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Uzbekistan — Daily

Uzbekistan Daily: President orders China-focused tech overhaul, consent imaging bill advances, and foreign minister courts Japan

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Published: 2025-09-09

Lawmakers advanced a bill that would require explicit consent to photograph or film individuals and to use their images, moving it through a first reading in the lower house. The draft specifies consent pathways for incapacitated persons (legal guardians) and the deceased (heirs, if no prior consent), and recognizes minors as independent rights holders with a split rule: parents/guardians decide under 16, while those 16+ may consent themselves (anhor.uz, gazeta.uz). The proposal also introduces mandatory signage for CCTV in buildings and clarifies exceptions where recording and use without consent would be permissible, plus remedies for unauthorized use and rules for employment contexts (qalampir.uz, uzdaily.uz). The initiative follows earlier public pushback over free-speech concerns in 2020; a revised version resurfaced in March 2025 and is now back on the legislative track. The law must pass two more readings, the Senate, and presidential signature.

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Presidential Decree Streamlines LLC Ownership Changes and Sets Up Corporate Ethics Commission

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan has adopted a presidential decree (PQ–268, 05.09.2025) to simplify corporate relations, notably easing how changes in limited liability company (LLC) ownership take legal effect. Entry or removal of participants will be recognized from the moment qualifying events occur, including: court decisions on compulsory inclusion/exclusion once they take legal force; sale of shares via the E-auksion platform or other privatization methods once finalized and fully paid; and notarized sale or other transfer to third parties upon issuance of confirming documents. Companies must notify other participants within 30 days of ownership changes. The automated state registration system will enable electronic notifications and waivers of pre-emptive rights and integrate with the Notarius information system. From 1 November 2025, a Corporate Ethics Commission under the Presidential Council for Supporting Entrepreneurship will advise on corporate ethics and assist in dispute resolution.

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Higher Education Shake-up as President Dismisses All Deputy Ministers Following Reform Review

Published: 2025-09-09

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev removed all deputy ministers at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation—First Deputy Shokhrukh Daliyev and deputies Otabek Mahkamov and Sarvarxon Buzrukxonov—citing inadequate grasp of education reforms. The head of the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education, Adkham Khudaykulov, was reassigned, and the Innovation Development Agency director, Sharof Rajabbayev, was also dismissed. The move follows a review noting progress in preschool and general schooling, contrasted with lagging vocational and higher education. The President directed ministers, deputies, and regional hokims to adopt preventive and proactive management across education. As context, students won 195 medals at international Olympiads this year, with 13.5 billion soums in rewards allocated to students and coaches.

"There are changes in preschool and school education, programs are working, results are visible. But officials responsible for vocational and higher education still have not fully understood the essence of the reforms." - President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (gazeta.uz)

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Draft Law Seeks to Codify Right to Strike and Align Labor Rules with ILO Standards

Published: 2025-09-09

Lawmakers in the Legislative Chamber reviewed a Senate-initiated draft to legally guarantee the right to strike for the first time, aiming to align national law with ILO Conventions 87 and 98 and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The bill comprises nine articles amending two laws and four codes, including the Labor Code, to define strikes, set procedures for initiating and conducting them, and specify employee guarantees. It also clarifies grounds and processes to delay, suspend, resume, or end strikes, alongside applicable restrictions. The proposal follows expanded legislative initiative powers under the revised Constitution, with the Senate submitting its second-ever initiative and the Ombudsman having used the mechanism earlier this year. Current draft Labor Code provisions do not grant employees a right to strike; the new bill would fill that gap and formalize collective action rules.

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Lawmakers Advance Bill Shifting 61 Executive Powers to Local Councils

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber approved, in second and third readings, a bill reallocating 61 powers from regional and district executive offices (hokimliks) to elected local councils, sending it to the Senate. The reform deepens a 2024 legal change that split the roles of hokim and council chair, requiring amendments to 9 codes and 69 laws. Under the “Strong council, accountable and proactive hokim” principle, representation and executive functions will be rebalanced: councils gain oversight of program implementation, authority over certain executive-related tasks, and new mandates such as establishing botanical and recreation parks and approving and monitoring territorial programs. The package formalizes councils’ expanded inquiry and inspection powers, while hokims retain the right to challenge council decisions in court. The bill previously passed first reading with unanimous support from 115 deputies.

