Full Breakdown
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Announces Upcoming Business Deals in Uzbekistan
By Drooid · · How we work
Background: U.S. Strategic Push in Central Asia
During a visit to Samarkand, Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted Washington’s effort to broaden economic ties with Central Asia and reduce reliance on single sources for critical minerals. He framed the region as historically a trade crossroads and emphasized that diversification of supply chains is an “international priority,” not solely a U.S. concern. The trip follows the November 2025 C5+1 summit hosted by President Donald Trump, where more than $25 billion in commercial commitments were announced for the five-nation bloc.
Official Statements & Responses
Rubio told reporters that U.S. companies are ready to sign “concrete deals” with Uzbek partners and that the announcements will follow meetings of the Uzbekistan–U.S. Business and Investment Council, co-chaired by Saida Mirziyoyeva and U.S. Special Envoy Sergio Gor. He described the outreach as competition with China rather than an attempt to force Central Asian states to choose sides, noting that Uzbekistan remains open to multiple economic partners. In response to a question on China’s growing influence, Rubio reiterated that the United States seeks “to explore” opportunities without pressuring the host country to abandon other relationships.
Data & Statistics
- Nearly 300 American businesses were present in Samarkand for the delegation, while the State Department previously noted that more than 200 U.S. business leaders accompanied the trip.
- The prior C5+1 summit produced commercial agreements and commitments valued at over $25 billion (approximately €22 billion).
- Rubio identified critical minerals as a focal point for cooperation, arguing that no single nation should supply “100 % of anything.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're obviously going to explore that and I think we have a chance to do that here,” — State Marco Rubio
These remarks and the accompanying business tour underscore Washington’s intent to cement a foothold in Central Asia’s mineral and investment landscape while positioning the United States as a diversified partner amid broader geopolitical competition.