At the invitation of the of President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on January 13 President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev departed to this country with an official visit. 

In accordance with the program negotiations at the highest level, as well as bilateral meetings with the heads of leading organizations, companies and banks of the UAE will be conducted in the Emirates’ capital of Abu Dhabi. 

President of Uzbekistan will also participate in the activities of the international summit “Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week”. 
In the framework of the visit, the Head of our state will visit Dubai, where he will hold a meeting with Vice President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Uzbekistan and Finland possess significant potential to deepen their partnership in the areas of ecology, sustainable natural resource management, and climate change mitigation. Environmental institutions of both countries actively engage through international conferences, forums, and projects supported by international organizations and development banks.

One of the most notable examples of practical cooperation is the joint project between the Agency of Hydrometeorological Service of Uzbekistan, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the Finnish Meteorological Institute. Valued at USD 2 million, the project aims to strengthen Uzbekistan’s hydrometeorological capacity, train specialists in modern forecasting methods for weather and natural disasters, and enhance climate services and adaptation measures to climate change.

To further expand bilateral cooperation, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan has identified several priority areas that could form the basis for a future Memorandum of Understanding with Finland.

One key area of collaboration could be sustainable forest management. Over 70% of Finland’s territory is covered by forests, which account for 0.5% of global timber reserves. Studying Finland’s experience in public-private partnerships in forestry and its effective mechanisms for conserving forest ecosystems could help Uzbekistan improve its own approaches to developing green zones and protecting natural territories.

Another promising area is circular economy development. Finland was among the first countries to adopt a national “roadmap” for transitioning to circular models of production and consumption. For Uzbekistan — which is currently developing a modern waste management and recycling system — learning from Finland’s sustainable production practices would be an important step toward achieving “green” growth.

Air quality management is also an area of great interest. Finland is recognized as one of the countries with the cleanest air in the world, thanks to its advanced monitoring systems and strict environmental regulations. Adopting Finnish technologies for tracking pollutants and reducing emissions could significantly improve air quality in Uzbekistan’s urban centers.

Particular attention is also given to climate action. Finland aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 and its strategies for reducing emissions and adapting to climate challenges could serve as a valuable model for Uzbekistan in implementing its own climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

An important area of focus is scientific and educational cooperation. The Ministry of Ecology of Uzbekistan is interested in establishing partnerships between Finnish universities and the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University). Academic exchange programs, joint research initiatives and the development of green educational technologies will contribute to training a new generation of environmental and climate specialists in the region.

Cooperation in biodiversity conservation and protected areas management is also of high importance. Finland allocates 13.3% of its territory for these purposes and plans to expand this figure to 30% by 2030. This experience holds great value for Uzbekistan, which is actively implementing a national program to expand its network of reserves and national parks.

The signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate of Finland would be a logical step toward strengthening this partnership. Joint initiatives between the two countries will help combine innovation and scientific expertise in pursuit of a shared goal — protecting nature, enhancing climate resilience, and building a sustainable and environmentally secure future.

Anvar Tursunaliyev,

Chief specialist Department of international cooperation

and rankings of the Ministry of Ecology,

Environmental Protection and Climate Change

Today, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are connected not only by a shared border and close historical and cultural ties. A common economic space is gradually emerging, built on mutual trade, industrial cooperation, joint investment, and direct ties between businesses and regions.

Over the past decade, the two countries have moved from resolving accumulated issues to implementing concrete projects. The border is becoming a link rather than a barrier, while the complementary nature of the two economies is creating new opportunities.

Drivers of Trade and Economic Cooperation

The transformation is most clearly reflected in the growth of bilateral trade. Compared with 2016, mutual trade has increased more than sevenfold. Uzbekistan’s exports have grown more than sixfold, while imports from Kyrgyzstan have increased more than ninefold. Thus, the flow of goods is expanding in both directions.

In 2025, Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover with Kyrgyzstan reached nearly $1.2 billion, rising by 37% year-on-year. Uzbekistan’s exports to Kyrgyzstan increased by 46.5% to $771 million, while imports reached $428 million, up nearly 23%.

The positive trend continued in 2026. In January–May, trade turnover approached $469 million, increasing by 45.5%. Uzbekistan’s exports rose by 63% to $771 million, while imports from Kyrgyzstan increased by nearly 13% to $428 million.

The structure of bilateral trade has also changed significantly in recent years. For example, while light industry products accounted for more than 50% of Uzbekistan’s exports in 2021–2022, their share declined to 19%, or $147 million, in 2025. Agricultural and food products accounted for 15%, or $112 million; machinery, equipment, and vehicles for 11%, or $87 million; and chemical products for 11%, or $81 million.

At the product level, exports are primarily composed of finished textile products, electricity, cement, mineral fertilizers, knitted fabrics, automobile bodies and components, ceramic tiles, aluminum profiles, fruit and vegetable products, and confectionery.

The quality of Uzbekistan’s export structure has also improved. The share of raw materials in exports declined from 56% in 2019 to 8.2% in 2025. Processed goods accounted for 40%, with the remainder consisting of finished products, services, and goods supplied by individuals.

Imports from Kyrgyzstan are also gaining strategic importance. In 2025, mineral and raw material products accounted for 44%, or $190 million, of imports from Kyrgyzstan. Fuel and energy products made up 26%, or $111 million, including $85 million worth of coal and lignite. Agricultural and food products accounted for 14%, or $61 million. Other significant imports included glass, natural stone, rolled metal products, tires, and packaging materials.

At the same time, considerable growth potential remains. Kyrgyzstan currently accounts for only about 1.5% of Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade turnover. This indicates that the goal set by the two countries to increase mutual trade to $2 billion by 2030 is fully achievable. However, reaching this target will require systematic efforts to diversify the range of traded goods and strengthen cooperative links that can support durable trade and investment relations.

Investment and Industrial Cooperation

Investment and industrial cooperation constitute the second major driver of economic relations between the two countries.

In 2016, only 49 enterprises with Kyrgyz capital operated in Uzbekistan. By the end of 2025, their number had reached 344, representing a sevenfold increase. As of July 1, 2026, there were already 374 such enterprises.

An important mechanism in this area is the Uzbek–Kyrgyz Development Fund, established in 2021. The fund already uses several support instruments, including investment lending, leasing, and project financing. The next stage of its development could involve expanding its portfolio and actively channeling resources into export-oriented joint ventures.

A number of joint enterprises have also been launched in recent years. These include the Kyrgyz–Uzbek Tulpar Motors automobile plant in the Chuy Region, which generates demand for metalworking, automotive components, logistics, and maintenance services.

Joint projects are also being implemented in the textile industry, household appliance manufacturing, the production of plastic and aluminum profiles, construction materials, and other sectors.

Implementation has begun on major projects such as the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and the 1.9 MW Kambarata Hydropower Plant-1.

These projects provide a solid foundation for a new structural breakthrough in bilateral relations.

Promising Areas of Cooperation

The results achieved in trade and economic cooperation, together with the rapid economic growth of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, create significant opportunities for further expanding bilateral economic relations.

One priority is to increase mutual trade, with a particular emphasis on products resulting from industrial cooperation. Achieving the target of $2 billion in bilateral trade will require more than simply increasing sales of finished goods. The two countries will need to expand trade in inputs intended for further processing as part of deeper cross-border value chains.

According to estimates by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, Uzbekistan has the potential to increase exports to Kyrgyzstan of passenger vehicles and components, trucks, agricultural machinery, iron and steel products, finished textile products, polymer materials and finished plastic goods, electrical products and equipment, pharmaceuticals, and cement.

Kyrgyzstan, in turn, has the potential to increase supplies of mineral ores, plastic products, glass, natural stone, ceramic products, and environmentally friendly agricultural and food products.

A strategically important area of cooperation could be the transition to large-scale industrial collaboration through the creation of joint full-cycle production facilities and clusters in border regions.

In light industry, border regions produce more than 600 tons of raw cotton and have a cattle population of 4 million and a sheep and goat population of 6.4 million, providing a substantial raw material base. Proximity to China can also reduce the cost of purchasing synthetic raw materials for the industry.

