Uzbekistan, Tashkent, July 22 / Trend, D. Azizov /
The U.S. ambassador to Uzbekistan George Krol has described the level of trade and economic relations between the two countries as "very low", he told journalists at a meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent on Thursday.
He said this is due to "a number of reasons," which he did not detail.
"My task is to explain to the U.S. companies, how to do business here in Uzbekistan. I think it is also a great mutual work for the Uzbek ambassador in Washington," Krol said.
According to the Uzbek State Statistics Committee, the volume of trade turnover between the two countries declined by 50 percent and amounted to $174.8 million in 2010. In Uzbekistan, more than 200 joint ventures are registered, which are created with participation of the U.S. capital. Representative offices of about 60 companies and U.S. companies specializing in motor industry, petrochemical, textile and food industries, construction materials production, tourism, trade and services operate here.
Krol assumed office as the U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan on July 5. When handing over his credentials to the Uzbek President he called the development of mutually beneficial relations his mission's main purpose in Uzbekistan.
Prior to his appointment as ambassador to Uzbekistan, Kroll served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia.