TASHKENT, June 19. /Dunyo IA/. Vice Minister of Trade of Indonesia Dyah Putri, who is participating in the 5th Tashkent International Investment Forum in the capital of Uzbekistan, shared her views in an interview with a correspondent of Dunyo IA:

— Work is currently underway on a free trade agreement between Indonesia and Uzbekistan, and this visit is seen as an important step towards further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The President of Uzbekistan has repeatedly emphasized the country’s openness to investment, and in practice this is already becoming noticeable. The country is actively developing transport connectivity, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, as well as paying attention to the hotel sector and tourism. These areas form the basis for sustainable economic growth and the expansion of international partnership.

Indonesia, as the largest archipelago in the world and one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia, attaches great importance to the development of relations with Uzbekistan. The existing interest of the government of Uzbekistan in cooperation with Indonesia creates additional opportunities for deepening economic ties.

It is expected that the free trade agreement will significantly increase bilateral trade and expand partnership not only in traditional trade sectors, but also in new areas, including small and medium-sized businesses. Tourism is also considered as one of the key areas of cooperation.

Historically, relations between countries have a deep foundation. In particular, the First President of Indonesia Sukarno played an important role in initiating interest in the legacy of Imam al-Bukhari, and Samarkand remains an important center of cultural, religious and historical attraction today.