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Uzbekistan — Daily

Uzbekistan Daily: Pension age hike proposed, Tashkent unveils fintech plan, and digital IDs legalized

,   and  Lexica
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Politics

Gradual Pension Age Increase Proposed, With Private Funds Eyed by 2030

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan’s Pension Fund proposed raising the statutory retirement age in stages—men from 60 to 63 and women from 55 to 58—adding six months per year, with a softer option of three-month increments under consideration. Authorities cite rising life expectancy (about 75 years) and mounting fiscal pressures as drivers; budget transfers to finance pensions have grown and are projected to reach 38 trillion soums by 2030. A public consultation platform will run for a month before a finalized reform concept is unveiled, while the broader reform roadmap also foresees laying the legal groundwork in 2027–2028 for private pension funds, potentially launching by 2030.

"Only Uzbekistan remains; other countries have already raised the retirement age." - Murodbek Atajanov, Executive Director, Pension Fund (spot.uz)

"If there isn’t a reliable legal framework, someone could collect funds and disappear." - Murodbek Atajanov, Executive Director, Pension Fund (spot.uz)

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Presidential Decree Streamlines Ministerial Rulemaking and Cuts Red Tape in Regulatory Drafting

Published: 2025-09-10

President’s Decree PF–161 (8 Sept 2025) introduces an outcomes-focused framework for ministerial and agency rulemaking. Ministries may issue departmental acts whenever they hold policy-implementation mandates under laws or presidential/government acts; an explicit delegation clause is no longer required. New bans curb regulatory overreach: agency acts cannot create new benefits or penalties, complicate procedures, restrict rights, or impose unfunded costs, new taxes/fees, or new licensing/permit/notification regimes unless explicitly allowed by law. Timelines tighten: drafting capped at 2 months (unless higher-level acts set longer), public consultation set at 10 days (projects may move to Justice Ministry review if no feedback within 5 days), legal expertise/state registration shortened to 20 days (extensions cut to 10), and refusals within 15 days for noncompliant submissions. The Justice Ministry gains continuous monitoring powers and may edit acts to align with the Constitution, superior laws, and legislative drafting technique. A 30‑day post-clearance adoption requirement is abolished, and technical alignment amendments may be registered without interagency concurrence, accelerating compliance updates.

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Parliament Advances Strike Rights and Clarifies Part-Time Work Rules in Labor Code Overhaul

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber approved a bill aligning national labor law with ILO Conventions 87 and 98, introducing a legal framework for strikes, including definitions, procedures, guarantees for workers during strikes, delay/suspension/resumption rules, and specific limitations (anhor.uz). Lawmakers say the changes close gaps and strengthen protections to international standards. Separately, deputies advanced amendments to the Labor Code to resolve disputes over part-time work, specifying that a medical certificate requirement applies only when caring for an ill family member, not to pregnant women or parents of young or disabled children (uzdaily.uz). The update removes duplicative language and references a single article to ensure consistent application. Together, the measures signal tighter compliance, clearer employer obligations, and reduced administrative friction in HR practices, particularly around industrial action and flexible schedules.

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Notary Reforms Expand Authority, Digitize Procedures and Extend Retirement Age

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan has approved comprehensive notary reforms under a 9 September presidential decree (PQ–280), phasing in changes through 2026. From 1 March 2026, notaries may issue writs of execution for uncontested claims based on notarized agreements, secured real estate obligations, and arrears for rent, utilities, telecoms, and homeowners’ association dues—capped up to 1,000 base calculation units. A unified, two-stage exam using digital platforms will replace separate state/private entry processes from 1 April 2026, while the maximum working age for notaries rises to 70 subject to High Qualification Commission interviews and individual consent. Digitization accelerates: marriage contracts must be uploaded to the Notarius IT system from 1 December 2025; physical passports will no longer be required for identity verification from 1 January 2026 (biometrics and document data suffice); and real estate transactions will be registered electronically by notaries from 1 April 2026 with automatic updates to utility databases. Compliance measures include temporary license suspension for justified absences, graded sanctions, and mandatory QR-code, stamp, and signature on documents.

