World experience reveals that SEZ can be efficient tool for stimulating economic development of specific sector of economy and economy as the whole. For example, special economic zones can be industrial development tool triggering increase of exports and development of the regions of the country. World experience also shows that SEZ can be viable instrument for attraction of quality foreign investments.

Currently the Government of Uzbekistan is exploring perspectives of establishment of SEZ in the country. In particular, the Government together with other stakeholders is elaborating concept of establishment of SEZ in specific regions and sectors of economy in Uzbekistan and drafting new law "On special economic zones in Uzbekistan".

To support the Government in establishment of SEZ, UNDP within its joint project with the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade "Support to external economic policy" has been undertaking policy research on establishment of SEZ in order to analyze prospects and possible directions of SEZ in Uzbekistan. This cooperation also extends to joint elaboration of draft of law on SEZ through building research team of national consultants and highly qualified international expert. Within this component the project arranged study tour to Batam Island of Indonesia on July 2007 for representatives of Government and Government agencies as well as members of the research group to familiarize with specific experience of SEZ functioning in Batam island.

The research team of the project currently works on elaboration of conceptual approaches on establishment and regulation of SEZs in Uzbekistan, analysis of the sectors of economy and regions of Uzbekistan for identifying best types of SEZ, sectors and territories for achieving higher economic effect through SEZ.

From previous experience, involvement of representatives of private sector, think tanks, international organizations and Government agencies to the process of development of policy recommendations through launching active policy dialogue seems to be effective form and method of research work. In these regards, the project organized meeting of expert council on investments and export promotion of Business Forum on 20 November 2007 in conference hall of "Grand Orzu" hotel.

Interim results of analysis, recommendations and conclusions of the research group on SEZ which were presented during the session provoked frank and vivid discussion among participants from business, Government, think tanks and academia. In particular, it was reiterated that "SEZs can be effective tool for carrying out balanced policy for attraction of foreign investments, facilitating of activities of national entrepreneurs, introduction of innovative technologies, effective utilization of natural recourses and labor force and activation of the entrepreneurship".

It was also highlighted that "creation of favorable condition in whole territory of Uzbekistan is impossible, while creation of attractive environment within SEZ will not cause huge negative impact to the economy of the country". It is further recommended to analyze the best ways to govern SEZ and best place to allocate it in the current conditions in Uzbekistan.

The organizers of the event noted that ideas and recommendations received during the expert council will be thoroughly studied and considered while further working on the analytical report and draft of law "On Special Economic Zones in Uzbekistan".