April 9 - the 690th anniversary of the birth of Amir Temur

Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan

Human history shows that great civilizations are built upon a combination of intellectual achievements, spiritual values, and cultural heritage. Central Asia has long been a center of science, art, and philosophy, forming civilizational foundations that have influenced the entire world.

Today, this potential is embodied in a large-scale project — the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, which not only preserves historical artifacts but also serves as a living platform for science, education, and spiritual development.

Created based on the authorial idea of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Center of Islamic Civilization clearly demonstrates that spiritual and educational values can serve as a foundation for national revival and international cooperation, attracting researchers, tourists, and the wider public from all over the world.

Amir Temur occupies a special place in world history as an outstanding statesman, military leader, and founder of one of the largest empires of his time. The late 14th and early 15th centuries were a period of profound political transformations, and in this context Amir Temur succeeded in uniting vast territories from India to the Middle East, creating a powerful state with a stable system of governance.

A special role in his policy was played by diplomacy. Amir Temur established contacts with European countries, including France, England, and Castile. The Spanish envoy Ruy González de Clavijo, who visited Samarkand in 1404, noted the high level of state organization, developed infrastructure, and respect shown to foreign ambassadors.

The arrival of the Castilian ambassador Ruy González de Clavijo to the court of Amir Temur in Samarkand in 1404

Amir Temur also created a unique legal foundation for his empire. According to the “Code of Temur,” the state relied on four pillars: council, deliberation, a well-considered plan, and determination. Nine-tenths of affairs were resolved through consultation and wise measures, and only one-tenth by the sword. This principle reflects the priority of diplomacy and legal solutions over military force, emphasizing the balance of justice and determination in governance.

After the death of Amir Temur, his successors — the Timurids — continued the development of the state, paying particular attention to science, culture, and education. This period became known as the Second Eastern Renaissance, as it witnessed a flourishing of intellectual and artistic life that accelerated the development of the European Renaissance.

A special place among the Timurids is occupied by Mirzo Ulughbek. Mirzo Ulughbek (1394–1449) was an outstanding scholar, astronomer, mathematician, and statesman of the Timurid era, as well as the grandson of Amir Temur. He spent most of his life in Samarkand, which under his rule became a major scientific center of the East.

One of Ulughbek’s greatest achievements was the construction of the Ulughbeg Observatory in the 1420s. This observatory was considered one of the most advanced in the world at that time. Here, together with scholars, he compiled the famous astronomical catalog “Zij-i Sultani,” in which the coordinates of more than 1,000 stars were determined with remarkable accuracy.

“The Baysunghur Quran”, copied by the calligrapher Umar Aqta for Amir Temur

Today, the legacy of the Timurids can be seen at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, where unique exhibits demonstrating the cultural and spiritual richness of the era are preserved. Among them is a fragment of the Quran copied by the calligrapher Umar Aqta for Amir Temur, known as the “Baysunghur Quran.” This manuscript represents a triumph of calligraphy over ornamentation: harmonious, powerful letterforms and the precise flow of ink create a grand visual effect. The Center preserves a single line of this Quran, allowing visitors to experience the greatness of Timurid art and understand how the culture of writing shaped the spiritual image of the state.

A special place is also occupied by the Baburid talismanic robe — a protective garment created in court workshops to safeguard and bless its wearer. Dense cotton fabric is entirely covered with Quranic texts, as well as the shahada and the 99 names of Allah. On the back, there is a verse from Surah Yusuf (12:64): “Indeed, Allah is the best guardian, and He is the most merciful of the merciful.”

Baburid talismanic robe

The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is not only a museum but also a living educational platform. The architectural concept of the complex harmoniously combines Timurid traditions with modern technologies, symbolizing the unity of past and present. Its 65-meter dome and majestic portals embody the connection of all regions of Uzbekistan, creating a sense of monumentality and historical continuity.

The Center’s exposition is built on the principle of “Civilizations — Personalities — Discoveries” and covers key historical stages: the pre-Islamic period, the First and Second Renaissances, as well as the modern stage of New Uzbekistan. Visitors can not only observe unique artifacts but also interact with them through VR and AR technologies, holograms, and artificial intelligence, making history vivid and tangible.

The Center integrates diverse educational and cultural functions: interactive laboratories, the children’s museum “1001 Inventions”, a library with a collection of more than 2,500 manuscripts and lithographs, around 40,000 printed publications, and over 350,000 digital resources, a school of calligraphy and traditional arts by the King’s Foundation, as well as representative offices of ICESCO, IRCICA, and OCIS. All of this creates a space where tradition and innovation coexist and complement each other, stimulating the development of science and culture.

Thanks to this approach, the Center becomes not just a repository of knowledge but a living bridge between historical renaissances and the Third Renaissance, ensuring continuity of traditions and inspiring new generations toward scientific, cultural, and spiritual achievements.

On April 9, at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the 690th anniversary of the birth of the great statesman, military leader, and patron of science and culture, Amir Temur, is being widely celebrated. This anniversary is regarded not only as a tribute to historical memory, but also as an important factor in strengthening national identity, advancing scientific potential, and promoting the country’s cultural diplomacy.

