The session was attended by the heads of the ministries of the two countries on foreign trade and economic relations, banking and finance, investments, industry, tourism and healthcare.

Mr. Nasriddin Najimov, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, said the trade and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Swiss Confederation is developing gradually in many spheres.

The head of the directorate on development and cooperation of the State Secretariat on Economy of Switzerland Jorg Al. Reding underlined Switzerland is interested in further expansion of ties with Uzbekistan.

The cooperation between the two countries is especially developing in such areas as banking and finances, light industry, healthcare, pharmacy, agriculture, telecommunication and high technologies.

The Swiss business circles learnt about economic reform in Uzbekistan, environment for foreign investors and economic potential of the country.

The sides discussed issues of further broadening cooperation in such spheres as trade, economy, finance and investment, and realization of new projects. They also deemed necessary to use economic potential and opportunities of two states fuller.

Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Switzerland made up US$64.8 million in 2006 and increased six times year-on-year in January-September 2007. Uzbekistan exports to Switzerland cotton fiber, cotton fabric, yarn and services. The Central Asian country imports electronics, machinery and equipment, instruments and pharmaceutical products.

Currently, about 94 enterprises with Swiss investments are operating in. At the same time, about 32 Swiss companies opened their offices in Uzbekistan.