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Policy Shifts, Market Signals and Safety Alerts Define Uzbekistan’s Day of Updates

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan reiterated a balanced foreign policy as the Foreign Ministry stressed equal, respectful cooperation with East and West and clarified the SCO’s non-confrontational stance toward the West. > "We support cooperation with all partners on an equal and respectful basis; the SCO does not imply confrontation with the West" - Ahror Burkhanov, Foreign Ministry representative (gazeta.uz)

Leadership changes touched higher education and quality assurance, while a proposal to gradually raise the pension age to 63 for men and 58 for women surfaced. The Central Bank reported annual inflation at 8.8% in August, driven by energy costs; food inflation was heavily influenced by meat prices. Fintech plans include a Central Bank Fintech Office, AI and blockchain adoption, and integration of legal services to deliver tailored regulations proactively. Night-time economy reforms envision 320 24/7 streets, speed limits of 20 km/h in those zones, and growth in round-the-clock dining.

UzAuto Motors is developing eight new models with a focus on SUVs and a refreshed Cobalt. Safety and rule-of-law updates included a warning to citizens in Nepal amid protests and curfew, major smuggling and extradition cases, and confirmation that an Angren crash ranks among the deadliest in recent years. Urban redevelopment plans could relocate the Tashkent Pharmaceutical Institute to the region to make way for a five-star hotel, sparking civic pushback. Regionally, Kazakhstan’s president ordered an AI ministry and accelerated nuclear projects, Apple unveiled the iPhone 17 line, and NATO partners intercepted Russian drones over Poland.

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Lawmakers Review H1 2025 Budget Execution as Revenues Rise and Social Spending Expands

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan’s lower house reviewed execution of the state and targeted funds budgets for H1 2025, presented by Deputy PM and Economy and Finance Minister J. Qochqorov. GDP rose 7.2% year-on-year, with industry up 6.6%, services 13.3%, construction 10.7%, and agriculture 4.0%. External trade reached $37.0 billion (+16.1%). Budget revenues totaled 144.2 trillion UZS (+19.2%) and were executed at 103.4%, while expenditures reached 173.3 trillion UZS (+16.0%) with 96.8% execution. Social outlays were 86.2 trillion UZS, or 49.8% of spending. VAT refunds to businesses amounted to 12.1 trillion UZS; VAT payers increased 3.4% to 230.4k. Party factions backed growth and stability but pressed for better absorption, especially in health projects and regional infrastructure, and called for continued tax simplification, digitization, and stronger parliamentary oversight.

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Economy

Business Activity Index Posts Moderate Monthly Gain as Exchange Trading Jumps, Trademark Filings Dip

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan’s Business Activity Index rose 2.9% month-on-month in August to 1,029 points and 30.9% year-on-year, according to the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR). The monthly increase was driven by a 14.2% rise in commodity exchange activity and a 0.4% uptick in active enterprises, while bank-to-bank payment transactions fell 7% and trademark registrations declined 15%. The exchange’s total turnover reached 6.64 trillion soums, down 0.3% from July, with average deal volumes rising even as the number of transactions dropped. Active business entities increased by 2,038 to 490,622, led by gains among small firms and large enterprises; the number of farms decreased. Regionally, Sirdaryo, Navoiy, Andijan, and Tashkent city recorded the strongest gains, while Khorezm, Jizzakh, Karakalpakstan, Surkhandaryo, and Bukhara saw declines. CERR notes the annual growth reflects improving economic activity and a more favorable business climate.

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Consumer Loan Costs Diverge as Auto Credit Rates Cluster Near 24% while Microloans Exceed 35%

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan’s September data show pronounced pricing gaps across retail credit products. The Central Bank reports average auto loan rates at 23.7%, closely tracking overall consumer lending, yet bank offers range widely—from 19.3% at Garant Bank and 20.1% at Ipoteka Bank to 28.0% at Infinbank—an 8.7 percentage-point spread. Borrowers can significantly lower total costs by comparing terms, factoring all fees into annualized expenses, increasing down payments, or optimizing maturities.

Microloans remain substantially more expensive, averaging 35.3%—well above standard consumer (23.7%) and corporate loans (23.1%). The highest microloan rates are posted by TBC Bank (42.5%), Anor Bank (41.2%), and Tenge Bank (39.7%), versus the lowest at Aloqabank (22.7%), producing a roughly 20-point dispersion. The pricing indicates elevated risk and operational costs in the microfinance segment, with mid-tier offers clustered around 27–33% across major lenders.