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Opposition Leader Criticizes Transport Ministry Over Ticket Shortages and Limited Flights

Published: 2025-09-09

Alisher Qodirov, leader of the Milliy Tiklanish party, publicly criticized the Transport Ministry for persistent difficulties purchasing plane and train tickets and the limited frequency of domestic flights. He argued that tourism growth is being constrained by insufficient transport capacity and irregular flight schedules to historic and tourist hubs, where daily services are often unavailable. Qodirov questioned whether the ministry has a long-term strategy to support tourism and meet rising passenger demand, highlighting a gap between visitor inflows and infrastructure readiness.

"When will we be able to freely buy tickets for our planes and trains? When will the number of aircraft increase? Passenger demand is high, but conditions are not sufficient. I doubt the ministry even has a long-term strategy for this." - Alisher Qodirov, leader of Milliy Tiklanish (anhor.uz)

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Policy Shifts in Education and Governance with High-Level Visit Planned and Compliance Actions Taken

Published: 2025-09-09

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb plans an official visit to Tashkent, with an intergovernmental commission meeting and a business forum expected. Uzbekistan condemned Israel’s strike in Doha as a breach of Qatar’s sovereignty, signaling sharper diplomatic positioning in the Gulf.

Education reforms accelerated: a 12-year school model with a preparatory year is planned; a unified state exam would merge school-leaving, university entrance, and subject certification; AI courses arrive in upper grades from 2026/27; and specialized STEM school branches will open nationwide. The government targets more preschool places in 2025, introduces a new “1+5” pathway to upskill kindergarten teachers, and establishes a Vocational Education Agency.

"My promise to raise teachers’ salaries to a thousand dollars has become reality within three years." - President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (gazeta.uz)

Regulatory moves include scrapping medical certificates for marriage registration and equating digital personal records with paper versions. Competition authorities uncovered 3.5 billion soums in procurement violations across three tenders. Several deputy ministers and agency heads in higher education and innovation were dismissed. Lawmakers advanced bills enhancing local councils’ powers and proposing free urban transport for persons with Group I disabilities and companions. Separate legislation would penalize use of military-like uniforms.

Infrastructure and transport updates include a planned ticket price increase for the Tashkent–Chinorkent express from September 25 and temporary road restrictions on Bektemir–Chorbog for a cycling race. Tianjin Rail Transit Group proposed participating in new Tashkent metro stations and upgrades.

Law enforcement reported arrests in a $900,000 permit-bribe scheme in Tashkent and a fatal crane collapse at “Dombirobod City.” An Andijan district deputy governor is suspected of bribery tied to export paperwork. A Tashkent driver with illegal tinting avoided roadside penalties via a phone call but was later fined after video scrutiny.

Social policy initiatives include tax breaks for day-care services for children with disabilities via PPPs and the rollout of Vakolat.uz on January 1 for proxy-based access to state services and power-of-attorney verification. Uzbekistan also plans joint China-modeled skills workshops and to increase technical college enrollment aligned with investor demand. In sports, the national team won the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 final against Iran, 1–0, with the president awarding the trophy.

"These strikes are an attack on Qatar’s sovereignty, border inviolability, and security." - Uzbekistan Foreign Ministry statement (gazeta.uz)

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Economy

Customs Eases In‑Territory Processing with New Permit Rules and Timelines

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan approved a regulation clarifying and streamlining the “processing in the customs territory” regime. Under a Cabinet decision, goods can be placed under this regime based on the Customs Code and a processing permit, aligning procedures with production and export workflows. Applicants must file electronically via the State Customs Committee website to the relevant territorial customs office—or to the Committee for specialized goods—submitting details on the production process, calculated output norms, identification methods for processed products, and necessary contracts. Customs must review applications within 10 working days, and permits are issued for the requested term up to a maximum of two years. The move standardizes documentation, sets predictable timelines, and may reduce administrative frictions for manufacturers and tolling operators aiming to process inputs domestically before re-export or release to the local market.

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Foreign-Invested Companies Reach 16,609 as Trade Leads Sector Distribution

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan recorded 16,609 companies with foreign investment as of 1 August 2025, according to the National Statistics Committee. Of these, 12,515 are wholly foreign-owned and 4,094 are joint ventures. Sectorally, trade accounts for the largest share at 35.9% (5,960 firms), followed by industry (3,449), construction (1,248), information and communications (1,220), accommodation and food services (704), transportation and storage (551), agriculture/forestry/fishing (404), and healthcare/social services (197). The remaining 2,876 operate in other sectors. The concentration in trade highlights continued investor preference for distribution and retail channels, while notable footprints in industry and ICT suggest diversification beyond traditional sectors. These figures provide a snapshot of the evolving structure of foreign investment across Uzbekistan’s economy.

