On May 24, Deputy PM/Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Sardor Umurzakov met with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, the Ministry said.

Reportedly, the parties discussed topical aspects of multifaceted Uzbek-U.S. ties and commended the tangible progress achieved in cooperation in the field of bilateral and regional partnership.

The sides also focused on deepening cooperation in trade, economic, investment, transport and logistics areas and explored opportunities for practical cooperation in the field of attracting U.S. businesses to the implementation of projects in Uzbekistan. The parties will also intensify joint work on the development of transport and logistics corridors in the region and the promotion of large infrastructure projects.

The prospects for expanding cooperation with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) were considered, meaning the attraction of technical and consulting assistance from the agency for the development of green energy, agriculture, youth entrepreneurship, building up the export potential of the textile industry and other areas.

The parties agreed upon issue of enhancing cooperation with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) on the implementation of private sector projects in Uzbekistan.

Donald Lu voiced its commitment to continue supporting Uzbekistan in joining the World Trade Organization by providing the necessary technical and advisory assistance in the negotiation process. As a result of the meeting, an agreement was reached to continue an active dialogue in order to accelerate the progress of all the issues discussed.