February 3, 2020; Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Today, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a new $1 million program to increase cross-border trade and connectivity between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. Stronger ties between the two neighboring countries will support peace and prosperity for all of South-Central Asia, Central Asia and beyond. 

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Government of Uzbekistan, will implement the assistance through a program that may include an assessment of trade opportunities and support with drafting legislation to promote cross-border trade. Through this support, the United States will also seek to assist Afghan students to develop workforce skills, so they are well equipped to succeed in the modern workplace.

USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID’s work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. In Uzbekistan, USAID helps diversify the economy and increase regional trade, addresses serious health threats, and encourages the government to be more responsive to its people’s needs. To know more, visit: https://www.usaid.gov/central-asia-regional and USAID/Central Asia’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/USAIDCentralAsia.