On August 14-15, 2025, the VIII Central Asian Expert Forum (CAEF) will be held in Tashkent under the title “Central Asia – a common space of trust, security and sustainable development”.

Established in 2018, the CAEF is held annually in the country chairing the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. The forum serves as an important platform for discussing the current state and prospects of regional cooperation, as well as developing recommendations for the further development of cooperation in Central Asia.

The Forum is organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS). Event partners include the Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

The Forum will traditionally bring together heads and specialists of strategic institutes, research centers, and academic institutions from across the region. For the first time, prominent experts from the EU, ASEAN, the Nordic Council, as well as researchers from the Russian Federation, the USA, Great Britain, Switzerland and Azerbaijan have been invited to participate in its work in order to exchange experience in regional studies.

The Forum’s program will focus on prospects for deepening regional cooperation and explore specific measures to promote multifaceted collaboration.

In addition, the Forum will feature separate events: a scientific-practical conference on shaping regional identity and a roundtable discussing prospects for partnership between Central Asia and Northern Europe.

The upcoming expert dialogue is expected to identify common interests and outline priorities for Central Asia’s future development. The resulting recommendations will enrich the agenda of the forthcoming Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, scheduled to take place this year in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan's upcoming elections for the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) and the Councils of People's Deputies, scheduled for October 27th, are not just a routine event. They mark a significant milestone in the nation's democratic journey, introducing groundbreaking changes that promise to transform the electoral landscape. The recent meeting of the Central Election Commission unveiled several key innovations that will ensure greater efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity, making these elections a matter of global interest.

For the first time in the nation's history, the Legislative Chamber elections will employ a mixed electoral system, combining majoritarian and proportional representation. This change means that voters will elect seventy-five deputies directly, while another seventy-five will be chosen based on party votes. This system aims to create a more balanced and representative legislature, enhancing democratic legitimacy and ensuring a broader spectrum of political voices.

One of the most notable advancements in Uzbekistan's electoral system is the full digitization of election commission activities. The introduction of the 'E-Saylov' information system is a significant leap forward, revolutionizing the election process. This digital platform not only streamlines the process, reducing bureaucracy and document handling, but also ensures a smoother, more efficient, and transparent electoral experience. It automates interactions between election commissions, political parties, candidates, observers, and the media, providing real-time statistical data, candidate information, and interactive maps. This technological leap empowers voters with unprecedented access to essential election-related information, making the electoral process more inclusive and transparent.

Inclusivity is another cornerstone of these elections. New election legislation requires political parties to ensure that at least 40% of their candidates are women, a progressive move towards gender equality in political representation. This requirement not only aligns Uzbekistan with advanced democratic standards but also enriches the political discourse by incorporating diverse perspectives.

The elections are taking place in a context where the updated Constitution has significantly enhanced the powers of parliament and representative bodies. The Legislative Chamber's powers have increased from 5 to 12, and the Senate's from 12 to 18. Parliament's oversight functions over executive, judicial, law enforcement, and special services have also been expanded. Additionally, the leadership of local Councils of People's Deputies by hokims (governors) has been abolished, transferring 33 powers previously held by hokims to local Councils to increase their role in resolving critical state issues.

The slogan "My Choice—My Prosperous Homeland" not only captures the spirit of these elections but also reflects the unwavering commitment of Uzbekistan's leadership to democratic state-building and citizen empowerment. With over 120,000 election commission members, 70,000 citizens, and numerous international observers participating, the elections are set to be a transparent and inclusive process, further demonstrating this commitment.

In conclusion, Uzbekistan is setting a remarkable precedent with its upcoming elections by embracing technological innovation and inclusivity. These initiatives will undoubtedly pave the way for a more prosperous and democratic future, showcasing Uzbekistan’s dedication to advancing democratic principles and practices.

Eldor Tulyakov,

The Executive Director,

Development Strategy Centre (Uzbekistan)

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

To His Excellency

Мr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

ADDRESS

of the Participants of the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization

Your Excellency, Mr. President,

We, the participants of the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization—including heads of prestigious international organizations and academic and educational institutions from abroad, ministers, muftis, distinguished scholars, and representatives of universities, research institutes, libraries, museums, and cultural institutions from more than fifty countries—wish to express to Your Excellency our sincere appreciation and profound respect.

First and foremost, we would like to emphasize that the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization, convened at your personal initiative and with your steadfast support, has, by virtue of its substance, significance, and far-reaching impact, transcended the scope of a traditional international academic gathering. It has become a landmark event of exceptional importance, earning widespread international recognition.

There is no doubt that the visionary ideas and principles set forth in your Address to the participants shaped the Forum's agenda, defined the objectives of its deliberations, and guided the discussions held over the course of four days under the close attention of the international community. They provided the intellectual and moral foundation for meaningful dialogue and productive international scholarly cooperation.

We are confident that this Forum, which brought together leading representatives of the Muslim world's academic and intellectual community, has inaugurated a new stage of global cooperation aimed at studying, preserving, safeguarding, and promoting the rich legacy of Islamic civilization as an integral part of the shared spiritual, cultural, and intellectual heritage of humanity.

The decision to hold the Forum in the historic cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Termez further enhanced its scholarly spirit and historical significance. It was on this blessed land that, over many centuries, great centers of learning flourished and fundamental works were produced, making invaluable contributions to theology, philosophy, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and numerous other fields of knowledge. Many ideas and discoveries that profoundly influenced the progress of human civilization originated from these very cities and spread throughout the world.

We express our deep appreciation for the initiative you put forward during the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2017 to establish the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. We regard this initiative as one of the most significant international humanitarian initiatives of the past decade, marking a turning point in the understanding of the rich history and cultural heritage of this land as a unified civilizational phenomenon.

This historic initiative has created broad opportunities for bringing together the international scholarly community to promote objective research into and wider recognition of the invaluable contribution of Islamic civilization to the development of world science, culture, and spirituality. At the same time, it has become an important milestone in laying the intellectual and spiritual foundations for the New Renaissance—the Third Renaissance.

Today, we recognize more clearly than ever that this initiative has served as a timely and far-sighted response to the challenges and threats of the modern world. At a time when attempts are being made in various parts of the world to distort the humanistic essence of Islam, to set cultures and civilizations against one another, and to diminish the immense contribution of Muslim scholars to the advancement of global science and culture, you proposed a constructive path founded on enlightenment, scientific inquiry, respect for historical truth, and the objective presentation of the authentic legacy of Islamic civilization to the international community.

In doing so, a significant step has been taken toward restoring historical justice, strengthening a culture of open academic dialogue, fostering mutual respect, and expanding international humanitarian cooperation.

Today, these noble aspirations have acquired particular global significance. Indeed, it is through knowledge, historical memory, and the unification of the intellectual potential of nations that mutual trust among states is strengthened, effective resistance to extremism, radicalism, and intolerance is enhanced, understanding among civilizations is deepened, and a solid moral foundation for peace, sustainable development, and shared prosperity is established.

