Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the opening of the second meeting of the US-Uzbekistan Business Investment Council, which took place in Samarkand on October 19. Preparatory work for this event led to the creation of a package of 54 agreements and promising initiatives, the total value of which is estimated at approximately 12 billion US dollars. A comprehensive action plan is planned to ensure the implementation of these projects.
The meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy of the US President Sergio Gor, as well as representatives of leading American banks and companies. Speaking at the meeting, Mirziyoyev stated that relations between Uzbekistan and the United States have reached a qualitatively new level. He emphasized that the further development of economic ties must be based on a strong political alliance.
The President also highlighted the importance of personal attention and support from US President Donald Trump to strengthen bilateral relations. Mirziyoyev instructed the US-Uzbekistan Business Investment Council to play a key role in promoting joint projects. It is expected that this council will become a platform for developing new initiatives, eliminating systemic obstacles, and implementing major joint undertakings.
Promising areas of cooperation include the development and processing of critically important minerals for the production of high-tech products, modernization of the energy system, and the creation of data processing centers. Other priorities include the introduction of artificial intelligence and digital solutions in industry, agriculture, education, and public administration, as well as the development of personnel training and educational programs.
Mirziyoyev noted that the Uzbek economy is showing growth, new enterprises are opening, jobs are being created, and young people have better access to educational opportunities. He added that attracting investments for the development of modern infrastructure and industry must be accompanied by the introduction of advanced technologies and knowledge transfer.
Currently, hundreds of companies with American capital operate in Uzbekistan, participating in projects in energy, transport, agriculture, education, and new technologies. At the same time, Uzbek companies are also beginning to invest in the US economy.
The President outlined three main tasks for the council's future activities. The first is to create clear and predictable conditions for American businesses, which will accelerate project launches and reduce administrative procedures. To achieve this goal, it was proposed to adopt a 'plug and play' model, according to which projects will be ready to start even before the investor arrives. This implies providing ready-made sites, connected infrastructure, necessary permits, and documentation.
Uzbek businesses can participate in such projects as partners and share investment risks. An Investment Fund for direct investments has been established to support relevant initiatives. The second task is the joint development of new economic sectors and large centers 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 Program of Trade, Investment, and Technological Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States until 2035.
During the opening of the second council meeting, there was also a ceremony for exchanging signed documents, in which President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated.