WASHINGTON – The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan welcomed Adam Boehler, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, to Uzbekistan on June 29 – July 1, 2020. The discussions between Uzbekistan and DFC focused on further cooperation on infrastructure development and other investments in support of economic growth and stability.
Boehler and Sardor Umurzakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and Foreign Economic Affairs, had productive discussions on how investing in the region can create sustained economic growth and opportunity for the people of Uzbekistan. Further, long-term growth helps to foster regional stability and prosperity. As Uzbekistan continues to make important progress, DFC can work with the private sector to support economic reforms that will accelerate investment in the country.
Both reiterated their desire to deepen the ‘New Era of Strategic Partnership,’ guided by the joint statement adopted by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a visit to the U.S. in May 2018. They noted that as a result of the strengthened dialogue between our governments, the U.S. and Uzbekistan are experiencing a new stage of interstate cooperation.
They emphasized the importance of further developing mutually beneficial investment and innovative technological cooperation between the two countries. Both sides confirmed their interest in implementing special programs to support private entrepreneurship, focused on creating new jobs, providing the population with access to infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and promoting the widespread introduction of alternative energy.
Boehler and Umurzakov agreed to regular engagement to identify and implement strategic infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan in the field of energy, transport, education, and health on the principles of public-private partnership with the involvement of DFC financing.
Further, the two sides reiterated the importance of investing in women’s empowerment to advance the full and free participation of women in the economy. When economically empowered, women reinvest their earnings in their families and communities, helping to uplift societies.
DFC welcomed the intention and interest of Uzbekistan to become a part of the Blue Dot Network initiative, designed to stimulate the flow of long-term foreign investment for projects that meet international development standards, including openness, transparency, and financial sustainability.
Both reaffirmed their mutual desire to maintain peace and stability, as well as mutual efforts for economic recovery in Afghanistan, by expanding trade, economic, transport, and energy ties between Afghanistan and Central Asia. They also emphasized the importance of joining efforts to implement important infrastructure projects in the Central Asian region that ensure long-term economic sustainability, food, and environmental security.
They committed to future discussions around the development of a regional fund with the C5+1 countries, as well as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
Both sides expressed confidence that the visit will help advance investment that will mutually benefit the trade, economic, financial, and technical partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States of America.
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U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is America’s development bank. DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.