"The US and Central Asian countries could conclude agreements worth billions of dollars" — US Secretary of State
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Central Asian countries and the United States could sign agreements worth billions of dollars following meetings on October 19. He emphasized Washington's interest in developing economic ties with the region and noted that a visit by President Donald Trump to Uzbekistan is likely.
“US and Central Asian countries may sign agreements worth billions of dollars” — US Secretary of State
On the morning of September 19, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived on a visit to Samarkand the day before, visited Registan Square.
“For centuries, this place was a crossroads of trade routes. World trade passed through it. That is precisely why we are here now. Many American companies, whose representatives joined us today, came not only to visit this place, but also to participate in the C5+1 forum, which we consider very important,” he told reporters.
“The United States wants to be a reliable partner for Central Asia. First of all for Uzbekistan, but also for all neighboring countries that are interested in expanding trade and business ties with us,” Marco Rubio stated.
“An impressive delegation has arrived with us — representatives of nearly 300 American companies. As a result of 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 US Secretary of State said.
“It is a great honor for me to be here and to be part of this process. Thank you for the warm welcome. I am very glad to be here with you,” he added.
Marco Rubio also spoke about the possibility of US President Donald Trump visiting Uzbekistan. Answering a question from a Kun.uz correspondent, he stated that the parties would like to work on this issue.
“We would like to organize such a visit — to work on it next year and see what dates might work. I think that if the opportunity arises, he would like to come, he mentioned it himself,” Marco Rubio said.
The Secretary of State noted: “I think, like any country in the world, Uzbekistan is concerned and watching what is happening in other parts of the world and its impact on the global economy. But so much positive is happening in our bilateral relations; this is a relationship that is defined not by challenges and conflicts, but by opportunities.”
“We came to explore how we can expand such cooperation,” Marco Rubio said. “I think this brings our peoples and countries closer together. Nothing strengthens relations like shared prosperity. That is precisely what we are striving for.”
As a reminder, the second meeting of the US-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council and a meeting of the heads of foreign ministries of the region's countries and the US in the C5+1 format will take place in Samarkand on October 19. In addition, Marco Rubio and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov will hold the first round of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue between the two countries.
Along with political events, a business program prepared by the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade will be held in Samarkand, its press service reported.
Six sectoral sessions are scheduled for October 19: digital technologies, education and healthcare, mineral resources, energy and transport, agriculture and textiles, finance and investments.
They will be followed by direct B2B negotiations between companies and B2G meetings between businesses and government representatives on project parameters and sources of financing. In particular, Citigroup, JP Morgan, and Franklin Templeton are announced to participate in the finance session.
Traxys, FLSmidth, and ReElement are announced to participate in the session on mineral resources. Traxys specializes in international trade and logistics of metals and minerals. An agreement has been signed with FLSmidth to create a joint venture for the production of mining equipment, and an agreement has been reached with ReElement to develop tungsten deposits.
Boeing, Wabtec, and Air Products are announced in the transport and energy session, Google and Meta in the digital agenda, GE HealthCare in the healthcare discussion, and Valmont Industries in the agricultural sector. Discussions will focus on the digitalization of enterprises, workforce training, and the modernization of medical and agricultural infrastructure.
In parallel with the panel sessions, direct B2B and B2G negotiations are taking place, during which investment initiatives, implementation terms, and financing mechanisms are being discussed, the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade noted.