РИГА, 2 декабря. /ИА “Дунё”/. В Посольстве Узбекистана состоялась презентация туристического потенциала Узбекистана и реформ в сфере туризма в нашей стране, сообщает корреспондент ИА “Дунё”.

В мероприятии приняли участие представители ведущих туристических компаний Латвии «Beltravel», «Māksla ceļot», «Latturt», «Interlux», «VivaDelta», «DigiTours», «Antario» и руководство Латвийского агентства туризма.

Участникам была представлена презентация об истории, природе, архитектурных памятниках, национальных традициях и кухне, а также инвестиционном и экономическом потенциале нашей страны в сфере туризма.

Сотрудники Специализированного научно-практического медицинского центра педиатрии Узбекистан, посетившие Латвию, представили латвийским гостям информацию о направлениях медицинского туризма в нашей стране. В частности, раскрыты возможности туристических кластеров, современных санаториев, созданных в Узбекистане, а также недавно разработанной программы «Медицинский сервис гостеприимства».

Представители латвийских туркомпаний высоко оценили реформы, реализуемые в сфере медицинского туризма, и выразили большую заинтересованность в развитии сотрудничества с узбекскими компаниями на этом направлении.

В частности, глава компании “Beltravel” Инита Свейде заявила, что Узбекистан за короткий период добился высоких показателей в сфере развития туризма, и интерес туристов из стран Балтии к нему растет. Кроме того, медицинский туризм является одним из новых продуктов и рассматривается латвийскими туристическими компаниями как перспективное направление сотрудничества.

RIGA, September 30. /IA “Dunyo”/. Uzbek Ambassador Timur Rakhmanov has met with Latvian Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis, Dunyo news agency's correspondent reported.

At the meeting, the sides discussed issues of developing cooperation between Uzbekistan and Latvia in combating various crimes.

The Latvian side was provided with information about the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan in the field of policing, as well as the attention paid to compatriots abroad.

The Latvian minister expressed interest in expanding cooperation between the two countries' Interior Ministries in such areas as expertise, youth crime prevention, combating IT and economic crimes.

An agreement was reached between the Embassy and the Latvian Ministry of Internal Affairs to facilitate the exchange of information on criminal cases of our country's citizens who have violated Latvian laws.

HELSINKI, March 23. /Dunyo News Agency/. With the assistance of the Embassy of Uzbekistan, online negotiations were held between representatives of the Joint Stock Company "Company for the Development of Entrepreneurship" of our country and the Finnish company "Finnvera", the correspondent of the "Dunyo" News Agency reports.

During the meeting, "Finnvera" specialists exchanged views with their Uzbek colleagues on areas of mutual interest. In particular, they studied Finnish experience in matters related to the general aspects of "Finnvera" activities, the development and implementation of financial solutions for enterprises, as well as risk management.

Following the meeting, the parties reached an agreement on the further development of bilateral cooperation, including the organization of separate meetings on issues of mutual interest, the exchange of experience, as well as the visit of "Finnvera" representatives to Uzbekistan.

RIGA, June 17. /IA Dunyo/. Representatives of the largest in the Baltic region transportation and logistics company "Kreiss" visited Uzbekistan on June 10-17, Dunyo news agency's correspondent reports.


Kreiss" company, founded in 2001 in Riga, is one of the largest trucking companies in the Baltic region and important operators providing logistics services in Europe and CIS countries. The annual turnover of the company is 160 million dollars.

During the visit, the Latvian side held negotiations with the leadership of the Ministry of Transport, the Agency for External Labor Migration and the International Road Carriers Association.

Kreiss and the External Labor Migration Agency signed an agreement on the organized recruitment of 600 drivers to Latvia.

A Memorandum was signed with "Vatanparvar" organization on organization of special simulators for training Uzbek truck drivers on the platform of driving schools belonging to this association. It was emphasized that drivers trained at the centers can obtain certificates according to European standards and work in the EU countries.

RIGA, May 24. /IA Dunyo/. Uzbekistan's Ambassador Timur Rakhmanov met with the head of Latvia's largest transport and logistics company Kreiss Dmitry Chebaevsky on May 22, Dunyo news agency's correspondent reported.



The parties discussed the issues of intensification of bilateral cooperation in the field of transport and logistics, recruitment of personnel, driver training and creation of specialized training centers in our country.



The Latvian side highly appreciated the reforms carried out in our country to support domestic cargo carriers, privileges and preferences provided by the state for transportation services within the framework of boosting exports of Uzbek products.



