U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Samarkand visit concludes with 54 deals worth $12 billion

The U.S. delegation headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio has completed its visit to Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Accompanied by more than 100 American companies, the two nations secured 54 business deals worth $12 billion.

Speaking at the second meeting of the American-Uzbek Business and Investment Council, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed the significance of Secretary Rubio’s first visit to Samarkand, a city historically renowned for its trade.

The President also highlighted areas for future cooperation. These include “development and deep processing of critical minerals to produce high-tech products, as well as the development of a modern and reliable energy system. Other priorities include the establishment of data centers, the introduction of artificial intelligence and digital solutions in industry, agriculture, education, and public administration, as well as education and personnel training.”

Reaffirming the American position, Secretary Rubio said in his remarks: “Let there be no doubt that the United States wants to be a partner of this region and wants to be a partner of this country. We already are, and we intend to build that and grow it.”

Council Co-Chair Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, called on U.S. investors to build a strategic, sustainable, and long-term partnership:

“What we have learned is that business moves where rules are clear, doors are open and someone picks up the phone. So, we try to be the people who pick up the phone. And now the train runs both ways: Uzbek investment is creating jobs in America, and what we buy from America keeps the American factories busy. That is how partnership stays honest: both sides have to win,” said Ms. Mirziyoyeva.

Ambassador Sergio Gor, the other Co-Chair of the Council, also expressed his readiness to deepen ties between the two nations.

“President Donald Trump has made clear that America First diplomacy means putting commerce at the heart of our foreign policy. When American companies succeed abroad, Americans succeed at home. When other countries prosper through fair deals with American firms, they grow stronger and more resilient. Everyone in this room is proof that this approach works.

“To the business leaders here tonight, governments can open doors, but you are the ones who walk through them. You sign the contracts, hire the workers, and turn commitments into factories, farms, and networks. We’ll keep doing our part to cut the red tape, remove barriers, and stand behind American companies that invest here. I promise we will always take your call. I promise not only does this council want to work with you and elevate it to the next level, but that our entire administration stands behind you.”

In the near future, the Council will focus on delivering results in three areas identified by President Mirziyoyev: creating predictable conditions for doing business in Uzbekistan, exploring new and untapped areas for economic cooperation, and becoming a sustainable platform for partnership between the two countries.

The President also proposed a Trade, Investment and Technological Cooperation Program through 2035.