At the invitation of President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a state visit to this country on March 11-13.

The agenda of the visit to Paris envisages talks and events at the highest level, as well as a number of meetings with official and business circles of France.

The agenda of the upcoming contacts includes issues of further development and strengthening of Uzbek-French multifaceted relations.

Priority attention will be given to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in trade-economic and investment-financial spheres, promoting cooperation projects with leading companies and enterprises of France.

It is planned to adopt a package of intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements as a result of the summit.

In addition, the Head of our state will meet with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to discuss practical aspects of preparing and holding the 43rd session of the Organization's General Conference in Samarkand this autumn.

It is worth noting the intense program of events on the eve of the forthcoming visit.

According to the survey results, entrepreneurs are increasingly reporting higher demand, employment growth, and an overall improvement in business conditions.

The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) presented the results of its business climate analysis based on monthly surveys of entrepreneurs across the country.

Based on the collected data, a composite Business Climate Index has been developed, reflecting both current business conditions and expectations for the next three months.

Business Climate Dynamics in Uzbekistan

As of February 2026, the composite Business Climate Index reached 65 points (on a scale from −100 to +100), which is 11 points higher than in the same period last year.

The improvement in the business climate was primarily driven by rising business expectations, which increased by 13 points to 81. Additional support came from improved assessments of current business conditions, which rose by 10 points to 51.

The survey indicates positive trends across key business activity indicators. The share of entrepreneurs assessing the current business situation as “good” increased to 44%, compared to 38% in February of the previous year.

The proportion of enterprises that increased their workforce rose to 19%, up from 12% a year earlier. Meanwhile, 34% of respondents reported an improvement in business conditions over the past three months, compared to 28% last year.

In addition, 39% of respondents reported increased demand for their products, up from 22% in the same period last year.

Sectoral Dynamics of the Business Climate Index

In a sectoral breakdown, improvements in the business climate were observed across all major sectors of the economy compared to the previous year.

The most significant improvement was recorded in agriculture, where the index increased by 29 points to reach 73. This growth was driven by both improved current conditions and a substantial rise in expectations.

The share of entrepreneurs assessing conditions as “good” rose to 56%, compared to 41% a year earlier. Meanwhile, 52% reported increased demand (35% previously), and 49% noted an improvement in the business environment over the past three months (32% previously).

In the services sector, the business climate index increased by 8 points to 61. While assessments of current conditions remained relatively stable, expectations improved.

Entrepreneurs maintain strong expectations regarding demand in the coming three months, with 72% reporting anticipated growth, close to last year’s level (71%). At the same time, employment has been gradually increasing, with the share of firms expanding their workforce rising to 16%, compared to 12% previously.

In the construction sector, the business climate index rose by 8 points to 69. Improvements were observed in both current assessments and expectations. Entrepreneurs are increasingly reporting higher employment and demand, reflecting stable sectoral dynamics.

The share of respondents reporting improved business conditions over the past three months increased to 34%, compared to 26% a year earlier. Meanwhile, 27% reported workforce expansion (15% previously), and 80% expect demand to increase in the next three months, up from 77% last year.

In industry, business climate growth was more moderate, increasing by 2 points to 67. At the same time, business expectations remain high, with continued growth in demand and gradual employment expansion.

Over the past three months, 32% of entrepreneurs reported increased demand, compared to 29% a year earlier. Workforce expansion was noted by 22% (13% previously), while 77% expect further demand growth in the next three months, also exceeding last year’s level.

Barriers to Business Activity

According to the survey, 61% of entrepreneurs reported no constraints in their operations, up from 57% in the previous month, indicating an overall improvement in the business environment.

Compared to the previous month, the share of respondents reporting difficulties related to access to credit, electricity supply, transport, and logistics has declined. At the same time, there has been a moderate increase in concerns related to access to land resources, utility costs, and tax rates.

CERR Sector for Competitiveness and Investment Activity Analysis

Tel: (78) 150 02 02 (441)

CERR Public Relations and Media Sector

Tel: (78) 150 02 02 (417)

The development of trade and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Belarus, expansion of bilateral trade, enhancement of export potential, and strengthening of investment ties remain among the key priorities of economic relations between the two countries. Consistent efforts undertaken in this direction are contributing to the diversification of export markets, improvement of logistics chains, and expansion of cooperation between the business communities of both nations.

Against this backdrop, the Belagro–2026 International Agricultural Exhibition and Fair, one of the largest international events in the agricultural sector, was held in Minsk, Republic of Belarus, from 1 to 6 June 2026. An official delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in the exhibition, holding a series of meetings and negotiations focused on expanding trade and economic cooperation, increasing exports, strengthening investment partnerships, and implementing joint projects in the agricultural sector.

Within the framework of the exhibition, the National Pavilion of Uzbekistan, organized by UZAGROSTAR HOLDING, showcased a wide range of agricultural and food products produced in Uzbekistan. The pavilion was visited by Rahmatulla Nazarov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of Belarus; Yuriy Shuleyko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus and other officials. During the visit, the parties discussed the quality and export potential of Uzbek agricultural products, as well as their prospects in the Belarusian market.

The exhibition also served as a platform for meetings with leading Belarusian retail chains, importing companies, and wholesale market operators. Discussions focused on establishing systematic supplies of Uzbek agricultural products to Belarus, expanding the range of exported goods, increasing bilateral trade volumes, and strengthening direct cooperation between Uzbek exporters and Belarusian importers.

In particular, meetings with the management of the Noviy Lebyajiy wholesale market in the Minsk district explored opportunities for exporting fresh fruits, vegetables, and processed agricultural products under long-term contracts, establishing sustainable B2B partnerships, and creating dedicated trading areas for Uzbek producers.

Special attention was also devoted to cooperation in the livestock sector. Following negotiations with the Belarusian organization Belplemjivobyedineniye, a cooperation agreement was signed to supply high-yield pedigree cattle to entrepreneurs in the Samarkand region of Uzbekistan. The agreement represents a practical continuation of ongoing efforts aimed at improving breeding programs and increasing livestock productivity.

Furthermore, the delegation visited the Ozerco-Logistik trade and logistics center in the Minsk district to study Belarus's experience in developing logistics and customs infrastructure. The visit provided valuable insights into international cargo storage and redistribution, digital logistics systems, and customs clearance procedures, creating new opportunities for exchanging best practices in export logistics.

In the area of investment cooperation, a meeting with the leadership of the Mogilev Regional Executive Committee resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between MARAQAND MEAT LLC of Uzbekistan and the Mogilev Regional Executive Committee on establishing a modern livestock production complex in Belarus. The memorandum establishes a legal framework for expanding bilateral investment cooperation and implementing joint projects in the agro-industrial sector.

The Uzbek delegation also visited advanced agricultural enterprises in the Vitebsk region, where they exchanged experience on the development of intensive livestock farming, efficient farm management, strengthening the feed base, introducing digital agricultural technologies, and implementing joint investment projects.

As a result of the visit, the parties reached a number of agreements aimed at expanding exports of Uzbek agricultural products to the Belarusian market, strengthening cooperation between exporters and importers, improving logistics routes, establishing imports of pedigree cattle, and implementing joint investment projects.

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.

The text of the article is in Uzbek language!

Dear forum participants!

Dear guests!

I sincerely congratulate you, all those who make a worthy contribution to the development of the holy religion Islam, on the opening of the international scientific-practical conference dedicated to the study of the scientific heritage of the great muhaddis Imam Termezi in the homeland of outstanding Muslim scholars - in Uzbekistan.

It is gratifying that today's authoritative forum is attended by renowned specialists in the field of Islamic studies - prominent scholars and ulema, experts and researchers. In your person we see the continuers of the good traditions of the great thinkers who are the pride of the Muslim world - Imam Bukhari and Imam Termezi.

May the Almighty bless you, I wish you happiness and prosperity!

Dear friends!

Speaking about our outstanding ancestors-scientists, bright representatives of the Islamic world of the Middle Ages, we, of course, among the first names of Hazrat Imam Termezi.

We are rightfully proud of this incomparable person, the favorite disciple of the great Imam Bukhari, who was honored with the high rank of Sultan of Muhaddis, who has been glorifying our region for twelve centuries with his undying works and high human qualities.

Imam Termezi is recognized in the world as one of the six great muhaddis, his collection of hadiths is among the most revered and reliable sources, and the Muslim Ummah bows before the name of this outstanding man.

Another practical expression of such recognition is the fact that the topic for discussion at today's conference was the unique works of Imam Termezi “Ash-Shamoil al-Muhammadiyya” and “Sunani Termiziyya”, as well as important issues concerning the scientific heritage of the Ulema Termezis and its relevance today.

Dear participants of the conference!

In recent years, a great work has been carried out in our country to study and popularize the invaluable heritage of many of our thinkers-theologians who made a great contribution to the development of the Islamic religion, to honor their memory, to improve the places associated with their life and activities, including Imam Termezi.

It should be noted that a magnificent memorial complex has been erected in his honor in Sherabad district of Surkhandarya province, and an international research center, a specialized Islamic secondary school and an Islamic institute have been opened in the city of Termez bearing his name.

These institutions, together with the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the Centre for Islamic Civilization, the Hadith Scientific School and other religious educational and research organizations, are studying the rich heritage of Imam Termezi in a comprehensive and in-depth manner. In particular, works of the thinker are published, scientific researches, books and artistic works are dedicated to him.

I hope that after familiarizing yourselves with the work carried out in this direction within the framework of the conference, you will express your opinions and proposals on further activation of cooperation in this field.

We, the heirs of great scientists, emphasizing that Islam is a religion of peace, goodness and humanism, on the way of realization of good hopes and aspirations of mankind, consider it our most important duty to jointly enrich this incomparable spiritual treasure and preserve it for future generations.

I express my deep gratitude to the scientists and ulema of our country and to you, dear guests, to all figures of science who show real dedication for such a noble goal.

The doors of the leading research and educational institutions of Uzbekistan are always open for you.

Greeting you once again from the bottom of my heart, I wish you health, new achievements in your scientific and creative activities, and a successful conference.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On 23 January, under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a videoconference meeting was held on the key tasks of poverty reduction and employment provision for 2026. In terms of both substance and the framing of issues, the meeting marked a turning point in the evolution of the country’s social policy.

The relevance of transitioning to a new model

The results of the reforms demonstrate a transition to the next stage of social policy. For the first time, poverty reduction has been placed in direct dependence on outcomes at the level of individual mahallas.

This shift is a consequence of the socio-economic results achieved. By the end of 2025, the national economy grew by 7.7%, significantly above the forecast level of 6.5%. GDP exceeded $147 bn, reaching approximately $3,900 per capita. Growth rates in all sectors surpassed those of 2024. Foreign investment reached $43 bn, while exports amounted to $33.8 bn. Inflation declined from 9.8% to 7.3% in 2025.

Sustained economic growth ensured a significant increase in budget revenues, which were consistently directed toward addressing social issues, reducing poverty, and developing mahallas. As a result, in 2025 income sources were provided for 5.4 mn people, and 330,000 families were lifted out of poverty. Unemployment declined to 4.8%, while the poverty rate fell to 5.8%.

As overall poverty indicators decline, its geography is changing. Poverty is becoming localized, concentrated, and heterogeneous. Nearly one-third of low-income households and around one-fifth of the unemployed are concentrated in a limited number of mahallas, which necessitates a transition to a new model.

Against this backdrop, the primary indicator becomes the outcome achieved at the level of each mahalla. The persistence of poverty or unemployment indicates that measures require further calibration.

Accordingly, for the first time at the national level, a systematic classification of all territories by poverty level was conducted. Based on 20 criteria, 37 “difficult” districts and 903 “difficult” mahallas were identified, home to around 120,000 poor families and approximately 155,000 unemployed citizens. At the same time, work to shape the image of a “New Uzbekistan” has also begun in an additional 33 districts and 330 “difficult” mahallas.

A distinctive feature of the new approach is that “difficult” territories are viewed as points of structural transformation. For each mahalla and district, comparative advantages are assessed, including economic, agricultural, industrial, logistics, or service-related strengths.

Individual development programmes for mahallas are being formulated. Practice shows that even in the most vulnerable areas, ensuring stable access to water and electricity, basic infrastructure, and integration with markets can multiply household incomes.

In the current year, territorially targeted development becomes the main instrument for achieving the stated goals, as clearly articulated by the President.

Infrastructure as an economic asset

A particular emphasis in the new model is placed on revising regional policy priorities. As noted by the President, residents and entrepreneurs in “difficult” districts and mahallas primarily expect improvements in roads, water supply, and electricity provision, rather than an expansion of tax incentives.

Concentrating resources on a limited number of problem territories allows infrastructure investment to be transformed from general budget spending into an instrument of targeted socio-economic impact. In 2026, $1.6 bn will be allocated for regional infrastructure development, of which $990 mn will be directed to “difficult” districts and mahallas.

At the same time, transfers from the republican budget to local budgets will double.

Additionally, allocations of $4.1 mn to each “difficult” district and $165 ths to each “difficult” mahalla are envisaged.

In total, district hokimiyats (district executive administrations) and local kengashes (local representative councils) will receive an additional approximately $330 mn exclusively to support problem territories.

A key element of this model is ensuring stable energy supply for “difficult” districts and mahallas.

In 2026, each of the 903 “difficult” mahallas is expected to host the construction of a small solar power plant with a capacity of 300 kW, with a total investment of around $110 mn. These plants will be transferred to the mahallas free of charge, creating a local energy asset. Through the generation of “green” electricity, each mahalla will gain a sustainable additional income source of $33-41 ths per year.

The proceeds are intended to be used for energy-efficient renovation of housing stock, reducing utility costs, and improving quality of life. Operation of the solar plants will involve members of low-income households, simultaneously addressing employment and infrastructure sustainability objectives.

A separate emphasis is placed on supporting the most vulnerable households. An instruction has been issued to conduct targeted assessments of 6,700 families with a member having a first-degree disability and no able-bodied household members, followed by identification of needs for energy-efficient housing upgrades and the launch of “green” renovation.

Taken together, these measures form a model of territorial and energy resilience. The effectiveness of local authorities’ performance will be subject to public evaluation, reinforcing the transition to results-oriented governance.

Comparative advantages of mahallas

The President clearly defined key socio-economic targets for 2026, including the provision of permanent employment for around 1 mn people, lifting 181,000 families out of poverty, increasing the number of poverty-free mahallas by 2.5 times to 3,500, and reducing the unemployment rate to 4.5%.

Achievement of these targets is expected to be based on the comparative advantages of specific districts and mahallas in industry, agriculture, and services. This approach allows resources to be concentrated where they generate the greatest multiplier effects for employment and household incomes.

As an example of leveraging comparative advantages based on location and specialization of mahallas, the President cited Furqat District. Its advantages include, first, cooperation with neighboring economically active centers; second, deepening specialization among nearby mahallas and combining competencies; and third, increasing value added through the launch of processing activities.

Further measures were outlined within the framework of a differentiated approach to developing problem territories.

Deepening mahalla specialization

Primary attention will be focused on deepening mahalla specialization, as welfare levels are significantly higher in mahallas with deep specialization. Practice shows that in such mahallas, welfare levels are noticeably higher, while the number of recipients of social assistance is half as large, at around 7 people per 10,000 population.

