Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- As part of the visit of a St. Petersburg delegation to Uzbekistan, Governor Alexander Beglov discussed promising areas of cooperation between the cities with the mayor of Tashkent, Jahongir Artikkhodjaev. Also at the meeting, a road map was signed - an action plan for the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of St. Petersburg and the Khokimiyat of Tashkent.

“The plan includes specific points for the development of trade and economic relations and humanitarian ties. It involves, among other things, deepening cooperation in the field of labor and social policy, science and education, housing and communal services, culture and sports, ecology, and youth policy,” said Alexander Beglov.

The Governor noted that in the first half of 2022, the volume of trade between St. Petersburg and Uzbekistan increased by 9.5% compared to the same period in 2021 and amounted to $185.8 million. He stressed the need to strengthen trade and economic cooperation.

“Petersburgers are well aware of and appreciate high-quality fruit and vegetable products from Uzbekistan. Our city is interested in expanding its supplies. We are considering the possibility of implementing a project to create a network of wholesale distribution centers in St. Petersburg, focused on the distribution and sale of products from the Republic of Uzbekistan,” the governor said. The meeting participants also noted the need to strengthen ties in the field of labor migration.

The governor invited the head of the capital of Uzbekistan to consider the possibility of holding the Days of Tashkent in St. Petersburg in 2023.

Another promising area of cooperation could be the healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical industries. Alexander Beglov recalled that an innovative cluster of the medical and pharmaceutical industries is successfully developing in St. Petersburg today. It unites several dozens of leading domestic and foreign companies and has a strong research and development base.

The participants of the meeting also discussed the prospects for the development of tourism, including medical tourism.

“The first step has been taken. Proton therapy for a girl from Navoi was carried out free of charge at our Institute named after Sergey Berezin,” the governor said. He said that within the framework of the visit of the St. Petersburg delegation, it is planned to sign an agreement on cooperation between the Department for Tourism Development of the city of Tashkent and the Committee for Tourism Development of St. Petersburg.