Currently, Tashkent's international airport is the major hub in Central Asia, and Uzbekistan continues to modernize its airports and facilities. In charge of this task is Uzbekistan Airways. The company will continue its program to modernize facilities in Tashkent, as well as outlying airports in Samarkand, Bukhara and Urghench. The Chkalov Tashkent Aircraft Production Corporation employs a workforce of 30,000 and is one of the largest businesses in Uzbekistan. Boeing has developed a cooperative effort with this company.
Opportunity exists in the full range of the aerospace industry.
The country has only 1.5 million telephones, roughly 63 for every 1,000 persons. Uzbekistan and international agencies have agreed to projects that would improve the efficiency of their telecommunications system. Opportunities exist for Seattle's telecommunications companies. Its fertile valleys, similar to Eastern Washington, rely on extensive irrigation systems to maintain optimum growing conditions. Uzbekistan seeks technology, capital and marketing skills to assist in its efforts to better utilize its resources.