGIO HOLDINGS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED P. O. Box 54 Regent Village B202 Grace Bay, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands VILLAGGIOINTERNATIONAL.COM

2 The following is an overview of two proposed hospitality developments in the Central Asia nation of the Republic of Uzbekistan This proposal is in and collaboration and association with local services companies, regional developers, globally recognized contractors, an international finance company and the Government of Uzbekistan With the combined talent, resources and expertise, this partnership will be positioned to deliver allinclusive development excellence and proficiencies and develop iconic structures that will attract a worldwide clientele. The inclusive Development Team will include, but not limited to: Design Construction Finance Operations

3 SECTION PAGE TITLE 1 Prospect 2 Hospitality Brands 3 Development Cities I 4 Development Team 5 Villaggio International 6 Government of Uzbekistan 7 The Demir Group 8 F. E. Jordan Associates 9 Bouygues Construction, SA II 10 The Republic of Uzbekistan About Uzbekistan 13 International Financial Organizations Membership 14 Welcome to Uzbekistan 15 The American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (AUCC) 16 International Corporations 17 International Hospitality Brands Development Citied: Tashkent 20 Development Cities: Samarkand III 21 The Silk Road 22 The Great Silk Road: History The Silk Road: Economic Belt

4 Prospect The fundamental proposal is the development and operation of two (2) six star, international brand hotels in the country of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The selected brands are: The Ritz-Carlton St. Regis Villaggio International foresee the merger of The Ritz Carlton and St Regis luxury hospitality brands, the culture of welcoming, cleanliness, attention to details and hospitality of the people of Uzbekistan, further the future focused course of the Government of Uzbekistan, is a perfect trifecta of: Luxury Vision Mutual culture of Hospitality Complement this union with the development of the $900 billion New Silk Road Economic Belt and the Development Team, all team members portfolios includes luxury developments; this, as much as conceivable, pledges the success of The Ritz-Carlton Silk Road and The St. Regis Silk Road Villaggio International s objective is to combine the successful business culture of hospitality of The RitzCarlton and St. Regis brands, the historic culture of hospitality of Uzbekistan, and the timing of the opportunity to invest in the future of this emerging economy. The Ritz-Carlton Silk Road and the St. Regis Silk Road has the potential to be the premier six-star rated developments of the brands; the achievement of which will send a clear and strong signal to the international community about the future of Uzbekistan. That message will in essence, announce: The future of Uzbekistan is here! The development strategy is position The St. Regis Silk Road among the premier structure in the newly announced development of Olmazor City International Business Center and The Ritz-Carlton Silk Road, the premier hospitality development in the historic city of Samarkand. (see page 18-20). This premier position presents the opportunity for The Ritz-Carlton Silk Road and The St. Regis Silk Road to serve as the hotel and residence of choice for the personnel of international corporations establishing a presence in Tashkent and Samarkand for developers, business leaders and promoters/marketers of the $900 billion dollar economic belt: The new Silk Road (see pages 23-24), hosting foreign dignitaries and envoys, as well as regular tourist s and residents of Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The developments will furthermore support and enhance the governments marketing of Olmazor City in the capital of Tashkent, the historic destination city of Samarkand and Uzbekistan in general. The government s internationally targeted marketing crusade will correspondingly promote the St. Regis Silk Road and The Ritz-Carlton Silk Road. Vision Creativity Elegance 1

5 Hospitality Brands St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton are divisions of Marriott International, an American multinational diversified hospitality company that manages and franchises a broad portfolio of hotels and related lodging facilities. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Marriott International is the largest hotel chain in the world. It has more than 6,500 properties in 127 countries and territories around the world, over 1.2 million rooms (as of September 2017), and an additional 195,000 rooms in the development pipeline St. Regis: For connoisseurs of the art of living The St. Regis brand is renowned for its tradition of innovation and commitment to impeccable service at more than 40 hotels and resorts around the world. St. Regis creates the unforgettable for visitors to stay inspired, every day. Their signature suites offer luxurious design and style with service beyond expectation Ritz Carlton: Inspiring Life's Most Meaningful Journeys The vision of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. consistent with this specified vision, Uzbekistan is a cultural and historic experience and positively a meaningful, unforgettable and a potential life changing journey. Vision Creativity Elegance 2

