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Uzbekistan — Daily

Uzbekistan Daily: Mirziyoyev joins SCO summit, inks $4B China deals, and sets security agenda

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Politics

Crowdfunding Option Added to Participatory Budgeting, Automatic Wins for 50% Co‑financed Projects from 2026

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan has updated its participatory budgeting mechanism, introducing co‑financing for social projects starting in 2026. Communities can voluntarily fund part of their initiatives to supplement budget resources, while the existing public voting process remains in place. Projects that secure at least 50% of their cost from residents will automatically win funding, with the remainder covered by the republican budget. The reform aims to deepen citizen participation in local development and formalize state–community partnerships. Districts not pursuing co‑financing can still compete through traditional voting. Additionally, each year deputies of the Legislative Chamber may select two previously unsuccessful initiatives in their districts to receive automatic approval and financing via the Open Budget portal. For this purpose, each deputy is allocated 8,000 base calculation units annually (currently about 3.3 billion soums).

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Tashkent Greets Kyiv as Moscow Notes ‘Sovereign’ Foreign Policy; Domestic Abuse Cases Stir Outrage and Turkey Escalates Pressure on Israel

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan marked 34 years of independence with strong macro indicators and a calibrated foreign posture. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Ukraine on Independence Day, a gesture posted by Volodymyr Zelensky on X. Russia’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged Tashkent’s autonomy:

"Uzbekistan is a sovereign state... it independently determines and pursues its foreign policy." - Maria Zakharova, Russian MFA spokesperson (qalampir.uz)

The week also saw a viral video from Russia in which an intoxicated man threatened an Uzbek taxi driver—prompting Tashkent to remind citizens of consular protection. Domestically, graphic footage of street violence in Andijan drew criticism after assailants received only restricted freedom sentences, while a Jizzakh father was charged with torture for beating his children, who were placed under state protection. On Gaza, Mirziyoyev reaffirmed support for a UN-backed two‑state solution, as Turkey severed trade ties with Israel and UN staff urged recognition of “genocide.”

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US Envoy Compares Mirziyoyev to Trump in Framing Uzbekistan as a “President of Peace”

Published: 2025-08-31

Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy of the U.S. president, lauded President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s regional role in an interview with O‘zbekiston 24, casting Uzbekistan as a pivotal stabilizer in Central Asia and signaling Washington’s interest in deeper ties. He emphasized long-term cooperation opportunities and underscored the region’s importance following progress between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Zampolli’s remarks suggest growing U.S. engagement with Tashkent as it positions itself as a mediator and economic partner across the region.

"There is mutual willingness to cooperate... This is important in the long term for both our countries." - Paolo Zampolli, U.S. presidential special envoy (anhor.uz)

"Thanks to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership, we view Central Asia as extraordinarily important; he is a remarkable leader, a pillar of stability, a president of peace like President Trump." - Paolo Zampolli, U.S. presidential special envoy (anhor.uz)

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Economy

Beijing Forum Spurs Deeper China Ties with $4B Tashkent Deals and Renewables Push

Published: 2025-08-31

More than 700 business leaders from China and Uzbekistan convened in Beijing for a government-backed forum that advanced strategic economic ties and project pipelines across energy, infrastructure, and services. Officials highlighted reforms, improved investment conditions, and a rapid rise in Chinese capital: inflows reached $24.6 billion since 2017, including a record $10.4 billion in 2024, with year-end deployment targeted above $15 billion. Trade hit $13.8 billion in 2023 and $8.78 billion in January–July 2025. Energy cooperation remains pivotal as Uzbekistan transitions its power sector, with Chinese firms involved in roughly 30% of renewables integration and over $10 billion in related projects. Tashkent city signed nearly $4 billion in agreements covering retail-entertainment hubs, hotels, drainage and transport upgrades, new substations, and a 200 MW power unit, alongside large-scale leisure parks to boost tourism.

"Uzbekistan’s government stands ready to fully support foreign entrepreneurs and provide all conditions for joint projects." - Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khojayev (uza.uz)

"We plan six new substations initially, later expansion, and a 200 MW power station in Tashkent." - Deputy Mayor of Tashkent Sharof Rahmonov (uza.uz)

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Chinese-Backed Tile Plants Launch in Fergana’s Kokand FEZ, Targeting Export Growth

Published: 2025-08-31

"This major project’s launch is a worthy gift for the 34th anniversary of our independence." - Khayrullo Bozorov, Fergana regional governor (uza.uz)

Two ceramic tile manufacturers have begun operations in the Kokand Free Economic Zone (Fergana region), underscoring rising Chinese investment ties. Crown Ceramic, an Uzbekistan–China joint venture in Quvasoy, is designed to produce 8.2 million square meters of porcelain stoneware annually, with output valued at roughly 1 trillion soums and about $30 million earmarked for export once at full capacity. Officials project 400 new jobs. Separately, Yong Xin, a foreign enterprise in the FEZ, launched production with a total planned investment of $100 million ($70 million already deployed), creating 700 permanent jobs and targeting 1,000 positions as capacity scales. The company reported initial exports worth $850,000 to Kyrgyzstan, positioning Fergana to expand regional market reach and diversify industrial output.

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Public Debt Rises to $43.38B in Q2 as External Borrowing Drives Increase

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan’s public debt expanded by $785 million in Q2 to $43.38 billion, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Since January, total debt has grown by $3.16 billion and is up $6.13 billion year-on-year. The debt-to-GDP ratio edged up from 33.6% to 34.2% during April–June, signaling a gradual increase in leverage as the economy absorbs project financing and budget support. External obligations dominate at $36.41 billion (84% of total), lifting external debt-to-GDP to 28.7%. Year-on-year, external debt rose by $5.5 billion, with $20.39 billion on fixed rates and $15.87 billion on variable rates—an interest-rate mix that raises sensitivity to global monetary conditions. Most funds are long-term loans with maturities over one year. In contrast, domestic debt declined by $67 million in the quarter to $6.96 billion, easing local market pressures.

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Insurance Premiums Jump 46% in H1 2025 as Life Segment Quadruples

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan’s insurance market expanded sharply in January–June 2025, with total premiums reaching 6.23 trillion soums, up 46% year on year, according to the National Agency for Prospective Projects (ILMA). General insurance dominated at 5.85 trillion soums (+39.6%), while life insurance led growth, collecting 384.22 billion soums—an increase of 385.6%. Payouts totaled 1.24 trillion soums (+11.6%), with general insurance at 1.18 trillion soums (+12.7%) and life payouts slipping to 64.46 billion soums (-5.9%). Sector liabilities stood at 2.98 quadrillion soums (+44.6%), and investments topped 8.34 trillion soums (+36.5%), allocated mainly to deposits (60.9%), securities (16.7%), and real estate (18.7%). Thirty-four insurers operate in the market, including six life companies. Apex Insurance led general premiums (1.08 trillion soums), and Apex Life Insurance topped life premiums (248.24 billion soums).

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Fergana Launches $14M Fruit Concentrate Plant to Curb Waste and Boost Exports

Published: 2025-08-31

A new $14 million fruit-processing facility, Marvin Fruitline, has opened in the Quvasoy section of the Kokand Free Economic Zone, producing concentrated natural juice for industrial use. The plant, equipped with latest-generation Italian CFT technology reportedly capable of extracting up to 95% concentrate, will process over 50,000 tons of fruit annually. Officials expect 120 new jobs, an additional 115.2 billion UZS in industrial output, and $2.4 million in exports, with 80% of production destined for foreign markets. Local growers say the project will reduce post-harvest losses in an area with roughly 12,000 hectares of orchards.

