U.S. and Uzbekistan Sign Pact to Expand Trade and Investment

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce David Fogel and Uzbek Investment Minister Laziz Kudratov signed a memorandum of understanding on June 9 in Tashkent. The document sets out steps to organize business delegations and promote investment projects between the two countries.

The sectors identified for cooperation include mining, energy, information technology, agriculture, and artificial intelligence. Officials said the agreement is intended to shift the relationship from statements of intent to concrete mechanisms for commercial activity.

Before the signing, Fogel met with Saida Mirziyoyeva, chief of staff to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Uzbekistan has previously stated an interest in attracting up to $100 billion in U.S. investment over the next decade. A commentary in the semi-official UzDaily outlet described the memorandum as moving the relationship toward technology and investment rather than traditional commodity trade.