There is no doubt that Your Address, embodying such timely and far-reaching ideas, will remain for all of us a landmark historical and programmatic document, guiding our future joint endeavors.

We are witnessing how the Center for Islamic Civilization, established through Your Excellency's vision, wisdom, and steadfast leadership, as well as your remarkable ability to perceive the past, the present, and the future as parts of one continuous historical process, is evolving not only into a world-class scholarly and educational institution but also into a distinguished international platform that brings together states, international organizations, leading scholars, research institutions, universities, libraries, museums, and centers of spiritual and educational excellence to implement joint initiatives aimed at studying, preserving, safeguarding, and promoting the invaluable heritage of Islamic civilization. We are confident that in the years ahead the Center will rightfully take its place among the world's leading institutions in the humanities and become a major cultural, educational, and academic hub where innovative ideas, collaborative research, and long-term international partnerships will flourish.

We have been particularly impressed by the large-scale reforms being carried out in the Republic of Uzbekistan to preserve and promote its spiritual, scholarly, and cultural heritage. The Center for Islamic Civilization, the renovated Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex, the International Research Centers named after Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Maturidi, and Imam al-Tirmidhi, the International Academy of Islamic Studies, the Tashkent Islamic Institute named after Imam al-Bukhari, and other unique institutions stand as compelling evidence of the consistent state policy aimed at preserving historical memory, advancing fundamental scholarship, and strengthening international humanitarian cooperation.

In a word, the Republic of Uzbekistan, as one of the oldest cradles of Islamic scholarship, culture, and enlightenment, is today further consolidating its historic role as a leading center for humanitarian cooperation, academic research, and dialogue among civilizations.

Your Excellency, Mr. President,

The fact that the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization was held under the theme "Peace, Tolerance and Enlightenment" deserves particular recognition. These timeless and interconnected values, which embody the humanistic essence of Islamic civilization, are of enduring relevance to the contemporary world. This great legacy constitutes an inseparable part of the cultural, spiritual, and intellectual heritage of all humankind. Accordingly, its preservation, comprehensive study, and transmission to future generations represent a shared responsibility of international organizations, governments, the global academic community, and all those committed to promoting peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation.

We express our full support for the Declaration adopted upon the conclusion of the Forum, as well as for the Roadmap on the Preservation, Study, and Advancement of Islamic Civilization, regarding them as a solid foundation for long-term international cooperation. We sincerely hope that Your Excellency will continue to provide leadership and unwavering support for the implementation of the initiatives set forth in these documents, further strengthening international cooperation, safeguarding our shared spiritual heritage, and advancing Islamic civilization as a source of peace, enlightenment, and mutual understanding.

With a view to translating the Forum's decisions into practical action, we intend, in consultation with Your Excellency, to put forward the initiative to establish the World Alliance for Islamic Civilization. We believe that the Alliance will serve to coordinate joint research programs, promote the training of highly qualified specialists, expand academic exchanges, implement international publishing initiatives, preserve and promote cultural heritage, and further strengthen humanitarian cooperation among nations.

The decisions adopted during the Forum clearly demonstrate that this noble initiative, which originated in Uzbekistan, has gained broad international support and is becoming a shared endeavor of the global scholarly and intellectual community.

Here is a polished and formal English translation suitable for an official international declaration:

We hereby reaffirm our readiness to combine our intellectual, academic, and spiritual capacities to implement these resolutions and to preserve and pass on the great heritage of Islamic civilization to future generations.

We are confident that the resolutions adopted in the ancient land of Uzbekistan will serve as a solid foundation for a new stage of international cooperation in the study, preservation, and wide dissemination of the heritage of Islamic civilization.

By adopting this Appeal, we once again acknowledge the great collective responsibility we undertake in implementing these resolutions and reaffirm our commitment to working alongside you in promoting peace, enlightenment, mutual respect, and the preservation of the great spiritual and intellectual heritage that constitutes an integral part of the common legacy of all humankind.

Your Excellency, Mr. President,

We extend our profound gratitude to You, and through You to all the organizers of the Forum and the entire multinational people of Uzbekistan, for the excellent organization of the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization and for the warm and generous hospitality extended to all participants.

We wish Your Excellency good health, family happiness, and ever greater success in your noble and highly responsible service to the people of Uzbekistan.

We also wish you continued success in implementing the New Uzbekistan Strategy, laying the foundations for the Third Renaissance, and further strengthening the country's distinguished standing, prestige, and reputation as one of the world's leading centers of science, education, Islamic civilization, humanitarian cooperation, and dialogue among civilizations.

May Almighty Allah bless your noble intentions and endeavors with abundant goodness and prosperity.

May the resolutions adopted at the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization contribute to strengthening mutual understanding, justice, and cooperation among the peoples of the world.

May the Lord of the Worlds grant peace, national unity, prosperity, and continued progress to the hardworking, hospitable, and noble people of Uzbekistan—the creators of a great civilization with a history spanning three millennia. May He further enhance their creative potential and enable them to fulfill all their noble aspirations.

With the highest respect,

Participants of the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization

9 July 2026

In recent years, the Republic of Uzbekistan has embarked on a structured and institutionally grounded transition toward a green economy, positioning sustainability as a core driver of long-term economic resilience, competitiveness, and global integration.

This transformation reflects a comprehensive approach that combines policy reform, market-based instruments, and active international cooperation, enabling the country to move from strategic commitments to measurable outcomes.

The foundation of Uzbekistan’s green transition was laid through the adoption of a comprehensive policy framework in 2022, which established strategic priorities for green growth through 2030. This framework includes sectoral energy efficiency concepts, a national green growth program, and a detailed action plan.

Importantly, the government has set clear quantitative targets, including reducing the energy intensity of GDP by 20 percent by 2026 compared to 2022 levels. Institutional capacity has also been strengthened through the establishment of interagency coordination mechanisms and donor engagement platforms, ensuring coherent implementation across sectors. 

A major milestone in the reform process has been the introduction of a green energy certificate system, which enables verification that electricity is generated from renewable sources. This system has facilitated the development of a transparent renewable energy market and strengthened the ability of domestic producers to access environmentally regulated export markets.

To date, more than 446,000 green energy certificates have been issued and traded, reflecting growing demand for clean energy solutions and increasing private sector engagement.

Uzbekistan has taken a pioneering role in Central Asia in developing carbon market mechanisms. In cooperation with the World Bank, the country is implementing innovative approaches to carbon trading in line with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

Through initiatives such as the iCRAFT project, supported by the Transformative Carbon Asset Facility (TCAF), Uzbekistan is mobilizing up to $46.2 million in climate finance between 2024 and 2028. Initial results include the reduction of approximately 10 million tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions and the attraction of around $15 million in funding.

At the same time, regulatory frameworks for international carbon trading and emissions accounting are being developed, positioning Uzbekistan for full participation in global carbon markets. 