"We built the plant in Quvasoy because Fergana’s orchards are abundant and productive. We plan to expand further," - Dilmurod Razzoqov, head of Marvin Fruitline (uza.uz)

"This plant is a boon for us. We will establish new orchards and ensure uninterrupted supply," - Muzaffarjon Bozorov, veteran orchardist from Quvasoy (uza.uz)

"The Quvasoy plant’s technology is the latest model and highly efficient," - Gerardo Patciello, CFT representative (uza.uz)

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Anvarjon G’afforov Appointed to Lead Newly Registered National Reinsurance Company

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan’s newly formed National Reinsurance Company (MQSK) appointed Anvarjon G’afforov as CEO, following his tenure at Hamkor Sug’urta. The company was formally registered on 18 July 2025 after a 23 May presidential decree (PP-191) set its creation. MQSK’s mandate is to provide reinsurance coverage for large-scale investment projects involving domestic and foreign investors, aiming to deepen risk capacity and bolster investment stability. Initial capitalization includes an approved first share issue of 80 billion soums toward a minimum authorized capital of 300 billion soums, with the state owning 50% managed by the National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP). 2025 targets include expanding the domestic reinsurance market to 4 trillion soums, increasing reinsurance exports by at least 30%, strengthening international partnerships, and attracting 150 billion soums to the sector. Moody’s views the launch as supportive of market stability and financial system resilience.

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Diplomacy

Mirziyoyev Joins SCO Leaders in Tianjin; Bilateral Talks in Beijing to Follow

Published: 2025-08-31

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Tianjin with First Lady Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders’ summit and the “SCO Plus” format, ahead of bilateral meetings in Beijing. The program includes participation in a military parade and commemorations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II, with a packed lineup of global leaders present. Uzbekistan’s delegation is expected to push proposals on strengthening multilateral cooperation and improving SCO mechanisms, with the Tianjin Declaration and related documents slated for adoption. A meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin is planned on the margins of the summit, focused on expanding bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership following engagements with China’s leadership and major companies.

"Talks will primarily focus on bilateral cooperation and the development of partnership between the countries." - Yury Ushakov, aide to the President of Russia (uzdaily.uz)

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Mirziyoyev Sets SCO Agenda with Expanded China Ties, Logistics Push, and Security Cooperation

Published: 2025-08-31

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined an upgraded China partnership and a broader vision for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), highlighting trade, infrastructure, and security priorities. Uzbekistan–China trade has tripled since 2017 to $14 billion, with a target of $20 billion; Chinese investment totals $24.6 billion, including BYD’s EV plant launch and a new Luban Workshop in Tashkent. Policy focus centers on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway to extend the China–Central Asia–West Asia corridor, plus cooperation on counterterrorism, cyber threats, and narcotrafficking. Tashkent is advancing digital and green initiatives and easing mobility with a newly introduced visa-free regime in 2025. Uzbekistan positions Central Asia as the SCO’s core while the bloc expands to include India, Pakistan, Iran, and soon Belarus.

"Our cooperation with China is becoming a practical, balanced partnership that strengthens regional stability and the SCO’s role as a platform for mutually beneficial cooperation." - President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (uzdaily.uz)

"The SCO is not an anti-bloc to existing structures, but a real alternative—mutual respect, dialogue and joint development." - President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (uzdaily.uz)

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Tashkent Reaffirms Support for Palestinian Statehood as White House Hosts Gaza Talks with Tony Blair

Published: 2025-08-31

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev used Uzbekistan’s Independence Day ceremony to reiterate backing for a UN-endorsed two‑state outcome, citing recent measures to host and support evacuated Palestinian civilians with medical care, education access, and temporary benefits. A presidential decree on 14 August formalized assistance, including a special fund. Turkey escalated pressure on Israel, urging countries to sever ties and suspend Israel’s membership in international bodies.

"I call on the international community to suspend Israel's membership in all international organizations, including the UN, until it abandons its genocidal policy." - Numan Kurtulmus, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (qalampir.uz)

In Washington, Tony Blair attended a closed-door White House discussion on Gaza’s post-war plans involving Donald Trump’s circle, including Jared Kushner, raising questions among Middle East observers about representation and funding for any reconstruction scheme.

