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Uzbekistan — Daily

Uzbekistan Daily: China tops capital inflows, dollar eases, and Khorezm unveils $2.4B projects

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Politics

Russian Lawmakers Move to Curb Migrant Remittances and Pause Citizenship for Central Asians

Published: 2025-09-12

Russia’s State Duma is weighing tighter controls on migrant remittances and residency pathways affecting Central Asians. A bill from the New People party would bar migrants from sending more abroad than their declared monthly income unless they file a declaration proving the funds’ legal origin. Authorities cite record remittances—$18 billion in 2023 to all destinations and $11.5 billion to Uzbekistan in 2024—as straining payment systems and influencing the ruble. Separately, Sergey Mironov of A Just Russia – For Truth urged a moratorium until 2030 on granting citizenship and residence permits to Central Asian migrants, arguing rising inflows threaten national security and social services.

"A poorly controlled inflow of migrants is increasing... I call for a moratorium until 2030 on granting citizenship and residence permits to Central Asians." - Sergey Mironov, A Just Russia – For Truth (qalampir.uz)

If advanced, the measures would intensify compliance checks and complicate legal status upgrades for Central Asian workers in Russia, a key labor destination for Uzbeks.

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One-Off Heating-Season Aid Approved; New St. Petersburg-Themed District Planned in New Tashkent

Published: 2025-09-12

Authorities plan to build a St. Petersburg–themed area within New Tashkent, signaling continued ambitions to shape the capital’s expansion with recognizable international motifs. In parallel, the government will provide a one-time payment of 1 million soums to low-income families during the heating season, aiming to offset utility and energy costs as temperatures drop. The assistance reflects ongoing efforts to cushion vulnerable households from seasonal price pressures and infrastructure strains. The urban development initiative suggests sustained investment in themed districts to attract residents and visitors, while the targeted cash support underscores fiscal prioritization of social protection during peak energy demand. Further details on timelines, eligibility criteria, and implementation mechanisms were not disclosed in the brief update.

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Urban Renewal Bill Clears Lower House and Moves to Senate for Approval

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber approved the draft Law on Urban Renewal and forwarded it to the Senate for review, with presidential signature required to enact it. The bill defines principles, stages, and governance for urban renewal aimed at replacing unsafe or obsolete buildings and improving efficiency. It enshrines voluntariness, requiring notarized agreements with all rights holders, and bars eviction without a court decision. Owners must receive fair compensation, including replacement housing no smaller than current units, delivered ready-to-live and preferably on lower floors. Projects must undergo public consultation via an e-platform and local media when submitted to regional councils. A threshold for launch is set at 80% notarized owner consent.

"If four out of five owners do not support the project, the renewal proposal will not even be considered." - Mahmud Istamov, Deputy Justice Minister (gazeta.uz)

The first stage targets construction of 20,000 apartments. The initiative follows prior public criticism over property rights protections, which the revised provisions seek to address.

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Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan’s Senate Committee on International Relations, Foreign Economic Ties, Foreign Investment and Tourism convened exporters and the Exporters Association to review measures to expand foreign sales. Discussions covered improving the legal framework to boost export volumes, establishing overseas trade houses and warehouses, transport and logistics bottlenecks, and assistance with product certification in target markets. The meeting referenced the “Uzbekistan–2030” strategy target to raise national exports to US$30 billion by 2026 and highlighted state support for active participation in international exhibitions to strengthen the “Made in Uzbekistan” brand. The session concluded with an agreement to enhance parliamentary backing for exporters and provide comprehensive support to businesses to scale capacity and diversify markets, signaling closer coordination between legislators and the private sector on export promotion.

