President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was given a presentation on measures to further develop the jewelry industry, support jewelry production and sales, and increase exports of finished products.

Our country has a huge potential for increasing production and export of jewelry.

As the head of state noted, only 6 percent of gold mined in the country is processed, and exports of its products amount to only 78 million dollars, so it is important to create jewelry zones with special conditions for entrepreneurs, to review the provision of raw materials, training of specialists, production chain and sales system.

In this regard, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry have developed relevant proposals.

In particular, it is planned to improve the activity of the Uzbekzargarsanoati association, expand its powers and reorganize the management system.

In order to support manufacturers of the industry, it is proposed to apply the benefits provided for members of the Association "Uzbekzargarsanoati" to individual entrepreneurs - manufacturers of jewelry, who are members of the Association "Uzbekzargarsanoati".

The possibility of establishing a zero rate of customs duty and value added tax on equipment, packaging and marking materials that are not produced in Uzbekistan and used in the jewelry industry for the period up to October 1, 2026 is being studied.

The issues of creation of special jewelry centers including production, exhibition and trade areas were considered. Information was provided on the placement of pilot projects in Tashkent and Namangan region.

The issue of increasing the volume of jewelry exports was discussed. It was proposed to establish a zero rate of customs duty for export of jewelry made in our country to the United States of America under the GSP system.

The head of state instructed to finalize the presented measures and work out a program for the development of domestic jewelry production for the period up to 2027.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saodat Tilovberdievna Davlatova

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

Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor

Today, cooperation agenda between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan is gradually taking on a regional dimension. Tashkent and Baku are increasingly viewed not merely as two independent technology hubs, but as potential links connecting the innovation ecosystems of Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

Additional institutional groundwork for long-term cooperation was laid by the outcomes of the Uzbek-Azerbaijani summit in August 2026, during which a Treaty on Eternal Friendship between the two states was signed.

From Interagency Dialogue to Practical Cooperation

One of the starting points for modern cooperation in technology and innovation was June 2022. During Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan and the Ministry for Innovative Development of Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

Practical implementation of these agreements began just a few months later. In September 2022, Uzbek specialists visited the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan and its affiliated organizations. The delegation familiarized itself with the activities of Azercosmos, including the management of telecommunications satellites and Earth observation technologies, and studied the work of Azerbaijan’s Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) and its startup support mechanisms. One of the earliest areas of cooperation was therefore the exchange of practical experience in developing innovation and digital infrastructure.

The next important stage of cooperation came at the end of 2023, when a delegation from the Ministry of Digital Technologies and IT Park Uzbekistan visited Baku and took part in the INMerge Innovation Summit. As part of the visit, Uzbek representatives also held a meeting with PASHA Holding, which became an important point of contact for establishing business ties and discussing prospects for cooperation in innovation, digital technologies, and startup ecosystem development.

During talks with the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, the parties identified areas such as e-government, telecommunications, electronic document management, and digitalization. An interagency working group was formed to further develop these projects. At the same time, substantive dialogue began with IDDA on the development of startup and venture ecosystems and the organization of joint acceleration programs.

Thus, from 2022 onward, Uzbek-Azerbaijani digital cooperation gradually moved from studying experience and establishing institutional contacts toward practical cooperation between the technology ecosystems of the two countries.

IT Business Becomes a Distinct Area of Bilateral Relations

The development of intergovernmental engagement has been accompanied by an expansion of direct ties between IT companies from both countries.

By the end of the first half of 2026, the number of IT Park Uzbekistan resident companies with Azerbaijani capital reached 16.

The volume of export services provided by companies with Azerbaijani capital exceeded $2.5 million in the first half of 2026 alone, already surpassing the figure for the whole of 2025, which stood at more than $2.3 million. These companies have created 172 jobs.

Their main areas of activity are software development and implementation, technical support, and software licensing. Companies with Azerbaijani capital include, among others, Financial Chain Corporation and Robertson and Blums.

At the same time, exports of Uzbek digital services to the Azerbaijani market are also growing. In the first half of 2026, 21 IT Park Uzbekistan companies exported services to Azerbaijan. Export volume exceeded $1.2 million, nearly matching the figure for all of 2025, which reached $1.34 million.

Companies serving the Azerbaijani market employ approximately 700 specialists. Among the largest exporters are T4Data, which works with SAP solutions, and Transproekt and IT A-Plus Solutions Software, which specialize in software development.

Startups and Venture Capital: A Fast-Growing Area

One of the key elements of Uzbek-Azerbaijani technological engagement has been the development of the startup ecosystem.

The first practical bridges began forming as early as 2023. IT Park Uzbekistan served as an information partner for Azerbaijan’s SABAH.lab acceleration program, which prepared technology companies for investment and provided funding opportunities for selected projects.

During the 2023 INMerge Innovation Summit in Baku, Uzbek startups TASS Vision, Workly, Sug’urta Bozor, and Uysot had the opportunity to present their projects to international venture funds, including 500 Global, Caucasus Ventures, White Hill Capital, Seedstars, TA Ventures, and Plug and Play.

At the same time, discussions were held with SABAH.HUB on investment in Uzbek startups and the development of university incubation programs, as well as with Azerbaijan’s Innovation and Digital Development Agency on joint acceleration projects.

In November 2024, four Uzbek startup projects were presented under the “Central Asian Innovation Hubs” brand at the InMerge innovation summit in Baku, marking the beginning of more active bilateral engagement in the startup sphere. This partnership was further developed on May 6, 2026, when IT Park Uzbekistan and PASHA Holding jointly held the “InMerge Uzbekistan Innovation Summit” in Tashkent, bringing together more than 40 startups and around 20 international experts and speakers, along with investors, corporations, and government representatives, to discuss business partnerships and investment attraction.

A practical outcome of this cooperation was that Azerbaijani startups “Push30” and “Clopos” attracted a combined $500,000 in investment from local funds IT Park Ventures and Aloqa Ventures as part of their expansion into Uzbekistan. At the same time, Uzbek startup “Recepta” secured $150,000 in investment from IT Park Ventures under the “Digital Startup Awards” program. Reciprocal activity has also been demonstrated by Uzbek startups “Tass Vision,” “Promptlab,” and “Oson,” which are actively expanding into the Azerbaijani market, as well as by startup “Sino AI,” which has been integrated into a clinic in Azerbaijan and is undergoing testing with 50 users.