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Official Exchange Rates Fall for Second Straight Day as Som Strengthens

Published: 2025-09-09

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan set new official exchange rates for 10 September, marking a second consecutive day of declines in major currencies against the som. The U.S. dollar fell by 84.27 som to 12,355.14; the euro dropped 44.43 som to 14,539.53; and the Russian ruble slipped 3.39 som to 148.48. Though the bank did not issue an accompanying statement, the back-to-back adjustments suggest continued short-term som resilience on the official market, which can influence import pricing, contract settlements, and payroll planning for firms operating in multiple currencies. Businesses with dollar- or euro-denominated costs may see marginal relief, while exporters paid in foreign currency could face lower som proceeds. Market participants will watch whether the official rates converge with cash and interbank levels and if the Central Bank signals further calibration in the coming days.

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Task Force Drafts Plan to Expand Night-Time Economy Through 2030

Published: 2025-09-09

A government task force led by the Strategic Reforms Agency is drafting a presidential resolution to develop the night-time economy, aiming to broaden services and entertainment offerings after dark, create jobs, and raise the sector’s GDP share through 2030. Plans include opening designated 24/7 streets and zones, expanding cafes, restaurants, retail, cinemas, Wi‑Fi areas, car- and bike-sharing, and mobile clinics, along with concerts and festivals. Targets envision 320 round‑the‑clock streets, 8,000 cafes and restaurants, and 14,200 service points by 2030. Early pilot lists cover 27 districts and cities, including all districts of Tashkent. Standards will require 800–2,000 meter zones with compliant noise levels. Support measures feature a local brands registry, partial reimbursement for staff training and loan interest, and reduced costs for outdoor advertising and lighting. Additional steps include night bus routes and cruises, a “Night Economy” digital platform, municipal “night economy managers,” operator-led maintenance, and smart surveillance. Authorities estimate 11,000+ new jobs and up to 200,000 additional tourists annually.

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Half-Year GDP Expands 7.2% with Services and Construction Leading Gains

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan’s economy grew 7.2% in the first half of the year, driven by double-digit expansions in market services (13.3%) and construction (10.7%), alongside 6.6% growth in industry and 4.0% in agriculture. Deputy Prime Minister and Economy and Finance Minister Jamshid Qo‘chqorov reported that real incomes rose 9.5%, while fixed investment reached UZS 273.4 trillion, up 5.5% year-on-year. External trade hit $37 billion, a 16.1% increase. Budget revenues were executed at 103.4% and expenditures at 96.8%; for H1 2025, revenues totaled UZS 144.2 trillion (+19.2% y/y) and expenditures UZS 173.3 trillion (+16.0%). VAT refunds amounted to UZS 12.1 trillion, and registered VAT payers grew 3.4% to 230,400, reflecting ongoing formalization of businesses. Social spending reached UZS 86.2 trillion, accounting for nearly half of total expenditures.

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CIFIT Showcase Unveils ‘Invest in Uzbekistan’ Pavilion in Xiamen

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan launched its “Invest in Uzbekistan” pavilion at the 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, positioning priority sectors to Chinese and global investors. The four-day pavilion highlights opportunities across agriculture, geology, tourism, chemicals, textiles, leather, and sericulture. Organizers plan presentations, product demonstrations, seminars, and a business forum to connect Uzbek and Chinese firms. Targeted meetings in G2G, G2B, and B2B formats are slated to expand bilateral cooperation and attract capital. CIFIT, held annually since 1997, is China’s largest investment and trade fair, drawing delegates from dozens of countries and over 500 leading Chinese companies this year. The pavilion signals sustained outreach to diversify FDI sources and deepen industrial links with China’s supply chains, particularly in manufacturing and agro-processing, while facilitating practical deal-making through structured matchmaking.

