The key facts

  • Rubio spoke on October 19 at the second meeting of the American-Uzbek Business and Investment Council in Samarkand
  • More than 200 American business leaders took part in the meeting
  • Rubio linked investors' interest to Mirziyoyev's reforms and to Uzbekistan's geography, resources, and potential

Advice to buy housing in Uzbekistan

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 19 at the meeting of the American-Uzbek Business and Investment Council in Samarkand recommended that American investors consider buying real estate in Uzbekistan, since, in his words, the partnership between the two countries will develop. “Get used to it, because our partnership will grow. You might even buy an apartment or small housing here — simply because you will be coming here often. And we hope you will come often,” he said, addressing American businesspeople. He also joked that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev could help investors find “good real estate.”

A priority of the Trump administration

Rubio noted that the US intends to strengthen its partnership with Uzbekistan and Central Asia. According to him, President Donald Trump's administration pays special attention to relations with the region: last year Trump held a summit at the White House, and Sergio Gor, whom the president “trusts,” has been appointed special representative for Central Asia. The Secretary of State called the participation of more than 200 American business leaders in the meeting in Samarkand an important step in developing ties.

Assessment of reforms and prospects

Rubio thanked Mirziyoyev for the reforms, saying that without them such opportunities would have been impossible: “You have opened your country to the world. Most importantly, you have embraced the United States and President Trump as a partner.” In his words, in 5–6 years, when analyzing the development of US-Uzbekistan relations, people will remember this very evening. He also linked investors' interest to Uzbekistan's geographic position, its natural resources, its working-age population, a president who is “ambitious and open to the world,” as well as the growth potential of the technology and infrastructure sectors. In addition, he said that a number of countries in the region, including Uzbekistan, have been invited as observers to the G20 summit, which will be held in the US at the end of this year. Earlier, Mirziyoyev spoke of great opportunities for cooperation with the US in creating data centers.