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Uzbekistan — Daily

Uzbekistan Daily: Tashkent okays heating tariff hike, new telecom regulator, and Digital Court pilots

,   and  Lexica
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Politics

Justice Academy Launched to Overhaul Judge Training and Certification

Published: 2025-08-25

"The presidential decree opens the way to improve training for the judiciary based on international standards... ensuring the unity of education, science, and practice to form a professional corps of judges." - Foziljon Otaxonov, Professor at the Justice Academy (uza.uz)

Uzbekistan will replace the Higher School of Judges with the new Justice Academy under a 21 August presidential decree aimed at restructuring judicial training and continuous professional development. From 1 October 2025, candidates for judgeships must enter the Academy through a multi-stage selection process—integrity screening, psychological testing, foreign-language and specialization exams, written tests, and interviews—before completing a six‑month state-funded program with a stipend equal to a judge assistant’s salary. Graduates who pass final certification may compete for vacancies; those who fail, decline offers, or do not apply within three years must repay stipends. Mandatory upskilling for sitting judges, leadership-track retraining, and a magistrate-level master’s program in “Court Activities” will be introduced from 2026/27, alongside “virtual court” simulations and AI-enabled training modeled on ENM and other comparative practices.

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Anti-Corruption Agency voids body-camera tender over procurement breaches; airport operator disputes findings

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan’s Anti-Corruption Agency annulled a state procurement run by airport operator Uzbekistan Airports for the supply, installation, and commissioning of body cameras, citing irregularities amounting to 6.8 billion soums. The agency said bids were not fully and objectively assessed, affiliated parties participated, and evaluation errors occurred; case materials were sent to law enforcement. The company countered that all stages complied with regulations and that the final contract value was 4.3 billion soums with VAT, while 6.8 billion soums was only the initial estimate. It added that alleged corporate links were identified only after results were confirmed and that shared registration addresses are not illegal. The tender results have been invalidated. The move follows broader scrutiny of public tenders nationwide by competition authorities.

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Draft Law Proposes Cash Rewards for Reporting Non‑Compliant Products

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan has published a draft Law on Market Surveillance for public consultation, introducing obligations and potential incentives to improve product safety compliance. Economic operators who learn that a product in circulation fails to meet mandatory standards must notify the market surveillance authority within 10 days; importers, distributors, or authorized representatives must relay such notifications to the manufacturer within the same timeframe. Individuals who are not economic operators may also report non‑compliant products, and the legislation envisions possible financial rewards for these reports. Upon receiving a notification, the market surveillance body must inform the relevant economic operator within five days. The draft also tasks the Cabinet of Ministers with implementation measures, while the Supreme Court would, within three months, build and regularly update a database of court cases awarding moral damages over the past three years to guide future adjudication.

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Presidential Decree Overhauls Pay and Incentives for Local Executive Staff

Published: 2025-08-25

The presidency issued a decree reforming compensation and material incentives for personnel at local executive bodies, including the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan, regional and Tashkent city administrations, and district/city hokimliks. The measure standardizes and updates pay structures and bonus mechanisms to improve performance management and accountability across local government tiers. While details on salary scales and implementation timelines were not disclosed in the initial notice, the policy signals a push to professionalize public administration and align incentives with service delivery targets. International observers will watch for accompanying budget allocations, criteria for performance-based pay, and anti-corruption safeguards, as these will shape recruitment competitiveness and fiscal impact at the subnational level. The decree also suggests a broader effort to harmonize human resource practices in line with ongoing administrative reforms.

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Economy

Tashkent Endorses Double-Digit Hike to Heating and Hot Water Tariffs; Rollout Date Pending

Published: 2025-08-25

Tashkent’s city council approved increases to central heating and hot water tariffs: +15% for households (to 139,860 soums/Gcal, VAT excluded), +40% for businesses (to 342,296), and +18.8% for budget-funded entities (to 952,797). The base tariff rises 7% to 711,641. The decision follows proposals from Veolia Energy Tashkent and national policy to expand market mechanisms in energy pricing. Implementation requires the mayor’s signature; no start date is set, though the operator suggested 1 October 2025. Veolia says residents currently pay only 18% of the base tariff, with the city subsidizing the rest, and plans to phase out subsidies by 2030 to move to full cost recovery over five years.

