Key facts
- Uzbekistan announced potential investment deals worth $12 billion.
- Uzbekistan joined the Artemis Accords for peaceful space exploration.
- Kazakhstan seeks repeal of Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions.
- China's premier met with Tajikistan's leader on the same day.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Central Asia, participating in a business forum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on October 19. The visit aimed to strengthen US economic ties in the region. Uzbekistan announced potential investment deals worth $12 billion and joined the Artemis Accords for space exploration. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev acknowledged the need for greater transparency in Uzbekistan's investment climate. Kazakhstan also expressed satisfaction, appreciating the US approach of not forcing a choice between American and Chinese development models. However, Kazakhstan seeks the repeal of Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions. Turkmenistan also indicated interest in expanding bilateral ties with the US and its neighbors. Meanwhile, China's premier, Li Qiang, met with Tajikistan's leader on the same day, discussing bilateral trade and AI capabilities.