Polish and Uzbek Ministers meet to promote trade and cultural links

In a press release the Finance Ministry said that the government will grant a $30 million loan to the Republic of Uzbekistan to finance their imports of Polish products, namely hospital, school and IT equipment. The loan will be granted in two $15 million tranches. "The agreement was reached during a recent meeting between Finance Minister Grzegorz Kołodko and the Uzbek Economy Minister, Rustam Azimow. Both officials discussed the problem of counteracting financial crimes and customs co-operation," the press release read. Kołodko also met with the Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Utkir Tuch tamuradowicz Sułtanow in an attempt to enliven tourism and cultural contacts between the two countries. Kołodko also stressed the need to open an Uzbek embassy in Poland. (www.onet.pl) J.K.