A key achievement has been the adoption of the Law on Limiting Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2025, which establishes the legal foundation for emissions regulation, national registries, and climate policy instruments.

Complementing this, Uzbekistan has introduced a national transparency system to monitor progress toward its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This system enhances data reliability, strengthens accountability, and builds trust among international investors and development partners. 

Uzbekistan is actively developing a national green finance ecosystem aimed at mobilizing public, private, and international capital. Policy efforts include the development of green financing frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and project pipelines.

International partners play a critical role in this process. Cooperation with institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has enabled the implementation of green financing programs, including the Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF), channeling substantial resources into energy efficiency and sustainable technologies.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan’s participation in the Climate Investment Funds Industrial Decarbonization Program provides access to up to $250 million in concessional financing, significantly expanding the scale of green investments. 

The transition to a green economy is closely linked to industrial modernization.

Uzbekistan is implementing targeted programs to support enterprises in adopting low-carbon technologies, improving resource efficiency, and enhancing competitiveness.

Partnerships with international organizations, including German development institutions, are facilitating policy development, capacity building, and practical support for small and medium-sized enterprises in reducing emissions and transitioning to sustainable production models.

Uzbekistan continues to strengthen its role in global climate governance through active international engagement. The country has joined the Global Methane Pledge, committing to reduce methane emissions by at least 30 percent by 2030.

Bilateral cooperation is expanding through mechanisms such as the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) with Japan, as well as climate partnerships with the Republic of Korea, Germany, and Hungary under the Paris Agreement framework.

In addition, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has joined the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, reflecting the integration of climate considerations into macroeconomic and fiscal policy. 

Digital transformation plays an increasingly important role in supporting green reforms. Uzbekistan has launched a national online platform that consolidates data on green projects, regulatory frameworks, and international practices.

This digital infrastructure enhances transparency, supports evidence-based policymaking, and improves coordination across institutions.

Uzbekistan’s transition to a green economy represents a comprehensive and forward-looking reform agenda that integrates institutional development, market mechanisms, and international cooperation.

The progress achieved to date demonstrates a clear shift from policy design to effective implementation. By strengthening governance frameworks, mobilizing green finance, and fostering global partnerships, Uzbekistan is building a resilient and sustainable economic model.

In the long term, the green transition is expected to serve not only as an environmental imperative but also as a key driver of economic growth, investment attractiveness, and deeper integration into the global economy.

Ministry of Economy and Finance

of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In recent years, the deepening cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan has emerged as a significant new strategic direction across Eurasia. Two countries standing at the historic crossroads of ancient trade routes are now consistently building a modern “architecture of connectivity” that permeates all key areas, including the economy, culture, education, and technology. Their shared centuries-old historical roots, dating back to the era of the Great Silk Road, are being transformed into concrete projects and initiatives capable of strengthening economic resilience, ensuring technological independence, and creating a solid foundation for regional integration.

Since the early 2020s, relations between Tashkent and Islamabad have been developing steadily, largely driven by the strong political will of the leaders of both countries. The Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, signed in 2021, set a high pace for bilateral dialogue, opening a new chapter in the history of relations. Regular meetings at the highest level, active consultations between the foreign ministries, and engagement within international forums make it possible to address pressing issues in a timely manner, identify mutually acceptable solutions, and explore promising areas of cooperation.

A vivid confirmation of the strengthening bilateral ties was the official visit of the Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan in February 2025 and his meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The leaders of both countries expressed deep satisfaction with the impressive dynamics of multifaceted cooperation encompassing the economy, investment, transport, digital technologies, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Admiring the achievements of Uzbekistan’s large-scale reforms under the Presidency of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Shehbaz Sharif stated that “miracles are possible only through a clear vision, high dynamism, hard work, and a resolute pursuit of a common goal.”

The culmination of the Prime Minister’s visit was the establishment of the High-Level Strategic Partnership Council, which imparted a new strategic impetus to bilateral relations. This step not only consolidated the prior agreements but also created a strong institutional platform for systematic cooperation.

The legislative framework of bilateral cooperation plays a key role in strengthening strategic interaction between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. A special contribution in this regard is made by inter-parliamentary friendship groups, which consistently promote legislative initiatives aimed at simplifying business procedures, increasing transparency, and creating a reliable legal environment for the implementation of joint projects. Their work forms a long-term platform of trust that ensures stability and predictability in bilateral relations.

The economic sector, in turn, serves as the most visible indicator of cooperation dynamics. Pakistan confidently ranks among Uzbekistan’s leading trade partners in South Asia, demonstrating strong interest in the Uzbek market. Over recent years, bilateral trade turnover has increased manifold and continues to grow steadily. In 2025, mutual trade exceeded $440 million, which is twelve times higher than in 2016, with particular attention drawn to Uzbek exports amounting to over $320 million.

These figures not only reflect the growing interest of businesses in both countries in expanding mutually beneficial cooperation but also demonstrate the emergence of a more diversified and resilient trade model incorporating new industries and segments. The current environment creates a foundation for further development of investment flows, financial services, and joint projects in mining, energy, and digital technologies, opening additional opportunities for deepening strategic partnership.

In line with agreements reached at the highest level, concrete steps have been outlined to increase bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion in the near future.

An important tool for achieving this goal has been the Preferential Trade Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which provides customs benefits for 17 categories of goods from each side. This significantly facilitates market entry for companies and stimulates the expansion of trade flows.

At the same time, business ties are expanding rapidly. An increasing number of Uzbek and Pakistani companies are finding partners, establishing joint ventures, and exploring new niches. As of October 1, 2025, around 180 companies with Pakistani capital are operating in Uzbekistan, reflecting growing business confidence in joint projects and long-term partnership.

Cooperation spans a wide range of sectors – from the textile and food industries to the production of construction materials, electrical equipment, and logistics. Regular meetings of the intergovernmental commission, business forums, and specialized exhibitions serve as effective platforms for direct dialogue, experience exchange, and contract signing. The agreements concluded at these venues already amount to hundreds of millions of dollars, generating tangible economic returns and laying a solid foundation for further expansion of cooperation.

In 2024, Tashkent hosted the first International Exhibition “Made in Pakistan” and a joint Logistics Forum, featuring more than 80 leading Pakistani companies. These events created a platform for direct business dialogue, demonstrating real opportunities for joint ventures and logistics cooperation.

In turn, a national exhibition “Made in Uzbekistan” was held in Lahore in February 2025, resulting in the signing of 181 bilateral trade agreements worth $500 million. These events clearly illustrate mutual interest in expanding trade turnover and growing business confidence in bilateral cooperation prospects.

Significant progress has also been achieved in investment cooperation. In 2024, $33 million in Pakistani investments were utilized within joint projects, and from January to July 2025 this figure more than doubled, reaching nearly $70 million. This steady growth reflects increasing interest in long-term projects, confirms the stability of the business environment, and opens new opportunities for expanding strategic partnership.

