United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to Central Asia, with visits scheduled in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan from June 11 to June 15, 2024.
The trip aims to bolster trade relations and foster economic cooperation between the United States and the two Central Asian nations. Ambassador Tai's itinerary includes a series of high-level meetings and engagements with key government officials and stakeholders.
In Uzbekistan, Ambassador Tai will kick off her visit on June 11, with meetings with top officials including President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and First Assistant to the President Saida Mirziyoyeva. Discussions are expected to focus on areas of mutual interest, including investment, industry, trade, employment, and poverty reduction.
Furthermore, Ambassador Tai will engage with Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov, and Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction Behzod Musaev.
Additionally, Ambassador Tai will interact with Uzbek Forum members and International Labor Organization (ILO) trained labor monitors, emphasizing the importance of labor rights and standards in trade agreements.
On June 12, Ambassador Tai will venture to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where she will meet with Governor E. Turdimov and participate in cultural site visits to prominent historical landmarks.
Transitioning to Kazakhstan on June 13, Ambassador Tai will co-chair the United States – Central Asia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meeting. This collaborative platform will bring together officials from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to explore avenues for enhancing trade and investment in the region.
In Kazakhstan, Ambassador Tai will engage with Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin and hold a closed-door meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on June 14. Discussions will encompass a wide range of topics, including trade, industry, agriculture, and integration efforts.
Furthermore, Ambassador Tai will participate in discussions with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration, Ministry of Industry, and Ministry of Agriculture.
Additionally, Ambassador Tai will join a roundtable with labor stakeholders and attend a women’s economic empowerment working group lunch.
In March 2024, the United States exported $52.1mn worth of goods to Uzbekistan and imported $1.24mn in return, resulting in a positive trade balance of $50.9mn. Over the course of one year, from March 2023 to March 2024, U.S. exports to Uzbekistan increased by $26.4mn (103%), rising from $25.7mn to $52.1mn. Imports also saw a slight increase, rising by $84,800 (7.35%) from $1.15mn to $1.24mn during the same period.
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