Currently, the 903 “difficult” mahallas encompass around 90,000 hectares of household and leased land. To transform this resource into a source of sustainable income, a new mechanism of a “social contract” between the state and the mahalla has been proposed. Mahallas that, by leveraging residents’ skills and rational land use, manage to increase household incomes by three to four times will receive additional financing of $165 ths for the development of road, water, and irrigation infrastructure. Implementation of this model is planned to begin with “difficult” mahallas.

To support deeper specialization, banks will allocate a total of $1.4 bn in loans. For production projects, 4% of the loan will be compensated, while for processing projects the compensation will amount to 6%.

Comparative advantages of mahallas

In 2026, $11.5 bn in credit resources are earmarked for the development of small and medium-sized businesses in mahallas, compared to $10.7 bn a year earlier. At the same time, banks have been tasked with strengthening entrepreneurship financing: alongside a planned $6 bn from external sources, the total volume of funds directed to mahalla-level projects should reach $8 bn.

Not only the scale but also the principle of credit allocation is changing. The model under which loans within the “Family Entrepreneurship” programme were issued on uniform terms at a 17.5% rate across all districts and cities is giving way to territorial differentiation. In particular, for the 37 “difficult” districts, the rate is reduced to 12%. This step transforms lending into an instrument for accelerating the development of problem territories.

In parallel, programme limits and target areas are being expanded. In all districts, the maximum size of concessional loans is increased by 1.5 times, from $2.7 ths to $4.1 ths. To support this decision, an additional $165 mn is added to the planned $297 mn.

Overall, the 2026 credit policy is shaped as a targeted development mechanism, a managed conversion of credit into employment, income, and local growth.

Institutional changes in system governance

A number of institutional changes are also envisaged to enhance the effectiveness of all governance levels involved in mahalla development.

Work in mahallas is moving away from an administrative-intermediary model and is being structured around specific projects. In this framework, the hokim’s assistant acts as a territorial development manager responsible for implementing project solutions.

To ensure integrated project governance, multi-level coordination is being introduced. Initiatives proposed by hokims’ assistants are paired with regional bankers; the first deputy hokim of the region provides operational oversight; and the “Reform Headquarters” supervises issues requiring inter-agency solutions. From February, a system of training hokims’ assistants in project management will be launched, starting with “difficult” mahallas. Each district will form a project portfolio followed by a transition to practical implementation.

One hundred “difficult” mahallas that demonstrate the best performance in job creation, income growth, and poverty reduction will receive an additional $82.5 ths each. Hokims’ assistants from these mahallas will be able to upgrade their qualifications in China, Turkiye, South Korea, and Malaysia.

In this context, work on developing mahalla master plans is being intensified. International experts are being engaged, alongside the potential of domestic universities. Final-year students in architecture programmes will be able to participate in the development of “difficult” mahallas, with the best projects being supported by state grants.

Overall, the institutional changes formalize a shift from a universal approach to a differentiated territorial policy.

Resource redistribution is justified by the structure of the economy: 62% of industrial production and 57% of services are concentrated in 50 districts and cities with high entrepreneurial potential. Growth in their budget revenues creates an opportunity to concentrate state efforts on problem territories.

This is evident from revenue dynamics: three years ago, additional local budget revenues in these 50 territories amounted to $72.2 mn, while in the current year they are expected to increase 8.5 times, to $610.5 mn.

As a result, greater attention can be directed to “difficult” districts and mahallas, where poverty and unemployment are territorially concentrated.

Conclusion

The decisions and instruments for 2026 demonstrate that Uzbekistan’s social policy is moving beyond traditional resource redistribution toward a model of managed territorial development. The new model rests on three interlinked pillars.

First, the concentration of infrastructure resources in “difficult” districts and mahallas, with the creation of long-term local assets, reduced household costs, and enhanced energy resilience.

Second, the expansion of employment based on comparative advantages and deeper territorial specialization, supported by financial incentives, access to credit, and solutions along value chains.

Third, institutional recalibration of governance, where a project-based approach and multi-level coordination align resources, responsibility, and measurable outcomes.

The essence of the current phase is that targeting becomes a technology focused on “difficult” territories. Exiting poverty is understood as an individual household trajectory, in which local conditions, skills, and infrastructure are decisive. The “Mahalla Seven” and the institution of hokims’ assistants serve as the connecting link, ensuring coordination and feedback until results are achieved.

Khurshed Asadov,
Deputy Director of Center for Economic Research and Reforms

May 13. /Dunyo IA/. Uzbekistan has nominated its candidacy for the Chair of the UN Tourism Comission for Europe (CEU) for the 2025–2027 term.

This marks the first time in its history that Uzbekistan has put forward a candidate for this prestigious position, underscoring the country’s growing engagement in global tourism affairs and the high level of trust it has earned within international tourism bodies.

The UN Tourism Comission for Europe consists of 41 member countries from Europe as well as Central and Western Asia. It plays a pivotal role in shaping tourism policy across the region, promoting regional cooperation, and advancing sustainable and inclusive tourism development.

The 71st meeting of the Commission will be held on June 4–6, 2025, in Baku, Azerbaijan. During this session, elections are scheduled to take place for the Chair of the CEU for the 2025–2027 term.

Uzbekistan’s nomination for this position is viewed as recognition of the country’s consistent reforms in the tourism sector, its practical efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, and its contribution to the development of sustainable and inclusive tourism.

If elected, Uzbekistan intends to promote new initiatives aimed at positioning Central Asia as a unified tourism destination, developing cross-border routes, widely implementing digital solutions, and enhancing regional dialogue within the framework of the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

Transforming water from an object of competition into a factor of cooperation is a vital condition for regional stability.

Water is a precious resource and a source of life. It is not merely a natural resource but also a strategic factor that determines a country's food and energy security, economic development, environmental stability, and the well-being of its people.

Against this backdrop, there is a growing need for political dialogue and practical cooperation aimed at the rational, equitable, and mutually beneficial use of transboundary rivers and shared water resources. In other words, water diplomacy is needed to turn water into a tool of cooperation that brings states together rather than a source of conflict.

The founding documents of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization list the rational use of natural resources, including water, environmental protection, and the implementation of joint ecological programs as main areas of cooperation. Therefore, the issue of water is not a topic that was later added to the SCO agenda, but one of the organization's initial priorities.

In recent years, the political and legal foundations of this area have been further strengthened. The SCO's Dushanbe and Samarkand Declarations identified access to safe drinking water and the integrated, rational management of water resources as important conditions for sustainable development.

At the seventh meeting of the heads of ministries and agencies of SCO member states responsible for environmental protection, held in Bishkek on April 3, 2026, issues of climate change adaptation, glacier preservation, and water resource management were discussed. This indicates that the topic of water is taking on an increasingly important role in the organization's practical agenda.

At the same time, representatives of the SCO member states are seeking practical solutions to water-related issues through meetings, consultations, and negotiations in various formats. On August 7, 2026, the 94th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) was held in the city of Turkestan, Republic of Kazakhstan.

The water management ministers and officials from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan reviewed proposals for water limits and operating regimes for reservoirs in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya basins for the 2026 growing season, as well as a plan to introduce an automated water accounting system in the Syr Darya basin. The development of the document was approved, and special working group is expected to be established by September of this year.

Furthermore, the parties discussed the implementation of the $20 million Regional Cooperation for Improving the Efficiency of Water Resources Use in Central Asian Countries (CAWEC) grant project, in partnership with the World Bank, as well as the execution of tasks stemming from the decisions of the Council of Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.

With the support of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), measures are being taken to implement a pilot project to automate the water resources monitoring and accounting system at transboundary water facilities between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

From August 10-12, 2026, a three-day regional training was held in Tashkent on the topic "Introduction of Water-Saving Irrigation Technologies and Digital Solutions in the Water Management Sector of Central Asia under Climate Change."

The training was organized at the initiative of the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, within the framework of the National Water Resources Management Project in Uzbekistan and the Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) project, with the participation of the "Suvchilar maktabi" (School of Water Professionals).

Water management specialists from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan participated in the event.

The primary objective of the event was to enhance the professional capacity of water management specialists from Central Asian countries, expand the mutual exchange of experience, and strengthen practical cooperation in the efficient use of water resources, the introduction of modern irrigation technologies, and the digitalization of the sector, as well as to familiarize them with the advanced solutions being implemented in Uzbekistan.

It is important to emphasize that Uzbekistan views water diplomacy not only as an instrument of foreign policy but also as a logical continuation of the large-scale reforms being implemented domestically. Indeed, to promote the idea of efficient water use in regional dialogue, each state must first reduce water waste within its own territory and establish a modern management system.

In his Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that water scarcity is becoming an increasingly urgent global issue; for this reason, the rational use of water was elevated to the level of state policy from the very first days of the reforms.

The results achieved in the sector in recent years are reflected in the figures . In 2025, construction and reconstruction work was carried out at 258 irrigation and melioration facilities, and 723 kilometers of canals were lined with concrete. Additionally, 158 kilometers of irrigation and 303 kilometers of collector-drainage networks were built or reconstructed. As a result, the water supply for 364,000 hectares of land was improved, and the loss of more than 500 million cubic meters of water was prevented.

In 2026, a total of 2 trillion 199 billion soums were allocated from the state budget for construction and reconstruction work under 308 irrigation and melioration projects.

As of August 1 of the current year, construction work worth 1.3 trillion soums has been completed, which constitutes 59% of the established annual plan. Specifically, 637 kilometers of canals were lined with concrete and reconstructed. Furthermore, 52 kilometers of irrigation networks—flumes and pipes—and 27 hydraulic structures were built and reconstructed. To increase the energy efficiency of water management facilities and ensure uninterrupted water supply, pumping stations with a capacity of 13 m³/sec, 31 irrigation wells, 33 kilometers of pressure pipelines for pumping stations, and 268 kilometers of collector-drainage networks were built and reconstructed.

