The C5+1 ministerial meeting in Samarkand has strengthened economic ties between the U.S. and Central Asia, with Uzbekistan securing 54 agreements and initiatives worth around $12 billion with U.S. companies and institutions.
Launched in Samarkand in 2015, the C5+1 format brings together the U.S. and five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Initially focused on diplomacy and security, the initiative has expanded to include trade, investment, energy and regional connectivity.
The 19 October meeting focused on translating political commitments into commercial projects. The U.S. and five Central Asian countries agreed to strengthen the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, improve transport and customs links, expand industrial cooperation and boost higher-value processing of critical minerals.
Washington has also sought to deepen its economic engagement with Central Asia, positioning C5+1 as a key platform for coordinating regional projects rather than pursuing separate negotiations with individual countries.
The largest commercial announcements emerged from the second meeting of the American-Uzbek Business and Investment Council, held alongside the C5+1 ministerial talks.
According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, 54 agreements and proposed initiatives worth approximately $12 billion were signed or agreed upon, covering transport and energy infrastructure, industry, critical minerals, finance, digital technologies, agriculture, healthcare and education.
Companies involved include Wabtec, which is expected to support the localisation of railway equipment and components, alongside major financial institutions such as Franklin Templeton, Oppenheimer & Co., Citigroup and BlackRock.
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