# Rubio Promotes US Trade in Uzbekistan

> U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Uzbekistan to boost economic ties with Central Asia.
- Title: Rubio Promotes US Trade in Uzbekistan · Seattletimes
- Summary: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Uzbekistan to boost economic ties with Central Asia. Rubio aims to strengthen U.S. trade and security partnerships…
- Keywords: marco rubio, seattle times, uzbekistan, central asia, trade, diplomacy, us state department, news, local, Rubio, Promotes, Seattletimes
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/business/rubio-is-in-uzbekistan-to-promote-us-ties-and-trade-with-central-asia
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: marco rubio, seattle times, uzbekistan, central asia, trade, diplomacy, us state department, news, local
## Rubio's Uzbekistan Visit
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Uzbekistan to promote trade and ties with Central Asia.
## Trip Amid Criticism
Rubio's trip faces criticism for focusing on politically safer meetings over pressing U.S. foreign policy issues.
## C5+1 Diplomatic Forum
Rubio meets with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan leaders under the C5+1 forum.
## Rubio's Statement
Rubio said, 'Central Asia has just not gotten the level of attention from our policymakers over the last 20 years that it deserves.'

> Central Asia has just not gotten the level of attention from our policymakers over the last 20 years that it deserves.
## Historical Context
U.S. interest in Central Asia surged briefly after the Soviet Union collapsed but waned until post-9/11.
## Economic Focus
Rubio highlighted Central Asia as a new location for investment and export, with 300+ American businesses participating.
## Abraham Accords
Kazakhstan is the only Central Asian nation to sign the Abraham Accords with Israel.
## Key takeaway

Rubio aims to strengthen U.S. trade and security partnerships with Central Asian nations during a diplomatic trip.