TASHKENT (TCA) — To promote U.S. business opportunities in Uzbekistan, a U.S. trade mission and a business roundtable with the Government of Uzbekistan were organized between March 22 and 24.
The business roundtable was co-organized by the Government of Uzbekistan, the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Department of Commerce, AmCham Uzbekistan, and the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent said.
While the roundtable’s special industry focus was healthcare technologies and pharmaceuticals, other industries were also represented to discuss business issues and opportunities in Uzbekistan. Around 30 representatives of 13 U.S. companies traveled from outside of Uzbekistan to participate in the roundtable with representatives from the Government of Uzbekistan, the U.S. Embassy, the AmCham board of directors, AmCham member companies, and other locally based businesses.
According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, Uzbekistan is the 135th largest goods trading partner of the United States with $348 million in total (two way) goods trade during 2013. Goods exports totaled $321 million; goods imports totaled $27 million. The U.S. goods trade surplus with Uzbekistan was $294 million in 2013.
Uzbekistan was the United States’ 115th largest goods export market in 2013.
U.S. goods exports to Uzbekistan in 2013 were $321 million, up 12.8% ($36 million) from 2012.
The top export categories in 2013 were: aircraft ($225 million), machinery ($46 million), articles donated for relief ($15 million), electrical machinery ($7 million), and optic and medical instruments ($7 million).
U.S. exports of agricultural products to Uzbekistan totaled $5 million in 2013.
U.S. goods imports from Uzbekistan totaled $27 million in 2013, a 2.5% increase ($646 thousand) from 2012.
The top import categories in 2013 were: inorganic chemicals (natural uranium) ($18 million), spices, coffee and tea ($2 million), fruit and nuts (grapes) ($1 million), and art and antiques ($1 million).
U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) was $71 million in 2012 (latest data available), up 12.7% from 2011.