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Chinese Firms Explore Expanded Partnerships Across Priority Sectors

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade hosted talks on 5 September with senior executives from leading Chinese companies spanning healthcare, construction, geology, transport and finance. Delegations included representatives of China Railway 20th Bureau Group for Central Asia, the presidents of China Construction Bank International and Huaxia Bank, the chair of the IBN Public Welfare Foundation, and the chair of Shangxiang Xingzuo Entertainment Group. Officials outlined Uzbekistan’s investment climate, incentives and practical guidance for structuring projects, drawing strong interest from attendees. Both sides prioritized scaling cooperation and launching new joint ventures in key sectors. The ministry framed the meeting as part of efforts to deepen economic ties, boost two-way investment, and support pipeline initiatives—signaling continued momentum in China–Uzbekistan project development and potential financing avenues through major Chinese financial institutions.

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IFC and Ministry Agree on New Public-Private Partnership Priorities in Health, Education, and Energy

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan’s Investment, Industry and Trade Ministry met with IFC’s regional team to review results and set new cooperation tracks. Discussions centered on scaling public-private partnerships (PPPs) in healthcare, education, and energy, building on the country’s first investor deal under the Scaling Solar program, which now serves as a template for future energy projects. The sides highlighted IFC’s role in opening access to finance, advising on reforms, and improving the regulatory framework to bolster private sector growth. They also focused on upgrades to investment legislation and strengthening financial management at national companies to facilitate access to international capital markets. Interest was expressed in expanding IFC’s engagement with the Presidential Foreign Investors’ Council to deepen policy dialogue and investor confidence.

"Reforms in Uzbekistan are open and aimed at creating a favorable environment for investors." - Vibke Schloemer, IFC Regional Director (uzdaily.uz)

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Pakistan Textile Association Engages on Managing Underperforming Uzbek Factories

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan’s ambassador Alisher To‘xtayev met with Shahid Sattar, secretary general of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), to discuss potential management of low-capacity enterprises in Uzbekistan by Pakistani operators, according to kun.uz. The dialogue signals interest in leveraging Pakistan’s textile expertise to rehabilitate or optimize Uzbek plants operating below potential, likely within ongoing industrial modernization and export-oriented strategies. If advanced, such arrangements could introduce Pakistani technical management, efficiency practices, and supply chain linkages, while offering APTMA members market access and diversification. No formal commitments or timelines were disclosed, and regulatory frameworks, investment terms, and labor integration will be pivotal for next steps. The move aligns with regional efforts to deepen sectoral cooperation and could affect textile sourcing and competitiveness in Central Asia.

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Turkish Textile Firms Explore Expansion Following Investment Roundtable in Kahramanmaraş

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan’s embassy co-hosted a roundtable with Arikan Group in Turkey’s Kahramanmaraş province to present the country’s trade, economic, and investment potential, signaling fresh momentum for Turkish textile companies to expand operations in Uzbekistan. The event aligns with Uzbekistan’s push to attract value-added manufacturing, leveraging Turkish expertise in yarn, fabric, and apparel production. Kahramanmaraş, a major textile hub, offers a pipeline of producers seeking cost-efficient scaling and proximity to raw cotton and emerging Central Asian markets. While specific projects or incentives were not disclosed, such forums typically precede feasibility studies, joint ventures, and cluster participation in Uzbek industrial zones. Attendees likely examined logistics corridors, energy pricing, and export opportunities to the EU and CIS under Uzbekistan’s ongoing industrial modernization and investment liberalization programs.

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Central Bank Outlines Overhaul of Consumer Protection in Financial Services for 2025

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan’s Central Bank has introduced a new policy framework to reform supervision and regulation for protecting consumers of financial services starting in 2025. The “Concept for Protecting the Rights of Financial Services Consumers” sets expected consumer outcomes under Central Bank policy, delineates responsibilities for providers to achieve those outcomes, and links regulatory actions to measurable consumer benefits. The framework emphasizes holding providers accountable for responsible conduct and aligning with international best practices to expand consumer rights and capabilities. It also prioritizes a results-based logic tying policy interventions to consumer outcomes, aiming to reduce complaints and improve market discipline. The rollout follows a media dialogue where journalists and bloggers engaged specialists on implementation details. No specific timelines, enforcement mechanisms, or legislative amendments were disclosed beyond the 2025 start for the new strategic direction.

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Diplomacy

Foreign Minister Courts Japan’s Trading Houses to Deepen Investment and Technology Ties

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister hosted executives from Japan’s leading trading houses and agencies—JICA, JETRO, Sumitomo, ITOCHU, Toyota Tsusho, Marubeni, Mitsui, Mitsubishi, and Sojitz—to expand bilateral economic cooperation. Discussions centered on improving the investment climate, deploying advanced technologies, and matching Japanese expertise with domestic reform priorities, signaling a push to convert policy openness into concrete projects across industry and infrastructure. The meeting was framed as part of reforms to create more predictable, investor-friendly conditions, with both sides exploring practical solutions for business facilitation and project delivery.