Active work continues on joint projects in the textile, pharmaceutical, perfumery, and agricultural sectors, allowing both sides to strengthen traditional industries while developing new high value-added niches. Notably, Uzbek companies are conducting feasibility studies in Pakistan for the production of household appliances, tractors, smart meters, and modern gas blocks, opening avenues for technological exchange and the adoption of advanced manufacturing solutions.

Particular attention is paid to the digital sphere, where a broad range of promising initiatives is emerging: software development, IT solutions for business and public services, and joint startups and innovation projects. This direction accelerates technological modernization, enhances competitiveness, and facilitates the integration of digital products into key sectors of the economy.

Trade infrastructure development is also a key priority. In 2025, Uzbek trade houses were opened in Lahore and Karachi, with plans to establish Pakistani trade missions in Tashkent and Samarkand. These initiatives simplify market access, stimulate business cooperation, and strengthen trust within the business community.

Thus, the combination of industrial, digital, and infrastructure cooperation creates a multi-level platform for accelerated bilateral development, transforming Uzbek–Pakistani cooperation into a strategically significant and mutually beneficial endeavor.

Transport infrastructure remains a priority area of dialogue. Central and South Asia have historically been interconnected through trade and cultural routes, and today targeted efforts are underway to restore this natural connectivity. Improved logistics, new transport corridors, and simplified transit procedures create real opportunities to boost trade and deepen cooperation. For landlocked Central Asian countries, reliable transport links are a key factor in sustainable growth and regional integration.

One of the flagship projects is the Trans-Afghan Railway, a strategic corridor capable of transforming regional transport networks, strengthening the countries’ positions within the Eurasian economic space, and establishing a solid foundation for trade, investment, and logistics flows between Central and South Asia. By reducing delivery times from several weeks to 3–5 days and cutting transport costs by 40% or more, the route will significantly enhance the competitiveness of regional goods on global markets and stimulate export-import activity.

In 2025, tangible progress was achieved: key components of the feasibility study were prepared, and intergovernmental consultations on the route design and financing terms continue, reinforcing the project’s practical implementation.

Energy cooperation is another vital area with significant joint potential. Projects in geological exploration, oil and gas development, and modernization of processing facilities can ensure strategic energy security, diversify energy sources, and stimulate industrial growth in both countries.

Along with economic cooperation, cultural and humanitarian interaction is actively developing, as the peoples of Uzbekistan and Pakistan share a rich historical heritage rooted in the Silk Road era. This commonality manifests in joint scientific projects, educational initiatives, and cultural exchanges that strengthen human ties and build long-term trust.

In Pakistan, special attention is given to the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s concept of the Third Renaissance, viewed as a continuity of Uzbekistan’s rich historical and scientific legacy. The intellectual and spiritual traditions shaped by scholars such as Al-Horezmi, Mirzo Ulugbek, and Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur inspire modern educational and innovation initiatives, reinforcing cultural and intellectual bonds between the two nations.

Tourism deserves special mention as an important component of bilateral cooperation. Uzbekistan, with its unique spiritual and architectural heritage, is increasingly attracting Pakistani tourists and pilgrims. Ancient cities and the mausoleums of prominent scholars – Imam Bukhari, Imam Termezi, and Bahauddin Naqshband – reveal the country’s rich cultural and scientific traditions while strengthening people-to-people ties as enduring as official interstate agreements.

Improved transport connectivity has become a key catalyst. Direct flights between Islamabad and Tashkent, as well as between Tashkent and Lahore, enabled over 10,000 Pakistani tourists to visit Uzbekistan in 2025 – nearly 2.5 times more than in 2023. This data highlights both growing demand for tourism routes and the effectiveness of integration measures in transport and logistics.

Taken together, tourism, cultural, and economic initiatives form a solid platform for deepening connectivity between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. This comprehensive cooperation model not only enhances economic potential but also strengthens long-term trust, making bilateral relations a key component of regional integration between Central and South Asia.

The upcoming visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Islamabad early February 2026 will mark an important milestone in enhancing strategic partnership. It will open new opportunities for joint initiatives, activate projects in the economy, transport, energy, and digital technologies, and provide additional momentum to cooperation, enhancing its practical impact and strategic significance.

Today, it is especially important to maintain the high momentum of interaction, expand practical cooperation mechanisms, cascade dialogue to lower governance levels, and more actively engage regions, small and medium-sized enterprises, the academic community, youth, and civil society institutions. Such a comprehensive approach will not only consolidate achievements but also ensure sustainable growth of mutual cooperation, creating a platform for new joint projects and initiatives at all levels.

Thus, the “bridges of friendship” built between Uzbekistan and Pakistan – rooted in shared history, traditions, and spiritual affinity – connect the past and present while opening the way for deeper comprehensive cooperation. They transform traditional mutual trust into sustainable and long-term partnership forms that will serve as a foundation for expanding interaction at all levels, from local initiatives to strategic projects of regional significance.

Nigora Sultanova,

Chief Research Fellow at the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On May 15, 2026, an informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States will be held in the city of Turkestan.

The upcoming high-level event will serve as a vital platform for discussing pressing issues of cooperation and defining the next priority areas for the development of interaction among member states.

The formation of the Turkic integration space has a multi-century history, rooted not only in the commonality of language, culture, and historical heritage but also in the rich traditions of enlightenment and intellectual thought of the Turkic peoples. The Jadidism movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries played a pivotal role in shaping the ideas of cultural and spiritual rapprochement. Its representatives advocated for education, science, social modernization and the strengthening of ties between the Turkic nations.

The first summit of the heads of Turkic-speaking states was held in 1992 in Ankara at the initiative of Turkish Prime Minister Turgut Özal. In the 1996 Tashkent Declaration, the heads of state solidified the provision for establishing a Secretariat. Over the following years, this format evolved consistently, leading to the establishment of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States in Nakhchivan in 2009. At the 2021 Istanbul Summit, a decision was made to transform the entity into the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). This reflected the expansion of the organization's activities and its growing international significance.

The primary objective of the organization is to develop comprehensive cooperation among the member states - Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan. Priority tasks include strengthening mutual trust and good-neighborly relations, coordinating foreign policy positions and expanding cooperation in trade, economic, transport, energy, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Special attention is paid to creating favourable conditions for trade and investment, developing scientific and technical cooperation and improving the living standards of the region's population.

The organizational structure of the OTS includes a number of key institutions that coordinate multilateral cooperation. The Council of Heads of State is the supreme body, which defines strategic development goals and holds regular meetings. The Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States serves in a consultative capacity. Bringing together influential representatives from member states, it serves to strengthen the traditions of mutual understanding and trust within the Turkic world.

Uzbekistan has been an active participant in the processes of bringing Turkic states closer and developing multilateral cooperation within this format from the very beginning. A new turning point was President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's participation as a guest of honour in the 6th Summit of Turkic-Speaking States, held on September 3, 2018, in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. This step provided a new impetus to the organization's development. In 2019, the Republic ratified the Nakhchivan Agreement, officially formalizing its full-fledged participation in the activities of the OTS.

