Uzbekistan – Turkey: The Practical Phase of Cooperation in the Forestry Sector

📅 29.01.2026

Today, one of the priority areas of state policy in Uzbekistan is focused on expanding forested areas, increasing green coverage, mitigating the negative impacts of climate change, and ensuring environmental sustainability. In order to achieve effective results in these areas, studying advanced foreign experience and adapting it to the country’s climatic conditions is of particular importance. In this context, the participation of a delegation of representatives of the Forestry Agency under the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan in a training and practical seminar organized during their visit to the Republic of Turkey in October 2025 was of significant importance.

The seminar, organized in cooperation between the Forestry Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Turkey, enabled participants to familiarize themselves with Turkey’s experience in forest establishment, restoration, ecological classification, and sustainable forest management. In particular, on the first day of the seminar, Turkish specialist Ahmed Yalvach delivered a detailed presentation on modern approaches applied in the development of forestry.

Within the framework of the practical visit, Turkey’s advanced experience in establishing and managing nurseries, creating forests using the “terrace” method in mountainous areas, developing “green belts” around cities, and establishing green public parks in urban and district areas was studied.

In addition, members of the delegation closely examined the activities of nurseries operated by the Seydikemer and Gökova Forestry Departments located in Muğla Province. Notably, the Seydikemer nursery, established in 1983, covers an area of 144 hectares and has an annual production capacity of 1.5 million seedlings. The Gökova nursery, occupying more than 61 hectares, stands out with its capacity to produce up to 7 million seedlings per year.

It was emphasized that special attention to seed collection, storage, and laboratory analysis in these nurseries allows the production rate of high-quality seedlings and saplings to reach 90–95 percent. Participants studied the practical experience of Turkish specialists in establishing mother plantations, caring for seedlings and saplings, and grafting techniques.

The delegation members were also introduced to the use of greenhouses, in vitro laboratories, modern equipment, and mechanisms for managing seasonal work processes. The experience-sharing activities were conducted in an atmosphere of open dialogue and professional cooperation.

In conclusion, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkey in the forestry sector has acquired a practical dimension, contributing to the adoption of advanced practices, enhancement of specialists’ capacity, and the formation of a sustainable ecological environment in Uzbekistan. The knowledge and skills gained within the framework of this cooperation will play an important role in further improving the national forestry system.

Proposals to improve the quality of education considered

📅 19.06.2024

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev familiarized himself with the proposals on improving the quality of pre-school and school education and the system of professional development of teachers.

Students' interest in subjects and their academic performance largely depend on the knowledge and skill of teachers. Therefore, necessary conditions are being created for teachers' professional development and the system of knowledge assessment is being improved.

The responsible persons reported on the developed proposals in this sphere.

It was noted that a new certification system based on advanced technologies has been introduced. More than 190 thousand teachers took part in it, 51 thousand teachers were promoted to the new category based on the results.

It was emphasized that it is necessary to constantly stimulate the increase in the number of professional and self-educated teachers in schools.

It was proposed to increase the salaries of teachers with the highest and first qualification category from September 2025.

It was instructed to develop and implement a separate professional development program for teachers who have not been certified and do not have sufficient experience.

In this process, it is necessary to make full use of the possibilities of professional development centers and teacher training colleges. To this end, based on the experience of the Presidential Schools, a system of professional development for the heads and teachers of kindergartens and schools will be organized at the Abdullah Avloni National Research Institute with a frequency of every 5 years.

A task has been set to transfer 11 pedagogical colleges in the regions under the authority of the Centers of Professional Development and attract trainers from abroad.

It was informed that kindergartens and schools, technical schools and "Barkamol Avlod" school will be established on the basis of teacher training colleges with low workload.

In order to disseminate best practices, the evaluation system of Presidential Schools was introduced in 500 schools last year. As a result, student achievement in these schools increased from 53 percent to 59 percent. A bonus of up to 40 percent has been set for school leaders and teachers of high-performing schools.

In this regard, starting from the new school year, this evaluation system will be applied in another 1,000 schools. They will be assigned to 182 specialized schools and 500 schools that have tested the system.

Also 270 schools will be equipped with interactive whiteboards, 365 schools will be provided with computer classes.

The presentation also considered a proposal to establish the National Institute of Pedagogy of Education on the basis of the Research Institute of Pedagogical Sciences of Uzbekistan named after Kary-Niyazi. The new institute will be entrusted with the tasks of strengthening makhalla-parents-school cooperation, creating educational literature for parents and children, and scientific research of didactic views of the Jadids. Activity of the Academic Council on 5 specialties will be organized, as well as training of personnel in master's and doctoral studies.

In addition, the issues of introducing international methods in the schools of sportsmanship of Bakhodir Jalolov and Oksana Chusovitina, improving the quality of education and training were touched upon.

The head of state gave instructions on improving the quality of teachers' training, organizing a fair system of evaluation and incentives.

Linguistic Analysis of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan’s 2026 State of the Nation Address

📅 02.01.2026

 

The analysis covers the key thematic and semantic emphases of the President’s speech, the structure of core concepts and their interrelations, priority directions of state policy, as well as the strategic benchmarks for the country’s socio-economic development in 2026.

On 26 December 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered his Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan. Experts of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) conducted a linguistic content analysis of the President’s speech.

The analysis was carried out using modern linguistic methods and is aimed at identifying semantic priorities, key concepts and their connections. A word cloud and diagrams were also prepared to visually demonstrate the priority directions of state policy.

Analysis (from the original language)

In total, the President used 9,135 words in his Address. The creation of a word cloud made it possible to visualize the most significant themes and gain a deeper understanding of the priorities and directions of the country’s socio-economic development.

Figure 1. Most frequently used words in the President’s Address (26.12.2025)

The linguistic analysis showed that the most frequently used key words included “mahalla” – 49 times, “aholi” (population) – 35 times, “iqtisodiyot” (economy) – 28 times, “bozor” (market) – 26 times, “loyiha” (project) – 25 times, and “technology” – 22 times (Fig. 1).

Words such as “ta’lim” (education), “natija” (result) and “daromad” (income) were each used 20 times; “tadbirkor” (entrepreneur) and “sanoat” (industry) – 19 times each; “suv” (water) – 18 times; “elektr” (electricity) and “hudud” (territory) – 17 times each; “yoshlar” (youth), “infratuzilma” (infrastructure) and “qurilish” (construction) – 16 times each.

The analysis of two-word expressions showed that the phrase “Markaziy Osiyo” (Central Asia) was used eight times; “aholi daromadi” (household income), “qishloq xo‘jaligi” (agriculture) and “yangi bosqich” (new stage) – seven times; “yangi texnologiyalar” (new technologies) and “Toshkent shahri” (city of Tashkent) – six times each. Expressions such as “Davlat xizmatlari” (public services), “xorijiy investitsiya” (foreign investment) and “yangi tizim” (new system) were used five times, while “dual ta’lim” (dual education), “ish o‘rni” (jobs), “viloyat markazlari” (regional centers) and “tuman byudjeti” (district budgets) were used four times each.
Among three-word combinations, the most frequent expressions included “the next five years” – nine times; “based on dual education” – four times; and “water-saving technologies” and “water, electricity” – three times each.

Thus, the analysis shows that at the core of state policy are the mahalla, public welfare, and the transition to a new stage of development based on economic and technological transformation, with clearly defined strategic objectives for the next five years.

Thematic structure of the speech

The diagram below shows the distribution of the speech’s vocabulary by key directions, where the content is grouped into nine main thematic blocks.
The diagram clearly demonstrates that technological development and human interests, implemented at the level of the mahalla, are at the center of state policy. The ultimate goal of all reforms is to ensure public welfare through sustainable economic growth (Fig. 2).

