The delegation comprises the heads and staff members of German companies functioning in the spheres of energy, construction, agriculture and processing agricultural products, light industry and banking. The main aim of the visit is to further develop trade and economic cooperation between the two counties. Our correspondent reports on the important events held on the first day of the German delegation’s visit.

An economic forum was held with the participation of representatives from German business circles at the international cooperation centre in Tashkent. Those who spoke at the forum noted that at present, strong relations have been established between Uzbekistan and Germany.

Trade between Uzbekistan and Germany was US$328 million in 2007.

At present, 135 joint ventures with the participation of German investments function in Uzbekistan. These factories work in such spheres like light industry, producing medical and pharmaceutical products, and processing agricultural products. Views were exchanged at the economic forum on further expanding cooperation, and jointly implementing new projects.

German Minister of Economics and Technologies Michael Glos speaking at the forum said: “I think that this visit will promote further developing our cooperation with Uzbekistan, which has a great potential in the Central Asian region, and implementing mutually beneficial projects in future. We know that great attention is being paid to developing the private sector in your country today, and we fully support this. Germany is ready to co-operate especially in the energy sector, in particular in implementing new projects in the oil and gas sector. We may also work together in producing modern technologies. “

During the forum, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Uzbek and German associations of consulting engineers, several other documents were also signed.