As part of the anniversary events, the Center of Islamic Civilization serves as a key platform for international dialogue. In this regard, on April 9–10 of this year, a large-scale international scientific conference will be held there, bringing together more than 300 leading scholars, researchers, and experts from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. The conference is aimed at a comprehensive study of the role and significance of Amir Temur and the Timurid civilization in world history and culture, as well as at establishing a sustainable platform for further international scientific and cultural cooperation.

The Center of Islamic Civilization stands today as an intellectual and cultural locomotive of the region, contributing to the unification of humanity on the path toward peace, harmony, and progress, guided by the great principle: “Read in the name of your Lord…”

Dunyo IA

In recent years, energy cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea has been acquiring a new strategic dimension. The two countries are brought closer by their shared interests in pursuing sustainable and green development amid global energy security challenges and climate change. The synergy between Korea’s advanced technological capabilities and Uzbekistan’s ongoing fundamental reforms is already producing tangible results across a number of strategic areas, including renewable energy, hydrogen energy, digital energy management systems, and the training of highly qualified engineering professionals.

The Legal Foundation for Cooperation

Institutional cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector was strengthened by the signing in 2021 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. This document provided an important legal framework for joint forums, training programmes, and technology-exchange initiatives that have been organized in recent years.

“Energy Value Networks Forum”: A New Stage in Energy Diplomacy

On May 28, 2025, the first Uzbekistan–Korea international energy forum, the Energy Value Networks Forum, was held in Tashkent with the participation of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea, and the Korea Energy Agency.

The event was organized by Ajou University in Tashkent, the Korea Climate Change Institute, and the Energy Professionals Training Center. More than 200 participants attended the forum, including Won Do-yeon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Uzbekistan, and Yeon Won-shin, head of the Korea Energy Agency. Experts from both countries exchanged views on reforms in the energy sector, advanced technologies, and promising areas for joint projects.

Building on this initiative, the second stage of the forum was held in Tashkent on June 30–July 1, 2026, organized by Korea Western Power and KOICA with the support of the Ministry of Energy.

The second forum was significantly broader in scope. Representatives of government agencies, international organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector delivered 12 presentations and discussed such modern areas as artificial intelligence-based energy management, battery energy storage systems (BESS), biomass-based cogeneration, monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of carbon emissions, electric vehicle battery recycling, and smart grid technologies.

The forum is helping to establish a strong foundation for long-term partnership between the two countries in the energy sector.

Green Hydrogen: First Steps Toward the Energy of the Future

One of the most promising areas of energy cooperation between Uzbekistan and Korea is the development of clean hydrogen energy. In this area, the Clean Hydrogen for Uzbekistan project is being implemented in cooperation with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). The project is financed by the Korea Green New Deal Trust Fund (KGNDTF), established under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea.

On April 2, 2026, an event dedicated to the official launch of the project was held in Tashkent. The participants discussed the development of the institutional and technological foundations necessary for advancing clean hydrogen in Uzbekistan, strengthening national capacity, and developing the hydrogen market.

As part of the cooperation, from April 28 to May 1, specialists from the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan visited the Republic of Korea to study international experience, regulatory frameworks, and advanced technological solutions in the field of hydrogen energy. Particular attention was paid to hydrogen production and storage, its application within energy systems, as well as opportunities for implementing joint initiatives in this sector.

These efforts continued with a two-day seminar held in Tashkent on August 20–21 under the theme “Capacity Building for the Development of Clean Hydrogen Energy in Uzbekistan.” The event provided an opportunity to discuss international experience and technological approaches, with particular emphasis on expanding cooperation between Uzbekistan and Korea in the development of hydrogen energy.

Capacity Building and Technological Exchange

With the aim of bringing the knowledge and skills of sector specialists in line with international standards, specialized training seminars are being organized for employees of all regional departments of the Uzbekenergoinspektsiya, with the participation of experts from China’s Sinoma Energy, the Korea Climate Change Institute, the Korea Energy Agency, and the National Association of Energy Professionals of Uzbekistan.

These training programmes provide an in-depth examination of international experience in such areas as generating electricity from waste heat at large energy-consuming facilities, utilizing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial enterprises, conducting energy audits, and effectively commissioning solar photovoltaic power plants.

Upon completion of the courses, participants receive internationally recognized certificates of professional qualification.

Human Capital Development: The Foundation of Long-Term Partnership

One of the most sustainable areas of Uzbekistan–Korea energy cooperation is the training of young specialists. In this regard, cooperation with Korea’s leading energy corporation, KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation), holds particular importance.

Under a cooperation programme between the Uzatom Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan and KEPCO, young Uzbek citizens are pursuing master’s degrees at the prestigious KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) in the Republic of Korea.

Students are admitted to the programme on a competitive, scholarship-based basis and receive advanced theoretical and practical training in nuclear energy and related engineering disciplines. The initiative is being implemented as part of Uzbekistan’s strategy to develop national human capital in the nuclear energy sector and is expected to contribute to expanding the pool of highly qualified specialists with international experience in the country’s future energy system.

Cooperation in Practice: The Example of Navoi Thermal Power Plant

Technological cooperation between the two countries is reflected not only in forums and training programmes but also in major practical projects.

One such example is the construction of a 650 MW combined-cycle gas turbine unit at the Navoi Thermal Power Plant. Once commissioned, the project is expected to generate 4.8 billion kWh of electricity and 200 Gcal of thermal energy annually, while saving approximately 870 million cubic meters of natural gas each year.

More than 2,400 specialists are working at the site, including foreign engineers operating high-tech equipment manufactured in Japan, China, India, and Korea. The project therefore represents a clear example of regional technological cooperation and the integration of advanced international engineering expertise.

Conclusion

The forums, educational programmes, research initiatives in clean hydrogen, and major infrastructure projects all demonstrate the multifaceted and promising nature of energy cooperation between Uzbekistan and Korea.

This partnership is being strengthened not only through the exchange of technologies and investment, but also through investment in human capital — in particular, the training of the engineers and scientists who will shape the energy systems of the future.

In the long term, this approach will contribute to ensuring that strategic cooperation between the two countries continues to develop on a stable, mutually beneficial, and sustainable basis.

Obidjon Dilmurodov
Chief Specialist
Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was reported the current work and plans for 2025 in automotive industry.

The share of automotive industry in the country's industry is 10 percent. Over the past ten months, 338 thousand passenger cars were produced. Components of 1.4 thousand types were localized. Thanks to economic measures, the cost price in the industry decreased by 4 percent. Exports amounted to $455 million.

The chairman of “Uzautosanoat” JSC presented information on plans and future tasks.

Next year it’s planned to manufacture 450 thousand cars and elevate exports to $700 million. It’s planned to strengthen cooperation with regional enterprises and boost localization. In particular, 63 projects worth $325 million on developing production of 700 components will be implemented. 

As is known, together with “BYD” company an automotive plant was built in Jizzakh. Currently such automobiles as Chazor and Song Plus Champion are produced there. In the upcoming years the model range is planned to be expanded. At the second stage worth $300 million it’s planned to expand the share of electric cars’ production to 200 thousand per year, at the third – to 500 thousand.

The Head of our state instructed to consistently master the production of components and spare parts for electric cars in agreement with the Chinese partners. 

The task was set to form orders for local enterprises based on cooperation.

Central Asia is entering a new stage of regional cooperation. What is emerging is neither a replica of the European Union nor an attempt to build a supranational bloc. Instead, the countries of the region are developing a flexible model based on sovereignty, political dialogue, practical cooperation and an expanding habit of consultation.

A region moving from fragmentation to coordination

For many years, Central Asia was often described through the language of fragmentation. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan shared geography, history, infrastructure and common environmental challenges, yet cooperation was constrained by unresolved borders, water disputes, trade barriers and limited political trust.

That picture is no longer sufficient. Over the past decade, the region has entered a new phase in which political dialogue has become more regular, practical cooperation has widened and the habit of consultation has become increasingly institutionalised.

One of the important catalysts for this shift was the change in Uzbekistan’s approach to its neighbourhood. From 2017, Tashkent placed relations with Central Asian states at the centre of its foreign-policy agenda and promoted direct, regular dialogue among the region’s leaders. At the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2017, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed holding regular consultative meetings of the heads of Central Asian states. The first such meeting took place in March 2018.

Cooperation without delegated sovereignty

The Consultative Meetings have gradually become the region’s principal political platform for discussing common challenges. Yet the format was not designed as a supranational organisation. Central Asia has no regional commission with independent authority, no regional parliament and no legal order comparable to that of the European Union.

Cooperation advances mainly through presidential meetings, ministerial coordination, bilateral and multilateral agreements and issue-specific arrangements. Institutions exist, but they remain light and state-controlled. This is institutionalisation without the transfer of sovereignty.

Uzbekistan’s role in this process is therefore best understood not as an attempt to construct a hierarchical integration project, but as a contribution to creating a political environment in which regular consultation and practical cooperation became possible. That distinction is important: the emerging regional order depends on the participation and political will of all the states involved.

Political trust as regional infrastructure

The clearest evidence of change is not a new headquarters or treaty organisation. It is the gradual reduction of problems that once made regional cooperation difficult.

In March 2025, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed a treaty on their state border, bringing a decades-long negotiation process to a formal conclusion. Given the history of tensions along parts of that frontier, the agreement improved the political environment for wider regional cooperation.

Transport connectivity, water management, energy, climate resilience, trade and industrial cooperation are also increasingly discussed as regional issues. For Uzbekistan, which is double-landlocked and closely connected to its neighbours through transport, water, energy and trade networks, a more predictable regional environment has direct economic and security significance.

This practical dimension has helped give the new regionalism substance. Political rapprochement has been followed by efforts to expand cross-border trade, improve transport links and coordinate responses to shared challenges.

Uzbekistan and the institutional evolution of regional cooperation

The seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, held in Tashkent on 16 November 2025 under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, marked another stage in this evolution. The leaders adopted a decision admitting Azerbaijan as a full-fledged participant in the format.

The Tashkent meeting also demonstrated how the mechanism is becoming more structured while retaining its intergovernmental character. During Uzbekistan’s chairmanship, the regional agenda expanded across security, interregional cooperation, industry, agriculture, ecology, culture and other areas.

