Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - Today, the I International Investment Forum “Open Andijan” began to work in the Youth Palace, designed to demonstrate the investment and tourism potential of Andijan region, Dunyo reported.

The event, organized by the khokimiyat of Andijan region with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and the Embassy of our country in India, is attended by over 500 participants from 30 countries.

Among the participants are heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of international financial institutions, ministries and departments. The most representative delegation came from India, led by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Khokim of Andijan region Shukhrat Abdurakhmanov noted that investment forums have become a platform for the exchange of experience and forging direct ties.

- We present to investors’ attention 17 investment projects in the field of mechanical engineering, 5 in the agricultural sector, 4 in the pharmaceutical industry and 6 in the light industry. However, the projects do not end there. We are open to your suggestions,” the regional administration told the forum participants.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Elyor Ganiev noted the favorable geographical position of the Andijan region, from where the doors to cooperation in Central Asia open.

“Many of our foreign partners are already taking advantage of this advantage,” he emphasized. - We are interested in making the business mutually beneficial, and the investor could benefit, thereby contributing to the development of the economy. Over the past two years, the number of newly created enterprises with foreign investors in Uzbekistan doubled and reached more than 10 thousand. This year, we expect a double increase in the development of foreign direct investment in the amount of at least US$7 billion.

Governor of Gujarat V. Rupani in his speech welcomed bilateral relations with Uzbekistan and noted the rapidly growing dynamics of development of business relations between our countries.

Addressing the forum participants, Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Ilkhom Nematov drew attention to the main goals of the Open Andijan forum. In particular, he highlighted the strengthening of the economic and investment potential of Uzbekistan, as well as the wide informing of the world community about the dynamic reforms being carried out in the republic.

During the two-day forum, participants will get acquainted with the investment potential of Andijan region in the field of production and processing of agricultural products, the development of the textile industry, the automotive industry and the pharmaceutical industry.

Within the framework of the international forum, it is planned to present 17 projects with the participation of foreign capital, the implementation of which is expected to attract investments totaling US$280 million.

Open Andijan attendees also attended the inauguration of the Shard Indiana branch in Andijan.

The work of the forum continues.