6 Development Cities Samarkand Tashkent The St. Regis Silk Road will be in the capital city of Tashkent, The Ritz-Carlton Silk Road will be in the historic city of Samarkand. Each city is on the corridor of the historic Great Silk Road, these cities are likewise on the route of the New Silk Road Economic Belt. Each city is on The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list of World Heritage Sites and the UNESCO s Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC). OWHC UNITED NATIONS Organization of World Heritage Cities Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Vision Creativity Elegance 3

7 SECTION I Development Team Villaggio Holdings International, Ltd. The Government of Uzbekistan The Demir Group F. E. Jordan Associates Bouygues Construction, SA. Pearl of the Great Silk Road Vision Creativity Elegance 4

8 Development Team Architecture - Liaison Villaggio Holdings International Ltd. Villaggio International is a Turks and Caicos Islands limited corporation. The staff of Villaggio has extensive international architecture and development expertise, complemented by a portfolio of international government associates. V I L L A G G I O In support of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan goal to development the nation, Villaggio International has identifies and assembled a distinguished Development Team noted on the following pages. Villaggio has also identified and received a pledge from a primary financial source to provide financing up to eighty percent (80%) of development cost. The principle requisite to complete the Development Team is pursuing an interested qualified development partner for the development of The St. Regis Silk Road and The Ritz-Carlton Silk Road. Letter of Interest (LOI) Qualifications: History of development Twenty percent (20%) development cost Villaggio will offer the following services to pledge the success of Silk Road Developments: The St Regis Silk Road and The Ritz-Carlton Silk Road. Architectural design Development coordination Liaison Businesses Government Uzbekistan Central Asia Regional Financing: In addition to local real developers, architects, engineers and medical operations, we have correspondingly identified an interested and capable financial source that have stated their participation of up to eighty percent (80%) financing. 5

9 Development Team Government Government of Uzbekistan The Silk Road Hospitality Development Team include various sectors of the Government Republic of Uzbekistan Government, local developers, contractors and business professionals. Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev President of the Republic of Uzbekistan President, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev is an Uzbek politician who has been President of Uzbekistan since Previously he was the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan from 2003 to Following the death of President Islam Karimov, Mr. Mirziyoyev was appointed by the Supreme Assembly as interim President of Uzbekistan, on 8 September He was subsequently elected as President in the December 2016 presidential election, winning 88.6% of the vote, and was sworn in on 14 December 2016 Ministry of Finance: the government agency of Uzbekistan which oversees taxation and budgeting in the country. It is split into regional and city financial departments which manage their assigned areas. The ministry evaluates government foreign loans, oversees drafting of state budget plans and taxation. Ministry of Economy: the government agency of Uzbekistan which oversees the socio-economic development and management, working with other departments in ministries in the country. The ministry has many functions, including the oversight and development of a stable macroeconomy, development of the market, development of economic scenarios, and keeping track of economic demographics. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan A Cabinet-level governmental agency in Uzbekistan in charge of conducting and designing the foreign policy of Uzbekistan based on the Constitution of Uzbekistan and international laws. The activities of the ministry are supervised directly by the President of Uzbekistan. Abdulaziz Khafizovich Kamilov Minister of Foreign Affairs City Government: Mayors Samarkand, The Crossroad of Culture : 520,000 Population Mayor: Vokhid Rakhimov Tashkent: 2,000,000 Population Mayor: Rakhmonbek Usmonov 6