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UzAuto Motors Plans Eight New Models and SUV Push as Competition Intensifies

Published: 2025-09-10

UzAuto Motors will launch eight new models “soon,” with a strategic focus on expanding its SUV lineup and exports, CEO Janos Kovacs said in a YouTube interview. He described a rapidly diversifying market shaped by Chinese and Korean entrants and rising demand for EVs.

"The market is moving to a full market economy... Competition is a challenge for us but beneficial for the customer." - Janos Kovacs, CEO of UzAuto Motors (gazeta.uz)

The company is preparing updated versions of its core models, including a significant refresh of the Chevrolet Cobalt, adding modern features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and cruise control, which may raise prices. UzAuto reported exporting 23,000 vehicles so far in 2025 and is targeting Central Asia and new markets such as Mongolia and Georgia. Production of a small commercial vehicle at the Damas plant is slated for large-block assembly by 2026. The push comes as UzAuto’s H1 net profit fell 27.5% and market share slipped, with ADM Jizzakh and BYD strengthening positions.

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Energy Tariff Hikes Keep Services Inflation Elevated as Headline Eases Slightly

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan’s central bank reported headline inflation eased by 0.1 percentage points to 8.8% year-on-year in August, with core inflation at 7.6%. Food prices rose 0.6% month-on-month, while non-food goods and services increased 0.3%. Regulators said overall inflation has slowed versus last year as energy price effects were milder, yet services remain the main driver due to tariff hikes. Core services inflation stays above 10%, though recent declines in medical, household, and utilities prices tempered momentum. Rising fruit and vegetable costs, including sharp increases in watermelon, melon, cabbage, and potatoes, constrained further disinflation. The bank expects 2025 inflation at 7–8%, factoring in administered energy and fuel tariffs introduced in April.

"All tariffs for energy resources, utilities, gasoline, and propane—state-regulated prices—are included in the inflation forecast. Based on this, a 7–8% rate is projected." - Timur Ishmetov, Central Bank Chairman (gazeta.uz)

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Electric Car Imports More Than Double as Conventional Models Slide in First Eight Months of 2025

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan’s car import mix shifted sharply toward electric vehicles in January–August 2025. Customs data show 42,230 passenger cars worth $640.7 million entered the country, down from 47,928 units valued at $914.7 million a year earlier. EVs drove the market: 28,948 electric cars were imported, more than double 2024’s 12,907, with spending rising to $358.9 million from $166.7 million. In contrast, gasoline models fell to 11,166 units worth $233.6 million, from 24,995 worth $541.1 million, and hybrids plunged to 2,025 units worth $46.1 million, from 10,017 at $192.8 million. Diesel cars, while still negligible, increased to 91 units from nine. The data suggest accelerating consumer and importer preference for EVs—potentially reflecting incentives, evolving regulations, and supply trends—while conventional and hybrid segments contract despite an overall drop in total import value.

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Xiamen Hosts “Invest in Uzbekistan” Forum with Strong China Ties and New Project Pitches

Published: 2025-09-10

The “Invest in Uzbekistan” business forum convened in Xiamen on the sidelines of the 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade, drawing 200+ representatives from Chinese government and business. Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Ilzat Qosimov and Fujian Vice Governor Wang Jinfu opened the event. Bilateral trade is expanding: 2024 turnover is nearing $14 billion—five times 2017 levels—while January–July 2025 reached $8.78 billion, up 23%. Exports totaled $1.8 billion (+22.8%) and imports $6.98 billion (+23%). Over 4,200 companies with Chinese capital now operate in Uzbekistan, including 800 established this year. Presentations highlighted the “New Tashkent” project, Tashkent region development, leather-footwear manufacturing, and tourism. B2B and G2B meetings focused on pipeline deals, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s positioning as a reliable Central Asian investment hub.

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Allied Green Ammonia, Government Discuss Jet Fuel Project for Khorezm Following August Framework Deal

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan’s investment and industry minister Laziz Kudratov met Allied Green Ammonia chairman Alfred Benedikt to advance a large-scale jet fuel production project in Khorezm. The sides reviewed practical steps after an August agreement in Tashkent that established the project’s legal and implementation framework. Officials highlighted the initiative’s role in expanding renewable energy deployment, industrial cooperation, and technology transfer. According to the ministry, the project is expected to strengthen energy security, boost export capacity, and create jobs, supporting economic diversification and the country’s path toward carbon neutrality. The partners signaled readiness to proceed in phases, with a focus on integrating “green” technologies into fuel production. While financial terms and timelines were not disclosed, the meeting underscores a strategy to localize advanced fuels manufacturing linked to renewables and to position Uzbekistan as a regional supplier of sustainable aviation fuel.