"We have no other option. If steps aren’t taken now, future increases could reach 40–50%." - Sevara Pardayeva, CEO, Veolia Energy Tashkent (uzdaily.uz)

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Regulatory Sandbox Opens Digital Investment Platforms for Securities, Funds, and Partnerships

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan has introduced a one-year regulatory sandbox to legalize and test investment via digital platforms, following a presidential decree (PQ-255) effective 22 August 2025. From 1 October 2025 to 1 October 2026, platforms may facilitate securities issuance and sales, venture and unit fund financing, and limited partnership contributions. Platform operators must be resident legal entities, enter a special registry, and maintain contract ledgers. Issuers must publish auditor opinions confirming solvency and compliance with tax and accounting rules. Investments will be evidenced by digital certificates, restricted to domestic projects, and ring-fenced from other uses or collateralization, with return and repayment risk borne by the issuer. Foreign and local investors may participate. The National Agency for Prospective Projects will license and supervise, and deals will auto-register in the Unified State Register in real time.

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Annual Inflation Eases to 8.9% in July as Energy and Transport Costs Lead Gains

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan’s Central Bank reported annual inflation at 8.9% in July, with price pressures uneven across categories. Food saw sharp increases over the past year: carrots (+90.2%), onions (+57.8%), cabbage (+46.4%), cottonseed oil (+42.6%), potatoes (+34.6%), and mutton (+32.9%). Non-food prices were led by methane (+36.3%), while services recorded notable hikes in domestic air travel (+62.3%), piped gas (+39.2%), liquefied gas supply (+25%), public kindergartens (+21%), and electricity (+18.8%). Despite these spikes, most items rose less than 10%: 140 of 170 food products, 238 of 250 non-food goods, and 38 of 90 services stayed below that threshold. Significant declines were recorded for grapes (−53.3%), tomatoes (−28.2%), squash (−25.6%), apples (−21.4%), and rice (−17.1%). The Central Bank previously noted slower real wage growth and weaker job-search activity.

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Som Strengthens to 21‑Month Low for Dollar as Trade Gap Narrows and Inflows Rise

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan’s central bank set the official dollar rate at 12,305.80 som for August 26, down 51.29 som day-on-day and the lowest since December 7, 2023. The som has appreciated across four straight sessions, gaining 1.75% (219.12 som), and is up 4.6% year-to-date from 12,904.9 on January 1. The euro rose to 14,389.17 som, while the ruble slipped to 152.56 som. Analysts link the strengthening to stronger export proceeds, sterilized gold-sale revenues, and higher remittance inflows. January–July trade reached $44.4 billion (+19.9% y/y), with exports up 34.9% to $20.1 billion and the trade deficit narrowing to $4.2 billion. Gold exports totaled $7.7 billion year-to-date, supporting FX supply, while the global dollar index has fallen about 10% this year, adding external tailwinds. The exchange-rate volatility band has widened since April, reflecting greater flexibility.

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Tax Switch Incentives and Hotel-Build Push Set for 2026 Under New Presidential Decree

Published: 2025-08-25

A new presidential decree (PF-138) sets pro-business changes from 1 January 2026, easing the transition from turnover tax to VAT and launching a hotel development drive. First-time VAT payers will receive a one-year corporate income tax holiday, no financial penalties for accounting errors for one year, and partial reimbursement of accounting service costs for six months. Tax compliance will shift to a proactive model: authorities will pre‑prepare property, land, income, and social tax filings, leaving five business days for taxpayer corrections. Tourism policy adds seven‑year bank loans for hotel construction—up to 30 billion UZS in Tashkent, regional capitals and tourism hubs, and up to 10 billion UZS elsewhere—plus a $1 million annual award fund for top‑rated hotels. State real estate lease terms extend from three to five years starting 2026.

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Yandex Launches Incentive Program to Grow Taxi Fleet Partnerships

Published: 2025-08-25

Yandex Uzbekistan unveiled a partner incentive scheme to spur small fleet operators and new entrants in the taxi market. Eligible partners who connect vehicles to the Yandex Taxi service can earn up to 35 million soums per car annually, with applications open until September 19, 2025. To qualify, partners must acquire at least 10 locally assembled vehicles by September 30, 2025, ensure they meet brand and model-year criteria, and keep them actively operating and tracked on the platform. The company plans expanded support, including automation tools, driver recruitment and training, manager webinars, and prospective leasing terms and vehicle purchase discounts. The initiative aims to refresh and expand the service-connected fleet while stabilizing demand and service quality.