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Economy

China Emerges as Top Capital Provider as Foreign Investment Reaches $27.7B in 2024

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan absorbed $27.7 billion in foreign investment and loans in 2024, with China accounting for 28.7%—the largest share—according to the national statistics authority. Russia (12.7%), Turkey (7%), Germany (5.1%), Saudi Arabia (4.8%), and the UK (3.8%) followed. Early 2025 data for January–March show continued momentum in fixed capital absorption, where China’s share rose to 33%, ahead of Russia (10%), Turkey (5.2%), Saudi Arabia (4.7%), the Netherlands (3.7%), and Germany (3.3%). The figures underscore China’s central role in financing large-scale projects and infrastructure, shaping sectoral priorities and supplier ecosystems. The reported mix of investment and credit also indicates sustained external financing for capital-intensive initiatives, with implications for procurement, local partnerships, and currency exposure. No direct official statements were provided in the articles beyond the statistical releases.

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Official Dollar Rate Eases as Euro and Ruble Strengthen; Banks Narrow FX Spreads

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan’s Central Bank set new exchange rates effective mid-September, lowering the official U.S. dollar rate by 20.52 soums to 12,426.83. The euro rose by 20.76 to 14,566.73, while the Russian ruble gained 0.88 to 146.96. Commercial bank quotes show tight spreads and relatively stable retail FX conditions: leading sell rates for the dollar clustered around 12,410 soums (Halk Bank, SQB, Apexbank), with Turonbank at 12,400; top buy rates ranged from 12,450 (Asia Alliance Bank) to 12,475 (Infinbank), with Hayotbank at 12,460 and Kapitalbank at 12,465. For businesses managing payrolls and imports, the slight dollar easing offers marginal cost relief, while euro strength could raise expenses for euro-denominated obligations. The ruble uptick may marginally affect trade settlements with Russia, though overall volatility remains contained in the published rates.

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Central Bank Holds Policy Rate at 14% to Reinforce Disinflation Trend

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan’s Central Bank kept the key rate at 14% on 11 September 2025, citing the need to cement easing inflation dynamics while demand remains strong. Headline inflation eased to 8.8% in August from July, with core inflation down to 7.6% as food and non-food price growth slowed. Services inflation stays elevated due to second-round effects from higher energy tariffs and robust aggregate demand. The Bank projects year-end inflation near 8.7%, warning external risks—slower-than-expected global disinflation, rising global food prices, and above-target inflation in key trade partners—could quicken import inflation. Policymakers noted stable FX conditions and seasonal factors have tempered expectations, though they remain above actual inflation. Tight policy aims to support savings, moderate credit growth, and balance demand; tightening could be revisited if price pressures intensify. The next rate meeting is set for 23 October 2025.

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SOCAR Moves to Develop Oil Field Following Reports in Ukrainian Media

Published: 2025-09-12

Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR has reportedly initiated development of an oil field in Uzbekistan, according to brief notices published by Ukrainian outlets Open4business and Fixygen citing the headline “SOCAR starts developing an oil field in Uzbekistan.” The Kun.uz item relays these reports without additional official confirmation or operational details such as the field’s location, investment size, project partners, or timeline. For international observers, the development—if confirmed—would mark another step in deepening Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan energy ties and could signal new upstream participation by SOCAR in Central Asia. Absent authoritative statements from SOCAR or Uzbek authorities, key outstanding questions include the scale of the project, contractual framework, and implications for Uzbekistan’s broader hydrocarbons strategy and import-substitution goals.

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Central Bank Targets 5% Inflation by End-2027

Published: 2025-09-12

"There is positive change, but not enough" - Timur Ishmetov, Central Bank Governor (kun.uz)

Uzbekistan’s Central Bank expects to meet its 5% inflation target by the end of 2027, according to Governor Timur Ishmetov. The statement signals continued disinflation but acknowledges that current progress remains insufficient to reach the medium-term goal sooner. For investors and businesses, the extended timeline suggests monetary policy will likely remain cautious, with tight stance and targeted measures to manage price pressures while supporting growth. The forecast implies ongoing structural and supply-side efforts are needed to anchor expectations and reduce volatility in administered prices and imports. Close monitoring of exchange-rate dynamics and food prices is expected, as authorities balance inflation control with credit availability and investment priorities. The 2027 horizon provides a clearer planning benchmark for financial and corporate strategy in the market.

