The business forum was organized by Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan, State Committee on Privatization, Demonopolization and Development of Competition, as well as local regional administration.

Representatives of over 100 firms and companies from 20 countries, including Poland, China, South Korea, Japan, Russia and Germany, participated at the event.

The forum was aimed at familiarizing business circles of foreign states with investment opportunities of Ferghana region, which has high potential in many industries, and strengthen cooperation, UzA reported.

Ferghana has rich natural and labour resources, as well as developed industry and infrastructure. The region developed rapidly in recent years. Ferghana Refinery was modernized due to investments and loans for US$89 million, while Ferghanaazot attracted US$95 million to update its capacities.

Over ten large industrial enterprises of the region such as Quvasoycement, Kvartz, Qoqand Superfosfat and Qoqand mechanic plant used investments for over US$128 million to modernization. In the result, the industrial production rose 1.5 times compared to 2000.

Within the forum, the regional industrial fair and cooperation exchange, which was attended by local enterprises and small businesses, was also held. The event presented construction materials, light industry products, foods and consumer goods.