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Uzbekistan — Daily

Uzbekistan Daily: Kabul grid upgrades launch, online plate orders roll out, and som strengthens

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Politics

New Decree Simplifies LLC Ownership Changes and Creates Corporate Ethics Commission

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan has approved a presidential decree streamlining corporate governance, notably simplifying how changes in limited liability company (LLC) membership take legal effect. Under PQ-268 (signed 05.09.2025, effective 06.09.2025), entry or exit of participants will be recognized from the moment specific actions occur—such as a court decision taking legal force, notarized inheritance documents or transfer acts being submitted to the company, completion and payment of e-auction sales, or notarization of sale/waiver documents—removing the need for a general meeting decision. Companies must notify other participants within 30 days and update the Unified State Register. An online module will continuously publish founders’ cross-participation, share sizes, and formation status, while founders may place prohibitions on alienating their shares. By 1 March 2026, preemptive rights can be exercised electronically. From 1 November 2025, a Corporate Ethics Commission under the Presidential Public Council on Entrepreneurship Support will handle pre-trial corporate disputes.

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Senate Backs Law to Align Regulations with WTO Accession, Introduces Licensing for Scrap Metal and Gas Trade

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan’s Senate approved legislation to accelerate alignment of national laws with World Trade Organization agreements, a key step in the country’s accession bid. The law amends the licensing framework to cover preparation, processing and sale of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap, and wholesale and retail natural gas trading, with corresponding state duties introduced. For gas trading, the state fee is set at 30 times the Base Calculation Unit (BHM); violations in licensing and notification procedures for these strategic sectors can draw fines up to 300 BHM for legal entities. Senators said the changes are designed to reduce discriminatory trade practices and meet GATT principles on lowering tariffs and restrictions.

"The law was developed to harmonize national legislation with WTO agreements and accelerate market reforms and Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO." - Senator Abdusaid Kuchimov (gazeta.uz)

The government expects the law to speed accession tasks and foster competition by bringing private sector participation into scrap and natural gas markets.

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Senate Approves Publishing Law Defining Editors-in-Chief as Censorship Concerns Surface

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan’s Senate approved amendments to the Law on Publishing, creating a defined legal status, requirements, and liability for editors-in-chief, and introducing a principle to promote reading culture. Lawmakers cited gaps in oversight, noting some publishers lack editors-in-chief and pointing to instances of inappropriate content for children, standards noncompliance, and inaccurate historical and scientific claims. The bill, studied against practices in Germany, France, the UK, Korea, Russia, China, and Brazil, now goes to the president for signature. Critics warn the language on “moral, educational and aesthetic” criteria could enable censorship and seek public release of the full draft.

"What do ‘moral, educational and aesthetic requirements’ mean, and who defines them? Works that shock someone’s ‘morality’—could they be banned?" - Komil Jalilov, education expert (gazeta.uz)

"With one book you can implant a wrong concept in a child’s mind; the consequences last 25 years." - Alisher Qodirov, party leader and MP (gazeta.uz)

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Senate Backs Fines for Drivers Breaching Work-Rest Rules in Intercity and International Transport

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan’s Senate approved a bill tightening penalties for transport violations, introducing fines for drivers who breach work and rest schedules during intercity and international road transport. Offenders face a penalty equal to seven times the base calculation amount. The Transport Control Inspectorate will monitor compliance for trips exceeding nine driving hours or routes over 400 km, addressing a gap where data from mandatory tachographs had not previously triggered liability for rest-rule violations. In 2024, 9,364 road accidents occurred nationwide, including 3,045 involving freight and passenger carriers; driver fatigue led to 351 crashes, causing 189 deaths and 285 injuries. The Administrative Code gains a new Article 113¹ imposing tenfold base-amount fines on officials for violating transport safety rules. Amendments also unify fines for un-ticketed passenger carriage and mandatory carrier liability insurance lapses, alongside changes to laws on compulsory insurance, licensing, and transport.