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Energy Companies Explore New Oil and Gas Projects after Tashkent–Astana Meeting

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan’s ambassador Baxtiyor Ibragimov met with Aschat Khasenov, chairman of Kazakhstan’s national oil and gas company KazMunayGaz, to discuss implementing new joint projects in the hydrocarbons sector, according to kun.uz. While specific initiatives and timelines were not disclosed, the engagement signals a potential expansion of cross-border cooperation in upstream and midstream activities, likely leveraging Kazakhstan’s pipeline infrastructure and Uzbekistan’s growing gas processing ambitions. For international stakeholders, the talks suggest scope for joint ventures, technology transfer, and service contracts tied to modernization and efficiency gains across both markets. Regulatory alignment and project financing structures will be key watch points as the two sides move from dialogue to execution. No official statements detailing project scope or investment volumes were published at this stage.

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German Trade with Eastern Europe and Central Asia Expands 30% in H1 2025

Published: 2025-09-10

Germany’s Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations reported a 30% year-on-year increase in the country’s trade turnover with Eastern Europe and Central Asia in the first half of 2025, according to its official website. While the release highlights the overall regional surge, the figure signals stronger commercial engagement with markets including Uzbekistan, where German industrial, engineering, and renewable energy interests have been growing. For companies operating in the region, the uptick suggests improved demand dynamics, potential supply-chain realignments, and greater access to German capital goods. It may also reflect ongoing diversification efforts by German firms to reduce concentration risk in traditional markets. Further detail on bilateral flows, sectoral drivers, and the contribution of Uzbekistan’s reforms will be key to assessing whether momentum can be sustained into the second half of the year.

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Tax Officials Outline VAT Refunds and E-Invoice Risk Screening for Agribusiness

Published: 2025-09-10

"We create more than 3.5 million e-invoices a month and assess about 350,000 based on risk. The most risky are flagged in red; if the taxpayer accepts it, VAT will not be credited. Once VAT on that e-invoice is fully paid to the budget, it automatically turns green." - Sherzod Kudbiyev, Chairman of the Tax Committee (uza.uz)

Senior officials from the Tax Committee and the Chamber of Commerce briefed entrepreneurs on VAT support and compliance tools. Since April 1, livestock and poultry farms have been eligible for a 50% VAT refund; by September 1, 63 businesses received 2.3 billion soums. Authorities emphasized simplified VAT calculations and new incentives for agriculture, a sector where the informal economy remains high at 44.2%. The Tax Committee detailed automated risk analysis of e-invoices to curb fraud and ensure timely VAT credits. The measures aim to improve liquidity for agribusiness while tightening oversight through data-driven tax administration.

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Diplomacy

Tashkent and St. Petersburg Seal 2025–2028 Roadmaps and 23-Project Investment Package

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan and St. Petersburg advanced interregional ties with multiple signings in Tashkent, including a 2025–2028 roadmap between the Tashkent city government and St. Petersburg and broader protocols covering trade, industrial cooperation, transport, housing utilities, education, science, culture, tourism, and sport (uzdaily.uz). The agreements prioritize joint investment in construction, healthcare, pharma, machinery, metallurgy, agro-industry, raw material processing, and tourism infrastructure. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev underscored implementation of a newly adopted “roadmap” comprising 23 cooperation projects spanning metallurgy, equipment manufacturing, road building, pharma, healthcare, agrifood, and logistics, alongside expanded collaboration in private healthcare, education, communal services, digital tech, migration, and tourism (qalampir.uz; anhor.uz; uzdaily.uz). Trade between regions rose 20% last year. St. Petersburg’s governor inspected the nearly completed “St. Petersburg” Business Center in Tashkent, slated to open next year as a platform for entrepreneurs (uzdaily.uz).

