Uzbekistan and US Announce $12 Billion Investment Package in Samarkand

Uzbekistan and the United States held the second meeting of the American-Uzbek Business and Investment Council in Samarkand on 19 October 2026. A package of 54 agreements and initiatives worth about $12 billion was announced. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special presidential envoy Sergio Gor and American company representatives took part. The visit coincided with a C5+1 ministerial meeting.

Rubio highlighted excessive concentration in supply chains for critical minerals, while Uzbekistan wants technology for deeper processing of its raw materials, not only exports. The article notes that the $12 billion figure reflects agreements and initiatives in preparation and does not yet equal direct foreign investment, since projects still need assessment, financing and permits.

Tashkent also proposed a plug-and-play model offering prepared sites, infrastructure and permits to investors, and a long-term trade, investment and technology programme until 2035. Cooperation also covers energy modernisation, artificial intelligence, digital solutions and data centres.