The business forum was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and trade of Uzbekistan, Center for Political Research and the Fund Forum of Culture and Art and Ministry of Trade and Industry of Japan, Japan Russia and NIS Trade Association.

This is the third business forum, which is taking place in Tashkent with participation of the Japanese businesses, specialists and analytics, representatives of public organizations, scientific-research establishments of Japan.

During two-day event, the participants will discuss issues of economic and investment cooperation overall and in such sectors as energy resources and ecology with attraction of the Japanese technologies.

It is also planned to discuss current state and potential of bilateral cooperation in priority industries, as well as perspectives of investment cooperation within the Navoi free industrial-economic zone.

Bilateral trade turnover of Uzbekistan and Japan grew 2.5 times to US$170.9 million in 2008. Trade turnover between two states made up US$99 million in nine months of 2009.

Currently, there are seven enterprises with Japanese capital in Uzbekistan, including one with 100% share. They work in machinery and metal processing industries, light industry, trade operations, transport, tourism and healthcare. About 16 Japanese firms were accredited in Uzbekistan.