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Chinese Delegation Reviews Chirchiq Chemical Tech Park, Explores Joint Projects

Published: 2025-09-12

A delegation of partners from the People’s Republic of China visited STANDARTPLAST LLC JV, a resident of the Chirchiq chemical-industrial technopark near Tashkent, and assessed the site’s investment potential. During the visit, the delegation met with technopark leadership and specialists to discuss prospective cooperation and the development of joint projects in chemistry and industry. The technopark emphasized it remains open to mutually beneficial partnerships and is actively engaging potential investors interested in high-tech development. The visit underscores growing Chinese interest in Uzbekistan’s industrial platforms, with discussions likely centered on technology transfer, localization, and co-investment structures. No specific agreements or timelines were announced, but ongoing dialogue suggests a pipeline of projects targeting advanced manufacturing and chemical processing within the technopark framework.

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Central Bank Chief Downplays Sanctions Risk for Local Banks, Citing Strong Compliance Controls

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan’s Central Bank chairman Timur Ishmetov said the regulator and government treat sanctions compliance “very seriously,” addressing reports that unnamed Central Asian banks could face inclusion in the EU’s next Russia-related sanctions package. He emphasized that banks have strengthened compliance systems in recent years, with staff trained and procedures in place to manage exposure from transactions linked to Russia, a key trade partner. Ishmetov acknowledged residual risk of inadvertent payments but described controls and rapid remediation steps when issues arise, including immediate notifications to domestic banks when new entities are added to EU or other sanctions lists.

"We take this very seriously—there are no particular concerns on our side" - Timur Ishmetov, Central Bank chairman (gazeta.uz)

He added that when sanctioned entities are identified, contracts and payments involving Uzbek residents are reviewed and guidance is disseminated across the banking sector.

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Turkish Business Council Explores Auto Parts Manufacturing in Surxondaryo After Embassy-Facilitated Webinar

Published: 2025-09-12

A webinar connecting Turkey’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) and the Surxondaryo regional administration was organized with support from Uzbekistan’s embassy, signaling early-stage interest in automotive parts production in the region. While no investment figures or timelines were disclosed, the engagement points to potential Turkish-led manufacturing targeting Uzbekistan’s growing auto ecosystem and access to Central Asian markets. The choice of Surxondaryo suggests leverage of its proximity to Afghanistan and Tajikistan for logistics, and potential alignment with industrial diversification policies. Further steps could include feasibility studies, site selection, and incentives negotiations with the regional hokimiyat. No official statements or commitments were published, and details such as participating companies, product lines, and employment projections remain unspecified.

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Mining Ministry, ADB advance IFRS-based sustainability reporting for Navoi and Almalyk plants

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Mining and Geology is expanding cooperation with the Asian Development Bank to align the sector with international standards. In a meeting led by First Deputy Minister Feruza Hamidova and ADB representatives, the sides discussed preparing sustainability disclosures for Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine (NMMC) and Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine (AMMC) in line with IFRS S1 and S2, using expert assistance. The agenda also covered deploying artificial intelligence tools and broader technical collaboration. Authorities argue that adopting global standards will boost transparency, efficiency, and investor appeal, strengthening companies’ competitiveness on world markets. The initiative signals movement toward ESG-style reporting frameworks and digitalization in two of Uzbekistan’s largest industrial exporters, with ADB support expected to facilitate knowledge transfer and implementation across the sector.

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Diplomacy

Taliban Presses for Return of Afghan Military Helicopters; Tashkent Rebuffs Reports of Deal

Published: 2025-09-12

Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi urged the return of military helicopters flown to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan during the 2021 government collapse, framing the request as humanitarian. Uzbekistan swiftly denied Afghan media reports that Tashkent agreed to transfer 57 aircraft back, reiterating its stance that the hardware is U.S. property and not subject to return. Washington has previously stated the aircraft “never belonged” to Afghanistan and has been reallocating some assets to regional partners. The dispute underscores ongoing legal and diplomatic sensitivities over military equipment left from the former Afghan government, with potential implications for Uzbekistan’s security cooperation with the U.S. and its cautious engagement with Kabul under Taliban rule.

