New York Mayor Eric Adams Discusses Expanding Economic Ties During Visit to Uzbekistan

A delegation led by New York City Mayor Eric Adams met with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan on 19 November to explore new avenues for economic and business cooperation. The session brought together Adviser to the Chairman Umid Safarov, prominent Uzbek entrepreneurs and businessassociation representatives. Discussions focused on strengthening trade and investment links between Uzbekistan and New York. Safarov proposed collaboration with the New York Stock Exchange to help prepare Uzbek companies for U.S. capitalmarket access, creating business schools and accelerator programmes in partnership with leading American universities, and opening a joint vocationaltraining college in Tashkent. Kamolat Mirzaaliyeva, head of Uzbekistan’s Small Business Association, sought support in building ties between Uzbek and New York smallbusiness networks and expanding exports of Uzbek products to the U.S. market. Other entrepreneurs at the meeting raised proposals to increase agricultural exports, develop biochemical production and support innovative projects. Officials described the talks as constructive and expect them to lift bilateral business cooperation to a new level. Mayor Adams also met with Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzoqov. The two agreed to begin drafting a partnership agreement between New York and Tashkent to cover longterm cooperation in urban development, culture, innovation and economic projects. The visit comes amid renewed interest in the U.S.-Uzbekistan economic corridor and at a time when Adams’ international engagements are under scrutiny.

New York Mayor Eric Adams Under Scrutiny for Ties to Uzbek Businessman

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing renewed federal scrutiny over alleged ties to a Brooklyn-based businessman with close links to the Uzbek government. As The Times of Central Asia reported last year, the investigation centers on whether Adams helped improve Uzbekistan’s public image in exchange for campaign contributions. According to court documents reviewed by THE CITY, the businessman, Tolib Mansurov, a dual citizen of the United States and Uzbekistan, allegedly served as an intermediary for the Uzbek government while also helping to fund Adams’ mayoral campaigns. In return, Adams is said to have provided favorable public exposure that enhanced Uzbekistan’s reputation, despite the country’s record of human rights abuses. Prosecutors describe Mansurov as a well-connected figure who maintained frequent communication with officials at Uzbekistan’s mission to the United Nations. He organized multiple events involving Adams and the Uzbek-American community in New York. One notable event was a flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green on September 2, 2023, during which Adams became the first New York City mayor to raise the Uzbek flag in the financial district. “Happy Uzbekistan Independence Day!” Mansurov posted on social media. “Mayor Eric Adams made history by being the first to raise the Uzbek flag on Wall Street!” Mansurov also arranged a roundtable at City Hall and hosted various cultural gatherings, including Ramadan dinners and community meetings, through the Silk Road Foundation, a nonprofit he founded. Prosecutors allege the foundation coordinated closely with Uzbekistan’s UN mission. Alongside his community engagement, Mansurov reportedly funneled illegal straw donations into Adams’ campaign. In one instance, he allegedly reimbursed four employees who made individual contributions. He later arranged ten more donations of $1,000 each, again reimbursing at least one donor, according to investigators. In private messages, Adams reportedly referred to Mansurov as “my strongest go-to person.” In May 2024, months after the FBI had seized Adams’ electronic devices, the mayor used a new phone and the encrypted app Signal to ask Mansurov for a favor. He requested that Mansurov quickly gather 20 donations of $250 each to meet the threshold for matching public campaign funds. Mansurov has not been charged but is cooperating with investigators. He has denied any involvement in money laundering, though prosecutors say he received over $11 million from a Cyprus-based entity, which he allegedly used to purchase real estate in Brooklyn. This is not the first time Adams’ campaign financing has come under legal scrutiny. Federal prosecutors have previously accused him of accepting illicit donations and perks from Turkish interests. The FBI is also examining his fundraising ties to individuals connected to China. Commenting on the broader implications, exiled Uzbek journalist Shahida Yakub said, “The regime is trying to gain legitimacy in the West. They always want to be liked by the U.S. The mayor of New York is important.” Federal investigators continue to probe Adams’ relationships with foreign governments and the role of campaign donations in potentially influencing his political conduct.