Construction materials represent another promising area because their production is already one of the leading industrial sectors in the border regions. Kyrgyzstan is also experiencing a construction boom, with construction activity increasing 1.7 times in the first half of 2026, thereby generating additional demand for construction materials.

In the food industry, cooperation could focus on processing fruit and vegetables, meat and dairy products, and producing juices, jams, animal feed, and other food products.

In the mining sector, the two countries could develop joint projects for the exploration and development of mineral resources, including critical minerals and iron ore deposits. Such projects should aim to establish full production cycles, from extraction to the manufacture of finished products.

Additional potential for industrial cooperation and investment exists in electrical equipment, household appliances, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and automotive components, including parts, batteries, tires, and plastic and metal components.

An important consideration in this area is ensuring that products are manufactured in accordance with the standards and market requirements of the Eurasian Economic Union. This would strengthen the export potential of joint projects.

As part of their industrial cooperation agenda, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan should begin developing joint industrial projects along the route of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Logistics terminals, industrial zones, warehouses, processing centers, and freight service facilities should be established along the route. This would help create a major industrial hub in the region.

Other important areas include deeper interregional and cross-border cooperation and greater support for entrepreneurship. Promising fields include e-commerce, joint entry into third-country markets, marketplaces, startup cooperation, digital payments, tourism, and workforce training for joint enterprises.

In conclusion, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have already established a solid foundation for economic partnership. The next stage should transform quantitative growth into qualitative production integration. The two countries need to move from trading individual goods toward joint value chains, interconnected industrial cooperation networks, and a common production and logistics space.

Ruslan Abaturov,
Center for Economic Research and Reforms

The first quarter proved highly favorable for Uzbekistan’s economy. Economic growth reached 8.7%, inflation fell to its lowest level in recent years, investment hit a record high, and exports continued to expand steadily.

Economic Growth Dynamics

The pace of economic growth achieved by Uzbekistan in the first quarter exceeded the expectations of international institutions. The Asian Development Bank had projected 6.7% growth for the first quarter. The World Bank initially forecast 6.0%, but revised it upward to 6.4% in April. The IMF also raised its forecast in April from 6.2% to 6.8%.

In practice, Uzbekistan’s economy grew by 8.7%. GDP in current prices amounted to $36.9 bn. The forecast closest to the actual result came from the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (Uzbekistan), which projected first-quarter growth of up to 7% at the beginning of the year.

The strongest growth was recorded in construction, where gross value added increased by 15.0%. The services sector expanded by 8.8%, retaining its position as the largest segment of the economy. Industry grew by 8.0%, while agriculture increased by 5.1%.

Significant gains were also seen in oil refining, up 29.5%. In light industry, apparel and textile production rose by 15.3%, while knitwear output increased by 26.9%. In automotive manufacturing, production expanded by 12.5%, including buses by 64.7% and trucks by 46.6%. Within services, the highest growth rates were recorded in education, up 22.5%, and financial services, up 22.4%.

An important contribution to overall growth also came from measures aimed at reducing the shadow economy. Its share declined from 24.8% to 22.9%, while legalized business activity supported higher recorded growth figures.

Another major factor behind accelerated growth has been the country’s active market reforms, which were recognized this year in the Index of Economic Freedom, where Uzbekistan rose by 14 positions and entered the category of moderately free economies for the first time.

Overcoming Inflationary Challenges

External pressures continue to affect domestic price formation. Global oil prices have risen by 40% since the beginning of the year. Geopolitical tensions have disrupted logistics corridors, increasing transportation costs for trade flows by 25–30%. As a result of these disruptions, imports of cattle into Uzbekistan fell by half in the first quarter, creating risks for food security.

To stabilize food prices, the government introduced partial reimbursement of air freight costs for imports of breeding livestock and meat products. It also approved the import of 100,000 breeding sheep and goats from Mongolia with compensation of 50% of transport costs.

Since the beginning of the year, Uzbekistan has actively implemented a new system of inflation management and price stability. For all responsible officials and regional governors, the key task for 2026 has been defined as maintaining stable prices for essential food products and keeping annual inflation below 6.5%.

As a result of these measures, despite external pressures, the inflation environment improved significantly in the first quarter. Consumer prices rose by 1.93% in January–March. In March alone, monthly inflation stood at 0.6%, while annual inflation fell to 7.1% for the first time, compared with 10.34% a year earlier.

Budget Policy and Regional Development

Thanks to such dynamic economic growth, Uzbekistan’s State Budget revenues also increased steadily in the first quarter, rising by 35% year-on-year. Tax revenues grew by 24%, while customs revenues increased by 20% compared with the same period last year.

Funds retained by local budgets rose by 21%. In addition, land sales and privatization processes generated an extra $47.1 mn for local budgets. At the same time, $90.6 mn were transferred from the republican budget to local budgets to support the regions. As a result, district-level local budgets retained $115.3 mn, nearly 4.2 times more than the $28.5 mn recorded in the same period last year.

This demonstrates the continued and consistent policy course toward expanding the financial autonomy of the regions, helping unlock local potential and support dynamic regional development.

Investment Outlook

Investment activity in Uzbekistan reached a record level in the first quarter. Capital investment and development projects totaled $12.85 bn, up 41.5%. Foreign direct investment increased by 45.7% to $8.84 bn. During the quarter, 1,508 new projects worth $1.185 bn were launched, creating around 28,000 new jobs.

In the first quarter, investment volumes exceeded $50 mn in 50 cities and districts, while in 21 of them the figure surpassed $100 mn, indicating broader regional investment activity. By source of foreign investment, China ranked first with $6.4 bn, followed by Russia with $1.1 bn, Türkiye with $975 mn, the UAE with $824 mn, and Germany with $342 mn.

Overall, in 2026 Uzbekistan plans to implement 125 projects with the participation of international financial institutions and foreign state financial organizations, attracting $5.1 bn. In the first quarter alone, $947 mn in foreign loans had already been mobilized from these sources, exceeding forecast targets by 120%. These projects have already delivered tangible results in infrastructure development and improved living standards.

The next important step in attracting investment may be the listing of state assets on international markets. Speaking at the meeting, the President announced that 30% of state assets worth $2.4 bn would soon be placed on international stock exchanges for the first time. This is linked to the establishment of the National Investment Fund and the transfer of management of 13 strategic enterprises to Franklin Templeton.

The country’s overall target for this year is to attract $53 bn in foreign investment. Officials were also instructed to introduce an AI-based platform that would provide optimal project recommendations for specific regions. Investors and consulting companies will be granted access to the platform through a one-stop-shop mechanism.

Growing Export Potential

Total exports of goods and services maintained strong growth momentum in the first quarter, reaching $5.8 bn, up 26% year-on-year, or by $1.2 bn. Export growth was recorded in 147 districts and cities across the country. As a result, the total number of exporting enterprises reached 4,000.

In particular, exports of natural uranium amounted to $402.6 mn, up 95%. Exports of non-ferrous metals reached $248.7 mn, doubling year-on-year. Oil and gas exports totaled $160 mn, up 15%.

Positive dynamics were also observed in manufacturing. Textile exports reached $731 mn, up 18%. Exports of construction materials totaled $304 mn, rising by 75%. Jewelry exports reached $214 mn, up 54%.

Agricultural and food exports also posted solid growth. Fruit and vegetable exports reached $320 mn, up 12%. Food exports totaled $282 mn, surging by 120%. Strong momentum was also seen in services, where exports reached $2.2 bn, up 35% year-on-year, or by $573 mn.

The geography of exports continues to expand. In January–March, previously non-exported goods worth $162 mn across more than 140 product categories were supplied for the first time to 86 countries, including the United States, Austria, Belarus, Poland, South Korea, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan.

Despite these achievements, external market challenges continue to affect exporters. The President noted that over the past six months, due to changing conditions among foreign partners, 908 entrepreneurs with signed contracts worth $3.6 bn had still been unable to begin exports.