With Uzbekistan’s accession, the organization’s activities and the cooperation agenda among member states have intensified significantly. At the summits held between 2019 and 2025, the President of Uzbekistan put forward 116 initiatives aimed at deepening multifaceted cooperation. To date, 64 of these have been implemented, with several other projects currently in their final stages. These figures demonstrate Uzbekistan’s systematic and practical approach toward developing integration processes within the Turkic space.

The implemented initiatives cover a comprehensive range of areas. In the fields of economy and transport, the introduction of the “e-Permit”, “Digital TIR” and “Green Corridor” systems - aimed at streamlining logistics processes and developing the region's transit potential - has been of particular importance. In the tourism sector, key highlights included the declaration of Kokand as the Tourism Capital of the Turkic World and the implementation of the “Tabarruk Ziyorat” (Sacred Pilgrimage) project, which serves to develop pilgrimage tourism.

Cooperation in the fields of youth policy, science, and education is developing actively. Youth leadership forums, international conferences, and events within the framework of the Turkic Universities Union are being held regularly. At the same time, significant attention is paid to innovative development - IT forums, startup platforms and meetings of sectoral agencies are organized, including cooperation in the space industry and defence sectors. This reflects the striving of member states to form a unified technological space.

Uzbekistan's chairmanship, which began following the outcomes of the 2022 Samarkand Summit, holds particular significance for the development of the Organization of Turkic States. During this period, the country not only intensified practical cooperation but also introduced institutional innovations to the organization's activities. In particular, for the first time, the practice of developing a comprehensive Concept and Action Plan for the chairmanship period was introduced. This made it possible to give the cooperation a more systematic and consistent character. Within the framework of the chairmanship, more than 100 events were held at various levels, covering key areas from economy and transport to science, culture and education.

Today, OTS agenda is being shaped taking into account the interests of all participating states, with each country contributing to the development of integration processes.

Economic cooperation within the OTS framework demonstrates steady positive growth. According to the results of recent years, Uzbekistan's trade turnover with the member states of the organization has been consistently increasing and exceeded USD 10.8 billion in 2025. Kazakhstan and Türkiye remain our country's primary trading partners. At the same time, an increase in bilateral trade with other member states is also being observed. This indicates the deepening of economic integration and cooperation ties within the region.

From this perspective, the upcoming summit of the Organization of Turkic States to be held in the city of Turkistan will serve as a vital platform for discussing future directions of multilateral cooperation and developing new joint initiatives. Given the summit's theme, special attention is expected to be paid to digital transformation, the development of joint innovation ecosystems, the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies, strengthening cooperation in digital infrastructure and the training of highly skilled modern personnel.

At the same time, discussions are planned to cover the strengthening of trade and economic ties, the development of transport and logistics connectivity, the expansion of investment cooperation, as well as the promotion of joint high-tech and innovative projects within the Turkic space.

According to experts, Uzbekistan, as a supporter of deepening practical cooperation and strengthening mutual trust within the Turkic space, will continue to actively contribute to the realization of the organization’s common goals. The expected agreements and initiatives are anticipated to provide a new impetus to integration processes, serve the sustainable development of the region, and further enhance the international prestige of the Organization of Turkic States.

Dunyo IA

Despite its limited access to the world's major ports, Uzbekistan can fully develop its transportation and logistics industry through the formation of land transport corridors, developing them throughout the Eurasian region. Being located in the center of the crossroads of trade routes during the Great Silk Road, Uzbekistan has a unique opportunity to become an important provider of logistics of cargo flows between China and Southern Europe, on the one hand, and the Indian Peninsula and CIS, Northern Europe, on the other hand.
Landlocked countries account for less than 1% of world exports. Moreover, the share of Central Asian countries in the global export of transport services is very small and is represented in the following proportions: Uzbekistan, which has access to the sea only through two countries – 0.1%, Kazakhstan – 0.3%, Tajikistan – 0.007%, Kyrgyzstan – 0.03%.
However, the transport complex of Uzbekistan maintains a dominant position in foreign trade in services and is one of the main sources of foreign currency inflow into the country. Transport services in the republic form 43% of the total volume of the country's service exports and 65% of the balance of foreign trade in services. Uzbekistan's transport service exports in 2022 amounted to $2.2 billion, and the positive balance of foreign trade in transport services amounted to $1.7 billion.


Figure 1. Uzbekistan’s share in global exports of transport services in 2022, %


Calculated according to UNCTAD and Statistics Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan
One of the main problems of Uzbekistan's international freight transport is the underutilization of its export and transit potential, which reduces revenues from the export of transport and logistics services. For example, when comparing actual exports in tons, Uzbekistan is behind Russia by 20 times, Turkey by 10 times, and Kazakhstan by 9 times.
In 2023, the volume of interstate cargo transportation in the Republic of Uzbekistan amounted to 62 million tons, which is 16% higher than in 2022. The largest share in the volume of export-import cargo transportation of the republic falls on Kazakhstan (30%), to a lesser extent on Russia (26%), China (10%), and Afghanistan (4%). Rail transport accounts for the largest share (76%) of Uzbekistan's international cargo transportation (export, import, and transit). The export of transport services includes the transit of goods through the territory of Uzbekistan with a total share in the export of railway services of up to 45%.
The unrealized transit crossroads of Eurasia
One of the main global logistics trends is trade between China and the EU. According to the ERAI review, in 2023, the trade turnover between them amounted to 738 million euros, and according to EUROSTAT exceeded 104 million tons. In the current realities, rail transportation between Europe and China is carried out along the Eurasian route through the territories of Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus; Mongolia and Russia (Naushki border crossing), as well as along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route – TITR (Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Black Sea).
Part of the cargo flows that previously passed through the northern corridor has been redirected to TITR. However, the Eurasian route continues to occupy a leading position. In 2023, a total of 674 thousand TEU passed along this route, which is 1.1% less than in 2022 (681 thousand TEU), but at the same time, in the first half of 2024, the volume of container traffic by China-Europe trains along TITR increased by 12.8% with a volume of 196.6 thousand TEU.
As can be seen, Uzbekistan does not fit into the list of major transit countries between China and the EU in the "Eurasian" and "Trans-Caspian" directions and claims only a part of the target markets mainly in direction along the Southern Corridor through Turkmenistan, Iran, and Turkey.
So, a limited number of international transport corridors pass through the territory of Uzbekistan. The main countries forming the transit of Uzbekistan are neighboring Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as Russia, which is considered an important trading partner for the Central Asian countries. The transport isolation of the region, undiversified transport routes, and limited export deliveries mainly in the northern direction lead to a loss of profit due to the sale of domestic goods mainly to neighboring countries at a fairly low cost.
Transit Priorities
To sell domestic products at competitive world prices, Uzbekistan needs to develop additional export trade routes to other countries, such as China, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, India, Pakistan, and others. This requires competitive and efficient transport and transit corridors that allow for increasing the volume of transit cargo through the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Therefore, the priority directions identified by 2030 for the development of international transport corridors and bringing the volume of transit traffic through the territory of the republic to 16 million tons include the task of increasing revenues from the export of transport services. The key task in this case is to increase the volume of multimodal cargo transportation in the directions of China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan (Kashgar–Irkeshtam–Osh–Andijan–Tashkent) and Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan (Termez – Hairatan – Logar – Karachi).
China - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan. The volume of cargo transportation of the PRC with such countries as Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in 2023 amounted to almost 50 million tons, with the main volume of cargo transportation carried out by sea transport. Studies have shown that it is possible to attract part of the cargo to the "China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan" route, in the amount of about 10 million tons, and with the stable organization of cargo transportation along the route, the volume of cargo transportation by 2040 may increase by 4 times.
Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan. The geographical proximity to Afghanistan, and further south to Pakistan and India, gives Uzbekistan the opportunity to unlock its existing potential and provide cargo transportation services in export, import, and transit traffic in the direction of South Asian countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India), without competing for existing transport and trade corridors. Therefore, Uzbekistan is extremely interested in trade and transport cooperation with Afghanistan and in the implementation of the Trans-Afghan Railway project "Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan." This road will allow establishing a direct rail link between Uzbekistan and Pakistan through the territory of Afghanistan with further access to the ports of the Indian Ocean.
The importance and effectiveness of the "Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan" (UAP) project can be significantly increased if it is implemented in parallel with the project of building the "Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan – China" (CKU) railway line, which is the shortest way to connect China with Pakistan and India and will allow a multiple increase in the volume of traffic from/to China to the countries of Central and South Asia.
In this regard, within the framework of two strategic projects UAP and CKU, the ongoing activities on formation of new uninterrupted perspective multimodal transport corridors in the region are relevant. In November 2023 in Tashkent within the framework of the ECO Ministerial Meeting the Protocol of the multilateral meeting on establishment of the international multimodal route between Asia-Europe through “Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Türkiye”, was signed.

