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Uzbekistan — Daily

Uzbekistan Daily: Saudi investors eye Tashkent, zero VAT on produce, and new intl airport

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Politics

Senate Approves Sentence Reductions for Inmates Who Pass Exams on Approved Books

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s Senate approved amendments enabling courts to reduce prison terms by three days for each approved book an inmate reads and passes an exam on, capped at 30 days per year. The change adds Article 74-1/741 to the Criminal Code and adjusts Criminal Procedure and Penal Enforcement Codes. Eligibility is limited to inmates who qualify for conditional early release; life-sentenced prisoners are excluded. The book list will be approved by the Republican Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment, with reductions granted by a court based on a commission’s assessment. Authorities say the reform aims to strengthen rehabilitation, maintain family and social ties, and incentivize lawful behavior. The measures could affect over 13,500 inmates and are paired with tighter preventive measures for dangerous traffic offenders, reflecting broader crime-prevention priorities.

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Senate Rejects State Social Insurance Bill Over Governance Gaps

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s Senate declined the draft Law on State Social Insurance after a plenary review, citing structural and legal deficiencies that could hinder implementation. The bill aimed to define funding sources, contribution rates and payers, state guarantees for financial stability, and procedures for assigning and disbursing benefits. Senators flagged the absence of clearly defined powers and responsibilities for the authorized body, the presence of more than ten referral (framework) provisions that would limit the law’s direct applicability, and the lack of corresponding amendments to existing legislation needed for enactment. The rejection signals a pause in formalizing a unified state social insurance framework and suggests the government must return with a version that clarifies institutional authority, reduces overreliance on secondary regulations, and aligns with the legal corpus.

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Published: 2025-09-04

A member of Uzbekistan’s Senate, Qutbiddin Burhonov, criticized mobile operators for allegedly enrolling subscribers in paid SMS and value-added services without explicit consent, leading to unauthorized deductions. He outlined factors enabling the practice, including automatic activation mechanisms and insufficient user notification or opt-in controls. The remarks point to potential regulatory and consumer protection shortcomings in the telecom sector, where value-added services are often bundled or activated by default. Burhonov’s comments suggest growing scrutiny of operators’ compliance with consent standards and could prompt tighter oversight or clearer consent protocols to protect subscribers’ balances and prevent opaque billing practices. Clearer disclosure obligations and robust opt-in/opt-out systems may be considered to align market conduct with consumer rights and international best practices.

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Senate Backs Licensing Reforms to Align Laws with WTO Accession Requirements

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s Senate approved legislation to accelerate alignment of national laws with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, a key step in the accession process. The bill amends the Law on Licensing, Permitting and Notification Procedures to introduce licensing for the preparation, processing, and sale of ferrous and non-ferrous metal scrap, as well as wholesale and retail trade in natural gas. Related changes to the Law on State Duty set licensing fees for these activities. Lawmakers said the measures aim to attract private sector participation, innovation, and investment in scrap metals and gas trading while fostering competition and a more open market environment. The reform is positioned as part of broader market liberalization tied to WTO commitments, signaling forthcoming regulatory clarity for traders and industrial buyers. No timeline for implementation details was disclosed. The law passed following debate in the Senate.

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Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s Senate approved amendments refining enforcement of court and agency decisions to strengthen creditors’ rights over collateral and reduce non-performing assets in banks’ portfolios. The law enables state enforcement officers to lift all registration restrictions on assets transferred in kind to creditors after unsuccessful auctions, making their decisions sufficient for re-registration without encumbrances. Lawmakers said international best practices informed the drafting. The reform seeks to digitize execution processes, curb evasion in enforcing judgments, and safeguard the inviolability of citizens’ property and funds. It is expected to prioritize secured creditors’ claims, allow swift cancellation of protective measures based on enforcement rulings, lower the share of problem assets at credit institutions, and enhance legal protection for individuals and businesses. The bill was approved at the Senate’s tenth plenary session.