Figure 2. Distribution of words by thematic areas in the structure of the speech

Interconnection of development directions

The analysis highlights key words that demonstrate the interconnection between various directions of Uzbekistan’s state policy in the coming years.
The transition of the economy to a technological and innovation-based growth model is a central element of state policy and implies a shift away from a raw-materials model toward high-tech industry. This direction is closely linked with such concepts as “investment,” “technology,” “market,” and “product.”

The block on economic growth and welfare reflects the key outcomes of reforms, including the increase of the economy to $145 bn and a twofold reduction in poverty over the past three years. It is directly associated with the concepts of “population,” “economy,” “mahalla,” and “services.”

The social foundation of reforms is built through the development of the mahalla and social solidarity. This direction is associated with “mahalla,” “youth,” “society,” and “values.”

Structuring vocabulary by thematic areas shows that the core of the President’s speech is technological modernization of the economy and a human-centered governance model based on the “mahallabay” system.

It emphasizes the interconnection between economic growth, improvement of public welfare and the development of local infrastructure, as well as priorities such as strengthening human capital, expanding employment and increasing the efficiency of public administration.

Figure 3. Interconnection of development directions

Among the highlighted semantic blocks are also tasks related to stimulating domestic demand, developing the housing and tourism sectors, modernizing the transport system, increasing productivity in agriculture and introducing water-saving technologies.

Special emphasis is placed on the “green” agenda, including the development of renewable energy, expansion of the “Yashil Makon” (“Green Space”) initiative, and strengthening resilience to climate risks.

In the foreign policy dimension, the analysis highlights Uzbekistan’s openness, strengthening of good-neighborly relations, and integration into the global economic system.

The linguistic analysis confirms that the idea at the core of the President’s speech is built around the triad “inson qadri – mahalla – farovonlik” (human dignity – mahalla – welfare), where the goal of reforms is sustainable growth, improved quality of life, and the further strengthening of Uzbekistan’s position.

Ilyos Rabbimov, CERR

CERR Public Relations Service

For inquiries, please contact:

(78) 150 02 02 (417)

G20 and Uzbekistan: Investment, Industry and Trade in a New Economic Reality

📅 30.07.2026

Uzbekistan is entering a period in which domestic transformation is becoming increasingly interconnected with global economic processes. The country has set ambitious goals: accelerating economic growth, advancing the technological modernization of industry, attracting large-scale investment, expanding exports and integrating into international value chains.

This is precisely why discussions within the G20 have practical relevance for Uzbekistan. The issues addressed by the Group of Twenty — sustainable development, industrialization, the energy transition, trade, digitalization, food security, access to capital and the modernization of financial institutions — largely align with the challenges facing the country. The difference lies mainly in scale: while the G20 shapes the key priorities of the global economy, Uzbekistan translates similar objectives into a concrete national development agenda.

The G20 brings together the world’s largest advanced and emerging economies, as well as the European Union and the African Union. Its members account for approximately 85% of global GDP, more than 75% of international trade and around two-thirds of the world’s population. For Uzbekistan, the G20 represents a platform where major global trends are shaped, including the cost of capital, the structure of demand, investment flows, industrial standards, trade rules and approaches to sustainable growth.

Investment: A Focus on Trust and Long-Term Capital

The global investment landscape is changing. Capital is becoming increasingly selective, while investors are paying greater attention not only to market size and natural resources, but also to the quality of institutions, regulatory predictability, the protection of business rights, access to infrastructure and the clarity of the legal environment.

This shift is particularly relevant for Uzbekistan. In recent years, attracting investment has become one of the central pillars of the country’s economic policy. At the Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan’s economy grew by 7.7% in 2025, while the country attracted USD 43 billion in foreign investment. GDP is expected to exceed USD 180 billion in 2026.

These figures reflect not only strong economic growth, but also the emergence of a new model of engagement with the international business community. Uzbekistan is strengthening its role as a stable platform for long-term capital, industrial cooperation and the regional expansion of companies.

The establishment of the Tashkent International Financial Centre plays an important role in this process. Its legal framework provides for a special regulatory regime, elements of English common law, an independent commercial court, the free movement of capital, the ability to conduct transactions in any currency, and the development of fintech, digital assets and green finance.

Such initiatives enhance Uzbekistan’s attractiveness to international businesses. They create an environment in which capital protection, transparent rules, modern financial instruments and institutional trust become integral components of the country’s overall investment architecture.

Against this backdrop, practical cooperation between Central Asia, international development banks, export credit agencies, sovereign wealth funds and the private sector is becoming increasingly important. For Uzbekistan, it is essential to establish mechanisms that facilitate the preparation and financing of specific initiatives in transport and digital infrastructure, power grids, energy storage systems, water conservation, agricultural technologies and the processing of critical minerals.

This approach is fully aligned with the priorities of the G20: investment should support not only the implementation of individual projects, but also the development of resilient infrastructure for long-term growth. Uzbekistan, for its part, is ready to offer its partners a well-prepared portfolio of projects and stable long-term conditions for their implementation.

 

Industry: Transitioning to a More Sophisticated Economy

One of the central themes of the G20 agenda is the development of a new generation of industry. This extends beyond increasing production volumes to encompass technological modernization, resilient supply chains, localization, advanced processing, innovation and the creation of high-skilled jobs.

For Uzbekistan, this approach is of direct relevance. The country is steadily transitioning from an economic model primarily based on raw materials and traditional manufacturing advantages toward one in which processing industries, technology, industrial cooperation and the export of higher value-added products play an increasingly important role.

Over the coming years, Uzbekistan aims to increase industrial value added from USD 36.5 billion to at least USD 60 billion, while expanding output in high-technology and medium-high-technology industries by a factor of 2.5. In 2026, the country plans to launch 782 new industrial and infrastructure projects with a combined value of USD 52 billion.

This approach is fully consistent with modern industrial policy. Manufacturing is viewed not merely as the production of goods, but as the foundation for technological resilience, employment, export growth, energy efficiency, logistics and participation in global manufacturing value chains.

A broad range of opportunities is emerging for Uzbekistan across metallurgy, the chemical industry, electrical engineering, machinery manufacturing, automotive components, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, textiles, agro-processing and digital infrastructure. In each of these sectors, the country seeks not only to expand production volumes but also to deepen value-added processing, improve product quality and access new markets.

Critical minerals have also become an increasingly important topic. For the world's leading economies, they are closely linked to the energy transition, digitalization, battery technologies, industrial modernization and secure supply chains. For Uzbekistan, with its rich mineral resource base and developing metallurgical sector, this resource advantage can serve as the foundation for new industrial clusters and production partnerships with international investors.

At the same time, it is essential that such cooperation goes beyond the simple export of raw materials and instead focuses on creating complete value chains within the region. This includes advanced processing, technology transfer, workforce development, strengthening engineering capabilities and creating highly skilled jobs. Such a model will enable Uzbekistan to reinforce its industrial self-sufficiency while becoming an even more significant partner for major international markets.

Trade: Connectivity as a Driver of Competitiveness

The relevance of the G20 is particularly evident in the area of trade. The world's largest economies already occupy a prominent place in Uzbekistan's external economic relations.

Between January and May 2026, Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover reached USD 32.8 billion. Its key trading partners include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, France, the Republic of Korea and Germany. Most of these countries are either G20 members or are closely integrated into its broader economic architecture.

Decisions taken by the world's largest economies have a direct impact on the conditions of Uzbekistan's foreign trade. Technical standards, quality requirements, rules of origin, tariff policies, logistics routes, environmental regulations and digital trade procedures have become part of the day-to-day business environment for Uzbek exporters.