"This project allows us to attract new partners and continuously renew the service-connected fleet, which in turn helps maintain high service quality and stable demand for Yandex Taxi." - Timur Aliyev, Head of Yandex Taxi (uzdaily.uz)

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Trade Ties Shift as Exports Top $20B with Record Gold Sales and Deeper China Share

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan’s external trade profile pivoted in the first seven months of 2025, with total exports surpassing $20 billion and a record $7.7 billion from gold sales. Trade turnover improved markedly with the UAE, India, Afghanistan, and the Netherlands, while flows with Lithuania, Turkmenistan, South Korea, the United States, and Turkey declined. China’s role intensified, accounting for 18.2% of total foreign trade, underscoring growing concentration risk but also signaling deepening integration with the Chinese market across goods and services. The record bullion proceeds likely cushioned external balances and supported headline export growth, yet the divergence in bilateral performance hints at shifting supply chains and market reorientation. For investors and traders, the combination of elevated commodity receipts and dependency on a single major partner will be central to pricing currency dynamics and assessing near‑term trade resilience.

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Textile Manufacturing Footprint Expands with Global Brand Partnerships and New Capacity Plans

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan is accelerating its shift from cotton exporter to full-cycle apparel producer, building direct ties with marquee brands and expanding capacity. Sixty-six local manufacturers now supply companies such as LC Waikiki, The North Face, Inditex, Defacto, and Terranova, with over 80 brand relationships formed in the past three years. Production capacity exceeds 850,000 tons annually, driven by firms like Uztex Group (160,000 tons/year), Navbahor Textile (135,000), and Global Textile (62,000). In 2024, these enterprises produced 273,000 tons worth 12.9 trillion soums; exports reached 40,100 tons valued at $435.4 million, accounting for 42% of output. Employment has surpassed 37,500. A 2025 program will add 20 lines, enabling 33 million garments, 600,000 sq m of decorative fabrics, and 25,000 tons of knit fabric, targeting $73 million in extra exports, $84 million in FDI, and 4,200 jobs. The trajectory positions the country as a reliable link in global fashion supply chains.

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TBC Bank Acquires Control of OLX Uzbekistan, Plans Integration of Digital Banking

Published: 2025-08-25

TBC Bank has purchased a controlling stake in OLX Uzbekistan and will integrate the classifieds platform into its banking ecosystem. The companies agreed to retain the OLX brand while adding TBC’s digital banking products to the platform. The move signals a deeper push by a leading digital bank into e-commerce infrastructure, potentially expanding access to consumer finance, payments, and lending at the point of listing or purchase. For the Uzbek market, this could accelerate fintech adoption and competition in online marketplaces, while offering TBC cross-selling opportunities and richer user data. Regulatory approvals and integration timelines were not disclosed. No executive statements were published in the source report.

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SK Nexilis Weighs Shifting Copper Foil Production to Uzbekistan to Cut Energy Costs

Published: 2025-08-25

South Korea’s SK Nexilis is evaluating a move to establish copper foil production in Uzbekistan, seeking lower operating costs as energy prices rise at home, Business Korea reports. The company is considering relocating output from its Jeongeup plant while maintaining multiple facilities in Malaysia. Copper foil is a key input for battery manufacturing, and electricity reportedly accounts for up to 15% of production costs. Power tariffs average about $0.13/kWh in South Korea versus roughly $0.08/kWh in Uzbekistan. The country also offers sizable copper reserves and relatively low extraction costs, supporting vertical integration potential for battery supply chains. An SK Nexilis representative said discussions are ongoing and no final decision has been made.

"We are reviewing various options, including moving capacity overseas, to ensure cost competitiveness. However, a final decision has not yet been made." - SK Nexilis spokesperson (uzdaily.uz)

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Real Wage Growth Trails Regional Peers in Q2, Central Bank Notes

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan’s real wage growth reached 7.3% in the second quarter, lagging behind Central Asia’s average of 9.8% and 9.1% when some Caucasus states are included, according to the Central Bank as cited by kun.uz. The gap suggests domestic earnings are rising more slowly than in neighboring markets, potentially reflecting differing inflation dynamics, productivity trends, or sectoral composition. For employers and investors, slower real income growth may temper consumer demand compared with regional peers, while policymakers could face pressure to sustain purchasing power without stoking inflation. The comparison also provides a benchmark for wage negotiations and budget planning across sectors exposed to regional competition. No official made an attributable statement in the report, and no policy changes were announced alongside the figures.