"Finding the best solutions to current issues, creating favorable conditions, and developing mutually beneficial cooperation were the main topics on our agenda." - Foreign Minister Baxtiyor Saidov (uza.uz)

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Israel Strikes Alleged Hamas Leadership Sites in Doha; Tashkent and Astana Condemn Violation of Qatari Sovereignty

Published: 2025-09-09

Multiple explosions were reported in Doha, with Israel’s military saying it conducted “precise” strikes targeting senior Hamas leaders allegedly responsible for the October 7 attacks and ongoing operations. Qatari authorities confirmed blasts linked to strikes on residences and condemned the action as a breach of sovereignty, launching a high-level investigation. This marks the first reported Israeli operation of this kind in Qatar, a key mediator in Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage talks, raising regional diplomatic risk. Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry denounced the attack as an infringement of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law, aligning with Kazakhstan’s presidential condemnation.

"These actions, regardless of their purpose, are absolutely unacceptable as they openly violate Qatar’s sovereign rights and contradict international law principles." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (qalampir.uz)

"Such actions are completely unacceptable and represent a serious disregard for the UN Charter and fundamental norms of international law." - Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (gazeta.uz)

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Central Asian Delegation Studies German Logistics to Advance Trans-Caspian Corridor

Published: 2025-09-09

A senior delegation from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan completed a five-day study tour of major German logistics sites to inform upgrades along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. Organized by GIZ under the BMZ-mandated “Support to Trade in Central Asia” program, the visit focused on automation, multimodal integration, and clean energy applications relevant to the region’s trade infrastructure. Site visits included Rhenus’s e-commerce-enabled robotic and paperless warehouse in Duisburg, the climate-neutral design model at Duisport inland port, Henkel’s automated high-bay warehouse with renewables integration and waste reduction, and modular, cost-effective automation at BITO and TÜNKERS. Delegates identified three priorities for pilot projects: phased automation of warehouses, standardized multimodal hubs, and workforce and digital capacity building. These steps aim to improve corridor reliability, cut operating costs, and align logistics development with sustainability goals.

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Visa-Free Travel for Diplomatic Passport Holders Follows Tashkent–Manama Talks

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan and Bahrain agreed to lift visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders during a meeting in Manama between Uzbek Foreign Minister Baxtiyor Saidov and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, signaling a step toward closer diplomatic engagement. While specific implementation dates were not disclosed, the decision typically facilitates easier official travel, accelerates bilateral consultations, and can pave the way for expanded cooperation in trade, investment, and aviation links. Such arrangements often precede broader mobility or economic agreements, especially as both countries court Gulf–Central Asia connectivity. Further details on timelines and any extension to service or ordinary passports were not provided in the initial report, suggesting follow-up announcements may define the scope and entry procedures for eligible officials.

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Tashkent and EU Envoy Discuss Expanded Cooperation on Afghanistan

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ismatulla Irgashev, met EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar on 8 September to review bilateral coordination on Afghan issues and signal continuity in dialogue. The discussion reaffirmed both sides’ interest in maintaining regular consultations and deepening practical engagement between Tashkent and Brussels. While no new initiatives were announced, the meeting’s constructive tone underscores sustained EU–Uzbek alignment on managing regional stability risks, humanitarian concerns, and economic connectivity linked to Afghanistan. The session also indicates that channels remain open for future coordination on aid delivery, engagement frameworks with Afghan authorities, and regional infrastructure planning, which are central to Uzbekistan’s strategy of fostering secure trade corridors and mitigating spillover risks from Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis.

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Infrastructure

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan’s construction watchdog reviewed seismic safety across 9,579 multi-storey buildings, finding 87% compliant while 1,242 require instrumental-technical assessments. Authorities have completed detailed checks at 336 sites, forwarding 396 low-quality projects to law enforcement and filing nearly 200 lawsuits against unauthorized builds; over 100 illegal structures have already been demolished. Criminal cases are open in 40 egregious violations. Inspectors recorded 201 instances of unapproved floor additions, including a Tashkent case where a developer built 21 floors instead of the permitted 14 despite eight written orders to halt. Work has now been stopped, a lawsuit filed over the extra floors, and a task group formed to assess their seismic resistance. The inspection’s registry includes 27,372 monitored sites as of 2025, aligning with a policy push for new buildings to meet at least 9-magnitude seismic resilience.

