Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's agreements with US companies worth a combined US$12 billion cover banking services, payment systems, capital markets, satellite communications, healthcare and agriculture, according to O'zbekiston 24 television.
The agreements are expected to introduce new financial services, expand digital infrastructure, modernize healthcare facilities and support the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies.
Under an agreement with US-based Column Bank, Uzbek citizens will be able to open accounts with banks in the United States.
An agreement with Visa provides for the establishment of a national payment switch and its integration with VisaNet, the company's global payment processing network.
Mastercard will focus on developing digital wallets and artificial intelligence-based financial services, which are expected to make mobile payments more convenient and secure.
In the capital markets sector, an agreement has been reached with Nasdaq to modernize the Tashkent Republican Stock Exchange and prepare major state-owned enterprises for initial public offerings (IPOs).
The initiative is expected to eventually enable citizens to purchase shares in major companies and receive a portion of their earnings.
In telecommunications, Amazon LEO plans to provide high-speed internet access across Uzbekistan using low Earth orbit satellites.
Viasat will explore the possibility of installing high-speed Wi-Fi systems on new aircraft being purchased by Uzbekistan Airways.
Several agreements focus on healthcare infrastructure and medical technology.
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will finance the construction of a modern multidisciplinary hospital in Ferghana.
Accuray will introduce advanced oncology and radiation therapy technologies in Samarkand.
According to the report's authors, these initiatives could reduce the need for patients with serious medical conditions to travel to Tashkent or abroad for treatment.
GE HealthCare will equip regional cardiology and neurology centers with high-tech medical equipment.
In agriculture, Valmont Industries plans to introduce sprinkler irrigation technologies aimed at modernizing agricultural practices.
A satellite-based system for forecasting cotton and grain yields will also be introduced in cooperation with 6th Grain.