As a landlocked country, transport connectivity is of particular strategic importance for Uzbekistan. In today's global economy, export competitiveness depends not only on product quality but also on the speed, cost and reliability of delivery. Consequently, the development of East-West and North-South transport corridors passing through Central Asia has become an integral part of the country's trade, transport and industrial policy.

Achieving this objective requires practical solutions, including the digitalization of transit procedures, mutual recognition of electronic transport documents and certificates, coordinated operation of border crossing points, the reduction of unjustified fees and the implementation of the "One Border – One Stop" principle. The effectiveness of these measures should be assessed not by the number of agreements signed, but by tangible reductions in delivery times and transportation costs.

At the same time, Uzbekistan's export performance demonstrates important structural changes. Between January and May 2026, exports of goods excluding gold increased by 29.4%. This indicates that the country is steadily expanding the non-resource component of its foreign trade while strengthening its competitive position in industrial products, textiles, agro-processing, services, transport and other sectors.

At this stage, it is important not only to increase export volumes but also to improve their quality. Modern trade requires internationally recognized certification, consistency, strong branding, efficient logistics and the ability to meet the standards of major global markets. International standards and domestic reforms are becoming increasingly interconnected: external markets establish the requirements, while government policy helps businesses meet them.

WTO: Rules, Trust and Market Access

Uzbekistan's accession to the World Trade Organization is now approaching its final stage. This is no longer merely a technical process, but one of the key components of the country's economic transformation toward a more open, predictable and competitive model of development.

In June 2026, the issue gained additional political and practical momentum. During the meeting between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, particular attention was devoted to cooperation in the context of Uzbekistan's accession to the WTO and continued U.S. support for this process. At the same time, the United States officially reaffirmed its support for Uzbekistan's membership and recognized the substantial progress achieved by the country in this area.

For Uzbekistan, WTO membership represents the institutionalization of a new economic model based on reducing unnecessary trade barriers, enhancing regulatory transparency, improving the business and investment climate, expanding opportunities for exporters and strengthening the confidence of the international business community in the Uzbek market.

Integration into the WTO framework is closely linked to Uzbekistan's investment, industrial and trade agenda. For investors, it serves as a signal of greater policy predictability. For exporters, it provides access to a transparent and rules-based international trading system. For industry, it creates incentives to improve product quality, competitiveness and compliance with modern international standards. Accordingly, WTO accession should be viewed as a natural continuation of the comprehensive reforms already underway.

 

The New Economy: Global Trends and Uzbekistan’s Development Path

The global economy is undergoing profound structural transformation. Supply chains are being reshaped, competition for capital and technology is intensifying, and the importance of energy resilience, food security, digital infrastructure and industrial capabilities continues to grow. These are precisely the issues at the heart of the G20 agenda.

For Uzbekistan, this transformation reinforces the relevance of the country's chosen development path. The nation is already advancing in areas that are becoming fundamental to the new economy, including investment openness, industrial modernization, transport connectivity, energy development, digital transformation, export expansion and integration into the international rules-based trading system.

As the world's leading economies focus on supply chain resilience, new opportunities emerge for Uzbekistan in logistics, industrial cooperation and regional specialization. The global energy transition is increasing demand for renewable energy, critical minerals and energy-efficient industries. Food security concerns are enhancing the importance of agro-processing and cooperation with neighboring markets. Meanwhile, the growing emphasis on digitalization and financial resilience underscores the strategic importance of fintech, IT infrastructure, artificial intelligence and modern financial institutions.

At the same time, the transition to a low-carbon economy and the adoption of new digital standards must be both fair and practically achievable for developing countries. For Uzbekistan, it is essential that new international requirements be accompanied by transparent rules, reasonable transition periods, mutual recognition of equivalent standards, access to technology and financing, and support for exporters in implementing carbon accounting, product traceability and international certification systems.

In this context, the priorities discussed within the G20 closely align with the reforms already underway in Uzbekistan. The G20 therefore provides an international framework in which the country's development strategy receives both practical relevance and additional validation.

Strategic Priorities for Growth: Capital, Technology and Exports

From the perspective of investment, industry and trade, the G20 agenda highlights several strategic priorities for Uzbekistan.

The first is capital. Uzbekistan must continue developing an investment ecosystem in which international businesses see not only promising projects but also long-term institutional reliability. This requires further development of the country's financial centre, special legal regimes, industrial zones, digital public services, investor protection mechanisms and comprehensive investment facilitation.

The second priority is industry. Uzbekistan should continue strengthening its position in higher value-added manufacturing by expanding advanced processing, developing local component industries, enhancing engineering capabilities and fostering technological partnerships. This will enable the country to become a fully integrated participant in increasingly sophisticated global manufacturing value chains.

The third priority is trade and connectivity. Export policy should be built around quality, international standards, certification, logistics, branding and reliable access to global markets. For a landlocked country, this also requires continuous investment in transport corridors, transit digitalization, lower logistics costs and greater supply chain predictability. The steady growth of non-resource exports already demonstrates that Uzbekistan is moving in the right direction, while WTO accession is expected to provide additional momentum and long-term stability.

The fourth priority is partnerships. Most of Uzbekistan's principal trade and investment partners are either G20 members or closely connected to its broader economic architecture. Accordingly, cooperation with China, Russia, Türkiye, the Republic of Korea, Germany, France, India, Japan, the United States, the European Union and the Middle East should be viewed as part of a unified strategy for integration into global networks of capital, technology and markets.

Uzbekistan and the G20: Shared Priorities, Practical Outcomes

For Uzbekistan, the G20 reflects the global processes that are becoming increasingly intertwined with the country's own development trajectory. While the G20 focuses on sustainable growth, Uzbekistan is implementing large-scale economic reforms. As industrialization remains at the forefront of the international agenda, the country is strengthening its industrial base and pursuing greater technological sophistication. As discussions center on trade and investment, Uzbekistan continues opening its markets, improving its regulatory framework and establishing modern institutions for investment and capital.

The greatest value of the G20 agenda for Uzbekistan lies in the convergence of strategic priorities. The global economy is entering a new era in which capital, technology, production and trade are being fundamentally reconfigured. In this environment, Uzbekistan seeks not only to adapt to the evolving economic landscape but also to secure a stronger and more competitive position through structural reforms, openness, industrial development and long-term international partnerships.

Central Asia plays a particularly important role in this process. The region is steadily emerging as a strategic bridge between major global markets, while Uzbekistan is becoming one of the key platforms where transport corridors, industrial value chains and investment projects are translated into tangible economic outcomes.

This is the practical significance of the G20 for Uzbekistan. It provides a clearer understanding of the direction of the global economy, enables the country to align international developments with its national priorities and transforms global trends into concrete opportunities for sustainable growth. For Uzbekistan, this represents the continued implementation of its own long-term development strategy, built upon comprehensive reforms, national interests and the growing strategic potential of Central Asia.

Congratulations to the people of Uzbekistan on Kurban Hayit holiday

📅 15.06.2024

Dear compatriots!

Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you, all our people on the holiday of Kurban Hayit, which has come in our country, which is being transformed and illuminated with the light of peace, kindness and harmony every day.

In these blessed moments we all deeply feel the spirit and joy of the great holiday and give immense gratitude to the Almighty for the fact that we meet such bright days together with our people.

Today, Kurban Hayit, firmly established in people's lives as a symbol of mercy, generosity and humanism, is gaining more and more significance, consonant with the content of large-scale reforms in the New Uzbekistan, in which respect for human honor and dignity comes to the fore in all spheres.

It should be especially noted that our sacred religion and this bright holiday, which embodies its humanistic essence, serves as a source of strength and inspiration for us in all good deeds aimed at strengthening the atmosphere of peace and tranquility, friendship and cohesion in mahallas and families, caring for the older generation, youth and women, low-income families, and making sure that no one is left behind.