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Safety Advisory Issued to Nationals in Nepal as Protests Escalate and Curfew Enforced

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry and its embassy in New Delhi issued safety advisories to citizens in Nepal, citing mass protests in Kathmandu and other cities and a government-imposed curfew. Authorities report clashes and casualties, urging strict adherence to local directives, avoidance of protest areas, and staying away from crowded locations. Emergency assistance is available via the embassy’s 24/7 consular line at +91 94994 85962 (Telegram/WhatsApp). Context from local reporting indicates the unrest followed moves to block 26 social media platforms, later reversed, with demonstrations—dubbed “Generation Z protests”—targeting censorship and corruption. The death toll has reportedly risen to 22, with security forces using live and rubber ammunition and water cannon, and protester arson targeting government buildings and politicians’ homes. The advisories underscore heightened risks of mobility restrictions and potential communications disruption for travelers and residents.

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Istanbul Restricts Public Gatherings as Protests Erupt; Uzbek Consulate Urges Caution

Published: 2025-09-10

Protests linked to internal turmoil within Turkey’s opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) have prompted Istanbul authorities to temporarily ban public events in six districts, including Beşiktaş, through 11 September. Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry and its Consulate General in Istanbul advised nationals to avoid crowds, steer clear of protest areas, comply with local rules, and be aware of reported limits on some foreign messengers. Emergency assistance is available via +90 (212) 909 08 04. Local media report demonstrations followed a court decision removing CHP’s local leadership and appointing an interim council, sparking anger over both the ruling and restrictions on rallies. The measures may disrupt mobility around central districts and constrain digital communications, affecting business operations and consular access for visiting or resident foreigners.

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Roadmap Deepens Uzbekistan–Slovenia Labor Migration and Skills Partnership

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan and Slovenia advanced labor migration cooperation with a focus on jointly training skilled workers for Slovenia’s market and aligning Uzbekistan’s vocational education to Slovenian standards. Following the Uzbek president’s visit to Slovenia, the Migration Agency and Slovenia’s Employment Service signed a “Roadmap” enabling vocational programs in Uzbekistan based on Slovenian benchmarks. The plan foresees developing curricula with Slovenian employers’ input, digitizing processes, and establishing accounting and monitoring systems for labor migration. The parties also discussed mechanisms to retrain unemployed citizens for occupations in high demand in Europe and to integrate Slovenian professional standards into Uzbekistan’s TVET system. These steps aim to create a reliable pool of qualified specialists and streamline cross-border placements, signaling a more structured, standards-based corridor for Uzbek talent into the EU labor market.

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Infrastructure

24/7 Street Zones Proposed with Speed Caps, Safety Upgrades and Business Incentives

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan is advancing a presidential decree to develop a “night-time economy” through designated 24-hour street zones in regional and district centers and cities over 50,000 residents. Draft measures outline streets 800–2,000 meters long with a 20 km/h speed limit, expanded hours for galleries, museums, cinemas, sports and wellness venues, and mandatory infrastructure: Wi‑Fi, banking services, safety call buttons, first-responder bays, and clearly marked parking, including multilevel options. Businesses could lease adjacent public space via online auctions for light structures and operate on extended or weekend 24-hour schedules, supported by flexible wage rules and partial cost compensation. A Republican Council led by Deputy PM Jamshid Qo‘chqorov would finalize regulations within two months. Plans include 154 pilot streets funded with 1 trillion soums, 755 parking facilities, 11,300 jobs, citywide CCTV integrated with Safe City, a “Night City” platform by October 1, and night buses in Tashkent by end-2025.

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First Tashkent–Lanzhou Container Train Launched via Kashgar as New Logistics Base Opens

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan dispatched its first container train from Tashkent to Lanzhou on 9 September along the “Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan–China” multimodal corridor, marking a new operational route through Kashgar. The launch coincided with Gansu International Logistics Group’s new logistics base commencing operations in Uzbekistan, signaling deeper transport and logistics cooperation with China’s Gansu province. The corridor is expected to shorten delivery times and bolster stable freight flows on the Gansu–Kashgar–Central Asia axis, enhancing regional transit capacity. While shipment frequencies and schedules were not disclosed, regular container services on this route would diversify eastbound options beyond Alashankou and Khorgos gateways and could reduce reliance on longer multimodal paths via Kazakhstan. The initiative positions Uzbekistan to capture more transshipment volumes and improve supply chain reliability for Central Asian trade with western China.