A particularly notable practical outcome was Azerbaijan’s participation in the Digital Startup Awards 2025, organized by the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, IT Park Uzbekistan, and IT Park Ventures.

Azerbaijani projects took part in several tracks simultaneously, including incubation, acceleration, and the “Best Startup Project” category. Startups from Azerbaijan received a combined total of $70,000 through the program. Recepta received $50,000 under the acceleration program, Lingozy and SnackPack AZ received support through incubation, while StarkidStories and Tryverse represented Azerbaijan in the finals of the Best Startup Project category.

This marks an important qualitative shift: capital is beginning to flow between the two ecosystems in both directions, creating the foundations for a regional venture capital market.

From Acceleration to Joint Work on AI Projects

Artificial intelligence is gradually becoming a distinct area of technological cooperation.

In June 2026, IT Park Uzbekistan, IT Park Ventures, Azerbaijan’s SABAH.HUB, and Founders Hub organized a Startup Deep Dive practical session for technology entrepreneurs in Tashkent. Selected startups had the opportunity to present their products to a SABAH.HUB expert and receive an assessment of their business models, market potential, and readiness for investment and international scaling.

Particular emphasis in the program was placed on startups considering Azerbaijan as their next market for expansion.

Alongside startup cooperation, another strategically important area developing in parallel is training and the exchange of professional competencies.

A notable example was the 3rd International Training Camp in Competitive Programming, held in Baku from August 20 to 27, 2026. Uzbekistan was represented by four teams, including teams from Tashkent University of Information Technologies, New Uzbekistan University, and the Tashkent branch of Moscow State University.

Three of these teams were winners of the IT Park Code Cup, and their participation was supported by IT Park Uzbekistan. Over the course of seven days, students worked on problems from one of the world’s most rigorous international competitive programming training programs and exchanged knowledge with foreign teams and coaches.

What the Next Stage of Cooperation Will Look Like

The experience accumulated so far points to the gradual formation of a new direction in Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations in the field of digital technologies.

While the first stage was centered on familiarization visits and the exchange of government experience, and the second on participation in joint events and startup programs, the next stage will involve establishing permanent infrastructure for technological cooperation.

ICT Week Uzbekistan 2026 will serve as an important platform for continuing this dialogue. As part of the week, a technology forum of the Organization of Turkic States is also planned to be held in Uzbekistan, with representatives of Azerbaijan’s technology ecosystem participating.

Looking ahead, this interconnection between the two ecosystems could become one of the region’s key competitive advantages. It creates conditions for the emergence of new cross-border companies, joint investment mechanisms, and technological solutions capable of scaling across multiple markets simultaneously.

In this way, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are gradually forming an ecosystem that could become an independent hub for attracting entrepreneurs, capital, and technology professionals, strengthening the region’s role in the global innovation economy.

ART

The Tashkent International Biennale of Contemporary Art has been held every two years since 2001 with government support. It serves as an open platform for cultural exchange in the visual arts, showcasing the modern creative potential of different countries and discussing current issues in contemporary art.

The theme of the X Tashkent International Biennale of Contemporary Art in 2024 is "Art and World". Conceptually, it explores the relationship between art and modern reality through the works of artists from various countries. This theme prompts reflection on the nature of the modern world: Does it possess integrity? Today, the world is characterized by polar stances, clashes, and numerous challenges related to preservation, ecology, morality, culture, and identity, spanning personal to state levels. Its landscape is shaped by opposition influenced by globalization, geopolitics, technogenic civilization, and artificial intelligence. How does contemporary art reflect on the modern world?

Simultaneously, the X Tashkent International Biennale aims to showcase various trends and new directions in contemporary art to the general public. It seeks to enhance international cultural relations, strengthen the creative dialogue between cultures, and highlight the achievements of different countries in visual art. The Biennale focuses on liberating creative consciousness, demonstrating pluralism in creative exploration, and illustrating the specifics of the postmodern condition in different countries. It addresses the state of intertextuality in modern art and the preservation or disappearance of local traditions in the era of globalization.

The concept of the Biennale is dedicated to displaying a multicultural lifestyle through the prism of contemporary art. The works presented will reflect diverse artistic expressions that uphold humanistic values. The theme provides an opportunity to explore concepts such as ecology, culture, tolerance, modern orientalism, identity, artificial intelligence, technogenic civilization, and the inner world of individuals.

FOR MORE DETAILS: biennale.uzbekistan@gmail.com, +998-71-233-04-27

Curator of the X Tashkent International Biennale of Contemporary Art:

Sukhrob Kurbanov - Art Critic and Art Historian.

Coordinator of the event:

Asya Tuychiyeva - Head of the Department for International Relations, Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan.

Climate change, diminishing water resources, biodiversity loss and transboundary environmental challenges in Central Asia require closer cooperation among the countries of the region. In this context, environmental cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan has developed steadily in recent years and is entering a qualitatively new stage.

The legal foundation for bilateral environmental cooperation was established by the Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection and the Rational Use of Natural Resources, signed on 24 December 1996. Building on this framework, the relevant ministries and agencies of both countries have maintained regular dialogue. Specialists from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan actively participate in environmental forums, international conferences, scientific seminars, and training programmes, exchanging knowledge and best practices on current environmental issues.

It is noteworthy that cooperation between the two countries intensified significantly during the period 2022–2025. In 2022, representatives of Uzbekistan participated in the Seventh Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), held in Bishkek. In 2023, a regional seminar on combating illegal wildlife trade became an important platform for enhancing the professional capacity of specialists from both countries. In 2024, cooperation continued through a training seminar dedicated to the preparation of Biennial Transparency Reports under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

On 19 July 2024, a Memorandum on the Allocation of Grant-Based Study Places at Green University was signed with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic. The memorandum contributes to the development of a new model for training highly qualified environmental professionals. In addition, in December 2024, Green University, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic, organized an event marking the International Mountain Day, representing an important step toward strengthening environmental diplomacy and scientific cooperation.