Dear friends!

In these bright days, when our hearts are filled with joy, we talk about the great work carried out in recent years to revive the original spiritual values, to improve the sacred places, to create favorable conditions for the Muslims of the country to freely perform religious rites, including hajj and umrah.

In a short period of time, international scientific centers of Imam Bukhari, Imam Termezi and Imam Maturidi have been organized. The memorial complexes of Abu Iso Termezi, Abu Muin Nasafi, Sulton Uwais Karani and Suzuk Ota have been radically transformed. Work on the construction and equipping of the Imam Bukhari memorial complex and the Centre for Islamic Civilization is continuing apace. Majestic mosques are being built in many towns and villages.

Over the past seven years, more than 60 thousand Muslims of the country have made the Hajj. These days 15 thousand more of our compatriots are making pilgrimage to two sacred cities - Mecca and Medina, having realized their most cherished dream.

In such blessed moments, when good thoughts come true, we wish them with all our heart to fully perform the rites of Hajj and safely return to their homeland.

On the eve of the celebration of Hayyit, during our telephone conversation with the Chairman of the Muslims' Board, the Honorable Mufti Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazar, who is staying in the holy Mecca, he emphasized the created conditions necessary for our compatriots to perform the rites of Hajj. We hope that, having returned home, our pilgrims will become an example in further strengthening the atmosphere of kindness and mutual assistance in the society, in the struggle of enlightenment against ignorance, strengthening the education of youth and establishing harmony in families.

Dear compatriots!

Today we sincerely congratulate our compatriots abroad on this holiday, wish them health, happiness and success.

We convey warm congratulations to believing Muslims in the states of near and far abroad and sincere wishes of peace and progress to their peoples and countries.

May the ongoing wars and conflicts in different regions cease! May peace reign on the Earth forever!

Dear friends!

Today, together with our multinational people, we are building a new Uzbekistan. The new Uzbekistan is a new life, a new development, a happy future.

If we unite more firmly and continue the initiated reforms with even greater determination, we will undoubtedly achieve this great goal.

We will surely raise our children to be a generation of true patriots, highly educated, possessing modern knowledge and professions.

I wish you happiness and success on this path.

May the Almighty protect our nation!

I once again congratulate you on the holy holiday of Kurban Hayit, wish you health, peace and prosperity to your families.



Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan: a focus on promoting reading

📅 24.06.2024

Libraries play a key role in education, culture, and community development, providing an invaluable resource for accessing knowledge, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting intellectual growth. In the modern information society, they remain an important institution that promotes the education and self-development of people of all ages.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasised during the opening ceremony of the People's Library under the President of the Republic of Turkey in Ankara: “Intellectual potential, high morale is what makes a nation strong. The source of this invincible power is books and libraries – the great invention of mankind”.  

At the present stage, education has become one of the most important areas of state policy. The government of the Republic of Uzbekistan pays special attention to the development of this sphere, recognizing its key role in the prosperity of the country. In recent years, the republic has achieved significant success in the educational domain. These achievements are aimed at modernizing the system, improving the quality of education and training, and expanding access to education for all citizens of the country.

At the same time, special attention is paid to the promotion of reading and the fostering of the reading culture of the population. And in the Presidential Decree adopted on September 13, 2017, “On the program of comprehensive measures to develop the system of publishing and distributing book products, improving the culture of reading”, clear goals are outlined for the creation of an effective system of information and library services to the population, which served to move this area to a new stage of development and contributed to raising the level of social and information culture and the role of libraries, made it possible to develop and implement modern innovative and educational technologies that increase the competitiveness of Uzbekistan in the world market.

In addition, the Presidential Decree “On further improvement of information and library services for the population of the Republic of Uzbekistan” was adopted on June 7, 2019. The main goals of the decree are:

• improving the regulatory framework in order to ensure high-quality social guarantees to the population for information and library services;
• development of information and library institutions taking into account modern requirements;
• promoting the sustainable development of information and library services the for population in the regions;
• strengthening the material and technical base of information and library institutions;
• development of public-private partnerships in the library sector, a network of private and electronic libraries;
• expanding cooperation with Internet resources that specialize in distributing electronic books to improve the efficiency of libraries and the efficiency of servicing (including paid) users;
• ensuring the safety of information and library institutions and the safety of information and library collections as part of the national and world cultural heritage;
• formation and enhancement of the information culture of society, sustainable interest in national history and culture, enhancement and promotion of a reading culture;
• staffing information and library institutions with qualified specialists.

The adoption of this decree expands the range of services in the country, including access to electronic resources and holding cultural and educational events, as well as improving staff qualifications and introducing modern methods of user service. In addition, these changes not only contribute to the development of the information society and economic growth by attracting investment in education and culture, but also promote the formation of a literate and informed society, which is an important step in the development of the country.

The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated December 14, 2020 approved the National Program for the Development and Support of a Reading Culture for 2020-2025, which includes the publication of quality books that meet the spiritual, educational, artistic and aesthetic needs of the population; supporting the activities of publishers and artists, publishing children's literature; translation of the best examples of national and world literature; simplification of the organization of book sales; improving the delivery system for newly published books and distribution of information sources; expansion of international cooperation in the field of online ordering of foreign work, their delivery and distribution.

In turn, it should be noted that within the framework of the “Uzbekistan - 2030” Strategy, special attention is paid to the popularization of masterpieces of Uzbek and world literature. The country's leadership strives to instil in citizens a love of reading and ensure access to libraries and information services for everyone.

The Strategy “Uzbekistan - 2030” puts forward such main goals as increasing the number of young book lovers to five million, the annual creation of 100 works of art and 50 books for children and adolescents, the publication of the multi-volume book “Uzbek adabiyoti khazinasidan” (“From the Treasury of Uzbek Literature”), the 100-volume book “Jakhon Bolalar Adabiyoti Durdonalari” (“Pearls of World Children’s Literature”) in Uzbek, as well as the digitalization of a book fund of almost 40 million books.

On November 28, 2023, there was signed the Presidential Decree “On measures to implement the project “A Thousand Books for Youth”, aimed at creating a system for translating books popular in the world into Uzbek, that contribute to increasing the intellectual and scientific potential of the younger generation.

At the same time, within the framework of the “Olympiad of Five Initiatives”, the following 5 projects in the field of reading and intellectual games are annually implemented: “Young Reading Family”, “Poetry Competition”, “Young Reader”, the intellectual game “Zakovat” and the project “Example of Foreign Languages”. These projects increase the interest of young people in reading books and help expand logical thinking and knowledge through intellectual games.

The “Young Reader” and “Young Reading Family” competitions are important events held to promote reading, the spiritual enrichment of youth, and increase their intellectual potential. This competition serves to increase interest in books among young people and expand their knowledge and horizons.

Also, within the framework of the project “A Thousand Books for Youth”, the Agency for Youth Affairs will have to work on acquiring rights to use works from authors, translating them into Uzbek, and preparing for printing and publishing books on the basis of a state order and at the expense of the State budget (with the exception of books, published for state higher educational institutions).

Two stages have been established for translation into Uzbek and the publication of popular books in the world. First: a preliminary list of books is formed annually by the Expert Council. Second: the preliminary list is posted in the information systems of the Agency for Youth Affairs for selection by the population by voting, and thus the final list is formed.

The list of books published annually must include at least 20 percent of popular science works. The rights to the works prepared for publication will belong to the Agency for Youth Affairs, which will provide them free of charge to publishing houses.