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Nukus-2 Wind Project to Add 200 MW and Battery Storage to Stabilize Grid

Published: 2025-09-09

Karakalpakstan will host the Nukus-2 wind power project, a 200 MW facility integrating Central Asia’s first utility-scale battery energy storage system, according to the Jokargy Kenes information service (uza.uz). The project is expected to deliver over 727 million kWh of clean electricity annually, reduce CO₂ emissions, and create more than 200 jobs. By pairing wind generation with storage, Nukus-2 aims to enhance grid stability and reliability—key for balancing variability and meeting growing demand. The initiative supports the national target to lift renewables to 54% of power generation by 2030, signaling momentum in the country’s low‑carbon transition. While financial terms and commissioning timelines were not disclosed, the combination of wind and storage underscores a strategic push to modernize the energy mix and improve system resilience in a region with rising power needs.

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Tianjin Rail Transit Eyes Role in Building New Tashkent Metro Stations

Published: 2025-09-09

China’s Tianjin Rail Transit Group is in talks to help modernize and construct new stations for the Tashkent Metro, according to Transport Minister Ilhom Mahkamov. The discussions align with broader regional connectivity goals advanced at the September SCO summit, where leaders weighed digitizing border crossings and easing congestion, alongside accelerating the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and progressing the Trans-Afghan corridor. Uzbekistan and China also discussed expanding multimodal logistics and freight volumes. In parallel, the 8-km New Tashkent city metro line with three stations is slated for completion by end-2026, with Turkey’s Hvav Yapi as investor. Talks in August between deputy minister Jasurbek Choriyev and Tianjin Rail Transit’s deputy CEO Yunkan Ma covered metro reconstruction, new lines, and a proposed Tashkent–Samarkand high-speed link.

"Negotiations were held with Tianjin Rail Transit Group as a partner for Tashkent Metro construction, including offers to modernize existing stations and participate in building new ones." - Ilhom Mahkamov, Transport Minister (gazeta.uz)

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Lower House Approves Urban Renewal Law Setting Strong Property Safeguards

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber passed the “On Urban Planning Renovation” law in second reading, sending it to the Senate for review. The framework defines goals, principles, project stages, and governance for urban renewal, centering on consent-based participation and property rights. Projects must secure notarized agreements from all rights holders, and expropriation cannot occur without a court decision. The bill mandates public consultation via an electronic platform, media, official websites, and other feedback channels alongside submission to regional councils, adding transparency to planning. Authorities are required to ensure the inviolability of private property and interpret ambiguities in favor of rights holders during relations with state bodies. Lawmakers say the reforms aim to enable efficient land use, deliver modern, safe, energy-efficient housing, and upgrade engineering and social infrastructure while enhancing urban architecture and investment appeal. The bill now moves to the Senate.

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Society

U.S. Deports 39 Uzbek Nationals Following Immigration Violations

Published: 2025-09-09

The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent said a special flight on Sunday, 7 September returned 39 Uzbek citizens who lacked legal residence status in the United States. The operation is part of Washington’s ongoing border enforcement measures and reflects a broader tightening of migration controls at U.S. frontiers. According to the embassy, individuals who enter and remain in the country in violation of immigration laws are detained and removed. The statement emphasized continued cooperation with Uzbekistan on deportation procedures, signaling stable bilateral coordination on consular and law enforcement matters. The embassy publicly thanked Tashkent for facilitating the removals, underscoring procedural alignment on documentation and repatriation logistics across agencies in both countries.

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Environment

All Farmland Shifted to Lease Rights by 2027 as Secondary Leasing and On‑Farm Facilities Approved

Published: 2025-09-09

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals to improve agricultural land use, with authorities reporting that 94% of the country’s 45 million hectares are now recorded and 88.4% of over 26 million hectares of agricultural land registered. A new inventory will separately track idle plots returned to district administrations, which must be auctioned via an automated, non‑discretionary system. The government is converting agricultural land use to marketable lease rights, introducing sublease and secondary lease mechanisms, and allowing partial subleasing without returning land to the state for re‑auction. All agricultural land in use must shift to lease rights by January 1, 2027. Light-structure facilities serving agriculture—cold storage, sorting and packaging sites, water‑saving technologies, field shelters, and machinery parks—are permitted under approved land‑planning projects that serve as proof of land rights during permitting. A presidential decree was signed to implement these measures, with regulatory changes to follow.