10 Development Team Developer The Demir Group The Demir Group business is related with construction, hotel services, textile, agriculture and other services. Establishing a presence in Uzbekistan in Today owns The Demir Group owns, construction companies, farm, many textile factories and other companies both in Turkey and Uzbekistan Mr. Akmet Yasar Demir, CEO The source for news, business, financial and investing news from Uzbekistan and Central Asia Demir Group to build tourist zone Eski Shahar in Tashkent 12 September :54 Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Turkish company Demir Group will build a tourist zone Eski Shahar in Tashkent. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a resolution on 7 September,2017 to approve a proposal to sell buildings and structures of the former hotel complex Chorsu in Tashkent to Demir Group for zero redemption value. The Turkish company, Tashkent city administration, the State Committee of Uzbekistan for Investments and the State Committee for Tourism Development signed a memorandum of cooperation. Within the framework of the document, Demir Group will reconstruct the hotel with the creation of a hotel complex and a business center. Demir Group accepted investment and social obligations for at least US$33 million. Investments will be made within two years. Tourist zone Eski Shahar (Old City) will consist of a hotel, a shopping and entertainment, health and tourism complexes. Shops and workshops of handicrafts will also operate in the zone. The hotel complex will consist of 270 rooms. The hotel will also include restaurants, shops and a SPAsalon. Inter Tourism, a joint venture, was created to implement the project. The head of Uzbekistan granted tax and customs privileges to the joint venture. 7

11 Development Team Engineering F. E. Jordan Acclimates, Inc. A multi-discipline professional engineering and construction management firm for the past 35 years. Consisting of highly skilled specialists and supporting staff operating through several regional offices located in various parts of the United States, the firm has executed a comprehensive range of services and projects from inception through construction and completion. F. E. Jordan Associates has successfully completed over 1000 projects of various types, sizes and complexity totaling hundreds of millions of construction value throughout the United States, Africa and Central America. The firm has a completely integrated organization with a staff of experienced planners, and registered professional engineers qualified in civil, structural, sanitary, hydraulic, water resources, and environmental along with site, urban design and transportation planning. We have extensive experience in construction management and program management for major construction projects and long term development programs. We feel that the flexibility, enthusiasm, and diversity of our staff offer comprehensive results and total satisfaction to our clients. Practice Services: Buildings Airports Ports and Harbors Transit Environmental Planning Water Resources Water Pollution Control Highways, Bridges and Tunnels Construction Management San Francisco F. E. Jordan Associates most recent development is the 5 star award winning 42 story St. Regis Hotel and Condominiums, San Francisco, California in joint venture with Starwood Hotels and Carpenter & Company. Subsequent to his recent visit to Uzbekistan, Mr. Frederick Jordan is committed to the vision of Uzbekistan as articulated by President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev and supported by the various government members and representatives he had the distinct pleasure to become aquinted. 8

12 Development Team Construction Bouygues Construction One of the world s premier construction firms, is a global player in construction development services With operations in over 80 countries, Bouygues Construction designs, builds and operates structures and facilities which improve people s daily living and working environments. Bouygues recently expanded their services to Uzbekistan Bouygues Construction SA, through its subsidiaries, designs, builds, and operates public and private buildings, transport infrastructures, and energy and communications networks in Australia, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Brazil. Bouygues constructs tunnels, engineering structures and road, and port and rail infrastructures; posttensioning and cable-stay systems; and linear works and high added-value terrestrial infrastructures. The company also provides energy and digital network, M&E and HVAC engineering, and facilities management services. In addition, it manages and operates the concession companies in which it has an interest. Bouygues Construction is establishing an office in the capital city of Tashkent. 9

13 The history of Uzbekistan, rich in dramatic and epoch-making events, can be traced back to the dawn of mankind. There is archaeological evidence that the area of present-day Uzbekistan was populated by humans as early as the Palaeolithic Age (500,000-1,000,000 years ago). SECTION II The Republic of Uzbekistan About Uzbekistan International Financial Organizations Membership Welcome to Uzbekistan The American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (AUCC) International Corporations International Hospitality Brands Development Cities Tashkent Samarkand Pearl of the Great Silk Road Vision Creativity Elegance 10

14 The Republic of Uzbekistan About Uzbekistan Uzbekistan is one of only two double-landlocked countries in the world, and is located in Central Asia, north of Afghanistan and south of Kazakhstan. Uzbekistan means the land of Uzbeks (stan land). It is the most populous country in Central Asia and borders all of the former Soviet Central Asian republics. Located at the heart of Central Asia, much of the region s infrastructure roads, railroads, transmission lines, and pipelines goes through Uzbekistan, offering it a unique opportunity to expand its exports with little investment in new infrastructure. CAPITAL Tashkent (Toshkent in Uzbek means the city of stones: tosh stone, kent city) is the largest city in Central Asia with a population of approximately 2.2 million. Tashkent is the only city in the region with a well-developed metro system Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan Tajikistan Turkmenistan 11

15 The Republic of Uzbekistan About Uzbekistan The modern cities of Uzbekistan, a country steeped in history, sparkle like the bright sun-like pearls scattered along the Silk Road thousands of years ago Uzbekistan: the crossroads of civilization and the heart of Central Asia. The center of ancient caravan routes, its 2500 years of history Uzbekistan, the Pearl of the Central Asia, has prided itself for millennia for its place on the Silk Road, the romantic route that meandered through regions of the Asian continent connecting East and West. The route had a profound impact on the history and civilizations of the Eurasian peoples. Travelers along the Silk Roads were attracted not only by trade but also by the intellectual and cultural exchange that was taking place in cities along the Silk Roads, many of which developed into hubs of culture and learning. Nowhere is this truer than in Uzbekistan, which produced some of the region s greatest scientists and thinkers, such as Ulugbek the astronomer whose observatory can be visited in Samarkand. Uzbekistan is the only country in Central Asia with a subway system. The only car-producer plant in the Central Asia: General Motors (GM Uzbekistan) Pearl of the Great Silk Road 12

16 The Republic of Uzbekistan International Financial Organizations Membership The World Bank reports that Uzbekistan has the second-fastestgrowing economy, with projected growth of 7.6% benign global financing conditions, robust growth in the Euro Area, and generally supportive policies among governments of several large countries in the region. Literacy in Uzbekistan is almost universal, and workers are generally well-educated and trained accordingly in their respective fields. Uzbekistan is a member of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. It has observer status at the World Trade Organization, is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization, and is a signatory to the Convention on Settlement of Investment Disputes Between States and Nationals of Other States, the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, the Madrid Agreement on Trademarks Protection, and the Patent Cooperation Treaty. In 2002, Uzbekistan was again placed on the special "301" Watch List for lack of intellectual copyright protection WORLD BANK 13

17 The Republic of Uzbekistan Welcome to Uzbekistan Uzbekistan is a Central Asian nation and former Soviet republic. It's known for its mosques, mausoleums and other sites linked to the Silk Road, the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean. Samarkand, a major city on the route, contains a landmark of Islamic architecture: the Registan, a plaza bordered by 3 ornate, mosaic-covered religious schools dating to the 15th and 17th centuries. Uzbekistan is located in central Asia bordering the Aral Sea, between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Comparatively, it is slightly larger than the state of California, with a total area of 447,400 sq. km (172,742 sq. mi). Uzbekistan shares boundaries with Kazakhstan on the n, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on the e, Afghanistan on the s, and Turkmenistan on the sw. Uzbekistan's boundary length totals 6,221 km (3,866 mi). Its capital city, Tashkent, is located in the eastern part of the country. Uzbekistan has a diverse cultural heritage due to its storied history and strategic location. Its official language is Uzbek, a Turkic language written in the Latin alphabet and spoken natively by approximately 85% of the population. It might seem a bit off the beaten track but with tourism high on the agenda for the country s new president, now is the time to see Uzbekistan s ancient cities, atmospheric markets and fast-developing metropolises In the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan has felt the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Marco Polo and Genghis Khan, and for centuries it was home to overland trade routes known collectively as the Great Silk Road that linked China with the Middle East and Europe. Within its borders are some of the most ancient and evocative cities in the world and it has four Unesco World Heritage Sites. The food from the ubiquitous national dish plov (rice, meat, grated carrots and onions) to shashlik kebabs is consistently delicious, and there are now some surprisingly good Uzbek wines (particularly in Bukhara), though the nightlife scene is low-key. Already bustling, this impossibly beautiful city is likely to soon be crammed with tourists, so go before the hordes arrive. It is most easily reached via a 40-minute taxi from Urgench airport, which is an hour s flight from the country s main international airport in the capital, Tashkent. Ms. Pamela L. Spratlen U. S. Ambassador Uzbekistan United States Embassy Tashkent, Uzbekistan 14

18 The Republic of Uzbekistan Welcome to Uzbekistan The Republic of Uzbekistan is a presidential constitutional republic, whereby the President of Uzbekistan is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan exercises executive power in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The members of the government are the President of Uzbekistan, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Ministers, and deputy ministers. It has its legal basis in the Constitution of Uzbekistan. Cabinet of Ministers - The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan is the executive power body of the Republic of Uzbekistan, ensuring guidance over effective functioning of the economy, social and cultural development, execution of the laws, and other decisions of Supreme Assembly, as well as decrees and resolutions issued by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. OJSC National Air Company Uzbekistan Airways, operating as Uzbekistan Airways, is the flag carrier airline of Uzbekistan, headquartered in Tashkent. From its hub at Tashkent International Airport, the airline serves a number of domestic destinations; the company also flies international services to Asia, Europe and North America. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Uzbek President Islam Karimov in 1992 authorized the creation of Uzbekistan Airways. The airline was established on 28 January 1992, and took over the operations of the Uzbekistan division of Aeroflot on 31 May The airline's maiden flight was from Tashkent to London. With more than 16,000 employees, Uzbekistan Airways fleet consists of the modern and comfortable aircraft: Boeing-757/767, Boeing Dreamliner, А320, IL , as well as cargo freighters Boeing BCF. The National Air company of Uzbekistan performs scheduled flights to more than 40 cities of the world to the countries of Europe and Asia, to America and Japan. Representative offices of the NAC are working in 25 countries of the world. 15

19 The Republic of Uzbekistan The American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (AUCC) The American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (AUCC) seeks to promote trade and investment ties, cultural exchanges and bonds of friendship between the United States of America and the Republic of Uzbekistan. In performing these functions, the AUCC places primary emphasis on serving the needs and interests of its members International Corporations Since 1993 the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of advancing trade and business relations between the US and the Republic of Uzbekistan. AUCC prides itself in catering to the needs of our members, providing them with a platform to interact with policy makers in the US and the Republic of Uzbekistan and ensuring that bilateral commercial relations continue to be on the governments' top agenda. For the last twenty years AUCC has been a vigorous advocate of the views of the business community to ensure that private sector positions are considered during the development of policies that impact American businesses and the future of U.S.-Uzbekistan relations. AUCC is a well-known organization that is recognized for its strength and ability to work closely with a great number of partner organizations. AUCC enjoys excellent working relations with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Washington, D.C., the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Uzbek ministries, associations and organizations as well as the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. AUCC also coordinates its efforts with a great number of international financial institutions, business councils and other professional organizations. 16

20 The Republic of Uzbekistan International Hospitality Brands Hyatt Regency: 300 guestrooms including 52 suites, with view and club level spaces available. Hyatt Regency Tashkent offers the quintessential location for both business and leisure travelers. TASHKENT Ramada Tashkent: 120, 5 star property is situated right in the heart of the city. The majestic edifice is also in close proximity to the most happening spots for night-life that galvanize the true ethnic-spirit of Tashkent.. Wyndham Tashkent: 206 Rooms, 4-star Wyndham Tashkent hotel, an international Uzbekistan hotel specifically designed for discriminating travelers who seek personalized, first-class service. Radisson Blu Hotel Tashkent: Located in the center of the city close to the Capital Business Center, UzExpo Center, Japanese garden, Aqua and Entertainment parks. 111 rooms including business class and Standard rooms. Ritz Carlton Tashkent City: Currently under construction in Tashkent City, International Business Center. International Brands in Central Asia Kazakhstan St. Regis Astana: Encompassing the most prestigious address in the capital city, located in Astana Central Park - known as the heart of Astana, the avant-garde interiors by award-winning Wimberly Interiors, defining the modern day interpretation of the St. Regis legacy. Ritz-Carlton Astana: Set in Talan Towers in the heart of Astana's business center. The spa center offers a variety of beauty treatments, massage and saunas. Guests can energize in the on-site fitness center. Ritz-Carlton Almaty: Almaty is the business and cultural center of Kazakhstan and a city that has long appealed to those of a nomadic nature. With sumptuous accommodation, superior service and a prime location in the city Marriott Astana Hilton Astana The InterContinental Astana Tajikistan Sheraton Dushanbe Hyatt Regency Dushanbe Kyrgyzstan Hyatt Regency Bishkek Vision Creativity Elegance 17

21 Development Cites Tashkent Ta s h ke n t Heart of the Silk Road Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan is a very famous tourist destination known for its immaculate beauty both in its architecture and what nature has bestowed on it. One of the oldest cities of Central Asia being more than 2200 years old, it attracts tourists from all parts of the world. Right from your arrival at the airport, you ll be awestricken by its architectural beauty. Explore an exciting fusion of past and present with its modern lifestyle and historic edifices. You ll be impressed by its immense natural beauty and great shopping deals in antiques, souvenirs and dry fruits will surely add to your delights. Witness the spell binding subways, visit the beautiful Charvak Lake and Chimgan Mountains, enjoy chair lifting experience and amazing bullet train ride to Samarkand and have a trip of tour lifetime. Vision Creativity Elegance 18

22 Development Cites Tashkent Tashkent Heart of the Silk Road Tashkent City The government of Uzbekistan has made the decision to build Tashkent City International Business Center in the heart of the capital of Uzbekistan. The aim of this project is to create an architectural complex in the center of Tashkent, implemented by embedding of the latest trends in world architecture and application of environmentally friendly and energy saving smart technologies. The key objective of the project is to create an attractive and comfortable business environment for investors, a system of preferences and modern communications that facilitates the development of a dynamically emerging business and financial center of Central Asia in the premises of Tashkent city Within the framework of the project, an industrial park, eight business centers, a shopping mall, restaurants and a cultural center, as well as residential apartments will be built Tashkent city is the development site of The Ritz-Carlton Tashkent, currently under construction. Olmazor City With the dramatic success of Tashkent City IBC, using this triumph as the foundation and model, the President of Uzbekistan has approved Olmazor City social and economic development projects. The district will be located on over 24 hectares between Yangi Olmazor street and Small Ring road, and will host administrative buildings, multi-apartment housing, business center, hotel and mall, educational and medical institutions. President Mirziyoyev encouraged the developers to focus on youth projects, developing industry and creating new jobs in so doing, attracting foreign investment and technologies. The St. Regis Silk Road is in position to be the premier hospitality development in Olmazor City. 19

23 Development Cites Samarkand The Crossroads of Culture Samarkand, with a population of about 520,000, is known for its mosques and mausoleums. It's on the Silk Road, the ancient trade route linking China to the Mediterranean. Prominent landmarks include the Registan, a plaza bordered by 3 ornate, majolica-covered madrassas dating to the 15th and 17th centuries, and Gure-Amir, the towering tomb of Timur (Tamerlane), founder of the Timurid Empire. The historic town of Samarkand is a crossroad and melting pot of the world's cultures. Founded in the 7th century B.C. as ancient Afrasiab, Samarkand had its most significant development in the Timurid period from the 14th to the 15th centuries. The major monuments include the Registan Mosque and madrasas, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Shakhi-Zinda compound and the Gur-Emir ensemble, as well as Ulugh-Beg's Observatory The historic town of Samarkand, located in a large oasis in the valley of the Zerafshan River, in the northeastern region of Uzbekistan, is considered the crossroads of world cultures with a history of over two and a half millennia. Evidence of settlements in the region goes back to 1500 BC, with Samarkand having its most significant development in the Temurid period, from the 14th to the 15th centuries, when it was capital of the powerful Temurid realm.. Archaeological excavations have revealed the ancient citadel and fortifications, the palace of the ruler (built in the 7th century displays important wall paintings), and residential and craft quarters. There are also remains of a large ancient mosque built from the 8th to 12th centuries The Madrasha of Ulugh Beg Timur a Turco-Mongol conqueror, founder of the Timurid Empire in Persia and Central Asia, built his royal city of Samarkand. There were sculptors, stonemasons and stucco-workers from Azerbaijan, Isfahan and Delhi. Mosaicworkers from Shiraz; weavers, glass-blowers and potters from Damascus - in such numbers that 'the city was not big enough to hold them. Music for the Eyes, business owner Fred Lundahl (left) stands with Furqat Rakhimov, mayor of Samarkand, a city in Uzbekistan situated at the crossroads of the Silk Road. The banner uses the Uzbek spelling of the city and advertises its 2,750 year-old history Perhaps the main thing that strikes one about Timur's monuments is the sheer grandeur of them Vision Creativity Elegance 20

24 SECTION III The Silk Road The Great Silk Road: History The New Silk Road: Economic Belt Pearl of the Great Silk Road Vision Creativity Elegance 21

25 The Great Silk Road: History The Great Silk Road was a system of caravan routes crossing in ancient and middle age time Eurasian continent from Mediterranean Sea to China and influencing the emergence and development of trade and cultural ties between people and statehoods located along the way. The legacy of first transnational contact between people of West and East prove importance of implementing this project aimed at launching open source online web portal dedicated to studies on Silk Road and studies about it. Moreover, local surveys and research are aimed to support scientific and cultural cooperation between the scholars and experts representing different regions and countries once surpassed by the Silk Road. Connecting eastern and western margins of Eurasian continent, extended routes of the Silk Road crossed China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. On the east the road led to Korea and Japan; on the west to Russia, Eastern and Western Europe; on the south to India and Middle East on south-west. This was a transit road with two-way movement of goods, scientific ideas and achievements, as well as cultural and religious values. At certain period of time Silk Road used to be important and quick means of disseminating information through merchants, travelers and diplomats. Visit: 22

26 The Silk Road : Economic Belt One Belt, One Road China is currently undertaking what it considers the largest project of the century building a $900 billion investment, a network of railroads and shipping lanes linking itself with 71 countries, as January 2018, across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. The main focuses of the "Belt and Road" initiative are in infrastructure, transportation, and energy. Countries including India, Pakistan, Russia, New Zealand and Poland have all joined in the project. Together they make up at least a third of the world's GDP The objective is to kindle a new era of globalization, a golden age of commerce that will benefit all. Beijing says, it will ultimately lend as much as $8 trillion for infrastructure in 68 countries. That adds up to as much as 65% of the global population and a third of global economy. China has experienced an economic miracle unique of dimension. Its GDP has risen 30 times since 1987 as the country ascended to be the second largest economy in world. 60 Countries Invest In China s Silk Road Gold Fund China has set up a gold sector fund that will help facilitate gold purchases by Central Banks in the countries which are part of China s new Silk Road development project. The fund is expected to raise 100 billion yuan ($16 billion) to invest in physical gold and in mining companies in countries along the Silk Road. Uzbekistan: Future on the New Silk Road There sic (6) cities and regions in Uzbekistan 0on the route of the New Silk Road: Fergana Samarkand Buchara Khiva Nukus Tashkent 23

27 The Silk Road : Economic Belt One Belt, One Road China is currently undertaking what it considers the largest project of the century building a $900 billion investment, a network of railroads and shipping lanes linking itself with 71 countries, as January 2018, across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. The main focuses of the "Belt and Road" initiative are in infrastructure, transportation, and energy. Countries including India, Pakistan, Russia, New Zealand and Poland have all joined in the project. Together they make up at least a third of the world's GDP The objective is to kindle a new era of globalization, a golden age of commerce that will benefit all. Beijing says, it will ultimately lend as much as $8 trillion for infrastructure in 68 countries. That adds up to as much as 65% of the global population and a third of global economy. China has experienced an economic miracle unique of dimension. Its GDP has risen 30 times since 1987 as the country ascended to be the second largest economy in world. General Electric made $2.3 billion ( 1.6 billion) selling equipment for the One Belt One Road projects in 2016 alone, and expects to make more in the coming years Tashkent Samarkand 24

28 Pearl of the Great Silk Road Vision Creativity Elegance