It is also planned to create and ensure the continuous operation of a special mobile application that accumulates literature in the Uzbek language and provides the population with free access to a wide range of information. On the recommendation of the Expert Council, the works will be distributed to information and library institutions (including libraries of public and administration authorities), and electronic versions will be donated free of charge to the Alisher Navoi National Library of Uzbekistan and the relevant institutions of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan for wide use by readers.

The necessary spiritual, legal, material, and technical basis has been created in the Republic to develop children's literature and improve the quality of textbooks and teaching aids. The country's publishing houses have increased the publication of works by authors of world and Uzbek children's literature. In accordance with a number of documents adopted to promote book reading, systematic measures are being taken in all regions to popularise literature among children and adolescents. Over the past four years, a number of presidential decrees and government resolutions have been adopted to guide the country's publishing, printing, and bibliographical information institutions.

Thus, bibliographical information services play a critical role in ensuring public well-being by providing citizens with easy access to information, knowledge, and culture. In addition, the development of digital services, collaboration with communities, and the use of new technologies strengthen the role of libraries as centres of learning, information, and communication. This helps to enhance the capabilities of people and stimulates their desire for education. The development of the potential of information and library services contributes to lifelong learning, self-improvement, cultural and spiritual enrichment of the population. This is of crucial importance for modern society.

Ramzidin Nuridinov

Expert of the Development Strategy Center.

INFORMATION NOTE ON COOPERATION WITH SERBIA

📅 24.08.2026

On 19 February of this year, a meeting was held between J. Kuchkarov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and A. Mesarović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of the Republic of Serbia. During the talks, the parties discussed the current state of and prospects for bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia conveyed sincere greetings and best wishes from President of Serbia A. Vučić to President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh. Mirziyoyev. She also expressed gratitude for Uzbekistan’s principled position in support of Serbia’s territorial integrity.

The Serbian side noted that, in recent years, Serbia has become one of Europe’s leading countries in attracting investment. It was emphasized that new technologies, robotics, the automotive industry and high-tech manufacturing are developing rapidly.

The Uzbek side, in turn, provided information on Uzbekistan’s stable macroeconomic growth, the high rate of GDP growth, declining inflation and the ongoing reforms aimed at improving the investment climate.

During the meeting, the Serbian side raised the issue of facilitating a reduction in customs duties on Serbian-made Stellantis electric vehicles exported to Uzbekistan.

In response, the Uzbek side noted that electric vehicle manufacturers were already operating in Uzbekistan and had assumed certain obligations. At the same time, the Uzbek side stated that the matter would be considered in accordance with the established procedure.

The Serbian side also stated that, within one month, it would submit an official document outlining priority areas relating to investment, preferential trade and the expansion of cooperation. The Uzbek side expressed its readiness to consider these proposals, within the scope of its authority and in accordance with the established procedure. The Serbian side was also informed that the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade is the competent regulatory authority in the fields of investment and trade.

In addition, the Uzbek side expressed interest in Serbia’s defence industry capabilities and proposed implementing joint projects in this area.

Uzbekistan and Belgium: Toward a New Stage of Strategic Partnership with the European Union

📅 17.10.2025

In October, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will pay a visit to the Kingdom of Belgium, during which important decisions are expected to be made that will mark a qualitatively new stage in relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union. In particular, the visit will feature the signing of the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively shaping a new framework of engagement with Europe – a key pillar of stability amid current geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty. The ties between Uzbekistan and European countries continue to grow, and the areas of cooperation are diversifying, supported by the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan.

Building a New Chapter in Relations

After gaining independence, Uzbekistan’s relations with the European Union developed dynamically. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Uzbekistan and the European Commission was signed in 1992, followed by the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1994. The foundation of cooperation was laid by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed in June 1996 and entering into force in 1999. However, at a certain stage, cooperation faced difficulties due to the insufficient pace of democratic reforms in Uzbekistan.

With the election of Shavkat Mirziyoyev as President, the situation changed dramatically. As early as 2017, during his visit to Tashkent, Stefano Manservisi, Director-General for International Cooperation and Development of the European Commission, stated that “the EU regards Uzbekistan as a strategic partner.” The sweeping democratic and economic reforms launched in Uzbekistan helped resolve within a short period many issues that had long remained unsolved. Forced labor was completely eradicated, and reforms in the cotton sector enabled the country to abandon raw cotton exports altogether.

As reforms advanced, the legal and institutional framework of relations with Europe expanded rapidly. While previously Uzbekistan and the EU granted each other most-favored-nation treatment under the PCA, in April 2021 the EU granted Uzbekistan GSP+ beneficiary status, and in 2022 the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) was initialed.

Along with internal transformation, Uzbekistan’s foreign policy architecture also changed. Priority was given to closer cooperation with neighboring Central Asian states, as well as the active expansion of ties with European countries – a vector that has strengthened steadily in recent years.

Just in the past year, Uzbekistan established strategic partnership relations with France, Italy, and Slovakia, while discussions on expanding strategic cooperation with Hungary continued. President Mirziyoyev also visited Slovenia, and Italy’s Prime Minister and Bulgaria’s President visited Uzbekistan.

A milestone in strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and Europe, and between Europe and Central Asia as a whole – was the first EU–Central Asia Summit, held in Samarkand in April 2025 under the chairmanship of Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Uzbekistan presented a broad range of initiatives to create a new model of regional cooperation between Central Asia and Europe, including: a multilateral agreement on investment protection and promotion; the launch of a Central Asia–EU Joint Chamber of Commerce; the adoption of a regional support program for SMEs and women’s entrepreneurship; the establishment of an investment platform to promote regional projects in green energy, innovation, transport, infrastructure, and agriculture.

The Samarkand Summit was highly productive. A Joint Declaration was adopted, establishing a strategic partnership between the two regions in trade, transport, energy, digital connectivity, and water management. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU had prepared a €12 billion investment package for Central Asia under the Global Gateway initiative.

The Trajectory of Economic Cooperation

Uzbekistan’s deep democratic transformations have significantly improved relations with European countries. Economic reforms have enhanced the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s economy, stimulating investor confidence and growing interest from European businesses.

The results are impressive. Over the past 8 years, Uzbekistan’s GDP has doubled, reaching $115 billion in 2024. Since 2017, investment in fixed capital has totaled $240 billion, of which foreign investment exceeded $130 billion. The country’s foreign exchange reserves surpassed $48 billion for the first time in history. Structurally, the share of industry in the economy increased from 20% to 26%, and services from 44% to 47%. Labor productivity (GDP per employed person) rose by 45%.

As a result, opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between Uzbek and European businesses have expanded. Between 2017 and 2024, Uzbekistan’s trade with the EU increased 2.4 times to $6.4 billion; exports grew 3.6 times to $1.7 billion, and imports 2.2 times to $4.7 billion. In 2024, the EU’s share in Uzbekistan’s total trade turnover was 9.7%, in exports 6.3%, and in imports 12%. The EU ranked third among Uzbekistan’s trade partners, after China and Russia.

The EU’s share in Uzbekistan’s total exports increased from 3.8% to 6.3% over the same period. This growth was driven by Uzbekistan’s accession to the GSP+ preferential trade system, granting duty-free access to the EU market across roughly 6,200 tariff lines. The share of Uzbekistan’s exports benefiting from GSP+ reached 59%, with a preference utilization rate of 84%, indicating efficient use of trade benefits.

In 2024, Uzbekistan’s exports to the EU were dominated by chemical products (52.1%), as well as textiles, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, minerals, and food products. Among EU members, France accounted for 47.2% of exports, Lithuania for 10%, and Latvia for 6.9%.

Uzbekistan’s imports from the EU significantly exceeded exports – a reflection of the ongoing technological modernization of the national economy. Around 16% of Uzbekistan’s total imports of machinery, equipment, and transport vehicles come from EU countries.

