Remarks at the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce

Robert O. Blake, Jr.
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

August 17, 2012

Uzbekistan has great potential for further economic development, including greater U.S. investment. The number of representatives of world-class American companies here today shows the high level of interest in doing business here in Uzbekistan. Many of these companies have long, prosperous commercial relationships with Uzbekistan.

In addition to investing in Uzbekistan, U.S. companies strive to be responsible members of the community. General Motors has set especially high standards with its environmental, social, and labor practices. Last year, GM Uzbekistan was a finalist for the Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence, ranking it among the best in the world in terms of corporate social responsibility.

Economic development of the entire Central Asia region is an important U.S. priority.

The U.S. strongly supports Uzbekistan’s efforts to promote reforms that will increase economic growth.

In my position as Assistant Secretary, I regularly meet with U.S. investors looking for opportunities in the region, and I hear a consistent message that Uzbekistan has great potential as an investment destination...