Uzbekistan's trade volume with the United States has exceeded $1 billion.

 

 

The meetings within the framework of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's working visit to Washington began with negotiations with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. The meeting thoroughly discussed practical aspects of further strengthening the Uzbekistan–U.S. strategic partnership, as well as issues of advancing joint cooperation projects in priority areas.

 

The parties particularly noted that the United States is one of Uzbekistan's important trade and economic partners. It was emphasized that the mutual trade volume has exceeded $1 billion in recent years, and nearly 340 U.S. companies are actively operating in our country's market. Major joint projects in energy, critical minerals, transport, agriculture, information technology, and other fields are being consistently implemented.

 

The negotiations noted the importance of the effective implementation of the three-year Economic Cooperation Program valued at $35 billion. It was also stated that a number of important agreements are expected to be signed within the framework of business events. The necessity of making broad use of the opportunities of the Business Council, established to systematically support priority projects, and launching the Investment Platform was particularly emphasized. Attention was also focused on issues of expanding trade relations and developing direct business ties with the regions of Uzbekistan.

 

During the visit, the head of state also held a meeting with the heads of U.S. financial institutions. In particular, negotiations with U.S. Export-Import Bank President and Chairman John Yovanovich and International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Chief Executive Officer Ben Blek reviewed prospects for expanding trade and investment cooperation. It was noted that the negotiations held last year with U.S. President Donald Trump gave additional impetus to bilateral economic relations.

 

Within the framework of cooperation with Eximbank, expanding the financing of major industrial and infrastructure projects and supporting the supply of high-tech equipment were identified as priority directions. In the conversation with the DFC leadership, issues of strengthening investment cooperation mechanisms and expanding the corporation's participation in major national and regional projects aimed at developing the financial market and energy network were discussed.

 

Furthermore, the Uzbek side invited U.S. business circles to actively participate in the Tashkent International Investment Forum. At the conclusion of the meetings, an agreement on establishing an Investment Platform between Uzbekistan and the United States was exchanged in the presence of the head of state.