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Uzbekistan and the United States have identified critical minerals processing, data centre development, artificial intelligence and advanced energy systems as the leading priorities for expanded economic cooperation, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at a business forum in Samarkand on 19 October.
Mirziyoyev was addressing the opening of the second meeting of the US–Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council, held in the ancient Silk Road city. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump’s Special Representative Sergio Gor, and representatives of major American companies and banks attended the session.
The forum followed extensive preparatory work that produced a package of 54 agreements and prospective initiatives valued at approximately $12 billion. A comprehensive action plan is to be developed to implement them, according to the president.
Political backing and economic momentum
Mirziyoyev credited Trump’s personal attention and support with helping bring bilateral relations to what he described as a new stage, and called for the countries’ political partnership to be matched by deeper economic ties. He said the choice of Samarkand — a historic crossroads of peoples, cultures and trade routes — carried symbolic weight as the two sides sought to expand their relationship.
The president outlined Uzbekistan’s recent economic trajectory, pointing to sustained growth, the launch of new industrial enterprises, job creation and expanded educational opportunities. He argued that investment in industrial development and modern infrastructure must go hand in hand with the adoption of advanced technologies and the exchange of expertise.
Hundreds of companies with American capital are already operating in Uzbekistan across industry, energy, transport, agriculture, education and technology, Mirziyoyev said. He added that Uzbek companies have also begun investing in the United States.
Council’s next steps
The Business and Investment Council, which Mirziyoyev credited with advancing joint projects and initiatives since its establishment, will now work from the $12 billion package as a foundation. The president outlined three priorities for improving the council’s operations and strengthening the partnership, though the source text did not detail those priorities specifically.