Relations between Uzbekistan and the United States have undergone a notable transformation in recent years – from a limited political dialogue to comprehensive cooperation encompassing security, investment, regional diplomacy, and technological collaboration. This evolution became especially visible after the launch of large-scale reforms in the country in 2016.
Diplomatic relations between the two states were established on February 19, 1992. However, for a long period, interaction remained predominantly functional and focused on regional security issues, primarily the situation in Afghanistan. Until 2017, economic cooperation developed slowly: trade volume remained relatively modest, while investment activity by American businesses was limited.
The turning point came after the election of Shavkat Mirziyoyev as President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the proclamation of a policy of openness, economic liberalization, and improved investment climate. The most important symbol of this new stage was the visit of the Leader of Uzbekistan to Washington in 2018, the first in 16 years. Talks with U.S. President Donald Trump demonstrated a shift toward a more strategic format of interaction: agreements and memorandums were signed to implement projects involving American companies worth more than $4.8 billion. At that time, 45 joint ventures were operating in the country, trade turnover amounted to about $215 million, and annual investment inflows did not exceed $23 million. Nevertheless, it was the reforms aimed at economic liberalization that changed Washington’s perception of Uzbekistan. The United States began to view the country not only as a security partner, but also as a promising market and an important element of Central Asia’s economic system.
In the following years, cooperation gradually shifted toward trade, investment, transport logistics, energy, and infrastructure. Meetings between the leaders on the sidelines of international forums, including UN events, helped consolidate the long-term priorities of the partnership. Within the framework of these negotiations, agreements were signed with leading American companies, including Boeing, Cargill, Citigroup, and others.
Regular contacts also continued at the institutional level. Visits by U.S. delegations to Tashkent, including representatives of the Department of State and the U.S. administration, confirmed the parties’ intention to translate political agreements into practical implementation. At the same time, economic indicators were growing: trade turnover in 2024 increased by 15 percent, reaching $881.7 million, while the overall portfolio of investment projects exceeded $11 billion.
The year 2025 was particularly significant. During the participation of the President of Uzbekistan in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, a meeting between the leaders of the two countries took place, during which the sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the strategic partnership. Later, in November of the same year, the working visit of the Uzbek Leader to Washington once again demonstrated the high level of political dialogue. The talks focused on investment projects, the development of cooperation within the C5+1 format, and the expansion of economic interaction.
The business component of the partnership also strengthened significantly. The number of American companies operating in Uzbekistan reached several hundred. By the end of 2025, bilateral trade exceeded $1 billion, and 346 enterprises with American capital were operating in the country. The total volume of U.S. investments and loans attracted in 2017-2025 exceeded $2.9 billion, nearly 64 times the 2017 indicators.
In Uzbekistan, projects are being implemented by such companies as Air Products, General Motors, John Deere, Caterpillar Inc., Visa, Mastercard, The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, and leading hotel brands, including Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott International. Their presence reflects the gradual formation of a long-term investment ecosystem.
In addition, as part of deepening economic cooperation, Uzbekistan expressed its readiness to invest billions of dollars in the U.S. economy and companies. According to a statement by the U.S. Department of State, the sides signed several key agreements in November of last year to develop strategic sectors. Thus, up to $400 million will be invested in projects related to critical minerals and rare-earth metals. The purchase of small modular reactors from American energy companies is also envisaged. In addition, Uzbekistan signed a contract to purchase 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliners worth a total of $8.5 billion, making it the largest deal in the history of bilateral aviation relations. Economic cooperation also covers industry and agriculture. Deliveries of American agricultural machinery worth up to $2 billion are planned, as well as the import of up to 2 million tons of soybeans and 100,000 tons of cotton over three years. Within the industrial track, Uzbekistan intends to purchase auto components worth $5 billion, while the American company Air Products will invest up to $3 billion in the construction of a methanol plant in the country. These initiatives demonstrate the practical implementation of the strategic course toward economic diversification and deeper partnership with the United States, creating new opportunities to strengthen Uzbekistan’s role in the global economy.
Contacts have continued actively in 2026 as well. At the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a working visit to Washington on February 17-19 to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace. Such international events and high-level meetings reflect the sustainability of bilateral political dialogue. At the same time, the sides are expanding cooperation in new strategic sectors, including the development of investment mechanisms for projects in critical minerals and infrastructure. These initiatives correspond to the U.S. intention to diversify global supply chains and open new opportunities for Uzbekistan to strengthen its role in the global economy.
Humanitarian and symbolic steps complement the economic dimension of the partnership. The introduction of a 30-day visa-free regime for U.S. citizens entering Uzbekistan, effective January 1, 2026, is expected to stimulate tourism, educational exchanges, and cultural contacts. In the long term, such measures will contribute to the formation of sustainable people-to-people ties, which are often no less important than political agreements.
Thus, relations between Uzbekistan and the United States are confidently moving from a limited dialogue format toward a mature strategic partnership encompassing political interaction, investment projects, regional diplomacy, and humanitarian initiatives. If the current dynamics are maintained, this cooperation will become one of the key pillars of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy and an important driver of economic development and stability across Central Asia.
Aziza Alimova, UzA