Environmental challenges do not recognize national borders. For this reason, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan actively cooperate through a number of regional and international initiatives. In 2019, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum on the Management of the UNESCO Transboundary World Natural Heritage Site "Western Tien-Shan." This document became an important mechanism for preserving the region's unique mountain ecosystems. In 2021, the parties also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of the Snow Leopard, Its Prey Species, and Their Habitats in the Western Tien-Shan and Pamir-Alai Mountains.

In addition, the two countries cooperate actively within the frameworks of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), GSLEP and other international platforms. In 2023, the Central Asian countries prepared a joint climate statement during COP28. In 2024, ministers responsible for environmental affairs from across the region participated in the opening ceremony of Green University. In 2025, the delegation of Uzbekistan actively participated in the Ninth Steering Committee Meeting of GSLEP, held in Cholpon-Ata.

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are also implementing joint projects with a number of leading international organizations. These include cooperation with Fauna & Flora International (FFI) to combat illegal wildlife trade, participation in the Green Central Asia programme implemented by GIZ, initiatives on climate risk management and integrated land resources management, as well as projects of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) aimed at strengthening landscape resilience to zoonotic diseases. These initiatives contribute to improving environmental governance across the region, enhancing scientific capacity, and promoting the adoption of modern environmental technologies.

Today, the two countries face a number of new priorities for cooperation.

First, involving the Kyrgyz Republic in the activities of the existing Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan Joint Working Group on Water Quality in the Syr Darya Basin and Environmental Protection would contribute to more effective management of transboundary water resources.

Second, strengthening dialogue on the joint management of protected natural areas within the Western Tien-Shan would help conserve biodiversity, protect wildlife migration corridors and expand scientific cooperation and information exchange.

Third, promoting the development of a Regional Environmental Performance Review for the countries of Central Asia, with the support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), would establish a unified regional mechanism for assessing the effectiveness of environmental policies. Equally important is the expansion of joint scientific research on ecology, water resources, glacier monitoring, high-mountain snow cover, and biodiversity, with particular emphasis on strengthening transboundary environmental security.

Today, environmental cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan is evolving into a strategic partnership. Joint initiatives in the areas of climate action, water security, biodiversity conservation, the green economy, and scientific innovation are of great importance not only for the two countries but also for strengthening the environmental sustainability of Central Asia as a whole.

There is every reason to believe that further expansion of scientific cooperation, stronger transboundary environmental monitoring, broader international partnerships, and the continued development of environmental diplomacy will elevate the strategic partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic to a new level, contributing to sustainable development across the region.

Stolen cultural property dating back to the 2nd and 3^rd centuries AD has been returned to Uzbekistan following a large-scale investigation involving law enforcement agencies and scholars from across Europe.

A number of artefacts, illegally smuggled from the Central Asian republic that was once the heart of the Bactrian and Kushan empires, were presented by the Metropolitan Police's Art and Antiquities Unit at the Embassy of Uzbekistan. They will subsequently be transported back to their homeland, where they will take a prominent place in the exhibition of the recently opened Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent.

The event serves as vivid evidence of Uzbekistan's consistent policy regarding the repatriation of national cultural heritage and highlights the growing global trend toward the protection of cultural values.

“This event is a compelling confirmation of the broad international support for the consistent course of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at returning cultural treasures to their homeland, - noted Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and Chairman of the Board of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan (WOSCU). - We are deeply grateful to our partners and law enforcement representatives from European countries for their support and look forward to further cooperation in preserving and restoring our cultural heritage”.

Detective Sophie Hayes of the Metropolitan Police, addressing a gathering of prominent scholars and officials, emphasized that the recovered artefacts are the heritage not only of Uzbekistan but of all humanity. According to her, the investigation was conducted with the assistance of both national and international specialists, as well as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), with the support of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan (WOSCU).

The items presented at the exhibition are among the findings discovered in November 2025 during an investigation codenamed Operation Inherent Vice by the police.

A total of nine artefacts were on display, including statue heads and fragments of gypsum frescoes. These monuments date from the 2nd-3rd to the 7th century AD and hold exceptional historical significance for both Uzbekistan and the broader Islamic world.

“The return of these priceless artefacts is not only a victory for New Uzbekistan but also a compelling testament to the power of international cooperation in preserving the country's historical heritage, - added Mr. Abdukhalikov, noting that cultural organizations, legal institutions and diplomatic missions have confirmed their readiness to assist Uzbekistan in recovering its lost treasures”.

The ceremony reflected a broader trend toward strengthening global interaction in the field of cultural heritage protection, with a particular focus on increasing transparency and adhering to ethical standards in the art and antiquities market.

The Center of Islamic Civilization also announced its intention to participate in the upcoming Sotheby’s and Christie’s auctions and to visit art galleries in London. These initiatives are aimed at acquiring new items of Uzbek cultural heritage for the purpose of their preservation and return to the homeland.

“Uzbekistan's efforts to return and protect its cultural heritage continue to attract the attention and support of the international community. We are setting a powerful example of coordinated action in the field of restitution of cultural property”, - emphasized Mr. Abdukhalikov.

“The returned items possess exceptional historical and scientific value, as they belong to various eras of the ancient history of the territory of modern Uzbekistan and reflect the diversity of civilizational processes that have occurred in Central Asia over the centuries”, - noted Dr. Farhod Maksudov, Director of the National Center of Archaeology (Institute of Archaeology) of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

IA “Dunyo”

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

The true strength of interstate relations is determined not only by political agreements or economic indicators. The better nations understand one another, and the greater the respect they show for each other’s history, culture and values, the stronger and more sustainable relations between states become.

In this regard, relations between Uzbekistan and Serbia are acquiring new substance and significance.

Over the past year, important steps have been taken to lay the foundation for a new stage of cooperation between the two countries. In particular, on 28 October, talks were held in Tashkent between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić. Among the documents signed following the talks, the Agreement on Cooperation in the Fields of Education, Science and Culture is of particular importance, reflecting the strong attention being paid to the cultural and humanitarian dimension of bilateral relations.

Today, it is essential for us to transform the existing legal framework into practical, substantive cultural projects that produce tangible results for our peoples.

From dialogue to practical cooperation

When discussing the role of Uzbekistan’s national culture on the international stage, we should not limit ourselves to showcasing historical monuments or examples of national art. Culture is a spiritual process that encompasses history, creativity and the worldview of the younger generation. From this perspective, it is important to develop cultural ties with Serbia not as a series of one-off events, but as a systematic and continuous process of creative cooperation.

Uzbekistan’s music and dance, theatre and cinema, visual and applied arts, literature and traditional crafts offer broad opportunities to introduce Serbian audiences to the rich cultural heritage of our country. At the same time, broader promotion and presentation of Serbian culture and art in Uzbekistan will help transform cultural dialogue between our two peoples into a mutually beneficial and mutually enriching process.

In this regard, Days of Culture, exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, theatre tours, creative meetings and master classes are among the most effective instruments for advancing cultural cooperation.

“From Al-Khwarizmi to Tesla”

Cinematography holds a special place in Uzbek-Serbian cultural cooperation. In particular, on 3 April 2026, during a meeting at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan with Lav Pajkić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, organisational issues related to the joint film project “From Al-Khwarizmi to Tesla”, planned to be produced with the participation of the two countries, were discussed. This project represents an important step towards further developing cooperation in the field of cinematography.

The concept of the project itself carries profound symbolic significance. On the one hand stands Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, who made an outstanding contribution to the development of world science; on the other, Nikola Tesla, who holds a prominent place in the history of electrical engineering and invention. Bringing these two outstanding figures together within a single artistic concept provides a unique opportunity to highlight the contributions of the two peoples not only to culture, but also to science, intellectual thought and the advancement of civilisation.

The strength of modern cinema also lies in its ability to convey historical memory to younger generations and a broad international audience through a compelling and accessible language.

Days of culture — not merely a showcase, but a platform for dialogue

The discussion of holding “Days of Uzbek culture” in Serbia in 2026 is also an important area of cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Such an event should not be viewed merely as a concert or exhibition. Days of Culture are a broad platform for presenting a nation’s cultural identity, learning about another people’s culture, and fostering mutual understanding.

Therefore, when presenting Uzbekistan’s culture in Serbia, it is important to combine national music and dance, visual and applied arts, cinema, literature and traditional crafts with creative meetings, master classes, academic and practical conferences, and literary evenings.

Preserving cultural heritage is a shared responsibility. The historical and cultural heritage dimension also holds particular importance in Uzbek-Serbian cultural cooperation.

Uzbekistan’s historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva have played an important role in the development of world civilisation. Serbia, in turn, is also rightfully proud of its historic cities, architectural monuments and rich cultural heritage.

In this regard, the exchange of expertise between museums, archives, research institutions and organisations working in the field of cultural heritage preservation is one of the promising areas of cooperation. Particularly meaningful practical results can be achieved through cooperation in such fields as restoration, museology, the study of archival materials and the digitisation of cultural heritage.

Translation — a strong bridge between two literatures

One of the most important means of bringing peoples closer together is literature. Translating works of Uzbek literature into Serbian and Serbian literature into Uzbek creates opportunities for a deeper understanding of the inner world, historical memory and spiritual values of the two peoples.

In this area, important tasks include organising literary meetings with the participation of writers and poets, holding seminars for translators, establishing dedicated sections in literary journals, and expanding cooperation between higher education and research institutions.

Indeed, every quality literary work translated into another language becomes a bridge not only between two languages, but also between two peoples.

Tashkent and Belgrade: from сity-to-сity сooperation to people-to-people diplomacy

The signing, on 28 October 2025, of the agreement establishing partnership relations between the cities of Tashkent and Belgrade also opens new opportunities for the development of cultural ties. Going forward, these relations can be enriched through concrete cultural exchanges between the two cities.

Mutual visits by artists, theatre companies, musicians, young cultural and creative professionals, as well as museum and library specialists, can bring cultural diplomacy even closer to the people. People-to-people diplomacy begins not only at major international platforms, but, above all, through direct human interaction.

The tasks ahead are clear

At the next stage of Uzbek-Serbian cultural cooperation, it is necessary to clearly define the key priorities.

First, to establish the systematic organisation of “Days of Uzbek culture” in Serbia and Days of Serbian Culture in Uzbekistan.

Second, to ensure the practical implementation of joint film projects such as “From Al-Khwarizmi to Tesla” and further expand creative cooperation in the field of cinematography.

Third, to increase the number of creative exchanges among representatives of theatre, music, dance, visual and applied arts.

Fourth, to strengthen professional cooperation among museums, archives and institutions working in the field of cultural heritage preservation.

Fifth, to intensify the mutual translation of Uzbek and Serbian literary works, support young creative professionals and establish joint creative platforms for them.

Sixth, to expand the use of digital technologies in culture and the arts and develop joint digital projects.

Most importantly, these tasks should not remain merely on paper. They must be supported by concrete projects, clear implementation timelines and tangible results.

The most effective language of closer relations

The role of culture in relations between Uzbekistan and Serbia is steadily growing. The primary purpose of this process is not merely to showcase our national art abroad. Its fundamental objective is to deepen mutual understanding, bring creative communities together, jointly study historical and cultural heritage, and create new platforms for dialogue among younger generations.

Today, the task of cultural diplomacy is to elevate existing ties to a new level, enrich them with meaningful content and transform them into lasting relations between our peoples.

In Uzbekistan’s international cultural policy, it is important to approach relations with each country with due regard for its historical and cultural characteristics. In cooperation with Serbia, we are united by such important principles as shared human values, respect for history, and a strong commitment to science and creativity.

The greatest achievement of culture is that it brings people, rather than borders, closer together.

Developing cultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and Serbia on the basis of this principle is a task for today and our responsibility to future generations. Culture is one of the most powerful factors contributing to the unity, spirituality and enlightenment of peoples.

As long as our national culture remains vibrant, every sphere built upon it can achieve significant success and make a worthy contribution to the development and prosperity of our country.

Ozodbek Nazarbekov
Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The traditional annual Address of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered on the eve of the New Year, became an important programmatic statement summarizing the results of the outgoing year and outlining the country’s strategic development priorities for the period ahead.

