Uzbekistan's $12bn business drive gathers pace during Rubio visit

Uzbekistan has announced 54 agreements and proposed projects with American partners worth nearly $12bn (€10.7bn), following high-level meetings in Samarkand attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio met President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Monday, with the two discussing trade, energy, critical minerals, aviation and technology. The two countries are seeking to expand their strategic partnership through private investment and joint industrial projects. According to the Uzbek presidency, bilateral trade has increased by 35% since the beginning of the year, although it did not specify the comparison period.