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Foreign Arrivals Jump Nearly 49% in January–July as Regional Tourism Recovers

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan recorded 6.319 million foreign visitors in January–July 2024, according to the National Statistics Committee, marking a 48.9% increase—about 2.1 million more—compared with the same period last year. While the article references breakdowns by country and purpose, detailed figures were not provided. Regional context shows Uzbekistan ranks third in Central Asia by foreign arrivals so far this year, following Kazakhstan with 15.3 million and Kyrgyzstan with 8.6 million. The acceleration suggests ongoing recovery in cross-border mobility and tourism demand across Central Asia, with Uzbekistan’s growth outpacing many peers in percentage terms. The data may signal rising demand for hospitality, transport, and related services, and could support policy priorities on visa facilitation and infrastructure upgrades to capture longer stays and higher spending.

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Fruit and Vegetable Exports Top $1 Billion in Seven Months as Volumes and Prices Rise

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan exported 1.3 million tons of fruit and vegetables in January–July 2025, generating over $1.06 billion, according to the National Statistics Agency. Volumes increased 5.2% year-on-year (up 62,900 tons), while export value surged 35.2%, indicating stronger pricing and product mix. Produce accounted for 5.3% of total foreign trade. Key demand centered on raisins, onions, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, cherries, apricots, mung beans, and other produce. Authorities project export earnings could reach $3.5 billion by end-2025, following a government push to expand production, processing, and market access discussed at a video conference chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The outlook underscores continued emphasis on agri-processing and logistics as drivers of higher-value shipments and diversification of external revenues.

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Russian Audio Equipment Maker PRIDE Explores Production at Chirchiq Techno Park

Published: 2025-08-25

Chirchiq chemical-industrial techno park is strengthening its investment profile as Russia’s PRIDE, a high-end audio equipment producer founded in 2013 in Kazan (Tatarstan), assessed the site for a potential manufacturing complex. The delegation reviewed available production facilities, infrastructure, logistics, and the package of incentives offered to resident firms. Discussions were described as constructive, with both sides agreeing to continue talks to map next steps toward a potential partnership. Techno park management framed foreign company visits as a core pillar of its strategy to attract foreign direct investment and launch new production lines—developments that could accelerate technology transfer and job creation in the region. While no investment commitments were announced, the visit signals growing interest from specialized manufacturers in Uzbekistan’s expanding industrial zones.

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UzCard Half-Year Profit Jumps 53% as Revenue and Assets Expand Sharply

Published: 2025-08-25

UzCard reported unaudited IFRS net profit of 621.6 billion soums for the first half of 2025, up 52.7% year on year. Net revenue rose 68.7% to 953.3 billion soums, while operating profit increased 59.7% to 636.4 billion soums. The payment operator’s tax expense edged down to 3.1 billion soums from 3.3 billion a year earlier. Total assets climbed 57.9% to 997.3 billion soums and equity surged 146.4% to 790.5 billion soums. The results underscore robust transaction volumes and fee growth in Uzbekistan’s rapidly digitizing payments market, alongside disciplined cost and tax management. Strong balance sheet expansion—particularly equity—suggests improved capital buffers that could support further network investments, reliability upgrades, and product development in the competitive domestic card ecosystem dominated by UzCard and its counterparts.

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Diplomacy

Jordan’s King Abdullah II Makes First State Visit to Uzbekistan for Samarqand Summit on Trade and Investment

Published: 2025-08-25

Jordan’s King Abdullah II arrived in Samarqand for a two-day state visit, marking the first trip by a Jordanian monarch to Uzbekistan. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomed him at the airport ahead of talks focused on expanding political dialogue and deepening trade, investment, and sectoral cooperation—specifically in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, and mining. The agenda also includes cultural and humanitarian exchanges and consultations on regional and international issues. A package of bilateral agreements is expected. The leaders toured key heritage sites, including Shohi Zinda, Gur-Emir, and Registan, and visited the “Eternal City” complex at the Samarqand Tourism Center. The visit underscores Tashkent’s push to diversify partnerships across the Middle East and ties into King Abdullah’s broader Central Asia outreach, with talks in Kazakhstan scheduled next.