As the Head of State emphasized, the past year marked a period of steady progress in reforms and the strengthening of Uzbekistan’s socio-economic position, despite ongoing instability in the global economy and a complex international environment. In this context, the announcement of the coming year as the “Year of Mahalla Development and Society as a Whole” gained particular significance, signaling a transition toward a deeper focus of state policy on people’s quality of life and the development of civil society.

In his Address, the President noted that the national economy continued to demonstrate confident growth. The year 2025 concluded with landmark achievements: for the first time, the country’s GDP exceeded 145 billion US dollars, exports increased by 23 percent to 33.4 billion dollars, and foreign exchange and gold reserves surpassed 60 billion dollars. Investment inflows totaling 43.1 billion dollars enabled the implementation of dozens of major projects in industry, energy, and infrastructure. International rating agencies upgraded Uzbekistan’s sovereign credit rating from BB- to BB, opening more favorable conditions for external financing.

It was particularly emphasized that these macroeconomic results were accompanied by positive changes in the social sphere. Owing to active employment policies, the unemployment rate declined from 5.5 percent to 4.9 percent, and around five million people gained sustainable sources of income. Significant attention was devoted to supporting low-income families, developing targeted social assistance mechanisms, and improving access to basic services. The poverty rate decreased from 8.9 percent to 5.8 percent within a year, lifting approximately 1.5 million citizens out of poverty.

These outcomes were the result of consistent reforms aimed at enhancing economic resilience and creating a solid foundation for social development. Economic achievements expanded the state’s capacity to address social challenges and implement long-term support programs for the population. The President noted that social policy has become more responsive to the concrete needs of citizens, which represents a fundamental achievement of the current reform agenda.

Special attention in the Address was devoted to Uzbekistan’s foreign policy course, which was characterized as pragmatic, open, and oriented toward long-term national interests. The President emphasized that an active and balanced foreign policy remains a key factor in ensuring sustainable development, expanding economic opportunities, and strengthening Uzbekistan’s international standing. It was noted that in recent years the country has significantly expanded the geographical scope of its foreign economic relations, reinforced partnerships both with neighboring states and leading global centers, and consistently continued to promote regional cooperation initiatives. This course reflects Uzbekistan’s aspiration to assume a more visible and responsible role in international affairs, guided by the principles of mutual benefit and respect.

The Address also addressed the reform of the public procurement system as one of the key elements in enhancing transparency and efficiency in public administration. The President stressed that improving public procurement mechanisms is aimed at creating equal conditions for businesses, fostering competition, and ensuring the efficient use of budgetary resources. These measures are viewed as an important part of Uzbekistan’s preparation for accession to the World Trade Organization. In this context, reforms in the field of public procurement acquire not only domestic but also external economic significance, as they contribute to aligning national procedures with international standards and rules. Thus, the outlined steps reflect a systemic approach to Uzbekistan’s integration into the global trade and economic system.

A separate section of the Address focused on anti-corruption efforts, which were identified as one of the key priorities for further development. The President underscored that the fight against corruption is regarded not as a one-time campaign, but as a long-term state policy aimed at establishing an honest, transparent, and accountable system of governance.

“Allowing corruption is a betrayal of our reforms. We declare 2026 a year of ‘extraordinary measures’ to combat this scourge,” the President stated.

It was noted that the measures already being implemented—such as the digitalization of public services, increased transparency in decision-making, and strengthened public oversight—are producing tangible results, though they require further deepening. The emphasis on the anti-corruption agenda demonstrates a commitment to strengthening trust among citizens and international partners in state institutions.

Considerable attention in the Address was also given to environmental issues and sustainable development. The President noted that the environmental agenda is becoming an integral part of state policy and is directly linked to the quality of life of the population and the country’s long-term security. The importance of rational use of natural resources, the expansion of green technologies, and the implementation of programs to improve environmental conditions—especially in the most vulnerable regions—was underscored. Plans were announced to hold the next Assembly of the Global Environment Facility and the Central Asian International Environmental Exhibition in Samarkand in 2026. These events will create valuable opportunities to identify partners for industries, regions, and businesses, and to jointly launch new environmental projects. It was emphasized that environmental initiatives are viewed not only as a social necessity, but also as a key element of economic modernization and enhanced resilience.

Taken together, these priorities demonstrate the comprehensive nature of the ongoing reforms. They indicate that the course toward socially oriented development is inseparably linked with institutional transformation and international integration. This approach reflects Uzbekistan’s determination to build a balanced development model in which economic growth, social sustainability, and responsible governance mutually reinforce one another.

Summarizing the results of the concluding year, the Head of State stressed that all these achievements became possible due to a well-structured reform system and the active participation of society. At the same time, he underlined that further development requires not only economic resources but also a stronger social environment, trust, and solidarity. It was within this logic that the proposal was made to declare the coming year the Year of Support for the Mahalla, as the institution closest to people and their everyday concerns.

In the Address, the mahalla was characterized as a unique form of social organization that has absorbed centuries-old traditions of mutual assistance, responsibility, and respect. The President emphasized that the stability of the state begins with the stability of the mahalla, with an atmosphere of harmony and engagement at the local level. “If there is order and trust in the mahalla, there will be stability in society as a whole,” this idea became one of the key messages of the Address, logically linking past achievements with future objectives.

Support for the mahalla in the coming year is viewed as a systemic measure aimed at further strengthening social policy. The President pointed out that it is precisely at the mahalla level where family issues, employment challenges, education, social protection, and the prevention of social vulnerability can be identified most effectively. In this sense, the development of mahalla structures becomes a tool for increasing the targeting of state assistance and enhancing social justice. The economic achievements discussed earlier thus find their continuation in the social domain.

A significant part of the Address was devoted to citizen participation and the development of civil society. The President stressed that a modern state is impossible without active and responsible citizens involved in decision-making and oversight of implementation. In this context, the mahalla is seen as a space for fostering civic initiative and dialogue between authorities and the population.

“We must create conditions under which every person feels involved in the destiny of the country,” the Head of State noted, outlining a strategic commitment to expanding public participation.

Special emphasis was placed on the role of the mahalla in youth education and the strengthening of social values. The President noted that alongside economic indicators, the formation of a moral, educated, and socially responsible individual remains no less important. Support for projects in education, culture, and sports implemented at the mahalla level is regarded as an investment in the country’s future. “The future of Uzbekistan depends on the environment we create for our children today,” this quotation from the Address clearly reflects the long-term orientation of state policy.

Thus, the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Mahalla Development and Society as a Whole” demonstrates the state’s intention to move from macro-level achievements toward deeper engagement with quality of life, human capital, and social institutions. It signifies a concentration of efforts on strengthening local communities, developing social infrastructure, and fostering an active and cohesive society.

The President’s Address sets a clear development vector for the year ahead: reliance on achieved economic successes, reinforcement of social policy, and the advancement of civil society through support for the mahalla. This approach reflects a strategic understanding that the sustainability of reforms and the country’s long-term prosperity are impossible without strong communities, trust, and citizen participation. In this context, support for the mahalla emerges not only as a social priority, but also as a foundation for Uzbekistan’s long-term development.

Ziyoda Rizaeva, Center for Economic Research and Reforms

The global economy is developing amid the restructuring of global supply chains. At the same time, the role of regional formats capable of creating additional opportunities for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation is increasing.

One such format is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which marks its 25th anniversary in 2026. Over the past quarter-century, the organization has significantly expanded its membership, geographical reach, and areas of cooperation, while accumulating considerable experience in multilateral and economic cooperation and developing substantial resource and transport potential.

For Uzbekistan, cooperation within the SCO is important for expanding trade, investment, industrial, and transport ties.

The Growing Importance of the SCO

Over the past quarter-century, the SCO has undergone substantial institutional development. Established in 2001 by six countries, the organization today comprises 10 member states (Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus). India and Pakistan joined the SCO in 2017, Iran became a full member in 2023, and Belarus in 2024. The Organization has 17 partner states, including Azerbaijan, Mongolia, and Afghanistan.

Guided by its fundamental principles, the SCO serves as a reliable guarantor of stability and security in the region, particularly in Central Asia. Amid a rapidly changing international environment and persistent instability, this role of the Organization is becoming increasingly important.

The SCO is neither bloc-based nor confrontational in nature and remains open to cooperation. This clearly demonstrates that its activities are not directed against the interests of other countries or international organizations.

All decisions within the SCO are made by consensus and require the full agreement of all member states. This principle ensures that the interests of every participant are taken into account, guarantees equality among member states, and enhances the Organization’s appeal as a platform for multilateral cooperation.

Today, the SCO member states cover more than 65% of Eurasia’s territory. Their combined population is around 3.4 billion people, or more than 42% of the world’s population. The combined nominal GDP of the SCO countries exceeds $26 trillion, accounting for around one-quarter of the global economy. In purchasing power parity terms, the organization’s member states account for more than one-third of global GDP.

In 2025, the combined economic growth of the SCO countries was around 5%, compared with global growth of 3.4%. The member states differ in terms of economic size, production structure, resource endowment, competitive advantages, and degree of market openness. This diversity creates broad opportunities for specialization, industrial cooperation, and economic complementarity.

The SCO countries possess substantial energy and mineral resources, a developed industrial base, and growing consumer markets. According to calculations based on international energy statistics, the organization’s member states account for around 69% of global coal production and approximately 30% of natural gas production. Their resource endowment and market capacity create favorable conditions for implementing major industrial, energy, and infrastructure projects.

Between 2015 and 2024, intra-SCO trade (exports) increased almost 2.5-fold, from $271 billion to $674 billion. Over the same period, its share in the countries’ combined foreign trade increased from 8.9% to 14.2%.

The expansion of trade ties is being supported by the development of transport routes, digitalization of trade procedures, and the increasingly widespread use of national currencies in mutual settlements.

An important milestone in the SCO’s institutional development was the 2025 Tianjin Summit, where the SCO Development Strategy through 2035 was adopted. The document defined long-term priorities for multilateral cooperation. Of particular importance was the decision to establish the SCO Development Bank, which is expected to expand financing opportunities for regional infrastructure and investment projects.

Uzbekistan and the SCO in the System of Economic Relations

Uzbekistan’s foreign economic relations with the SCO countries have intensified considerably in recent years. According to estimates by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, between 2017 and 2025, trade turnover increased 3.1-fold, from $12.9 billion to $40.6 billion. Exports grew nearly 1.8-fold, from $5.8 billion to $10.65 billion, while imports increased 4.2-fold, from $7.1 billion to $29.96 billion.

As a result, in 2025 the SCO countries accounted for around half of Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade turnover, including 31.5% of the country’s exports and 63.3% of its imports.

Geographically, the bulk of trade is concentrated in China, Russia, and Kazakhstan. In 2025, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with China reached $17.2 billion, with Russia $13 billion, and with Kazakhstan $5 billion. Together, these three countries accounted for around 87% of Uzbekistan’s trade with SCO member states.

Trade with India reached $1.3 billion, followed by Kyrgyzstan at $1.2 billion, Belarus at $965 million, Tajikistan at $912 million, Iran at $579 million, and Pakistan at $446 million.

The SCO countries are major markets for Uzbek fruit and vegetables and other food products, textiles, electrical goods, and automotive products.

A significant share of imports from SCO countries consists of machinery and equipment, industrial goods, raw materials, and food products used by Uzbekistan’s domestic market and manufacturing sector.

The existing trade structure demonstrates Uzbekistan’s high level of economic interconnectedness with SCO countries.

Investment and Industrial Cooperation within the SCO

Further development of trade between Uzbekistan and the SCO member states creates a foundation for deeper investment and industrial cooperation. For Uzbekistan, particular interest lies in moving toward joint ventures, localization of technological processes, and the development of industrial cooperation between enterprises across SCO countries.

In 2025, the volume of foreign investment and loans in fixed capital in Uzbekistan amounted to $33.5 billion. Manufacturing accounted for 33.2% of the total, electricity and gas supply for 17.1%, and mining for 11.9%. The structure of investment indicates significant potential for further development of industrial cooperation, joint production, and localization of technological processes.

SCO member states occupy a significant place in Uzbekistan’s investment cooperation. In 2025, investment from the Organization’s member states amounted to $17.5 billion. The largest volumes came from China ($13 billion) and Russia ($2.6 billion). Other partners included Kazakhstan ($870 million), Iran ($265 million), India ($247 million), Kyrgyzstan ($197 million), Tajikistan ($196 million), Belarus ($76.5 million), and Pakistan ($52.5 million).

Facilitating mutual trade, harmonizing standards, developing production and logistics chains, and promoting mutual investment were identified by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the 2025 Tianjin Summit as priority areas of economic cooperation within the SCO. To promote direct business dialogue, the President proposed holding an annual “SCO Invest” Investment Forum.

The initiative received practical follow-up as early as 2026. During Kyrgyzstan’s SCO chairmanship, the SCO Investment and Business Forum was held in Bishkek on June 24–25 with representatives of the organization’s member states. The forum covered investment and trade and economic cooperation, industrial and technological cooperation, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and new industrialization.

Another area of industrial cooperation involves utilizing the resource potential of SCO countries. Uzbekistan’s initiative to establish an SCO Regional Center for Critical Materials provides for cooperation in modern technologies for the extraction and deep processing of mineral resources. The proposed SCO Energy Consortium is aimed at developing joint energy projects. Uzbekistan has also proposed establishing a network of venture companies and funds to support innovative projects.

For Uzbekistan, these new cooperation formats within the SCO expand opportunities for attracting investment and technology, localizing production, and increasing the output of high-value-added products.

Transport Connectivity and New Routes

Transport cooperation occupies one of the most important places in Uzbekistan’s trade and economic relations with SCO countries. According to estimates by the Center for Transport and Logistics Development Studies, over the past five years the volume of international freight transportation with the organization’s member states increased by 40%, or 9 million tonnes, reaching 33.5 million tonnes in 2025. SCO countries account for around 80% of Uzbekistan’s international freight transportation, with the largest volumes involving Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and Kyrgyzstan. According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport, freight transportation with SCO countries could reach 47 million tonnes by 2030.

Growing freight flows are increasing the importance of new routes connecting East, Central, and South Asia. The 2025 Tianjin Declaration provides for further cooperation along the North–South and East–West corridors, the establishment and modernization of international transport routes, greater use of the transit potential of SCO member states, and the digitalization of logistics procedures.

One of the most significant projects for Uzbekistan is the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, construction of which began in December 2024. The new route is expected to shorten the distance from East Asia toward the Middle East and Southern Europe by around 900 km, while reducing delivery times by 7–8 days. Potential freight volumes are estimated at 12–15 million tonnes per year (Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan).

Another important route is the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway. In July 2025, the parties signed a framework intergovernmental agreement on preparing its feasibility study. Linking the two railway projects would make it possible to create a continuous route from China through Central Asia and Afghanistan to Pakistan and the ports of the Indian Ocean.

Infrastructure projects are complemented by efforts to optimize railway transportation conditions. At Uzbekistan’s initiative, the creation of an SCO Council for the Integration of Railway Networks is being considered, with the aim of reducing physical and administrative barriers and improving the connectivity of member states’ railway systems.

For Uzbekistan, the development of new transport corridors expands access to the markets of Eurasia and South Asia and strengthens the country’s potential as a transit hub between the SCO’s major economic centers.

New Areas of Cooperation

The expansion of economic interaction within the SCO is accompanied by the emergence of new areas for joint work. Scientific and technological cooperation, energy, environmental protection, food security, education, and tourism are already part of the organization’s sectoral cooperation framework, while a number of recent initiatives are aimed at creating practical mechanisms in these areas.

One promising area remains scientific and technological cooperation. At the 2025 Tianjin Summit, Uzbekistan proposed creating an “SCO Network of Innovation and Technology Hubs” to generate new ideas and facilitate technology transfer. Artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, bioengineering, and alternative energy were identified among the priority areas.

Considerable potential is concentrated in energy and the green transition. According to China’s National Energy Administration, by the end of 2024 the total installed renewable energy capacity in SCO countries had reached 2.31 billion kW, increasing 14.5-fold compared with 2001 and accounting for around half of the global total. In 2025, SCO countries adopted a Statement on Cooperation in the Field of Green Industry. Uzbekistan also proposed establishing an SCO Energy Consortium and a Regional Platform on climate adaptation, decarbonization, and the use of artificial intelligence to forecast environmental risks.

Environmental cooperation is particularly important for Central Asia. Since 2013, the Central Asian Research Center for Ecology and Environment has been operating in Tashkent as part of cooperation between China and the countries of the region. More than 80 monitoring stations have been deployed in the Aral Sea region, while joint research covers ecosystem and water-resource conditions, salt and dust storms, and the restoration of saline lands.

Food security is another important area. The SCO has established a mechanism for meetings of agriculture ministers, while cooperation covers agricultural technologies, scientific research, breeding and seed production, resource-efficient technologies, and agricultural trade. For Uzbekistan, expanding this cooperation is important for improving agricultural productivity and gaining access to the large food markets of SCO member states.

Humanitarian cooperation encompasses education, science, and culture. Uzbekistan has proposed creating an online campus within the “SCO University” partner network, holding annual competitions and Olympiads for students and young professionals in innovative fields, and establishing a Great Silk Road Cultural Dialogue.

At the Tianjin Summit, Uzbekistan also proposed exploring the launch of a “Tourism Corridor.” In 2026, the initiative received practical follow-up. At a meeting of the heads of tourism authorities of SCO member states in Bishkek, the parties discussed the development of tourism corridors and joint routes, including attracting visitors from third countries. In April, at a meeting of SCO health ministries, particular attention was also given to Uzbekistan’s proposed concept for a Medical Tourism Alliance and mechanisms for its implementation.

Conclusion

As the SCO marks its 25th anniversary, the organization is entering a new stage of institutional development of economic cooperation. The SCO Development Strategy through 2035 has been adopted, along with the decision to establish the SCO Development Bank; discussions on its financial and governance model are ongoing, and a new strategy for the SCO Interbank Consortium for 2027–2031 is being prepared. At the same time, transport projects are advancing and sectoral cooperation is expanding in energy, industry, technology, agriculture, and tourism.

The next stage will largely depend on the ability of existing and emerging mechanisms to ensure the implementation of multilateral projects. Establishing the SCO’s own project-financing instrument is becoming particularly important. Further progress is also required in the digitalization of trade and customs procedures, settlements in national currencies, integration of transport routes, and convergence of conditions for doing business.

For Uzbekistan, further deepening economic cooperation within the SCO is primarily associated with expanding technological and investment cooperation, industrial partnerships, deeper processing of raw materials, and access to new markets. The wide range of partners within the organization enables the country to diversify its sources of investment, production linkages, and export destinations.

It is the practical implementation of multilateral mechanisms that will determine the next stage of economic cooperation within the SCO. In this context, the anniversary Bishkek Summit, to be held under the motto “25 Years of the SCO: Together Towards Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity,” will become an important milestone in the further institutional development of cooperation. The organization approaches the summit with a number of decisions already adopted and initiatives that moved into the practical development stage in 2026. Their implementation will demonstrate how consistently the SCO can transform agreements into joint economic projects and sustainable mechanisms of cooperation.

A presentation of the literary and publicistic collection “Uzbekistan: Third Renaissance – Concept of the Future” was held in Islamabad, written in Urdu by renowned Pakistani journalist and author Muhammad Abbas Khan, explores Uzbekistan’s modern development vision and reform agendat.

The collection offers a comprehensive analysis of the essence, spiritual foundations, and global significance of Uzbekistan’s vision for a New Renaissance — the foundation of the country’s Third Renaissance — under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The book elaborates on the concept advanced by the Head of State, tracing its historical roots and outlining its relevance for the future of human civilization. The author emphasizes that this vision draws inspiration from the legacy of Uzbekistan’s great ancestors and seeks to unite the principles of modern development, enlightenment, and humanism, serving as a bridge between the nation’s rich intellectual past and its forward-looking aspirations.

The collection also highlights the shared initiatives and common aspirations of the leaders of Uzbekistan and Pakistan to advance major transport and communication projects linking Central and South Asia. According to the author, these efforts represent the revival of the legendary Silk Road. The book not only describes the sweeping reforms and modernization taking place in Uzbekistan, but also emphasizes that the development path of the “New Uzbekistan” may serve as an inspiring model for Pakistan and the wider Eastern world.

The presentation ceremony brought together members of Pakistan’s government and parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Islamabad, prominent scholars, analysts, public figures, and media representatives. Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting of Pakistan, attended the event as the guest of honour.

The presentation opened with the national anthems of Uzbekistan and Pakistan, followed by a video highlighting the nine years of Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership as a President of Uzbekistan.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks by Alisher Tukh­taev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan. In his address, the Ambassador emphasized that, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has entered an era of openness and creative transformation.

He noted that over the past nine years, the country has implemented comprehensive reforms across the socio-economic, political, educational, and cultural spheres. As a result, Uzbekistan’s Gross Domestic Product has doubled, reaching 115 billion US dollars; exports have risen to 26 billion dollars; and foreign investments have exceeded 130 billion dollars. Thousands of new enterprises have been established, reflecting the dynamic pace of development and modernization.

It was noted that relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have been elevated to the level of a strategic partnership, with the establishment of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. Direct air connections now link Tashkent with Islamabad and Lahore, while collaboration in the fields of education and culture continues to expand rapidly.

Particular attention was given to the Trans-Afghan Railway Project — recognized as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening peace, mutual trust, and economic connectivity across the region, effectively reconnecting Central and South Asia.

Ambassador Alisher Tukh­taev expressed his sincere gratitude to the author of the featured work, Muhammad Abbas Khan, and to the management of “Daily Ittehad” publishing house for their contribution to the creation and publication of the book. He emphasized that this work will make a valuable contribution to fostering friendship and solidarity between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

In turn, Tahir Farooq, head of “Daily Ittehad” publishing house, expressed his satisfaction with the publication of the book “Uzbekistan: Third Renaissance – Concept of the Future”.

“This book is not merely a compilation of facts about Uzbekistan”, - he noted, - but an important work that vividly reflects the ongoing processes of reform and renewal in the country. It is not a collection of speeches or a translation of another author’s work, but the result of five years of observation and analysis by Muhammad Abbas Khan. His insights carry great significance for understanding Uzbekistan’s contemporary path of development. The book also serves as an important historical document of the new era unfolding in Uzbekistan”.

In his address, Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan, highlighted the deep historical ties between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Pakistan, noting that the land of Uzbekistan has produced eminent figures of the Timurid dynasty, including the distinguished scholar and statesman Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur. The Minister emphasized that the region connecting Central and South Asia has always been a vital part of the Great Silk Road, and that Uzbekistan’s contemporary policy under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is focused on revitalizing this historic corridor of cooperation.

Concluding his speech, Minister Attaullah Tarar reaffirmed the readiness of Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to extend full support in promoting the book and the “Third Renaissance” initiatives advanced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Pakistani public.

In his address, author Muhammad Abbas Khan discussed the process of writing the book, the ideas it conveys, and its principal objectives. According to the author, the work is based on his research, observations, and personal impressions, providing an objective account of Uzbekistan’s ongoing processes of renewal and development.

“I have had the opportunity to directly observe the profound transformations taking place in Uzbekistan, the reforms being implemented under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the policies aimed at fostering an open society, enhancing human dignity, and advancing education and enlightenment, along with their tangible results. Today, Uzbekistan is experiencing a period of awakening. The concept of the Third Renaissance, being realized in Uzbekistan, serves as an example of a universal experience grounded in confidence in the future, scientific and spiritual renewal, and policies for the development of human potential”, - said Muhammad Abbas Khan.

The book “Uzbekistan: Third Renaissance – Concept of the Future” is expected to serve as a unique resource for familiarizing the Pakistani public with Uzbekistan’s new historical path of development, while further strengthening the cultural and spiritual bonds between the two nations.

Dear forum participants!

Dear guests!

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

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

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

Dear friends!

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

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

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

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

Dear participants of the conference!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan