Uzbekistan concludes billion-euro agreement in Washington

During his visit to Washington, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed several bilateral agreements with US companies. The agreements cover energy, critical minerals, agriculture, and infrastructure.

On February 18, Mirziyoyev oversaw the signing of several major projects. These include the establishment of a nationwide network of gas stations based on the US model, a poultry farm, and a billion-dollar project to promote and supply critical minerals.

Gulf Oil announced that it would open at least 100 gas stations in Uzbekistan over the next two years. Around $150 million is to be invested in retail real estate. In addition, the company plans to invest $50 million in the expansion of its aviation fuel division.

Investments in agriculture and raw materials

The Aviagen Broiler Breeding Group agreed to establish a breeding company for the Uzbek poultry industry. The $40 million project is expected to create an annual capacity of 4.5 million chickens.

Another agreement concerns the promotion of strategic raw materials such as tungsten and molybdenum. The project, which was already agreed in January, has a volume of one billion dollars and envisages a production capacity of 150 tons per year.

Planned IPO worth billions

Plans were also presented for a new logistics center to connect eastern and western routes. Centrum Holding plans to raise $600 million in an IPO with a target valuation of around $2 billion. Oppenheimer and Citibank are to accompany the transaction.

Mirziyoyev emphasized the strategic importance of the agreements. The focus is on long-term partnerships, stable framework conditions, and deeper economic cooperation with the US.

Peace Council and Gaza aid

The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the inaugural meeting of a newly established peace council initiated by US President Donald Trump. Heads of state and government from more than 20 countries attended the meeting.

The central topic was the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Trump said that several countries had jointly pledged more than $7 billion for aid measures. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its willingness to participate in the reconstruction of infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and residential buildings. A declaration supporting the activities of the Peace Council was subsequently signed.

This article was produced in cooperation with our partner bne intelliNews.