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Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to reinstate direct passenger flights following high-level talks in Avaza involving leaders of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. Transport Minister Ilhom Makhkamov said a formal document was signed to enable the return of regular services, ending a period without nonstop routes between the two countries. The move comes alongside a joint protocol on civil aviation cooperation signed by Uzbekistan’s Transport Ministry and Turkmenistan Airlines, led by Dovran Saburov, signaling a broader push to deepen connectivity. The reintroduction of direct flights is expected to facilitate business travel, logistics planning, and regional mobility as both governments strengthen transport links and coordination.

"We signed the relevant document today, and regular flights between our countries will become possible soon." - Ilhom Makhkamov, Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan (uzdaily.uz)

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China’s Henan Qingmaitong Explores Herbal Drug Production and Training Partnership Following Tashkent Talks

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan’s Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency met with China’s Henan Qingmaitong Biotechnology to discuss launching pharmaceutical production based on medicinal plants, with an eye to exporting to CIS and European markets. The parties also considered setting up training programs for local entrepreneurs in herbal cultivation and processing, signaling a skills and supply-chain buildup alongside manufacturing plans. The agency committed institutional support, suggesting potential facilitation on regulatory, land-allocation, or certification processes that foreign producers typically face. The focus on herbal inputs may diversify Uzbekistan’s pharma base and connect domestic agribusiness with higher-value export pipelines. If realized, the initiative could position Uzbekistan as a regional node for plant-based therapeutics, though timelines, investment size, and regulatory pathways were not disclosed.

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Infrastructure

Silk Avia Suspends Five Domestic Routes for September–October Citing Technical Reasons

Published: 2025-08-25

Silk Avia has halted select domestic flights for two months due to technical reasons, affecting service in September and October. The suspended routes include Tashkent–Termiz (US753/754, US757/758), Tashkent–Namangan (US501/502), Tashkent–Bukhara (US801/802), Tashkent–Fergana (US401/402), and Tashkent–Navoi (US851/852). The carrier said passengers can obtain full refunds for purchased tickets or rebook on alternative Silk Avia flights where seats are available. The airline apologized for disruptions and emphasized flight safety as its top priority. Silk Avia, launched in April 2023 as a low-cost carrier under Uzbekistan Airports and integrated into Uzbekistan Airways later that year while retaining its brand, announced the changes via its official Telegram channel. Separate to this, Aeroflot plans to restore several Russia–Uzbekistan routes in mid-September.

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Published: 2025-08-25

Centrum Air is preparing to launch twice-weekly direct flights between Tashkent and Copenhagen starting 2 October 2025, following talks between the carrier and Uzbekistan’s embassy officials for Sweden. The route is positioned to deepen trade and tourism ties between Central Asia and the Nordic region, with coordinated promotions at major Scandinavian travel fairs and potential press tours to Uzbekistan. The service (Tuesdays and Thursdays) will also function as a feeder for Centrum Air’s Asian network, particularly Bangkok and select East/South Asian leisure destinations, which the airline says could be significantly cheaper via Tashkent compared to direct departures from Copenhagen. While pricing tiers were indicated on the airline’s site, detailed fare structures and regulatory approvals were not disclosed. The initiative signals growing long-haul connectivity from Tashkent and heightened competition for Nordic-Asia traffic flows via Central Asia.

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Aeroflot Restores and Expands Russia–Uzbekistan Routes in September

Published: 2025-08-25

Aeroflot will ramp up services to Uzbekistan in mid-September, restoring direct flights and increasing frequencies on several routes. From 13 September, Moscow–Samarkand rises from three to five weekly flights. Regular Moscow–Bukhara services resume on 14 September with four weekly flights (Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun). Direct Moscow–Urgench returns on 15 September with three weekly rotations (Mon, Thu, Sat). New Saint Petersburg links start next: Saint Petersburg–Samarkand launches 16 September (Wed, Fri) and Saint Petersburg–Tashkent begins 17 September (Thu, Sat). The moves follow July talks between aviation authorities that expanded traffic rights; carriers from both countries can now operate over 1,000 weekly flights across all approved city pairs, up from more than 310 currently. Aeroflot had halted most international routes in March 2022 before gradually restoring select Uzbekistan services later that year.