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Economy

Som Recovers as Central Bank Sets Lower Dollar, Euro, and Ruble Rates

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan’s Central Bank set the official exchange rates for 9 September with a notable pullback in the U.S. dollar after a brief spike. The dollar fell by 81.37 soʻm to 12,439.41, while the euro declined by 50.33 soʻm to 14,583.96 and the Russian ruble eased to 151.87. Market watchers had anticipated a modest dollar decrease of around 80–81 soʻm, aligning with Monday’s official fix. Commercial bank cash rates remained tightly clustered: top dollar sell quotes ranged from 12,480–12,500 soʻm, and buy quotes from 12,540–12,560 soʻm, indicating a narrow spread and stable retail liquidity. For businesses and importers, the softer official rate may reduce near-term local-currency costs, though day-to-day volatility suggests continued caution for pricing and hedging decisions.

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Foreign Reserves Hit Record $50 Billion on Gold Price Rally

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan’s official reserves surpassed $50 billion for the first time, reaching $50.08–$50.09 billion as of 1 September, a record since data tracking began in 2013. The increase was driven primarily by gold, whose global price climbed above $3,500 per ounce in August and crossed $3,600 in early September. Month-on-month reserves rose by $1.34 billion (+2.7%), while year-to-date growth totaled $8.9 billion (+21.6%). The Central Bank reported gold’s revaluation added about $1.2 billion in August; the physical stock rose to 11.8 million ounces (367 tons), lifting gold’s value in reserves to $40.06 billion. Meanwhile, the foreign currency component edged down to $9.45 billion. Authorities underscore that reserves support exchange-rate stability, external debt servicing, import coverage in stress scenarios, and insulation from external shocks.

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Budget Oversight Tightens as Growth Accelerates and Structural Reforms Deepen

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan reported 7.2% GDP growth in H1 2025, with state budget revenues up 19.2% year-on-year to 144.2 trillion soums. Parliament reviewed mid-year execution, scrutinizing allocations for water-saving technologies (73 billion soums), environmental measures (1.797 trillion), and local infrastructure and public services. Lawmakers flagged widespread financial mismanagement across ministries; the Finance Ministry said internal audit units are operating, preventing 260 billion soums in irregularities in the education sector and referring cases to law enforcement. Environmental targets remain challenging despite 62 billion soums allocated to curb emissions, officials acknowledged. Separately, economist Obid Hakimov highlighted reform-driven gains, citing sustained investment inflows and sectoral expansion in textiles, autos, and electrical engineering.

"Over the past eight years, our economy has changed qualitatively and is on track to exceed $130 billion GDP this year." - Obid Hakimov, Director, Center for Economic Research and Reforms (uza.uz)

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Cabinet Eases Customs Rules for In‑Country Processing to Spur SMEs and Electronics

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan approved Cabinet Resolution No. 555 (dated 2 Sept 2025) establishing a simplified regime for processing foreign goods within the customs territory. The regulation enables moving foreign goods to processing sites, placing outputs into further domestic processing via cooperation chains, and allowing a first local processor to import raw materials and sell semi-finished outputs to a second local processor for deep processing under contract. Placement under the regime requires permits per the Customs Code and the new Regulation, with customs declarations and documentation for repairs; any replacement or supply of foreign goods for repair needs customs authorization. Certain processing operations still require separate approval from the State Customs Committee. Goods retain foreign origin status until meeting “sufficient processing” criteria. Compliance conditions include deadlines, authorized operations, designated locations and responsible persons, segregation from other goods, and reporting. Repeated breaches within a year trigger liability for customs payments. A list of goods permitted for processing in and outside the customs territory is approved. The decision took effect on 3 Sept 2025.

