Within the framework of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, an Uzbek-American business Forum was held-a platform for discussing the current state and prospects of bilateral economic cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States of America. The event was organized by the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan and the American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce (AUCC).
According to the results of 2024, the trade turnover between the two countries increased by 15%, reaching $881.7 million. Direct investment from the United States totaled $612.6 million. There are 314 enterprises operating in Uzbekistan with the participation of American capital, of which 167 companies are registered with 100% foreign participation. These data demonstrate the growing interest of American businesses in the Uzbek market.
The Forum gathered over 150 participants-representatives of government agencies and business circles. Among them are top managers of leading American companies such as Boeing, Visa, Coca-Cola, Medtronic, John Deere, CNH, Morgan Stanley, NASDAQ and Abbott. Investment funds, universities, technology and law firms were also present.
The Uzbek side was represented by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khojayev, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate Sadik Safayev, as well as heads of relevant departments. In his speech, Khodjayev noted that the country's economy has almost doubled in recent years, and in 2024 the growth rate was 6.5%. According to him, Uzbekistan aims to reach $200 billion in GDP by 2030, increase exports to $45 billion and attract up to $100 billion in investment. He also stressed the importance of the logistics situation of the republic and the potential of the domestic and regional market-with a total population of up to 300 million people.
Special attention was paid to Uzbekistan's efforts to create a favorable investment climate: simplifying business registration procedures, providing access to land plots through online auctions, expanding the higher education system, developing free economic zones, and signing agreements on cooperation in the field of strategic resources.
Carolyn Lamm, Chairman of the American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce, delivered a speech from the American side. She focused on the institutional reforms carried out in Uzbekistan in recent years, including the transition to a market model, improving conditions for investors and the adoption of anti-corruption legislation. According to her, the United States is interested in strengthening economic ties with Uzbekistan, and already today American companies are contributing to the modernization of key industries — from agriculture to the digital economy.
The forum program included presentations of investment opportunities in Uzbekistan, meetings in the G2B format, as well as discussion of specific projects and areas of cooperation. Among the priorities are the development of green energy, agro-industrial complex, healthcare, digital infrastructure and industrial production.
The business forum confirmed the high interest of both sides in strengthening strategic partnership. Uzbekistan has secured the status of a reliable and open economic partner of the United States in Central Asia.
The forum continues on June 11, and a special panel session will be held with the participation of one of the representatives of the global investment community — James Biland Rogers, Chairman of Beeland Interests and co-founder of the Quantum Fund.
As part of an exclusive session titled "What makes Uzbekistan a unique market for Equity Investment?", Rogers will deliver an individual address to the audience. He will share his personal view on the current state of the global investment climate, the specifics of asset management in various regions of the world, as well as his expectations about the investment potential of Uzbekistan.