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Economy

Saudi Corporate Delegation Explores New Investment Projects with Tashkent

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s investment, industry and trade minister Laziz Kudratov met a Saudi delegation led by ACWA Power’s chairman Mohammad Abunayyan to discuss expanding cooperation across pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transport, energy, water supply, industrial co‑production, and the digital economy. The talks prioritized localizing manufacturing, modernizing infrastructure, and deploying innovative solutions—signals that future projects may blend Saudi capital with technology transfer and local capacity building. ACWA Power’s presence underscores continued momentum in Uzbekistan’s renewable and conventional power pipeline, while firms like Vision Invest, Miahona, and Saudi Tabreed point to potential deals in utilities and district cooling. Officials characterized the agenda as strategically important, agreeing to draft new project proposals, which could shape medium‑term FDI flows and support import substitution and service quality improvements across critical sectors.

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Zero VAT Set for Farm-to-Farmer Sales of Most Produce from 2026

Published: 2025-09-04

Starting 1 January 2026, agricultural enterprises selling their own produce (excluding wheat and cotton) to dehqon and commercial farms will apply a 0% VAT rate. Input VAT refunds on seeds, fertilizer, fuel, transport, and electricity will remain, enabling producers to retain an estimated 300 billion soums annually and reclaim about 400 billion soums in VAT. The move targets informality in agriculture, where a significant share of output goes unreported, and follows a broader push to develop value chains after reductions in cotton and wheat acreage, 160,000 hectares of new orchards and vineyards, and 1,500 food projects worth $1 billion. Authorities expect greater transparency, larger industrial-scale plantations, and expanded processing capacity under the new regime.

"This relief will incentivize transparent operations and lay a solid foundation for more large-scale plantations and processing plants across regions." - President’s Press Service (gazeta.uz)

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Tug-of-war in FX: Central Bank nudges official dollar rate up after prior day’s dip

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s Central Bank set new official exchange rates for two consecutive days, showing short-term volatility around the soum. On 4 September, the official U.S. dollar rate fell by 48.35 soum to 12,374.55, alongside declines in the euro and ruble. The next day, the Bank raised the dollar by 62.60 soum to 12,437.15, with the euro and ruble also ticking higher. Retail bank quotes indicate tight spreads: leading banks were selling dollars near 12,370–12,380 and buying around 12,430 on 4 September. For businesses and importers, the moves suggest active calibration of official rates to interbank dynamics and global dollar strength, while the narrow range in bank quotes points to stable on-the-ground liquidity. Monitoring day-to-day fixes remains important for pricing, payroll planning, and short-term hedging.

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Government Orders Review to Curb Car Prices as Individual Import Tests Are Scrapped

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s interagency commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev ordered a one‑month review of vehicle pricing by domestic manufacturers and both official and informal dealers, with proposals to "optimize and regulate" prices to follow. The directive coincides with the immediate cancellation of mandatory individual tests at the Piskent proving ground for personal imports—measures that had caused months‑long queues and drew criticism for protecting local producers. The Technical Regulation Agency confirmed the protocol’s authenticity and said new dealer expansion reduced the need for individual testing. Authorities will also extend vehicle type-approval for legal entities from three to five years and consider accrediting private conformity assessment centers by October 1. Trade data show imports fell sharply in early 2025, underscoring market strain as the government weighs tighter quality control and forthcoming price oversight measures.

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Pharma Agency Courts Chinese and Turkish Investors with Free Zones, Tashkent Pharma Park Pitch

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency intensified investment outreach, meeting Chinese counterparts from the BRICS Special Economic Zones Cooperation Center, China’s Ministry of Commerce and Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce, as well as visiting Triumph–Junheng and Hainan Huaruida Investment Development. Presentations highlighted Tashkent Pharma Park and incentives in free economic zones, with discussions on capsule production at Zomin Pharma FEZ and potential technology transfer. Both sides agreed on a September visit by Chinese entrepreneurs to assess market requirements and project pipelines. Separately, the Agency hosted Turkey’s Kura Ltd., detailing infrastructure, investor support, and pathways for international certification and mutual recognition of registrations, including cooperation with regulators such as the FDA. The push signals a coordinated bid to onshore pharmaceutical manufacturing, leverage SEZ frameworks, and align with global standards.