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Direct Tashkent–Tyumen Flights Launch on 27 September

Published: 2025-09-10

National carrier Uzbekistan Airways will start weekly direct flights from Tashkent to Tyumen on 27 September, opening a new link to Western Siberia. The Saturday service targets growing travel and business ties with Russia’s oil-and-gas hub region, improving access for professionals and diaspora communities who currently rely on transfers via Moscow or other cities. Tyumen, one of Siberia’s oldest cities, markets historical districts, museums, riverside views along the Tura, and popular hot springs that remain warm in winter. Tickets are available through the airline’s website, mobile app, sales offices, and agents. The airline framed the route as a convenient option for point-to-point travel; schedule details and fares were not disclosed in the announcement. The service expands Uzbekistan Airways’ Russia network ahead of the winter season and could spur two-way tourism and short-haul corporate travel.

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Miahona Signs MoUs to Rehabilitate Pump Stations and Upgrade Water Systems in Karakalpakstan

Published: 2025-09-10

Saudi-based Miahona Co. signed two memoranda of understanding on 4 September to develop strategic water projects in Karakalpakstan. One MoU with the Ministries of Investments, Industry and Trade, and Water Resources targets rehabilitation and/or replacement of multiple irrigation pump stations under a long-term rehabilitate–operate–transfer (ROT) model. A second MoU with the ministry, the Jokargy Kenes of Karakalpakstan, and Uzsuvta’minot aims to assess and develop potable water treatment, wastewater treatment, and distribution infrastructure. The parties will determine optimal long-term business models during the development phase, with due diligence to clarify financial returns. The agreements, valid for one year unless extended, reinforce Miahona’s expansion strategy and follow its 2023 framework to support water projects in the Fergana Valley and Jizzakh. Successful implementation could mobilize private investment into Uzbekistan’s water sector and improve reliability for agriculture and urban consumers in the region.

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ADB Commits $51 Million to Nukus-2 Wind Project Led by ACWA Power

Published: 2025-09-10

The Asian Development Bank has approved $51 million for the “Nukus-2” wind power plant, a project to be developed by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power. The facility is expected to generate 728 GWh of renewable electricity annually, supporting Uzbekistan’s grid decarbonization goals and diversifying power supply in Karakalpakstan. For international investors and contractors, the financing signals continued multilateral backing for large-scale renewables in the country, reinforcing ACWA Power’s expanding portfolio and Uzbekistan’s broader shift toward private-sector participation in energy. The output target suggests a sizable contribution to reducing gas-fired generation during peak demand seasons, with potential for grid stability improvements as transmission upgrades proceed in parallel. No commissioning timeline or tariff details were disclosed in the report.

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Temporary Road Closure Near Tashkent Airport Set for September 10–30, 2025

Published: 2025-09-10

A road segment in Tashkent will be temporarily closed from September 10 to 30, 2025, to facilitate contractor-led works, according to the National News Agency (O‘zA). Access for essential airport-related operations and nearby residents will be maintained during the closure. The measures include ensured entry for Cargo services, Aviation Security Service, airport staff, emergency and rescue units, and local residents. While specific street and project details were not provided, the notice indicates traffic restrictions near airport facilities, suggesting potential detours and travel time adjustments for commuters and logistics operators. Businesses relying on airport access should plan for route changes and schedule buffers. Authorities emphasize continuity of critical services and local access throughout the works period.

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Society

Social Taxi for Students with Disabilities Expands to 11 More Cities with State Funding via Yandex Go

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan has extended its pilot social taxi program for school-age children with disabilities to 11 additional cities, following initial trials in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Andijan in spring 2025. The service now operates in Bukhara, Karshi, Fergana, Urgench, Kokand, Jizzakh, Namangan, Navoi, Nukus, Gulistan, and Khiva. Rides to and from school are free for eligible students, with state coverage of up to 100% of fares, capped at 1.2 times the base calculation amount per month (494,400 soums). Booking is handled via the Yandex Go app, which includes accessibility features such as “I will be in a wheelchair” and “I need assistance,” and drivers receive full state payments without Yandex commission. Officials frame the initiative as supporting safe access to education and easing family burdens, implemented by the Local Social Protection Agency with Yandex Uzbekistan.

