On April 24 this year, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan S. Umurzakov had a video conference with Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Li Yong.

The dialogue touched upon progress and prospects for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNIDO.

The parties noted that the Uzbek side attaches great importance to the cooperation with UNIDO, a recognized world leader in industrial development and the implementation of specialized technical assistance programs.

The parties considered the progress in 6 joint project proposals totaling over USD 18 million in innovation development of textile industry, creation of green jobs, modernization of the sewing industry, etc. They noted that since 1993, more than 15 projects were successfully implemented in Uzbekistan under the technical assistance and consultations with UNIDO.

The Uzbek side confirmed its interest in the UNIDO’s program ‘Trade Capacity Building’, which will contribute to our country's accession to the WTO.

The parties paid special attention to establish cooperation in agricultural industrial clusters and free economic zones in Uzbekistan through specialized events, advanced training courses, including sending an UNIDO assessment mission to Uzbekistan to study the state of FEZ and agricultural clusters and to develop proposals improving their management system.

The videoconference resulted in agreement on joint development and approval of the Road Map of for the medium-term (4 years) Cooperation Program indicating specific projects and directions, as well as further cooperation with a view to practical implementation of the initiatives and proposals discussed.