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Builder Says Permit “Facilitation” Costs Can Hit $200,000 in Tashkent Construction

Published: 2025-09-04

A Tashkent entrepreneur alleges that informal payments to obtain construction permits and cadastral documents can reach $200,000 per single-house project, underscoring persistent administrative bottlenecks in urban development. Usmonjon Abdusamatov described repeated application rejections by state bodies and claimed approvals proceed only after unofficial arrangements are made, calling for accountability for unjustified denials. Such costs, if systemic, could inflate housing prices, deter compliant developers, and distort competition in Uzbekistan’s capital, where formalizing land and construction documentation is already time-intensive. The claims highlight risks for investors navigating permitting, due diligence, and project timelines, and could increase pressure on regulators to tighten oversight and streamline processes.

"Nothing moves until there is an ‘assalomu alaykum’; after that, they grant the permit. Authorities should take measures against those who issue baseless rejections." - Usmonjon Abdusamatov (kun.uz)

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Tashkent Apartment Prices Fall Sharply in H1 2025, While Several Regions See Gains

Published: 2025-09-04

Primary market apartment prices declined notably in the first half of 2025: down about 14% in Tashkent city and 9% in Tashkent region, according to kun.uz. In contrast, prices increased across several regions, with notable growth reported in Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Jizzakh, Samarkand, Syrdarya, and Surkhandarya. The divergence suggests a cooling in the capital’s new-build segment—potentially due to expanded supply, tighter buyer budgets, or changing mortgage conditions—while regional markets continue to firm. For investors and developers, the capital’s softening may pressure margins and shift attention to mid-tier regional cities where demand appears more resilient. Homebuyers in Tashkent could benefit from improved affordability, while those targeting regional assets should watch for sustained momentum and potential overvaluation risks if current trends persist.

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Court Victory Fails to Secure Payment as Urgut Cluster Defies Ruling and Tax Demands Persist

Published: 2025-09-04

A farmer in Urgut district, Samarkand region, won a court case against a cotton-textile cluster over unpaid dues, with the judgment entering into force and an enforcement writ sent to the bailiff service (MIB). More than six months later, the cluster has still not settled the debt, while state bodies continue to demand taxes from the farmer despite non-payment. The case spotlights persistent enforcement gaps in Uzbekistan’s cluster-farmer relationships and highlights the practical limits of legal remedies when compliance falters. It also underscores the fiscal exposure for farmers who must meet tax obligations even when contracted buyers do not pay. The stalled enforcement raises questions about the effectiveness of the MIB mechanism and could deter farmers from entering cluster contracts without stronger payment guarantees and clearer tax relief when receivables remain outstanding.

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Cashback Proposed for Home Purchases to Curb Shadow Economy in Construction

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan is considering a cashback mechanism for residential property purchases as a tool to reduce the share of the shadow economy in the construction sector, according to local media. Details on eligibility, rates, and implementation timelines were not disclosed. If adopted, the measure could incentivize buyers to transact through formal channels, potentially increasing VAT receipts, improving traceability of payments, and nudging developers to declare full sales values. Internationally, similar incentives have been used to encourage digital payments and formalize real estate transactions. Key questions include whether the cashback would be funded from tax revenues, limited to first-time buyers, or tied to non-cash payments and certified developers. Implementation design will determine its effectiveness in shrinking informal cash settlements common in the sector.

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Vehicle Compliance Process Eased for Personal Imports Following WTO-Linked Review

Published: 2025-09-04

Authorities will simplify conformity assessments for cars imported for personal use, according to the interagency commission on cooperation with the WTO. After tests began at the Piskent auto proving ground, officials observed no major changes in formal trade flows, even as personal imports rose by 2,693 units in the first half of 2025. Under the decision, the validity of vehicle type-approval documents for legal entities extends from three to five years. For individuals importing a single car for personal needs, mandatory testing at the Piskent facility is abolished. The move aims to streamline procedures and reduce costs while maintaining oversight through existing documentation protocols. The adjustment signals a pragmatic response to market data and aligns with broader trade facilitation efforts tied to WTO engagement.