Support for Entrepreneurship

Active support for small and medium-sized businesses continued in the first quarter. This year, $11.5 bn is being allocated through banks for this purpose. In the first quarter, entrepreneurs received $2.9 bn in credit resources, including $659 mn under state support programs. A total of 21,000 microprojects were implemented, helping raise incomes for 52,000 residents.

At the same time, certain shortcomings remain. Not all districts and cities are equally effective in converting loans into permanent jobs, and the differences are considerable. To address this issue, the President emphasized the need to use AI tools in credit allocation and instructed banks to launch an “AI Consultant” platform.

The meeting also discussed optimization of government administrations and the creation of new business spaces. Since many central and busy streets in district centers are occupied by state institutions, 19 districts and cities have already begun relocating government offices into unified administrative centers, with vacated premises transferred to businesses. Scaling up these measures nationwide would free up 5 mn m2 of space for business activity.

Social Policy

A strong social policy and active measures to reduce poverty and promote employment continued in the first quarter.

Permanent jobs were provided to 167,000 people, while 737,000 citizens received assistance in creating additional income sources and improving their living standards. An important contribution came from formalizing 241,000 previously informal workers, giving them access to social protection, financial services, and stable employment.

Special attention in social policy is being given to low-income families. A total of 105,000 support services were delivered to 86,000 vulnerable families, including employment assistance, training, business start-up support, and income generation. Under women’s support programs, 26,000 women were employed, while youth support programs benefited 58,000 young citizens.

To accelerate development in territories facing difficult socio-economic conditions, $297 mn were allocated from the republican budget. Additional support of $329 mn was also directed to areas granted the status of “New Image of Uzbekistan.”

These policies continue to contribute to lower poverty and higher living standards. Poverty fell to 5.0% in the first quarter, while unemployment stood at 4.7%. According to forecasts, both indicators may decline further to 4.3% by mid-year.

Significant attention is also being paid to social infrastructure and improving living conditions with the active participation of international financial institutions. In the first quarter, 89 km of drinking water networks, 8.2 km of sewerage networks, and 40 km of roads were built.

These measures are creating a sustainable foundation for further poverty reduction, stronger employment, higher welfare, and better living conditions across all regions of Uzbekistan.

Perspectives

It is useful to compare Uzbekistan’s first-quarter growth performance with the global economy and other countries.

In its April forecast, the IMF lowered projected global growth from 3.3% in January to 3.1% in April. Growth in advanced economies is expected at 1.5–1.6%, while developing economies are projected at above 4%. US growth is forecast at 2.0–2.1%, while Europe is expected to remain the weakest region, with UK growth revised downward to 0.8%.

The IMF identified India as the fastest-growing major economy, with projected growth of 7.3%. Yet Uzbekistan’s first-quarter growth exceeded even that figure, reaching 8.7%. This reflects the soundness and effectiveness of ongoing reforms, as well as strong and responsive economic management, where emerging challenges are addressed without delay.

Uzbekistan is expected to maintain high growth momentum in 2026. Real GDP growth is projected in the range of 8.3–8.7%, with services rising by 9.1%, industry by 8.7%, and construction by 11.5%.

At the same time, despite these positive results, the President noted that there is no room for complacency. Against the backdrop of intensifying global rivalry, the world economy will no longer be as stable as before. This requires special focus in the current year on sustaining growth, containing inflation, creating jobs, expanding exports, and improving the quality of investment.

Khurshed Asadov, Deputy Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Хуршед Асадов, ЦЭИР

Samarkand Forum of the Asian Development Bank
In the Context of Contemporary Challenges and Historical Significance

In early May, Samarkand hosted the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank under the theme “Crossroads of Progress: Advancing the Region’s Connected Future.” The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, outlined key priorities for further cooperation with the ADB.

The forum brought together more than 4,000 experts from over 100 countries, including representatives of foreign governments, international financial institutions, leading banks, and major corporations. The central topics of discussion included digital and green transformation, climate resilience, supply chain development, and food security.

Uzbekistan and the Asian Development Bank: Effective Partnership

Uzbekistan joined the ADB in 1995. Over the past 30 years, the Bank has become a reliable strategic partner for the country. The current portfolio of joint projects has reached nearly $16 billion. Uzbekistan has become the Bank’s largest partner in the region by operational volume and ranks among the top 10 countries globally in terms of ADB operations.

In August 2024, the ADB launched a new Country Partnership Strategy for Uzbekistan for 2024–2028. This five-year strategy focuses on supporting the transition to a green economy, enhancing private sector development and competitiveness, and stimulating investment in human capital, in line with the national development priorities outlined in the “Uzbekistan–2030” strategy.

ADB financing across sectors is distributed as follows: transport – $3.1 billion; energy – $2.9 billion; water supply, sanitation, and urban services – $1.4 billion; agriculture and water resources – $0.9 billion.

Through effective cooperation with the ADB, more than 1,400 km of railway lines and 1,700 km of roads have been modernized. Over 4,000 km of water supply networks have been completed, and around 750 educational institutions have been upgraded. In 2025, a record annual commitment volume exceeding $1.4 billion was achieved.

New Cooperation Program with Uzbekistan

During the Samarkand forum, a new partnership program between Uzbekistan and the ADB through 2030 was adopted. It envisages the implementation of projects totaling $12.5 billion, including infrastructure development, support for reforms, private sector growth, and public-private partnerships.

Key components include: infrastructure financing – $2.6 billion; results-based lending – $2.2 billion; budget support for reforms – $3.3 billion; multitranche financing facilities – $350 million; partial credit guarantees – $250 million; direct private sector financing – $2 billion; PPP projects – $1.7 billion.

Priority Areas Outlined by the President

In his address, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized the need to introduce new mechanisms and approaches for sustainable development amid global economic challenges and rapid technological change.

First, digital technologies and artificial intelligence are transforming virtually all sectors. By 2040, AI is expected to increase global trade volumes by an additional 40%. The adoption of open AI models is therefore essential in key sectors such as education, healthcare, water management, environmental protection, and food security. Uzbekistan proposed developing a dedicated ADB-led program to scale AI adoption in developing countries and announced its accession to the Bank’s “Digital Highway for Asia” initiative, including the establishment of a regional coordination center in Tashkent.

Second, the expansion of digital technologies and AI is driving a sharp increase in energy demand. By 2030, electricity consumption by data centers is projected to rise by 2–3 times compared to current levels. Only countries capable of providing affordable and reliable green energy will remain competitive globally. Uzbekistan identified green energy development as a strategic priority and acknowledged ADB support for the “Central Asia–Europe” green energy corridor aimed at expanding clean energy exports.

Third, ensuring the connectivity of transport systems and the stability of logistics corridors is becoming increasingly critical. Changes in global logistics routes have already led to transport cost increases of up to 30% for Central Asian countries, with delivery times extended by several weeks. In this context, the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project is of particular importance. Uzbekistan proposed establishing a “Digital Customs and Logistics Alliance” within the CAREC framework.

Fourth, according to international experts, demand for critical minerals will increase sixfold by 2040. Uzbekistan possesses significant reserves of copper, tungsten, molybdenum, magnesium, graphite, vanadium, titanium, and other resources. To ensure deep processing and production of high value-added goods, Uzbekistan proposed joining the ADB’s “From Critical Minerals to Production” program.

Fifth, climate change and desertification pose serious challenges to Central Asia. The ADB is implementing its Climate Action Plan through 2030, allocating at least 50% of its annual financing to climate-related projects. Uzbekistan proposed launching a regional “Green Belt of Central Asia” initiative to complement national afforestation efforts in the Aral Sea region.

Sixth, amid global instability, demand for safe travel destinations is growing. Central Asia has strong potential in pilgrimage, cultural, gastronomic, ethnographic, extreme, and medical tourism. Uzbekistan proposed creating a “Central Asia Tourist Ring” to integrate regional tourism offerings.

To advance these initiatives, Uzbekistan aims to fully utilize ADB financial instruments, including mobilizing private capital, and proposed establishing an Innovative Platform for Financing Regional Projects.

Transformation of ADB Operations

The implementation of these initiatives requires a transformation of the ADB’s institutional model. In response to global economic shifts, rapid technological change, and increasing interdependence, the Bank is shifting its focus toward sustainability, regional integration, and future-oriented infrastructure.

A key direction is the expansion of investments in next-generation infrastructure, including cross-border energy networks, electricity trade, and digital infrastructure such as internet connectivity and data transmission networks.

Another major shift is the transition from financing predominantly national projects to prioritizing regional systems. This includes integrating energy systems, developing regional electricity markets, and advancing digital integration across Asia.

These priorities are reflected in two major initiatives announced at the Samarkand forum, totaling $70 billion through 2035, aimed at energy system integration, cross-border electricity trade, digital corridors, data centers, and broadband expansion across Asia and the Pacific.

A significant announcement was also the launch of the “Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility,” covering the full value chain from exploration and resource mapping to the production of final goods, including chemicals, batteries, renewable energy components, electronics, as well as recycling and reuse.

For Uzbekistan, this approach is particularly relevant, as the country is already developing value chains based on its mineral resources. The ADB program is expected to accelerate this process significantly.

Overall, the transformation of the ADB reflects a shift toward supporting systemic resilience and regional markets. This includes three key transitions: from individual projects to integrated economic systems; from national to regional focus; and from development support to long-term economic sustainability.

As a result, the ADB is evolving from a project financing institution into a coordinating platform for regional economic connectivity, strengthening its role in Asia’s integration amid the formation of competing global economic blocs.

Conclusion

The 59th Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors in Samarkand was of significant importance not only for Uzbekistan due to its international prestige and the adoption of a new cooperation program, but also for the entire Asia-Pacific region.

The forum marked the launch of two major initiatives and the new “From Critical Minerals to Production” program, reflecting the Bank’s updated strategy aimed at enhancing economic stability and regional consolidation in Asia.

Holding the forum in Samarkand is symbolic. Historically a crossroads of trade and culture between East and West, the city once again serves as a focal point for shaping the region’s future.

It was here that initiatives and decisions were announced that may influence the development trajectory of all Asia, reinforcing Samarkand’s role as a platform for dialogue and strategic vision.

Viktor Abaturov,
Center for Economic Research and Reforms

On October 8–9^th, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will attend the 8^th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, as well as a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State.

The consultative meetings stem from an initiative put forward by the President of Uzbekistan in 2017. The first meeting took place in Astana in March 2018. This framework allows countries to work together on transit, infrastructure use, border procedures and industrial cooperation where the involvement of several countries is required.

At the seventh meeting, held in Tashkent on November 16, 2025, participants agreed to Azerbaijan’s full participation. This creates opportunities to coordinate industrial development in Central Asia with transport infrastructure in the South Caucasus and routes to markets in Türkiye and Europe.

For businesses, transport arrangements need to be coordinated along the entire route. Faster customs clearance in one country will have limited benefits if cargo is held up at the next border or port. Joint ventures also need coordinated arrangements for raw material supplies, certification and financing. Expanding the group of participants therefore makes multilateral coordination more useful in practice.

Expanding Trade and the Regional Market

According to the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), Uzbekistan’s trade with Central Asian countries grew 3.1-fold between 2017 and 2025, reaching $8.3 billion. In 2025, trade with Kazakhstan totaled $5 billion, with Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan $1.2 billion each, and with Tajikistan $912.3 million.

In January–August 2026, trade with the four neighboring countries reached $6.14 billion, up 26.2% from the same period a year earlier. Uzbekistan’s exports rose 37.5% to $2.36 billion, while imports increased 20.1% to $3.78 billion. Trade grew with every partner: Kazakhstan by 23.4%, Kyrgyzstan by 51.2%, Tajikistan by 45.7% and Turkmenistan by 5.7%.

Trade with Azerbaijan grew 9.5-fold between 2017 and 2025, reaching $307.3 million. In 2025, Uzbekistan’s exports totaled $227.3 million and imports $80 million. Established trade in machinery, textiles, food and metals provides a basis for greater specialization among businesses and joint efforts to promote their products. Long-term contracts, well-developed distribution networks and equipment servicing in the partner country can support more sustained growth.

Investment and Production Links

Between 2017 and 2025, Uzbekistan attracted $2.5 billion in foreign direct investment and loans from Central Asian countries, including $1.3 billion in 2025. The corresponding figures for Azerbaijan were $318.6 million and $173.7 million. As of August 2026, Uzbekistan had 2,538 operating companies with investment from Central Asian countries and 503 with Azerbaijani investment.

The Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Investment Company supports joint projects and has charter capital of $500 million. Joint investment institutions also operate in Central Asia, including Uzbek–Kyrgyz and Uzbek–Tajik institutions. They enable partners to finance projects together and share risks.

Practical Steps Since the Tashkent Meeting

On November 17, 2025, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan launched the Shavat–Dashoguz border trade zone. It houses trading and warehousing facilities, customs, quarantine and other inspection services. Government services are to be provided through a single-window system.

On March 26, 2026, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan launched ten joint projects in furniture, leather and textile production, household appliances and other industries. At the same time, facilities were launched to produce dairy products in Andijan Region, and fruit juices and metal briquettes in Surkhandarya Region.

During Uzbek–Kyrgyz talks on July 30, 2026, the two sides agreed to establish an Interstate Council. A package of trade contracts and investment agreements was put together at the preceding business forum. They also reached agreements on developing border, trade and logistics infrastructure along the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and digitizing permit procedures.

On July 31, 2026, the leaders of Central Asia and Azerbaijan held an informal meeting at Issyk-Kul. The President of Uzbekistan called for further work on industrial and technological production chains, shared digital services and investment platforms.

On August 23, 2026, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan signed a program to increase trade to $1 billion by 2030, along with an action plan for investment and trade. The third meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council also launched joint projects in finance, building materials, oil and gas, mining, agriculture and other sectors.

Industrial Cooperation and Access to New Markets

CERR estimates that replacing some imports from third countries with supplies from within the region could increase intraregional trade by approximately $11.4 billion. Realizing this potential will depend on whether regional suppliers can compete. This requires matching imported products with what regional producers can offer and identifying barriers to concluding contracts.

Developing the Middle Corridor through the Caspian Sea and the South Caucasus could expand Uzbekistan’s opportunities to supply markets to the west. The route’s competitiveness depends on the total cost of delivery, regular departures and transit times along each section. This requires coordination among railways, ports, carriers and customs services.

Joint preparations for the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant and work on Uzbek–Tajik hydropower projects require agreement on financing, water use arrangements and electricity supply terms. Investment decisions need to reflect growing industrial demand and businesses’ need for reliable energy supplies.

An interagency working group has also been established to prepare joint green energy projects involving Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

Priorities for the Upcoming Meeting

The upcoming meeting in Avaza offers an opportunity to advance joint projects by addressing trade barriers, coordinating transport arrangements and securing financing. Moving beyond separate bilateral projects to align business conditions across the expanded group of participating countries could help advance these efforts.

Projects backed by proven demand, competitive production and reliable logistics can deliver the most tangible economic benefits. The regional mechanisms proposed by Uzbekistan could support these projects by removing trade barriers, coordinating infrastructure development and improving investment conditions. Under these conditions, growth in trade within the region would be accompanied by more value added within the region and a stronger position for its producers in international markets.

Edvard Romanov
Center for Economic Research and Reforms

To His Excellency

Мr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

ADDRESS

of the Participants of the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization

Your Excellency, Mr. President,

We, the participants of the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization—including heads of prestigious international organizations and academic and educational institutions from abroad, ministers, muftis, distinguished scholars, and representatives of universities, research institutes, libraries, museums, and cultural institutions from more than fifty countries—wish to express to Your Excellency our sincere appreciation and profound respect.

First and foremost, we would like to emphasize that the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization, convened at your personal initiative and with your steadfast support, has, by virtue of its substance, significance, and far-reaching impact, transcended the scope of a traditional international academic gathering. It has become a landmark event of exceptional importance, earning widespread international recognition.

There is no doubt that the visionary ideas and principles set forth in your Address to the participants shaped the Forum's agenda, defined the objectives of its deliberations, and guided the discussions held over the course of four days under the close attention of the international community. They provided the intellectual and moral foundation for meaningful dialogue and productive international scholarly cooperation.

We are confident that this Forum, which brought together leading representatives of the Muslim world's academic and intellectual community, has inaugurated a new stage of global cooperation aimed at studying, preserving, safeguarding, and promoting the rich legacy of Islamic civilization as an integral part of the shared spiritual, cultural, and intellectual heritage of humanity.

The decision to hold the Forum in the historic cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Termez further enhanced its scholarly spirit and historical significance. It was on this blessed land that, over many centuries, great centers of learning flourished and fundamental works were produced, making invaluable contributions to theology, philosophy, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and numerous other fields of knowledge. Many ideas and discoveries that profoundly influenced the progress of human civilization originated from these very cities and spread throughout the world.

We express our deep appreciation for the initiative you put forward during the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2017 to establish the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. We regard this initiative as one of the most significant international humanitarian initiatives of the past decade, marking a turning point in the understanding of the rich history and cultural heritage of this land as a unified civilizational phenomenon.

This historic initiative has created broad opportunities for bringing together the international scholarly community to promote objective research into and wider recognition of the invaluable contribution of Islamic civilization to the development of world science, culture, and spirituality. At the same time, it has become an important milestone in laying the intellectual and spiritual foundations for the New Renaissance—the Third Renaissance.

Today, we recognize more clearly than ever that this initiative has served as a timely and far-sighted response to the challenges and threats of the modern world. At a time when attempts are being made in various parts of the world to distort the humanistic essence of Islam, to set cultures and civilizations against one another, and to diminish the immense contribution of Muslim scholars to the advancement of global science and culture, you proposed a constructive path founded on enlightenment, scientific inquiry, respect for historical truth, and the objective presentation of the authentic legacy of Islamic civilization to the international community.

In doing so, a significant step has been taken toward restoring historical justice, strengthening a culture of open academic dialogue, fostering mutual respect, and expanding international humanitarian cooperation.

Today, these noble aspirations have acquired particular global significance. Indeed, it is through knowledge, historical memory, and the unification of the intellectual potential of nations that mutual trust among states is strengthened, effective resistance to extremism, radicalism, and intolerance is enhanced, understanding among civilizations is deepened, and a solid moral foundation for peace, sustainable development, and shared prosperity is established.

There is no doubt that Your Address, embodying such timely and far-reaching ideas, will remain for all of us a landmark historical and programmatic document, guiding our future joint endeavors.

We are witnessing how the Center for Islamic Civilization, established through Your Excellency's vision, wisdom, and steadfast leadership, as well as your remarkable ability to perceive the past, the present, and the future as parts of one continuous historical process, is evolving not only into a world-class scholarly and educational institution but also into a distinguished international platform that brings together states, international organizations, leading scholars, research institutions, universities, libraries, museums, and centers of spiritual and educational excellence to implement joint initiatives aimed at studying, preserving, safeguarding, and promoting the invaluable heritage of Islamic civilization. We are confident that in the years ahead the Center will rightfully take its place among the world's leading institutions in the humanities and become a major cultural, educational, and academic hub where innovative ideas, collaborative research, and long-term international partnerships will flourish.

We have been particularly impressed by the large-scale reforms being carried out in the Republic of Uzbekistan to preserve and promote its spiritual, scholarly, and cultural heritage. The Center for Islamic Civilization, the renovated Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex, the International Research Centers named after Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Maturidi, and Imam al-Tirmidhi, the International Academy of Islamic Studies, the Tashkent Islamic Institute named after Imam al-Bukhari, and other unique institutions stand as compelling evidence of the consistent state policy aimed at preserving historical memory, advancing fundamental scholarship, and strengthening international humanitarian cooperation.

In a word, the Republic of Uzbekistan, as one of the oldest cradles of Islamic scholarship, culture, and enlightenment, is today further consolidating its historic role as a leading center for humanitarian cooperation, academic research, and dialogue among civilizations.

Your Excellency, Mr. President,

The fact that the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization was held under the theme "Peace, Tolerance and Enlightenment" deserves particular recognition. These timeless and interconnected values, which embody the humanistic essence of Islamic civilization, are of enduring relevance to the contemporary world. This great legacy constitutes an inseparable part of the cultural, spiritual, and intellectual heritage of all humankind. Accordingly, its preservation, comprehensive study, and transmission to future generations represent a shared responsibility of international organizations, governments, the global academic community, and all those committed to promoting peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation.

We express our full support for the Declaration adopted upon the conclusion of the Forum, as well as for the Roadmap on the Preservation, Study, and Advancement of Islamic Civilization, regarding them as a solid foundation for long-term international cooperation. We sincerely hope that Your Excellency will continue to provide leadership and unwavering support for the implementation of the initiatives set forth in these documents, further strengthening international cooperation, safeguarding our shared spiritual heritage, and advancing Islamic civilization as a source of peace, enlightenment, and mutual understanding.

With a view to translating the Forum's decisions into practical action, we intend, in consultation with Your Excellency, to put forward the initiative to establish the World Alliance for Islamic Civilization. We believe that the Alliance will serve to coordinate joint research programs, promote the training of highly qualified specialists, expand academic exchanges, implement international publishing initiatives, preserve and promote cultural heritage, and further strengthen humanitarian cooperation among nations.

The decisions adopted during the Forum clearly demonstrate that this noble initiative, which originated in Uzbekistan, has gained broad international support and is becoming a shared endeavor of the global scholarly and intellectual community.

Here is a polished and formal English translation suitable for an official international declaration:

We hereby reaffirm our readiness to combine our intellectual, academic, and spiritual capacities to implement these resolutions and to preserve and pass on the great heritage of Islamic civilization to future generations.

We are confident that the resolutions adopted in the ancient land of Uzbekistan will serve as a solid foundation for a new stage of international cooperation in the study, preservation, and wide dissemination of the heritage of Islamic civilization.

By adopting this Appeal, we once again acknowledge the great collective responsibility we undertake in implementing these resolutions and reaffirm our commitment to working alongside you in promoting peace, enlightenment, mutual respect, and the preservation of the great spiritual and intellectual heritage that constitutes an integral part of the common legacy of all humankind.

Your Excellency, Mr. President,

We extend our profound gratitude to You, and through You to all the organizers of the Forum and the entire multinational people of Uzbekistan, for the excellent organization of the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization and for the warm and generous hospitality extended to all participants.

We wish Your Excellency good health, family happiness, and ever greater success in your noble and highly responsible service to the people of Uzbekistan.

We also wish you continued success in implementing the New Uzbekistan Strategy, laying the foundations for the Third Renaissance, and further strengthening the country's distinguished standing, prestige, and reputation as one of the world's leading centers of science, education, Islamic civilization, humanitarian cooperation, and dialogue among civilizations.

May Almighty Allah bless your noble intentions and endeavors with abundant goodness and prosperity.

May the resolutions adopted at the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization contribute to strengthening mutual understanding, justice, and cooperation among the peoples of the world.

May the Lord of the Worlds grant peace, national unity, prosperity, and continued progress to the hardworking, hospitable, and noble people of Uzbekistan—the creators of a great civilization with a history spanning three millennia. May He further enhance their creative potential and enable them to fulfill all their noble aspirations.

With the highest respect,

Participants of the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization

9 July 2026

The state visit of the President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Seok-yol at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has ended.
During the three-day visit, high-level talks were held, at the end of which the leaders signed a joint statement on further deepening and comprehensive expansion of the Special Strategic Partnership. A bilateral set of documents was received.
The heads of state participated in a joint business forum with the participation of representatives of leading Korean companies and banking and financial institutions.
The presidents visited the Technopark in Tashkent and got acquainted with the existing potential for industrial cooperation.
Today, the dialogue between the heads of state continued in Samarkand. The presidents and their wives got acquainted with the historical and architectural masterpieces of the ancient city.
After the end of the visit, President Yun Sok Yol and his wife were escorted by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his wife at the airport.

The current stage of global economic development is characterized by a large-scale transformation of international supply chains and growing geopolitical uncertainty. In this context, transport connectivity is becoming a key factor in ensuring economic security and sustainable development.

These processes are particularly relevant for the countries of Eurasia. Comprehensive transport and logistics cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Uzbekistan, which serve as key links in the new transit corridor architecture, is of strategic importance here.

Russian-Uzbek cooperation is demonstrating stable positive dynamics. By the end of 2025, the total volume of freight traffic between the countries reached 18.2 million tons, an increase of 13.6 percent compared to the previous year. Exports accounted for 3.6 million tons, imports for 9.2 million tons, and transit for 5.4 million tons.

Rail transport traditionally forms the bulk of freight turnover. In 2025, volumes reached 12.9 million tonnes, representing a 12.3 percent increase compared to the previous year, while transit traffic increased by almost 15 percent to 4.8 million tonnes.

The development of strategic industrial cooperation has become an important stage of cooperation. Specifically, a large-scale project to transfer the Tashkent Passenger Carriage Construction and Repair Plant to the trust management of Transmashholding JSC is being implemented. The signed agreements provide for the complete modernization of the plant by the end of 2026, with the prospect of its phased privatization.

In terms of passenger rail transportation, service has been fully restored on the Tashkent-Moscow and Tashkent-Kazan routes. The launch of train service from Andijan to Moscow and the establishment of direct rail service between the two countries' tourist centers are currently on the agenda.

The development of road transportation also remains an important area of ​​cooperation. By the end of 2025, the volume of road freight transport exceeded 5.2 million tons, representing a 16.5% increase. At the same time, passenger bus service continues to develop. Regular bus services have been established from Tashkent to Novosibirsk, Kazan, Perm, Krasnodar, Ufa, Moscow, and St. Petersburg.

Routes to Nizhny Novgorod, Tyumen, and Yekaterinburg are planned for 2026–2028. To improve service quality, unified service standards, monitoring systems, and digital services, including electronic ticket booking, are being implemented.

Significant results have also been achieved in aviation services. In 2025, more than 34,000 bilateral flights were operated, representing a 4.8% increase, carrying over 4.2 million passengers. Currently, flights operate at a frequency of 340 per week, involving over 45 Russian airlines and leading Uzbek carriers (Uzbekistan Airways, Qanot Sharq, Panorama Airways, and My Freighter).

A breakthrough was reached in June 2025 in Moscow by aviation authorities. The parties agreed to increase the frequency to 1,000 scheduled flights per week. If these quotas are fully utilized, the annual passenger capacity will exceed 16 million passengers. The most significant area of ​​cooperation is the joint development of new international transport corridors, the key one being the multimodal corridor "Belarus – Russia – Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan." The project was initiated by the signing of a memorandum on the development of this corridor in 2023 at the first SCO Transport Forum.

In April 2024, the first meeting of the working group was held in Termez, where the parties signed a roadmap providing for the analysis of cargo flows, the implementation of electronic digital documents, and the optimization of customs procedures. After Pakistan joined the memorandum, a number of additional meetings of the working group were held throughout 2025, during which tariff conditions, logistics solutions, and the organization of test container shipments along the route were agreed upon.

This transport corridor has the potential to become one of the most important routes in the Eurasian space, providing direct transport and logistics links between the Union State of Belarus and Russia, the countries of Central Asia, and the markets of South Asia.

Russian-Uzbek cooperation in transport and logistics has become a full-scale strategic partnership. The synchronized development of all modes of transport, deep industrial cooperation, and the joint development of new transit routes form a reliable framework for Eurasian connectivity, capable of ensuring economic growth throughout Greater Eurasia.

Leading specialists of the Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Problems under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sh. Akhmedov and M. Tohirov

It is worth noting that one of Uzbekistan’s greatest achievements since independence has been ensuring peace, interethnic harmony, and mutual understanding among its multinational population. In particular, the wise national policy developed in our country in recent years is based on the key idea: “Multinationality is the wealth of Uzbekistan”.

         It should be emphasized that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkey is currently gaining increasing significance in both quantitative and qualitative terms. Relations between the two countries, as a truly new stage of strategic cooperation, clearly demonstrate that historically and today, the Turkish and Uzbek peoples are truly fraternal peoples, not only in ethnic origin but also in spirit. Despite all the changes in historical development, these two fraternal peoples are steadily and diligently strengthening their national statehood, implementing the necessary reforms to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world. In this context, Turkey’s developed industry, achievements in agriculture, tourism potential, extensive statehood experience, and the growing natural interest of Turkish investors in the Uzbek market are of great importance to our country.

         This closeness and commonality of approaches are the most reliable guarantee that the development of cultural and humanitarian ties between Uzbekistan and Turkey will continue to strengthen and deepen in the future, for the benefit of the Uzbek and Turkish peoples.

         In particular, this is due to the age-old bonds of friendship, brotherhood, and mutual understanding between the Uzbek and Turkish peoples, as well as the similarity of culture, religion, and traditions of the peoples of both countries. This also demonstrates that these relations have deep historical and cultural roots, which provide a solid foundation. Moreover, culturally and historically, these two countries played a central role in the development of the civilization of the Turkic peoples. Therefore, at the 7^th summit held in Baku on October 15, 2019, Uzbekistan’s accession to the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States as a full member was highly praised and greeted with enthusiasm by all participating states. It is no exaggeration to say that this event not only strengthened the spirit of brotherhood in the Turkic world but also led to the emergence of a new regular cooperation format between Ankara and Tashkent.

         At the 8^th Summit of the organization, held in Istanbul on November 12, 2021, its name was changed to the Organization of Turkic States. The Summit also approved the concept of the Turkic world through 2040. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed holding the first summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Uzbekistan in 2022. The proposal was accepted, and the next, 9^th summit of the organization was held in Uzbekistan in November 2022.

         It is important to emphasize that in 2022, the leaders of the two countries celebrated the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 5^th anniversary of the establishment of a strategic partnership. Our view is supported by the agreement to strengthen cooperation on reforms in Uzbekistan, implement public-private partnership mechanisms, and deepen partnerships in science, education, art, cinema, tourism, and information.

         Furthermore, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh. M. Mirziyoyev is actively implementing a large-scale reform program aimed at expanding Uzbekistan’s economic opportunities and improving the well-being and living standards of the population. The success of this policy, to some extent, depends on elevating our country’s effective relations with its international partners to a qualitatively new level. The special attention is deserved that Uzbekistan is responding to fundamental global changes with a new, proactive, pragmatic, and constructive foreign policy.

         The goals of modernizing our country’s economy and enhancing its global competitiveness require strengthening cooperation with foreign partners in industrial cooperation, studying the experience of developed countries, and attracting large-scale foreign investment and high technology. In this regard, notable that the economic development strategies of Uzbekistan and Turkey can complement each other in a number of important areas. This is due to the fact that Turkey is among the 20 largest economies in the world and has achieved high results in such important sectors for Uzbekistan as tourism, textiles, automotive manufacturing, construction, and food processing.

         Especially, Turkey’s textile and jewelry industries are among the top five in the world. Forty-four Turkish building contractors are among the world’s top 250 construction companies. This ranks Turkey second only to China, one of the world’s leading economies. While the country’s food industry has successfully entered Western markets and strengthened its position there, the Turkish automotive industry is on the cusp of transitioning from conventional automobile production to mass production of domestically produced electric vehicles. This once again confirms that Turkey is an important economic partner for us. Laying the foundations for a completely new export-oriented economic development model in the New Uzbekistan requires systemic changes across all economic sectors and further strengthening ties with reliable external partners with whom industrial cooperation can be developed in these sectors.

         Thus, in recent years, in a historically short period of time, a solid foundation has been laid for revolutionary changes in Uzbek-Turkish relations that will last for centuries — important programmatic plans have been developed and decisive practical steps have been taken. There is no doubt that this development of relations will further enhance the prestige of Uzbekistan and Turkey on the international stage, ensure stable economic growth in both countries, the socioeconomic well-being of their peoples, and the full realization of their creative potential.

