Uzbekistan and the United States have announced the launch of a joint investment platform aimed at financing bilateral projects and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking at the Uzbek-American Business Forum, Uzbekistan's Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, stated that the new platform will serve as a dedicated mechanism for funding joint initiatives undertaken by Uzbek and American companies. On the U.S. side, financing will be provided by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Exim Bank), while Uzbekistan will be represented by the Fund for Reconstruction and Development.

According to Kudratov, the initiative is designed to address one of the key obstacles facing bilateral projects—limited access to financing—and create conditions for the implementation of promising investment initiatives.

The minister also noted that Uzbekistan has welcomed the largest American business delegation in the history of bilateral relations, describing it as evidence that U.S. companies increasingly view Uzbekistan not merely as a market, but as a long-term strategic investment partner.

In this context, Tashkent has proposed discussions on the establishment of a special economic zone dedicated to American companies. Kudratov emphasized that such a zone should become a practical platform for attracting U.S. investment, technologies and manufacturing capacities to Central Asia.

"It should not be just a piece of land, but a comprehensive business ecosystem where American companies feel comfortable operating," the minister said. According to him, Uzbekistan is prepared to offer transparent regulations, modern infrastructure, reliable utilities, simplified administrative procedures, access to logistics networks and direct government support.

Chair of the U.S.-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce Carolyn Lamm highlighted the steady expansion of economic ties between the two countries and the growing interest of American businesses in Uzbekistan. She noted that while the chamber included only a handful of companies in 1993, it now comprises more than 50 major U.S. corporations.

Lamm added that new U.S. investments in Uzbekistan exceeded $1 billion last year and have already surpassed $2 billion this year.

DFC Chief Executive Officer Ben Black underscored Washington's interest in building a long-term partnership with Uzbekistan and Central Asia, pointing to the region's young population and expanding economic opportunities as major drivers of future growth.

Meanwhile, President and Chairman of Exim Bank John Jovanovic reaffirmed the readiness of U.S. financial institutions to support projects in strategically important sectors and contribute to further strengthening economic cooperation between the United States and Uzbekistan.