Embassy News
American Chamber of Commerce Businesses Expand in Syrdarya Region (11/14/2008)
American Chamber of Commerce businesses in the Syrdarya Region plan expansion in the New Year. JMP International (JMP) and the Central Asian Seed Company (CASC), both members of the American Chamber of Commerce, operate in the Syrdarya area. They were attracted to the region, in part, due to its central location, close vicinity to Tashkent, and reliable electricity and gas supplies.
CASC operates the only American owned cotton gin in Uzbekistan, employing over 100 workers. With both local and foreign (Russian and Canadian) investment, JMP markets the "Fruktovy sad" brand of juice products in Uzbekistan. JMP's new processing plant under construction in Syrdaryo City is scheduled to open in January 2009. The plant will be the largest juice facility in Central Asia.
During a recent day trip to the Guliston on November 14, 2008, U.S. Ambassador Norland, toured these two plants, and met with Hokim Abdurakhim Jalalov. The Hokim shared with the Ambassador his views on land reform, migration and child labor, water, and foreign investment. Hokim Jalalov noted that Syrdarya welcomes further investment and cooperation with foreign and local businesses. Ambassador Norland’s visit followed a visit by representatives from the Embassy’s Political Economics Section who attended an investment seminar in Guliston in early November.