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GDP Expands 7.2% in H1 2025 as Capital Investment Rises 5.5%

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s economy grew 7.2% in the first half of 2025, with gross domestic product reaching 808 trillion soums. Capital investment into fixed assets totaled 273.4 trillion soums across all financing sources, up 5.5% year on year, according to an O‘zA report on a parliamentary faction discussion with government representatives. Lawmakers emphasized oversight of social-sector spending and timely execution of allocated budgets, reflecting a push to link rapid growth with social outcomes. The article attributes expansion to measures supporting employment and entrepreneurship, alongside ongoing reforms, in a global environment of volatility and uncertainty. While officials and deputies reviewed priorities, specific new policy directives were not detailed, suggesting continued focus on implementation quality and budget efficiency within social programs.

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Peach Exports Reach $80.5 Million in Seven Months, Driven by Russian Demand

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan exported 87.9 thousand tons of peaches worth $80.5 million in January–July 2025, according to the National Statistics Committee, underscoring steady growth and competitiveness in fruit exports. Russia dominated as the top destination with 69.9 thousand tons, followed by Kazakhstan with 13.1 thousand tons and Kyrgyzstan with 4 thousand tons. Belarus received 615 tons, with a further 259 tons sent to other markets. The concentration of shipments to Russia highlights logistics and pricing advantages via existing road and rail corridors, while Kazakhstan’s role points to deepening regional trade ties. Diversification remains limited, suggesting potential exposure to demand shifts in key neighbors; however, consistent regional uptake indicates scope to scale volumes and expand market access through quality certification, cold-chain capacity, and targeted promotion.

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Diplomacy

Shanghai Cooperation Organization Meetings Draw Western Scrutiny; Tashkent’s Strategic Calculus in Focus

Published: 2025-09-04

China’s push within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is under renewed Western scrutiny, with the bloc serving as a platform that aligns Beijing’s geopolitical, economic, and security ambitions. For Uzbekistan, a founding SCO member and current driver of regional connectivity, the organization remains a vehicle for balancing ties: deepening infrastructure, trade, and security cooperation with China and Central Asian neighbors while maintaining pragmatic engagement with Europe and the United States. The stakes include energy corridors, digital infrastructure standards, and counterterrorism coordination—all areas where Tashkent seeks diversified partnerships and risk mitigation. As SCO initiatives expand into finance and technology, Uzbekistan’s policy calculus will likely emphasize multi-vector diplomacy, leveraging SCO access for investment and logistics while safeguarding regulatory autonomy and avoiding overdependence on any single power center. No direct official statements were cited in the source article.

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Business Women’s Associations Explore Cooperation Following Tashkent–Kuala Lumpur Meeting

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Malaysia, Karomiddin Gadoyev, met with Norazizah Borhan, president of the International Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia (IWEM), to discuss collaboration on supporting women-led enterprises. While specific programs were not disclosed, the talks signal potential partnerships in mentorship, capacity building, and market access for female entrepreneurs connecting Central and Southeast Asia. For Uzbekistan, alignment with IWEM could bolster ongoing reforms to expand SME participation and diversify export channels, particularly in services and light manufacturing. Malaysia’s established networks may offer training and financing pathways, while Uzbekistan’s growing startup ecosystem provides a new frontier for exchange. Further details—such as pilot projects, MOUs, or exchange programs—were not announced, leaving timelines and scope to be clarified in subsequent engagements.

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France Appoints Walid Fouque as New Ambassador to Tashkent After Credential Handover

Published: 2025-09-04

France’s newly appointed ambassador to Uzbekistan, Walid Fouque, presented copies of his credentials to Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov on 4 September, signaling continuity in a relationship elevated to a strategic partnership in recent years. Saidov highlighted the breadth of cooperation spanning the economy to culture and underlined the role of diplomats in unlocking further potential.