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Polish Firms Explore Waste-Processing Ventures Following Meeting with Uzbek Diplomats

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbek embassy diplomats met with Aleksandra Widuch, CEO of New Energy Transfer Group and Gulf Energy Efficiency, to discuss potential projects in municipal and industrial waste processing in the country, according to kun.uz. While no agreements were announced, the talks signal early-stage interest from Polish-linked companies in bringing technology and investment into Uzbekistan’s waste-management sector, an area targeted for modernization amid urban growth and environmental priorities. Such initiatives typically involve public-private partnerships and regulatory coordination at municipal levels, suggesting next steps could include feasibility studies, pilot facilities, and discussions with regional authorities. The engagement aligns with broader trends of European companies assessing Central Asian markets for green infrastructure opportunities, with potential spillovers into recycling, energy recovery, and local supply chains if projects proceed.

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Innovation

President Orders Overhaul of Technical Education with China-Focused Training and New Agency

Published: 2025-09-09

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev ordered a rapid reset of vocational education, criticizing underuse of 598 technical colleges that can enroll 450,000 students but took in only 182,000 out of 608,000 ninth-grade graduates this year. Governors must ensure at least 50% of ninth-graders enter technical colleges starting 2026/2027, adding 200,000 students. A new Vocational Education Agency will unify policy, roll out international-standard teaching across all technical colleges in 2025, and co-develop sectoral skills standards with industry. Investor demand will shape training: university quotas will align with labor needs, technical college curricula can be altered by up to 30% per investor orders, and firms adopting dual training will receive concessional loans. Two Uzbekistan–China training workshops will open in each region, and 100+ native Chinese teachers and volunteers will support Chinese-language instruction in schools, colleges, and universities, aligning with a US$35 billion project pipeline requiring tech-savvy, Chinese-speaking talent.

"From today, we declare a year of teaching youth vocational skills so they can earn stable incomes; if done right, neighborhoods will have no poor or unemployed." - President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (anhor.uz)

"Such projects require thousands of specialists who understand technologies and the Chinese language well." - President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (gazeta.uz)

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12-Year Schooling Planned as Preparatory Year Moves Into Primary Curriculum

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan plans to shift to a 12-year general education model by incorporating the existing near-universal (about 100%) school preparatory year for six-year-olds into primary education. The move, approved after President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed education reforms, aims to align with international standards (UNESCO ISCED) and improve university readiness. Authorities argue the change will reduce the need for one-year foundation courses abroad, which reportedly affect around 15,000 graduates annually, and enhance pathways to direct bachelor’s entry in several countries. Implementation would require amendments to the laws on education and preschool education, updating teacher preparation programs, and organizing new preparatory provision across thousands of schools and state preschools.

"If we legislate 12 years of schooling, our students will no longer be obliged to study foundation courses and will be able to enter bachelor’s programs directly." - Sardor Rajabov, Deputy Minister for Preschool and School Education (gazeta.uz)

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AI Curriculum Added to Upper Grades, Specialized School Network Linked to Tech Universities

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan will introduce artificial intelligence classes in upper secondary grades from the next academic year, requiring computer upgrades in 2,000 classrooms and 6,300 interactive boards financed in the 2025 state budget, according to reports of a presidential meeting on education reforms. The government will expand specialized school branches: Al-Khorazmi (IT), Mirzo Ulugbek (engineering), and Ibn Sina (natural sciences), and pair them directly with regional technical universities. High-performing graduates from these schools will be admitted to partner universities’ second year, creating a fast-track pipeline for STEM talent. Tashkent will also host the International Chemistry and Informatics Olympiads in 2026—the first such hosting in Central Asia—under prime ministerial oversight of preparations.

