Mirziyoyev Proposes US-Uzbekistan Economic Programme Through 2035

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the opening of the second meeting of the US-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council in Samarkand on 19 October. Preparatory work for the meeting resulted in a package of 54 agreements and prospective initiatives worth approximately US$12 billion. A comprehensive action programme is planned to support their implementation.

The event was attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US President’s Special Envoy Sergio Gor, and representatives of leading American companies and banks.

Addressing the meeting, Mirziyoyev said relations between Uzbekistan and the United States had reached a qualitatively new level. Further development of economic ties, he said, should be underpinned by a strong political partnership. The president also emphasised the importance of US President Donald Trump’s personal attention and support in strengthening bilateral relations.

Mirziyoyev assigned a key role in advancing joint projects to the US-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council. It is expected to serve as a platform for developing new initiatives, removing systemic barriers and implementing major joint projects.

Promising areas of cooperation include the development and advanced processing of critical minerals to produce high-tech goods, modernising the energy system and establishing data centres.

Other priorities include introducing artificial intelligence and digital solutions in industry, agriculture, education and public administration, as well as developing education and workforce training.

Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan’s economy was growing, new enterprises were opening, jobs were being created and young people were gaining greater access to educational opportunities. To further develop industry and modern infrastructure, he said, attracting investment must go hand in hand with the introduction of advanced technologies and the transfer of knowledge and expertise.

Hundreds of companies with American capital are already operating in Uzbekistan, participating in projects in industry, energy, transport, agriculture, education and emerging technologies. Uzbek companies are also beginning to invest in the US economy.

The president outlined three main tasks for the council’s future work. The first is to establish clear and predictable conditions for American businesses, enabling projects to launch more quickly and reducing the time required for administrative procedures.

To achieve this, he proposed adopting a “plug and play” model under which projects would be prepared for launch before an investor arrives. This would involve providing ready-to-use sites, connected infrastructure, the necessary permits and documentation.

Uzbek businesses would be able to participate in these projects as partners and share investment risks. A Direct Investment Fund has been established to support relevant initiatives.

The second task is to jointly develop new economic sectors and major centres of industrial and technological growth.

The third priority is to transform the council into a strategic mechanism for long-term economic partnership. In this regard, Mirziyoyev proposed developing a Programme for Trade, Investment and Technological Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States through 2035.

A ceremony to exchange signed documents was also held during the opening of the council’s second meeting, attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.