In November 2023, a Memorandum on mutual Understanding on the creation and development of international transport corridor “Belarus-Russia-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan” with access to the ports of the Indian Ocean was signed in Tashkent. In April of this year, Termez hosted meetings of transportation agencies and railway administrations of the countries-participants of this corridor, which resulted in the adoption of the Road Map, including the main activities for further development of the corridor.
It should be noted that the abovementioned documents are open for other interested countries to join the transport corridors.
Multifaceted Transport Policy
It should be noted that the policy of forming international transport corridors in Uzbekistan is somewhat different from the policies of several other countries and is aimed at attracting as many countries as possible to the active development of a branched network of transport corridors that ensure efficient foreign trade cargo transportation. As emphasized by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the SCO Summit in Astana on July 4 of this year, "the multivariance of transport corridors is the most important condition for the sustainable development of our entire region."
However, the effective functioning of various corridor options is hindered by the lack of unified Cargo Transportation Rules, a unified Transport Document Standard that would be used on all types of transport, as well as the absence of digital platforms for providing customers with freight transportation services remotely from anywhere in the world. All this slows down the transport integration of Asian countries in the context of developing routes between Central and South Asia, and China, on the one hand, and the integration of Asian countries with European communications on the other.
To solve the problems of different legal and technical standards in freight transportation between European and Asian countries, which hinder the full-fledged transportation of goods without delays, it makes sense to develop new services for logistics and cargo transportation market participants, while applying modern technologies.
These include the production of universal wagons with variable gauge axle systems at the country's industrial facilities, with their further use both in Uzbekistan and southern countries, China and others, as well as the development of a digital platform for online registration of cargo transportation and transportation documents, which will lead to additional revenues from the export of transport services.
In this regard, the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, announced in June at the OTS Summit on the formation of a Council of Railway Administrations within the framework of the organization and the placement of its directorate in Tashkent, is relevant. The Council could act as a regulator for the integration of the railways of China, the Asia-Pacific region, South and Southeast Asia with the countries of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the EU.
To assess the prospects for the coordinated development of transport corridors, a forecast of foreign trade volume was made based on an analysis of panel data using a combined model of two directions of international cargo transportation: China-EU and China-CA. The results of this forecast showed that by 2050, the volume of trade between China and the EU will increase by 4.5 times compared to 2023, and between China and CA - by 5 times. At the same time, the total volume of trade between South Asian countries (India and Pakistan) with trading partners (EU, Russia, China, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan) will increase by 3.8 times compared to 2023.

In the near future, a clearly defined strategy for integrating Central Asian countries into the international transport network can help solve the region's problems and lead to an increase in the export of transport and logistics services and attract cargo flow, and later passenger flow, to the territory of the Asia-Pacific region, South and Central Asia. As the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said: "We are open to cooperation and ready to become a reliable partner in creating new transport corridors and integration projects."

Dildora Ibragimova,
Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Problems under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan

At the end of May, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will take part in the upcoming summit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in Astana.

In recent years, the participation of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in events of the Eurasian Economic Union has become an important element of the country’s foreign economic strategy, aimed at expanding practical cooperation, strengthening trade and economic ties, and developing sustainable mechanisms of regional interaction. Against the backdrop of global economic transformation, increasingly complex logistics routes, and growing competition for investment resources, the Eurasian direction is gaining particular importance for Uzbekistan.

As noted by the President of Uzbekistan during a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in 2025, “in the context of growing fragmentation of global markets, the increasing complexity of supply chains, and shifts in the allocation of investment resources, the deepening of pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation with the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union is of fundamental importance for us”. This position reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to building sustainable and long-term economic ties across the Eurasian space.

The Eurasian Economic Union is one of the largest integration associations in the post-Soviet region, established on the basis of the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space. The Union began functioning on 1 January 2015, following the entry into force of the Treaty on the EAEU, signed by Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia, later joined by Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.

The modern stage of interaction between Uzbekistan and the Eurasian Economic Union dates back to 2019, when the Republic began a comprehensive review of expanding cooperation with the bloc. On 11 December 2020, Uzbekistan officially obtained observer status in the EAEU, enabling the country to participate in the meetings of the Union’s bodies, establish a structured dialogue with the Eurasian Economic Commission, and study the practical mechanisms of the integration association’s functioning.

Since then, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EAEU has taken on a stable, systematic, and practice-oriented character. An interagency working group on cooperation with the Union was established, a mechanism of regular consultations with the Eurasian Economic Commission was put in place, and a Memorandum of Cooperation between the government of Uzbekistan and the EEC was signed. Subsequently, the parties moved on to the implementation of joint three-year cooperation plans covering trade, industry, transport, the financial sector, and digital technologies.

Uzbekistan’s participation in EAEU high-level events has also intensified. Since 2021, the President of Uzbekistan has regularly participated in meetings of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, while government representatives have taken part in the work of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council. This demonstrates the progressive development of cooperation and the growing interest of both sides in expanding practical engagement.