Investment cooperation is also expanding rapidly. In 2024, foreign investments and loans from EU countries and their financial institutions increased by 77%, reaching $4.1 billion (compared to $2.3 billion in 2023). The most active investors were Germany ($1.37 billion), the Netherlands ($1.05 billion), Cyprus ($858.9 million), the Czech Republic ($137.8 million), Italy ($99.8 million), and Sweden ($97.5 million). Today, around 1,000 enterprises with EU capital operate in Uzbekistan, with a total project portfolio of €30 billion.

A special role in recent years belongs to the EBRD, of which Uzbekistan has become one of the largest beneficiaries. The Bank’s total investments in Uzbekistan’s economy exceeded €5 billion, including around €1 billion in 2024, primarily directed toward the private sector.

Reforms in Uzbekistan have become the key driver for unlocking the significant potential of trade and economic cooperation with the European Union.

Uzbekistan–Belgium

The upcoming visit will also focus on strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and Belgium. Diplomatic relations were established following the opening of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Brussels in 1993. In 1996, the two countries signed an Agreement on avoidance of double taxation, and in 1998 – an Agreement on mutual protection and promotion of investments, which provide legal guarantees for investors in both states.

Business contacts have intensified in parallel with Uzbekistan’s reform agenda. The visits of 2019 and 2022 set the tone for cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and the digital economy. More important than the current trade volumes has been the recognition and support of Uzbekistan’s reforms by EU partners, laying the foundation for long-term engagement.

In 2024, bilateral trade amounted to $62.3 million, including $7.3 million in Uzbek exports and $55 million in imports. Investment cooperation is gaining momentum: several dozen companies with Belgian capital now operate in Uzbekistan, including wholly owned enterprises. New technologies are being localized, for example, Jaga Climate Designers is participating in a joint venture for heating and ventilation systems, and Picanol Group is localizing the assembly of high-tech textile machinery. Belgian brands Belcolade and Prefamac are exploring opportunities to launch chocolate production with subsequent localization.

Despite modest trade volumes, there is significant potential for expanding cooperation in several areas. Given Belgium’s leading role in pharmaceuticals and biomedical research and Uzbekistan’s growing pharmaceutical market, joint ventures or industrial clusters could be developed in this sector, involving companies such as UCB and Janssen Pharmaceutica.

There is also strong potential for joint fruit and vegetable processing projects in Uzbekistan, targeting exports to the EU via Belgian logistics hubs such as the Port of Antwerp and wholesale markets. Potential partners include Greenyard and Puratos. Direct seasonal exports of fresh fruits (e.g., grapes in autumn and winter), as well as dried vegetables, spices, and organic products, could also be expanded. In light industry, there is room to increase exports of ready-made knitwear and home textiles, provided European quality and safety standards are met. The market potential is evident – Belgium imported about $7.9 billion worth of clothing in 2024.

The main challenges remain logistics and standards. Belgium functions as a major EU maritime hub centered around Antwerp, while direct routes from Uzbekistan are still limited. The near-term priority should be pilot supply chains ensuring quality and traceability, the development of cold logistics, certification under EU technical and sanitary regulations, the use of Benelux consolidation hubs, and trade finance tools for SMEs. With the gradual development of new overland routes along the Middle Corridor, Uzbekistan will gain a stronger foothold in high value-added exports without higher costs or delivery delays.

Conclusion

Uzbekistan is entering a stage of deepened economic cooperation with the European Union. During the ongoing modernization and digital transformation of its economy, European investment, technology, education, and research experience can play a key role. At the same time, Uzbekistan seeks to expand exports of industrial goods as their quality improves.

Uzbekistan is also a rapidly growing market with a young and dynamic population, now reaching 38 million people – an 18% increase since 2017. Every year, around 700,000 economically active individuals enter the labor market, forming a substantial human resource base for the economy, including joint ventures.

As a result of poverty reduction policies, living standards and household incomes have risen significantly. Whereas a third of the population once lived below the poverty line, 7.5 million people have been lifted out of poverty, and the poverty rate declined to 8.9% in 2024, with plans to reduce it further to 6% this year. These policies not only address social challenges but also expand domestic demand, increasing the interest of European businesses in entering Uzbekistan’s market.

The further deepening of Uzbekistan’s economic engagement with the EU and Belgium is an objectively mutually beneficial process – one that will define the success of the upcoming state visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Belgium.

The agreements expected to be signed will help advance joint projects in sustainable energy and infrastructure, strengthen transport and technological connectivity between Central Asia and Europe, and position Europe as a key partner in Uzbekistan’s long-term growth and modernization trajectory.

Оbid Khakimov,  

Director of the Center for
Economic Research and Reforms

The first meeting of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia to take place in Termez from May 19 to 21

📅 16.05.2025

The first meeting of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia, dedicated to the theme "Building a Common Space for Peace, Friendship, and Prosperity," will be held in Termez on May 19-21, 2025. This meeting is expected to be attended by representatives of the foreign policy agencies of Central and South Asian countries, which are becoming the focus of world politics, as well as representatives of specialized UN organizations, international and regional organizations such as the CIS, the SCO, the CICA, and leading specialists and experts in relevant fields.

Central and South Asia have long been connected by reliable trade routes and have served as a bridge between the countries of the Middle East, Europe, and China. The peoples of this region share historical and civilizational commonalities, having repeatedly existed within common state associations in the past, as well as within a single political, economic, and humanitarian space. Over many centuries, relations between the two regions have been strengthened by numerous migration flows, intensive trade exchanges, rapid dissemination of scientific ideas, and cultural cross-pollination.

As a result of the spread of Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam in these regions, unique ethnocultural associations formed, which left a deep mark on human history.

The incorporation of the peoples of this region into such states as the Bactrian and Kushan kingdoms, the Turkic Khaganate, Khorasan and Transoxiana, the Ghaznavid, Timurid, and Mughal empires had a great influence on their historical, cultural, and political development. Common customs, traditions, lifestyles, and holidays were formed; spiritual values were created in Persian, Turkish, and Arabic. Medieval cities such as Bukhara, Samarkand, Termez, Balkh, Herat, Ghazni, Agra, and Delhi were shared centers of science.

The mutual competition of colonial powers negatively affected the traditional ties, trade, and cultural exchange of the peoples of Central and South Asia. Trade and economic relations in South Asia changed, and local supply systems, main industries, and economies became dependent on supplies from outside the region. This development weakened the traditional cultural ties between South Asia and Central Asia.

Today, jointly addressing existing problems that threaten peace and stability in the region is one of the important factors in the social, cultural, and economic development of these countries. Therefore, the renewal of their close historical ties is becoming increasingly relevant. Taking the above into account, the Termez Dialogue on the Connectivity between Central and South Asia is being organized.

The location chosen for the dialogue is connected to the geostrategic position of this city, situated at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, or at the intersection of interregional connectivity routes. Termez has long been a center of trade, economy, and crafts, serving as a link between the vast regions of Central and South Asia. Therefore, from a geopolitical perspective, the city can be considered a "natural bridge" connecting Central and South Asia, the most suitable place for bringing the peoples of the region closer together through its historical location and cultural heritage.

Currently, the countries of Central and South Asia represent a territory of global significance, with a population of more than 2 billion people and great educational potential. The region is experiencing high demographic growth, with the majority of the population consisting of young people, and there are enormous opportunities for realizing intellectual potential. While the population of South Asian countries is about 2 billion people, the number of people living in Central Asia is about 82 million, and the population of Central Asian states is growing year by year. The countries exhibit a "disparity in literacy levels." For example, among the leading countries of Central Asia, the average adult literacy rate is 99 percent, while in South Asia it is 74 percent.

One of the pressing problems is the uneven quality of education, insufficient coverage of preschool and higher education, especially among girls and residents of remote areas. In South Asia, youth unemployment remains high, and in some countries, this figure exceeds 40 percent. At the same time, the employment rate of women is one of the lowest in the world. In addition, the infrastructure of educational systems is not sufficiently developed, and the shortage of specialists and teacher qualifications also creates a number of problems.

In this context, cooperation in the field of science and education is becoming increasingly relevant. Scientific cooperation in the context of digitalization and geopolitical instability will allow for maintaining dialogue between academic circles. At the same time, limited academic mobility and weak coordination between scientific communities significantly hinder the development of states' potential in science, innovation, and technology.

In this regard, it is necessary to encourage joint research and innovation work, the organization of scientific and educational internships, experience exchange programs, the development of startups, and the holding of competitions.

The adoption of a joint program of academic and research exchanges under the auspices of UNESCO is becoming relevant. It is also necessary to launch an online platform between universities and research structures of the countries of Central and South Asia.

This will contribute to the creation of a sustainable regional network of scientific diplomacy, the formation of a common agenda in the field of education and technology, and the emergence of a unified scientific space.

The above-mentioned steps will serve as a powerful tool for the development of scientific diplomacy, which will facilitate interaction between the countries of the two regions.

From this point of view, the integration of intellectual resources in Central and South Asia, strengthening cooperation in the field of education, and developing cooperation platforms to improve the quality of education are important for the future of the region. The transformation of demographic potential into human capital is the main condition for sustainable development, economic growth, and a worthy place in global competition for both regions. In this regard, the development of education as one of the priority areas of regional cooperation, the development of partnerships for the exchange of experience and training of personnel in various countries is most relevant.

The countries of the region, in particular India and other South Asian countries, have in recent decades been occupying an increasingly prominent place in the world community in the field of science, technology, and innovation. Information technology, aeronautics, pharmaceutical production, and artificial intelligence are rapidly developing in India. For example, in 2014, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) made history as the first Asian country to launch an artificial satellite into Mars orbit. In 2023, as part of the "Chandrayaan-3" project, a successful landing on the Moon's surface was achieved. These results demonstrate the country's independent and innovative capabilities in the scientific field.

In the field of information technology, India has become one of the world's largest IT outsourcing centers. Cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai have become major hubs for Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, and many other multinational corporations. Every year, millions of specialists in technical and technological fields are trained in the country. Among India's higher education institutions are prestigious scientific centers like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Science (IISc), which also rank highly in global ratings. It's worth noting that scientific research in artificial intelligence, bioengineering, quantum computing, and cybersecurity is widespread in the country.

Pakistan is also making progress in science, especially in nuclear energy and military technologies. Centers such as COMSATS University and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) play a crucial role in the country's scientific development. In particular, government programs are being implemented to strengthen international cooperation in IT and cybersecurity.

In Bangladesh, alongside the textile and light industry, information technology is developing rapidly. Based on the "Digital Bangladesh" strategy, the country has widely implemented e-government, digital, and distance learning services. In 2021, over 120 IT parks were established in Bangladesh, demonstrating the country's commitment to digitalizing its economy.

Afghanistan's scientific and technological potential remains limited, and issues related to political stability are hindering its development. Nevertheless, some universities and educational institutions in the country, particularly Kabul University, participate in scientific projects with the support of various international educational organizations.

In this context, developing a joint strategy for digital connectivity between Central and South Asia is crucial. Adopting such a document will create significant opportunities for stimulating trade and investment, improving access to education and healthcare, strengthening regional cooperation, and increasing competitiveness on the global stage.

Coordinating efforts of Central and South Asian countries to widely implement the digital economy will contribute to improving digitalization processes in all spheres of life. Moreover, this will advance the implementation of the SDG initiative to ensure safe Internet access for the population and will open up great opportunities for education and medical services.

Overall, deepening digital connectivity between Central and South Asia will bring significant economic and social benefits to both regions, create a solid foundation for expanding trade, economic, energy, and transport links, and enhance the competitiveness of the region's states on the global arena.

In general, the Termez Dialogue is an important initiative that contributes to elevating the interaction between Central and South Asian states to a new level in the process of today's geopolitical and civilizational transformations. This dialogue, particularly in the fields of education, science, and new technologies, will stimulate, consolidate, and expand the intellectual potential of the two regions. This is because in both regions, the majority of the population consists of young people who show high interest in education, are capable of scientific research, and quickly adapt to digital technologies.

Today, countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have achieved world-class successes in information technology, biotechnology, nuclear physics, medicine, and artificial intelligence, while Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian countries are also taking active measures to update scientific infrastructure, expand international cooperation, and implement modern educational projects. The Termez Dialogue is a unique opportunity to combine this experience and achievements, establish student and scholar exchanges, create joint research centers, and develop startups and innovative platforms in IT and STEM.

This dialogue has great historical significance in ensuring regional stability, creating a foundation for peace, progress, and intellectual development through science and education. The states of Central and South Asia have the potential to become the leading intellectual center in the entire Eurasian space based on the principle of mutual trust and shared future, integration in the spheres of education and science.

Members of the Uzbekistan national chess team

📅 24.09.2024

I cordially congratulate you on your worthy participation in the 45th World Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. You have opened another bright page in the history of Uzbek chess, taking the honorable third place among representatives of about 200 countries.

In very sharp and uncompromising chess duels, you, having demonstrated high intellectual potential, unwavering will and steadfastness, outperformed the teams of such countries as China, Serbia, Armenia, Germany, Azerbaijan, Slovenia, Spain, which is truly admirable.

By your example, we have seen that the youth of New Uzbekistan is capable of achieving truly high standards in competitions of mind and thinking, and this has filled our hearts with a sense of joy and pride.

The results achieved by Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Zhavohir Sindorov, Shamsiddin Vokhidov, Nodirbek Yokubboyev and Zhakhongir Vokhidov, who displayed outstanding intellectual abilities, are very valuable and dear to us.

It should be especially noted that Shamsiddin Vokhidov, having won a gold medal and Nodirbek Abdusattorov a silver medal in the board section, proved again what true masters of chess game they are.

Along with courageous and brave young men, our purposeful chess players such as Afruza Hamdamova, Nilufar Yokubboeva, Umida Omonova, Marjona Malikova, Nodira Nodirjonova, who directed all their strength and energy, skill and professionalism to worthily defend the honor of the Motherland, also took part in the competition.

It is undoubtedly noteworthy that they improved their results from the last Olympiad, taking the 12th place among the
170 countries. It is gratifying that our chess player Nodira Nodirjonova won the 2nd place in the board section and was awarded a silver medal. I sincerely congratulate them all, wish them to reach even higher milestones and take prizes at future competitions.

Undoubtedly, the tremendous success of our chess players is a practical result of the enormous attention paid to the youth in New Uzbekistan, the ongoing large-scale reforms to develop sports, including the most intellectual one - chess.

Undoubtedly, such bright achievements further unite our people on the way to noble goals, serve as a source of inspiration for thousands of young men and women.

Taking this opportunity, on behalf of all our people and on my own behalf I express my sincere gratitude to you, my dear ones, to your experienced mentors and coaches who made a great contribution to your success, to all members of the national team, to your parents who supported you and to all chess fans.

May you have good luck in conquering the highest peaks at the next World Chess Olympiad, which will be hosted by our native Uzbekistan for the first time in 2026!

I wish you all health, happiness and well-being, great success in your studies and subsequent activities. May your path to victory be steadfast, my dear ones!

