2007 is taking a shape of a strategic and important year for all member companies of AmCham in Uzbekistan and our organization. We are building our efforts on a solid foundation achieved in 2006 when AmCham has brought together Uzbek governmental officials, experts in finance and economics, companies’ executives and ambassadors of the leading countries of the world’s economy. Our mission for 2006 was strengthening of our reputation as the leading authority on foreign investment and promoting our mission statement:

• Providing information and education on the legal and regulatory issues that affect business activities in Uzbekistan.
• Maintaining a dialogue with the Government of Uzbekistan on a wide range of issues that affect the business community and pursuing a cooperative approach to improving the investment climate.
• Broadening the understanding of how foreign investment activities make important contributions to economic growth, employment, guidance, and technological development in Uzbekistan.
• Communicating with U.S. Government officials regarding the political, economic and business environment in Uzbekistan and the issues affecting the daily operations of foreign investors.

Our agenda for 2007 and beyond is focused precisely on our mission and the key issues.
We are looking forward to activisation of AmCham committees and to more practical seminars so much valued by AmCham members. The successful Good Governance program of AmCham in Uzbekistan will be continued in cooperation with the Banking and Finance Academy, The High School of Business and the Centre of Corporate Governance. We would like to thank U.S. Department of Commerce for their continuing support to this program. 

A very special part of our plans for 2007 is the participation in Eurasian Business Platform initiated by the US Chamber of Commerce. Several teleconferences of AmChams of Central Asia and Caucasus have helped to formulate a number of issues of mutual interest for businesspeople of the region. Creating the strongest trade and investment climate possible on behalf of our members is what will motivate, energize and sustain our efforts.

The Board of Directors of AmCham Uzbekistan and the AmCham office will continue to rely on your insight, expertise, active participation in AmCham events and strong support.

We are looking forward to work with you this year to provide the best services to our members.

Tatiana Okunskaya,
AmCham Executive Director