DFC Leadership Lays the Foundation for Investment Partnership with Uzbekistan

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) today announced a historic collaboration with the Government of Uzbekistan aimed at expanding private investment in strategic sectors and mutually beneficial projects.

The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of President Trump's inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington, D.C. DFC CEO Ben Black, EXIM Chairman John Jovanovic, Uzbekistan Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov, and Executive Director, Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan Shukhrat Vafaev signed the agreement in the presence of H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan.

"The Trans Caspian region represents one of the most strategically important economic corridors in the world," said DFC CEO Ben Black. "Today's announcement marks our first steps to deepening the growing partnership between the United States and Uzbekistan. Through this strategic framework, DFC will work closely with our regional allies to strengthen critical supply chains and drive economic growth for both our nations, ensuring that the United States and Uzbekistan lead the future of global commerce and innovation."

The Heads of Terms signed today outlines the intent of the signatories to establish a Joint Investment Framework to advance strategic cooperation between the United States and Uzbekistan. The Framework would identify mutually beneficial investments, promote cooperation to advance shared economic interests, and encourage joint investment in strategic sectors including critical minerals, infrastructure, and energy. The Framework would prioritize investments across the critical mineral value chain from exploration, extraction, processing, and beyond. The framework also outlines the proposed establishment of a U.S.-Uzbekistan Joint Investment Holding Company to support joint investment initiatives.

DFC sees immense economic opportunity in Uzbekistan and across Central Asia from the growing trade along the Trans Caspian Corridor to the booming global demand for critical minerals and regional demand for secure, reliable energy. DFC is poised to build economic momentum in Uzbekistan and drive private sector investment in mutual priorities in the infrastructure, energy, and critical minerals sectors.

Today's announcement comes on the heels of DFC's newly expanded authorities granted by Congress that lifted geographic limitations, scaled DFC to $205 billion, strengthened DFC's equity authorities and established a new revolving equity fund. These enhancements position the agency to serve as a leading instrument of economic statecraft for the Trump administration's foreign policy agency.

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The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), established in 2019 with bipartisan support under President Trump, is the international investment arm of the U.S. Government. DFC partners with the private sector to advance U.S. foreign policy and strengthen national security by mobilizing private capital around the world. DFC invests across strategic sectors including critical minerals, modern infrastructure, and advanced technology - fostering economic development, supporting U.S. interests, and delivering returns to American taxpayers.