The key facts

  • Rubio announced the introduction of American small modular nuclear reactors and the modernization of Uzbekistan's power grid and gas distribution network.
  • Cooperation is also developing in critical minerals, aviation, quantum technologies, digital solutions and agriculture.
  • AKFA Group is investing $80 million in a manufacturing facility in the state of Kentucky.

Rubio's speech in Samarkand

On October 19, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke at a meeting of the US-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council in Samarkand. Among the areas of bilateral cooperation, he named the introduction of American small modular nuclear reactors and the modernization of Uzbekistan's energy infrastructure. According to the Secretary of State, this will help the government cope with rapidly growing energy demand. He called energy one of the promising areas for deepening the partnership.

Other areas of cooperation

Rubio said that cooperation is also developing in the areas of critical minerals, aviation, quantum technologies, digital solutions and agriculture. American companies are participating in the modernization of the extraction and processing of critical minerals in Uzbekistan, while Boeing and GE Aerospace supply aircraft engines and components and conduct training.

Investments and plans for the future

The Secretary of State also mentioned the $80 million investment by Uzbekistan's AKFA Group in creating a manufacturing facility in the American state of Kentucky. According to him, the US expects to expand cooperation with Uzbekistan not only at the government level, but also through business and universities.