         Turkey and Uzbekistan are actively developing not only bilateral relations but also cooperation in multilateral formats. Participation in the Organization of Turkic-Speaking States is also an important component of international cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkey.

         Currently, Uzbekistan has created ample opportunities for citizens of more than 130 different nationalities to actively participate in socioeconomic, political, legal, spiritual, and educational life, to recognize their national identity, and to preserve their ethnic values. Also, interethnic harmony and religious tolerance, national unity and solidarity are envisaged, and, above all, the upbringing of a harmoniously developed generation that understands its national identity based on a rich historical and spiritual heritage, national values, customs and traditions, possesses a high sense of national pride and has a worldview formed on the basis of universal human values, modern technology, and scientific achievements.

         Currently, in the New Uzbekistan, unity and mutual understanding are the main principles of policy in the sphere of interethnic relations, aimed at maintaining unity and harmony in society, where an important aspect is not only protecting the interests of various ethnic groups but also shaping a civic identity based on respect and consideration for the rights of others.

         In the area of ​​interethnic relations, Decree No. DP-52 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan as of March 19, 2025, “On measures to advance to a new stage in strengthening nationwide unity and relations with compatriots abroad”, was adopted. In this decree, the harmonization of interethnic relations in society and the formation of a unified civic identity through strengthening friendship, mutual solidarity, tolerance, and unity in society are defined as one of the priority tasks for strengthening national harmony and ties with compatriots abroad.

         The Committee is designated as the authorized republican executive body implementing state policy in the area of ​​interethnic relations, supporting compatriots abroad, and coordinating the activities of state bodies in this area.

         The Committee’s primary objectives are: harmonizing interethnic relations, forming a unified civic identity by strengthening friendship, mutual solidarity, tolerance, and unity in society; strengthening the involvement of all nationalities and peoples living in Uzbekistan in national development by ensuring their rights and legitimate interests; developing socio-cultural and friendly ties with foreign countries through public diplomacy; supporting the mobilization of the socio-economic potential of compatriots abroad for the development of our Homeland; and systematically analyzing issues of national unity among the people of Uzbekistan and compatriots abroad in the name of common societal goals.

         The Committee has taken significant steps to develop cooperation with the USA, Canada, China, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and several other countries to elevate the consistent implementation of state policy toward compatriots living abroad to a new level.

         Currently, the Committee implements state policy aimed at ensuring interethnic harmony and tolerance in society and supporting the mobilization of the socio-economic potential of compatriots abroad for the development of our country. It also establishes friendly international relations, strengthens friendship with civil societies in foreign countries, and implements a “public diplomacy” mechanism with 157 national cultural centers, 43 friendship societies located in the republic, as well as with more than 60 brother cities, and nearly 100 societies of compatriots abroad.

         Enormous opportunities have been created for the preservation, presentation, and development of national identity, language, traditions, customs, history, and culture of various nationalities. Furthermore, the role of national cultural centers, established by representatives of various nationalities living in our country is of particular importance in strengthening cultural cooperation between the New Uzbekistan and foreign countries.

Specifically, Turkish National Cultural Centers were established in Bukhara in 1991, in Tashkent - in 1992, and in 1997, the Turkish National Cultural Center of Uzbekistan.

         Since 1997, the primary focus of the Turkish National Cultural Center of Uzbekistan (chairman Umar Ibrahimov Salmanov) has been the revival of the Turkish language, culture, traditions, and customs. To this end, the Center has established a Council of Elders, a Women’s Council, a Youth Wing, and a department for working with sports clubs and ensembles.

         Currently, three folklore ensembles operate under the auspices of the Center: Sevinch, Anadolu, and a women’s folklore group.

 In 1999, under the direction of Mikail Suleymanov, an honorary member of the Turkish National Cultural Center of Uzbekistan, the MIKO Comedy Theater was founded. The performances were shown in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. These theatrical productions are primarily aimed at strengthening unity, solidarity, and harmony among representatives of different nationalities.

         A number of representatives of Turkish nationality have been awarded state awards for their contribution to strengthening interethnic harmony, mutual understanding, and friendship in our country.

         The first information about the arrival of Turks in Uzbekistan was found in the diary of the Spanish ambassador González de Clavijo. Written sources mention Turkish musicians at the court of the Temurid Shahrukh. There is information that Turkish merchants and artisans settled in the territory of modern-day Uzbekistan in the late Middle Ages to engage in trade and crafts.

         When did the Turks arrive in Uzbekistan? We pondered this question for a long time, examining over 100 sources. The results yielded varied answers. The first representatives of the Turks settled in the territory of modern-day Uzbekistan, in the lands of Akhsi, which corresponds to the territory of today’s Namangan Region, when Turkic peoples migrated from the Yenisei River to the state known today as Turkey. The second group arrived during the reign of Amir Timur, in the 1400s.

         In 1992, the number of Turks living in Uzbekistan was 21,000, while today it has exceeded 50,000.

         Currently, our citizens of Turkish nationality living in Uzbekistan actively participate in the political, economic, social, and cultural life of the republic, making a worthy contribution to the development and progress of the state.

         The visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Turkey ushered in a new era in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, based on mutual trust and expressing a desire for long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of our peoples.

         Official visits by the leaders of the two countries contribute to strengthening political dialogue and demonstrate a fruitful practical partnership. To further develop bilateral cooperation, the parties discussed in detail priority areas for further expansion of their partnership, including in areas such as trade and economics, investment, transport, textiles, energy, agriculture, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

         Furthermore, in accordance with the Action Plan for 2026-2027 signed between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and Turkey, the most effective cooperation aimed at ensuring sustainable development and prosperity based on lasting security has been established.

         It is noteworthy that the first part of the book by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, “Modernity and the New Uzbekistan
 is entitled “Humanity’s Chosen Path of Sustainable Development”. The fact that it reflects the priority criteria for human development in the 21st century and the noble global goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development confirms our aforementioned ideas.

         Overall, the primary and most important factor in maintaining socio-political stability in Uzbekistan is the ability to ensure unity and national harmony among its multi-ethnic population. It should be noted separately that national understanding and national unity, which are strengthening day by day in our society, serve the cohesion processes on an ethnic and cultural basis among representatives of all nationalities living in Uzbekistan.

Saodat Tilovberdievna Davlatova

Head of Department of the Committee on interethnic relations and compatriots abroad of the Republic of Uzbekistan,

Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor

Opening ceremony will take place on 12 October at the Central Exhibition Hall

11^th Tashkent International Biennale of Contemporary Art, titled “Event Horizon”, will be held in Tashkent from 12^th to 16^th October this year.

Works by international and Uzbek artists will be displayed at leading museums and galleries across the capital. Program will also include a visit to Samarkand, giving cultural tourists visiting Uzbekistan in October an opportunity to explore both contemporary art and the country’s historical heritage as part of a single trip.

Biennale has been held every two years since 2001. This year’s theme explores the human condition at the threshold of technological and cultural change. According to the concept of the event, Tashkent, located at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes, is presented as an “oasis” — a symbol of hope and new meanings.

Opening ceremony will take place on 12^th October at the Central Exhibition Hall. In the following days, exhibitions will open at the Tashkent House of Photography, the Kamoliddin Behzad Museum of Miniature Art of the East, the Uzbekistan State Museum of Arts and the Ikuo Hirayama International Culture Caravanserai. The programme will also feature performances, masterclasses, an international scientific and practical conference, and the “Charxpalak” exhibition dedicated to the 35^th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence. The biennale will conclude on 16^th October

The 10^th biennale, held in 2024, brought together more than 40 international participants from around 30 countries.

Dunyo IA

An analysis of nighttime satellite illumination data indicates a strengthening of economic activity across regions and an expansion in the number of territories exhibiting urban-type development.

The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) applied satellite-based nighttime lights (NTL) data to assess economic activity at the level of regions and cities in Uzbekistan.

The analysis shows that higher light intensity corresponds to higher levels of economic activity and more advanced urban infrastructure.

CERR’s findings demonstrate a high degree of consistency between satellite-based indicators and official statistics. In particular, according to estimates based on NASA nighttime lights data, nominal GDP per capita in Uzbekistan grew by 80.3% in 2020–2025, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 15.8%, increasing from $2,090 to $3,887 over five years.