"Relations between Uzbekistan and France, built on a strong historical foundation and rich traditions, have rapidly developed in recent years and risen to the level of a strategic partnership... Our diplomats’ joint efforts are crucial to fully realizing this potential." - Bakhtiyor Saidov, Foreign Minister (qalampir.uz)

Fouque is a seasoned diplomat and second-class civil servant, with experience in strategic affairs at France’s Foreign Ministry, advisory roles to the French President on Asia, Oceania, and the Americas (2020–2025), and postings in Beijing and at the UN in New York. He succeeds Aurélia Bouchez, who served from October 2021 to August 2025 and recently received Uzbekistan’s Friendship Order.

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Geology Partnership Deepens with Academic Exchanges and Joint Projects with Mongolia

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan and Mongolia moved to operationalize recent mining-sector agreements with meetings in Ulaanbaatar between Geological Sciences University pro-rector Leyla Sharafutdinova, Uzbek Overseas Geology Company (UOGC) CEO Hayitboy Omonov, and National University of Mongolia rector Bayanjargalin Ochirkhuyag. The sides discussed training geoscience personnel, launching joint academic programs, and expanding applied research and exploration projects. The visit follows a presidential trip that produced a memorandum of understanding between relevant ministries covering mineral exploration, extraction, processing, and professional upskilling. A new memorandum adds academic exchange programs and internationally aligned curricula for students and faculty. UOGC will fund scholarships for Mongolian students to study in Uzbekistan, with pathways to work at the company’s Mongolia office. The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral geological cooperation and elevate joint research, creating talent pipelines linked to upcoming exploration and processing ventures.

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Infrastructure

Tashkent Region Allocates 1,310 Hectares for New International Airport Project

Published: 2025-09-04

Tashkent region will set aside 1,309.76 hectares across Orta Chirchiq and Quyi Chirchiq districts for a new international airport intended to relieve capacity constraints at the city’s current facility. The allocation includes 1,075.45 hectares of irrigated land, 112.69 hectares of orchards, and 120.97 hectares of other land, according to the regional cadaster authority. The site lies roughly 17 km from the existing Tashkent International Airport, near the Tashkent–Samarkand highway and a planned toll expressway. The project follows a presidential briefing noting passenger flows could reach 15 million by 2030 while the current in-city airport cannot expand. Initial capacity targets up to 20 million passengers annually, simultaneous accommodation of 169 aircraft, and over 40 movements per hour. The move signals a long-term shift of major aviation infrastructure to the region south of the capital, improving highway connectivity and growth corridors.

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Ferghana Valley CNG Stations Face 36-Hour Shutdown as New Trunk Line Is Connected

Published: 2025-09-04

Natural gas supply to vehicle CNG stations and large industrial users in Andijan, Namangan, and Ferghana will be temporarily curtailed from 12:00 on 5 September for 36 hours while a newly built, 22 km section of the Ohangaron–Pungon trunk pipeline in mountainous terrain is connected to the network. Authorities say retail gasoline volumes in the valley will be increased to ease transport disruptions, and residential supply will be prioritized. The project is part of pre-winter upgrades to improve reliability for the valley’s consumers. The Energy Ministry said the works were coordinated with local administrations and aim to strengthen stable supply through the upcoming cold season. No specific official was named in reports for direct quotation.

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Parliamentary Inquiry Seeks Answers on Qamchiq Pass Road Delays and Gridlock

Published: 2025-09-04

A member of the lower house of parliament has pressed the Transport Ministry over prolonged traffic jams at Qamchiq Pass, the strategic corridor linking the Fergana Valley with the rest of the country. Deputy Dilnoza Azizova said she received numerous complaints during local consultations and formally submitted a request to Transport Minister Ilhom Mahkamov, asking why construction progress is slow and when the roadworks will finish. The congestion has affected thousands of drivers and passengers, underscoring the national importance of the route beyond local districts. The inquiry signals growing legislative scrutiny of infrastructure bottlenecks and calls for clearer timelines. Officials’ responses will indicate whether accelerated works or interim traffic management measures are forthcoming, with broader implications for trade and mobility across the valley and mainland.

