Crossroads Asia | Economy | Central Asia

Making the Most Out of Growing US-Uzbekistan Trade and Investment 

Uzbekistan aims to attract greater U.S. investment, and is making its own investments in the United States. But it can’t forget the people. 

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (center) with Sergio Gor (right), special envoy for South and Central Asia, and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (left), co-chair of the Senate Central Asia Caucus.

The purchase of U.S.-made commercial aircraft and an Uzbek company’s historic opening of a manufacturing facility in Kentucky demonstrate the dynamic and growing economic relations between the United States and Uzbekistan. As U.S. diplomatic engagement with Tashkent increases – new contracts and trade and investment frameworks signed – understanding each country’s priorities and objectives will help explain this new chapter of the partnership. Moreover, stronger trade and investment numbers must translate into employment opportunities and an improved quality of life for the Uzbek population.

Relations between Washington and Tashkent have generally strengthened over the past couple of years. U.S. President Donald Trump and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will next meet in December, as Trump has invited the Uzbek leader to be a guest at the G-20 summit in Miami.

Stronger diplomatic links are translating into trade and investment deals. In June, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer visited Tashkent and signed “an early harvest of trade commitments to strengthen the bilateral economic and investment relationship.” Specifically, Tashkent committed “to eliminate or reduce tariffs” on U.S. industrial goods and agricultural products. In contrast, Washington committed “to provide favorable consideration” in tariff actions for Uzbekistan’s industrial goods and agricultural products. The two sides are also working to conclude an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment.

Also in June, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) launched the U.S.-Uzbekistan Joint Investment Platform, which will “aim to identify strategic investments in Uzbekistan for U.S.” in areas like energy, infrastructure, critical minerals, transportation and logistics infrastructure.

The topic of investment in critical minerals, energy, and transportation was also reportedly discussed during a meeting between Mirziyoyev and Sergio Gor, the U.S. special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs, on the sidelines of the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

This activity builds upon the momentum of earlier deals. In 2025, Tashkent announced a $8.5 billion deal to buy as many as 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to modernize the country’s commercial aviation industry. The aircraft will allow direct, long-distance flights with the United States, increasing connectivity and tourism.

Investment now goes both ways, breaking stereotypes and assumptions of the U.S. being the only actor in the Central Asia-U.S. relationships that invests on the other side. The Uzbek company AFKA is building a manufacturing facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It will be the first Uzbek manufacturing company to operate in the U.S. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in July, and when complete, the AFKA Aluminum Solutions plant will employ 331 people, supporting the local economy and strengthening bilateral commercial ties.

Stronger economic links between the two governments occur at a time when Tashkent is looking to develop the entire country, not just the capital. For example, the historic city of Khiva is getting a face-lift through the expected construction of a conference hall, a 3-star hotel, and a reception house, which will create jobs and attract tourism. Plans also include building a toll road and a railway to connect the Urgench airport with Khiva. Other plans include modernizing regional airports to improve domestic and international connectivity.

As for Nukus, the capital of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the goal is to upgrade the city’s public transportation via a loan from the........

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