What is the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (AUCC)?
The AUCC was incorporated in Washington, D.C on August 9, 1993. It is a 501 (c)(6) organization that promotes trade, commerce, and cultural understanding between the United States of America and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
What is the primary focus of the AUCC activities today and where does the AUCC operate?
The AUCC has an office in Washington. D.C. and its primary focus today is to promote trade and investment ties, cultural exchanges, and bonds of friendship between the United States of America and the Republic of Uzbekistan. In performing these functions, the AUCC places primary emphasis on serving the needs and interests of its members.
What is the AUCC's long-term goal?
The AUCC's long-term goal is to continue in its role as a business advisory board that provides assistance to its members and the governments of the United States and the Republic of Uzbekistan regarding issues of mutual concern in the bilateral economic relationship as well as stronger consolidation of the bilateral efforts to spur economic growth, create more jobs and achieve greater economic prosperity for the people of our two countries.
Is the AUCC a subsidiary or sister organization of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and AmCham in Uzbekistan?
The AUCC is an independent, private organization that is not affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce or AmCham in Uzbekistan. However, some of the AUCC members are also members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and AmCham in Uzbekistan.
What makes the AUCC unique?
AUCC benefits from the diversity and duration of its member's experience in doing business in Uzbekistan and from their ability to collaborate on issues of importance to the governments of the United States and the Republic of Uzbekistan. The majority of the AUCC members have been active in Uzbekistan since the early days of independence. Despite fluctuations in the U.S.-Uzbekistan bilateral relations, our members have continued doing business and generating economic gains and employment for the U.S. and Uzbek people. Through these times, our members have accumulated strong knowledge of what works best for advancing political and business dialogue between our two nations and they stand ready to share their views and support with the decision-makers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Is the AUCC a lobbying organization?
The AUCC is not a lobbying organization. Its advocacy efforts aim to inform the American public and governing institutions about why better bilateral relations with the Republic of Uzbekistan matter to U.S. geopolitical and business interests. If the AUCC decides to expand its activities to lobbying, it would need the approval of the Board of Directors and follow due process to comply with the IRS rules and regulations. According to the Internal Revenue Service: "Seeking legislation germane to the common business interest is a permissible means of attaining a business league's exempt purposes. Thus, an Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 501(c)(6) business league may further its exempt purposes by lobbying as its sole activity without jeopardizing its exempt status. However, a section 501(c)(6) organization that engages in lobbying may be required either to notify its members about the percentage of dues that are used for lobbying activities or to pay a proxy tax."
Why become an AUCC member?
While each and every one of our members has excellent relations with decision-makers in the U.S. Government and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the AUCC stands as one strong collective voice interested in further advancing bilateral trade and investment relations between the United States and the Republic of Uzbekistan. The AUCC is the only organization in the United States and the Republic of Uzbekistan that advocates for better bilateral relations with a prime focus on business and commerce. Most of the AUCC-organized events are private and exclusive for our members only. All of them facilitate an open exchange of ideas and information that is hard to reach through public forums and events. The AUCC members have been recognized by the officials of both governments for being effective players in promoting stronger trade and investment relations between the people of the United States and Uzbekistan.
Would the AUCC help promote my company in Uzbekistan?
As a membership organization, the AUCC has to make sure that it represents the interests and serves the needs of all our members as a group. The AUCC is pleased to act as a liaison between your company and the Commercial Section of the Uzbek Embassy in Washington, D.C., which is responsible for facilitating trade relations between U.S. companies and their potential partners in Uzbekistan.
What is the best way for my company to be informed of business developments in Uzbekistan?
Become a member of AUCC and be part of our private events and activities. Subscribe to our business newsletter via [email protected] or visit our website at www.aucconline.com. We also strongly urge those interested in our membership and potentially doing business in Uzbekistan to contact the AUCC by:
- phone at (202) 509-3744
- email at [email protected], or
- mail us at 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue NW 274, Washington D.C. 20006