This, the delegation ascribed, to the true interest of both sides for enhancement of the trade exchanges between both countries, Times Of Oman reported.

The delegation pointed out that the establishment of a joint investment venture would open the way for the private sector for establishing joint projects and commercial relations in various economic fields.

The delegation expressed their delight over the desire of the Uzbek businessmen and companies for investing in the Sultanate as also for opening commercial agencies, appointment of agents for their products and organising marketing exhibitions in the Sultanate. Several discussions were held on the said issue, which is expected to build the first step for enhancement of exchange of trade between the two countries.

Uzbekistan is planning to establish some 300 development projects and is interested in entering into joint ventures with the government of the Sultanate as well as with companies.

Sheikh Salim bin Mohammed Al Shanfari, member of the delegation, said the visit, which was the first by a Sultanate’s delegation, was described by Uzbek officials as historical and was expected to be followed by more visits. The Uzbek businessmen and representatives of companies whom we met during the forum have expressed their desire to invest in the Sultanate.

Anees bin Essa Al Zedjali, another member of the delegation, said: Uzbekistan is a country famous for its deep-rooted history and tourism, yet to be explored. The government of Uzbekistan provided investment facilities to investors and companies in the tourism sector, particularly in relation to establishment of joint tour companies to promote the historic and tourism capabilities on both the countries, worldwide. Such joint companies could operate in the field of infrastructure projects necessary for the tourism sector such as construction of hotels and restaurants with quality services and entertainment facilities.

Anees hoped that the joint company would work to establish joint investment projects in Uzbekistan and the Sultanate, the report said.

Anees described the visit of the business delegation accompanying Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki to Uzbekistan as successful.

He said the members of the delegation acquainted themselves with the available investment opportunities in Uzbekistan for businessmen and companies operating in the various sectors.

The officials in the Uzbek cities we visited have expressed desire in opening new horizons in the commercial relations between the two countries, he said.

Ahmed bin Saleh Babood said the delegation had held several meetings with the businessmen and representatives of the company in Uzbekistan, where both sides agreed on organising exhibitions for Uzbekistan’s products in the Sultanate as also for the Omani products in Uzbekistan.

Khalid bin Said Al Wohaibi said that the visit was a big opportunity for the businessmen to explore the commercial opportunities in Uzbekistan. He said that the business delegation had taken part in a forum, which has seen a presentation on the investment opportunities and facilities in Uzbekistan.

Sheikh Adil bin Bakhit Al Shanfari said that the delegation held talks with a number of representatives of the companies and businessmen in Uzbekistan, which would yield positive results in the coming stage.

“We need to intensify the meetings between the two sides to achieve the aspired goals he said adding that the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed between the governments of the two countries would enhance trade exchanges and provide facilities to the private sector”, he said.

Hisham Al Jamali said that the visit would open a new chapter in the relation between the two countries, which relation is expected to further advance in the coming stage particularly in the light of the agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries.