The event was initiated by the head of the Permanent Mission of Uzbekistan to the United Nations office in Geneva, Ambassador Gulnara Karimova. The idea of the conference also received positive support from other United Nations institutions (UNCTAD, UNECE) and the International Trade Centre.

The round table was structured in three thematic sessions, focussing on the Uzbek and European experience in diversification of national economies, the role of energy, transport and trade in their economic development and the investment opportunities Uzbekistan offers to European businesses.

UN Secretary General Deputy, UNECE Executive Secretary Mr. Jan Kubis and UNCTAD Secretary General Mr. Supachai Panitchpakdi opened the conference following the Ambassador Karimova. UNCTAD and UNECE both expressed their delight at working together to help promote trade and FDI both in and out of Uzbekistan and thier focus was on sustainable and green investment for the future.

The event was well attended with senior representatives from many countries and many business sectors. All the participants expressed a genuine interest in building stronger EU - Uzbekistan relations and the business sector were additionally interested in following business opportunities within Uzbekistan and a trade trip in spring 2010 is now under consideration. Strong focus on infrastructure, energy resources and geographic positioning - were the underlining issues.

UNCTAD stressed the developments in Public private partnership and entrepreneurial partnership in Uzbekistan and supported a revision of Investment policy, while the World Bank representatives were focussing on water security, energy sectors issues and positively supported the opening up of the Uzbekistan - EU business integration procedures in general.

The Ambassador Gulnara Karimova brought forward an idea of establishing European Business Society or Community in Uzbekistan which was widely received. UNECE and UNCTAD strongly supported the idea and pledged for its development. The Ambassador Karimova received wide praise for her vision and determination to bring changes in the process of cross Europe business.

The round table was held with the support of other Uzbek public and specialized institutions also initiated and lead by Ambassador Karimova, Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan Foundation and the Centre for Political Studies.