BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 16. On June 16, as part
of the 5th Anniversary Tashkent International Investment Forum, a
major economic event — the “American-Uzbek Business Forum” — was
held in the Kokand Hall of the CAEx Uzbekistan exhibition center,
Trend's
correspondent reports from the event.
The forum, dedicated to developing the country’s investment
potential, featured simultaneous interpretation in both Russian and
English. It was aimed at elevating trade and economic relations
between the two countries to a new level, expanding investment
cooperation in strategically important sectors, and creating new
jobs.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Investment, Industry and
Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, stated:
“Today, 193 American companies are represented at the Tashkent
International Investment Forum — this is an absolute record and the
largest U.S. business delegation in the entire history of bilateral
relations between our countries. This signals that American
business views Uzbekistan not only as a market but also as a
long-term investment partner.”
According to the agenda, the dialogue began with a high-level
panel session and a “Fireside Chat” discussion titled “Innovation,
Investment, and Jobs: New Horizons of U.S.-Uzbek Cooperation.” A
constructive and practical dialogue was established between the
Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, leading U.S. financial
agencies, and representatives of major American businesses.
During his speech, the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S.
International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Ben Black,
noted:
“Central Asia is a dynamically developing region with a
population of over 100 million people. We see enormous potential in
the region and are ready to engage with it more actively. Today,
the United States is prepared for deeper and longer-term
cooperation.”
The President and Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the
United States (EXIM), John Jovanovic, noted that the bank’s
participation strengthens the financial and expert dimension of the
partnership and contributes to the more active introduction of
American technologies, equipment, and services into Uzbekistan’s
private sector. He emphasized the importance of the current moment
as a rare opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the two
countries, and also drew attention to the unprecedented scale of
participation by American companies in the Tashkent Investment
Forum.
As another important part of the forum program, special panel
discussions were organized on the topic “Critical Minerals and
Advanced Technologies: The Foundation of Future Industrial
Development.” During the session, leaders of global corporations in
technology, financial services, agricultural engineering, and
aviation exchanged practical views on prospective projects in the
Uzbek market, the implementation of technological solutions, and
issues of long-term industrial development.
Senior Vice President of FLSmidth, Peter Flanagan, stated that
the mining sector is one of the key drivers of economic
development, international cooperation, and national prosperity for
Uzbekistan. He also noted that the rapid pace of modernization and
industrial development in the country — including the launch of the
MOF-3 copper beneficiation complex at AGMK — is creating new
opportunities and attracting international partners from around the
world.
Within the framework of the forum, agreements were signed in the
fields of industry, oil and gas, finance, aviation, geological
exploration, satellite communications, and the development of
digital infrastructure.
