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Uzbekistan — Daily

Uzbekistan Daily: U.S.–Uzbekistan ties deepen, Justice rolls out 900 e-services, and agri VAT zero-rated

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Politics

Corruption Cases Rise in Five Regions as Senate Reviews National Anti-Graft Report

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan’s Senate reviewed the national anti-corruption report, noting a rise in corruption-related crimes in Andijan, Namangan, Tashkent, Qashqadaryo, and Samarkand regions, with the greatest fiscal damage attributed to cases in Andijan, Tashkent, Namangan, and Sirdaryo. In 2024, eight legal acts were adopted to bolster anti-corruption reforms, yet senators flagged persistent gaps in enforcement and prevention. The Justice Ministry found 337 corruption risk factors in 222 of over 2,000 draft acts (11%), with most risks originating from the Economy and Finance, Ecology, Agriculture, and Higher Education ministries. Separately, recent high-profile arrests of the mayors of Namangan city and Sharof Rashidov district underscore ongoing exposure in urban development and land allocation. Lawmakers called for strengthening the Anti-Corruption Agency’s oversight and improving ministerial compliance; a Senate resolution followed the debate.

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Ministries Gain Authority to Issue Sectoral Regulations Without Cabinet or Presidential Orders

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan is shifting regulatory power to line ministries, allowing them to adopt sectoral normative-legal acts without waiting for Cabinet or presidential decisions. The move, formalized by presidential decree, aims to speed reforms, strengthen ministerial accountability, and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, with registration procedures to be simplified and timelines halved. Justice Minister Akbar Toshqulov said defined boundaries will govern who decides what, delineating areas for ministerial orders, Cabinet decisions, or laws. He framed the change as both a workload reduction for the government and a push for policy ownership within ministries.

"They are being granted authority to make decisions for their sector without waiting for a government or presidential resolution. This will ease about 30% of the government’s work." - Justice Minister Akbar Toshqulov (gazeta.uz)

Expect faster issuance of technical and sectoral rules aligned with international standards, with the Justice Ministry empowered to refine drafting and ensure compliance.

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Prosecutor General Flags Nearly 900,000 Fabricated Jobs in Official Reports

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan’s Prosecutor General Nigmatilla Yuldashev told the Senate that official 2024 reports overstated employment creation by nearly 900,000 positions, exposing significant data manipulation in anti-poverty programs and payroll accounting. He said false entries in wage calculations led to the embezzlement of roughly 12 billion soums, signaling weak internal controls across implementing bodies and local administrations. The findings raise concerns for policy planning that relies on employment metrics, with potential implications for budget allocations, donor confidence, and monitoring frameworks. The disclosure suggests forthcoming audits, disciplinary measures, and possible criminal cases as authorities seek to recalibrate job-creation statistics and tighten verification.

"In some cases, fictitious wage data were entered, resulting in the misappropriation of nearly 12 billion soums." - Prosecutor General Nigmatilla Yuldashev (anhor.uz)

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Senate Backs Fines for Fatigued Drivers and Rail Safety Breaches

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan’s Senate approved a law tightening liability across transport, introducing fines for rest-period violations by drivers in intercity and international road transport and establishing penalties for safety breaches in rail and metro operations. Drivers who violate work-rest rules face penalties equal to seven times the base calculation amount (currently 2,884,000 UZS). The law also empowers authorities to levy administrative fines for infringing passenger, baggage, and cargo transport rules in rail and metro systems. Previously, the Transport Control Inspectorate could only issue directives to legal entities when rail safety shortcomings were found. Now, responsible officials and employees can be fined ten times the base amount (currently 4,120,000 UZS) for violating transport safety regulations. The measure was approved by senators, signaling stricter enforcement across modes.

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Government Streamlines Procedures for Selling Land Plots via E-Auctions

Published: 2025-09-06

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The Cabinet of Ministers approved measures to simplify the sale of land plots through electronic auctions and enhance the delivery of state services in the cadastre sector, according to a new government resolution reported by kun.uz. The changes aim to improve administrative efficiency and reduce procedural bottlenecks, potentially accelerating land allocation for commercial and residential use. For investors and developers, clearer digital processes may shorten timelines for acquiring land and registering property rights, while improved cadastral services could lower compliance costs and provide greater legal certainty. Implementation details, including timelines and specific service enhancements, were not disclosed, but the move signals continued prioritization of digital governance and real estate market transparency in the land administration system.

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Lawmakers Review Midyear Budget Execution for Agriculture and Water Management

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber committee on Agrarian and Water Management reviewed preliminary execution of the state and targeted funds’ budgets for the first half of 2025, focusing on efficiency in spending across agriculture and water systems. Allocations to the Water Resources Ministry were directed to modern metering devices, pump and motor upgrades, energy‑saving equipment, and rehabilitation of irrigation, melioration, and collector‑drainage networks. Funds across the agriculture portfolio supported water‑saving technologies, soil bonitation, livestock subsidies, digitization of hydrological assets, and compensation for electricity used by pump aggregates. Lawmakers examined maintenance of pump stations, expansion of public‑private partnerships in sector management, canal concreting, and broader deployment of energy‑efficient devices. They also assessed plant quarantine and protection, agri‑industrial development, producer support, and machinery provision. Deputies stressed the need for targeted, effective use of funds and measures to resolve sectoral bottlenecks. No direct official quotes were provided in the source.

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Economy

Zero-rated VAT and real-time e-invoice checks set for agriculture from 2026

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan has approved a presidential decree introducing a simplified value-added tax (VAT) regime for agriculture, aimed at tripling the sector’s formal turnover during 2026–2027. From 1 January 2026, sales of farm products other than cotton and wheat by agricultural producers will be zero-rated for VAT, easing cash flow and encouraging formal transactions. The decree also mandates automated VAT refunds within three days, a move expected to reduce compliance friction and improve transparency. In parallel, an automated, real-time risk analysis of electronic invoices will apply to a single supply chain for manufactured goods, capping high-risk e-invoices at 10% of invoices issued in a reporting period. These measures signal tighter digital tax controls coupled with incentives for formalization, likely affecting pricing, supplier selection, and record-keeping across agri supply chains. No individual officials were quoted in the coverage.

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Central Bank Lifts Official Dollar and Euro Rates; Banks Adjust Cash Exchange Spreads

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan’s Central Bank set new official exchange rates for September 8, lifting the U.S. dollar by 83.63 soums to 12,520.78 and the euro by 153.72 to 14,634.29. The Russian ruble edged up 0.36 to 153.70. Commercial banks’ cash rates show a widening spread: the best dollar sell rates to banks were Asia Alliance Bank (12,440), BRB (12,435), Asakabank (12,430) and Trastbank (12,430). For purchasing dollars from banks, the most competitive offers were Tengebank (12,480), Infinbank (12,510), Asia Alliance Bank (12,530) and NBU (12,540). The gap between official and cash rates, plus bank-to-bank variation, signals ongoing pressure on the soum and underscores the importance of timing and bank selection for conversions, particularly around official rate resets and weekly liquidity cycles.

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Special Economic Zone Planned on Singapore Model Following High-Level Meetings in Singapore

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan’s investment, industry and trade minister Laziz Qudratov led a delegation to Singapore for talks with Singapore Cooperation Enterprise, Sembcorp Industries, and Wilmar International, laying groundwork to establish a special economic zone modeled on Singapore’s approach. The engagement signals a push to import governance and industrial park know-how, with Sembcorp’s utilities and industrial estate expertise and Wilmar’s agribusiness scale potentially informing zone design, infrastructure, and operations. Singapore Cooperation Enterprise’s role suggests structured advisory on regulatory frameworks and institutional capacity. For investors, a Singapore-style SEZ could mean clearer rules, streamlined permitting, and serviced industrial land geared to export manufacturing and agro-processing. The move aligns with Tashkent’s ongoing efforts to attract FDI and diversify exports by leveraging international operators and best-practice management in special zones.

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Regional Pay-to-Price Gap Shows Stark Differences in Home Affordability

Published: 2025-09-06

A new comparison highlights sharp regional disparities between wages and housing costs in Uzbekistan. For a 60-square-meter new apartment, Navoiy residents would need the equivalent of 58 average monthly salaries, while in Samarkand the same two-room unit requires 151 months—about 12.5 years—of average pay without other expenses. The figures underscore how location drives affordability for first-time buyers and investors, with Navoiy appearing significantly more accessible than Samarkand. These gaps suggest varying demand pressures, income structures, and construction market dynamics across regions. For developers and lenders, the spread indicates differentiated pricing power and credit risk by province. For policymakers, the contrast points to potential needs for targeted housing finance, wage growth strategies, or supply-side measures to narrow the affordability divide.

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Iran’s Kapa Yurt Soon to Build $15M Eco-Tourism and Salt Processing Complex in Surxondaryo

Published: 2025-09-06

Iranian investor Kapa Yurt Soon will develop a $15 million eco and medical tourism complex in Sherobod district, Surxondaryo region. The project combines industrial and wellness components: establishing salt extraction, processing, and packaging lines alongside salt pools, therapeutic baths, health centers, and modular hotel infrastructure totaling 500 beds across 100 units. The integrated approach positions Sherobod for niche medical tourism anchored in mineral salt therapy, while adding downstream value in salt production. For international operators and suppliers, the project suggests future tenders in construction, spa and medical equipment, hospitality services, and logistics. Location in southern Uzbekistan may enable cross-border visitor flows and export potential for processed salt products, contingent on regulatory approvals and infrastructure build-out. No official statements were cited in the source article.

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Furniture Exports Gain Traction Across CIS Markets with Russia Leading

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan’s furniture industry is expanding its regional footprint, with Russia emerging as the top destination at $4.4 million in exports. Kazakhstan ($2.8 million) and Azerbaijan ($1.2 million) follow as key growth markets, while sales also reach Tajikistan ($808,200), Kyrgyzstan ($562,200), Armenia ($187,600), Georgia ($105,400), Belarus ($104,200), and other countries ($328,600). The reported uptick reflects both stronger domestic manufacturing capacity and rising demand in neighboring markets. Authorities attribute progress to ongoing policy measures aimed at improving export capabilities and facilitating market entry. For producers, the diversification across CIS markets reduces reliance on a single buyer and lays groundwork for scaling production. For trade partners, Uzbek suppliers offer cost-competitive, short-distance sourcing that could benefit supply chains as logistics normalize across the region.

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Gold Futures Hit Record High as Local Bullion Prices Rise Across Weights

Published: 2025-09-06

Gold futures on the CME climbed 1.27% on 5 September to a record $3,652.6 per ounce, extending a year-to-date gain of 29%. Locally, Uzbekistan’s Central Bank set new bullion prices the same day, with 5g bars at 7.266 million soums, 10g at 14.532 million, 20g at 29.064 million, 50g at 72.661 million, and 100g at 145.322 million. A 5g bar has risen about 3.4% from August (7.03m) to September (7.27m), while the accepted patterned 5g bar price reportedly increased 5% over the past week. On the reserve front, the Central Bank purchased 9 tons of gold in June, making it the world’s largest buyer that month. Year-to-date, Poland leads global official purchases with 67 tons, followed by Azerbaijan’s state oil fund (35 tons) and Kazakhstan (22 tons).

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Andijan Textile Push Targets U.S. Market with WRAP Certification and New Partnerships

Published: 2025-09-06

An Andijan regional delegation led by the governor held meetings in New York with senior leaders from Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) and the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce to pave the way for U.S. entry of the region’s textile products. Andijan, a leading Uzbek textile hub producing over $1.2 billion annually with more than 60% exported, is seeking WRAP certification to meet global compliance standards, build distributor networks, and attract major American investors and brands. Discussions focused on raising quality to international benchmarks and establishing broader U.S. distribution. The Chamber highlighted steadily growing bilateral trade. If implemented, the steps could unlock investment, diversify export destinations beyond Russia, Turkey, China, and Europe, and elevate brand perception of Uzbek-made textiles in the U.S. and global markets. No direct policy commitments or timelines were disclosed.

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Energy Theft Cases Total 86.5 Billion Sums in August Following Nationwide Inspections

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan’s energy oversight bodies reported 86.5 billion sums in damages from illegal electricity and gas use in August, identifying 179 cases during joint inspections with law enforcement, according to the state energy use inspection service. Authorities recalculated losses for 36.8 million kWh of electricity (58.9 billion sums) and 8.7 million cubic meters of natural gas (27.5 billion sums). Administrative proceedings were opened in 476 instances for violations of usage rules, with case files sent to law enforcement for action. The August tally follows July’s higher figure of 96 billion sums, when 27.1 million kWh of electricity and 12.6 million cubic meters of gas were misappropriated. The recurring clampdowns indicate sustained enforcement pressure and underscore ongoing risks to distribution networks and revenue collection as the heating season approaches.