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Chambers Plan Vienna Business Forum and Reciprocal Offices to Deepen Austria–Uzbekistan Trade Ties

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) and the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) discussed elevating cooperation during a meeting in Vienna between CCI First Deputy Chairman Davronbek Qurbonov’s delegation and WKO’s Asia Department Director Stefan Stanteyskiy. WKO, founded in 1839 and representing over 600,000 enterprises with annual turnover of $521 billion, has trade offices in 100+ countries and opened a representative office in Uzbekistan in 2024. Talks centered on opening a CCI office in Austria and staging an Uzbekistan–Austria business forum in Vienna, alongside joint work on trade, investment, and startup projects. The agenda signals a more structured platform for Austrian market access and bilateral deal flow, with continuous dialogue agreed to sustain momentum. No direct statements were quoted in the source article.

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Japanese Envoy Sees Rising Tourist Interest and Broader Investment Openings in Uzbekistan

Published: 2025-08-31

Japan’s ambassador in Tashkent, Takeshi Hattori, said Uzbekistan is becoming an attractive destination for Japanese travelers, noting the appeal of Silk Road heritage, hospitality, and historic ties dating to WWII-era Japanese internees who contributed to local infrastructure. Visitor data point to momentum: 10,000 Japanese tourists arrived in January–May 2025, up 53% year-on-year; 12,360 visited in 2023, mostly for leisure. The envoy highlighted tourism, education, and technology as priority avenues, alongside cooperation in mining, energy, digital tech, startups, and green transition. He linked growing Japanese corporate interest to Uzbekistan’s reforms, including privatization, anti-corruption efforts, and WTO accession preparation, as recent Japanese commitments include $4 million for biogas-methane and $200 million for Tashkent’s new airport.

"These initiatives are stirring interest among Japanese companies, and Uzbekistan is emerging as a reliable partner in the region." - Ambassador Takeshi Hattori (gazeta.uz)

The visit of Japan’s foreign minister in August underscored plans to deepen collaboration on decarbonization, digitalization, and human capital development.

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Russia to Open General Consulate in Samarkand to Expand Regional Ties

Published: 2025-08-31

Russia will launch a General Consulate in Samarkand in the coming days, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov at a Moscow reception marking Uzbekistan’s Independence Day, as reported by TASS. The mission aims to streamline consular services for Russian nationals living in and around Samarkand, where a sizable Russian community resides. Ryabkov framed the move as part of a broader push to deepen bilateral and regional cooperation, signaling sustained diplomatic and people-to-people engagement beyond Tashkent. For businesses and travelers, a local consulate typically accelerates visa, notarization, and emergency assistance processes, and often facilitates cultural and economic initiatives in the host city.

"Work to establish Russia’s General Consulate in Samarkand is nearing completion. The opening will take place soon." - Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Foreign Minister (uzdaily.uz)

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Infrastructure

Chinese Firm Proposes $500 Million Logistics Park in Andijan Region

Published: 2025-08-31

China Shandong Huada Group plans to build a logistics park across Qo‘rg‘ontepa and Xo‘jaobod districts in Andijan region, with an estimated investment of $500 million, according to kun.uz. While project specifics and timelines were not disclosed, such a facility would likely target cross-border trade flows with neighboring Kyrgyzstan and the Ferghana Valley, enhancing warehousing, transshipment, and value‑added services. If realized, the project could strengthen regional supply chains, support manufacturing exporters, and attract ancillary services (customs brokerage, cold chain, and financing). The scale indicates potential public‑private coordination on land, infrastructure connectivity, and regulatory approvals, as well as demand for skilled logistics labor. Investors and operators should monitor details on park governance, incentives, and integration with rail and road corridors linking Osh, Fergana, and broader Central Asian routes.

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New Tashkent Masterplan Advances with Infrastructure Buildout and $554M in Private Pledges

Published: 2025-08-31

Construction of New Tashkent, a planned administrative and economic hub east of the capital, is accelerating after its 2023 groundbreaking. Authorities have allocated 19,700 hectares across Yuqori Chirchiq and O‘rta Chirchiq districts; Phase 1 spans 6,000 hectares with housing for 600,000 residents, public facilities, and transport corridors designed to reduce congestion through tunnels, underground parking, and wide arterials. Integrated underground utilities are being laid to combine heat, water, power, and telecoms. The concept was drafted by UK firm Cross-works, signaling international standards and investor targeting. To date, 13 commercial lots totaling $554 million have been contracted, with 160,000 construction jobs created and long-term employment expected across tourism, IT, education, and healthcare clusters. The city aims for green mobility via metro-electrobus links and extensive cycling and pedestrian networks, ultimately serving over 2 million residents.

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Hydropower Equipment Manufacturing Launched Locally with UzHydroPower Plant

Published: 2025-08-31

UzHydroPower, a new domestic plant, has begun producing hydropower equipment previously imported, including hydro units, turbines, generators, and pump aggregates. The company says it manufactures units from 1 kW to 40 MW using at least 72% locally sourced components, pricing them about 12% below Chinese and 27% below Russian counterparts. Initial deployments have been made at nearly 10 small hydropower stations in Karakalpakstan and Surkhandarya, with equipment under preparation for the Quyi Chatkal and Naryn cascades. Exports to neighboring countries are planned, signaling ambition to expand regional market share and strengthen energy security through import substitution and industrial upgrading. Workforce development includes mentor-apprentice training, three-month courses in China for seven young specialists, and plans to train 60 more abroad.

"Producing strategic equipment domestically ensures continuous economic operation and energy security—this is a key guarantee of economic independence." - Abdulla Fozilov, Deputy Director of UzHydroPower (uza.uz)

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High-Rise Housing Delivered in Fergana Region Under Renovation Program

Published: 2025-08-31

Modern apartment blocks have been commissioned in Margilan and Kokand under Uzbekistan’s Renovation Program, replacing aging single-story housing with higher-density developments. In Margilan’s Ipakchi neighborhood, 68 deteriorated houses were demolished and replaced by 11 multi-storey buildings comprising 440 apartments. Kokand completed three seven-story buildings in the G‘ishtli Masjid area, while construction of the “Yangi Qo‘qon” complex—planned for 6,400 apartments—continues at pace. The handover ceremony, held ahead of the country’s 34th Independence anniversary, featured regional governor Khayrullo Bozorov presenting keys to new residents and emphasizing ongoing urban improvements. The projects signal intensified urban renewal efforts aimed at improving living standards and expanding housing supply in secondary cities, aligning with nationwide densification and infrastructure modernization priorities.

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Construction Output Rises in Surxondaryo as Major Urban Projects Advance

Published: 2025-08-31

Surxondaryo region reported 8.305 trillion soums in construction work during January–July, up 10.2% year-on-year. Large construction firms completed 762.1 billion soums, a 43.6% increase from the same period, lifting their share of total activity by 2.1 points to 9.2%. Small enterprises and microfirms accounted for 4.609 trillion soums, up 7.5% and representing 55.5% of the total, underscoring the sector’s reliance on smaller contractors. Key drivers include the “Yangi Termiz City” complex in Termez—planned with malls, hotels, offices, high-rise housing, artificial lakes, underground parking, and social facilities—and the “Yangi O‘zbekiston” residential cluster and park in Termez district. The latter spans 55.5 hectares with 74 apartment blocks, a school, kindergarten, family clinic, and park, pointing to concurrent growth in housing and social infrastructure.

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Society

Public Voting Continues in “Tashabbusli Budget” as Second-Season Balloting Closes Tonight

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance clarified that public voting remains integral to the “Tashabbusli budget” participatory process, countering reports that the practice was being scrapped. The ministry said project winners will still be determined from the highest vote-getters. The second season’s voting phase ends 31 August at 23:59, with ballots accepted via the Open Budget web portal, mobile app (Android/iOS), and an official Telegram bot. Out of 22,623 citizen proposals submitted this season, 18,656 advanced to the ballot. Winners are slated for announcement on Independence Day, reinforcing the initiative’s public visibility and political symbolism. The update signals continuity in participatory budgeting mechanisms that channel local priorities into funded projects, important for investors tracking grassroots infrastructure and service improvements across regions.

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Population Hits 38 Million as Authorities Push Pay Hikes and Grassroots Football Facilities

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan’s population reached 38 million on the eve of Independence Day, with official projections indicating the 40 million threshold could be reached within three years. The president signed a decree mandating a football field in every mahalla, signaling a push to broaden grassroots sports infrastructure and youth engagement. The Central Bank urged faster wage growth, noting the country lags behind regional peers on income dynamics—an implicit call for policy coordination on labor productivity and inflation. A Russian nationalist reportedly insulted an Uzbek migrant, prompting questions over why his entry was not barred by authorities. The episode underscores sensitivities around migrant protection and border policy, particularly as labor mobility remains central to many households’ incomes and remittances.

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Environment

Agriculture Ministry Sets Advisory Cotton-Picking Rates, Rejects Viral 1,800 Som Claim

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan’s Agriculture Ministry clarified 2025 cotton-picking payments, introducing advisory rates and debunking social media claims of a fixed 1,800 som per kilogram. Recommended tariffs are 2,000 som/kg for hand-picked cotton and 1,373 som/kg for machine-picked, with an additional 1,000 som/kg state subsidy to offset production costs. Final rates can be set by agreement between clusters, farmers and pickers. This marks a lower advisory benchmark for hand-picking versus 2024’s 2,500 som/kg, signaling potential cost recalibration in the sector while formalizing flexibility for market-based bargaining. The ministry warned against misinformation and emphasized reliance on official channels for price guidance.

"The ‘1 kg – 1,800 som’ information does not correspond to reality and is not confirmed by official documents." - Uzbekistan Agriculture Ministry (anhor.uz)

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Dusty Winds and Dry Skies Set Early-September Pattern, With Gradual Warming Then Cooling Later in the Month

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan enters September with predominantly dry, partly cloudy conditions nationwide and frequent northeast winds strong enough to trigger localized dust storms. From 31 August through 4 September, daytime highs generally range 28–37°C in lowlands (31–38°C in the south), with nights 13–21°C; mountain areas stay cooler at 20–27°C by day. Forecasters flag intermittent gusts to 20–23 m/s in parts of Bukhara, Navoiy, Tashkent, Jizzakh, Sirdaryo and the Fergana Valley, posing dust and visibility risks for transport and outdoor work. O‘zgidromet’s monthly outlook indicates a warm, dry first ten days with highs up to 35–37°C (south to 39–40°C on the hottest days), followed by variable temperatures through late September: nights easing to 8–13°C in places and days fluctuating 20–25°C to 30–35°C. Short, isolated showers (1–2 days) are possible in the second half. Overall, average temperatures should be near normal, locally 1–1.5°C above.

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Severe Dust Storms Cut Visibility and Spike Pollution Across Southern Regions

Published: 2025-08-31

Meteorologists reported severe dust storms across parts of Surkhandarya, Kashkadarya, Bukhara, and Samarkand, driven by a cold anticyclone moving into the region. Satellite imagery shows a pronounced dust plume tracking meridionally from northern Samarkand toward southern Turkmenistan, with the core moving away from Tashkent. In Karshi, fine particulate concentrations at 10:00 were six times the national limit and roughly 40 times the WHO guideline, while visibility in southern Nurobod district (Samarkand) dropped to 50 meters. The event is classified as an extremely dangerous hydrometeorological phenomenon. Forecasters expect dust to persist in parts of Bukhara and Kashkadarya into tomorrow, although Tashkent may experience only haze influenced by conditions over southern Kazakhstan. Travelers and outdoor operations in affected areas face elevated safety and health risks.

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Innovation

Top-30 AI Leaders Named as Industry Groups Spotlight Local Innovators and Researchers

Published: 2025-08-31

Civil society group Yuksalish and the Central Asia Artificial Intelligence Association (AICA) unveiled the first national “Top-30 AI Leaders,” highlighting entrepreneurs, educators, and researchers driving AI adoption across sectors. The list was compiled in two stages: an open-source and ministry-recommended longlist of 50+ candidates, followed by evaluations from 1,380 AICA residents using eight criteria. Featured figures include Akmal Payziyev, founder of MyTaxi, Express24, Workly, and Maxtrack, now active in Silicon Valley, and Mohirdev founder Anvar Narzullayev, who integrates AI into Uzbek-language tech education. Researchers such as Bunyodbek Ibrohimov and Dilnoz Muhammadiyeva were recognized for theoretical and applied work spanning healthcare and agriculture. Organizers say the initiative aims to raise public visibility, acknowledge achievements, disseminate best practices, and attract youth to science and technology.

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BYD Launches SONG PLUS DM-i UzPride with Offline Uzbek-Language Voice Assistant and Localized Features

Published: 2025-08-31

BYD unveiled the refreshed SONG PLUS DM-i UzPride as the first car globally to integrate a fully offline Uzbek-language intelligent voice assistant and localized multimedia suite, timed with the country’s Independence Day. The model debuts as a symbol of localized innovation, with the assistant trained on over 1.5 million audio samples to improve natural interaction anywhere without network connectivity. Two trims are priced at 374.1 million and 396.6 million UZS. The vehicle pairs BYD’s DM-i hybrid system with the Blade Battery, showcased in a puncture test where it withstood ignition and explosion risks better than an NCM battery. BYD highlighted rapid localization at its Uzbekistan plant, reaching 17 components in 14 months, and announced a UZTELECOM tie-up offering buyers 10 GB monthly data free for three months from September 1, 2025.

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Research Institute Unveils Patented Water Treatment Systems with UV-Ionization and Solar-Powered Options

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan’s Institute of Nuclear Physics has developed a suite of water treatment and disinfection technologies tailored to local conditions, offering end-to-end services from site assessment to installation, commissioning, and maintenance. The solutions include a nanocomposite cation-exchange system that softens water by removing calcium, magnesium, and heavy metal ions, with silver-modified resins providing biocidal properties and longer service life. The Ionator unit disinfects drinking water without chlorine using ultraviolet and ionization to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and residual chlorine, delivering prolonged efficacy through a two-stage process. Systems are designed for artesian, surface, and municipal supplies and can serve households, small settlements, and industrial facilities such as boilers and steam generators. Solar-powered modules address off-grid and remote areas. The devices carry seven national patents, over 40 related international publications, and certification from the “O‘zstandart” agency, with cost advantages achieved by applying only necessary methods based on local water quality.

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Tashkent to Monitor 10th–11th Grade Attendance via AI-Enabled Classroom Cameras

Published: 2025-08-31

Tashkent city will install special cameras in all 10th–11th grade classrooms and roll out the “Smart School” system to track attendance and oversee education quality, following a decision by Mayor Shavkat Umurzoqov on 29 August. District budgets will fund the equipment. A pilot in Olmazor district covered 31 schools and 250 classes, where the platform enabled continuous monitoring of teaching quality, automated attendance, AI-based assessment of students’ psychological state, analysis of subject interests, and evaluation of teachers’ pedagogical performance. Deputy mayor D. Rahimova is tasked with supervising implementation. The move aligns with broader digitalization in education, after authorities signaled plans for an electronic system to assess students’ physiology and anthropometry during medical check-ups to guide sports aptitude and placement.

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Education Overhaul Scales Up Labs, STEM and International Partnerships

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan’s education sector is undergoing broad modernization, with schools introducing smart labs, digital learning, and upgraded teacher training, while universities expand STEM and foreign language instruction. Authorities report a sharp rise in higher education institutions—from 77 in 2016 to over 200—driven by international branches and joint programs with partners in the UK, Germany, South Korea, China, and Turkey. The Uzbekistan State World Languages University has grown into a 25,000-student hub teaching about 21 foreign languages and building exchanges with Japan, China, the U.S., Italy, and others; recent placements include more than 40 students sent to Algerian universities, with Oman next. Teacher pay has reportedly doubled alongside new certification and awards. Centralized admissions have been eased, increasing places and allowing exams in chosen languages.

"What we are seeing is not just reform, but a scientific and educational transformation reshaping society’s relationship with knowledge." - Ahmad Jasim Az-Zubaydiy, professor at Uzbekistan State World Languages University (uza.uz)

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Bukhara Opens 34 Upgraded Schools and Preschools for New Academic Year

Published: 2025-08-31

Bukhara region is completing a broad education infrastructure push ahead of the 2025–2026 school year, handing over 34 facilities—26 general education schools and 8 preschools—after construction and rehabilitation. The program spans 271 institutions in total, including one newly built school, 15 reconstructions, and 5 capital repairs to date, with further works ongoing under additional regional directives. International financing is supporting upgrades at 33 preschools and 40 schools via the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund, while 82.14 billion soums from the local budget target capacity expansion, overhaul, and equipment for 39 institutions. The “Participatory Budget” initiative funded works at 54 schools and 5 preschools. Capacity gains include 12,320 new places ready for this school year, with longer-term plans totaling 22,600 school seats, 7,900 preschool seats, and 840 places at two new specialized schools.

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Health

Health Authority Urges Indoor Precautions as Dust Storms Hit Southern Regions

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan’s sanitary-epidemiological committee issued guidance to reduce health risks during current dust events affecting parts of Surxondaryo, Qashqadaryo, Bukhara, and Samarqand. Authorities advise minimizing outdoor activity, wearing medical masks and replacing them every two hours when outside, and showering immediately after returning home. Recommended hygiene steps include wiping keys, phones, glasses, and bags with damp wipes; washing worn clothing; shaking outerwear outdoors while masked; and rinsing throat and nasal passages with mild saline. Households are urged to seal doors and windows, vacuum dust-prone items (carpets, soft furniture, toys), repeatedly wipe surfaces with damp cloths, leave shoes at the entrance, and maintain indoor humidity using wet towels or water containers. Individuals with chronic respiratory conditions are specifically advised not to go outside during dusty conditions.

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Sports

U.S. Envoy Praises New Olympic Village and Football Centers, Citing Rising Sports Capacity

Published: 2025-08-31

The United States President’s special envoy, Paolo Zampolli, reviewed Uzbekistan’s newly built Olympic Village and recently commissioned National Football Center, highlighting their compliance with international standards and capacity to host major competitions. His visit covered stadiums, training facilities, sports halls, a research hub for developing professional players and specialists, the national football academy, and dedicated sports medicine and rehabilitation centers. Zampolli assessed the developments as evidence that the country’s sports profile is strengthening on the global stage.

"These complexes show that New Uzbekistan’s sports potential is rising internationally." - Paolo Zampolli, U.S. President’s Special Envoy (uza.uz)

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Arts

Museum Attendance Hits 4.8 Million as Samarkand Sites Lead Visitor Numbers

Published: 2025-08-31

Uzbekistan’s museums drew 4.8 million visitors in 2024, including 1.4 million foreign tourists, according to the National Statistics Committee. As of 1 January 2025, 138 museums, including branches, were operating nationwide. The Samarkand State Museum-Reserve was the top draw with 1,035,325 visitors, reflecting sustained interest in heritage hubs linked to the Silk Road. The Registan ensemble’s directorate recorded 908,225 visitors, underscoring Samarkand’s dominance in cultural tourism. Tashkent’s State Museum of Glory welcomed 656,355 visitors, while the Bukhara State Museum-Reserve and Khiva’s Ichan-Kala State Museum-Reserve served 489,208 and 456,917 guests, respectively. The figures highlight strong cultural sector momentum and continued recovery of inbound tourism, with major museum-reserves anchoring regional travel flows and signaling opportunities for hospitality, guided services, and event programming around flagship sites.

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