OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports cross-border dialogue on tourism development in Batken province

BATKEN , Kyrgyzstan, 11 July 2008 - Stimulating cross-border dialogue on tourism development was the focus of an international roundtable discussion in Batken organized today by the OSCE Centre's field office in Osh.

Representatives of local authorities and leading tourism companies from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan discussed ways of eliminating administrative barriers in tourism and attracting potential investors to geographically remote and economically disadvantaged southern districts of the Batken province of Kyrgyzstan.

"This event offers a good opportunity to engage authorities of three countries in dialogue aimed at simplifying access to remote tourist destinations. Development of the tourism industry in remote areas of the country has a positive impact on solving socio-economic problems, including unemployment," said Maratbek Djumanbekov, Governor of Batken province.

"The roundtable discussion helps promote cross border co-operation between communities of three countries. Increase of economic exchanges plays an important confidence building and conflict prevention role," added Algerdas Petkevicius, Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE field office in Osh.

The event was held in the framework of a larger OSCE initiative aimed at improving travel access to Batken province.