Given the recent geopolitical instability observed around the world, one of the top priorities for every sovereign state is to ensure the security and continuity of its foreign trade routes.

For Uzbekistan, located at the geopolitical center of Central Asia, it is strategically important to maintain the continuous and stable operation of transport and logistics corridors with European countries, which account for a significant share of its foreign trade. It should be noted that in 2025, the volume of Uzbekistan’s international freight traffic with European countries amounted to 1.5 million tons, which is 29% more than in 2024.

Today, the Middle Corridor serves as a safe and reliable transport corridor for export shipments to Europe or import shipments from Europe via land transport. Azerbaijan is one of the most important hubs of the Middle Corridor. In January–March 2026, the volume of international freight traffic between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan amounted to 28,300 tons, which is 2.9 times more than during the same period in 2025.

Overall, over the past five years, the volume of Uzbek cargo transported via the Middle Corridor has doubled, reaching 1.2 million tons by the end of 2025. While in 2021 the share of cargo transported via this corridor with EU countries was 12%, by the end of 2025 this figure had reached 28%.

Due to its geographical location, Azerbaijan serves as a natural bridge connecting Central Asia to the Caucasus region and Turkey via the Caspian Sea. It will enable the reception of export cargo from the East (China, Central Asia, including Uzbekistan) and its direct shipment to European markets via the ports of Poti and Batumi in Georgia and Mersin and Ambarli in Turkey.

Today, bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the transport and logistics sector has been established between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. This cooperation makes a significant contribution not only to the development of bilateral relations but also to the development of the Middle Corridor, connecting the Central Asian region with Europe.

Recent reports by prestigious international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, dedicated to studying the potential of the “Middle Corridor,” have analyzed a number of obstacles that reduce the corridor’s effectiveness. In particular, international experts note that one of the main challenges to the corridor’s development is the disparity in digitalization levels among transit countries, the lack of a unified platform for information exchange, and the persistence of paper-based bureaucratic processes at border and customs checkpoints.

It is precisely to address these systemic challenges in practice and increase the capacity of the “Middle Corridor” between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan that active and exemplary digital integration processes have been established. In particular, the “E-TIR” system has been successfully implemented, streamlining customs procedures between the two countries and reducing the human factor. Additionally, in the field of international road transport, efforts are actively underway to fully transition to the paperless “E-PERMIT” system.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are implementing the necessary measures to develop freight transport within the “Asia-Pacific Region – China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Azerbaijan – Turkey – Europe” (CASCA+) framework for multimodal transport along the Middle Corridor. In 2025, 6,722 TEU container shipments were carried out on this international route, which is 47% more than in 2024. Preferential rates have also been established for this route for 2026, and a further increase in transport volumes is expected.

It should be noted that the railway administrations of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are the initiators and active participants in the implementation of a set of measures aimed at developing the “Middle Corridor” transport and logistics network. In particular, to further expand the potential of this corridor, a multilateral meeting was held in 2024 between the railway authorities of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and Tajikistan. Following these negotiations, an institutional platform—the “Eurasian Transport Route” Association—was established to accelerate freight transportation processes and create a mechanism for the prompt removal of logistical barriers arising within the system.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in the transport and logistics sector contributes not only to the stabilization of the two countries’ foreign trade turnover but also to the integration of the entire Central Asian region into the international supply chain. The implementation of digital solutions that eliminate bureaucratic barriers, the diversification of multimodal routes, and the strengthening of institutional mechanisms will further enhance the international transit appeal of the “Middle Corridor.” This, in turn, will increase the resilience of Uzbekistan’s economy to external shocks amid global geopolitical changes and serve as a solid guarantee for the safe and uninterrupted conduct of international transport operations.

Issues of further development of multifaceted partnership, promotion of economic and investment cooperation projects, establishment of practical interaction in the defense sector were discussed at the meeting between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and a delegation from the United Arab Emirates headed by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Crown Prince of the Emirate of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Muhammad Al Maktoum.

The Emirati delegation included the Ministers of Government Affairs Muhammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Energy and Infrastructure Suhail bin Muhammad Al Mazroui, Economy Abdullah bin Tuq Al Marri, and Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy Omar bin Sultan Al Olama.

At the beginning of the conversation, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum expressed his sincere gratitude to our Head of State for the warm welcome and conveyed warm greetings from UAE President Sheikh Mohammad Al Nahyan and Prime Minister of the UAE, Emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad Al Maktoum.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to the issues of forming a new long-term agenda of mutually beneficial cooperation in such key areas as investment, innovative development, green energy, infrastructure, education, healthcare, ecology, digital transformation, tourism and others.

The sides highly appreciated the fruitful results of the joint forum on unlocking the potential of mutually beneficial cooperation, bilateral intergovernmental and interdepartmental talks held this morning.

An agreement was reached to adopt a road map for the development of full-scale cooperation in strategic sectors.

It should be noted that the UAE is one of Uzbekistan's key partners in the Asian region.

The latest high-level contacts took place within the framework of the Global Climate Summit in Dubai last December.

The trade turnover in 2023 grew by 21 percent and amounted to 626 million dollars. More than 320 enterprises with the participation of Emirati capital operate in our country. The portfolio of ongoing and prospective investment projects amounts to about 20 billion dollars.

Navruz is considered one of the ancient and widely celebrated traditional holidays, embodying values such as humanity, kindness, generosity and diligence.

This holiday holds a significant place in the culture of the peoples of Central Asia, Iran, the Caucasus, the Near East and South Asia, reflecting the continuity of centuries-old civilizational traditions.

According to historical sources, the tradition of Navruz dates back at least three thousand years. Detailed information on this subject was provided by Abu Rayhan Beruni in his work “The Remaining Signs of Past Ages” (Athar al-Baqiya).

Navruz is closely linked to the calendar systems of ancient Iranian and Turkic peoples and is celebrated during the vernal equinox. The origins of Navruz are directly connected to astronomical events: during the equinox, the Sun moves along the ecliptic and enters the sign of Aries, making day and night equal in length. Ancient peoples interpreted this natural phenomenon as the beginning of a new year. Consequently, since antiquity, Navruz has been regarded as a symbol of nature's awakening, fertility and the renewal of life.

Today, Navruz is recognized as a cultural tradition celebrated across a vast geographical area. The holiday is observed in various forms in countries such as Uzbekistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, India and Pakistan. Its shared core philosophy is centered on harmony with nature, fostering friendship between people and strengthening unity within society.

The international significance of Navruz has received special recognition. In 2009, UNESCO inscribed Navruz on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Subsequently, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as International Nowruz Day, highlighting the holiday's role in strengthening cultural ties and mutual respect among nations.

The traditional festive table (dasturkhon) plays a central role in Navruz ceremonies. Various dishes prepared from spring bounties, including Uzbek national specialties such as kuk somsa (green somsa), kuk chuchvara (herb dumplings), halim and sumalak, are considered symbolic elements of the holiday. In particular, ceremony of preparing sumalak represents a centuries-old communal tradition. Made from wheat sprouts, this dish is interpreted as a symbol of abundance and prosperity.

Historical sources record that ceremonies associated with sumalak were held in the form of ancient communal festivities. Some researchers note that these traditions continued through the Middle Ages. In particular, historical records from the Timurid era contain information about spring festivals and public celebrations. These ceremonies were often organized in open fields, gardens, or city centers, featuring various traditional folk games.

Another ancient tradition associated with Navruz is the spring festival. Events such as the Tulip Festival (Lola Sayli) or the Red Flower Festival (Guli Surkh Sayli) are dedicated to celebrating the awakening of nature. These festivities were primarily held in mountain and foothill regions, evolving as ceremonies linked to the blooming of spring flowers.

Cultural scholars explain the significance of Navruz in society through several key aspects. First and foremost, it ensures the continuity of centuries-old traditions and values. Secondly, the holiday strengthens social virtues such as collectivism, generosity, and tolerance. Thirdly, Navruz serves as an important platform for promoting cultural dialogue and mutual understanding among diverse peoples.

From this perspective, Navruz is regarded not only as a spring holiday but as a unique cultural phenomenon shaped throughout the history of human civilization. Its ancient customs, ceremonies and symbolic meaning continue to play a vital role today in strengthening social harmony, preserving historical heritage, and passing it on to future generations.

Dunyo IA

Today, a new and ambitious strategic direction is emerging on the global energy map. The strategic partnership established between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan is a historic step that serves not only to strengthen regional energy security but also to elevate the global "green" transformation to a new level. At the heart of this ambitious initiative lies, first and foremost, the mutual trust, strong friendship, and high responsibility of the leaders of the three brotherly states toward future generations.

Uzbekistan's Green Development Strategy

In recent years, large-scale and intensive reforms on the use of renewable energy sources have been implemented in Uzbekistan. To date, 15 solar and 5 wind power plants with a total capacity of 5,582 MW have been commissioned in various regions of the country, producing "green" energy for the country's population and economy. Notably, the capacity of solar photovoltaic plants is 3,930 MW, and wind power plants are 1,652 MW. To ensure the stability of the energy supply, 12 additional energy storage systems with a total capacity of 1,545 MW were also commissioned.

Looking at the figures, in 2025 alone, solar and wind power plants managed to generate 10.5 billion kWh of electricity. From the beginning of 2026 to April 15, this figure exceeded 2.5 billion kWh, and the goal is to increase it to 15 billion kWh by the end of the year. By 2030, Uzbekistan will become a true "green" energy hub: the total capacity of solar and wind power plants will reach 21 GW, and 54% of the total electricity generated in the country will come from renewable sources. As a result, 18 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be saved annually, and the emission of 25 million tons of harmful gases into the atmosphere will be prevented.

Regional Solidarity: The Brothers' Strategic Choice

Relations with the countries of the region, especially with our close neighbor and strategic partner Kazakhstan, are of decisive importance in achieving such high milestones. During the recent visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Uzbekistan, the leaders of the two countries outlined future priorities for the development of sectors, in particular, energy. These friendly relations guarantee the energy stability not only of the two countries but of the entire region.

Thanks to the far-sighted policy and friendship of the heads of state of the three countries—Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan—the "Green Corridor" project is being implemented. This path, which began with a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2024, was further strengthened by the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by the Presidents of the three countries at the COP-29 international summit in Baku in November of the same year. This historic document marked the beginning of a new era not only in energy production but also in the field of energy transmission.

"Green Corridor" - practical steps towards the future

The practical stages of the project are proceeding consistently. Within the framework of the founding agreement signed on December 27, 2024, the national operators of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan - JSC "National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan," JSC "KEGOC," and JSC "Azerenerji" - united for a common goal. Negotiations held in early 2025 in Tashkent with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia once again proved the project's international prestige.

The establishment of the Green Corridor Alliance Limited Liability Company in Baku on July 1, 2025, laid the institutional foundation for the project. The world-renowned Italian company CESI has been involved in developing the project's feasibility study, which, according to the agreement signed with the Asian Development Bank, will be submitted by the beginning of 2027. Currently, specialists from the three countries, together with CESI, are working on a complete model (technical and economic basis) of the project.

In conclusion, this strategic partnership is not only an important pillar for exporting "green" energy to Europe but also for the transition of Central Asia and the Caspian region to a unified, environmentally friendly, and digital energy system. There is no doubt that the friendly will of the heads of state and the spirit of regional solidarity will make Uzbekistan one of the most reliable and major players in the global energy market in the future.

Ministry of Energy

of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan (ISRS) Eldor Aripov, commented to Dunyo IA on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan:

- The Address of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan goes far beyond the scope of a routine annual political speech in its significance. It constitutes a strategic policy document that marks the country’s transition to a qualitatively new stage of development — the institutional consolidation of reforms and the formation of a sustainable growth model oriented toward the long term.

Over the past decade, Uzbekistan’s economy has undergone an accelerated process of qualitative and systemic transformation. While in the mid-2010s the country’s nominal gross domestic product stood at approximately USD 60–65 billion, it has now reached USD 145 billion, as noted in the President’s Address. In practical terms, this represents more than a twofold expansion of the nation’s economic scale over an unprecedentedly short historical period.

In recent years, average annual economic growth has consistently remained at around six percent. This reflects not only the preservation of positive momentum, but also the economy’s capacity for sustained growth amid external shocks — including the pandemic, disruptions to raw material supplies and logistics chains, and global inflationary pressures.

Sectoral indicators corroborate this assessment. Over the past decade, industrial output has more than doubled, whereas in the early 2010s industry played a largely auxiliary role relative to the commodity-based and agricultural sectors. Today, mechanical engineering, the electrical equipment industry, and the chemical sector make a stable contribution to the economy, while the share of processing and manufacturing activities in the GDP structure has already exceeded 80 percent.

The dynamics of the agricultural sector are equally indicative. Whereas ten years ago production volumes remained the primary benchmark, today — as emphasized in the President’s Address — the priority has shifted toward processing and the export of finished products. The expansion of fruit and vegetable processing and the growth of food exports are shaping a more resilient development model, reducing the economy’s dependence on fluctuations in harvest yields and prices.

Investment dynamics also reflect qualitative change. In recent years, investment in fixed capital has been growing at a rapid pace and has reached levels well above historical averages, whereas in the early 2010s this indicator was significantly lower. At the same time, the composition of investment has shifted: while previously it was concentrated primarily in infrastructure and state-led projects, a substantial share is now being directed toward industry, energy, transport, and digital solutions. As a result, investment is beginning to support not only current growth, but also the formation of the country’s future productive base.

External trade dynamics further reinforce this picture. Over the past decade, Uzbekistan’s export revenues have more than doubled: whereas in the mid-2010s exports of goods and services stood at approximately USD 12–13 billion, in recent years they have consistently exceeded USD 24–25 billion. Crucially, this growth has been driven not only by favorable price conditions, but also by changes in the structure of export supplies.

This transformation is most clearly visible in the manufacturing and processing industries. Over the past decade, exports of textile products have increased more than threefold — from less than $1 billion to around $3 billion and above — reflecting a shift from raw-material exports to finished goods. A similar trajectory can be observed in the electrical engineering, chemical, and food industries, where export volumes have risen several times over as a result of expanded production chains and access to new markets.

Macroeconomic balance warrants particular attention. Economic and investment growth has been accompanied by the maintenance of a controlled level of public debt and overall financial stability. This is especially significant, as recent experience shows that rapid growth without adequate balance often leads to the accumulation of constraints on future development. The Address underscores that Uzbekistan has deliberately chosen a more cautious, yet strategically advantageous, development trajectory.

A comparison of developments over the past decade leads to a key strategic conclusion: the republic has reached a stage at which further progress is determined less by the sheer size of the economy than by its quality. This is why the President’s Address places central emphasis on boosting labor productivity, advancing technological modernization, and deepening industrialization. The achievements to date are viewed as the foundation upon which the economy of the coming decade is to be built.

Compared with the starting point a decade ago, the country’s economy has become larger, more diversified, and more resilient. These changes provide a long-term strategic foundation for improving citizens’ well-being and strengthening Uzbekistan’s position in both regional and global markets.

Another notable aspect of the President’s Address is its clear illustration of the feedback loop between the state and its citizens, particularly in terms of aligning ongoing reforms with the everyday needs of the population.

An analysis of the Address indicates that its priorities fully align with the issues consistently highlighted in public opinion surveys and citizen appeals over recent years. At the center of attention are employment, income levels, access to social services, the quality of education and healthcare, as well as fairness and efficiency in public governance.

Whereas in 2017–2018 poverty in Uzbekistan was measured in double digits (around 35 percent), by 2024 it had fallen to 8.9 percent.

The projected reduction to 5.8 percent in 2025 demonstrates that the country is not only approaching the previously set target — reducing poverty to six percent by the end of the year — but is actually surpassing it.

Moreover, the Address highlights a strategic goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030, making the fight against poverty a central pillar of the country’s long-term policy framework. This achievement has been made possible through the effective implementation of a series of social programs and reforms aimed at sustainably increasing household incomes, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening social protection.

For a significant portion of the population, particularly young people and residents of regional areas, access to stable employment and reliable sources of income is the key determinant of social well-being. Support for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the development of industry and infrastructure highlighted in the Address, directly responds to these expectations. International organizations, including UNDP and the Asian Development Bank, note in their studies that such a focus on employment is among the most effective tools for social stabilization.

Equally important as an indicator that the state listens to its citizens is its focus on the quality of basic services. In the Address, education, healthcare, and workforce development are presented as strategic priorities rather than secondary concerns. This aligns with the public’s expressed demand for improvements in human capital and social mobility.

The section on public governance also warrants special attention. In recent years, one of the most frequent requests from citizens has been the reduction of bureaucracy and the enhancement of transparency and accountability among officials.

Taken together, the content of the Address suggests that the state demonstrates the ability to listen to its citizens and translate public expectations into elements of strategic policy.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev plays a particularly important role in this process as the key architect of these reforms. International financial and analytical institutions have repeatedly emphasized that political leadership is a decisive factor in the successful implementation of comprehensive reforms in countries with transitioning economies.

In Uzbekistan’s case, consistency, political will, and a focus on long-term results have made it possible to synchronize macroeconomic stabilization, social policy, and institutional reforms within a single strategic framework. The President’s Address serves both as a concentrated expression of this strategy and as a tool for its further deepening.

Taken together, the President’s Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan constitutes not merely an agenda for the next stage of reforms, but a strategic framework for the country’s future development. Supported by empirical data and assessments from leading international organizations, it strengthens domestic consensus and enhances the confidence of the international community. Its key significance lies precisely in its role as a document that defines the sustainability of reforms and the country’s long-term competitiveness.

Dunyo IA

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on measures for ensuring population’s employment and poverty reduction based on new approaches.

This year it’s planned to ensure employment of 5.2 million citizens and bring out of poverty 1.5 million people. For the first time 60 districts and cities will become territories free of poverty and unemployment. 

Jointly with mahalla bankers it’s planned to ensure constant employment for 1.5 million people and attract more than 2 million citizens to businesses. For this purpose it’s planned to allocate a total of 120 trillion soum of credit resources for small business projects. 

Based on best foreign practices, new approaches to poverty reduction will be introduced in 32 areas. In particular, solar power plants with a total capacity of 107 megawatts will be built in 300 complex mahallas, and members of low-income families will be hired to operate them on a cooperative basis.

In 123 districts, low-income citizens will be offered work on the creation of forest and nursery lands on 20 thousand hectares, as well as the cultivation of medicinal plants. They will be paid a subsidy of 375 thousand soums for every 100 trees planted.

In places with tourism potential it is planned to open guest houses and catering outlets, and at a number of post offices - e-commerce centers, where representatives of low-income families will also get jobs.

A total of 6.472 mahallas in 2025 will implement projects based on new approaches, which will help lift 210 thousand people out of poverty.

Special attention will be paid to remote villages with particularly difficult conditions. In them, the Association of Mahallas of Uzbekistan will take measures to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship, reduce dependency and support labor activity of low-income families.

The Head of State reiterated that 2025 will be decisive in reducing unemployment and poverty, and gave instructions to ensure a systematic and targeted approach to the implementation of the presented measures.

The Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction is tasked with strictly monitoring the implementation of these tasks. Each initiative and each activity will be entered into an electronic platform with subsequent verification of the created jobs on the tax base.

