The event was aimed at discussing the investments opportunities for development of tourism in Zaamin and Chartak districts, as well as to attract potential investors to develop touristic infrastructure and to encourage tour companies to extend their services to these regions by cooperating with local communities.

Tourism contributing to the economic growth expands opportunities for entrepreneurship, provides millions of job places worldwide and countless number of new job openings in many other related sectors of the economy. According to the statistics provided by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2009 more than 880 million tourists have crossed international borders and the total worldwide turnover of international tourism exceeded $852 billion. The studies show that tourism makes 5% of total world GDP, 30% of world services' exports (about $1 trillion ) and 45% of economic activities of developing countries.

Tourism sector has become one of the significant sectors of Uzbekistan economy too, which generated more than $226 million of (1.8% of total GDP) by attracting 1.3 million tourists in the first half of 2011. It is not a secret that Uzbekistan attracts the largest proportion of tourists because of its architectural and historical sites, ancient culture, traditions and customs of local people. Although, experts believe that Uzbekistan has a great potential to double the above given figures by diversifying the tourism services and destinations it offers. For example, the climate and the natural conditions in some of the regions of Uzbekistan are found to be ideal places for development of health and eco-tourism.

Zaamin district of Jizzakh region (Zaamin) and Chartak district of Namangan region (Chartak) have been proved to be two of such underestimated tourism destinations. Because, behind the magnificent mountains, the enchanting nature and clean air of Zaamin is hidden a great potential for development of active, eco, health and cultural tourism. While Chartak thanks to its thermal mineral water, which is rich for iodium-bromine and other micro-mineral elements can become one of the famous spa resorts of the region.

Aiming to give a boost to the hidden touristic potential of Uzbekistan regions, the LGSP has initiated development of exemplary branding and marketing strategy to strengthen the tourism capacities of Zaamin district of Jizzakh region. Within the framework of this initiative based on the marketing research the marketing and branding strategies along with concrete Terms of References for separate investment projects have been developed by UNDP experts.

The presented results encouraged active discussions among the participants of the round-table. In particular, the participants were the most interested in the proposed business projects, which envisaged creating necessary touristic infrastructure in Zaamin district and the building spa resort in the territory of Chartak sanatoriums. Also, during the event the participants were informed and invited to visit the exhibition stand of Zaamin, during the International Tourism Fair which will be held in the period of 2-5 November, 2011 in Tashkent.

The LGSP team and its partners believe that development of tourism is one of the most promising directions for development of Uzbekistan regions. Hence, it will assist in effective usage of rich natural resources as well as its cultural and historical heritage. This in its turn will result in increased awareness about the unique culture of each region, increased health of local population, high economic growth, creation of additional jobs and additional income sources for the economy of the region.