"From the next school year, AI lessons will be introduced for upper grades, with required equipment funded in next year’s budget." - President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (gazeta.uz)

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Unified State Exam Proposed to Merge School Finals and University Admissions

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan is preparing to introduce a Unified State Exam (YADI) that would consolidate three separate assessments—school-leaving exams, university entrance tests, and subject certification—into a single, internationally accredited system. The proposal surfaced at a 8 September presidential meeting on education reform and is being designed with AI-enabled administration and online delivery. Scores would simultaneously serve as graduation results and as the basis for university admissions, mirroring Russia’s Unified State Exam model long discussed in Tashkent policy circles. Officials say the change aims to cut costs, save time, and reduce pressure on students while standardizing outcomes across the country. The move follows broader reforms, including a planned shift to 12-year general schooling to align graduates with direct entry to overseas bachelor’s programs.

"Today graduates first take state final exams, then separate university entrance tests. This creates extra costs, time, and, most importantly, a stressful situation for our children." - Sardor Rajabov, Deputy Minister of Preschool and School Education (qalampir.uz)

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Mobiuz invests $30 million to upgrade networks in Karakalpakstan and Khorezm

Published: 2025-09-09

Mobiuz has launched the first phase of a large-scale network modernization (SWAP) in Karakalpakstan and Khorezm, committing over $30 million with more than $13 million already deployed. Partnering with ZTE Corporation, the operator replaced 314 microwave links and 268 base stations in Karakalpakstan and 376 microwave links and 305 base stations in Khorezm, while activating 1,230 new base stations across both regions. Live tests indicated average mobile internet speeds up 20% in Karakalpakstan and 33% in Khorezm, with traffic volumes rising 36% and 34% respectively. Independent radiomonitoring by the national telecom network management center ranked Mobiuz as the regional leader for speed and network stability. The project will continue and expand, aligning with Mobiuz’s broader rollout that includes 5G launch in Fergana Valley cities in August.

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New Vocational Education Agency to Oversee Lifelong Skills System

Published: 2025-09-09

Uzbekistan will establish a Vocational Education Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers to implement a unified state policy for vocational education and training, discussed at a meeting chaired by the president on 8 September, Gazeta.uz reported. The agency will manage and coordinate the sector, introduce a results-based, lifelong learning framework, and set standards for qualifications, program durations, assessment, and methodological requirements. Pedagogical staff in vocational institutions will undergo certification with a structured grading system. Dual education will expand sharply, with student participation targeted to rise from 34,000 to 150,000; incentives for enterprises are planned to accelerate industry-education integration and adopt foreign curricula, including Chinese models. The reforms align with ongoing conversion of colleges and vocational schools into partially autonomous technicums, 14 of which will implement the UK’s BTEC program. There were no direct quotes from named officials in the report.

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Sports

District Sells Football Field Despite Presidential Ban on Stadium Transactions

Published: 2025-09-09

A football field in Piskent district’s Murotali neighborhood was auctioned on September 8 for 1.411 billion soums with a 10-year installment plan, despite a presidential decision signed on August 21 prohibiting the sale or repurposing of stadiums and football pitches. The sale, conducted on the E-auksion platform and lasting over four hours, named Bahrom Jumabayev Khusnitdinovich as the winning bidder—offering roughly 36 times the starting price. Satellite images confirm the plot, measuring 10.2 sotix, previously hosted a stadium. The land was approved for sale by district hokim Muzaffar Aripov on July 26. Under Uzbek law, presidential decrees supersede local decisions, making the transaction legally questionable and suggesting the auction should not have occurred. Authorities may face scrutiny over compliance and potential reversal of the sale.

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Arts

Global Architecture Delegation Heads to Tashkent for SHARE Forum Debut in Central Asia

Published: 2025-09-09

Over 30 architects from 15 countries, including leaders from Bjarke Ingels Group, Zaha Hadid Architects, XTU, MAD, KPF, and Enota, will convene in Tashkent on 22–23 September 2025 for the first SHARE Uzbekistan International Architecture and Urbanism Forum—SHARE Architects’ inaugural Central Asia event. Backed by the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services, the two-day program will address urban transformation, people‑centric design, adaptive architecture, and façades, featuring voices tied to projects like “New Tashkent.” Organizers frame the forum as a platform to connect international practices with Uzbekistan’s fast-evolving urban agenda and green building standards, with open registration for architects, engineers, suppliers, and developers.

"We believe the synergy of international and local experience will lay the foundation for solutions that are modern yet harmonized with our culture." - Davronjon Adilov, Deputy Minister (uzdaily.uz)

"Launching the SHARE Forum in Uzbekistan inspires us... modernity and tradition can jointly serve a sustainable future." - Florin Mindirijiu, Founder, SHARE Architects (uzdaily.uz)

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