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SOCAR, Uzbekneftgaz and Energy Ministry advance Ustyurt exploration under production sharing deal

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s Energy Ministry, Azerbaijan’s SOCAR, and Uzbekneftgaz reviewed next steps to implement a recently signed production sharing agreement covering geological exploration and future hydrocarbon extraction across Ustyurt investment blocks. The meeting focused on operational preparations, including establishing an operator company, technical workflows, and coordination mechanisms. Parties agreed to complete operator company registration in September, set new timelines for seismic surveys, and initiate environmental impact assessments. The PSA, formalized on July 24, 2025, is intended to launch exploration and delineate commercial development pathways in one of Uzbekistan’s key frontier basins. The timeline suggests near-term mobilization and contracting, with seismic programs likely sequencing into drilling decisions. For investors, milestones on registration and EIA will be critical for permitting, while SOCAR’s participation signals deepening Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan energy ties and potential for technology transfer and risk-sharing in early-stage exploration.

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Society

Police Rescue Woman and 5‑Month‑Old Kept in Cowshed; Domestic Violence Case Opened in Surxondaryo

Published: 2025-09-04

Authorities in Surxondaryo’s Uzun district rescued a 27-year-old woman and her 5‑month‑old son who were allegedly confined for months in a cowshed by her partner and relatives, according to regional police. A neighborhood inspector forced entry on 26 August after a tip, finding the pair in anti-sanitary conditions. Investigators say the man, born 1981, colluded with his mother and close relatives to exert pressure and violence, exploiting the woman’s speech impairment. The victims were hospitalized; the child was placed in a maternity ward, and social services are monitoring their condition. A criminal case under Criminal Code Article 126-1 (domestic violence), part 7(a),(e), has been opened. The suspect and three relatives were detained; one additional person is wanted. The case is under tight supervision, with forensic examinations ordered and investigative actions ongoing.

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Angren Senior Investigator Arrested for Alleged $10,000 Bribe Request

Published: 2025-09-04

A senior investigator at Angren city’s Interior Affairs Department (Toshkent region) was detained during a sting operation after allegedly demanding $10,000 to avoid opening a criminal case and “taking measures” against a citizen. Security services say the officer was caught accepting $5,000 as part of the marked funds during a joint operation by the State Security Service, the Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Interior Ministry’s Internal Security Directorate. A criminal case has been opened under Criminal Code Article 210 (bribe-taking), part 2(b), and the suspect has been placed in pre-trial detention. The case highlights ongoing anti-corruption enforcement within law enforcement bodies, with investigators signaling continued scrutiny of officials who leverage procedural discretion for illicit payments. Further investigative actions are underway.

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Torture Allegations at Namangan Police Department Trigger Criminal Case and Dismissal

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s authorities opened a criminal case after a 34-year-old man alleged he was tortured for two days inside the Namangan city police department, sustaining severe injuries. Regional police said the man was brought in on 14 August over a family dispute and released the same day; he sought medical help on 16 August. Prosecutors are investigating under Article 104(1) for intentional grievous bodily harm, a charge that carries significant prison terms. The Interior Ministry formed a special task force and placed the case under heightened oversight. The Ombudsman reported that a Chust district preventive inspector, identified as Major B.D./D.B., was dismissed for gross disciplinary violations; broader criminal liability remains under investigation. The victim and rights group Ezgulik claim multiple officers used batons and an electroshock device.

"Those responsible will face strict measures following an impartial review" - Shokhrukh G‘iyosov, Interior Ministry spokesperson (qalampir.uz)

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Compensation Expanded for Low-Income Households’ Electricity and Gas Bills

Published: 2025-09-04

"Under the presidential decree, low-income families receive compensation covering the price difference for consumption above 150 kWh of electricity and 150 cubic meters of natural gas." - Presidential decree (kun.uz)

Uzbekistan has broadened utility support for vulnerable households, covering the gap between baseline and higher tariff rates for usage exceeding 150 kWh of electricity and 150 cubic meters of natural gas. The measure offsets the differential both within and beyond the baseline norms, reducing bill shocks as tiered pricing takes effect. For energy providers, the scheme helps maintain revenue integrity while protecting demand from price sensitivity among low-income consumers. The policy also signals continued reliance on targeted social assistance to cushion reforms in the energy sector, where tariff restructuring aims to improve financial sustainability and incentivize efficiency. Details on eligibility, disbursement mechanisms, and fiscal impact were not disclosed in the brief, but the government frames the move as a calibrated response to rising living costs and energy reform timelines.