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Caspian Ferry Plan Advances with Ship Purchases from Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Under Review

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan is preparing to launch its own ferry operations on the Caspian Sea to ease chronic cargo backlogs on Trans-Caspian routes, following a high-level trilateral meeting in Turkmenistan. Transport Minister Ilhom Makhkamov said growing freight volumes have created delays of 30–40 days, and national vessels would significantly accelerate shipments. Tashkent signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkmenistan on shipbuilding cooperation during the Avaza summit and is exploring ship acquisitions not only there but also in Azerbaijan, where active shipyards operate. The MoU is intended to streamline technical and commercial negotiations, signaling a move to secure tonnage for the Middle Corridor and reduce reliance on third-party fleets.

"We agreed to study and review options to purchase ships from these enterprises. All technical aspects must be thoroughly developed, and the signed document creates conditions to freely resolve technical and commercial issues." - Ilhom Makhkamov, Transport Minister (UzDaily.uz)

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National Standard Sets Unified Technical Rules for Early Warning Systems in Emergencies

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan has introduced its first national standard defining unified technical requirements for systems that warn and inform the public about imminent or ongoing emergencies. Developed by the Ministry of Emergency Situations with UNDP support and Green Climate Fund financing, O‘zMSt 520:2025 covers device classification, application rules for existing and new systems, and testing and quality control for equipment procurement. The move underpins modernization of the Comprehensive Early Warning System (KEOT), reducing interoperability risks, enabling faster nationwide rollout, and lowering lifecycle costs through technology harmonization. The joint UNDP–MES–Uzhydromet project prioritizes flood, mudflow, landslide, avalanche, and hydrological drought risks in the densely populated and economically important Ferghana Valley. UNDP framed the urgency around climate-driven hazard frequency and scale, positioning standardized compliance as critical to reliability and resilience.

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Power Grid Upgrade Accelerates with Expanded Assets and Emergency Repairs

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan is intensifying grid modernization and maintenance to stabilize electricity supply as demand grows. Following a June transfer of 1,492 substations (35–110 kV) and 24,385.7 km of lines, National Electric Grids JSC (O‘zbekiston MET) now operates 1,583 substations across 35–500 kV with 51,780.1 MVA capacity and 37,211.4 km of transmission lines. Priority works target 187 high‑risk (“red”) substations for equipment replacement, while 1,115 “yellow” sites undergo repair and 190 “green” sites are slated for future capacity increases. The company links ongoing outages near Tashkent to aging lines and reconstruction at the Sag‘bon node, with upgrades at the new Qizg‘aldoq substation continuing ahead of the 2025/26 winter. Renewable capacity is expected to reach 7 GW by year-end, with a plan for 25.4 GW by 2030 and green power surpassing 50% of generation.

"We are mobilizing all forces and resources to ensure stable power supply, operating 24/7 to deliver electricity from generation to distribution networks." - Ulug‘bek Urunov, advisor and head of information service at National Electric Grids JSC (uza.uz)

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Andijan Secures $500 Million Pledge from China’s Shandong Huada for Rail and Road Logistics Hubs

Published: 2025-08-25

Andijan regional authorities reached a preliminary deal with China’s Shandong Huada Group to invest $500 million in rail and automotive logistics infrastructure in Qorg‘ontepa and Xo‘jaobod districts. The plan, discussed during talks led by Governor Shuhratbek Abdurahmonov, envisions creating an integrated transport-logistics corridor to boost cargo handling and regional connectivity. Officials and investors inspected proposed sites following the meeting. If finalized, the projects are expected to expand Andijan’s transport capacity, support cross-border trade with the Ferghana Valley and neighboring markets, and generate new jobs. The initiative aligns with Uzbekistan’s push to attract foreign direct investment and modernize logistics chains, potentially easing bottlenecks for manufacturers and agribusiness exporters in the east of the country.

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Society

Decree Orders Creation of Reserved Job Quotas for People with Disabilities

Published: 2025-08-25

President Mirziyoyev signed a decree titled “On additional measures to improve labor relations and vocational training and to incentivize employers,” directing the formation of a reserve of workplaces specifically for people with disabilities. The policy aims to strengthen inclusive employment by aligning vocational training with labor-market needs and providing incentives for employers who hire disabled workers. While operational details and timelines were not disclosed in the brief report, the measure signals tighter enforcement of social employment obligations and potential adjustments to quota mechanisms. For businesses, compliance and potential benefits will hinge on forthcoming regulations defining the size of the reserve, eligibility criteria, and oversight. The move complements broader labor reforms focused on skills development, employer incentives, and workforce integration across sectors.

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Labor Migration Drive Places 86,300 Citizens Abroad in H1 as Visa Quotas Expand and Training Scales Up

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan’s lower house reported that 86,300 nationals secured jobs across more than 17 countries in the first half of 2025, supported by expanded worker visa quotas negotiated with 17 states, 22 international organizations, and diplomats. Authorities aim to place 200,000 workers abroad by year-end, with 211,000 high-wage positions (from $15,000 annually) mapped and contracts signed with 129 major foreign firms. The Central Bank said remittances rose 27% year-on-year to $8.2 billion in six months. New international training centers in nine regions—backed by partners from Germany, Japan, Korea, and Bulgaria—trained 45,300 people in skills and languages. The “Xorijdaish.uz” platform has 2.5 million registrants, with assistance provided to over 1.5 million. Lawmakers flagged regional underperformance and data gaps, urging stronger migration agency work, crackdowns on illegal placements, tailored programs for women and youth, better internal migration conditions, and broader international cooperation.

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Migration Agency Sanctions Unlicensed Job Brokers, Warns Against Illegal Overseas Employment Schemes

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency warned citizens about risks tied to unlicensed overseas job placements, following inspections that uncovered firms collecting fees under the guise of consulting without delivering services. The agency, which now centrally oversees organized foreign employment under an April 22, 2025 Cabinet resolution, emphasized that only private agencies licensed by the Migration Agency may legally place workers abroad, and that an official registry is publicly available. WORLDVISA MCHJ, Everyone Consult MCHJ, Adworld Group MCHJ, RICH RESULT MCHJ and Ravon Consult Group MCHJ were fined 112.5 million soums each for violations, with case files sent to inter‑city economic courts in Tashkent, Urgench and Bekabad. Authorities cautioned that using unlicensed intermediaries can result in significant financial losses and legal consequences, urging applicants to verify licenses, scrutinize contracts and avoid suspicious payments.

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Environment

Tashkent Launches Citywide Digital Tree Registry to Curb Illegal Cutting and Guide Green Spending

Published: 2025-08-25

Tashkent has launched Green.tashkent.uz, a geospatial registry to inventory and monitor every tree in public spaces, aiming to curb illegal felling, plan plantings, and rationalize maintenance budgets. Led by the city administration with the Ecology Ministry and Zamin Foundation, field teams capture precise GNSS coordinates, species, health indicators, and photos, layered with NDVI data for density and vitality analysis. Over 90,000 trees have been recorded; only those verified by dendrologists appear publicly (about 6,000 so far), with AI-assisted species recognition planned to speed checks. The registry centralizes previously fragmented data across agencies and contractors, enabling needs-based budgeting, enforcement, and identification of planting gaps. Full digitization could take at least two years, with continuous updates as urban green assets change.

"Our goal is to have an accurate, up-to-date picture—how many trees exist, where they are, and in what condition—to effectively manage and combat illegal cutting." - Viktor Menshenin, project manager (gazeta.uz)

"With a database, we can precisely calculate how much funding is needed and avoid overspending by budgeting to actual quantities." - Viktor Menshenin, project manager (gazeta.uz)

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Innovation

Independent Telecom Regulator to Oversee Service Quality with Monthly Monitoring

Published: 2025-08-25

A presidential decree establishes a Telecommunications Regulation Agency as an independent body accountable to the Cabinet of Ministers. The agency will conduct at least monthly monitoring of operators’ and providers’ service quality against prescribed standards. Structurally and financially autonomous with decision-making independence, the regulator is intended to strengthen market oversight, foster fair competition, and improve network management efficiency. A government resolution to operationalize the agency is due within a month, and its management staff is capped at 31 positions. The move follows broader administrative reforms creating specialized regulators in key sectors and coincides with rising investment interest in telecoms, including a reported $500 million credit line from China Eximbank. Businesses should anticipate tighter compliance checks and potential service-quality benchmarks shaping consumer offerings and infrastructure upgrades.

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Courts to Pilot AI Tools and Full E-Filing Under “Digital Court” Program by 2026

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan has approved a presidential decree launching artificial intelligence across court operations to accelerate the “Digital Court” transition from paper to fully electronic case management. Key rollouts include an AI-driven legal text analysis platform for judges, lawyers, and citizens by 1 December 2025, automated drafting of court documents by end-2025, and a virtual legal assistant on my.sud.uz by 1 January 2026 to answer queries and push case updates. The Supreme Court’s IT backbone will host a searchable archive, while new interactive services and a redesigned personal account will expand access by end-2026. The plan also foresees pre-filing AI estimates of case outcomes and costs, electronic submissions, and staff upskilling in cyber law and digital literacy. A one-year grace period removes fines for VAT registration violations tied to the transition, signaling a phased, compliance-friendly rollout.

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Ucell and Huawei Deliver Continuous 5G at Stations, 4.5G in Tashkent Metro Tunnels

Published: 2025-08-25

"Our goal was achieved — residents and visitors can benefit from modern technologies even underground." - Tan Xiaoxian, Huawei Uzbekistan CEO (qalampir.uz)

Ucell, in partnership with Tashkent Metro and Huawei Uzbekistan, has completed a network upgrade that brings continuous high-speed mobile service across the capital’s underground system—5G at stations and 4.5G throughout tunnels—covering the Chilonzor, Uzbekistan, and Yunusabad lines. The rollout, launched in spring 2023, required over 100 km of fiber, more than 150 km of power cabling, and 200+ multi-standard radio units, supporting average live-stream speeds of about 142 Mbps in tunnels. Work was conducted largely at night to avoid service disruption. The project enhances passenger connectivity and lays groundwork for integrating advanced communications into metro control systems and transport operations. Ucell also tested high-density solutions during a major stadium concert using Huawei’s latest antenna modules.

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Fintech Farm launches Tezbank neobank in partnership with Hamkorbank

Published: 2025-08-25

Ukraine-founded Fintech Farm has rolled out Tezbank, a neobank built in partnership with Hamkorbank, marking the company’s fifth market after Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, India, and Vietnam. The model mirrors Ukraine’s monobank playbook, offering a free card with up to UZS 50 million (about $4,000) credit limit, a grace period up to 62 days, and cashback up to 10%. The launch follows Fintech Farm’s expanded fundraising, with a $32 million round led by Bank of Georgia, pushing its valuation above $100 million in 2023 and supporting new hires in early 2024. Previous market attempts include a closure in Nigeria in 2023. The startup partners with local banks to stand up digital-first services, aiming to compete through a streamlined app and unified product set across markets.

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Beeline Expands High-Speed Mobile Network Across Fergana Valley With 330 New or Upgraded Sites

Published: 2025-08-25

Beeline Uzbekistan accelerated its rural and urban rollout across the Fergana Valley in 2025, completing 50+ infrastructure projects in H1 and building or modernizing nearly 330 base stations in the first seven months. Coverage now extends to previously unconnected villages in Namangan’s Yangiqorgon district and remote areas of Andijan and Fergana, while key transport hubs—including the reopened Kokand airport—gained strengthened service. Since 2023, the operator has built or upgraded 1,800 sites (470 new, 1,300 modernized), doubling LTE traffic across the valley and lifting per-user mobile internet speeds by about 50% in 2024–2025 through Massive MIMO deployments. The expansion supports higher-capacity 2G/3G/4G service in densely populated corridors and new residential clusters such as EcoCity, aligning with VEON’s investment track record and the region’s rising demand for digital services.

"The Fergana Valley symbolizes growth, productivity, and potential. Over the past two years we built and modernized more than 1,800 base stations across the valley, bringing fast mobile internet to dozens of settlements for the first time." - Gediz Sezgin, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Beeline Uzbekistan (daryo.uz)

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UNESCO-Led AI Readiness Assessment in Uzbekistan Presents Initial Findings and Sets Next Steps

Published: 2025-08-25

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies and UNESCO convened the RAM project steering committee in Tashkent to review preliminary results of the AI readiness assessment across legal, socio-cultural, scientific, economic, and technological domains. Senior officials, including Presidential Administration department head for fintech, digitization and AI Bobur Khodjayev, First Deputy Minister Oleg Pekos, and UNESCO’s country representative Sara Noshadi, participated. The session outlined early insights and agreed to broaden stakeholder engagement, adjust the project timeline as needed, and prepare for a second steering meeting and an event alongside UNESCO’s General Conference. These steps indicate an iterative approach to aligning regulatory frameworks, talent development, and infrastructure for AI deployment, while coordinating national actions with UNESCO benchmarks and forthcoming international visibility at the General Conference.

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