Uzbekistan reports new US business agreements worth $12 billion

New agreements worth $12 billion were reached at the American-Uzbek Business and Investment Council meeting, Uzbekistan’s presidential press service said. Shavkat Mirziyoyev and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed them in Samarkand.

Rubio visited for the C5+1 ministerial meeting, which brings together Central Asian states and the United States, and the business council session. The officials discussed implementing their leaders’ agreements and developing the strategic partnership.

Uzbekistan said bilateral trade with the United States had increased 35% since the start of the year. An economic cooperation program includes projects in civil aviation, vehicle manufacturing, mining, energy, agriculture, digitalization and finance.

The talks also covered prospects for cooperation on critical minerals, transport, artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Security topics included counterterrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and illegal migration.

The parties noted the launch of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue. The Artemis Accords on principles for peaceful space exploration were signed following its inaugural session.

On education, the press service cited Webster University, the American University of Technology and the Colorado School of Mines Competence Center in Tashkent. The officials discussed regional ties, business mission exchanges and the schedule of future events involving their leaders.

Mirziyoyev awarded Rubio the Buyuk Khizmatlari Uchun order, meaning For Outstanding Services, and U.S. presidential envoy Sergio Gor the Dustlik, or Friendship, order.