SEATTLE, October 1. /Dunyo IA/. A roundtable dedicated to current development processes in Uzbekistan and prospects for Uzbek-American cooperation was held in Seattle with the participation of members of the World Affairs Council of Seattle, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event brought together representatives of Washington State government agencies, leading technology companies, universities, legal and consulting firms, and the expert community. Participants included representatives of Amazon, Microsoft, the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Governor’s Office, the University of Washington, the UW Tech Policy Lab, City University of Seattle, and other organizations.

Participants were briefed on the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan, the country’s foreign policy priorities, measures to promote economic openness, the investment climate, private-sector development, tourism potential, and the main areas of activity of the Consulate General in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

Particular attention was paid to giving practical substance to the sister-city ties between Seattle and Tashkent, expanding cooperation with leading U.S. technology companies, and developing trade, economic, and educational ties.

The open question-and-answer session was particularly active. Participants raised numerous questions concerning Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, regional processes in Central Asia, economic reforms, openness of the media and information space, tourism and investment, as well as prospects for cooperation with Seattle and the Pacific Northwest region.

Following the roundtable, an agreement was reached with the leadership of the World Affairs Council of Seattle to continue cooperation in organizing thematic meetings, expert discussions, and joint events on Uzbekistan in the framework of high-level visits.