Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 18 June, a business forum was held in Samarkand with the participation of representatives of the tourism sector of the People’s Republic of China.

This forum was dedicated to promoting the tourism potential of Uzbekistan in China and strengthening business ties between representatives of the Uzbek-Chinese tourism industry.

About 200 representatives of the tourism sector of Uzbekistan and China took part in the business forum, including those who arrived from Xi’an to Samarkand on the first regular flight of LoongAir on 16 June.

“Starting September of this year, we will begin the “Year of Uzbek Tourism in China.” Throughout the year, we will introduce Chinese tourists to tourism, the rich culture, heritage and values of Uzbekistan. In general, we have set the ultimate goal - to gradually increase the number of tourists from China to 1 million,” said Chairman of the Tourism Committee Umid Shadiev.

During the forum, meetings between representatives of Uzbekistan and China took place in B2B format, where participants discussed the current state of the tourism industry and explored new opportunities for cooperation between Uzbekistan and China.

The Uzbek-Chinese business forum became an important step in the development of business relations between representatives of the two countries. This event will serve the rise and development of the tourism industry of Uzbekistan, strengthening the country’s position in the global tourism market.

On 16 June, the first regular flight from Xi’an of Loong Air was met at Samarkand International Airport.

The launch of a flight on the route Xi’an - Samarkand - Xi’an will help expand the tourism potential of the most important historical and cultural centers of China and Uzbekistan and increase the flow of tourists, as well as further develop trade and economic relations.

Loong Air has 74 aircraft and flies to 25 cities in China, as well as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Uzbekistan.