"We ask countries that took some of our helicopters four years ago to return them to the Afghan people so they can be used for humanitarian purposes." - Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister (tolonews via gazeta.uz)

"Such reports are not true. Uzbekistan’s position remains unchanged; the news being circulated is fake." - Ahror Burkhanov, spokesperson, Uzbekistan MFA (gazeta.uz)

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Tashkent Condemns Israeli Strike on Doha as Leaders Pledge to Deepen Qatar Ties

Published: 2025-09-12

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a phone call with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on 12 September, condemning Israel’s recent rocket strikes on Doha as violations of the UN Charter and core principles of international law. The discussion reaffirmed Tashkent’s opposition to any use of force that could escalate tensions in the Middle East and voiced support for the success of an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit convened at Qatar’s initiative. The leaders also agreed to sustain high-level political contacts and accelerate joint projects involving leading companies from both countries, signaling continued momentum in the Uzbekistan–Qatar strategic partnership. Qatar’s leader expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan’s stance and solidarity, underscoring converging diplomatic positions and potential avenues for expanded economic cooperation.

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O‘zbekinvest Signs Cooperation Agreement with France’s Bpifrance Assurance Export in Paris

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan’s state export-import insurer O‘zbekinvest and France’s Bpifrance Assurance Export signed a cooperation agreement in Paris on 10 September 2025, formalizing ties between the two state-backed export credit agencies. The accord follows bilateral talks and positions both institutions to support trade and investment flows, potentially easing risk coverage for Franco-Uzbek projects and facilitating financing for exporters and contractors. For French suppliers, ECA-to-ECA cooperation typically enables co-insurance or reinsurance structures, while Uzbek firms could gain improved access to long-term buyer’s credit and sovereign or corporate risk mitigation aligned with OECD export credit frameworks. The move may bolster financing for sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and industrial equipment, where cross-border guarantees and insurance are critical to closing deals.

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Potential First-Ever U.S. Presidential Visit to Central Asia Discussed as Mirziyoyev Courts Trump

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan is actively pursuing a visit by Donald Trump to Central Asia, which would mark the first U.S. presidential trip to the region. Eurasianet reports President Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited Trump during a 5 September call to visit “at a convenient time,” and the two discussed critical minerals and business ties. Trump’s brief praise of Kazakhstan’s Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on 7 September fueled speculation, though Washington sources told the outlet no decision had been made by 9 September. Uzbekistan has intensified engagement with Washington in Trump’s second term, assisting U.S. deportation flights and promoting its mineral reserves. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, seeks relief from U.S. tariffs reportedly set higher than for other Central Asian states, highlighting the economic stakes as regional leaders court Western interest in resources and connectivity corridors. No official confirmation of a Trump tour has been issued by either Astana or Washington.

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Bilateral Agenda Advances as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Prioritize Strategic Partnership

Published: 2025-09-12

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan reviewed progress on top-level agreements and reaffirmed readiness to deepen their strategic partnership and alliance, emphasizing friendship and good-neighborliness. The foreign ministers examined measures planned through year-end and agreed to accelerate regional cooperation to bolster stability in Central Asia. They also discussed pressing international issues, endorsing the importance of coordinated monitoring of the Middle East situation. The meeting signals a push to implement previously agreed projects while aligning positions on regional security and diplomacy. No specific new initiatives were disclosed, but the focus on execution and synchronized approaches suggests closer policy coordination ahead of scheduled bilateral events this year. The discussion underscores a shared intent to operationalize commitments and manage external risks through joint oversight and cooperation.

