US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken of the possibility of concluding agreements worth billions of dollars between the US and the countries of Central Asia. The talks are taking place in Samarkand, where representatives of almost 300 American companies have arrived. The parties are discussing investment, trade and joint projects in various sectors of the economy.
THE US IS INTERESTED IN COOPERATION WITH CENTRAL ASIA
As reported by Gazeta.uz, on 19 October US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the historic Registan Square in Samarkand. He was accompanied by the head of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva.
Rubio noted that the US strives to become a reliable economic partner for the countries of Central Asia. The American side is paying particular attention to expanding trade and investment cooperation.
“A substantial delegation has arrived with us — representatives of almost 300 American companies. Following these meetings, we have the opportunity to sign agreements worth billions of dollars that will bring economic benefits both to the countries of the region and to the United States,” the Secretary of State said.
At the same time, specific sums and the final list of agreements have not yet been presented. What is meant is possible arrangements following the talks.
WHAT IS BEING DISCUSSED AT THE C5+1 MEETING
On 19 October, Samarkand is hosting a meeting of foreign ministers of the Central Asian countries and the United States in the C5+1 format. It brings together Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the United States.
The participants are discussing expanding economic ties, attracting investment and developing joint projects. The talks also touch on cooperation between American companies and government bodies of the countries in the region.
Taking place separately are the second meeting of the American-Uzbek Business and Investment Council and the first round of the US-Uzbekistan Expanded Strategic Partnership Dialogue.
WHICH COMPANIES ARE TAKING PART IN THE TALKS
According to the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan (MIIT), the business programme includes six areas: digital technology, education and healthcare, mineral resources, energy and transport, agriculture and textiles, finance and investment.
Among the participants are major American and international companies:
- Google and Meta — digital technology;
- Boeing, Wabtec and Air Products — transport and energy;
- Citigroup, JP Morgan and Franklin Templeton — finance and investment;
- GE HealthCare — healthcare;
- Traxys, FLSmidth and ReElement — mineral resources;
- Valmont Industries — agriculture.
Particular attention was paid to the mining sector. An agreement has been signed with FLSmidth on the creation of a joint venture for the production of mining and processing equipment. An arrangement has also been reached with ReElement on the development of tungsten deposits.
Representatives of business and government bodies are holding direct talks, discussing the terms of project implementation, sources of financing and possible areas of cooperation.
TRUMP IS INTERESTED IN A VISIT TO UZBEKISTAN
The US Secretary of State also commented on a possible visit by President Donald Trump to Uzbekistan.
According to Marco Rubio, the American side is interested in organising the trip and is ready to discuss possible dates next year.
“I think this is something we would very much like to make happen. We would be happy to work on it in the coming year and see what dates are possible,” Rubio said.
The Secretary of State added that Trump has personally expressed an interest in visiting Uzbekistan, but specific dates for the trip have not yet been set.
Rubio stressed that US-Uzbekistan relations are built primarily around economic opportunities and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The multibillion-dollar agreements have not yet been confirmed. What is meant is the possibility of concluding them following the talks.
