Uzbekistan: PricewaterhouseCoopers Advises on US-Government Relations

PricewaterhouseCoopers is providing government relations services to Uzbekistan, the Central Asian country that is a prime ally in President Bush's "War on Terror."

It is giving "strategic advice and assistance" to Uzbekistan about dealing with the U.S. Congress, and Executive Branch on economic and trade relations, according to PWC's "engagement letter." The firm is receiving $300K a-year for its counsel.

Former Congressman Bill Archer is heading the work. The Texas Republican had chaired the powerful House Ways and Means Committee before joining PWC as a senior policy analyst in January, 2001. Archer is based in PWC's National Tax Services practice in Washington, D.C.

Uzbekistan, which has neither a free press nor a democracy, is viewed by the State Dept. as a "stable, moderate force in a turbulent region."

The country agreed to the Defense Dept.'s request for access to its military bases promptly after 9/11. Uzbekistan received $100 million from the U.S. in January for its role in overthrowing the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan.

President Bush met with Uzbek leader Islam Karimov in March.

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