EVENTS

Consul Outlines Visa Services at AmCham Meeting (10/29/2009)
Consul Outlines Visa Services at AmCham Meeting (10/29/2009)
Consul David Mico spoke to more than 100 people at a meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce in Uzbekistan, where he outlined the visa services available to business travelers who want to visit the United States.

“Supporting the business relationship between the United States and Uzbekistan is an important mission of the Embassy. It is a mission that the Consular Section sees very much as its own,” he said. “We sincerely want to do our best to facilitate travel for qualified business applicants.”
Mico and U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland addressed a standing-room-only crowd Oct. 29 at a meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham). Ambassador Norland’s remarks can be found here.
The Consular Section is working to enhance the efficiency, predictability and transparency of the visa process. Regardless of the decision on whether to approve a visa, the process of applying for a U.S. visa “should not be another adventure,” Mico said.
Mico noted that the visa application forms and appointment system are now online, along with full information about how to apply, at the U.S. Embassy website. The electronic system has reduced errors and allows prospective travelers to choose the most convenient appointment times among those available, he said. The current wait time is about 13 days. However, expedited appointments are available for AmCham members traveling for business or for emergency travel.
Mico led the audience through what they can expect on the day of the interview: going through security screening at the Embassy; paying the cashier; and the short interview with a consular officer, including fingerprinting, questions about the purpose of travel and family situation, the possible review of documents, and what is usually an immediate yes-or-no decision on the visa request.
He noted that the Consular Section issues thousands of business travel visas each year, and he said that, regardless of the decision, all applicants will be treated with respect.

Mico also reminded the audience that the Consular Section is available to help with U.S. passports, notary services, voter assistance, help with federal benefits and other American Citizen Services.

U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan web-site



Monthly Meeting on May 21, 2009

Visiting Delegation of the American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce head­ed by the Chairman Mr. Harry Eustace Sr. spoke to AmCham community on Monthly Meeting in May. The delega­tion was represented by AUCC direc­tors and members including Neil Living-sto ne, Alan Ogden and Don LaGuardia. The presentation of Mr. Harry Eustace which entitled Improving Prospects for the Bilateral Relationship: The Business Perspective was highly interesting. The presentation was broad and covered not only AUCC mission, membership, new AUCC leadership agenda but al­so its engagement with US Government and business community. Mr. Harry Eustace mentioned that US–Uzbekistan relations are on a positive trajectory. The agenda of AUCC for bilateral progress includes: ratify Bilateral Investment Treaty in Washington, encourage USTDA re-engagement, encourage reopening of OPIC window, work with Government of Uzbekistan on Investor Incentive Packages and many others. More than 80 AmCham members, Diplomatic Corps and visiting guests participated

Representatives of AmCham Uzbe­kistan and AUCC, Washington, USA in the event. After very profound pres­entation people enjoyed cocktail drinks and had an occasion to exchange opin­ions on the presentation

The AmCham sponsors several social events to provide networking opportunities to our members and promote greater interaction between the AmCham and the official community. Each month, the AmCham organizes a Business Mixer. This is the most popular event for AmCham members nowadays. The AmCham also co-sponsors major social events surrounding the July 4th celebrations. These events are open to the entire expat community and Uzbek Government officials.

MONTHLY MEETING

Monthly Meeting on January 29, 2009

 On January 29, 2009, AmCham in Uzbekistan hosted a panel discussion with the participation of the representatives of the government of Uzbekistan, international financial institutions, and multinational corporations. The main theme which unites all the speakers and participant of the Monthly Meeting was the international financial crisis. Mr. Bakhtiyar M. Irmatov (Director, UZINFOINVEST), Mr. Loup J. Brefort (Country Officer, World Bank Country Office), Mr. Igor Pakan (Country Executive, RBS NB Uzbekistan), Dr. Helmut Fisher (Head of Representative Office, Commerzbank) and Mr. Oybek Khalilov (General Director, UzAIG Company) presented their companies’ experience and measures to minimize the effect of international financial crisis. According to the speakers, the world financial crisis has stricken a significant blow to the financial system of many countries of the world and provoked a liquidity crisis. “World economic growth is set to fall to just ½ % this year, its lowest rate since World War II” warns the International Monetary Fund (IMF’s World Economic Outlook released January 27, 2009). The Eurozone economy poised to shrink by 2.0% in 2009 and the US economy by 1.6%. Growth in emerging and developing economies is expected to slow sharply, from 6.25% in 2008 to 3.25% in 2009. “Global economy is projected to experience a gradual recovery in 2010, with growth picking up to 3%. However, the outlook is highly uncertain” (…)

 The EBRD has estimated the GDP growth in the transition countries at 6.3% in 2008. In 2007, it was equal to 7.5%, and in 2009 it will drop to 3%. UN ILO (United Nations International Labour Organization) calculated that as many as 51 million jobs worldwide could be lost this year because of the global economic crisis. 