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Zero-Rated VAT and E-Invoice Risk Controls Set to Triple Formal Agri Turnover by 2027

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan approved measures to expand formal agricultural trade threefold in 2026–2027 by introducing a zero VAT rate on sales of domestically produced agricultural goods—excluding cotton and wheat—from January 1, 2026. The Agriculture Ministry and the Tax Committee will publish the eligible product list, and input VAT refunds for listed products will be automated within three days. An IMF-advised real-time risk analysis system for e-invoices will launch the same day, capping high-risk invoices at 10% of total and allowing VAT credits only after full budget payment by seller or buyer. Additionally, the Space Gov Monitoring platform will integrate with tax systems to provide continuous satellite-based verification of actual sown areas. These steps aim to curb informality, accelerate VAT refunds, and enhance compliance across supply chains.

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Tashkent Installs Surveillance Cameras at Discount Market Fairs to Enforce Price Caps

Published: 2025-09-08

Tashkent authorities are installing surveillance cameras across all discounted market fairs to deter vendors from charging above the officially posted prices. City officials say the move targets overpricing at stalls, where fixed prices are displayed but not always followed. The initiative underscores tighter municipal oversight of consumer pricing at temporary market venues and suggests a push to formalize compliance through real-time monitoring. For buyers, the cameras aim to enhance transparency and protect against markups at fairs advertised as budget-friendly. For vendors, it signals stricter enforcement and potential penalties for violations. The measure could also generate evidence for dispute resolution between customers and sellers. No implementation timeline, penalty framework, or data governance details were disclosed in the report, leaving questions about privacy standards and how footage will be managed.

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Diplomacy

Henley Index Lifts Country’s Passport to 72nd, Expanding Visa-Free Access to 62 Destinations

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan’s travel document rose eight places over the past year to rank 72nd in the Henley Passport Index, which is based on International Air Transport Association data. Citizens can now enter 62 countries visa-free. The latest edition places Singapore first with access to 193 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea at 190. Within Central Asia, Kazakhstan leads with visa-free entry to 79 countries, while Kyrgyzstan ranks 71st, Tajikistan 78th, and Turkmenistan 84th. For international mobility and business travel planning, the improvement signals gradual broadening of access, though the gap with regional leader Kazakhstan remains notable. Countries at the bottom of the list are Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, reflecting severe travel restrictions tied to security and diplomatic constraints.

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U.S. Deports 39 Uzbek Citizens Following Continued Border Enforcement

Published: 2025-09-08

The U.S. carried out a deportation flight on 7 September, returning 39 Uzbek citizens who lacked legal status in America, according to the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent. Washington framed the flight as part of ongoing efforts to tighten border controls and counter irregular migration, while publicly thanking Uzbekistan for logistical cooperation in processing removals. The operation follows earlier charter returns this year that repatriated over 100 individuals on the New York–Tashkent route, signaling sustained U.S. enforcement alongside bilateral coordination. For observers, the move underscores a steady U.S. posture on detentions and removals for unlawful entry and reflects procedural alignment with Uzbek authorities for transit and reception. No named officials were cited in the reports, and no changes to U.S. or Uzbek policy were announced beyond implementation of existing removal measures.

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Kazakh President Plans Year-End Visit to Tashkent, Sets Broader Diplomatic Agenda

Published: 2025-09-08

"At the end of the year, I will visit Russia and Uzbekistan; we are also preparing to host the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkmenistan in Astana, with meetings planned with a number of Asian and European leaders." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (qalampir.uz)

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced a planned visit to Uzbekistan before year-end as part of an intensified foreign policy schedule that includes trips to Russia and participation in the UN General Assembly’s anniversary session in New York. He signaled active engagement with the US and the European Union and highlighted UN reform, notably changes to the Security Council, as a priority. The visit underscores deepening regional coordination between Tashkent and Astana on trade, transit, and security, with potential follow-on meetings in Astana involving South Caucasus and Turkmen leaders. Tokayev is also advancing domestic political reforms, proposing a shift from a bicameral to a unicameral parliament, which could shape Kazakhstan’s governance and policy continuity toward regional cooperation.

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Central Asian Neighbors Set Commitments on Toktogul Water Releases Tied to Power Supply

Published: 2025-09-08

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan agreed to deliver electricity to Kyrgyzstan in exchange for regulated water releases from the Toktogul reservoir, establishing clear obligations among the parties. The arrangement links upstream water management with downstream energy support, a recurring mechanism for balancing regional hydropower and irrigation needs in Central Asia. For Kyrgyzstan, assured power inflows can help conserve reservoir levels during peak demand, while coordinated releases support agricultural irrigation downstream during the growing season. For Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the deal can stabilize summer water availability and reduce the risk of shortages affecting farming and industry. The agreement underscores ongoing interdependence between water and energy systems in the Syr Darya basin and signals incremental progress toward more predictable, rules-based regional resource sharing.

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Samarkand, France Explore Joint Projects in Education, Urban Transit, Agriculture, and Heritage Restoration

Published: 2025-09-08

Samarkand region’s acting governor Adiz Boboyev met France’s ambassador to Uzbekistan, Brice Roquefeuil (rendered as Valid Fuk in the source), to advance strategic ties following the French president’s recent visit. Discussions focused on implementing previously agreed initiatives and expanding cooperation across key sectors. Priorities include joint education programs and exchanges; modern urban infrastructure, notably tramway network development; and agricultural collaboration to introduce advanced French technologies and facilitate Uzbekistan’s export access to EU markets. The parties also emphasized cultural cooperation, with France signaling readiness to support preservation and restoration of Samarkand’s architectural heritage. These areas align with regional development goals: upgrading public transport, boosting agri-tech and exports, and leveraging heritage assets for tourism. The meeting concluded with a commitment to deepen mutually beneficial partnerships and translate high-level agreements into concrete projects.

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Infrastructure

Regional Energy Push Launches Kabul Grid Upgrades and $250m Projects

Published: 2025-09-08

Kabul hosted its first conference on attracting investment and supporting Afghanistan’s power sector, drawing officials from Afghanistan and delegations from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan alongside UN, World Bank, and ADB experts. Uzbekistan’s Energy Ministry said bilateral projects worth $250 million moved to implementation, including new and expanded substations and 220–500 kV transmission lines such as the Surkhan–Pul‑i‑Khumri link, with completion targeted by Q1 2027. The DABS utility signed financing and generation agreements while Tashkent confirmed readiness to modernize distribution networks and roll out smart metering. Afghanistan currently imports most of its electricity from neighbors, with Uzbekistan a key supplier.

"Using our hydro, wind and solar resources can make Afghanistan self-sufficient in power and even an exporter." - Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy PM for Economic Affairs (uzdaily.uz)

"Today the country needs 3,500 MW; by 2032 this will reach 6,000 MW, while current supply is only about 1,300 MW." - Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy PM for Administrative Affairs (uzdaily.uz)

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Personalized License Plates Shift to Direct Online Orders with Auctions Phased Out by 2026

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan will end auctions for “prestige” vehicle plates, replacing them with a unified, continuously updated online database where individuals and companies can directly select any available letter-number combination for a single elevated fee. The Commodity Exchange stops selling such plates from 1 October 2025, with full abolition of the auction regime on 1 January 2026. Remaining unsold premium combinations transfer to Uzavtomotobelgi for direct allocation; highly sought-after sets will carry a uniform surcharge, while standard plates follow the existing queue. Authorities argue the current auction process is complex, time-consuming and priced out many buyers, prompting a digital, more transparent service accessible via YHXX’s site/app, the public services portal, and infokiosks. Custom “signature” plates of up to six characters will be allowed if they avoid duplication and inappropriate content. Foreign-registered vehicles can receive ordered plates within 14 business days.