The sequence matters. In Central Asia, institutionalisation has largely followed political rapprochement rather than preceded it. Governments first rebuilt dialogue, reduced bilateral tensions and expanded practical cooperation. Formal mechanisms followed cautiously and selectively.

This may be described as sovereignty-preserving regionalism: states seek deeper coordination while avoiding the transfer of political authority to a regional centre.

From regional rapprochement to international recognition

External partners are increasingly responding to Central Asia as a more coherent regional space. A major example was the first European Union–Central Asia Summit, held in Samarkand on 4 April 2025. The summit was chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with the participation of the leaders of the five Central Asian states and the European Union.

The meeting elevated relations between the European Union and Central Asia to a strategic partnership. Its agenda covered connectivity, trade, energy, water, climate, critical raw materials and other areas that are difficult to address through five unrelated bilateral tracks alone.

For Uzbekistan, hosting the summit reflected an important dimension of its regional policy: strengthening Central Asia’s collective international agency without replacing national foreign policies with a single regional centre. Greater coordination does not require the region’s states to speak with one voice on every issue. It enables them to identify areas where interests overlap and where joint engagement can bring practical benefit.

A model with strengths and limits

The emerging model has clear advantages. It lowers political barriers to cooperation, preserves national ownership and allows governments to advance practical initiatives without first resolving sensitive questions about supranational authority.

But it also has limitations. Consensus-based cooperation can slow decision-making. Light institutional structures may make implementation uneven, and regional cooperation can remain vulnerable to leadership changes, economic shocks or renewed disputes. Its durability will ultimately depend on whether repeated cooperation can survive moments when national interests diverge.

The next stage will therefore be judged less by the number of summits than by whether political agreements produce sustained results in transport, trade, water, energy, climate adaptation, security and people-to-people links.

Why Central Asia matters beyond Central Asia

Central Asia matters to debates about regionalism precisely because it does not resemble the European Union. The European experience has often shaped assumptions about how regional cooperation should evolve: states cooperate, build common institutions, accept shared rules and, in some fields, delegate authority above the national level.

Central Asia is moving differently. Its governments are building a denser pattern of political consultation and practical interdependence while maintaining a strong preference for sovereignty and intergovernmental decision-making.

Uzbekistan has contributed significantly to this process by promoting a more open regional political environment, initiating regular consultative dialogue among Central Asian leaders and linking political rapprochement with practical cooperation. At the same time, the process is fundamentally collective: its progress depends on the willingness of all participating states to reconcile national priorities with common regional interests.

Central Asia may never become another European Union — nor does it necessarily seek to. Its significance lies in showing that a region can become more cohesive, coordinated and internationally consequential while following its own institutional path.

Jakhongir Isaev

Head of Department, NGO Center for Sustainable Development, Uzbekistan

Today, during a meeting with journalists, Azizbek Urunov, Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan on WTO issues, answered questions from a correspondent of Dunyo Information Agency:

-How does WTO membership align with the “Uzbekistan - 2030” strategy?

-It fully aligns with it. Uzbekistan’s accession process to the World Trade Organization effectively began in the early days of the large-scale reforms launched under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2017. In the initial years, the primary focus was placed on urgent and systemic economic reforms.

These included the liberalization of currency policy, a comprehensive revision of foreign trade policy and a significant reduction and simplification of import tariffs, which helped strengthen competition in the economy and the domestic market.

The active phase of WTO accession negotiations began in 2020. Prior to that, over a period of three to four years, the country deliberately prepared its economy and regulatory framework to meet WTO requirements. A frequently asked question is why the accession process has taken so long, given that Uzbekistan submitted its application back in 1994. Meaningful progress only began after 2020, as before that time the economy and its regulatory mechanisms objectively did not meet WTO standards.

Before 2016, foreign trade was subject to strict regulation. For example, there was a practice of approving a limited list of enterprises authorized to export, particularly in the agricultural sector. The main participants in foreign economic activity were state structures and foreign trade companies affiliated with sectoral ministries.

However, WTO principles are based on equal conditions for all market participants and non-discriminatory access to foreign trade activities. That is why, as part of the reforms, foreign trade policy was comprehensively revised and liberalized. Today, any enterprise has the right to engage in foreign economic activity.

This was not merely an issue of currency convertibility, but rather a set of comprehensive reforms of the entire foreign trade regulatory system, including the elimination of exclusive rights held by state enterprises and the creation of a competitive environment.

I believe it is no secret that the WTO accession process is under the personal oversight of the President of the country. Over the past two to three years, a qualitative breakthrough has been achieved and today Uzbekistan is at the final stage of the negotiation process.

– What long-term national interests does Uzbekistan aim to protect through its accession to the WTO?

As a developing country, Uzbekistan, in accordance with WTO agreements, retains the right to protect certain sectors of the economy in the event of specific difficulties. At the same time, it is important to remember that the fundamental goals of the WTO are to improve the welfare of the population, create jobs and ensure sustainable economic development for member countries.

From a strategic perspective, WTO membership serves two key objectives for Uzbekistan.