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Environment

Zero VAT Introduced for Most Agricultural Sales from 2026, With Automatic Refunds and Risk-Based Controls

Published: 2025-09-10

A presidential decree (PF-153) establishes a zero VAT rate for the sale of most domestically produced agricultural goods starting 1 January 2026, excluding cotton and grain. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Tax Committee will publish the eligible product list on their official websites. An automatic VAT refund mechanism will return VAT paid on inputs for agricultural production within three days, aiming to ease cash-flow constraints. The Tax Committee will deploy an automated, real-time electronic invoice analytics system with a risk-based approach; where risk is high, VAT credits will be recognized only after full payment to the budget. A nationwide information campaign will run through 1 January 2027. Planned amendments to the Tax Code and technical procedures will underpin monitoring and accounting. The measures seek to formalize the sector, increase transparency in VAT calculation and refunds, and stimulate lawful turnover. The decree took effect on 6 September 2025.

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Innovation

Tashkent Charts Five‑Year Fintech Strategy with Open Banking, AI and Central Bank Fintech Office

Published: 2025-09-10

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals to accelerate financial technologies, backing a five‑year strategy that prioritizes open banking, AI and blockchain adoption, and a new Fintech Office under the Central Bank to set success metrics and coordinate oversight. Fintech firms have expanded from 24 in 2018 to 103, with over $260 million in foreign investment this year—quadruple 2023—signaling rising investor appetite. Authorities aim to expand banks’ digital services, launch an accelerator and an innovation hub to channel ideas and capital, and develop national principles and an institutional architecture with input from Singaporean experts. Modeling cited by officials suggests AI and blockchain could lift bank revenues by 20%, grow service volumes by 30%, and cut risks by 15%, positioning the market for regional leadership if regulatory and infrastructure upgrades materialize.

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Published: 2025-09-10

A presidential decree establishes new measures to streamline public services and reduce bureaucracy, expanding digital-by-default interactions across agencies. From 1 November 2025, individuals’ personal data provided via the Unified Interactive Government Services Portal (YAIDXP) in real time will carry the same legal weight as paper documents; state bodies will be barred from demanding paper copies if data is submitted through the portal’s mobile app. The reform targets 900 services on YAIDXP and service centers by 2028, with more proactive and composite services, AI-enabled processes, and biometric Face ID onboarding for the national identification system. Interagency data exchange will eliminate requirements such as providing medical check results for marriage registration and paper court decisions for divorce. Additional changes include priority queues for pensioners, pregnant women, and parents with young children, wider kiosk access, partial fee refunds for unjustified refusals, centralized licensing through the “License” system by May 2026, and a new free “Vakolat.uz” platform for issuing and verifying digital powers of attorney from 2026.

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Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan approved a presidential decree to deliver legal information proactively through Lex.uz, integrating with my.gov.uz, the tax service portal (soliq.uz), and other e-platforms. The system will map legal classifiers to economic activity codes and relevant public services, enabling automated, consent-based notifications tailored to users’ activities. For example, new drivers will receive links to key traffic rules via my.gov.uz, while businesses will get sector-specific updates through soliq.uz. By January 1, 2026, Lex.uz will connect with the E-qaror and E-kengash platforms to publish local normative acts directly in the National Database. From March 1, 2026, dissemination and explanation of legal texts will be monitored through the interagency Ijro.gov.uz system and the “Raqamli mahalla” platform, replacing previous awareness-monitoring practices. The Justice Ministry will run a distribution card index to track agencies’ public communication of legal acts.

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AI-Powered “Digital Court” Overhaul Advances Judicial Reforms with New Academy and Leadership Shift

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan is moving to fully digitize court operations under a presidential decree approved on August 21, introducing the “Digital Court” concept and embedding AI across case management. Proceedings will shift to paperless, end-to-end electronic workflows, with remote participation, automatic minute-taking, predictive analysis of costs and likely outcomes, and online filing via my.sud.uz. Non-contentious matters are being redirected to notaries to ease court backlogs, while a new Academy of Justice replaces outdated training structures to upskill judges and staff. The reforms include upgraded infrastructure, cyber law research, and nationwide rollout following a Tashkent pilot (2026–2027), with construction and retrofit phases planned through 2030. Leadership changes accompany the push, with Alisher Usmonov appointed first deputy chair of the Supreme Court to help drive implementation.