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ADB and ACWA Power finance Nukus-2 wind farm with battery storage in Karakalpakstan

Published: 2025-09-08

The Asian Development Bank approved a $51 million debt package to ACWA Power for the Nukus-2 project in Qorao‘zak, Karakalpakstan, combining a 200 MW wind farm with a 100 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS)—the first utility-scale wind-plus-storage facility in Central Asia. Parallel lenders include AIIB, FMO, Standard Chartered, and Saudi EXIM. The project is expected to generate 727,980 MWh of clean power annually, cut CO2 emissions by 406,170 tons per year, and create 200+ jobs during construction and operations. ADB also provided a $7.5 million credit guarantee to reduce tender risk, supporting lower tariffs. The initiative aligns with Uzbekistan’s 2030 targets to raise renewables’ share in generation to 54%, add 25 GW of renewable capacity, and reduce GHG intensity by 35%.

"This project is a key step in Uzbekistan’s transition to a low‑carbon energy future, enhancing grid stability and reliability by pairing wind with battery storage." - Kanokpan Lao-Araya, ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan (gazeta.uz, uzdaily.uz)

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Kazakhstan to Import 900 GWh from Neighbor to Cover Southern Power Shortfalls in 2026

Published: 2025-09-08

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan agreed in Cholpon-Ata on coordinated power and water operations, with Uzbekistan set to supply roughly 900 GWh of electricity to Kazakhstan from March through December 2026. The volume is intended to offset shortages during maintenance at plants in Kazakhstan’s southern grid. The parties also aligned on transiting Russian electricity to Kyrgyzstan and managing releases from the Toktogul reservoir to support irrigation-season demand in southern Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan forecasts a peak load of 17.6 GW this year, above 2023 levels, and plans to bridge needs with new capacity and, if required, imports. The arrangement underscores tighter regional energy interdependence and integrated water-energy planning critical for summer stability and agricultural supply chains.

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London Talks Explore UK Investment in Tashkent Waste-Processing Project

Published: 2025-09-08

A Tashkent city delegation led by deputy mayor Abdulaziz Isroilov held talks in London with British investor Sir Garri Janogli on potential investment in a waste-processing project, according to kun.uz. The engagement signals growing interest from UK capital in Uzbekistan’s urban services and environmental infrastructure, a priority area as cities seek to modernize waste management and reduce landfill reliance. While no financial terms or timelines were disclosed, such projects typically involve technology transfer, PPP structures, and performance-based contracts. For foreign partners, clarity on tariff policy, feedstock guarantees, and environmental standards will be central to bankability. The meeting underscores Tashkent’s push to attract international expertise to accelerate circular-economy initiatives and improve municipal service delivery.

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Tashkent Resumes Nighttime Pressure Tests on Heating Network with Revised Schedule

Published: 2025-09-08

Veolia Energy Tashkent has restarted pressure and integrity tests on the capital’s district heating network with a revised timetable running 9–26 September, following a July 10 underground pipeline accident that prompted a pause and methodological review. The company says tests will be conducted at elevated pressure with water kept below 40°C, and heat substations and consumer systems will be temporarily switched off during testing periods; hot water service is expected to remain available. To limit disruption, work is scheduled overnight from 00:00 to 06:00. High-risk zones such as sidewalks, parking areas, and bus stops will be cordoned off. Each test date includes a backup day if damage is detected. Areas covered span multiple districts, including Yunusabad, Chilonzor, Mirzo Ulug‘bek, Mirobod, Almazor, and Sergeli, with detailed street-level scheduling provided by Veolia.

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High-Speed Rail Timetables Adjusted on Key Tashkent–Bukhara, Samarkand, Qarshi, and Shahrisabz Routes

Published: 2025-09-08

From 9 September, “Temiryolekspress” announced schedule changes across several intercity routes, tightening departures and arrivals on high-demand corridors. The revisions affect Tashkent–Bukhara (multiple pairs), Tashkent–Samarkand, Tashkent–Qarshi, and Tashkent–Shahrisabz services, with morning departures from Tashkent and corresponding afternoon/evening returns. Notable examples include Tashkent–Bukhara trains now leaving at 06:08, 07:30, 08:30, and 19:41, and return services from Bukhara at 03:15, 15:03, 16:16, and 18:00. The Tashkent–Samarkand morning train departs at 08:00 with a 10:25 arrival; the return leaves at 17:40. Qarshi and Shahrisabz lines align with similar morning-out, evening-back patterns. Businesses and travelers should recheck bookings and adjust connections to domestic flights and regional transfers accordingly.