The importance of organizing training for the staff of local khokimiyats and “ mahalla seven”, as well as promotion of best practices was also noted.

The 22nd International Exhibition on Woodworking. Furniture components. Furniture and Interior Design – WoodTech & MebelExpo Uzbekistan 2026, the flagship annual event for professionals in the furniture and woodworking industries, will take place from 28 to 30 April 2026 at the Uzexpocentre National Exhibition Centre in the city of Tashkent.

With more than two decades of history, the exhibition continues to serve as a major industry platform, bringing together leading manufacturers, suppliers and experts in technological solutions for woodworking, furniture production and interior design.

More than 120 companies and brands from 12 countries are expected to exhibit. As in previous years, the Turkish national stand will be represented, while companies from China and the Ulyanovsk Region of the Russian Federation have announced their collective participation. A comprehensive showcase of products by Uzbek manufacturers of furniture components and finished furniture is also expected.

The exhibition will feature the latest woodworking machinery and tools to be demonstrated in operation, alongside materials, components and supplies for furniture manufacture, as well as furniture chemicals and a selection of finished pieces for both home and office interiors.

Visitors can expect product launches, live demonstrations, specialist presentations, masterclasses and business meetings, supported by a varied programme of industry-focused events.

Exhibitors will represent the full spectrum of furniture component manufacturing, including boards and panels, fittings and fixings, accessories, fillings, foam, profiles and facades, as well as upholstery fabrics and eco-leather. A dedicated section will focus on furniture chemicals, with a particular emphasis on adhesives, coatings and finishes.

Developments in woodworking technology will be presented by many leading equipment suppliers and distributors. The exhibition will also include furniture collections from both local and international manufacturers, offering practical and contemporary interior solutions for residential and commercial spaces.

The exhibition promotes intensive dialogue among industry experts, equips and upgrades domestic furniture production with the products from the world's best manufacturers, and provides domestic furniture makers with in-demand raw materials and supplies, thereby improving the quality, environmental friendliness, and range of furniture products, as well as their competitiveness in domestic and international markets.

According to the organizers—the international exhibition company Iteca Exhibitions and its partner ICA Eurasia Group—visiting the exhibition requires online registration via the link: https://clck.ru/3SHoAH .

IA “Dunyo”

The President of Uzbekistan signed the Constitutional Law “On the Tashkent International Financial Center”.

In the legal hierarchy of the state, a Constitutional Law ranks immediately after the Constitution. This means that no agency, no instruction and no by-law may contradict its provisions. For an investor, especially an international one, this is the highest form of legal guarantee: capital flows to where it cannot be taken away tomorrow.

The signing of the Constitutional Law was accompanied by amendments to the Basic Law and dozens of legislative acts — the Criminal, Civil, Tax and Customs Codes, as well as laws on banks, securities, investment, auditing and many others.

Article 15 of the Constitution has been supplemented with a provision stating that a special legal regime may be established in special zones within the country's unified legal space. This legitimizes the existence of the TIFC as a jurisdiction with different rules within Uzbekistan, without contradicting the Basic Law.

Article 131 of the Constitution has been supplemented with a provision allowing for the establishment of specialized courts in zones with a special legal regime, which forms the constitutional basis for the Tashkent International Commercial Court.

The Tashkent International Financial Center is being established as an independent entity with clearly defined boundaries that cannot be arbitrarily reduced once it becomes operational.

The legal system of the TIFC is based on English law and the principles of equity of England and Wales. This is the very system under which the world’s largest financial centers operate. It is familiar and well understood by global banks, investment funds and multinational corporations. In other words, it is the language of international capital.

All decisions taken by the center's bodies are published in the official register in English, which is an important signal for foreign participants. The translation barrier, which often becomes a source of dispute, is eliminated here from the outset.

Particular attention should be paid to the establishment, within the TIFC, of the Tashkent International Commercial Court, which will become an institution of trust. The court enjoys full independence, and no agency or state body has the right to instruct it or interfere in its activities. Judges may be citizens of any state — specialists in international trade law, finance, technology and arbitration — which opens the way to attracting judges of international standing and reputation.

It is also important that the rulings of the Tashkent International Commercial Court are binding throughout the territory of Uzbekistan and cannot be reviewed by the country’s ordinary state courts, except in strictly defined cases. The court consists of a court of first instance and a court of appeal.

The law establishes a clear and exhaustive list of protective mechanisms for TIFC participants. First and foremost is the prohibition on confiscation, nationalization, expropriation and the freezing of assets other than by court order and strictly in accordance with the law.

Participants of the Tashkent International Financial Center are guaranteed freedom of capital movement and the right to conduct transactions in foreign currency and digital assets within the limits established by the Financial Services Authority together with the Central Bank of Uzbekistan. The right to freely repatriate capital is also provided for — that is, the ability to transfer profits abroad without administrative obstacles.

A separate set of provisions sets out the tax and customs regime. The TIFC's bodies and the structures under their control are exempt from corporate income tax and the social tax. This benefit is fixed until 1 January 2076 — that is, for 50 years. This is not a tactical incentive but a strategic guarantee designed to span a change of generations.

The list of services that participants may provide within the center covers the entire spectrum of the modern financial industry. These include banking and insurance activities, management of investment and pension funds, trust structures, leasing, crowdfunding, Islamic finance, work with digital assets, market-making, and transactions with securities of all classes — shares, bonds, sukuk and derivatives.

In addition to the financial sector, activity is permitted in auditing, consulting, legal and accounting services, corporate governance, and financial-technology (fintech) startups. Provision is also made for the establishment of holding companies, special-purpose vehicles and treasury companies.

The law also establishes a special visa regime for foreign nationals working at the Tashkent International Financial Center. An entry visa valid for up to five years can be obtained directly at Tashkent International Airport. Foreign specialists may be hired without obtaining work permits in Uzbekistan, which significantly simplifies the recruitment of global talent.

The Tashkent International Financial Center is governed through four bodies: the TIFC Council, the Administration, the Financial Services Authority, and the Tashkent International Commercial Court. Each operates within strictly defined powers and has no right to interfere in the sphere of competence of another.

The composition of the Council is approved by the President of Uzbekistan. At least one-third of the Council's members must be independent specialists in international finance and law who have never held positions within the government system of Uzbekistan. This serves as a safeguard against the governing body turning into just another administrative structure.

Council members (other than the chairperson) are appointed for a term of five years and may be removed early only on grounds provided for by law. The stability of the governing body's composition is another form of predictability for market participants.