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Compensation Pledged for Homes Demolished in Imam Moturidi Mausoleum Reconstruction

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage Agency said residents whose homes are being demolished around the Imam Moturidi mausoleum complex in Samarkand will receive compensation at market value under the national law on land acquisition for public needs. The project, approved by the agency’s Scientific-Expert Council, stems from a 9 February 2021 presidential decree to reconstruct the complex within the Chokardiza cemetery area, restore graves of prominent scholars, and upgrade infrastructure to develop a major pilgrimage site. Authorities stated the plan complies with UNESCO World Heritage Convention requirements, with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre notified and an impact report prepared by international specialists. The agency said final decisions and details will be published on its official social media channels. No individual compensation timelines or amounts were disclosed.

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Seized Parks and Playgrounds Returned to Public Use Following Nationwide Audit

Published: 2025-09-04

Authorities are restoring green spaces and children’s and sports grounds previously appropriated for other uses, following a June 16 directive from the president. A national task force led by the Prosecutor General’s Office with Oʻzbekkosmos, the cadastre agency, and sector ministries is using archival and current satellite imagery to detect violations. In Tashkent’s Mirzo Ulugʻbek district, 56 illegal cases were identified; a 27-hectare plot has been reclaimed and two criminal cases opened. Aerospatial monitoring flagged 374 violations in Yunusobod, Yakkasaroy and Mirzo Ulugʻbek. In Yashnobod’s School No. 282, sports grounds were returned after unlawful enclosure by a private entrepreneur. Officials say similar reviews are underway in Namangan across 706 apartment complexes, with over 20 illegal constructions found.

"No hokim thinks about creating green areas, places to walk in fresh air, sports grounds, or fountains on vacant land." - President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (gazeta.uz)

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Environment

Yangi-Angren Power Plant Found Emitting Pollutants; Compensation Calculated and Remedial Plan Ordered

Published: 2025-09-04

Tashkent region’s ecology authority confirmed the Yangi-Angren thermal power plant in Ohangaron is releasing pollutants into the air following inspections triggered by social media reports. Officials said existing dust and gas filtration systems lack sufficient efficiency, prompting compensation calculations under Cabinet resolution No. 202 (April 12, 2021) and directives to fix violations. The agency also drafted a roadmap to prevent further emissions and lessen public impact. In February 2024, the plant was similarly cited for above-limit emissions and improper waste handling, with 1.003 billion soums assessed. The latest notice did not disclose the new compensation amount. The actions reflect tighter enforcement across the region, where dozens of polluting facilities have faced suspensions or compliance orders this year.

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Innovation

Nationwide Land Digitization Nears Completion with 96% Mapped

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan has created electronic maps for 96% of its land, according to the Republican Aerogeodesy Center. The milestone signals acceleration of land administration reforms aimed at improving transparency, taxation, and investment planning. Digital cadastre coverage at this scale typically enables faster land transactions, clearer property rights, and more effective agricultural monitoring. Authorities have prioritized efficient use of land resources, with the aerogeodesy unit reporting progress on tasks tied to that mandate. While the announcement did not outline a timeline for full coverage or public access parameters, the near-complete mapping suggests forthcoming integration with e-government services, potential updates to land valuation, and enhanced oversight of state and private land use. Implementation details on data accuracy, dispute resolution, and interoperability with municipal and agricultural systems will be key to realizing benefits for planning and compliance.

