Eric Adams: Visit to Uzbekistan Showed New York Lessons of Unity and Progress

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams, in an opinion piece published by amNewYork, shared insights from his visit to Uzbekistan, emphasizing how the country’s experience can help America’s largest city strengthen its economy, society, and multicultural identity.

“When I traveled to Uzbekistan, I saw a country that chooses progress over isolation, opportunity over suppression, and unity over division,” Adams noted.

He emphasized that Uzbekistan, once a closed Soviet republic, is now actively developing its economy, protecting workers’ rights, expanding opportunities for women, and implementing reforms while preserving its cultural and religious identity. “I saw a Muslim country without signs of extremism, where mosques, synagogues, and churches stand side by side as symbols of coexistence,” he added.

Adams highlighted key social changes: the elimination of child labor in the cotton industry, the active participation of women in government, business, medicine, and education, the growth of entrepreneurship, and rising foreign investment.

He underlined that these efforts align with New York’s values and create potential for economic cooperation.

The outgoing mayor also pointed to the Uzbek diaspora in New York, which already plays a significant role in the city’s life — running restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, transport companies, tech startups, and construction businesses. “They enrich our cultural life and boost our economy,” Adams said.

Uzbekistan’s economic transformation opens new opportunities for New York businesses in clean energy, agriculture, technology, logistics, and tourism.

“American companies, including firms from our city, can become partners in this growth. Strengthening ties means jobs, trade, cultural exchange, and new opportunities for New Yorkers,” he emphasized.

However, according to Adams, the significance of the visit goes beyond economics. “Uzbekistan is an example of a country building its nation on principles of justice, opportunity, diversity, and respect. No faith, culture, or community should be demonized. And the growing Uzbek community in New York shows that immigration is one of our greatest strengths,” he said.

Adams concluded by underscoring the importance of New York’s global connections: “Our city is strong when we build bridges, not walls. Uzbekistan has a story worth telling — and New Yorkers should hear it. Our diversity is not a challenge, but our superpower.”

Eric Adams visited Uzbekistan in November 2025.