Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A presentation of the tourism potential of Uzbekistan took place at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan. It was attended by representatives of the State Committee on Tourism, managers and employees of leading travel companies, as well as the media of Turkmenistan, Dunyo news agency reported.

Thanks to the intensification of cooperation between the countries of our region, last year there was an unprecedented intensification of Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation in all directions. In particular, the tourism sector recorded a 4 times increase in the number of Turkmen citizens visiting Uzbekistan compared to 2017. Among our neighbors, trips to historic cities and Islamic shrines, medical and educational tourism were especially popular.

During the event, Turkmen tour operators were familiarized with the ongoing work in Uzbekistan to further develop tourism, improve infrastructure and create favorable conditions for residents and guests of the republic.

The intensification of mutual trips has contributed to the expansion of cooperation in trade, economic and investment spheres. In 2018, bilateral trade increased by more than 40% compared with the previous year and amounted to US$302 million. About 25 joint ventures with Turkmen capital were registered in Uzbekistan. Cultural and humanitarian ties are actively developed.

At the presentation, the Turkmen tour operators praised the measures taken in our country to liberalize the passport and visa regime and attract foreign investment in the industry. In this context, the information on the decrees and resolutions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in accordance with which by 2021, it is planned to build 1,500 hotels, numerous ski resorts, campgrounds and recreation areas, aroused particular interest among those present.

The participants were also presented information about the calendar of tourist events in Uzbekistan in 2019, including the First International Forum on Tourism and Tourism, which will be held in Bukhara on 21-23 February, the International Tourism Fair - Tourism on the Silk Road-2019 in Tashkent on 13 -15 November, as well as other international festivals and forums.

Video clips about the rich history and dynamic development of our country at the present stage, unique culture and unique traditions of the Uzbek people were shown.

As part of the event, an exhibition of samples of the national applied art of Uzbekistan was organized, brochures and information materials on the tourism potential of the country were distributed, and national dishes were tasted.