Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan Seal $12.7B Deals with U.S. for Aircraft, Locomotives
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have sealed significant deals with the United States, boosting economic ties and job creation. Uzbekistan concluded an $8.5 billion aircraft procurement deal with Boeing, while Kazakhstan signed a $4.2 billion contract with Wabtec Corp. for locomotive production. These agreements were signed by the leaders of both countries on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Uzbekistan's deal with Boeing will create over 35,000 U.S. jobs, marking the largest commercial deal ever signed with a Central Asian country, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The agreement involves the purchase of 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's contract with Wabtec Corp. is the largest locomotive procurement agreement in history, as hailed by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. This deal will see 300 freight locomotives produced at Kazakhstan's Astana facility.
U.S. President Donald Trump lauded these agreements as a 'major success', highlighting the growing economic weight of Central Asia since its independence from the Soviet Union. He announced the deals via his social media account, emphasizing the economic potential and purchasing power of both countries. These agreements come as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan aim to reduce dependence on imported technologies by mastering them and developing local production. Wabtec's investment of $230 million in Kazakhstan since 2009, with a localization rate of up to 45% in locomotive production, reflects this commitment. However, analysts caution that deeper U.S. economic engagement in Central Asia could intensify competition with other global powers, potentially reshaping the region's balance.
The aircraft and locomotive deals between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the United States demonstrate the growing economic cooperation between Central Asia and the U.S. These agreements create jobs, foster technological advancement, and reduce dependence on imported technologies. As the region's economic weight grows, so does the need for careful navigation of global power dynamics.