 The probable impacts of the global financial crisis on the countries of Central Asia could complicate with the threats associated with food, water and energy security. The world financial crisis in the countries may be reflected in lower exports to Kazakhstan and Russia and reduction in remittances of migrant workers. Due to the lack of direct dependence of the financial system of Uzbekistan on foreign sources of financing, it was managed to avoid negative impacts to the national economy. Possible impact on the economy could be seen in a slowdown of foreign investors’ activity in implementation of large-scale investment projects in petrochemical, mining, construction materials is possible, the uncertainty on international markets can, unfortunately, prevent decision making on new investment projects, a sales slowdown of Uzbek export products on the international markets due to the shrinkage of markets and limited money resources of main trading partners,  the decrease of remittances of manpower resources from countries, experiencing financial crisis. On the other hand, low debts, high reserves and untapped productivity enhancement opportunities (through further reforms) gives “space” for effective action. Government targets at close to 8% growth in 2009 while IMF is slightly more cautious at 7%. The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan has adopted a complex of specific measures focused on reduction of the risk of lower growth rates during the World financial crisis. 

  Presentations of the speakers of AmCham Monthly Meeting in January are available at AmCham office.

Monthly Meeting on  November 27, 2008

 On November 27, 2008, the participants of the AmCham Monthly Meeting enjoyed the presentation given by Mr. Alisher E.Shaykhov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan. Mr Shaykhov was invited as the honorable speaker of the month. His presentation was entitled as “The activity of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan. Priorities for the US Direct Investments”. The presentation was extremely profound, and it thoroughly explained the structure of the Uzbek Chamber, membership, sources of financing and many other aspects. Creation of favorable business environment, protection of rights of the entrepreneurs, export promotion, foreign investment attraction as well as cooperation with foreign chambers were mentioned among the main tasks of CCIU. This Monthly Meeting turned to be extremely interesting and informative for all the AmCham members, guests and diplomatic corps.

Read more...

 Monthly Meeting on October 23, 2008.

 BUSINESS MIXER

AmCham Business Mixer on September 2009.

  Another memorable event sponsored by SADAF Private Dental Clinic with a logo “value the beauty of your smile” organized by AmCham Vice-President Oybek Khalilov, took  place on September 25, 2009. All AmCham members, diplomatic corps and guests were invited to the open air ZAFAR –Restaurant.  As was promised by the sponsor, the evening was full of surprises.Entertaining part of the evening opened dance show followed by the fashion defile. Participants of the evening enjoyed the collection of prize winner of the International contest of young designers Mrs. Elena Milberger entitled “Fall in love with the Orient”. Second collection was presented by

International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group sponsored the first AmCham Business Mixer in the year 2009. This event took place in cozy premises of Brasserie on the Park, Hotel InterContinental. Mr Vsevolod Paevskiy, Project Manager, IFC Europe and Central Asia – Uzbekistan BEE Project, opened the Business Mixer with his presentation of the IFC activity In Uzbekistan. The presentation touched such aspects of IFC as investment projects both worldwide and in Uzbekistan, in particular.  In the course of his presentation, touched upon the other spheres and aspects of the IFC activity.  The AmCham members, diplomats and business community of Tashkent enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the party.

Photogallery ( 2 )

Business Mixer on November 28, 2008

Red Door, a professional advertising agency and a new AmCham member-company, joined the international business family in 2008. The company sponsored the Business Mixer in November 2008. All the AmCham members and friends were welcomed in a cozy oriental-style restaurant of the recently opened Dastukrhon Club. Management of the Red Door Company, alias the hosts of this AmCham Business Mixer, prepared a fascinating entertainment program accompanied by delicious refreshments. Talented musicians, i.e. a violinist and saxophonist, and dancers made the atmosphere of the AmCham Business Mixer in November even more attractive and friendly.

Business Mixer on October 17, 2008

AmCham long lasting friend and honorable member the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Uzbekistan headed by Mr. Fernand Pillonel sponsored AmCham Business Mixer in October. The date of the celebration coincided with the visit of the delegation headed by the Director for Central Asian countries European bank for Reconstruction and development Mr. Masaru Honma. 

        Read more...

Business Mixer on September 10, 2008

Uz-AIG Uzbek-American insurance company kindly proposed to sponsor AmCham September Business Mixer to celebrate 17^th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan and 14^th anniversary of the operations of UzAIG in our republic. Besides delicious food and drinks of the open aired Brasserie on the Park of the Hotel InterContinental Tashkent

       Read more...

Business Mixer on August 22, 2008

American Chamber of Commerce in Uzbekistan and the branch of the SEAF SME Investment Management Fund namely Business Leasing Company organized Business Mixer on August 22, 2008. The date coincided with the inauguration of the new office of Business Leasing Company therefore the management of the company decided to share this event with AmCham members and sponsored the Business Mixer in August.

       Read more...

AmCham Business Mixer on June 27, 2008
Every year June Business Mixer is dedicated to celebration of the U.S. Independence Day. This year our 2 generous sponsors, Holos Ltd. and CafeJUM, invited representatives of the Diplomatic Missions, all AmCham members and friends to celebrate 232nd anniversary of U.S Independence. The event was held at Jumanji Restaurant, AmCham long standing friend and famous restaurant with cozy atmosphere. People enjoyed the delicious food, drinks and friendly and cozy atmosphere of newly build inner yard of the restaurant. On behalf of all AmCham community we express special thanks to Mr. Khalmurat Manaev and Mr. Kamil Khodjaev and the teams of their companies for the perfect organization of the event. 

      Read more...

Events

AMCHAM MEMBERS

Business Partners

AMCHAM PARTNERS