Photo: press service of the President of Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan and the United States have signed an agreement to establish a joint investment structure aimed at advancing strategic partnership between the two countries. Priority will be given to projects in the field of critical minerals, covering the entire value chain — from exploration and extraction to processing.
The announcement was made in a press release by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which described the agreement as “historic,” saying it would help expand private investment in strategic sectors of the economy and mutually beneficial projects.
The signing ceremony took place in Washington, D.C. in the presence of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who arrived in the United States to attend a Peace Council meeting.
The document was signed by DFC head Ben Black and Export-Import Bank chairman John Jovanovic. On the Uzbek side, the signatories were Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov and Executive Director of the Fund for Reconstruction and Development Shukhrat Vafayev.
The agreement also provides for the establishment of a joint holding company to support investment initiatives.
“This agreement marks the first steps toward deepening the growing partnership between the United States and Uzbekistan. Within this strategic framework, DFC will work closely with our regional allies to strengthen critical supply chains and promote economic growth in both countries, thereby ensuring U.S. and Uzbek leadership in the future of global trade and innovation,” Black said.
More broadly, DFC noted that the United States sees significant economic opportunities in Uzbekistan and Central Asia — from trade along the Trans-Caspian Corridor to rapidly growing global demand for critical minerals and reliable energy sources. Washington is therefore prepared to mobilize investment in priority areas for both countries, including mineral extraction, energy, and infrastructure.
ℹ️ Established in 2019, DFC is the investment arm of the U.S. government. It partners with the private sector to advance U.S. foreign policy and strengthen national security by mobilizing private capital worldwide.
