ICYMI: Daines Commemorates 35 Years of Uzbekistan’s Independence

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines commemorated the 35 th Anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan—read his interview with the Dunyo IA HERE . Steve Daines: Uzbekistan’s commitment to free market principles and development of its natural resources will build a brighter future for both its people and the United States Dunyo IA August 29, 2026 This year marks the 10 th Anniversary of the launch of the large-scale reforms of New Uzbekistan. How do you assess the outcomes of this decade of transformation and which changes in the country do you consider the most significant? “Thanks to the leadership of President Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has seen notable transformation over the past decade in several key areas: economic growth, strengthened relations with key international allies, and an increased standard of living. These reforms have helped position Uzbekistan as a more open and economically engaged partner, creating new opportunities for trade, investment and cooperation with the United States and other nations.” Over the past ten years, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States has intensified considerably. Which results of this partnership do you regard as the most successful, and what joint projects or areas of cooperation should, in your opinion, become priorities for the future? “Uzbekistan is a strategically important country, and we’ve made substantial progress in strengthening our partnership both bilaterally and within the “C5+1” framework. As we look to the future, one of theUnited States’ main priorities should be repealing the antiquated Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions, which hinder the flow of free trade between the U.S. and Central Asia. Uzbekistan is rich in critical minerals, including copper and uranium. The United States and Uzbekistan share a growing strategic interest in securing reliable supplies of critical minerals, creating an important opportunity to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen our respective supply chains. Another vital project is the successful implementation of President Trump’s TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) framework agreements, which would improve regional connectivity and establish reliable trade routes to Uzbekistan.” One of the key objectives of the reforms has been to build a more open, investment-friendly, and internationally integrated economy. In your assessment, to what extent have these transformations strengthened the confidence of the international community, investors and development partners? “These transformations have been very successful, proven by the creation of the American-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council during the “C5+1” Summit in November 2025. I am thankful for the leadership of President Trump, President Mirziyoyev, and co-chairs Saida Mirziyoyeva and Sergio Gor that led to the council’s creation. Bilateral trade between our two countries has crossed the $1 billion mark and I am confident that investment and partnerships will only continue to grow.” Read the full interview in the Dunyo IA HERE . ### Contact: Matt Lloyd, Gabby Wiggins