Uzbekistan announced on Wednesday (April 9, 2025) that it has secured investment agreementswith U.S. companies to develop its minerals sector, as global demand for critical minerals continues to surge. These minerals—including copper, lithium, and cobalt—are vital for manufacturing high-tech products such as electric vehicles and solar panels.
The move comes as both the U.S. and the European Union aim to reduce reliance on China, the world’s leading producer of critical minerals. A delegation from Uzbekistan’s government signed the agreements during meetings in Washington, according to the country’s trade ministry. The deals cover exploration, extraction, the production of grinding machinery, and training programs for Uzbek specialists.
Central Asia, including former Soviet republics like Uzbekistan, has become a focal point for Western nations looking to diversify supply chains away from Russia and China. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been pushing for economic liberalization after decades of isolation under his predecessor. In March 2025, he unveiled a $2.6 billion investment plan to boost the country’s mining and processing capabilities.
