"Central Asia + United States" (C5+1) Summit: Trump's Only Interest Is Critical Minerals

American Think Tank: Business, Business, and More Business in Central Asia

Most comments on this initiative have focused on the economic potential of the United States in Central Asia. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of these countries, the United States has actively developed the region's rich oil and gas resources. Chevron was the first to explore and produce oil in Kazakhstan; the United States has implemented policies for multiple oil pipelines that transport the oil and gas resources of inland Central Asia to the global market.

Oil and gas resources remain an important factor attracting the United States, but equally important - or even more so - are the rare earth elements and critical minerals in Central Asia. For decades, the United States has missed its chance, allowing China to dominate in the mining and processing of rare earths. China's effective control over the rare earth supply chain gives it a significant advantage in the Trump administration's pursuit of fair trade relations. Trump, with his unique energy, has tackled this challenge, and Central Asia, especially Kazakhstan, is rich in rare earth minerals. The region has reported 28 rare earth deposits, with extremely abundant reserves.

In various occasions around the world, Trump has successfully brought business opportunities for American companies, and the C5+1 Summit last week is the best proof. The U.S. Department of State hosted the C5+1 Business Meeting at the Kennedy Center, where the total value of project agreements reached over $10 billion, and according to the Department of Commerce, potential deals could be several times that figure. Given the growing importance of critical rare earth minerals, Cove Capital's agreement to privatize a tungsten mine company in Kazakhstan is particularly notable.

Additionally, the agreements also cover artificial intelligence and the sale of John Deere tractors and Boeing aircraft to several Central Asian countries.

Source: The National Interest

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848453749950923/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.