Rifai said he is ready to support efforts of Uzbektourism and UNWTO office in Samarkand to further promotion of Silk Road tourism product.

He said he also needs assistance of Uzbektourism to simplification of visa formalities and elimination of visa barriers at the state level for tourists, who are traveling along Silk Road countries.

Zohid Hakimov, chairman of Uzbektourism, said Uzbekistan tourism administration considered the UNWTO office in Samarkand as important factor for uniting efforts of the Silk Road countries on promotion and popularization of this unique tourism product.

Hakimov said it is planned to hold international tourism conference to promote Silk Road in Samarkand city next year.