Interest in organized attraction of Uzbek truck drivers for employment in "Kreiss" was noted. The Latvian side also informed about plans to implement in Uzbekistan a project of opening a simulation-training and preparatory center for drivers of heavy trucks on the basis of one of the driving schools in Tashkent with the possibility of issuing a European registration certificate of professional suitability.



As a result of negotiations, an agreement was reached to organize a visit of "Kreiss" company delegation to Uzbekistan on June 10-14 with a series of meetings and negotiations in relevant ministries and departments of our country.

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

Just a few years ago, the concept of the “smart city” was largely seen as a futuristic idea associated with digital control panels, autonomous transport, widespread sensor networks, and automated urban services.

Today, the smart city has become a practical tool for addressing modern urban challenges. This trend can be seen across countries facing rapid population growth, increasing migration to major metropolitan areas, overstretched infrastructure, and mounting climate risks.

In this context, smart technologies are no longer viewed as an end in themselves. Instead, they are increasingly used to improve the resilience and efficiency of key urban systems, including transport, energy, public utilities, waste management, and environmental monitoring. This allows cities to adapt more effectively to emerging challenges, reduce pressure on infrastructure, and improve the overall quality of urban life.

At the same time, smart city development is gaining strategic economic importance by creating long-term drivers of growth. Such projects attract substantial investment by combining digital infrastructure, innovative services, and principles of sustainable development.

The growth of smart urban areas also contributes to job creation in high-tech sectors ranging from IT and telecommunications to engineering and urban data analytics. In parallel, the modernization of urban infrastructure improves resource management and raises overall living standards.

Against this backdrop, the approaches taken by Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan deserve particular attention. Rather than simply following a global trend, both countries are developing their own models of smart urbanization — ones in which technology serves people and supports the creation of more comfortable, sustainable, and future-oriented cities.

In this regard, Uzbekistan offers a particularly notable example, as urbanization is becoming an increasingly pressing issue amid steady demographic growth. The country’s population is growing by approximately 1.8–2% annually, placing additional pressure on transport systems, housing, infrastructure, and social services.

Under these conditions, the government is focusing not on limited modernization of the existing urban environment, but on the creation of new growth centers. The Smart City concept adopted in 2019, followed by the Digital Uzbekistan – 2030 strategy, established the institutional foundation for the large-scale digital transformation of urban infrastructure and public services.

One of the most visible outcomes of this strategy is the New Tashkent project, whose significance extends far beyond that of a traditional urban development initiative.

In essence, the project aims to create a new economic, administrative, and investment hub capable of easing pressure on the existing capital while introducing a fundamentally new model of urban organization based on smart city principles and sustainable development.

In this case, the concept of the “15-minute city,” green infrastructure, digital governance, public transport prioritization, and energy efficiency are not treated as separate elements, but as components of a broader strategy aimed at expanding economic space and improving the quality of the urban environment.

Against this backdrop, New Tashkent illustrates how urbanization can serve not only as a response to infrastructure pressures, but also as a tool for creating new centers of economic growth capable of redistributing business activity and shaping the long-term development of the urban agglomeration.

This is also why the project has a distinctly international dimension. Its implementation involves Singapore’s Meinhardt Group, the UK-based Foster + Partners and Cross Works, the Dutch firm OMA, Japan’s Sojitz Corporation, South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation, and other international partners. This reflects Uzbekistan’s efforts to integrate global expertise into its national development model.

Azerbaijan, in turn, has chosen a different approach to the development of smart urban spaces. Rather than building entirely new cities from scratch, the focus has been placed on the restoration and comprehensive modernization of recently reintegrated territories alongside the introduction of modern urban planning solutions and Smart City technologies.

This approach goes beyond the physical reconstruction of infrastructure and involves rethinking urban development through digital technologies, sustainable planning, and green standards.

Following the reintegration of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, Azerbaijan faced not only the challenge of rebuilding damaged territories, but also the task of their socio-economic reintegration into the country’s broader development framework. In this context, the concepts of Smart City and Smart Village have gained particular strategic importance, serving as the foundation for a new model of territorial planning and governance.

Within this model, technology is no longer viewed solely as a modernization tool, but as an instrument for comprehensive territorial development. It supports the rapid restoration of basic services, creates conditions for the return of displaced populations, stimulates economic activity, and enables more effective management of spatial development.

One of the clearest examples is Aghali — Azerbaijan’s first “smart village.” The project demonstrates how digital infrastructure, renewable energy, smart agriculture, and modern public services can become part of a new model of post-conflict reconstruction.

The village covers around 119 hectares and includes more than 200 modern eco-friendly homes equipped with smart systems, as well as social and public infrastructure facilities, including a school, kindergarten, medical center, ASAN xidmət and DOST service centers, small business facilities, and administrative buildings.

A similar development model can also be seen in Fizuli, Aghdam, Shusha, Khojaly, and several other settlements, where new infrastructure systems are being developed based on environmental sustainability, transport accessibility, and digital management of urban and rural services.

Like Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan also relies heavily on international cooperation as a key driver of modernization. Huawei is involved in implementing digital solutions, the World Bank provides analytical and advisory support, while Japan is expanding cooperation in smart infrastructure and green energy, contributing to the adoption of advanced technological practices.

Uzbekistan is building a new urban environment from the ground up, while Azerbaijan is developing its model against the backdrop of a complex historical and territorial transformation. At first glance, these are very different starting points. Yet this is precisely what makes the similarities in their approaches particularly notable. In both cases, digital infrastructure is not treated as an additional layer built onto the city, but as a core element shaping its future development from the outset.

At the same time, neither country is pursuing a model based on copying existing examples. The experiences of Singapore, Dubai, and Qatar are being studied, but not replicated. Instead, both states are developing their own models tailored to local demographic, geographic, historical, and social realities. This reflects not a limitation of choice, but the maturity of their strategic approach.

Against the backdrop of accelerating urbanization across Central Asia and the South Caucasus, the experiences of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are increasingly emerging as a kind of laboratory for new development models. While their strategies differ in tools and priorities, both are driven by the same objective: building a new generation of cities that combine technology, sustainability, adaptability, and a people-centered approach.

Abbosbek Mashrapov

Senior Research Fellow, International Institute for Central Asia

RIGA, April 29. /IA "Dunyo"/. A delegation of Uzbekistan headed by Deputy Khokim of Fergana region Nuriddin Mamajanov visited Latvia, Dunyo news agency's correspondent reported. Within the framework of the visit, the sides held talks on further development of trade and economic relations, increasing exports of national products and attracting direct investments in our country's economy.

In particular, during the meeting with Riga Deputy Mayor Linda Ozola the prospects of developing relations in trade-economic, investment, tourism, educational and cultural spheres were discussed, as well as an agreement was reached on participation of Fergana region representatives in cultural events to be held in Riga.

The delegation also held talks with Edgars Suna, Deputy Director of the Freeport of Riga (FPR). During the event, the sides discussed the issue of increasing exports of Uzbek products to Latvia and other EU countries, including active utilization of the port's terminal infrastructure. The issues of purchasing or renting warehouses in the territory of the REP by Uzbek entrepreneurs, granting them privileges and preferences were discussed. In turn, Edgars Suna said that the port management is ready to help in this matter. An agreement was reached to sign a memorandum on mutual cooperation between the parties in a short period of time.

Within the framework of the delegation's stay at the Uzbek Trade House in Riga, a B2B meeting between businessmen of the two countries was held. At this event, information about investment and export potential of Uzbekistan, including Fergana region, was presented. As a result of meetings and negotiations, agreements were reached on supplying agricultural products, household chemicals, confectionery and textile products to the Latvian market, and export contracts worth 25 million US dollars were signed.

At the same time, the opening ceremony of the exhibition hall of Fergana region in the Uzbek Trade House was held within the framework of the event.

Members of the delegation also held a meeting in Latvian company "KGS Group" and discussed the establishment of agro-logistic complex in Fergana region. The Latvian side expressed interest in the implementation of this project and readiness to invest 10 million dollars in it.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

RIGA, May 11. /IA Dunyo/. Ambassador of Uzbekistan Timur Rakhmanov together with Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan Dilshod Rasulov yesterday met with member of the Board of Directors - head of sales office in Central Asia of the largest Latvian pharmaceutical company "Olainfarm" Alexander Melnis, Dunyo news agency's correspondent reported.

At the meeting, the sides discussed issues of investment and technological cooperation between Uzbekistan and Olainfarm and prospects of establishing joint production cooperation with deepening the level of localization.

Alexander Melnis positively assessed the progressive reforms in the healthcare sector in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, which has contributed to the development of cooperation between the companies of the two countries in recent years. It was emphasized that Riga is confidently optimistic about the prospects of expanding Olainfarm's long-term presence in Uzbekistan by increasing investment and technological cooperation.

