The event was attended by about 250 people, including UK Ambassador to Uzbekistan Rupert Joy, Director of the British Council in Uzbekistan Steve McNulty, London College of Fashion Director of Programmes Sarah Atkinson, and Graduate Employment Officer at London College of Fashion Adam Watling as well as representatives of local universities, colleges, textile enterprises, boutiques, fashion houses, sponsors and many others.

The round-table focused on the needs of small and private business for high-caliber specialists as well as on issues related to the involvement of private businesses in the national economy and organisation of high-quality education in Uzbekistan. The session also focused on the United Kingdom`s experience in this area.

Greeting the participants, Ambassador Rupert Joy said: “I`m very happy to be here today. I have broad experience in working with the Uzbek population. I have visited nearly all regions, many schools, colleges and universities in Uzbekistan, and I`m very impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the Uzbek youth. It`s great to see them struggling to improve their skills. Young people in Uzbekistan have very good skills. For example, British Tobacco, which has offices in many countries across the world, employs 45 Uzbek people.”

Representatives of London College of Fashion talked about the unique portfolio of courses and programmes offered by the college, which is the only college in the UK to specialise in fashion education, research and consultancy.

The Fund Forum has been in collaboration with London College of Fashion since last year when professionals from the college taught a series of master classes as part of “Style.Uz”.

The event was an active discussion of important questions in the fashion industry, employment and education. Notably, representatives of the Uzbek textile industry offered fulltime jobs to several students of respective schools who have new ideas and fresh visions.

“Although there may be many more issues that we want to discuss and solve,” said young Uzbek fashion designer Saida Amir, “this round-table has delivered the goods indeed and provided very useful information. I have been given a lot of new information, and received thorough answers to questions. It would be great if this sort of event were held more often.”