US and Five Central Asian Governments Plan Cooperation on Minerals, Transport, Technology

The United States and five Central Asian governments have outlined proposals to deepen cooperation on minerals, transport and technology, as Washington seeks a larger business role in the region. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington wanted to compete for business without asking the countries to stop working with China.

Washington stresses competition, not a choice

Rubio’s position was presented during his Uzbek visit, where the United States and the five regional governments set out plans for closer cooperation. The proposals cover minerals, transport and technology, while the source does not provide further details about the individual plans.

Speaking in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Rubio was asked what Washington could offer as Beijing expanded its presence in the region. He said the approach was based on competition and an opportunity for US companies to participate.

“I mean, look, it’s competition, right? We have products, we have companies; they make things. And we just want fair competition and an opportunity,” he said.

Rubio’s remarks indicate that Washington wants to pursue commercial opportunities in Central Asia without requiring its regional partners to end their work with China. The plans therefore combine cooperation with a stated willingness to compete for business in the region.

Source: South China Morning Post