U.S. Department of State

Challenges

Uzbekistan’s relatively large population, strategic location north of Afghanistan, and extensive mineral resources, including gold and uranium, make it a potential force for economic growth and stability in the Central Asia region. Uzbekistan is also the only Central Asian country that borders on all the other nations in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan), as well as Afghanistan. Through its foreign assistance programs, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) promotes the key U.S. foreign policy objectives of fostering of regional cooperation, and improving border security in order to reduce trafficking of illegal narcotics and other hazardous, illicit items across Uzbek borders.

U.S. Government Programs

• Counternarcotics:  The U.S. supports the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to increase the capability of border guards, customs and law enforcement bodies posted in the Termez River Port and improving their interdiction abilities relating to both drugs and precursor chemicals. This project will provide equipment such as communication equipment, X-Ray machines, detection equipment and specialized training in order to update and upgrade the expertise of law enforcement personnel. It will also be aimed at improving cooperation and coordination between law enforcement agencies serving at Termez River Port.

U.S. Government Funding FY2005-2007
FY05: $3.03 million
FY06: $425,000
FY07: $75,000
Funding Source: FREEDOM Support Act (FSA)