U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the foreign ministers of five Central Asian countries pledged to expand trade and transport cooperation in Samarkand on October 19, while Uzbekistan announced agreements and proposed initiatives with U.S. partners valued at $12 billion.
The C5+1 meeting brought Rubio together with counterparts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The U.S. delegation also included more than 200 business leaders. In a joint statement, the six governments described a vision of a lasting partnership and closer links between the United States and Central Asia.
They supported further development of the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, better transport connections, simpler customs procedures and more trade among Central Asian countries. The statement also highlighted stronger industrial cooperation. It also pointed to more mineral processing and higher-value production in the region.
Uzbekistan said 54 agreements covering trade, investment and technology accounted for the $12 billion announcement. The projects cover transport, energy, minerals and digital technology. The package includes proposed initiatives.
Uzbekistan’s investment ministry did not say how much funding was secured or how much remained at the planning stage. Rubio’s visit included the regional talks, bilateral meetings and a gathering of a business council. Washington sought to expand its commercial presence in Central Asia.