U.S. State Department: Uzbekistan to purchase small nuclear reactors from American companies

The Department of State provided (https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/11/elevating-u-s-uzbekistan-relations/) details on the agreements reached during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Washington on November 6.

Mineral resources

According to the statement, U.S. companies will be given priority access to develop mineral deposits in Uzbekistan that have been jointly identified with American partners.

The two countries will also implement projects worth up to $400 million in the fields of critical minerals and rare earth elements.

Energy

Uzbekistan has expressed its intention to purchase small modular nuclear reactors from U.S. energy companies, the State Department said.

Aviation

Uzbekistan plans to acquire 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, valued at a total of $8.5 billion.

Agriculture

Over the next three years, Uzbekistan will import up to $2 billion worth of agricultural machinery from the United States, as well as up to 2 million tons of soybean and $100,000 worth of cotton.

Automotive industry

Uzbekistan is also expected to import $5 billion worth of automotive components from the United States over the next three years.

In addition, both sides are discussing the expansion of cooperation with General Motors and the potential participation of American investors in the privatization of UzAuto Motors. A public sale of the government’s nearly 100 percent stake in the company is planned for the first quarter of 2026.

Chemical industry

Air Products will invest up to $3 billion to establish methanol production in Uzbekistan.

U.S. technologies will also be used to develop local enterprises producing olefins from methanol and chemical products from coal.

Other areas

Starting in 2026, Uzbekistan will introduce a 30-day visa-free regime for U.S. citizens.

The two countries’ law enforcement agencies will exchange information to arrest, prosecute, and convict members of international criminal organizations.

Uzbekistan also plans to strengthen the work of regional organizations combating drug trafficking.

Additionally, the country will explore opportunities to purchase U.S. equipment for its law enforcement and defense needs.