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Direct Tyumen–Tashkent Flights Resume on 20 September with Weekly Saturday Service

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan Airways will restart direct flights between Tyumen (Roshchino Airport) and Tashkent from 20 September, operating once weekly on Saturdays, according to the airport’s press service. The route adds capacity alongside UTair services, offering travelers more options into Uzbekistan’s capital as the autumn travel window opens. The timing aligns with peak seasonal appeal for Central Asia, when harvest season provides fresh produce and temperatures remain comfortable through mid-October. For business and diaspora travelers, the reinstated link shortens transit times via Russia’s energy hub of Tyumen, improving connectivity to Tashkent’s expanding air network. Schedule details and frequencies beyond Saturdays were not disclosed in the announcement, and pricing information was not provided. No official statements from airline executives accompanied the notice.

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Society

Senate Probes Reported Forced Cotton Picking Orders in Sariosiyo After Viral Video

Published: 2025-09-08

A leaked video shows Sariosiyo district deputy hokim for family and women’s affairs Dilfuza Toshmatova ordering mahalla activists to mobilize roughly 150 people for cotton picking, demanding each bring five workers and using abusive language. The incident has triggered investigations by the National Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Ensuring Decent Work, and the Surxondaryo regional administration, which both pledged legal assessment and transparency of findings. Officials stressed that only voluntary pickers should be engaged, reflecting national efforts to eliminate forced labor in the cotton sector following past international scrutiny. The case’s outcome will signal how strictly local authorities enforce labor rights and compliance during harvest season.

"This situation has been taken under control, will be promptly reviewed, and the responsible officials’ actions will be given a legal assessment." - National Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Ensuring Decent Work (anhor.uz)

"Surxondaryo regional administration strictly condemns any form of forced labor... If confirmed, measures will be taken within the law." - Surxondaryo regional administration statement (qalampir.uz)

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Police Warn of New Phone Scam Posing as Law Enforcement to Seize Funds

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan’s Interior Ministry (MIA) has alerted the public to a new fraud pattern involving callers impersonating law enforcement officers or officials. Scammers phone victims claiming their assets—bank accounts, cash, or real estate—are at risk, then apply psychological pressure to push urgent transfers to so‑called “safe” accounts with promises of later reimbursement after “criminals” are caught. Authorities stress that genuine officers do not solicit money transfers by phone and advise ending such calls immediately. The MIA suggests probing callers about their workplace or office details to expose inconsistencies, but emphasizes swift call termination as the safest response. The advisory signals elevated phishing sophistication targeting personal finances and underscores the need for strict verification practices for any unsolicited security-related requests.

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Tashkent Road Accidents Fall 13% in First Eight Months, Yunusabad Leads District Totals

Published: 2025-09-08

Tashkent recorded 4,350 road traffic accidents in January–August 2025, a 13% decrease from 5,008 in the same period last year, according to UzDaily. District-level data show concentration in several areas: Yunusabad registered the most incidents (561), closely followed by Chilonzor (555) and Yashnobod (554). Mid-range figures include Mirzo-Ulug‘bek (475), Shayxontohur (363), and Olmazor (337). Lower totals were reported in Uchtepa (316), Sergeli (288), and Mirobod (269), with the fewest in Bektemir (217), Yakkasaroy (210), and Yangixayot (205). For urban planners and transport operators, the distribution suggests targeted enforcement and infrastructure improvements could be prioritized in high-incidence districts, while sustaining citywide measures that contributed to the overall decline.

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District Authority Sells Football Field Despite Recent Presidential Ban

Published: 2025-09-08

A district administration in Piskent has sold a football field’s land plot at auction for 1.4 billion soums, allowing payment over 10 years, according to kun.uz. The transaction appears to contradict a presidential decree signed 20 days earlier that prohibits changing the designated use or selling football stadiums and fields. The case highlights tensions between local asset monetization and central directives aimed at preserving public sports infrastructure. Legal and administrative scrutiny is likely, as such sales could be deemed invalid under the new ban. For investors and developers, the incident underscores heightened compliance risks in real estate transactions involving public recreational facilities and the increasing emphasis on safeguarding community sports assets.

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Environment

Cooler, Windier Week Ahead as High-Pressure System Shifts Regional Weather Patterns

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan enters a mostly dry stretch this week with gradual cooling after early-week heat, as a slow-moving Scandinavian anticyclone redirects air flows across Eurasia. Forecasts point to daytime highs of 28–33°C nationwide, up to 35–38°C in the south, and cooler nights around 15–20°C. Brief showers remain possible in Tashkent and Fergana mountain areas early in the week and in Karakalpakstan and Khorezm on Friday. Meteorologists warn of stronger northerly winds Thursday–Friday (13–18 m/s in places), raising dust storms in desert zones and urban areas, with air quality impacts likely. The frontal change could pull weekend daytime temperatures down notably, with some northern and highland locations dipping to 9–12°C at dawn. Health-sensitive groups may feel pressure fluctuations and dust exposure; agencies recommend monitoring updated daily advisories. No formal statements by officials were published in the cited reports.

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Eco-Sticker Rollout for Vehicles Pushed to January 2026, Full Assessments Staggered to 2035

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan has postponed the launch of its “Ecological Transport” system, moving the start date to 1 January 2026. The program will classify vehicles by emissions using manufacturers’ Euro standards; where unavailable, the Interior Ministry’s Innovation Projects and Public Services Center will conduct diagnostics. Cars will receive green, yellow, or red stickers based on pollution levels. Sticker distribution in Tashkent now begins in January 2026, with full citywide assessment extended to early 2028 (previously 2027). Provincial capitals and Nukus are slated for completion by January 2031 (from 2029), while remaining regions move to early 2035 (from 2031). Initially planned for June 2024 and then March 2025, the shift accompanies a separate change: from 2026, auctions for “beautiful” license plates end, allowing paid selection of any available letter-number combinations. Distributors and dealers may also replace used cars under updated rules.

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Global Meat Prices Hit Record High as Climate Shocks Curb Supply and Demand Rises in U.S. and China

Published: 2025-09-08

Climate change and livestock diseases are tightening global meat supplies, while rising beef demand in the United States and China is pushing prices to record levels. Higher dairy prices are also reshaping herds, with more cattle retained for milk rather than slaughter, further constraining beef availability. In Uzbekistan, retail prices have accelerated: beef rose 25% and lamb 28.5% over the past year, signaling imported inflation pressures alongside domestic supply adjustments. For businesses and households, elevated protein costs may persist through 2025 as producers rebuild herds and adapt to weather volatility. Policymakers face a balancing act between food affordability and support for livestock producers navigating climate-related risks and animal health challenges.

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Fines Issued After 150 Cases of Neglected Saplings Under “Yashil Makon” Initiative

Published: 2025-09-08

Regional environmental authorities in Jizzakh found 150 instances where saplings planted under the national “Yashil makon” greening campaign were left without care and died, triggering over 470 million soums in penalties under administrative code Article 79(4). Cases include a district school yard, a state road-use entity that planted 200 mulberries and failed to irrigate them, and poplars in a city neighborhood designated for beautification but lacking irrigation systems. The pattern points to planning and maintenance gaps during summer heat, with enforcement actions targeting local entities responsible for upkeep.

"Since the start of this year, 150 cases of neglected or dried-out saplings were identified under the ‘Yashil makon’ project, leading to more than 470 million soums in fines. But fines, regrettably, cannot bring the dried saplings back to life." - Niyat Kamolov, chief specialist for administrative practice, Jizzakh regional Ecology Department (uza.uz)

Sustained irrigation and maintenance frameworks remain critical for the initiative’s success beyond seasonal planting drives.

