SAMARKAND, October 19. /Dunyo IA/.   “Welcome & Orientation” introductory session was held in Samarkand as part of the visit by the U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking the opening of the business programme under the “C5+1” format, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event brings together representatives of the governments of Central Asian countries and the United States, executives of leading international companies and members of the business community.

Meeting highlighted the steady expansion of economic cooperation between Central Asia and the United States. Representatives of more than 400 companies are taking part in the business program, including over 100 U.S. companies, around 100 companies from other Central Asian countries and 200 leading enterprises from Uzbekistan.

Particular attention was paid to advancing joint investment projects, introducing advanced technologies and expanding industrial cooperation. It was also noted that Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade stands ready to provide tailored support to foreign partners, including through specialized units and dedicated managers who will guide promising initiatives at every stage of implementation.

David L. Fogel, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service and executives of leading American companies — Rafael Santana of “Wabtec”, Jenny Johnson of “Franklin Templeton”, Mark Kristoff of “Traxys” and Devesh Sharma of “Aquatech” - shared their views on the region’s business potential and development prospects.

Participants were briefed on the programme of events covering six key areas: digital technologies; education and healthcare; mineral resources and mining; energy and transport infrastructure; agriculture and textiles; and finance and investment.

In addition to thematic sessions, the programme includes direct business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) negotiations. These meetings will enable companies and government representatives to discuss investment proposals, technological cooperation and the terms for implementing joint projects in detail.

Introductory session outlined the key priorities of the forthcoming business programme, which aims to expand trade ties, attract investment and foster long-term partnerships between Central Asian countries and the United States.