The first is exports. Without an active export policy and integration into global value chains, achieving long-term and sustainable economic growth is virtually impossible. Relying solely on the domestic market has inherent limitations. As the domestic market becomes saturated, growth potential diminishes and further development is only possible through expanding presence in foreign markets.

The second objective is investment, primarily quality investment. It is important not only to attract capital but also to ensure its technological, institutional and managerial value. WTO membership sends an international signal that the country’s economy operates under transparent, predictable and investor-friendly rules.

This creates additional conditions for the development of industry and the service sector. Today, about half of Uzbekistan’s GDP is generated by the services sector, indicating its enormous potential for further growth.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan’s geographic location offers significant opportunities. The country is surrounded by dynamically developing markets such as China, the European Union, the Middle East, and India. The active economic development of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and other countries generates steady demand for agricultural and industrial products as well as services. This creates favorable conditions for integrating Uzbekistan into global value chains.

– Is it already possible today - at least approximately, in monetary terms - to estimate the total benefit to Uzbek businesses from the removal of tariff regulations within the framework of Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization?

– Ten years ago, Uzbekistan’s GDP was around USD 50 billion. By the end of 2025, it had reached approximately USD 147 billion.

Whereas an increase of, say, 5 billion dollars used to represent about 10 percent of GDP, today it accounts for only around 3 percent. Therefore, it is more important to talk not about absolute figures, but about the additional momentum for economic growth.

According to World Bank estimates, WTO membership could provide an additional GDP growth of roughly 17 percent over the next 5–7 years. In the longer term, international studies indicate that developing countries that are WTO members typically achieve an extra 1–1.5 percent GDP growth per year compared with non-member states.

Even a 1 percent additional growth per year, accumulated over 5, 10, or 15 years, can significantly transform a country’s economy.

– What specific instruments and legal mechanisms of WTO rules will work to protect the interests of Uzbekistan and its businesses?

– First and foremost, this concerns the protection of export interests. Today, there are often situations where partners are willing to purchase our raw materials but react negatively to shipments of processed products with high added value. In such cases, discriminatory measures aimed at limiting our exports may be applied.

WTO membership will allow Uzbekistan to challenge such actions in Geneva through the dispute settlement mechanisms and on a bilateral basis, relying on the universal principles of the WTO. This provides protection against unilateral and unjustified trade restrictions.

On the domestic market, the key instruments will be so-called trade remedies - anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures. Currently, draft laws regulating these mechanisms are being developed in Uzbekistan.

The WTO provides developing countries with a longer time frame for applying protective measures: up to eight years and under special conditions - up to ten years. These instruments allow temporary protection for industries under pressure from imports, provided there is evidence of serious economic harm.

Anti-dumping measures are particularly important. Dumping is usually used to push competitors out of the market, followed by the establishment of monopoly prices. WTO legislation allows countries to effectively counteract such practices.

Alongside legislative development, Uzbekistan is preparing national specialists with the support of international experts. Their task is to ensure the competent and professional application of these mechanisms in practice, in the interests of fair competition and the protection of national businesses.

Dunyo IA

Tashkent

A Calligraphy School has been established at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

This significant scientific and educational project was announced during a seminar titled “The Calligraphy Heritage of the Timurid Era – Continuity of Traditions” dedicated to the 690th anniversary of the great commander Amir Temur's birth.

The seminar served as an important platform for a broad discussion on the spiritual and cultural significance of calligraphy, bringing together leading experts in the fields of Islamic art, history, and philology.

-  The initiative to establish the Calligraphy School at the Center of Islamic Civilization was proposed by our Honorable President on January 29, 2025. A year later, this initiative has been endorsed by all international organizations and the project was officially launched within the framework of the conference dedicated to the Timurid civilization. The establishment of the Calligraphy School is a logical continuation of the large-scale reforms aimed at preserving and promoting cultural heritage in our country, - said Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization, in his address to the event participants.

As noted, during the Timurid era, the art of calligraphy reached its zenith and became a symbol of cultural advancement. According to data presented by scholars, after establishing a centralized state, Amir Temur gathered the most skilled calligraphers from various regions to the capital. Styles such as Thuluth, Nasta‘liq and Kufic reached their peak, and famous manuscript copies, such as the renowned “Baysunghur Quran,” were inscribed.

International experts highly commended this initiative. In particular, Mahmud Erol Kılıç, Director General of IRCICA, shared his insights on the role of Islamic calligraphy in world culture and its high aesthetic and spiritual value. Coşkun Yılmaz, Chairman of the Turkish Institution of Manuscripts, provided information on the unique manuscripts preserved in the Süleymaniye Library, emphasizing that a significant portion of them is linked to the history of Central Asia. Sali Shahsivari, Director of the Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation in the UK, evaluated the Timurid period as an era of genuine educational and cultural awakening.

It was emphasized that the Calligraphy School will function not only as an educational institution but also as a scientific research and cultural center. Within its framework, plans include training specialists, preserving and restoring manuscripts, as well as developing international cooperation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From June 16^th to 19^th, the capital will host the 5^th Tashkent International Investment Forum, the country's primary investment platform and one of the region's largest business forums.

Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026) has solidified its position as a key investment platform in Central Asia, bringing together states, international investors, and representatives of global business. The forum serves not merely as a platform for dialogue, but as a space where the region's practical investment agenda is actively shaped.