UN PUBLIC SERVICE FORUM: AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE UZBEKISTAN’S REFORMS ON A GLOBAL SCALE

📅 27.05.2025

Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea: From Investment Partnership to Technological Cooperation

📅 05.09.2026

Uzbek–Korean relations are entering a new stage of development. While trade, investment and equipment supplies previously formed the foundation of bilateral ties, the emphasis is now shifting towards deeper industrial and technological cooperation.

The development of joint production and technology chains, the localisation of high-tech manufacturing, the advanced processing of critical mineral resources, and human capital development are emerging as key areas of bilateral cooperation. This trajectory is aligned with the long-term priorities of both countries.

The Republic of Korea seeks to diversify its sources of raw materials and enhance the reliability of supply. Uzbekistan, in turn, is interested in expanding domestic resource processing, adopting advanced technologies, and increasing the value added generated within the country. The complementarity of these objectives provides a basis for moving from predominantly investment-based cooperation towards a comprehensive industrial and technological partnership.

In 2025, bilateral trade amounted to approximately $1.8 billion. In August 2026, the two governments established a joint working group tasked with increasing annual trade turnover to $4 billion in the near term.

Investment cooperation has assumed an even greater scale. The cumulative volume of Korean investment attracted to Uzbekistan’s economy has exceeded $10 billion, including approximately $8 billion in foreign direct investment. The presence of Korean businesses is also expanding. Today, around 1,000 enterprises with Korean capital operate in the country, compared with 359 in 2019.

The investment base accumulated over the years has been translated into a number of major projects. The most significant is the Uz-Kor Gas Chemical joint venture, valued at approximately $4 billion — the largest investment project in the history of bilateral relations. The enterprise produces polyethylene, polypropylene and commercial gas for the domestic market and export.

The automotive industry occupies a prominent place in bilateral cooperation. In partnership with Kia Corporation, the ADM Jizzakh plant manufactures a broad range of vehicles using semi-knock-down assembly. Enterprises within the UzAuto Components network manufacture components for UzAuto Motors vehicles, including air-conditioning systems, seats, stamped parts and plastic components.

Industrial cooperation also extends to the textile sector. Posco International Group enterprises in the Fergana and Bukhara regions process cotton fibre and export high-quality yarn and fabrics to European and Asian markets.

Cooperation is also developing in the pharmaceutical industry. At the Tashkent Pharma Park cluster, Korean companies are participating as investors and technology providers in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products in accordance with international Good Manufacturing Practice standards.

The broadening sectoral scope of cooperation is creating the conditions for a transition from individual investment projects to sustainable production linkages between enterprises in the two countries.

Why Cooperation Is Acquiring a New Quality

Deeper industrial and technological cooperation is being driven by changes in the global economy. Geopolitical uncertainty, trade restrictions and the restructuring of global supply chains have increased the importance of economic security.

This issue is particularly relevant for the Republic of Korea. Its leading industries — electronics, semiconductors, automotive manufacturing and battery production — depend on stable supplies of raw materials, materials and components.

The country ranks third globally in electronics manufacturing and is a leader in the memory-chip segment. It accounts for approximately 13–15 per cent of the global semiconductor market. The Republic of Korea is also among the world’s seven largest automobile manufacturers and the three global leaders in battery technology.

The reliance of its key industries on imports is prompting Seoul to broaden its economic partnerships and diversify its supply base for raw materials, processed materials and components. Against this backdrop, Central Asia is assuming greater importance as a resource-rich region seeking to advance its industrial modernization.

At the same time, Uzbekistan is placing greater emphasis on the quality of incoming investment. At the present stage, not only the volume of investment but also its technological impact is becoming increasingly important. The principal focus is on establishing new production facilities, expanding domestic processing, strengthening export capacity and training qualified personnel.

The convergence between the Republic of Korea’s need for reliable sources of raw materials and Uzbekistan’s aspiration to develop their advanced processing lends particular importance to cooperation in critical minerals.

From Raw-Material Trade to Value Chains

Uzbekistan possesses reserves of copper, tungsten, lithium, molybdenum, zinc and other strategically important resources. For the Republic of Korea, these resources are of interest as an important component of the raw-material base for high-tech industries.

For Tashkent, the priority is not simply to expand raw-material exports, but to progressively deepen their processing within the country. In this regard, a promising model would integrate resource extraction, processing, the manufacture of intermediate products and their subsequent industrial use into a single value chain.

This approach serves the interests of both sides. It would enable the Republic of Korea to diversify its sources of strategic raw materials and enhance supply-chain resilience. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, would be able to expand processing, master new technological processes and increase the share of high-value-added products.

The localisation of individual stages of the technological cycle in Uzbekistan is becoming particularly important. The greater the number of production operations carried out within the country, the more substantial the benefits for industry, employment and the training of national specialists.

Thus, the traditional model of cooperation, based primarily on supplies of raw materials and equipment, is gradually being complemented by a model centred on the joint creation of value added.

 

Technology, Financing and Human Capital

The development of production chains requires not only investment, but also technology, long-term financing and qualified personnel. The combination of these elements could become one of the principal strengths of the Uzbek–Korean partnership.

The financial and institutional framework required to deepen cooperation is already taking shape. Under the partnership with the Republic of Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), the ceiling for concessional financing available to Uzbekistan has been raised to $2 billion. The funds are being channelled into projects in digitalisation, healthcare, education and infrastructure.

Additional opportunities are provided by the Export-Import Bank of Korea. It helps finance the acquisition of Korean industrial equipment through credit lines extended to Uzbek banks. Export credit insurance mechanisms also facilitate the mobilisation of bank financing for joint initiatives.

These financial instruments are complemented by expanding technological cooperation. In August 2026, the two sides intensified their engagement in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. With the support of the National Information Society Agency of the Republic of Korea (NIA), cooperation is developing in digital government, data standardization and the introduction of AI solutions.

For Uzbekistan, this work is important not only in terms of the digitalization of individual sectors. The standardization of production data, automation and the application of artificial intelligence can increase productivity and lay the groundwork for the development of modern smart manufacturing.

Human capital development remains an equally important component. Branches of four South Korean universities operating in Uzbekistan — Yeoju, Inha, Bucheon and Kimyo International University — train engineers, IT specialists and technologists for emerging sectors of the economy.

This educational dimension is complemented by the organised employment of Uzbek specialists in the Republic of Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS). Employment at Korean industrial and shipbuilding enterprises enables them to acquire practical skills and become familiar with modern manufacturing practices.

The significance of this mechanism is gradually extending beyond labour mobility. If the acquired competencies are used effectively, it could become an important channel for transferring industrial expertise and professional knowledge.

The combination of financial instruments, technology and human capital development is creating the foundation required for deeper industrial cooperation.

From Bilateral Partnership to a Regional Dimension

The integration of Uzbek–Korean cooperation into the broader agenda between the Republic of Korea and Central Asia opens up additional opportunities.

The first summit between the Republic of Korea and the five Central Asian states is scheduled to take place in Seoul on 16–17 September 2026. The new format reflects Seoul’s growing interest in the region as a promising area for industrial, technological and resource cooperation.

This creates additional opportunities for Uzbekistan. The country possesses a sizeable domestic market, considerable demographic potential, a substantial resource base and a developing industrial sector. Its accumulated experience of cooperation with Korean businesses and financial institutions constitutes another significant advantage.

Taken together, these factors enable Uzbekistan to position itself as one of the leading platforms for the Republic of Korea’s industrial and technological cooperation with Central Asia.

The consistent development of production chains, localisation of technologies and training of qualified personnel could make Uzbek–Korean cooperation a notable example of the transition from an investment partnership to industrial and technological cooperation in Central Asia.

Chief Research Fellow at the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS), Doctor of Economics
Dmitry Trostyansky