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Washington urged to anchor Central Asia policy around Uzbekistan
The proposal points to Uzbekistan’s 2026 WTO accession timeline and steps to liberalize its foreign exchange regime as drivers of deeper integration with global markets.
OilPrice highlights Uzbekistan’s upcoming 35th independence anniversary on September 1 as a moment for Washington to recalibrate its Central Asia policy, arguing the country could serve as a strategic anchor in the region.
The outlet says Uzbekistan sits at a crossroads between Russia, China, Iran, Afghanistan, and the Caspian Sea, while also noting it is opening its economy, improving ties with neighboring states, and seeking integration with global markets.
According to OilPrice, Uzbekistan moved away from Soviet-era rigid institutions after independence, with reforms that included liberalizing its foreign-exchange regime, reducing trade barriers, encouraging foreign investment, and settling longstanding border disputes with nearby countries.
The piece also points to Uzbekistan pursuing World Trade Organization membership, committing to complete the accession process in 2026, and notes that in January 2026 the country joined President Trump’s Board of Peace, with Presidents Trump and Mirziyoyev speaking regularly, most recently in July 2026.