US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says American companies are preparing agreements worth potentially billions of dollars in Uzbekistan, as Washington seeks stronger economic ties and greater cooperation on critical minerals across Central Asia.
The United States is looking to build long-term commercial partnerships with Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during his visit to Samarkand. Speaking ahead of meetings under the C5+1 diplomatic framework, Rubio said American companies were preparing to announce new business agreements, potentially worth billions of dollars.
The visit includes a business delegation representing nearly 300 American companies, highlighting Washington’s efforts to expand trade and investment in a region rich in natural resources. Rubio said the United States wanted to become a stronger partner in Central Asia, which he acknowledged had received insufficient attention from American policymakers over the past two decades. He described the planned agreements as the beginning of a broader economic relationship rather than a one-time initiative.
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Critical minerals are a key area of potential cooperation. Central Asian countries possess significant mineral resources, including materials relevant to advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. Washington is seeking to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on concentrated sources of critical materials. Rubio said the United States was interested in partnerships that would help resource-rich countries develop their mineral deposits and processing capabilities while generating economic benefits locally.
Rubio also emphasised that Washington’s engagement was not intended to force Central Asian governments to choose between the United States and other major powers. He said countries in the region should be able to maintain economic relationships with multiple partners while pursuing their own development priorities. The approach reflects the region’s strategic position between Russia, China and other major markets.
The C5+1 framework brings together the United States, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan to discuss trade, investment, security and regional cooperation. Rubio’s meetings in Samarkand are intended to strengthen these relationships and create opportunities for commercial agreements.
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Although the announced agreements had not been detailed at the time of Rubio’s remarks, the visit signals a renewed US effort to deepen economic engagement with Central Asia. The eventual impact will depend on the agreements concluded, investment commitments made and their implementation across the region.