The core idea of the forum lies in the fact that Uzbekistan is consistently cementing its status as a regional investment hub, capable not only of attracting capital but also of defining long-term rules and directions for the economic development of Central Asia.

The scale of TIIF-2025 clearly demonstrated that the forum has transitioned to a new stage of its development. The event brought together more than 8,000 delegates from 97 countries, with the total volume of signed investment agreements reaching 30.5 billion US dollars. These indicators stand as some of the most significant results among regional investment platforms.

The growing number of participants, the broadening geography, and the increased volume of concluded deals bear witness to a notable strengthening of international business confidence in Uzbekistan's investment climate. The forum is increasingly perceived not as a one-off discussion platform, but as a sustainable mechanism for generating real investment solutions.

The significance of the Tashkent International Investment Forum is determined not only by its scale, but also by its practical value for participants. TIIF provides a unique opportunity for direct access to key economic and political decision-makers - ranging from heads of state and governments to representatives of international financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds and major corporations.

The forum cultivates a rare environment where the state, investors, and business are concentrated within a single space, allowing for a seamless transition from general discussions to concrete formats of cooperation. Within the framework of TIIF, B2B and B2G meetings are actively advanced, serving as the cornerstone for concluding investment agreements and launching new projects.

TIIF-2026, scheduled to take place from June 16 to 19 in Tashkent, will maintain and expand upon the framework of previous years, combining elements of high-level political dialogue, business negotiations, and sectoral discussions. The forum's program features a plenary session with the participation of heads of state, panel sessions, thematic pitch presentations, and an expanded exhibition showcasing the country's industrial and investment potential.

One of the defining features of TIIF-2026 is its exceptionally high level of representation, which brings together a unique concentration of political, financial, and corporate capital within a single venue. The forum features heads of state and government, including leaders from Central Asian and European nations, alongside executives from international organizations and multilateral development banks.

Among the participants are representatives from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), alongside sovereign wealth funds and export credit agencies. Such a composition ensures a direct link between state reforms, global financial institutions, and private capital.

The outcomes of the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2025) received widespread international acclaim from representatives of government structures, financial institutions, and global business, who noted Uzbekistan's growing role as the region's premier investment hub.

The Director of the Center for Global and Regional Studies (CEGREG), Professor Ikboljon Qoraboev (Kazakhstan), emphasized the scale and significance of the forum:

• Central Asia has once again taken center stage in the international business community. From June 9^th to 12^th, Tashkent hosted the 4^th Tashkent International Investment Forum - the largest regional investment platform, which is consistently gaining momentum and international resonance with each passing year. The scale of this year's forum is truly unprecedented, bringing together around 3,000 foreign delegates from nearly 100 countries.

TIIF is emerging as the premier platform for showcasing the industrial and economic potential of Central Asia, while the participation of state leaders, major investors, and international banks highlights the strategic significance of the forum as a window of opportunity for the region.

Associate Professor at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics, political scientist Emin Garibli (Azerbaijan), accentuated the integration significance of the forum:

• Tashkent International Investment Forum is emerging not only as a key economic platform for Central Asia, but also as a vital instrument for deepening integration processes between Europe and Asia. The forum strengthens Tashkent's status as a regional center of gravity for investment and demonstrates the country's resolve in advancing reforms within the framework of the New Uzbekistan strategy.

Executive Producer of CGTN, Zhang He (China), highlighted the investment impact of the reforms:

• The economic reforms implemented in Uzbekistan have created a more favorable environment for investors. Uzbekistan possesses immense potential in sectors such as industry, 'green' energy, agriculture, information technology, and tourism. This will serve to diversify investments and expand the manufacturing of high-value-added products.

Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Nobumitsu Hayashi (Japan), noted the transformation of the forum's role:

• The forum has transformed into a fully-fledged regional platform, uniting business leaders and financiers from across Central Asia and Eastern Europe. The reforms in Uzbekistan are creating a predictable and attractive environment for long-term investments.

Chairman of the Chinese company CAMCE, Wang Bo (China), noted the practical value of the forum:

• This prestigious event opens up excellent opportunities not only for our company, but also for foreign investors seeking prospects in the dynamically developing economy of Uzbekistan. For foreign investors, Uzbekistan represents a unique opportunity, particularly in light of the WTO accession process. As the President noted, this will open up even greater prospects for sustainable development, making Uzbekistan an attractive destination for global investment.

Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026) is cementing its role as one of the key platforms for investment dialogue in Central Asia, where not only the directions of economic policy are shaped, but also real mechanisms for interaction between the state and global capital are forged.

On the whole, the experience of previous years demonstrates that TIIF has already transitioned from a traditional conference format into a practical investment ecosystem that influences the structure of regional economic development. In this context, TIIF-2026 is viewed as the next phase in strengthening Uzbekistan's role within the global investment architecture and further expanding its integration into international capital markets.

Dunyo IA

OPEN CALL

The Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan invites you to participate

at the X Tashkent International Biennale

of Contemporary Art,

which will be held from 14 to 18 October 2024 in the city of Tashkent (Uzbekistan). Can take part in the Biennale artists of various areas of contemporary art and present your work on the topic

“Art and World”.