In recent years, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has demonstrated steady positive dynamics. The Eurasian space remains one of the most important directions of the Republic’s foreign trade. By the end of 2025, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with EAEU countries exceeded USD 20 billion, while the share of the Union’s member states in the country’s total foreign trade reached almost one quarter of overall external trade turnover.

Uzbekistan is also participating in a number of sectoral initiatives and projects within the EAEU framework. These include the development of e-commerce, the digitalization of rail freight transportation, the implementation of the “Eurasian Agroexpress” project, and cooperation on the climate agenda. These areas contribute to reducing logistics costs, simplifying cross-border trade, and enhancing the connectivity of transport corridors across the Eurasian space.

At the current stage, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Eurasian Economic Union is gradually moving to a qualitatively new level, encompassing not only trade and economic relations, but also digital transformation, technological cooperation, and the development of joint infrastructure. One of the key priorities is the removal of existing barriers and the creation of more efficient mechanisms for economic interaction.

An important component of the current stage of engagement is the development of digital integration. Uzbekistan is interested in the harmonization of digital platforms, the expansion of electronic commerce, and the introduction of modern data exchange mechanisms. Such an approach corresponds both to the goals of improving the efficiency of foreign trade and to the broader objective of building a modern and interconnected economic infrastructure across the Eurasian space.

Within a relatively short period of interaction in the status of an observer state, the parties have succeeded in establishing stable mechanisms of dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, and moving toward the implementation of concrete sectoral and infrastructure projects.

For Uzbekistan, the Eurasian direction remains an important element of its strategy for economic modernization, industrial cooperation, and the strengthening of transport and logistics connectivity. At the same time, the Republic continues to adhere to a model of flexible and pragmatic participation in integration processes, guided primarily by national economic interests and the principle of mutual benefit.

In the context of the transformation of the global economy, intensifying competition for markets, and changing global logistics routes, cooperation with the EAEU is viewed by Tashkent as one of the instruments for ensuring sustainable economic growth, expanding export opportunities, and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy. For this reason, Uzbekistan intends to further strengthen practical cooperation with the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, develop new areas of collaboration, and maintain a constructive dialogue on key issues of regional development.

Dunyo IA

Relocating an operational office to a new jurisdiction is invariably a complex undertaking, involving unfamiliar regulatory environments and concerns regarding continuity of team management and internal processes. Uzbekistan addresses the majority of these challenges — and this article examines the factors underpinning that proposition and the reasons why more than 1,000 technology companies have chosen the country as their base of operations.

Why Companies Choose Uzbekistan

For businesses originating from CIS countries, Uzbekistan offers a familiar business culture, an established professional rhythm, and a legislative framework that is relatively straightforward to navigate. Teams integrate into operational workflows more rapidly, and founders are not forced to spend the initial months resolving administrative or logistical matters.

A further advantage is the elimination of lengthy preparation periods for basic operational setup. IT Park provides not only company registration assistance but also fully equipped, ready-to-use office infrastructure - including furniture, equipment, and communications.

All core administrative processes are handled through a single interface — the One Stop Shop — covering company registration, tax administration, bank account opening, and documentation requirements, without the need to navigate multiple institutions. A dedicated team with experience guiding hundreds of companies through this process is on hand to anticipate and resolve common complications.
For teams relocating with their families, the Softlanding Program offers assistance with housing, documentation, and post-relocation adaptation, enabling employees to settle in efficiently and transition smoothly into professional responsibilities.

Zero Risk Program: Launching Without a Cash Flow Gap

The Zero Risk Program is designed to accelerate the initial operational phase of relocation. Participating companies receive a fully furnished and equipped office, enabling near-immediate commencement of operations. The program additionally covers a portion of recruitment and staff training costs and reimburses up to 15% of payroll expenses, allowing businesses to assemble their teams and reach full operational capacity without undue financial pressure.

Tax Conditions for IT Park Residents

IT Park residents benefit from some of the most advantageous tax conditions available to technology businesses in the region: a 0% rate on corporate income tax, VAT, and social tax. Personal income tax for employees stands at 7.5% - considerably lower than prevailing rates across much of Europe.

These conditions allow companies to direct a greater proportion of resources toward team development and business growth rather than absorbing a high tax burden.

The cost of living and operational expenditure in Uzbekistan further reinforces this advantage, enabling businesses to reduce recruitment and retention costs, as well as day-to-day operating expenses, while maintaining working and living conditions conducive to international business.

IT Visa and Conditions for Teams

A three-year IT Visa is available to founders, investors, and technology specialists, allowing holders to reside and work in Uzbekistan without a separate work permit. The visa extends to family members and grants access to healthcare and education services on equivalent terms to Uzbek citizens, as well as the right to purchase real estate without value restrictions.

Uzbekistan as a Base for International Expansion

For a growing number of companies, relocation to Uzbekistan extends beyond operational transfer. The country is increasingly regarded as a strategic platform for international development. The IT and BPO sectors are expanding rapidly, with regional offices and delivery centers being established to serve clients across Europe, the CIS, Asia, and the United States. Uzbekistan's geographical position between European and Asian markets facilitates access to multiple markets simultaneously.