For comparison, according to official statistics, GDP per capita increased by 81.8% over the same period, with an average annual growth rate of 16.1%, rising from $2,048 to $3,881.

Economic Activity in Large and Medium-Sized Cities

According to the data, over the past five years the highest growth in gross regional product (GRP) per capita among regions was recorded in the city of Tashkent, where the indicator increased by approximately $5,000, reaching $9.3 thousand by the end of 2025 (according to official statistics — $9.2 thousand).

Estimates for 2025 also show high GRP per capita levels in a number of large and medium-sized cities. In Navoi, the NTL-based estimate reached $9.3 thousand, in Zarafshan $7.9 thousand, in Samarkand $7.2 thousand, in Kokand and Andijan $6.7 thousand each, and in Akhangaran, Yangiyul, and Bukhara ranged from $5.8 thousand to $5.2 thousand, respectively.

Relatively high growth rates of GRP per capita were also observed across several regions. In Tashkent region, the indicator increased by $1.8 thousand to reach around $4 thousand. In Navoi region, GRP per capita also grew by $1.8 thousand to approximately $4 thousand. In Fergana and Syrdarya regions, the increase amounted to $1.6 thousand, reaching about $3.5 thousand and $3.4 thousand, respectively.

Economic Activity in Small and Medium-Sized Cities

Relatively high GRP per capita levels were also recorded in a number of small and medium-sized cities. In Termez, the indicator reached $5.1 thousand, in Margilan and Chirchik around $5 thousand, and in Namangan $4.8 thousand. Economic activity levels also remain relatively high in the cities of Kagan and Urgench.

Economic Activity at the District Level

At the district level, the highest GRP per capita growth dynamics in 2020–2025 were observed in Mirabad district, where the indicator increased by $7.1 thousand, in Yakkasaray district by $6.3 thousand, and in Chilanzar district by $5.6 thousand. As a result, GRP per capita in these districts exceeded $10 thousand, which is nearly three times higher than the average across other districts and cities in the country.

Among districts, the highest growth rates of economic activity were also recorded in Karmana district (2.5-fold increase), Yashnabad and Bektemir districts (2.4-fold), as well as Sergeli, Yangi Hayot, and Mirzo Ulugbek districts (2.3-fold).

Expansion of Territories with High Economic Activity

The use of nighttime lights data also made it possible to assess urbanization processes at the district level. In particular, between 2020 and 2025, the number of territories with high nighttime light intensity (NTL above 10), characteristic of urban agglomerations, increased from 22 to 31. The average GRP per capita in these territories rose from $3.8 thousand to $7 thousand.

At the same time, over five years the number of districts with low nighttime light intensity (NTL below 1) declined from 129 to 85, confirming the transition of 44 districts toward an urban-type development model.

In these districts, NTL levels increased on average by more than 2.5 times, while GRP per capita rose from $1.7 thousand to $3.2 thousand.

Conclusion

The results confirm that satellite-based nighttime lights data can effectively complement official statistics and be used for timely assessment of regional economic activity.

This approach enables the identification of new growth points and allows for more targeted allocation of state support toward infrastructure development and investment activity in the regions.

Abdulaziz Gaybullayev, CERR

CERR Public Relations Sector

Tel.: (+998) 78 150-32-20 (417)

The upcoming visit of the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, to Uzbekistan on March 26–27 is set to provide additional momentum to Uzbek-Tajik relations, which have demonstrated steady positive dynamics in recent years.

Today, bilateral ties are on the rise, experiencing the best period in their history. Tashkent and Dushanbe have successfully resolved long-standing issues, creating a solid foundation for a transition to a qualitatively new stage of engagement. While cooperation was previously characterized as episodic and largely dependent on opportunistic factors, it has now acquired a systemic, multi-level, and strategic nature.

The consistent and far-sighted policies of the two heads of state have played a pivotal role in this process. Regular and trust-based contacts between Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Emomali Rahmon have contributed to the renewal of the entire system of interstate relations, imparting a resilient internal dynamic.

Since 2017, the leaders of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have held over 40 meetings, underscoring a shared political will for the consistent development of cooperation. The logical culmination of this course was the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations in 2024, which institutionalized the long-term strategic character of their interaction. The upcoming negotiations are expected to consolidate achieved results and define new benchmarks for the partnership.

This atmosphere of trust has been reinforced by a robust institutional framework. Regular consultations between foreign ministries, expanded cooperation across line agencies, and the effective work of the Intergovernmental Commission form a stable architecture for bilateral engagement. The inter-parliamentary dimension has also strengthened significantly: the cooperation group established in 2020 provides essential support for initiatives and oversees their implementation.

The intensive political dialogue is naturally reflected in the economy, which serves as a barometer of profound structural changes. Since 2017, bilateral trade turnover has increased nearly fourfold – from $237 million to over $900 million by the end of 2025 – demonstrating sustainable growth. Furthermore, the trade structure is evolving: alongside traditional commodities, the share of high-value-added products, such as textiles, construction materials, electrical engineering, and machinery, is increasing. This indicates a transition to a more diversified model of economic engagement aimed at reaching the $2 billion mark in the medium term.

Simultaneously, the focus is gradually shifting from trade to investment and industrial cooperation. Since 2017, the number of enterprises with Tajik capital in Uzbekistan has grown more than 13 times, reaching 343. Uzbek business is also actively expanding in Tajikistan, where approximately 70 companies currently operate, reflecting the growing mutual trust within the business community.

As part of this cooperation, the Uzbek-Tajik Interregional Investment Forum was launched in 2021. In the same year, a joint investment company was established with an authorized capital that subsequently increased more than fourfold – from $12 million to over $50 million. This has provided a financial base for implementing major projects in industry, energy, agriculture, healthcare, banking, and construction.

The development of modern border infrastructure is of substantial importance for further integration. Specifically, the creation of a trade and logistics hub at the "Fotekhobod – Oybek" border crossing will enhance the efficiency of trans-border trade. Concurrently, the Urgut district is being developed as a comprehensive transport, logistics, and trade hub, capable of transforming border areas into centers of economic activity.

Ongoing projects include the establishment of trade, logistics, and medical complexes, as well as a logistics center with a capacity of up to 100 heavy-duty trucks per day. In parallel, efforts are underway to simplify customs procedures. The construction of the Samarkand–Urgut railway line will be a significant step toward reducing transport costs and enhancing regional connectivity.

Equally indicative is the transformation of cooperation in the water and energy sector – traditionally one of the most sensitive issues in the region. Moving away from past competition, the parties are consistently building a pragmatic model that accounts for mutual interests, implementing joint projects to modernize irrigation systems and develop hydropower. This approach demonstrates that even the most complex issues can serve as a basis for sustainable cooperation and development.

The most profound changes are occurring in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. Expanding contacts between citizens, the growth of mutual travel, and the development of cultural and educational exchanges are forming a shared humanitarian space where interstate ties have acquired a new quality.

The liberalization of travel regulations has revitalized tourism cooperation. In June 2022, the Tashkent–Dushanbe passenger train was launched; regular bus routes between Tashkent–Khujand and Kokand–Shaidon were resumed; and air connectivity has expanded, currently reaching 16 flights per week.

As a result, 2.7 million citizens of Tajikistan visited Uzbekistan last year alone, reflecting a high level of mutual trust and openness. Political agreements are increasingly translating into the practical reality of daily interaction.

This process is further bolstered by the historical and ethno-cultural proximity of the two nations. The presence of significant Tajik communities in Uzbekistan and Uzbek communities in Tajikistan makes this cooperation a natural extension of established social and cultural ties. In this context, the humanitarian dimension has become a key factor in the stability of the allied relationship.

Against this backdrop, the upcoming visit of Emomali Rahmon to Tashkent is intended not only to consolidate achieved milestones but also to set new strategic directions for future engagement. Its outcomes will undoubtedly be reflected in concrete projects and initiatives that will further strengthen the bilateral partnership and enhance the resilience of the entire region.