In addition to the main exhibition, the biennale will host a number of artistic and cultural events, such as exhibitions, lectures and master classes, an international conference, and a tour of the cities of Uzbekistan.

All expenses of foreign participants for their stay (meals, internal transportation, accommodation) in Tashkent, except for flights,

will be covered by the Organizing Committee.

Applications for participation in the Biennale are accepted until August 15, 2024 via Google form:

https://forms.gle/aUEMyfrsyQUsrp7b7

(detailed information is given in the attachment to this letter)

*Organizers have the right to make changes to the event program

*Application requirements

X International Biennale of Contemporary Art
(Tashkent, Uzbekistan, October 14-18, 2024)

Requirements for Art Works

*The organizers have the right to make amendments

Dear participants of the conference!

Ladies and gentlemen!

First of all, from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely congratulate you, my dear ones, on the opening of today's prestigious event - the joint conference of the International Textile Federation and the International Association of Apparel Manufacturers.

I would like to express my special gratitude to the President of the International Federation of Textile Manufacturers Mr. Kei Vi Srinavasan and President of the International Association of Apparel Manufacturers Mr. Chem Altan for the fact that this joint conference is being held in Uzbekistan for the first time.

At the same time, I express my sincere gratitude to the high-ranking representatives of the industry, heads of prestigious international and regional organizations participating in this conference.

Welcome to the pearl of the ancient Great Silk Road, the land of craftsmen - the majestic city of Samarkand!

Dear participants of the conference!

In recent years we have taken decisive steps to radically improve the investment and business environment, create favorable conditions for foreign and domestic investors.

As in all spheres and sectors, we have been implementing large-scale reforms in the textile and garment industries.

First of all, the state monopoly in cotton cultivation has been abolished, and a cluster system has been created and is being consistently improved, covering the entire process from raw material procurement to the production of finished goods.

Our reforms in this area have won the recognition of prestigious international organizations, and the boycott of Uzbek cotton has been lifted. Our cooperation with the international coalition “Cotton Campaign” continues in this direction.

At the same time, as a result of creating a stable legislative framework, improving the investment environment and introducing new technologies, the volume of cotton fiber processing increased from 40 percent in 2017 to 100 percent. At the same time, the work on import of cotton raw materials and production of finished products with high added value began.

Thanks to the opportunities created in the sphere, the volume of textile production has increased 5 times, its export - 4 times.

The most important thing is that earlier a significant part, i.e. 70 percent of exports in the sector, was accounted for raw materials, while today 60 percent of exported goods are finished products.

In the first years of reforms, we identified as a priority task the development of human capital, training of the population, especially young people and women, in professions, training of qualified personnel for all sectors, and these issues will continue to be in the center of our attention.

Decent working conditions that meet international requirements are created for the employees of enterprises, and the “Better Work” and “Better Cotton” programs are systematically implemented.

Particular attention is paid to ensuring labor rights and providing full support to over 600,000 workers.

At the same time, decisive measures are taken to create national brands, attract prestigious international and foreign trademarks to our country.

Authoritative participants of the world market, such as “Teamdress” (Germany), “Cotonella” (Italy), “Indorama” (Singapore), “Posco International” and “Gwangyang” (South Korea) are effectively operating in the country.

Uzbekistan's textile industry is being actively integrated into global production processes, and the number of our reliable partners on all continents of the world is increasing.

It should be noted that long-term cooperation with foreign investors and international brands, increasing production of high value-added products, bringing national brands to the international level will remain our priorities in the textile industry in the future.

I am convinced that today's conference will serve as an effective platform for further strengthening and expanding cooperation in this area on an international scale, sharing best practices and ideas.

I hope it will contribute to further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation between representatives of more than 500 national and international organizations, manufacturers and retailers participating in the conference, and will bring the development of the industry to a qualitatively new level.

We highly appreciate and support all mutually beneficial initiatives of our foreign partners. In particular, we are ready to provide all possible assistance in introducing the necessary standards for international brands to enter Uzbekistan.

We are ready to create all necessary conditions for prestigious international organizations to regularly hold conferences, exhibitions and fashion shows in our country, particularly in such cities as Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Margilan, Kokand, Namangan, Andijan, which have high tourism and industrial potential.

I am confident that the ancient history, rich cultural heritage of our country, meetings with our hard-working and generous people will make an indelible impression on you, and the huge socio-economic potential of our regions will encourage investors to implement new projects.

I congratulate you once again on the opening of the prestigious conference that is starting today and wish you all good health, happiness and prosperity, success in the fruitful work of the conference.


Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Historical Background

The history of Uzbek - Finnish relations dates back to the early 1990s, when Finland became one of the first countries to recognize the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan - on 30 December 1991. Just two months later, on 26 February 1992, diplomatic relations were officially established, marking the beginning of a new chapter based on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to technological progress.

The first high-level visits in 1992 laid the foundation for political dialogue. During that year, Uzbekistan took part in the signing ceremonies of the OSCE Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter. In October of the same year, Finnish President Mauno Koivisto paid an official visit to Tashkent, further consolidating the partnership. Since then, cooperation between the two countries has developed steadily across political and economic spheres.

Legal and Institutional Framework

Today, the legal framework governing Uzbek-Finnish relations comprises eight active documents, including two interstate and six intergovernmental agreements. These include the 1992 Agreements on Mutual Protection of Investments and on Trade, Economic, and Technological Cooperation, as well as treaties on air and road transport (1996 and 1997) and agreements on avoiding double taxation and on customs cooperation.

New initiatives reflecting the modern stage of partnership are under consideration - such as a draft agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports, a memorandum on cooperation in environmental protection, and a protocol on consultations between the foreign ministries.

Cooperation Priorities: Technology, Ecology, and Innovation

Finland, recognized globally as a leader in innovation, sustainable development, and green technologies, serves as a valuable model for Uzbekistan in its transition toward a digital and energy-efficient economy.

In 2017, a business delegation of nine Finnish companies specializing in engineering, agribusiness, telecommunications, and logistics visited Uzbekistan to participate in the AgroWorld Uzbekistan international exhibition. This visit gave new impetus to direct business-to-business engagement.

In April 2019, Tashkent hosted a delegation led by Mikko Koiranen, Deputy State Secretary of Finland for Foreign Economic Relations. The delegation included 29 representatives from leading companies and organizations - such as Nokia Siemens Networks, ABB, Wärtsilä, Uponor Infra, Tikkurila, ISKU, and Airbus Defense and Space. Discussions focused on implementing Finnish technologies in Uzbekistan, joint energy and raw material processing projects, and opportunities in smart cities and water management.

Later, in November 2019, Antti Koskelainen from the Finnish export credit agency Finnvera visited Tashkent, marking an important step toward deeper financial and investment cooperation. Meetings with the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Finance, and the Agency for State Asset Management addressed mechanisms for crediting and insuring Finnish export operations in Uzbekistan.

Trade: A Threefold Growth in One Year

Economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Finland continues to expand. The two countries enjoy Most-Favored-Nation trade status, and regular meetings of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation (five sessions to date, the latest held in Tashkent in February 2023) ensure a dynamic dialogue.

Trade turnover has shown remarkable growth in recent years: from USD 48.45 million in 2020 to USD 151.7 million in 2024 - an increase of over threefold. This upward trend reflects intensified business ties and growing interest among Finnish companies in the Uzbek market.

Investment and Business Cooperation

Finland is viewed in Uzbekistan not only as a trading partner but also as a source of innovation and investment. Currently, 14 enterprises with Finnish capital operate in Uzbekistan - four joint ventures and ten with 100% foreign ownership - active in sectors such as electronics, software, energy, agriculture, food processing, chemicals, and telecommunications equipment.

Finnish businesses are showing strong interest in renewable energy, waste recycling, eco-construction, water management, and sustainable agriculture. Uzbekistan, in turn, offers attractive conditions for investors - tax incentives, developed industrial infrastructure, and access to a 75-million-strong Central Asian market.

Finland’s Economic Potential: Opportunities for Partnership

Finland is one of Europe’s most advanced and innovative economies, known for its high living standards, sound macroeconomics, and strong industrial base. In 2024, its GDP exceeded USD 320 billion, with GDP per capita around USD 58,000. The economy is well-balanced, with services accounting for over 70%, industry 27%, and agriculture 2.5%. Inflation remains one of the lowest in Europe - around 3% - ensuring a stable and predictable business environment.

For Uzbekistan, cooperation with Finland opens wide-ranging opportunities for industrial, investment, and technological partnership, including:

• Energy: joint projects in renewable energy, smart grids, and energy storage; development of solar panel and wind equipment manufacturing.
• Water and Environment: Finnish expertise in water purification, waste processing, and efficient water management, particularly relevant for agriculture and urban infrastructure.
• Engineering and Electronics: creation of joint ventures in industrial equipment, automation systems, and telecommunications.
• Construction and Green Materials: Finnish participation in energy-efficient building projects, production of eco-friendly insulation and finishing materials, and smart home systems.
• Education and Science: joint engineering and IT education programs, establishment of research laboratories, and introduction of dual education models based on Finnish experience.
• Agro-Industry: cooperation in precision farming, agricultural digitalization, and production of eco-friendly export-oriented goods.

Finland’s experience in sustainable development and digital transformation makes it a strategic partner for Uzbekistan’s “green economy” agenda and industrial modernization. At the same time, Uzbekistan - with its abundant natural resources, young workforce, and expanding domestic market - offers Finnish companies favorable conditions for localization and regional expansion.

A Look Ahead

The partnership between Uzbekistan and Finland goes beyond traditional economic cooperation. It stands as an example of how innovation and sustainability can form the foundation of long-term, mutually beneficial relations. Joint projects in digitalization, green energy, and education are paving new avenues for the exchange of expertise, technologies, and investments.

Finland regards Uzbekistan as a reliable partner in Central Asia, while Uzbekistan views Finland as a strategic ally in advancing its “smart growth” model and building a knowledge-based economy.

The synergy between Finland’s pragmatic northern experience and Uzbekistan’s dynamic eastern development creates a powerful foundation for further strengthening bilateral relations - grounded in trust, innovation, and mutual respect.