How candidates are selected in Uzbekistan through a single portal of vacancies of state bodies and organizations
In Uzbekistan, electronic document management systems are being implemented, the range of public services is expanding, human resource management processes are being optimized, and a unified public sector ecosystem is being developed through integration and other measures.
In recent years we have seen the adoption of several key strategies, including the National Strategy of Action on Five Priority Directions of Development of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021, the "Digital Uzbekistan - 2030" Strategy, the "New Uzbekistan Development Strategy for 2022-2026," and the "Uzbekistan - 2030" Strategy. These strategies aim to drive digital transformation across the national economy, industry, and society as a whole.
Digitalization has also impacted the public civil service. Notably, the decree of the President of Uzbekistan "On measures for the radical improvement of personnel policy and the system of public civil service in the Republic of Uzbekistan" dated October 3, 2019, established the Agency for the Development of Public Service under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ARGOS). ARGOS is responsible for implementing a unified state policy in personnel management and human resource development within state bodies and organizations.
ARGOS was tasked with implementing innovative personnel management and human resource development methods based on principles of openness, professionalism, and accountability. This includes introducing a system of measurable indicators (key performance indicators) for evaluating public civil servants and analyzing their performance, systematically identifying and attracting qualified specialists (including those abroad), and widely involving talented youth and women in public service. Additionally, ARGOS organizes an open, competitive selection process for the most promising personnel in public service.
Including the implementation of an open, independent competitive selection system announced through a single portal for public vacancies (vacancy.argos.uz). Previously, entering public service required visiting various agencies, submitting resumes, and waiting for responses.
Today, candidates can log into their personal account on the vacancies portal, select a suitable position, and submit an application. The platform provides information on the candidate's status and upcoming selection stages. The open competitive selection involves stages such as application acceptance, verification of qualification requirements, testing, and interviews. Not all candidates pass all stages on their first attempt.
The competitive selection process is based on meritocracy, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates are chosen, thus promoting transparency and fairness.
As of now, more than 188,000 competitive selections have been announced on the vacancy.argos.uz platform, with over 2.9 million applications submitted and 69,163 candidates successfully hired.
Another significant change in state personnel administration is the formation and management of the National Personnel Reserve using modern information systems. ARGOS is responsible for this task, and continuous work is underway to develop and enrich the National Personnel Reserve.
Managing the National Personnel Reserve involves more than just record-keeping; it includes comprehensive measures to prepare personnel for managerial roles. Each person in the Reserve receives an individual development plan for the certain period of time, which includes professional development courses and internships in public bodies. Candidates should regularly report on their progress, providing additional insights into their suitability for managerial positions.
All these activities are managed through the unified information portals: my.argos.uz for personal users, hrm.argos.uz for personnel departments of ministries and agencies, kadrlar.argos.uz for ARGOS performance monitoring, and zaxira.argos.uz for individual performance data and activities.
A third key change is reflected in the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On measures to improve the human resource management system in Republican and local executive bodies" dated September 22, 2023. It stipulates that from November 1, 2023, all information and documents related to human resource management in these bodies will be maintained on the electronic platform hrm.argos.uz.
Starting from this date, all ministries and agencies are required to conduct personnel administration documentation exclusively on hrm.argos.uz. This new system enables comprehensive monitoring and analysis of personnel management, providing accurate information on vacancies, employee numbers, career movements, and compliance with public service legislation.
Ultimately, this platform acts as a mirror, reflecting both the successes and shortcomings of personnel management departments, allowing ARGOS to respond promptly, prevent, and address issues in public civil service.
In conclusion, digital technologies play a crucial role in development and should be a primary focus for building a sustainable economic and public sector. Expanded digitalization and digital transformation, along with investments in the digital ecosystem, IT infrastructure, and electronic services, will drive further modernization of the national public service system and accelerate growth in various sectors.

Amid the transformation of global supply chains and rapid geopolitical shifts in the world economy, the formation of sustainable and secure transport corridors connecting Asia and Europe has become particularly crucial. In this context, cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in the transport and logistics sector is becoming a key factor in ensuring regional trade stability, diversifying transport routes, and deepening economic integration across the Eurasian space.

Central Asia and Azerbaijan are united by a centuries-old history, culture, religion, and shared values. Today, this unified historical and cultural space is also emerging as a geoeconomic region of growing strategic importance. Due to its geographical location, Azerbaijan serves as a bridge connecting Central Asia via the Caspian Sea to the South Caucasus, Turkey, and European countries. In turn, the countries of Central Asia provide Azerbaijan with access to the dynamically growing markets of China and South Asia. This very complementarity creates a solid foundation for long-term cooperation in transport and logistics.

The seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, held on November 15–16, 2025, in Tashkent under the chairmanship of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was of historic significance for the institutional development of regional cooperation. One of the most important outcomes of the summit was the admission of Azerbaijan as a full-fledged member of this format. This accession, unanimously supported by all heads of state, resulted in the formation of a new "Central Asia and Azerbaijan" cooperation framework.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the Middle Corridor) is central to this cooperation. In recent years, attention to this route has grown steadily: by the end of 2025, the total volume of freight traffic along the Middle Corridor exceeded 4.7 million tons.

This route is particularly significant for Uzbekistan. Over the past five years, the volume of Uzbek freight transported via the Middle Corridor has doubled, reaching 1.3 million tons by the end of 2025. While the share of goods transported along this corridor to and from EU countries was 12% in 2021, this figure rose to 28% by 2025.

To increase the freight volume along the Trans-Caspian Transport Route to 1.5 million tons, the joint Working Group holds regular meetings to discuss measures for expanding capacity and increasing freight traffic across the Caspian Sea, as well as the acquisition of vessels.

At the same time, to enhance the appeal of international transport corridors passing through its territory and to establish alternative transport routes linking Central Asia with the Eurasian transport network, Uzbekistan is implementing a number of strategically important infrastructure projects. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway construction project, being carried out with the active participation of Uzbekistan, holds a special place among them.

According to expert calculations, this route will form the shortest corridor from China to Europe and the Middle East, reducing the distance by 900 kilometers and cargo delivery times by 7-8 days. It is expected that after the project's launch, cargo traffic along this route, including through the Middle Corridor, will increase sharply.

Pending the completion of the railway, Uzbekistan is developing this corridor by organizing freight transport along the "China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan" route using the existing international highway network.

The international multimodal route "Asia-Pacific Region – China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Azerbaijan – Georgia – Turkey – Europe" (CASCA+) is being actively developed as an effective mechanism for coordinating cargo flows. In 2025, container shipments along this route reached 6,722 TEU, a 47% increase compared to 2024. The annual provision of tariff preferences of up to 70% by the participating railway administrations contributes to the steady growth in the volume of mutually beneficial transport.

Furthermore, the establishment in 2024 of the "Eurasian Transport Route" association, with the participation of the railway authorities of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and Tajikistan, has created an institutional platform for the prompt removal of logistical barriers along this corridor.

Another promising transport artery is the "Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan" international transport corridor, which shortens the distance from European and CIS countries to Indian Ocean ports by up to 1,000 kilometers compared to existing corridors and creates a new dimension of regional interconnectivity.

The development of this route in harmony with existing transport arteries will lay the groundwork for a new multimodal transport corridor spanning a significant part of the Eurasian region:

"South Asian countries (Pakistan, India) – Afghanistan – Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan – Azerbaijan – Georgia (Black Sea ports) – European Union".

In addition to infrastructure connectivity, digital integration in the transport sector is also consistently advancing between the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. In this respect, the introduction of the e-Permit system, initiated by Uzbekistan, has been of great practical significance. This system allows for the electronic exchange of permits for international road freight. Notably, this system will be launched between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in 2025, which will simplify administrative procedures for carriers, accelerate customs clearance, and reduce human error.

It is noteworthy that the world's first implementation of an electronic permit exchange system occurred in 2021 between Uzbekistan and Turkey. In the following years, this initiative was gradually expanded: the system was implemented with Kazakhstan in 2024, will be with Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan in 2025, and with Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and China in 2026. This demonstrates that Uzbekistan is becoming one of the countries pioneering best practices in digitalizing international transport processes, not only regionally but also on a global scale.

In conclusion, the strategic partnership between the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in the transport and logistics sector not only connects the regions but also ensures the stability of freight supply chains across the entire Eurasian space. Azerbaijan's full accession to the Consultative Meetings format, the active implementation of major railway projects, the widespread adoption of digital solutions, and the strengthening of institutional mechanisms are creating a solid foundation for a unified transport space. This, in turn, facilitates the seamless integration of the region's countries into global supply chains and further strengthens the positions of Central Asia and the South Caucasus within the international transit system.

Sh. Akhmedov, Leading Specialist at the Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Issues under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan