Uzbekistan, United States to draft roadmap for joint projects
TASHKENT. June 16 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan and the United States will draft a roadmap to advance joint investment and technology projects, says a statement posted on the Uzbek president's website.
This agreement was reached at a meeting between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President and Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States John Jovanovic, and the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Ben Black.
"During the discussions, the parties looked closely at issues concerning the roles of these institutions in funding strategic projects in Uzbekistan, focusing on sectors such as infrastructure, critical minerals, energy, artificial intelligence and digital transformation," the statement says.
In cooperation with the Export-Import Bank of the United States, an agreement was made to speed up joint projects focused on modernizing the energy sector. Special emphasis was placed on expanding export lending for domestic business initiatives.
"Support was expressed for DFC initiatives to launch a joint investment platform for projects in healthcare, energy sector modernization and infrastructure. The importance of transitioning to the practical implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects was highlighted. This includes building a new international airport in Tashkent, establishing a modern medical complex in Fergana region, launching a digital bank and constructing data centers and dry ports. Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to adopt a joint roadmap to advance the investment and technology projects discussed," the statement says.
The Uzbek government's press service said Tashkent and Washington were discussing opportunities for cooperation in implementing projects in the fields of artificial intelligence, data centers, green energy, critical minerals processing, pharmaceuticals and financial services.
Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev and Carolyn Lamm, Chair of the American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce, discussed broadening cooperation at a meeting.
At present, 77 investment projects worth $35 billion are being carried out in Uzbekistan with American companies. These projects cover areas such as energy, critical minerals, chemical industry, infrastructure, agriculture, digital technology and high-tech manufacturing.
"The parties also discussed opportunities to expand the presence of American businesses in Uzbekistan and new areas of cooperation," the statement reads.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their commitment to continue working together to attract investment and deliver long-term projects.