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Innovation Center Planned in Jizzakh following Presidential Visit to China

Published: 2025-09-04

During the president’s state visit to China, Uzbekistan’s Agriculture Minister Ibrohim Abdurahmonov met with executives from major Chinese companies, resulting in plans to establish an Uzbekistan–China innovation center in Jizzakh. While specific timelines, investment figures, and participating firms were not disclosed, the initiative signals deepening sectoral cooperation focused on agricultural technology and modernization. The center is expected to facilitate joint R&D, pilot projects, and technology transfer that could boost productivity and value-added processing in Uzbekistan’s agri-food chain. For foreign stakeholders, Jizzakh’s location—linked to key logistics routes—may position the hub as a regional platform for Sino-Central Asian agri-tech collaboration. No official statements detailing funding structures or governance were included in the initial report.

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Digital Portal Launched to Streamline Farm Subsidies for Machinery and Land-Leveling Equipment

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan has approved Cabinet Resolution No. 549 (dated August 29, 2025) to digitize state subsidies for agricultural mechanization, making all applications and approvals run through the dedicated portal Subsidia.mf.uz. The reform targets purchases of laser-equipped farm machinery and automated land-leveling aggregates, and partially covers interest on related credit and leasing contracts. Applications will be free, limited to one subsidy per applicant for a single unit, and processed entirely online to reduce administrative burden and enhance transparency. The portal will integrate with key state systems—my.gov.uz, the e-government platform, tax, customs, certification databases—and with banks and leasing companies, with each participating agency responsible for data accuracy. The decision took effect on August 30, 2025, following publication in the national legislative database. The move is expected to tighten budget oversight and accelerate mechanization uptake across the sector.

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Cabinet Approves Framework for Trusted Third Party Service to Validate Digital Documents

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan’s Cabinet of Ministers approved rules for operating a Trusted Third Party (TTP) service under Resolution No. 551 dated September 2, 2025, implementing provisions of the Law on Electronic Digital Signatures. The TTP will verify that electronic digital signatures (EDS) on documents belong to the stated signers, confirm legal validity, and act as an information intermediary to ensure integrity during interagency and cross-border data exchanges. In line with Presidential Decree PF-76 (May 24, 2023), a “Unified Digital Documents” database will be created to confirm the authenticity of digitally signed documents issued in Uzbekistan. The regulation also provides for recognition of foreign-validated electronic documents within Uzbekistan. The act, published in the National Database of Legislative Documents in the state language, took effect on September 3, 2025. The implementing entity will be appointed by an authorized state body and maintain the database and verification processes.

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Health

U.S.-Standard Medical Training Program Planned Following Bilateral Health Talks

Published: 2025-09-04

Uzbekistan and the United States discussed future cooperation in healthcare, with plans to develop a training program for medical personnel based on U.S. standards. The initiative aims to align clinical skills and professional development with international benchmarks, potentially improving quality of care and facilitating cross-border collaboration in education and practice. While specific timelines and institutions were not disclosed, the move signals a push to standardize curricula, enhance accreditation pathways, and expand exchange or capacity-building initiatives. For international partners, the program could open avenues for joint certification, faculty training, and technology transfer, as well as support for continuing medical education. No official statements or named speakers were cited in the source to detail implementation or funding, indicating details may follow in subsequent announcements.

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German Clinic Announces Partnership to Introduce International Bariatric Surgery Standards

Published: 2025-09-04

Alexianer St. Martinus-Krankenhaus in Düsseldorf announced it has established cooperation with counterparts in Uzbekistan to implement international standards in bariatric surgery. While details are limited, the partnership suggests knowledge transfer, training, and potential alignment with European clinical protocols for obesity treatment. Such collaboration typically includes surgeon exchanges, standardized perioperative care pathways, and accreditation support, which could improve patient safety and outcomes. For Uzbekistan’s healthcare sector, adopting recognized bariatric standards can expand access to metabolic surgery, reduce complications, and attract regional medical referrals. The announcement also points to deeper Uzbek–German healthcare ties, potentially opening avenues for joint research, telemedicine consultations, and capacity building across surgical specialties. No official timeline or specific program components were disclosed by the clinic beyond noting that cooperation has begun.

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