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Innovation

Comprehensive Education Reforms Greenlit: New ‘Kelajak’ Centers, Engineering Schools, and Avloniy Stipend Rolled Out

Published: 2025-09-08

Uzbekistan approved a package of education reforms spanning preschool to postgraduate levels. A unified national concept will guide values-based activities across institutions, while a vertical system will support student initiatives via newly created “Kelajak” centers and an in‑school advisor role. Preschool capacity expansion continues: mandatory kindergartens in new housing projects, free land and up to seven‑year concessional loans for PPP operators, and a 2026–2028 rollout of “New Generation” kindergartens with innovation hubs in 14 regions. Engineering education will be scaled through specialized five‑year STEM schools in 14 regions with merit‑based admission, plus annual “Advanced Engineering School” competitions from 2026 and new technical HEIs in Tashkent and Olmaliq. A state-backed Abdulla Avloniy stipend will support 3rd–4th year pedagogy students. Doctoral quotas will align with economic priorities, strengthening the Academy of Sciences’ role. The President approved and signed the relevant documents.

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Justice Ministry Expands E-Services as Notaries Shift to Face ID Instead of Passports

Published: 2025-09-08

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed measures to expand justice-related public services, advancing a multi-year digital shift. Over eight years, authorities passed about 70 laws and resolutions and built 202 service centers, with 500+ services now offered via a single window. The plan targets 900 services within three years, annual simplification of 80 services under a “three steps” model, and 1,100 interactive kiosks nationwide. Notarial procedures will drop the requirement to present original IDs, replacing them with Face ID verification; 20 notarial actions will move online by 2027. Several paper documents, including medical test results for marriage registration and proof of address changes for conscripts, will no longer be requested as data moves between systems. Justice Minister Akbar Tashkulov outlined a push for targeted legal outreach to agencies, entrepreneurs, and citizens.

"If agencies and citizens do not thoroughly absorb adopted laws, implementing reforms on the ground becomes difficult." - Justice Minister Akbar Tashkulov (gazeta.uz)

"We will send relevant documents directly and verify whether they are read before demanding execution." - Justice Minister Akbar Tashkulov (gazeta.uz)

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First Angel Investor Program Launches to Boost Regional Startup Funding

Published: 2025-09-08

A new angel investor program has been launched, introducing a workshop that guides participants through the process and legal framework of becoming business angels. Attendees will study investment criteria, review practical cases from international practice, and assess opportunities to fund startups across Uzbekistan’s regions. The initiative aims to channel private capital into early-stage ventures by building investor capacity and aligning local practices with global standards. For the market, the program signals growing institutional support for seed financing outside major hubs, potentially broadening access to capital for founders in the regions. While detailed terms, organizers, and timelines were not disclosed, the workshop’s focus on legal foundations and international benchmarks suggests an effort to formalize angel activity and reduce perceived risks for first-time investors.

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3D Crash Reconstruction and Private Forensics Approved to Modernize Investigations

Published: 2025-09-08

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed reforms to expand and decentralize forensic services, directing upgrades to regional labs and increasing available examination types from roughly 15 to 25. The plan includes authorizing private forensic bureaus and creating a national Chamber of Forensic Experts, alongside significant procurement of equipment and software. Justice Minister Akbar Toshqulov highlighted outdated methodologies in traffic-accident forensics and said rapid 3D scene modeling will be introduced to strengthen evidentiary reliability and speed casework.

"In many traffic cases, citizens could not obtain conclusions because experts used old methods. With new technologies, we can convert incidents into 3D within minutes and systems will propose solutions." - Justice Minister Akbar Toshqulov (gazeta.uz)

Authorities also aim to reduce reliance on Tashkent by enabling electronic interagency data exchange, cutting delays and allowing complex analyses to be handled in the regions.

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