The United States and Uzbekistan agreed on cooperation in the field of critical minerals

The United States and Uzbekistan have signed an agreement to expand cooperation in the field of critical minerals, aimed at developing joint investments and strengthening supply chains for strategic raw materials, according to Reuters.

According to the publication, the parties concluded a document titled the Joint Investment Framework, which предусматривает cooperation in geological exploration, mining, and processing of mineral resources. The agreements also envisage the establishment of a joint U.S.-Uzbek investment holding company that will support the implementation of future projects.

As noted by Reuters, a key role in implementing the initiative will be played by the U.S. government financial institution — the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which is responsible for promoting investment projects abroad.

The agency emphasizes that the agreement is being considered within a broader international context of diversifying supplies of strategically important resources. The article states that the initiative is aimed at “countering China’s dominant position in global supply chains.”

According to Reuters, the agreement became part of broader U.S. efforts to strengthen engagement with Central Asian countries. The signing followed a meeting between the U.S. President and the leaders of the region’s states, as well as a separate summit dedicated to critical minerals involving several countries.

The publication also notes that Uzbekistan possesses significant reserves of natural resources, including gold, uranium, copper, lithium, and tungsten — minerals that are crucial for high-tech industries and the energy transition.

Reuters links the growing interest of international partners in Uzbekistan to the economic reforms carried out in the country since 2016 under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.