The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Washington, D.C., recently hosted a Congressional Breakfast under the theme “Expanding Horizons: Uzbekistan and U.S. Congress Boost Strategic Cooperation.” The event drew Members of Congress, diplomats, business leaders, media professionals, and members of the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce. It provided a timely platform for advancing U.S.-Uzbekistan cooperation, both legislatively and economically.
Congressman Trent Kelly of Mississippi announced the introduction of the Uzbekistan Normalized Trade Act during the event. Filed alongside and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives on March 25, the bill (H.R. 2329) seeks to repeal the Jackson-Vanik Amendment in its application to Uzbekistan and grant the country permanent normal trade relations status. This move acknowledges Uzbekistan’s progress in trade liberalization and economic reforms, and opens the door to deeper economic engagement between both countries.
Ambassador Furqat Sidikov addressed the gathering, outlining Uzbekistan’s current economic trajectory and its vision for international trade partnerships. His remarks set the tone for the morning as he welcomed American lawmakers, private sector representatives, and policy experts. Congresswoman Carol Miller of West Virginia also spoke, reiterating support for growing commercial cooperation and legislative engagement.
Pini Althaus, Managing Partner of Cove Capital, offered insights into business opportunities in Uzbekistan, particularly in mining and infrastructure, while Elena V. Son-La-Rocco, Executive Director of the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (AUCC), shared updates on existing U.S. business operations in Uzbekistan and emphasized the benefits of improved trade status.
During the forum, Congressman Kelly restated the motivations behind H.R. 2329, pointing to Uzbekistan’s membership in the World Trade Organization and its reforms in labor rights and economic transparency. The legislation, if passed, will authorize the U.S. President to lift trade restrictions and formally recognize Uzbekistan under normal trade relations treatment. The Act will take effect once the President certifies to Congress that Uzbekistan has joined the WTO.
Last July 10, during Uzbekistan Day at the U.S. Congress, Congressman Trent Kelly—one of the featured speakers—presented a symbolic framed proclamation referencing H.R. 1775, which called for the removal of Uzbekistan from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. “We are going to keep working until it is done,” affirmed Congressman Kelly, reiterating his commitment to advancing the legislation.
Uzbekistan’s engagement with Congress through events like the breakfast and forum signals a proactive approach to building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. Both sides recognize the potential to expand trade, increase private sector investment, and support Uzbekistan’s economic reforms through legislative mechanisms.
These back-to-back gatherings laid the groundwork for a new phase of bilateral interaction, fueled by congressional action and private sector interest. With the introduction of the Uzbekistan Normalized Trade Act, and strong support from both public and private stakeholders, Uzbekistan moves closer to securing permanent trade status and reinforcing its position as a dynamic player in Central Asia-U.S. economic relations.