As Alexander Melnis informed, Olainfarm is working on the realization of an investment project to establish production of a wide range of high-quality ampouled products in Uzbekistan.

Olainfarm was founded in 1972 in the Latvian town of Olaina. It is the largest pharmaceutical company in the Baltic States. The company's turnover exceeds 124 million euros. The product range includes 60 finished dosage forms, 25 active pharmaceutical substances and more than 20 intermediates. The company's products are exported to 60 countries. Since 2011, it has been supplying the World Health Organization (WHO) with anti-tuberculosis drugs.

RIGA, May 19. /IA "Dunyo"/. Uzbek Ambassador Timur Rakhmanov has met with Deputy Chairman of Jurmala City Advisory Council Janis Ledins, Dunyo news agency's correspondent reports.

During the talks, the sides discussed issues of expanding cooperation between the regions of Uzbekistan and Latvia in the spheres of trade and economy, science, education, culture and tourism.

The Latvian side was provided with information about the current development of Uzbekistan, economic and social reforms carried out in the country, investment potential and created conditions for doing business.

The representative of Jurmala administration expressed interest in the development of interregional cooperation, including in the sphere of tourism. In this direction, the issue of participation of the delegation of the Jurmala City Administration in the International Tourism Exhibition, which will be held in November in Tashkent, is being considered.

An agreement was reached to hold a presentation of Uzbekistan's tourism potential in July this year - during the opening of the tourist season in Jurmala, for a wider coverage of the public, which will be familiarized with the history, culture and tourism opportunities of our country.



The Latvian side also invited the Uzbek delegation to Jurmala city to hold Days of Uzbekistan in the first half of September.

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

РИГА, 15 июля. /ИА «Дунё»/. Делегация Узбекистана во главе с директором Агентства по противодействию коррупции Акмалом Бурхановым посетила Латвию и Литву с целью укрепления двусторонних связей и определения новых перспективных направлений сотрудничества в сфере борьбы с коррупцией, сообщает корреспондент ИА «Дунё».

В рамках визита состоялись двусторонние встречи с директором “Transparency International Latvia” Кристой Асмусой и заместителем руководителя Бюро по предотвращению и борьбе с коррупцией Латвии Янисом Розе. В ходе встреч стороны выразили обоюдную заинтересованность в продолжении эффективного сотрудничества и расширении масштабов реализуемых совместных проектов.

В частности, на встрече с директором “Transparency International Latvia” обсуждались вопросы разработки эффективных стратегий противодействия коррупции, улучшения позиций Узбекистана в Индексе восприятия коррупции, обеспечения открытости и прозрачности государственных органов в этой сфере, а также повышения потенциала институтов гражданского общества.

На встрече с заместителем руководителя Бюро по предотвращению и борьбе с коррупцией Латвии состоялся обмен опытом по вопросам антикоррупционной экспертизы нормативно-правовых актов и их проектов, а также крупных строительных проектов. Стороны также обсудили практику оценки коррупционных рисков и мониторинга процессов государственных закупок.

Важно отметить, что Агентство по противодействию коррупции Узбекистана и Бюро по предотвращению и борьбе с коррупцией Латвии в 2022 году подписали Меморандум о взаимопонимании. В рамках этого документа осуществляется сотрудничество в сферах укрепления двусторонних связей в борьбе с коррупцией, обмена передовым опытом и информацией, повышения квалификации кадров, а также организации учебных мероприятий, семинаров и тренингов по вопросам профилактики коррупции.

В ходе встречи с директором Службы специальных расследований Литвы Линасом Пернавасом была подчеркнута значимость проводимых в Узбекистане реформ и роль международного сотрудничества в сфере противодействия коррупции. Стороны также отметили важность обмена опытом с Литвой для его адаптации и применения в национальной практике.

На встрече были обсуждены вопросы двустороннего сотрудничества в области профилактики коррупции, оценки коррупционных рисков и повышения квалификации кадров.

По итогам встречи был подписан Меморандум о взаимопонимании между Агентством по противодействию коррупции Узбекистана и Службой специальных расследований Литвы, создающий основу для дальнейшего развития сотрудничества в борьбе с коррупцией.

Подписание Меморандума стало важным шагом к укреплению международного сотрудничества Узбекистана в сфере противодействия коррупции. Ожидается, что реализация положений Меморандума будет способствовать обмену опытом, внедрению передовых практик и, как следствие, повышению эффективности антикоррупционных мер и улучшению позиций Узбекистана в международных рейтингах.