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Infrastructure

Khorezm Unveils $2.4B Project Pipeline Including SAF, Green Diesel and Waste-to-Energy Plans

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan briefed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Khorezm’s reform outcomes and new investments totaling $2.4 billion, with an additional $86 million in district-level initiatives. Proposals include an Australian-backed $820 million complex in Tuproqqal’a to produce 600,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel and 50,000 tons of green diesel, supported by 4 GW of solar panels over 5,500 hectares. A South Korean $100 million waste-to-energy plant is planned in Urganch, while a Slovak investor aims to cultivate rapeseed on 5,000 hectares and build a biofuel facility for $170 million. Authorities flagged underused industrial zones and called for resolving land and infrastructure classifications to launch 100+ projects. Production in the region has risen 2.2x over eight years, with 25,000+ industrial firms established and poverty reportedly halved this year.

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Published: 2025-09-12

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on 11 September focused on the effectiveness of reforms and upcoming plans in Tashkent region, announcing that all districts will be connected to Tashkent city via rapid electric trains. The initiative signals a push to expand commuter rail as a backbone for regional mobility, potentially reducing road congestion and shortening travel times for workers and businesses around the capital. While detailed timelines, financing, and technical specifications were not disclosed in the brief readout, the plan aligns with ongoing transport modernization efforts and broader infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving intercity connectivity. The move could facilitate labor market integration across the region and support industrial zones by ensuring reliable daily transport. No further comments or quotes were provided in the source.

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Korea’s KDHC to Deploy Cogeneration and Trigeneration in Uzbekistan’s District Heating Upgrade

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan has accelerated cooperation with Korea District Heating Corporation (KDHC) to modernize centralized heating, targeting energy efficiency and cleaner operations through cogeneration and trigeneration. Following a 2023 MoU, Korean experts conducted site assessments in Angren, Qo‘qon, Jizzakh and six other cities, evaluating waste-to-energy potential and a new situational control center. The partnership envisions “K-Heating” technologies using biomass, biogas, fuel cells and solar thermal to diversify beyond gas and reduce SO₂ emissions by up to 30% per kWh. A new memorandum between KDHC and Issiqlikta’minoti AJ formalizes next steps, including technical and financial workstreams and staff training in Korea.

"We plan to introduce the latest cogeneration and trigeneration technologies into your heating system, transferring KDHC’s ‘K-Heating’ expertise to Issiqlikta’minoti’s regional teams." - Jeong Yong Ki, CEO of KDHC (uza.uz)

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Tashkent to Relocate Uchtepa Industries to New Zangiota Zone with State Support

Published: 2025-09-12

Tashkent city will partner with Tashkent region’s Zangiota district to relocate industrial enterprises from Uchtepa to a newly planned industrial zone, with the state potentially covering relocation costs for state-owned firms. Uchtepa district chief Bunyod Mamajonov said the project aims to shift production out of the capital to free urban land for services and create integrated industrial and green spaces in Zangiota, including public amenities operating around the clock. The move aligns with city plans to leverage regional capacity due to land constraints and complements a directive to link the capital with all Tashkent region districts via high-speed electric trains, facilitating commuter flows and regional housing and infrastructure demand.

"If we create conditions on site and move organizations there, establishing production in Zangiota will deliver results." - Bunyod Mamajonov, Uchtepa district hokim (gazeta.uz)

"Connecting Tashkent with all district centers by high-speed electric trains will raise demand for housing, infrastructure, and services and enable commuting to the capital." - President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (gazeta.uz)

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Tashkent Halts Unlicensed Housing Project as Developer Misses Handover Deadline

Published: 2025-09-12

Regulators in Tashkent have suspended a multi-storey housing project in Bektemir district after developer City Oil LLC began work without required permits, causing significant delivery delays. The complex in Iqbol mahalla—scheduled for completion in December—has not even started construction, according to Uzbekistan’s Construction and Housing-Utilities Supervision Inspectorate. The halt underscores tighter enforcement of permitting rules and exposes buyers to prolonged uncertainty, including potential rent burdens and legal disputes. The case highlights ongoing risks in off-plan purchases, where regulatory compliance lapses can push timelines indefinitely. Authorities have not announced a remediation plan or revised handover date, leaving investors and prospective residents waiting for clarity on refunds, re-permitting, or a possible transfer of the project to another builder. No injuries or on-site incidents were reported, but the delay adds pressure on Tashkent’s already constrained housing market.

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Society

Bus Operator Ordered to Refund 710 Million Sums for Unlawful Charges on Tashkent–Xatirchi Route

Published: 2025-09-12

Authorities have ordered a passenger transport company on the Tashkent–Xatirchi corridor to return 710 million sums collected unlawfully from travelers. An official review found the operator pushed passengers to buy add-on services and charged for services not rendered. The decision signals tighter enforcement in the domestic transport sector, where ancillary fees and opaque pricing have drawn scrutiny. For operators, the case underscores compliance risks tied to ticketing practices; for passengers, it offers a potential precedent for restitution when auxiliary charges lack clear consent or delivery. While specific timelines and mechanisms for reimbursement were not disclosed, the outcome suggests regulators are prioritizing consumer protection and fair pricing in intercity transport, potentially prompting broader audits and policy guidance across regional routes.

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Resident Permits to Grant Nighttime Parking Discounts for Apartment Dwellers in Paid Zones

Published: 2025-09-12

Tashkent plans to introduce resident permits for multi-storey apartment residents living on streets with paid parking. Permit holders would access preferential terms for parking in their neighborhood overnight—from evening until morning—with additional discounts during daytime. Holiday and weekend benefits would be expanded further, indicating a tiered pricing model aligned with local residency status. The measure aims to balance curb space demand with the city’s rollout of paid parking zones, potentially easing pressure on residential areas after work hours while maintaining daytime turnover for businesses. Implementation details—such as eligibility criteria, permit issuance, enforcement, and fee levels—have not been released, and timelines remain unspecified. No official statements were quoted in the report.

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St. Petersburg Pledges Support to Set Up Russian-Language Classrooms in Uzbekistan

Published: 2025-09-12

St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov met Metropolitan Vikentiy of Tashkent and Uzbekistan during an official visit, discussing expanded humanitarian cooperation, including assistance to establish Russian-language classrooms. The initiative signals growing subnational engagement between Russia and Uzbekistan’s education and cultural institutions, potentially increasing Russian language instruction capacity in Uzbek schools and strengthening ties with the Russian Orthodox community. For foreign education providers and cultural organizations, the development suggests room for partnerships on curricula, teacher training, and cultural programming aligned with Russian-language studies. Authorities did not disclose timelines, funding, or pilot locations, leaving implementation details pending. No official statements were reported beyond confirmation of the meeting and the focus on humanitarian collaboration.

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Environment

Polluting Industrial Sites in Tashkent to Be Relocated to Tashkent Region

Published: 2025-09-12

Authorities plan to move environmentally harmful enterprises out of the capital, reallocating certain vacant lands in Tashkent region to the state company “Toshkent invest” and the city’s industrial zone directorate. The measure signals a push to reduce urban pollution and consolidate industry in designated zones, potentially reshaping site selection for manufacturers and altering permitting timelines. Reallocation to “Toshkent invest” suggests a coordinated investment and infrastructure approach, while industrial zone management may streamline utilities and compliance. The shift could relieve air quality pressures in Tashkent and redirect logistics toward regional hubs, with implications for transport links and workforce mobility. Specific timelines, affected sectors, and environmental benchmarks were not disclosed, leaving questions on transition costs, incentives, and monitoring standards for relocated firms.

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Samarkand Weighs Kazakh-Made Electric Buses for Green Transport Expansion

Published: 2025-09-12

Samarkand officials met representatives of Kazakhstan’s Falcon Euro Bus to explore deliveries of next-generation electric buses assembled under the FALCON MURAT ADILXAN brand. The lineup presented spans 9–18 meters, covering city, intercity, tourist, and airport routes. Vehicles are 70% assembled in Almaty with components sourced from Europe and China, and are rated for 300–350 km per charge—roughly six hours of operation. Regional governor Adiz Boboyev proposed facilitating talks between the Kazakh delegation and local passenger transport entrepreneurs to assess deployment and operations. Both sides indicated readiness to examine joint projects for rolling out eco-friendly transport and widening cooperation in the green economy. The move aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader electrification and emissions-reduction goals, positioning Samarkand to pilot scalable urban e-mobility solutions.

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Planned Solar Plant on Norin District Football Field Conflicts with Presidential Ban

Published: 2025-09-12

Authorities in Namangan region’s Norin district are reportedly planning to build a solar power station on a football pitch used by children in Tegirmonboshi mahalla. The project appears to contravene a presidential decree that expressly prohibits changing the purpose or selling football stadiums and fields. The case highlights the ongoing tension between Uzbekistan’s push for renewable energy development and legal protections for community sports infrastructure. If pursued, the plan could face legal challenges and public resistance, and may prompt scrutiny of local compliance with national directives. The outcome will signal how strictly authorities enforce sectoral bans when they clash with infrastructure priorities and could set a precedent for land-use decisions involving social facilities.

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Innovation

Nationwide Census and Farm Survey Set for Jan–Feb 2026, Combining Digital Self-Reporting and Door-to-Door Enumeration

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan will conduct a combined population and agricultural census from 15 January to 28 February 2026, blending 17 days of online self-reporting with a month of door-to-door enumeration by trained “mahalla yettiligi” teams. The integrated approach, developed with the World Bank, UNFPA and FAO, is expected to save 1.3 trillion soums and streamline questionnaires from 328 to 71 items. Authorities aim to build a unified database on demographics, migration, household status, employment and income for an estimated 38 million residents, while mapping land use and livestock to assess the effectiveness of 25.6 trillion soums in annual agricultural spending and bolster food security. Training and public awareness campaigns will be financed under a statistics-strengthening project. The last nationwide census was in 1989, with pilot exercises held in 2021 and 2022.

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Tashkent Launches Independent “ToshTech” Technical University with Full Grants Through 2029/30

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan has approved the creation of ToshTech Technical University in Tashkent under Presidential Resolution PQ-274, establishing an institution with academic, financial, and managerial autonomy. A state-funded one-year preparatory program begins in 2025/26, followed by undergraduate programs in 2026/27 and phased graduate and postgraduate tracks from 2027/28. Instruction will be offered in Uzbek and foreign languages, on state grant and tuition-contract bases. Notably, all students admitted through the 2029/30 academic year will study on full state grants. The move aligns with a rapid expansion of higher education institutions nationwide—222 as of 2024/25—aimed at deepening the skilled talent pipeline in engineering and technical fields and complementing recent structural changes in medical higher education. No implementation timeline for facilities, partnerships, or international accreditation has been disclosed in the reports.

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Yandex Launches Contactless Fuel Payments Across Uzbekistan via Super App

Published: 2025-09-12

Yandex has introduced contactless fuel payments in Uzbekistan through the Yandex Go super app and the dedicated Yandex Fuel app, with integration into Yandex Maps and Yandex Navigator expected soon. Drivers can select the nearest filling station, choose a pump, set volume or amount, and confirm payment in-app—eliminating cashier visits and cash handling. At staffed stations, users may remain in their vehicles. The launch expands digital payments at fuel stations and aligns with the platform’s broader mobility ecosystem. Incentives include up to 8% cashback in points for Yandex Plus subscribers on orders starting from 15 liters of fuel or 15 m³ of gas, and a 5% discount for Yandex Taxi partner drivers paying via Yandex Fuel until October 5. Partner drivers can also pay directly from their cashless earnings balances.

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Early Development Centers Launch Services for Preschool and Special-Needs Children

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan has opened “Early Development Centers” to implement the President’s September 23, 2024 anti-poverty program and a July 14, 2025 Cabinet decree on phased rollout of such centers. The facilities operate two models: a “Play Group” for children aged 3–6 offering 3.5–4-hour short sessions twice daily with appropriate equipment; and a “Special Preschool Service” for children aged 2–7 with special needs. In the latter, specialist educators—teachers, speech therapists, and psychologists—conduct 40-minute in-home sessions with the child followed by 20 minutes of parental consultation, using individualized plans. In Navoiy region, four districts and cities have launched centers, enabling access to preschool services for nearly 600 children from low-income families. The initiative aims to expand early childhood education coverage and tailored support for vulnerable groups.

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Health

Electronic Prescriptions Rolled Out for Controlled Drug Dispensing in Tashkent and Pilot Districts from December

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan approved a regulation standardizing how prescription medicines are issued via electronic prescriptions, advancing the nationwide “Electronic Health” system. From 10 December 2025, all medical facilities in Tashkent and 15 pilot districts must issue prescriptions—where applicable—by international nonproprietary name through the “Electronic Prescription” module integrated with patient e-cards and the Health Ministry’s information system. Prescriptions will carry a QR code and be visible to integrated pharmacies, enabling pharmacists to label dosing times on packaging and record batch details. Doctors can track prescribed and retail-dispensed medicines, improving oversight and curbing unnecessary or contraband drugs. The regulation excludes narcotics and psychotropics. It follows earlier directives to digitize healthcare and pilots in Qibray district. The framework also sets data exchange lists and establishes a working group for rollout and compliance.

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Tashkent Destroys 3.2 Million Seized Medicines in “Dok-1 Max” Case Following Court Order

Published: 2025-09-12

Authorities in Tashkent have begun destroying more than 3.2 million seized medicines, including the Dok-1 Max syrup linked by investigators to at least 68 child deaths and 16 disabilities in 2022–2023. The disposal is carried out under a city court writ in the criminal case against former Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency head S.K. and others, ordering destruction of products stored at Quramax Medical’s warehouses and customs terminals. The Ministry of Enforcement said drugs are being incinerated in special furnaces to prevent environmental harm, with law enforcement, sanitary-epidemiological services, the Ecology Committee, and independent observers present. Earlier court rulings mandated 75.6 billion soums in compensation to affected families, but enforcement remains largely outstanding; only 2.5 billion soums has been paid so far, distributed among victims’ families. Parents continue to press for expedited payouts as children’s conditions reportedly worsen.

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Kindergartens Report Spoiled Frozen Meat Deliveries; Managers Raise Health Concerns

Published: 2025-09-12

Several kindergartens in Samarkand reportedly received frozen and spoiled meat products through an outsourcing supplier, prompting managers to object on child health grounds. According to kun.uz, kindergarten heads said frozen meat should not be served to children, citing safety standards for early childhood nutrition. The article alleges a supplier representative pressured at least one manager to accept the delivery, escalating concerns over procurement oversight and food safety compliance in public childcare facilities. If confirmed, the issue could trigger inspections by local health and education authorities, potential contract reviews, and tighter controls on third‑party catering. The episode underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring quality assurance within outsourced public services, especially where vulnerable populations are involved. No official response from municipal or national regulators was reported at the time of publication.

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France–Uzbekistan Health Collaboration Expands with Focus on Investment, Telemedicine, and Training

Published: 2025-09-12

Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted France’s special envoy for health export, Georges-Fabrice Blum, and a French Healthcare association delegation to advance bilateral cooperation. Discussions centered on joint projects, French investment in private healthcare, deployment of modern medical equipment, telemedicine, and workforce training. Medical tourism was highlighted as a growth area, with Uzbekistan’s value proposition—quality services at competitive prices—seen as a draw for regional patients and a platform for French specialists to conduct joint procedures at local clinics. The French side expressed interest in direct cooperation between professional associations, placements for Uzbek doctors at leading French hospitals, and modernizing health insurance solutions. Both sides agreed to deepen business ties, facilitate clinic-to-clinic exchanges, and pursue joint innovative projects.

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