Uzbekistan pitches special economic zone to US firms, eyes critical minerals investment

According to Kudratov, this specialized zone is envisioned as a primary hub for American investments, technology, and manufacturing operations within Central Asia. He emphasized that the project goes beyond a mere plot on a map, aiming instead to foster a comprehensive business ecosystem where US firms can operate seamlessly.

The Uzbek government intends to replicate regulatory and operational environments close to what American companies are accustomed to domestically. This includes providing transparent regulations, high-quality infrastructure, uninterrupted utility services, simplified administrative processes, strong logistics connectivity, and direct state support. Kudratov invited both American and Uzbek businesses to participate in shaping the initiative by suggesting specific industries and projects to anchor within the zone, adding that the authorities hope to secure anchor investors during the initial formation stage.

A joint investment platform to finance bilateral projects is also set to launch during the forum, following preliminary agreements signed in February. Funded jointly by American financial institutions and Uzbek investment funds, the platform will feature a dedicated website outlining project selection criteria and application procedures.

The minister identified four priority sectors holding the greatest potential for deeper bilateral cooperation: critical minerals, fertilizer production, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.

Uzbekistan aims to position itself as a strategic investment partner for the United States amid shifting global supply chains, where countries and corporations are actively seeking stable manufacturing hubs and secure access to raw materials. In the critical minerals sector, partnership frameworks have already begun with several US firms, focusing not only on extraction but also on processing and supply chain integration. The minister cited Uzbekistan’s energy potential, raw material reserves, and skilled workforce as decisive competitive advantages.

In the fertilizer sector, Kudratov noted Uzbekistan’s vast manufacturing and export capacity, pointing to opportunities to build advanced facilities to meet growing regional and international demand. For pharmaceuticals, negotiations are underway regarding contract manufacturing arrangements that leverage Uzbekistan's existing production facilities, which are capable of meeting strict international standards. Furthermore, the textile sector presents opportunities to shift from raw material processing to high-value finished goods, design development, technical textiles, and expanded exports.

This year's investment forum drew the largest American business delegation in the history of bilateral relations, with 193 representatives from various US companies participating in the TIIF events.

Carolyn Lamm, Chairperson of the American–Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce, noted that interest from US firms continues to climb, driven by ongoing domestic reforms and strengthening diplomatic ties. She observed that potential investors are highly encouraged by the visible momentum of economic restructuring in the country. Since its inception in 1993 with only a handful of enterprises, the Chamber has expanded to include more than 50 major US corporations.

Lamm also reported substantial growth in capital flows, noting that new American investments in Uzbekistan exceeded $1 billion last year and have already surpassed $2 billion in the current year. The US–Uzbekistan Business Forum serves as a curtain-raiser for the main Tashkent International Investment Forum, which has attracted a record number of participants from over 100 countries.