Thus, the creation of the Tashkent International Financial Center is not merely another economic development project. It is a declaration of intent, enshrined at the highest legal level. Uzbekistan wants — and is ready — to become part of the global financial system as a fully-fledged platform operating under clear, internationally recognized standards.

Half a century of tax incentives, English law, an independent international court, constitutional guarantees for the protection of capital, and simplified visa procedures — each of these elements is, on its own, a competitive advantage. Together, they form a system capable of attracting long-term, institutional, smart capital.

Dildora Kamalova
Member of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan

(Dunyo IA)

Historically, Central and South Asia constituted a macro-region of intensive cross-cultural and civilisational exchange.

The peoples of the two regions were repeatedly incorporated into common state formations and shared political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spaces. It was through these territories that major routes passed, connecting the Middle East, Europe, India and China. Close contacts facilitated the dissemination of scientific knowledge and philosophical ideas, as well as achievements in medicine, astronomy, mathematics, architecture, diplomacy and systems of public administration.

In contemporary conditions of global turbulence and a deficit of mutual trust, understanding the deep historical and civilisational commonality of Central and South Asia is of particular importance. This is not only a matter of retrospectively analysing trade ties or political contacts of the past. Data from modern population genetics confirm the existence of stable, centuries-long anthropological interconnections among the population of the macro-region.

The results of large-scale palaeogenetic studies, including the sequencing of ancient DNA (aDNA) from representatives of the Indus civilisation, together with archaeological and linguistic evidence, make it possible to reconstruct the directions of migration flows and the transformation of the gene pool over millennia.

Studies of the ancient population of southern Uzbekistan and of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) demonstrate the genetic continuity of local populations and their close contacts with ancient communities of the Iranian Plateau, north-western India and the Indus basin.

The specific nature of these processes in the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age indicates that the territories of present-day southern Uzbekistan functioned as a space of permanent demographic and cultural exchange. They formed part of a single area of intensive circulation of people, technologies and cultural practices. This factor shaped the closeness of anthropological, linguistic and religious processes in Central and South Asia without erasing their autochthonous identities.

This is not a question of genetic homogeneity, but of a centuries-old system of demographic interactions that shaped the closeness of anthropological, linguistic, cultural and religious processes in Central and South Asia.

In this context, Uzbekistan attaches special importance to the restoration of deep historical and cultural relations in order to create a solid foundation for enhancing connectivity. After 2016, the country’s modern foreign policy is based on the synergy of pragmatic economic and transport partnership and the recognition of the common historical destiny of the macroregion.

At the same time, within the framework of the “Termez Dialogue”, projects are being formed for the joint study of Buddhist and Islamic heritage. The exceptional syncretism of the monuments of southern Uzbekistan (Kara-Tepe, Fayaz-Tepe and Kampyrtepa) reflects the historical synthesis of Indian, Hellenistic, Iranian and Central Asian traditions, marking the routes of the transfer of Buddhism from India to East Asia.

A new stage of civilisational synthesis is associated with the integration of the region into the Islamic space from the eighth century onward. Termez became one of the key intellectual centres of the Muslim world, as evidenced by the influence of Sufi networks and the legacy of the outstanding thinker al-Hakim at-Termizi, whose works retain authority in both Central and South Asia. In the Timurid era, these ties served as a basis for the formation of the unique Indo-Muslim civilisation of the Great Mughals, whose origins directly go back to the cultural matrix of Mawarannahr.

Relying on this historical and civilisational foundation, Tashkent today advocates the creation of a common cultural and humanitarian platform for Central and South Asia, one that demonstrates a high degree of complementarity with the foreign policy strategies of key South Asian states.

India: New Delhi views Uzbekistan’s initiatives through the prism of its own Connect Central Asia concept. Cultural and historical parallels (the Baburid era, Sufism and Buddhist heritage) enable India to expand its humanitarian presence in the region, as reflected, in particular, in the opening of branches of leading Indian universities (Amity and Sharda) in Uzbekistan.

Pakistan: For Islamabad, deep spiritual ties with Samarkand and Bukhara are critically important. The development of programmes of “ziyarat tourism” (pilgrimage tourism) acts as a catalyst for humanitarian contacts and contributes to the growth of mutual trust necessary for implementing large-scale trans-regional transport projects.

Afghanistan: For Kabul, Uzbekistan’s depoliticised initiatives open a legitimate channel of interaction with the outside world, allowing the country to integrate into regional economic processes without being drawn into political confrontation.

The strategic potential of the macro-region is closely linked to its demographic characteristics. Central and South Asia are among the youngest regions in the world: the share of the population under 30 exceeds 60 per cent, while the median age is about 28. This demographic resource serves as a key driver of sustainable growth and the activation of intersocietal ties, which makes the development of human capital particularly urgent.

In these conditions, joint work in the field of human capital development becomes increasingly important. This includes the training of qualified personnel, the expansion of scientific and academic cooperation, the exchange of knowledge and technologies, and the intensification of youth and public contacts.

Uzbekistan is consistently scaling up inter-university and scientific and academic cooperation in the macro-region. A practical example of this activity is Termez, where programmes of vocational and language training for Afghan students have been launched with the support of international organisations. As a result, the city is being transformed into a major educational and humanitarian hub at the junction of the two regions.

In this context, Tashkent’s modern initiatives aimed at restoring trans-regional connectivity appear as a natural continuation of a historical model of development determined by the deep interdependence of states.

The contemporary foreign policy course of Uzbekistan is based on the synergy of pragmatic economic and transport partnership and the recognition of the macro-region’s shared historical destiny. In implementing this strategy, Termez, an ancient intellectual and logistical hub linking Mawarannahr, Afghanistan and the Indian subcontinent, acquires special significance.

Its historical role was shaped by a unique geostrategic position. Already in antiquity, Termez was an important centre of the Greco-Bactrian and Kushan worlds. It was the Kushan Empire that created one of the first stable political and economic spaces uniting the territories of present-day Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India.

Today, Uzbekistan is institutionalising this heritage by creating new multilateral dialogue platforms. The key element of this architecture is the international platform “Termez Dialogue”, which is focused on developing transport and logistical connectivity, humanitarian diplomacy and academic interaction.

The expert community notes the qualitative evolution of this platform. The second session of the “Termez Dialogue”, scheduled for 4–6 June 2026 in Tashkent, Termez and Samarkand, marks a transition from conceptual discussions to the formation of applied mechanisms of cooperation in politics, logistics, climate adaptation and cultural exchange. The forum is acquiring the status of a specialised international platform for developing multilateral approaches to regional security and the Afghan settlement process.

The fundamental distinction of Uzbekistan’s approach lies in its reliance on the concept of “inclusive regionality”, which presupposes the obligatory inclusion of Afghanistan in the system of trans-regional ties. Tashkent proposes an alternative model of diplomacy, viewing humanitarian cooperation as an instrument for reducing interstate contradictions and overcoming regional fragmentation.

Thus, contemporary Uzbekistan is carrying out a conceptual rethinking of the historical experience of interaction between Central and South Asia in relation to the realities of the twenty-first century. By developing the “Termez Dialogue” platform and stimulating trans-regional connectivity, Tashkent is transforming historical memory of a single civilisational space into a viable mechanism of multilateral integration, humanitarian partnership and indivisible regional security.

Alisher Sabirov

Doctor of Historical Sciences

Nizami National Pedagogical University

of Uzbekistan

On 24 October 2025, Uzbekistan and the European Union signed the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) — a comprehensive framework that culminates negotiations launched in February 2019 and initialled in July 2022. More than a ceremonial milestone, the EPCA codifies a strategic upgrade in our relationship with the EU. It is broad in scope — nine titles, 356 articles, and 14 annexes — and practical in ambition: to align our cooperation with the realities of a rapidly changing world economy while reinforcing the rule-of-law foundations of sustainable development at home.

The agreement’s timing is revealing. Uzbekistan’s recent balanced, multi-vector foreign policy and people-centred reforms — strengthening the rule of law, expanding public administration openness, and advancing market reforms — have laid the necessary groundwork. These steps in human rights and governance have increased international confidence, enabling a rules-based partnership with Europe. The EPCA is both a vote of confidence in Uzbekistan’s reform trajectory and a tangible roadmap to deliver measurable outcomes.

Economically, the EPCA offers a clear pathway for integration and growth. It promotes approximation to EU norms on technical regulations, product safety, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The agreement is designed to reduce non-tariff barriers, simplify border procedures, and make our exporters more competitive in the EU market. It encourages joint ventures and industrial clustering, extends agro-processing and manufacturing value chains, and supports energy efficiency and industrial modernisation. In short: more trade, more investment, and more quality jobs at home.

Human capital is an equally central pillar. The EPCA expands cooperation across education, science, skills development, and public health. It encourages joint university programmes, faculty and student exchanges, and research grants — mechanisms that accelerate knowledge transfer and help align our skills base with the demands of a digital and green economy. The spillovers are immediate and tangible: better public services, higher productivity, and new career pathways for our young people.

The rule-of-law dimension is another strategic gain. Deeper cooperation on judicial reform, anti-corruption, data protection, and cybersecurity increases predictability for investors and protections for citizens. The agreement’s chapter on foreign and security policy expands dialogue on conflict prevention, crisis management, non-proliferation, and export controls. This cooperation supports regional stability, which is essential for long-term growth.

Connectivity is the backbone that makes these ambitions feasible. Through synergies with the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the EPCA supports logistics hubs, border modernisation, and greener infrastructure. Better connectivity means lower trade costs, faster delivery times, and diversified export routes — practical levers for competitiveness. It also enables cooperation on water management, climate adaptation, and resilient energy systems — strategic priorities for a land-linked Central Asian economy.

Critically, the EPCA opens structured avenues for collaboration on critical raw materials needed for the green and digital transitions. This builds on the EU-Uzbekistan memorandum of understanding signed in 2024. It creates opportunities to upgrade domestic standards, attract responsible investment, and join higher segments of global value chains, while maintaining environmental and social safeguards.

Beyond the text, the joint statement issued at the signing underscores a shared commitment to the UN Charter and to the principles of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity — principles that guide our positions in international fora. It also welcomes the outcomes of the EU–Central Asia Summit, including plans for a Central Asia–EU Economic Forum and a Trans-Caspian Connectivity Investors Forum in Tashkent in 2025. In short, the EPCA is embedded in a wider, forward-looking regional agenda.

In practical terms, success requires implementation of three clear priorities: coordinated institution building, enhanced business support, and transparent, data-driven tracking. These will ensure commitments translate to outcomes.

First, institutional coordination. Translating commitments into outcomes requires a whole-of-government mechanism with clear mandates, timelines, and dashboards. A national EPCA coordination council, supported by technical working groups, should steer approximation to EU standards, monitor progress, and troubleshoot bottlenecks.

Second, business enablement. Firms need guidance to navigate new standards and opportunities. An 'EU Helpdesk' for exporters and investors would offer practical advice on certification, rules of origin, and compliance. This would turn legal text into business practice. Expanding the capacity of testing, inspection, and certification bodies will further reduce transaction costs and speed market entry.

Third, open, data-driven delivery. Customs and trade facilitation should be fully digitised through single-window systems and interoperable data exchange. Regular public reporting on milestones — such as education partnerships, financed projects, and adopted standards — will sustain credibility and invite feedback from business and civil society.

The EPCA also aligns with Uzbekistan’s WTO accession path by encouraging market-based reforms and transparent, rules-based trade. As reforms deepen, our economy will see more diversified exports, stronger investor protections, and a more competitive domestic market. These outcomes raise household incomes and expand opportunity.

This agreement is ambitious by design. Ambition alone is empty; execution alone is stagnant. The EPCA combines both — setting a high bar and supplying the means to reach it. By acting decisively, we turn this framework into a catalyst for inclusive growth, institutional maturity, and global credibility.

Ultimately, the EPCA is more than a diplomatic success; it is the engine for Uzbekistan’s reform agenda. By linking citizen welfare, business competitiveness, and international engagement, the EPCA puts us on a path to fundamental transformation. The critical task ahead is to deliver on this promise and make the Uzbekistan-EU partnership impactful and enduring.

By Eldor Tulyakov,

Executive Director, Development Strategy Centre, Uzbekistan

The declaration of independence and the commitment of the Government of Uzbekistan to the ideals of democracy, the choice of a secular path of development of society have gradually made it possible to create equal legal conditions for the existence of religions in general and religious groups in particular.

In the religious sphere, this large-scale work is carried out by the relevant state bodies and civil society institutions and is aimed at ensuring citizens' constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of conscience; strengthening religious pluralism, tolerance and interfaith dialogue.

One of the significant results of joint work is the adoption in December 2018 by the UN General Assembly of a special resolution "Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance".

The adoption of the resolution was a practical implementation of the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, put forward at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly. The main goal of the proposed resolution is "to ensure universal access to education, the elimination of illiteracy and ignorance."

It is noteworthy that the resolution was not only unanimously supported by all UN member states, but also adopted with the co-authorship of over 50 countries. This testifies to the high recognition by the international community of the relevance and timeliness of the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan.

In recent years, significant changes have taken place in Uzbekistan and large-scale reforms have been implemented in many areas, including in the religious and educational sphere.

A number of legislative acts have been adopted aimed at further improving activities in the religious sphere.

In order to deepen the study of Islam and teach its scientific foundations, the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan was created. The Academy specializes in teaching secular and religious knowledge, training qualified personnel in the interpretation of the Koran, Islamic law, religious dogmas and hadiths.

In Uzbekistan, unique mechanisms are used to revive national and religious values, study and promote the rich scientific and spiritual heritage of great ancestors, and strengthen religious tolerance in society. The activities of the Center for Islamic Civilization, international research centers of Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, Imam Maturidi, Bahauddin Naqshbandi have been established.

As a result of large-scale reforms and transformations carried out in the religious sphere, the Higher Madrasah Mir Arab in Bukhara, the School of Hadith Studies in Samarkand, the Madrasah of Imam Termizi and the Islamic Institute named after Imam Termizi in Termez began their activities.

In addition, the Charitable Public Fund "Vakf" was established under the Office of Muslims of Uzbekistan, whose tasks include financing work on the reconstruction of mosques, holy places of pilgrimage and visits, other objects, providing material and technical support and providing material support to employees in this field. The Fund received the opportunity to dispose of funds coming to 3 accounts: charitable, vakf and zakat (ushr, fidya, fitr).

In accordance with the adopted legislative acts, in order to further improve the activities of the Committee on Religious Affairs, a new composition of the Council for Religious Affairs has been approved, which is a public advisory body under the Committee.

The activities of the Council are inextricably linked with ensuring freedom of religion in the country, respecting the rights of religious organizations and believers. The initiatives of the members of the Council are fully implemented within the framework of measures taken by the country's leadership in the field of protecting and further strengthening the rights and freedoms of religious movements.

The significance and timeliness of the measures taken by the country's leadership served as the basis for holding the international forum "Dialogue of Declarations" in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara on May 16-20, 2022. This event was part of the systematic and consistent efforts of Uzbekistan to practically implement the principles and provisions enshrined in the Special Resolution of the UN General Assembly "Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance", adopted in 2018 on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

It is especially worth noting that at the past 76th session of the UN General Assembly, the "Bukhara Declaration" adopted following the results of this forum was recognized as an official UN document. As an official UN document, the document has been translated into 6 languages and distributed among the UN member states, as well as specialized agencies of the organization.

The second round of the international forum will be held on September 10-13, 2025 with the assistance of several NGOs from the USA. The participants of the event also visited Samarkand, where they got acquainted with the activities of the reconstructed complex of Imam Bukhari.

Uzbekistan has special dates that are closely related to the religious life of believers: these are "Day of Friendship of Peoples", celebrated on July 30, and "International Day of Tolerance", celebrated on November 16. Both of these dates are marked not only by holding events, but also by awarding the corresponding badges - the badge "Khalklar dustligi" ("Friendship of Peoples") has been awarded since 2021, and the badge "Diniy bagrikenklik" ("Religious Tolerance") began to be awarded to distinguished citizens since 2023. Among the awardees are representatives of various religious denominations of Uzbekistan.

At the same time, Uzbekistan attaches great importance to the preservation of religious and spiritual heritage, the enrichment of existing funds, the creation of necessary conditions for local and foreign researchers to work with historical sources, and the comprehensive study of historical and cultural heritage.

Today, in the country, in order to ensure interethnic and interfaith harmony in society, a legislative framework has been created that provides for the observance of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens.

The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan enshrines the norm on freedom of religion for every person. Attention is also paid to improving and liberalizing national legislation in the field of religion. The procedures for obtaining permission for the production, import and distribution of religious literature have been simplified. The procedure for state registration of religious organizations has been further optimized.

Currently, the new Law "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations" is in force, which contributes to ensuring the constitutional rights of citizens of the country to freedom of conscience and religion.

Noting the fundamental innovations in the Law as a consistent continuation of large-scale reforms in the religious and educational sphere, special attention should be paid, first of all, to the creation of favorable conditions for ensuring freedom of conscience for every person, and clarifying law enforcement practice.

Currently, 2373 religious organizations of 16 religious denominations operate in Uzbekistan. Of these, Muslim organizations - 2174, which is 92 percent of the total number.

There are also 181 Christian organizations, 8 Jewish communities, 7 Baha'i communities, one Krishna society and one Buddhist temple, as well as the interfaith Biblical Society of Uzbekistan operating in Uzbekistan.

Recently, 134 religious organizations have been registered in Uzbekistan, including 3 higher and one secondary specialized Islamic educational institutions in Bukhara, Samarkand and Termez, 105 mosques and 25 non-Islamic organizations of 7 different religious denominations.

At the same time, the national legislation of Uzbekistan does not provide for any restrictions on the number of religious organizations or the terms of their registration.

Religious organizations operating in the republic, along with other public organizations, actively participate in spiritual and educational work, make a significant contribution to improving the spirituality of society, and forming strong beliefs in young people based on patriotism, as well as interfaith and interethnic tolerance.

It should be noted that religious policy in Uzbekistan is based on the principles of the secular nature of the state, religious tolerance and equal treatment of all religions. In the republic, representatives of various nations and ethnic groups professing Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and other religions carry out their activities on equal terms.

All conditions have been created for adherents of each denomination, allowing them to freely and unhindered practice their religion.

Believers freely pray in mosques, churches, synagogues, observe fasting, and also make pilgrimages. Religious organizations have the right to own territory, publish literature, train their religious ministers, and organize pilgrimages to holy places.

The freedom of religion guaranteed by the national legislation of Uzbekistan has created all the necessary conditions for meeting the religious needs of all citizens - representatives of 136 national and ethnic groups.

Representatives of different faiths freely celebrate all religious holidays. Thus, from year to year, Kurban-Hayit and Ramadan-Hayit are celebrated on an increasingly large scale among Muslims, Easter and Christmas - among Christians, Pesach, Purim and Hanukkah - among Jews, Navruz - among Baha'is, as well as celebrations dedicated to Buddha and Krishna and other major events.

Believers make pilgrimages to holy places: Muslims to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj and Umrah rituals, Christians - to Russia, Greece and Israel, Jews - to Israel.

Over the years of independence, more than 484 thousand Muslims have made pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia, including 188 thousand - Hajj and 296 thousand - Umrah, more than 3.2 thousand Christians and Jews have visited religious shrines in Israel, Russia, Turkey, Italy, Georgia, Greece.

To meet the spiritual needs of society, a large number of religious literature of various orientations is published annually. To fully cover the religious life of Uzbekistan, a number of newspapers and magazines are published, including the newspapers "Islom nuri", "Slovo zhizni", the magazines "Khidoyat", "Vostok svyshe".

Today, in Uzbekistan, on a systematic basis, a set of measures is being carried out to protect the population from the negative influence of destructive ideas that reflect radical extremist ideology and religious fanaticism.

An important step in this direction was the application of acts of pardon. In particular, since 2017, 29 decrees of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan have been adopted on pardoning persons who have committed crimes.

It should be noted that in recent years, within the framework of the consistent policy pursued in Uzbekistan in the field of protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, special attention is paid to measures aimed at protecting the rights, freedoms, honor and dignity not only of citizens residing in the republic, but also of our compatriots who find themselves in difficult life situations in foreign countries.

Unfortunately, some of our citizens, who have fallen under the influence of alien ideas, believing false promises, in different years joined the ranks of international terrorist organizations in armed conflict zones abroad. Spouses, fathers of some women returned as part of humanitarian operations, died in the course of armed clashes.

Given this circumstance, on the instructions of the President of Uzbekistan, five humanitarian actions "Mehr" were successfully carried out in 2019-2021, within the framework of which more than 500 citizens of the republic, mainly women and children, were returned to their homeland from the zones of armed conflicts in the Middle East and in Afghanistan.

In order to further assist in their speedy reintegration and rehabilitation, a set of measures has been implemented at the state level to provide timely medical, psychological, material and moral assistance. To date, all returnees have been provided with the necessary conditions for their adaptation to peaceful life and integration into society, access to educational and other social programs has been provided, including through the provision of housing and employment.

In general, it is worth noting that an important distinguishing feature of the religious life of modern Uzbekistan is the inadmissibility of establishing advantages or restrictions for one religion in relation to other denominations.

One of the main priorities of reforming society in order to ensure interethnic harmony and religious tolerance is to ensure and protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, their equality before the law regardless of race, gender, nationality, language, social origin, beliefs, religion, personal and social status, which are enshrined in the Constitution of Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan consistently and steadily fulfills its international obligations in the field of ensuring religious freedoms within the framework of international human rights treaties.

As is known, Uzbekistan has acceded to more than 70 major international human rights instruments. Accession to these documents contributed to the creation of an effective human rights protection system in Uzbekistan.

It is important that Uzbekistan's policy in the field of religion, aimed at strengthening interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance in society, is an important factor of stability and security.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the large-scale reforms being carried out in the country are a clear confirmation of the consistent continuation by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of the implementation of the principle "Everything in the name of man, in the name of his future."

Committee on Religious Affairs

Uzbekistan is a country of youth. According to statistical data, about 60% of Uzbekistan's population is under the age of 30. Thus, over 18 million residents of Uzbekistan are young people, and by 2040 this number could reach 25 million. This creates unique opportunities and specific challenges for the state in terms of providing education, employment, and social integration for the youth. On February 21 of this year, a Presidential Decree approved the State Program for the implementation of the "Uzbekistan - 2030" Strategy in the Year of Support for Youth and Business. It outlines a number of tasks aimed at addressing the problems faced by young people and realizing their potential.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has prioritized creating favorable conditions to ensure the rights and interests of the younger generation. This includes providing them with access to quality education, meaningful employment opportunities, and avenues to realize their talents and abilities. Significant efforts have been made in this direction as part of state policy.

A vivid confirmation of this is the adoption and consistent implementation of over 100 legislative acts concerning this sphere within a short period. The inclusion of specific articles on the rights and interests of the younger generation in the updated Constitution of Uzbekistan undoubtedly opens new opportunities for further strengthening the legal framework and elevating practical work in this area to a new level.

During the past period, a completely new vertical management system for working with youth has been established.

In all neighborhoods (mahallas) of the country, youth leaders are active. Thanks to this system, over 100 different opportunities have been created for youth within the neighborhoods.

A system called the "Youth Notebook" has been established, through which over 1.1 million young people have received assistance across
25 different areas totaling 1.3 trillion UZS. Specifically, tens of thousands of students from low-income families have had their tuition fees covered under fee-based contracts.

The number of higher educational institutions in the country has almost tripled, reaching 199, and enrollment has increased from 9 to
38 percent. This expansion opens up extensive opportunities for youth to acquire modern knowledge and professions.

In the country, 210 youth industrial and entrepreneurial zones have been established, with 2,500 projects implemented amounting to 4 trillion UZS. As a result, the number of young entrepreneurs has doubled, surpassing 200,000.

In recent years, more than 750 young people who make a significant contribution to the prosperity of the Motherland have received state awards.

It is heartening that the youth of the country are effectively utilizing the opportunities provided and inspiring with their achievements in various fields.

For further effective implementation of State youth policy in Uzbekistan, it is necessary to continue effective reforms to create a solid organizational, legal and institutional framework.

First of all, work will continue to develop new constitutional norms on the rights of young people in existing legislation.

At the same time, in the coming period, special attention will be paid to the qualitative execution of tasks defined in the State Program on the implementation of the Strategy "Uzbekistan - 2030" in the Year of Support for Youth and Business.

Thus, every region, ministry and department has begun to introduce a new approach to work with young people. The improvement of scientific and analytical work on the study of youth problems and the training of promising personnel is considered relevant.

Today, rapid measures are being taken to increase the number of young people learning foreign languages under the "Ibrat Farzandlari" project
to 1 million, and the number of young readers under the "Mutolaa" program up to 1.5 million. Additional infrastructure is being built in the regions for this purpose. At the same time, special attention should be paid to the creation of broader conditions for the meaningful organization of leisure activities and the realization of young people's talents and abilities.

Thus, the systemic reforms carried out in Uzbekistan have led to significant achievements in the field of education and the spiritual, intellectual, physical and moral development of young people. The increase in the number of educational institutions, the improvement in the quality of education, the active participation of young people in scientific and cultural events, and the implementation of social projects - all this is evidence of positive changes and the strengthening of the foundations for the harmonious development of the younger generation.

Bekzod Jurabayev,
Chief scientific researcher of the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the Council of Young Scientists of the Institute