OREANDA-NEWS. August 23, 2012. Uzbek-American business forum was held in Tashkent, in which senior members of the US Administration, representatives of 25 leading US companies and business circles, as well as of the government, ministries, agencies and companies of our country, international financial institutions and diplomatic corps took part.

Uzbek-American business forum was held in Tashkent, in which senior members of the US Administration, representatives of 25 leading US companies and business circles, as well as of the government, ministries, agencies and companies of our country, international financial institutions and diplomatic corps took part.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake in his introductory speech noted the symbolism of holding the regular Uzbekistan-United States business forum in Tashkent on such a high level in the year of 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, demonstrated by participation of such large US world-class companies as General Motors, Boeing, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, Merck, Rio Tinto, White and Case, Anadorko, Case New Holland, Nukem, Solar Turbines, Caterpillar, Zeppelin, illustrating their growing interest in investing in Uzbekistan.

R.Blake underscored existence of big prospects for trade and investment cooperation between the two countries, which has a solid base in close bilateral relations, huge potential of the Uzbek economy and the key role of our country in the region. In this regard, US Assistant Secretary of State noted the importance of dynamic economic growth of Uzbekistan not only for the neighboring countries in Central Asia, but also a special role of Uzbekistan in supporting economic development of Afghanistan by supplying electricity to this country and assisting in building transport and railways infrastructure. R.Blake affirmed the support of the US Administration in further widening of economic and investment cooperation with Uzbekistan, strengthening mutually beneficial business links between the leading US companies and their Uzbek partners.

The Chair of the US-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce Carolynn Lamm expressed gratitude to the governments of the two countries for creating favorable conditions for mutually advantageous cooperation between the US and Uzbek companies. She noted that the results of these endeavors can be seen in the growing number of joint ventures in Uzbekistan, increasing production volumes of these enterprises, which are finding opportunities both in the internal Uzbek market and in abroad, including the US market.

The Chair of the US-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce cited the long-standing economic and investment cooperation with American giants like General Motors, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and many others, which have successfully been working with Uzbek partners for the past two decades, as a bright example of fruitful interaction.

C.Lamm paid a special attention to the consistent measures and huge progress in improving the business and investment climate in Uzbekistan and conveyed a high appreciation of the decrees signed by the President of Uzbekistan in July, which are designed to cardinally refine the business environment, grant more freedom to entrepreneurship, and cut the list of requirements assigned to business in terms of reporting, licensing and clearance.

C.Lamm also noted that the amazing results of economic transformations, aimed at creation of modern market economy, rich human and mineral resource potential, the advanced modern infrastructure and stable development of the country open huge opportunities for US investments in Uzbekistan.

The deputy assistant of the US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia M.Burr, the representatives of the government of Uzbekistan, business circles of the US and Uzbekistan, including representatives of the leadership of Lockheed Martin, Merck, Case New Holland, General Electric and others, as well as of the World Bank and the Asian Bank of Development also addressed the audience at the business forum.

Agreements on implementation of 21 projects to the total value of 2,8 bln US dollars in such spheres as machine building, metalworking, power, oil and gas, chemicals, electricals and mining, pharmaceutics and food industries were reached during the forum.