Uzbekistan hopes to reach $1 billion in trade with Belarus in the coming years, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Belarus Nosirjon Yusupov said at a press briefing, BelTA reported.

Yusupov believes that there is a huge untapped potential of bilateral cooperation which should be fulfilled by mutual efforts. In his words, to reach $1 billion in mutual trade is an ambitious goal. He added that the development of interregional ties would help the two countries come closer to this benchmark.

The ambassador also provided details on the program of the forthcoming Forum of Regions of Belarus and Uzbekistan which is due in Minsk on 29-30 July. It is expected that attending the plenary session will be about 400 people from both the sides.

The event will be attended by the First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Oliy Majlis Sodik Safayev and the Chairman of the National Assembly Council of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich.

The parties are expected to sign a number of interregional agreements and contracts at the forum.