Significant progress is also being made in the introduction of water-saving technologies. By the end of 2025, the coverage of such technologies reached 2.6 million hectares, or 61% of irrigated areas. Of this, drip irrigation technology was introduced on 664,000 hectares. Thanks to these technologies, 3 billion cubic meters of water were saved. By the end of 2026, the goal is to increase the coverage of water-saving technologies to 3.1 million hectares and save 5 billion cubic meters of water. To date, water-saving technologies have been implemented on a total of 638,000 hectares across the republic.

These figures are significant not only for the national economy but also for the regional water balance. Every cubic meter of water saved in one country reduces the pressure on the entire basin. In this sense, lining irrigation canals with concrete and implementing water-saving technologies are not only national-level initiatives but also diplomatic contributions that strengthen regional trust.

To manage water effectively, it must be accurately measured. Where there is no accounting, it is difficult to assess savings, identify losses, and ensure fair distribution.

From this perspective, the digitalization efforts underway in Uzbekistan's water management sector not only increase the efficiency of domestic management but also create a technological foundation for the reliable exchange of transboundary water data in the future.

In 2025, the Center for Digitalization and Monitoring of Water Management was established, and a modern Situational Center was launched to consolidate industry data at a single point. Ten information systems were introduced. The "State Water Cadastre" and "Melioration" information systems were enhanced with the capability to analyze data, generate forecasts, and develop recommendations using artificial intelligence.

Forty-four sensors were installed in reservoirs, enabling remote monitoring of water levels and volumes. A design organization is conducting nationwide studies for the installation of 272 devices to measure water intake across the state border in real time, as well as for the installation of specialized equipment at 1,895 points for the online management and monitoring of inter-district water resources.

The significance of such projects goes beyond technical convenience. Reliable real-time data increases transparency in water distribution, reduces the human factor, and prevents contentious situations.

In the future, it may be possible to coordinate the national information systems of the SCO member states. This does not mean transferring all data to a single center. On the contrary, it envisions the formation of a mechanism for exchanging necessary hydrological indicators in an agreed-upon format, while respecting the sovereignty and national legislation of each state.

The water-energy-food nexus is a prerequisite for sustainable development. Within the framework of the SCO, it is advisable to form a permanent mechanism that integrates cooperation between water, energy, and agriculture agencies. Such a mechanism would enable the joint analysis of seasonal reservoir operation, electricity exchange, irrigation needs, and ecological flows.

The SCO region has accumulated extensive experience in using drip and sprinkler irrigation, canal lining, closed pipeline networks, smart water meters, energy-efficient pumps, and forecasting systems based on artificial intelligence.

By consolidating this experience, it is possible to implement model projects adapted to various climatic conditions. For example, within the SCO, it would be beneficial to establish pilot zones to demonstrate water-saving technologies, train specialists and farmers, and evaluate the results based on a unified methodology.

Sound decisions on water issues must be based on scientific research. Therefore, it is important to implement joint scientific programs among the research institutes, universities, and water management organizations of the SCO countries.

When managing water resources, considering only today's needs is insufficient. The impact of every decision on future generations, natural ecosystems, and the interests of neighboring states must also be thoroughly assessed.

Today, it is not enough to view water diplomacy solely as a means of preventing conflict. It must also stimulate economic development, attract investment, accelerate the exchange of technologies, and strengthen food and energy security.

The SCO is a major regional structure capable of uniting these opportunities. Cooperation within the Organization must transition from negotiations over water distribution to the stage of creating common economic benefits and ensuring sustainable development through water.

Indeed, water does not recognize state borders. Its flow interconnects the destinies, well-being, and futures of peoples.

The rational use of water is economic development, its just management is good neighborliness, and conserving every drop is our shared responsibility for the future.

Zokir Ishpulatov,

First Deputy Minister of Water Management of the

Republic of Uzbekistan

Today, environmental challenges such as climate change, desertification, biodiversity loss and air pollution are driving countries around the world toward closer cooperation. Uzbekistan has likewise identified environmental protection and climate change adaptation as key priorities of its state policy. In this context, the development of international partnerships, particularly with the United States, is of special importance.

At present, experts and representatives from both countries actively engage on various international platforms. In particular, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan regularly participates in meetings of the Environment and Energy Working Groups within the C5+1 framework. This dialogue platform enables the countries of Central Asia and the United States to exchange expertise on environmental issues and advance new initiatives.

In recent years, bilateral cooperation has gained significant momentum. Uzbek delegations have taken part in international forums, educational programs, and professional development initiatives hosted in the United States. Participation in sessions of the United Nations Forum on Forests, visits organized through cooperation with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and educational exchanges on environmental topics under the U.S. Congress’s Open World Program have all contributed to strengthening professional expertise and promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

In 2024, a meeting between Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, and U.S. Presidential Advisor Sara Minkara underscored the importance of integrating social considerations into the environmental agenda. The parties discussed the impact of climate change on persons with disabilities and reached an agreement to foster cooperation between higher education institutions in the two countries.

Significant progress is also being made in scientific collaboration.
A memorandum signed in 2025 between Green University in Tashkent and the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University is expected to elevate research in the fields of ecology and climate change to a new level. A practical outcome of this partnership was the visit to Uzbekistan by world-renowned economist and sustainable development expert Jeffrey Sachs.

Looking ahead, there are broad opportunities to further expand environmental cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States. One particularly promising area is the study of U.S. experience in forest management. Approximately one-third of the United States is covered by forests and the country has developed advanced forest management and monitoring systems that may offer valuable insights for Uzbekistan.

Considerable potential also exists in the fields of biodiversity conservation and protected area management. In the United States, millions of hectares of land are managed for conservation purposes and this experience could contribute to the further development of Uzbekistan’s protected area system.

Particular attention should also be given to cooperation in education and science. Establishing partnerships between Green University and leading global institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley, Stanford University, Harvard University and Yale University would not only enhance the quality of scientific research but also help prepare a new generation of specialists in ecology and climate science.

In addition, the United States’ advanced experience in sustainable urban development and «green» infrastructure is of considerable interest for Uzbekistan’s cities. Cities such as Portland and Seattle have successfully implemented projects involving «green» streets, cycling infrastructure, modern waste management systems and air quality monitoring technologies. Studying these practices could support the advancement of green city initiatives across Uzbekistan.

The hosting of the Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Samarkand in 2026 further strengthened Uzbekistan’s international standing in the field of environmental cooperation. The participation of U.S. representatives in Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, organized as part of this landmark event, has the potential to elevate environmental partnership between the two countries to a qualitatively new level.

Today, environmental cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States extends beyond individual projects and events, increasingly taking on the character of a long-term strategic partnership. At a time when climate change and environmental security are becoming ever more pressing global concerns, such cooperation will contribute to sustainable development not only in both countries, but across the wider region as well.

The main goal of state policy in the penal sphere in Uzbekistan is aimed at liberalizing punishment and the system of its execution. Based on this, a number of strategic objectives have been identified. In particular:

Firstly, crime, improvement and liberalization of criminal and criminal-procedural legislation, decriminalization of specific criminal acts, humanization of criminal punishments and the procedure for their execution were determined as one of the priority directions for improving the state and society building system in the Action Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021.

Secondly, the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the Concept of improvement of criminal and criminal-procedural legislation” was adopted on May 14, 2018. It was aimed at improving the criminal responsibility and punishment system, in particular, eliminating forms and types of punishments that do not meet to modern requirements, and preventing crimes. The task of introducing types of punishment and other legal measures, simplifying punishment or expanding the norms regulating the conditions of criminal responsibility or exemption of person from liability was established.

Thirdly, the implementation of qualitatively new mechanisms for ensuring the unconditional observance of the rights of prisoners, respect for their honor and dignity, priority tasks such as further expansion of the scope of rights of convicts in accordance with generally recognized international standards were determined in the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated on November 7, 2018 “On measures to radically improve the criminal and executive legislation”.

Fourthly, the necessity to ensure labor, social security and other internationally recognized rights of convicts, people who have served their sentences, to introduce effective mechanisms to help their social adaptation and reintegration into society, and widely introducing the principle of humanitarianism into the penal system was noted as the essential and necessary condition for the development of the law priority principles in the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan in 2022-2026;

Fifthly, the task of reducing the practice of imprisonment from 30% to 20% was strengthened as the main criterion for reforms in the judicial system in the strategy “Uzbekistan – 2030”.

Sixthly, new version of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan was adopted pursuant to the Referendum on April 30, 2023, in which human rights and freedoms are guaranteed based on the universally recognized norms of international law, as well as the prohibition of the death penalty.

Meanwhile, 3 laws, 2 decrees and 7 resolutions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, more than 20 resolution and decrees of the government, more than 15 departmental and interdepartmental regulatory legal documents aimed at further improving the system of execution of punishment for the implementation of these strategic goals were accepted.

As a result, the range of rights and legal interests of the prisoners were expanded and brought into line with international standards.

It is worth noting that at the initiative of the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the work on ensuring the rights and freedoms of prisoners serving sentences in penitentiary institutions has reached a completely new level.

In particular, based on the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated on April 2, 2021, “On additional organizational measures to further improve the activities of internal affairs bodies in the field of ensuring public safety and fighting crime”, the followings were determined:

to increase the effectiveness of educational work on the moral correction in order to prevent re-offending, to improve the system of execution of punishment, to ensure the protection of the rights, freedoms and legal interests of prisoners;

to ensure the priority importance of honor and dignity of prisoners, to introduce transparent and more effective legal mechanisms of moral education and labor training for social adaptation of convicts to society in the future;

to radically improve the criminal-executive legislation, taking into account modern international standards and advanced foreign experience;

to ensure strict discipline and legality in penitentiary institutions and investigative detention centers, to prevent corruption, and fully automate the processes of monitoring the condition of prisoners;

to create opportunity to purchase items in the prescribed manner by prisoners in penitentiary institutions, and their relatives as well, through electronic stores based on free market mechanisms;

to maintain the electronic database of information about the behavior and personality of each prisoner and fully digitize the process of distribution of prisoners in order to correctly determine the tactics of re-educating prisoners and prevent them from committing crime.

A number of practical results have been achieved as a result of the comprehensive reforms implemented in the field of criminal punishment.

Particularly:

Firstly, the restrictions on the visits of juvenile prisoners with their parents were removed, and female prisoners were given the right to visit their children in orphanages on unlimited basis.

Secondly, special attention was paid to the education and vocational training of prisoners, and the activity of "Master-Apprentice" schools was launched in penitentiary institutions.

In fact, there are 6 general educational schools and 4 vocational centers operating in the penitentiary institutions at present. More than 2,000 convicts are trained in such schools, and more than 5,000 in the vocational centers are trained in tailoring, carpentry, furniture making, auto electrician, electrician, locksmith and other professions, and they are given certificates in 16 specialties in total.

Thirdly, according to the law “On Education"” the right to distance education was given to prisoners in penitentiary institutions.

Henceforth, the dream of the prisoners who want to get higher education was fulfilled. 25 prisoners were admitted to the prestigious national higher educational institutions, as well as branches of international higher education institutions in our country in 2021-2023.

Fourthly, special attention was paid to the social welfare of prisoners, and the right to pension was guaranteed (as of January 1, 2024, pensions were granted to 676 prisoners) and it was determined that social insurance would not be deducted from wages. The number of phone calls, visits and meetings of the prisoners has almost doubled.

Fifthly, in the direction of expanding the political rights of prisoners, the requirements of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the positive experiences of France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Turkey, are implemented into national legislation, and the right to vote was given for the first time for prisoners who are serving sentences for crimes of low social risk and less serious crimes.

On this basis, 3,619 prisoners in the 2019 Parliamentary elections, 8,203 prisoners in the 2021 Presidential elections, and 9,738 prisoners in the 2023 referendum exercised their political right to vote.

Sixthly, the procedure for the visit of the Representative of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Human Rights (Ombudsman), diplomatic corps, representatives of international, republican and local non-governmental non-profit organizations, foreign and local mass media to prisons was established.

Seventhly, With the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan in 2022-2026”, a system of providing “initial socio-material support package” was introduced to help citizens who have served their sentences to find their place in society in the future.

Eighthly, in order to allow and support the convicts who realized the mistake of their actions, sincerely repented and resolutely chose to the path of recovery, the mechanism of “pardon” was established by the head of our state which is considered clear example of forgiveness and nobility of our nation.

In particular, in 2017-2024, a total of 7128 convicts were pardoned by the relevant decrees of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 219 of them were foreign citizens and 377 were women.

Ninthly, according to the relevant decree of the government, certain information in prisons that cannot be disclosed until now, including:

the number of persons detained in penitentiary institutions and investigative detention centers;

the number of penitentiary institutions and investigative detention centers and their locations;

the production activities of penitentiary institutions, the goods produced by them according to the nomenclature and expressed in money;

the number of deaths among persons detained in penitentiary institutions and pretrial detention centers;

information on the number of prisoners kept in penitentiary institutions and subjected to coercive medical measures was disclosed.

Admittedly, in addition to the norms of international law, the United States, the countries of the European Union, Russian Federation, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Kyrgyz Republic and a number of positive experiences of other countries were taken into account in the improvement of criminal law and the mechanisms of its practical implementation, as well as in the expansion of the basic rights and freedoms of prisoners.

In addition, the provisions of the international legal norms related to the system of execution of punishment were introduced into the criminal law. In particular, the “Minimum standard rules for dealing with prisoners” (Nelson Mandela Rules), adopted by the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on December 17, 2015, was applied to the criminal law of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Hence, respect for the dignity of prisoners was guaranteed, mechanisms aimed at preventing the use of torture and cruel treatment were improved. Furthermore:

the right of prisoners to receive psychological assistance was enabled;

prisoners in need of medical care were allowed to be placed in regional institutions of the Ministry of Health;

prisoners suffering from a serious illness were given the opportunity to talk over the phone and meet their close relatives based on the doctor’s permission.

At the same time, the application of disciplinary punishment was completely canceled for the disorder in case of his mental state was disturbed.

Based on the abovementioned facts, as well as on the basis of the norms of international law and the positive experiences of foreign countries, it is expedient to implement the following proposals and recommendations in the practice of law enforcement in order to improve the criminal law of the Republic of Uzbekistan:

Further expansion of the basic rights of prisoners, in particular, the use of computer tools connected to the Internet (educational, artistic, electronic books, publications, educational materials, graphic designs) connected to the global information network in specially equipped rooms, the introduction of a simplified procedure for the use of electronic state services, including notary services;

education of convicts, acquisition of profession and wide involvement of them in useful work;

raising the legal consciousness and culture, ideological views of prisoners, defining systematic measures aimed at forming immunity of intolerance to violations to them;

determining the acceptable directions of exemption from punishment in legislation;

implementation of modern forms of social adaptation and resocialization of prisoners based on the analysis of international law norms and best practices of foreign countries.

At the same time, further liberalizing crimes and criminal law, especially by expanding non-custodial sentences for juveniles, women, the elderly, and prisoners with disabilities, is the best way to improve the most effective national crime-fighting system today.

In short, improving the law enforcement practice and legislation in the judicial executive system, and consistently continuing the ongoing reforms are aimed at building democratic legal state and fair civil society in our country, strengthening the guarantees of human rights protection, and ensuring the rule of law in society.

Khatamov Rustam

Head of the Academy of the Ministry of internal affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Doctor of philosophy in law sciences (PhD), Associate professor, Colonel