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Diplomacy

Leaders Agree to Deepen U.S.–Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership in Phone Call

Published: 2025-09-06

Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Donald Trump held a phone call to advance the U.S.–Uzbekistan strategic partnership, reviewing concrete steps to expand trade, investment, and security cooperation. Discussions prioritized scaling business projects and significantly increasing trade volumes following a reported 15% rise in 2024. Areas flagged for joint work include civil aviation, critical minerals, electrical engineering, energy, agriculture, digital technologies, finance, innovation, and education, with additional bilateral meetings planned this month with leading U.S. firms. The leaders also covered cooperation against terrorism, extremism, and illegal migration, and discussed deepening the C5+1 regional format. Mirziyoyev invited Trump to make an official visit to Tashkent, with both sides agreeing to sustain high-level contacts to advance project pipelines. Cultural and educational ties continue to broaden, including U.S. university branches in Tashkent and recognition of Uzbekistan’s upcoming World Cup debut.

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Central Asian Leaders Outline Security, Finance and Connectivity Priorities at SCO Summit in China

Published: 2025-09-06

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to China included participation in the SCO Council of Heads of State and “SCO Plus” summits in Tianjin, bilateral talks in Beijing, and cultural events marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japanese militarism. Tashkent emphasized expanding SCO membership, strengthening its international role, and deploying new mechanisms for trust, security, and economic cooperation, with an eye to digital, green industry, energy, tourism, and education partnerships. Kazakhstan backed an SCO Development Bank and security centers, proposing water and AI initiatives, while Kyrgyzstan urged rapid creation of SCO financial mechanisms and launched a Bishkek-based center against transnational crime. Tajikistan advanced anti-terror and drug-control centers and water/climate platforms; Turkmenistan highlighted neutrality, energy exports, and trans-Caspian logistics. Education and research ties with China are set to deepen, supporting skills and infrastructure development across Uzbekistan.

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Humanitarian Convoy Sent to Afghanistan’s Quake-Hit East Following Presidential Order

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan dispatched nearly 300 tons of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan’s Kunar and Nangarhar provinces after a 6.0+ magnitude earthquake devastated eastern regions on 1 September. The shipment—assembled at Termez Cargo Centre and delivered by 14 trucks to Balkh’s Hairaton—includes flour, rice, sugar, canned meat, pasta, confectionery, cooking oil, ready-to-eat foods, red beans, mung beans, bottled water, over 10 tons of medicines and medical supplies, and 5,000 blankets. Officials from both sides attended a handover at the Astras compound in Hairaton, underscoring cross-border coordination. Casualty figures exceed 2,200 dead and 3,600 injured, with rescue efforts continuing in worst-hit districts. Aid volumes reported range from 265 to nearly 300 tons across sources, reflecting rounding differences but indicating a significant immediate response. Afghan representatives framed the support as a gesture of solidarity beyond material relief.

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Saudi Regional Ties Advance with New Visa Waiver and Trade Initiatives

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan and Saudi regional authorities agreed to deepen cooperation across tourism, trade, and business links, building on Tashkent’s 30-day visa-free regime for Saudi citizens. Discussions covered establishing sister-city relationships, organizing a visit by an Asir region delegation led by Prince Turki bin Talal Al Saud, and expanding supplies of Uzbek agricultural and textile goods to Saudi markets. The sides proposed activating chambers of commerce and private-sector partnerships through joint forums and exhibitions, with Saudi counterparts endorsing the initiatives and signaling readiness to develop concrete projects. Talks concluded with a plan to set up a permanent coordination mechanism to oversee joint projects and ensure implementation. The Saudi side also highlighted Uzbekistan’s rising profile as a host for major international events and the global recognition of its reform progress. No direct quotes were provided in the source article.

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Tashkent and Helsinki Discuss Expanding Trade, Investment Ties Across Key Sectors

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan’s Investment, Industry and Trade Minister Laziz Kudratov met Terhi Hakala, Finland’s Special Envoy of the Foreign Ministry and current OSCE Chair, to review bilateral economic cooperation and its outlook. The sides prioritized preparations for the 6th meeting of the Uzbekistan–Finland Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, alongside other high-level events. Officials highlighted sustained growth in bilateral trade in recent years and identified new areas for investment cooperation, including green economy, energy, agriculture, geology, telecommunications, electrical engineering, and education. The agenda signals a shift toward sector-specific partnerships and technology transfer, particularly in sustainability and digital infrastructure, with the commission serving as the main platform to structure upcoming projects and policy alignment. No concrete deals were announced, but timelines for high- and top-level engagements suggest decisions could follow in the near term.

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Trade Ambition Set at $10 Billion in Meeting Between Envoy and Kazakh Industry Minister

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan’s ambassador Baxtiyor Ibragimov met Kazakhstan’s Minister of Industry and Construction Yersain Nagaspayev to discuss raising bilateral trade to $10 billion. While details on timelines, sectors, or instruments were not disclosed, the target signals a push to deepen manufacturing links, construction cooperation, and supply chain integration across the neighbors’ shared border. For international firms, progress would likely hinge on harmonizing standards, improving logistics at key crossings, and expanding industrial co‑production in metals, machinery, and building materials. The meeting underscores ongoing regional efforts to diversify trade routes and reduce transit bottlenecks as Central Asia courts investment and seeks scale through larger cross-border markets. No formal agreements or policy measures were announced, suggesting follow-up talks will determine concrete steps toward the $10 billion goal.

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Infrastructure

Rush-Hour Congestion Extends Metrobuses’ Wait Times on Tashkent’s Surface Ring Line

Published: 2025-09-06

Bus intervals along the Surface Ring Line near metro stations in Tashkent have lengthened during peak hours, with passengers reporting crowding at stops. The city transport operator, Toshshahartransxizmat, said sections of the “Tekhnopark–Qipchoq” corridor encountered severe traffic—rated at 9 out of 10—during rush hour, slowing service and widening headways. The disruption highlights persistent bottlenecks on key arterial links where surface buses interface with metro stations, reducing reliability for cross-town commutes. For firms and commuters planning travel, expect delays particularly on the Tekhnopark–Qipchoq stretch during peak periods. Authorities have not announced mitigation steps such as bus priority measures or temporary scheduling changes, suggesting near-term conditions will depend on traffic easing rather than operational adjustments.

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Tashkent Warns of Possible Water Disruptions During Month‑Long Maintenance

Published: 2025-09-06

Tashkent’s municipal water utility announced potential temporary service interruptions and pressure drops between 9 September and 9 October as it conducts planned maintenance and repairs on major pipelines to prepare the city for the 2025 autumn–winter season. The works are part of preventive measures to ensure network reliability during peak seasonal demand. Authorities advised residents and businesses in affected districts to review the published list of locations and plan accordingly, including considering storage and scheduling for water-dependent operations. The utility emphasized that disruptions will vary by neighborhood and timing. A detailed map and timetable of districts and addresses potentially impacted are available via the provided link from the utility’s press service. No specific duration per outage was disclosed, but the notice underscores a coordinated citywide effort to fortify infrastructure ahead of colder months.

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Central Asian Power Coordinators Meet in Cholpon-Ata to Advance Regional Grid Integration

Published: 2025-09-06

Energy officials from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan convened in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan on September 4–5 for the 44th meeting of the Central Asia Power Coordination Council and the 46th meeting of its coordinating commission, with Russian energy representatives attending as observers. Discussions focused on energy security, steps toward a unified regional electricity market, cross-border cooperation, and scaling renewables to stabilize supply across interconnected systems. Uzbekistan’s National Power Grids chairman, Dadajon Isakulov, outlined reforms and investment priorities, emphasizing new power plant construction, capacity upgrades, and renewable integration as regional stabilizers.

"Building new plants, modernizing existing capacities, and expanding renewables will strengthen not only the national system but stability across Central Asia. We are ready to broaden mutually beneficial cooperation with countries in the region." - Dadajon Isakulov, Chairman, National Power Grids of Uzbekistan (uza.uz)

Organizers framed the meetings as a step toward deeper alignment on joint initiatives underpinning long-term, sustainable development of the regional power system.

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Dormitory Construction Target Nears 2025 Deadline Under PPP Program

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan’s 2021 government decision set a target to build 241 student dormitories via public–private partnerships (PPP) by the end of 2025. With the deadline approaching, the key question is whether delivery is on track and evenly distributed across regions and universities. The PPP model is intended to relieve budget pressure while accelerating capacity to accommodate rising enrollment, especially in Tashkent and regional hubs where private rentals have surged. For international observers, timely completion matters for campus planning, student welfare, and investor confidence in PPP execution. If shortfalls persist, universities may face continued housing shortages, affecting recruitment and student costs. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the latest completion rate or pipeline status, leaving uncertainty around financing, land allocation, and operational readiness before the 2025 cutoff.

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Society

Personalized License Plates to Be Auctioned Starting 2026, Allowing Six-Character Name Combinations

Published: 2025-09-06

From 1 January 2026, motorists will be able to purchase personalized license plates featuring up to six letters and/or numbers via open electronic auctions administered by the state enterprise Uzavtomotobelgi, following a Cabinet of Ministers decision on 4 September. Plates must not duplicate existing formats or contain wording that violates laws or moral norms. Examples cited by state media include name plates such as SARVAR, AZIZA, ODIL, or BUXORO. The move formalizes a practice common in many countries and could create a new revenue stream; currently, Uzbekistan sells only “standard-format” premium numbers on avtoraqam.uzex.uz. A 2019 public petition proposing personalized plates gathered over 900 signatures but fell short of the 10,000 needed for parliamentary review. Neighboring Kyrgyzstan allows similar plates, and Kazakhstan auctions special numbers.

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Global Alliance Against Violence Toward Children Adds 46th Member Following Uzbekistan’s Accession

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan has joined the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, becoming the alliance’s 46th member. UNICEF’s Uzbekistan office linked the move to recent legal and policy steps, including the May 2025 adoption of the Law on Protecting Children from All Forms of Violence and the development of a cross-sector strategy and action plan. Membership signals intensified cooperation with UNICEF to build safe, supportive environments at home, in schools, and in communities. The initiative aligns with broader reforms to strengthen child protection systems and legal frameworks, potentially attracting donor support and technical assistance for implementation. Authorities are now tasked with operationalizing the new law and ensuring coordination across education, health, social services, and law enforcement to meet international standards.

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Online Seafood Delivery Scam Targets Consumers with “Virtual Kitchens” and Upfront Payments

Published: 2025-09-06

A new online fraud scheme is emerging in Uzbekistan, exploiting social media ads that tout fresh fish and seafood delivery. Victims are prompted to submit personal details, place orders through purported “online kitchens,” and pay in advance—only to be blocked immediately after payment. The report notes that significant sums are being siphoned off, with fraudsters capitalizing on growing e-commerce habits and consumers’ trust in food delivery platforms. While the article highlights the mechanism and impact—"millions" of sums lost—it does not cite official statements or law-enforcement actions. For businesses, the trend underscores heightened cyber-risk in local digital marketplaces and the need to verify vendors, use secure payment methods with buyer protection, and monitor staff procurement practices to avoid corporate exposure.

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Investigative Test Uncovers Telegram Seafood Sales Scam Using Fake Managers and Stolen Identities

Published: 2025-09-06

Anhor.uz reporters conducted a controlled test purchase to expose an Instagram-promoted Telegram “seafood shop” offering cut‑price caviar and fish. The channel—rebranded repeatedly as “Fish Shop,” “Fish World 55,” and “Fish Shop Rodina”—claimed Kamchatka and Sakhalin origins and a Fergana warehouse. After requesting full prepayment and personal data, the “manager” blocked buyers and deleted chats once funds were transferred to cards under real individuals’ names. Journalists verified the listed warehouse location existed but had no link to seafood distribution. The report highlights how scammers leverage targeted ads, fabricated reviews, and professional branding, while exploiting gaps in banking security, cross‑border enforcement, and digital literacy. It calls for tighter coordination among banks, the Central Bank, and cybercrime units, noting current capacity constraints and the use of genuine bank cards that complicate tracing.

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Five Construction Workers Die in Bukhara; Lawmaker Presses for Protections for Informal Labor

Published: 2025-09-06

Five workers at a private construction firm in Bukhara reportedly opened a sewer manhole without authorization and were swept away by a strong current inside the pipe, resulting in fatalities. Authorities have opened a criminal case and launched a preliminary investigation. The incident has reignited debate over the scale of informal employment in construction and gaps in labor protection and enforcement. A member of parliament criticized weak implementation of existing directives and urged stronger oversight of employers using unregistered labor, questioning compensation for victims’ families and accountability of responsible agencies.

"This tragic event brings back to the agenda the protection of workers’ rights and safety. Many are working informally, without rights or protection, and enforcement is weak. How long until the ministry shows it is safeguarding people?" - Shokirjon Ahmedov, MP, XDP faction (uza.uz)

He said the issue will be raised in parliament, signaling potential scrutiny of the Labor Ministry and stricter measures against noncompliant employers.

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Environment

Agriculture Faces 14% Water Shortfall as Salinity Drains Supply and Yields

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan’s agriculture sector is receiving 32 billion cubic meters of water against a need of 40 billion, creating an estimated 14% shortfall, Agriculture Minister Ibrohim Abdurahmonov told the Senate on 5 September. He linked the deficit to extensive soil salinity worsened by mineral fertilizer use, noting roughly 100,000 hectares are highly salinized and large volumes of irrigation water—about 3.5 billion cubic meters in cotton alone—are diverted to washing soils in Khorezm and Karakalpakstan. The ministry will prioritize soil fertility through 2030, with a target to lift per-hectare income from $2,000–$3,000 to at least $5,000, signaling an agenda that couples water-use efficiency with land rehabilitation and higher-value output.

"Today the sector needs 40 billion cubic meters of water, but only 32 billion are supplied. The shortfall is significant, and much water is used for leaching saline soils." - Ibrohim Abdurahmonov, Agriculture Minister (anhor.uz)

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Waste-to-Heat Projects Advance with Korea Partnership, Feasibility Advice Delivered

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan and South Korea are deepening cooperation on centralized heating, with Korea District Heating Corporation (KDHC) running seminar-trainings in both countries in May–June 2025 under its “KSP – knowledge sharing” program. The initiative centers on developing heat generation from waste incineration, improving regulatory frameworks, conducting an energy audit for the New Tashkent project, and designing a national situational center. At a year-two review meeting, KDHC presented technical-economic recommendations for modernizing Uzbekistan’s district heating system, emphasizing waste-to-heat projects. Based on Korean experts’ analysis, ten waste-to-heat projects could be launched by 2030, generating about $81 million annually and avoiding 470,000 tons of carbon emissions, with related carbon value estimated at $4.7 million. The parties also agreed on future cooperation steps to scale implementation and align standards.

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Tashkent Officials Probe Emissions Complaints at Barotxo‘ja Industrial Site, Order Compliance Steps

Published: 2025-09-06

Residents of Barotxo‘ja mahalla in Mirobod district filed complaints about harmful emissions from a long-running industrial operation housed in a building owned by the Society of the Blind. A joint inspection by Tashkent city deputies, the municipal Ecology Department, and civic representatives found the tenant is currently processing glass and aluminum waste without the required expert environmental clearance; prior approvals were tied to now-halted bottled water and textile activities. Authorities agreed to conduct laboratory-based checks and require installation of dust and gas filtration equipment, alongside formal permitting. Deputies stressed strict adherence to environmental norms for all city manufacturers and ongoing oversight of public complaints to safeguard air quality—signaling more rigorous enforcement for small recyclers and legacy tenants operating under outdated or mismatched approvals.

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Innovation

Justice Ministry Plans 900 E-services by 2027, Drops 30 Document Requirements and Expands Digital Notary, Forensics

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan outlined a three-year plan to expand and streamline justice-related public services. Authorities target 900 e-services by 2027, with 80 services simplified each year under a “three steps” model and 1,100 interactive kiosks deployed in high-traffic and remote areas. Thirty document requirements will be abolished, shifting data verification online—for example, no longer requiring medical check results for marriage registration or residence-change confirmations for conscripts. Notarial services will digitize, with 20 actions moving online in 2025–2027 and identity verification via Face ID replacing physical ID checks. Forensics capacity will widen beyond Tashkent, adding new digital methods such as 3D crash-scene modeling and video/photo expertise, while document exchanges among investigators and experts go fully electronic. Regulatory timelines for departmental acts will be halved through simplified registration.

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$400 Million Uzbekistan–China Innovation Center Planned in Jizzakh

Published: 2025-09-06

Authorities plan a bilateral innovation center in Jizzakh valued at $400 million, signaling deeper Uzbekistan–China tech cooperation. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with the first phase allocated 30 hectares. The project aims to anchor research, development, and commercialization activities, potentially drawing Chinese investment and technology transfer into Uzbekistan’s regions beyond Tashkent. For international firms, the Jizzakh location—already a growing industrial hub—could offer supply-chain proximity to Central Asian markets and preferential access to JV opportunities. Early timelines suggest a multi-phase buildout, allowing stakeholders to assess infrastructure readiness and regulatory frameworks as they evolve. Details on governance, sector focus (e.g., electronics, materials, green tech), incentives, and tenancy models have not yet been disclosed, which will determine the center’s competitiveness and integration with existing special economic zones.

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3D Crash Scene Reconstruction and Digital Forensics Rolled Out in Justice System Reforms

Published: 2025-09-06

Authorities plan to introduce new digital forensics in the justice system, including 3D modeling of road traffic accident sites and expanded video and photo forensics. A presidential presentation on widening public legal services noted the Hadicha Sulaymonova Forensic Expertise Center conducts 64 research types, though only half are available regionally. Regional labs will be upgraded, raising available examinations from 15 to 25, with automated tools to reduce human error. Case file exchange between investigators and experts will shift fully to electronic formats. Non-state forensic services will be expanded, granting independent practice rights and creating a chamber of forensic experts. Legal literacy initiatives will launch via an “Smart Explanation” system and the AdliyaTV online platform. Decrees and resolutions were signed to implement the measures.

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Courts Move to Integrate AI and Tighten Enforcement Following Presidential Decree

Published: 2025-09-06

Uzbekistan’s judiciary is moving to implement a presidential decree issued on August 21 that mandates artificial intelligence in court operations and upgrades to material-technical resources. Officials highlighted goals of greater transparency, faster case handling, and improved impartiality, with an emphasis on better protection of citizens’ rights. The meeting assigned concrete tasks to enforcement bodies and mahalla leaders to ensure timely execution of court decisions, including private rulings. Court Chair R. Bekmuratova underscored the need for stronger legal accountability among officials and citizens to reduce crime through a systemic approach. The session ended with plans to deepen cooperation between courts and local authorities and to expand community participation in preventing legal violations. No specific pilot timeline or budget details were disclosed.

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Justice Ministry to Launch Adliya TV Website Explaining Laws in Plain Language

Published: 2025-09-06

The presidential administration reviewed reforms to digitize justice, public service delivery, and notarial processes, while prioritizing legal awareness. A new Adliya TV internet platform will explain legislation in accessible language, signaling a push to make regulatory changes clearer to citizens and businesses. The initiative aligns with ongoing e-government upgrades aimed at reducing bureaucratic friction and improving service efficiency. For international companies operating locally, clearer guidance on laws and digital access to state and notary services could streamline compliance and transactions. The meeting emphasized raising the population’s legal culture, suggesting forthcoming public education campaigns and potential updates to service interfaces. Further details on launch timelines, scope of content, and integration with existing portals (e.g., Single Interactive Public Services Portal) were not disclosed.

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Health

Senator Rebukes Health Ministry Over “Paid Services” Culture as Maternal Deaths Drop

Published: 2025-09-06

At a Senate plenary on 5 September, Senator Oral Ataniyazova criticized the Health Ministry for functioning like a paid service provider rather than protecting public health, citing shortages at the Karakalpakstan Multidisciplinary Children’s Medical Center’s oncohematology unit where parents reportedly buy basic supplies themselves. She said her appeals to authorities drew no action. Senate Chair Tanzila Narbayeva warned against the monetization of care for mothers and children and urged accountability in maternal cases, while a deputy health minister reported progress on outcomes. The exchange underscores persistent systemic gaps in funding, procurement, and oversight, even as official indicators improve.

"The Ministry of Health has turned into a body providing paid services to the people, not safeguarding public health." - Senator Oral Ataniyazova (qalampir.uz)

"Care for mothers and children in hospitals must not become a business." - Senate Chair Tanzila Narbayeva (qalampir.uz)

"Maternal mortality has been reduced by 30% compared to last year in Uzbekistan." - Deputy Health Minister Elmira Bosithonova (qalampir.uz)

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