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Notary ID Checks to Go Digital in 2026, Removing Need for Original Documents

Published: 2025-09-10

From 2026, individuals will no longer be required to present original identity documents to notaries in Uzbekistan. Identity verification will shift to a digital process using document details accessed via information technologies, coupled with biometric verification such as fingerprints and Face ID. The reform aligns with the government’s broader digitalization agenda, aiming to streamline notarial services, reduce paperwork, and lower the risk of document forgery. For businesses and individuals, the change could accelerate transactions involving powers of attorney, property transfers, and corporate filings, as notarial procedures are common gateways in legal workflows. Implementation details—such as the interoperable databases used, data protection standards, and the scope of biometric storage—will be central to compliance planning for firms handling sensitive personal data. No official quotes were provided in the source article.

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Stablecoin Payments and Asset Tokenization Pilots Greenlit for Testing

Published: 2025-09-10

"Pilot use of stablecoins as a means of payment and projects to tokenize securities in the capital market have been mandated for implementation." - Vyacheslav Pak, First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Perspective Projects (gazeta.uz)

Uzbekistan plans pilot schemes to use stablecoins for settlements and to tokenize securities on the capital market, following presidential directives issued on 10 September. Vyacheslav Pak said ILMA will work with the Central Bank and relevant ministries to execute the order, signaling a controlled testbed rather than immediate market-wide adoption. The move aligns with broader fintech priorities endorsed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, including a Central Bank fintech office and an innovation hub for startups. Regionally, Kyrgyzstan is preparing a gold-backed USDKG stablecoin for 2025 and advancing a bitcoin-reserve bill, underscoring Central Asia’s accelerating digital-asset experimentation. For market participants, pilots could open pathways for cross-border payments and digital issuance, pending regulatory design and oversight clarity.

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Regional Education Hub Plan Seeks to Triple Foreign Enrollment by 2030

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbekistan is drafting a “regional education hub” concept to expand and diversify international higher education ties and student intake. Foreign students are currently concentrated in three countries—India (60%), Turkmenistan (11%), and Pakistan (10%)—and 78% pursue medicine, leaving engineering, IT, agri-tech, and green technology underrepresented. The plan targets 50,000 foreign students by 2030, nearly tripling current numbers, while shifting enrollment into priority sectors. Partnerships will be broadened beyond Russia and Belarus, with joint programs pursued with Top-500 universities and public–private collaborations with Top-100 institutions. Incentives include tax breaks, land allocation, and financial support for opening local branches, alongside international accreditation (ABET, AACSB, WFME) to boost diploma recognition. A “Study in Uzbekistan” platform will launch, an annual International Education Forum will start in 2026, and official education offices will open across South Asia, the CIS, and the Middle East.

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Talks Explore Franchised University Partnership with University of Birmingham

Published: 2025-09-10

Uzbek authorities and the University of Birmingham held online talks on establishing a university in the country via a franchising model, signaling potential expansion of UK–Uzbek higher education collaboration. The discussion involved Claire Belkadi, head of Global Engagement at the University of Birmingham, and Husnidin Homidov, director of the International Qualifications and Assessment Center under the Agency for Strategic Reforms, with support from the national embassy. While no formal agreement was announced, a franchised campus could bring British curricula, quality assurance, and degree pathways to local students, aligning with ongoing reforms to internationalize higher education and credentialing. The involvement of the International Qualifications and Assessment Center suggests a focus on standards alignment and assessment frameworks, which would be pivotal for accreditation, staff training, and student mobility if the initiative proceeds.

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Health

Gustave Roussy Seals Partnership with Tashkent Oncology Center to Expand Advanced Cancer Care

Published: 2025-09-10

France’s Gustave Roussy Institute signed a cooperation agreement with Uzbekistan’s Republican Specialized Scientific-Practical Medical Center of Oncology and Radiology to develop advanced oncology services, training, and research in the country. The deal envisages experience- and staff-exchange programs and the launch of services under the “Gustave Roussy International” brand in Tashkent, enabling wider access to innovative diagnostics and treatment, particularly in breast, brain, prostate, oncohematology, and pediatric oncology. Gustave Roussy is a top European cancer clinic and ranks among the world’s leading institutions, with strong pediatric outcomes reported by the institute. The collaboration is expected to strengthen clinical protocols and research capacity in Uzbekistan, aligning local care with international standards. The agreement was signed by Rémi Thiole, Director of International Relations at Gustave Roussy, and Mirzag‘olib Tillashayxov, Director of the Uzbek oncology center.

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