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The awakening lion: the era of renewal
The awakening lion: the era of renewal

Hey, great Turan, land of lions!
What has become of you? What are these days you endure now?
Oh, glorious cradle of Genghis, Timur, Oghuz, and Attila!
Where have the esteemed seats you once held gone?..
Abdurauf Fitrat
An American politician once said of the current life and fate of the Central Asian region: ‘They are neither post-Soviet nor post-communist countries now’.
Today no specialist knowledge is needed to understand this idea, which suggests that such labels are outdated in the research community. For example, ten to fifteen years ago the political behaviour of Central Asian societies – neighbours for thousands of years – was prone to national separatism, mutual dislike and latent hostility, but today they have undergone a remarkable transformation. Ideologues and ordinary Central Asians only a couple years ago endeavoured to prove their superiority, their antiquity and, for these very reasons, their greater belonging to the historical and cultural heritage of the region. Though they still might hurl some sharp insults at each other, now they have become united neighbours.
Every day we see and hear of events that illustrate this unity and provide concrete evidence of it. Meanwhile, as already noted, some latent and outdated policies of these neighbouring countries towards each other still attempt to turn the common cultural heritage of the region into a language of hatred.
As a result of Soviet nationalisation and post-Soviet ideologisation, these five states in the Eurasian centre, the land that once founded great empires and was famous throughout the world, unfortunately turned away from one another after gaining independence. This, in turn, allowed the region to remain a geopolitical object for the modern world’s empires.
At this moment, I do not intend to delve into the geopolitical picture of the region and its current situation. I would like to share my brief thoughts on the bold steps and the international image of what Uzbek leadership is calling ‘New Uzbekistan’. The country is transforming day by day and now has the ability to directly influence regional processes.
These joyful events have made me take up my pen.

I
August 2024 began with good news. That month’s two important events to which I would like to draw attention, are related to the growing role of New Uzbekistan in world politics, culture, and modern history. These were the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan and his participation in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Astana, as well as the historic victory of our athletes at the Olympic Games in Paris.
True, some may argue, “Well, the President has repeatedly participated in meetings in this format, and our athletes have delivered victories commensurate with those from other countries. What’s the big deal?”
But I also have a question for such people: When did the world powers take Uzbekistan, which will soon be celebrating thirty-three years of independence, so seriously? When have this country and its long-suffering people been recognised as independent subjects of international politics? When did our country’s representative reach thirteenth place in a set of international competitions in which athletes from more than two hundred countries took part? When was the anthem of Uzbekistan played eight times at such prestigious competitions? When was our flag raised thirteen times over the winners' podium? And when else did we hear that ‘Uzbek athletes have no equal in the world!’?
Of course, no one will be able to contradict me when I say that these two factors are the worthy fruit of the hard work of our country’s president Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
I would like to say a few words about the meetings in Kazakhstan. The details of this visit vividly demonstrated the results of Mirziyoyev’s changes in regional policy, which he put into place eight years ago.
The first meeting of the Interstate Supreme Council, which took place 7-9 August 2023, was cochaired by Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
This was the first time in our history that the leaders of these two Central Asian states have met to agree on multifaceted supranational cooperation, which is recognised by the world community and international experts as one of the main locomotives of international affairs in the modern world. In the past, despite supranational general concepts such as ‘Central Asia’, ‘regional unity’ or the substanceless slogan ‘Turkestan is our common home’, the identity of the region as a whole has remained extremely blurred. The actions of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the two main powers in the region, towards this end are an important step in transforming these previous abstractions into a concrete plan. We will talk about this a little later, but for now let us focus on the first meeting of the Interstate Council.
The visit hosted meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council, as well as a business forum, political consultations, a think tank forum and intellectual games. The organizers of the meetings also organised cinema days and other cultural events to strengthen the unity of Central Asian peoples in cultural terms as well as economic and political.
One of the most significant events of these meetings was the adoption by the leaders of the two countries of the Programme for Strategic Partnership and Allied Cooperation for 2024-2034. This document undoubtedly marks the beginning of a new stage in Uzbek-Kazakh relations of friendship and good neighbourliness.
Economic relations between the two parties have already reached record highs in recent years. As a result of previous meetings, such as economic forums and business meetings of the parties, solid agreements worth $7 billion were signed.
‘We have opened a new chapter in our multifaceted relations – we have held the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council. This format is an expression of the highest level of interstate cooperation and clearly demonstrates the close ties between our countries and peoples and their firm desire to strengthen cooperation in all areas,’ Mirziyoyev said at the meeting.
Of course, this unprecedented level of cooperation between the two countries did not go unnoticed by the world community and international experts. Analysts and think tanks commented widely on the details of the visit. In particular, Roy Anthony Rogers, Deputy Director of the Asia and Europe Institute at the University of Malaya (Malaysia), outlined his observations as follows:
‘Thanks to the strong historical ties and personal friendship between the leaders of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the current state of Uzbek-Kazakh relations is characterised by special dynamics, a high level of mutual understanding and trust. I believe that this visit of the president of Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan is of historic significance not only for the peoples of the two countries, but also for the prosperity of the entire Central Asian region.’
Praising Uzbekistan’s policy of regional cooperation, Nasri Al Saadi, Managing Partner of Premium Construction (Qatar), focuses in his article on the sincere actions of the neighbouring countries:
‘The two leaders are committed to uniting the region and coordinating efforts through consultative meetings and the Central Asia Plus platforms, which are becoming increasingly popular mechanisms for international cooperation. They actively support each other on global and regional political issues’.
Of course, my aim is not to summarise or comment on the opinions of foreign analysts on this historic meeting. My intention is to tell you about the activities of Mirziyoyev, who is striving with equanimity and wisdom to achieve his goal of transforming Uzbekistan’s previous isolation into regional openness and is achieving great success. After all, I am always proud to be a contemporary and compatriot of a person who has glorified and continues to glorify the name of the Uzbek people and Uzbekistan.
                                                                                                                             II
Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslim Board, said in a recent interview with the Uzbek media that ‘Mr Mirziyoyev’s personality today has become a force that influences not only the socio-political life of Uzbekistan, but also the region’.
This fact continues to manifest itself in other examples. For instance, our president personally initiated the Consultative Meeting of Central Asian States, which has attracted great interest in international politics today.
His initiative was widely welcomed by the international community, and the first meeting was held in Astana on 15 March 2018. The recent meeting of the leaders of the five Central Asian states in Astana, Kazakhstan, marked the beginning of a new cycle of this format.
Although this is not the main focus of today’s article, I must make a comment. I believe I understand the goal Mirziyoyev had in mind when he first initiated this recurring set of meetings 7-8 years ago. The goal is to unite our peoples, to heal the wounds caused by Soviet modernization, to awaken the ‘lion’ that once fell into a deep slumber.
At this most recent meeting, such political appeals as ‘regional integration,’ ‘regional identity’ were put forward with the sincerity that was so often lacking in previous years.
‘Given our common cultural and historical heritage’, Mirziyoyev stated, ‘we must pay great attention to strengthening the ownership, solidarity and shared responsibility of our peoples for the future of the region’.
I believe that the early launch of the international media platform ‘History and Culture of Central Asia: One Past and Common Future’ will be an important practical step in this direction.
In order to further strengthen mutual understanding and solidarity among the peoples of the region, we propose to hold a scientific forum devoted to practical aspects of regional identity formation.
If one takes a closer look at the expression ‘regional identity’ in this quote, you will see that this term essentially encompasses not only geographical, political, economic, but also cultural aspects of the region. This is a bold step towards restoring the region’s lost soul – a shared identity after years of Soviet rule.
The two high honours awarded to the President of our country in Kazakhstan – the Altın Qıran (Golden Eagle) Order of the of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Badge of Honour of the Heads of the Central Asian States – attest to Mirziyoyev’s melting of the ice between the peoples and states of the region and his restoration of the warm friendship and love inherited from our ancestors.
This is undoubtedly a vivid example of the policy initiated and pursued by president Mirziyoyev in the region, full of kindness and sincerity.
                                                                                                                             III
Of course, our success at Olympic Games in Paris continues to warm our hearts. These victories have become the heart, pride and honour of New Uzbekistan. Remember that only yesterday our country, which was looked down upon as ‘colonial’ or ‘post-colonial’ and whose name was only mentioned in passing at international meetings, showed the world its presence.
In addition to placing 13th in the gold medal count at the Olympics, Uzbekistan garnered 4th place in Asia and 1st place among the Turkic, Muslim and CIS countries. Three of our athletes were also honoured with the high title of “Two-Time Olympic Champion.”
One might say that the achievements of our country today seem special to us only because we are Uzbek citizens. But no, these are international recognitions that the country has not achieved in centuries. The accomplishments of our country today, the creative power of Mirziyoyev, have not been overlooked from the outside. For example, well-known historian, ethnologist and anthropologist of Central Asia Sergey Abashin, expressed his impression of Uzbekistan’s performance at the Olympics on his social media pages as follows:
‘The Paris-2024 Olympic Games were an extremely important event. They will be remembered not for the discussion of gender and artistic issues, but above all for the remarkable results of athletes from Central Asian countries, and in particular from Uzbekistan, which won 8 gold medals and finished 13th (I would like to remind you that in addition to their Olympic successes, Uzbek chess players have been ranked high in the world rankings in recent years). In sport, we are witnessing the emergence of Central Asian countries as major players, recognised and acknowledged worldwide, and becoming aware of their subjectivity. This is a real historical change in the world and in the post-Soviet space, still a long and certainly natural process.’
Abashin here remarks that Uzbekistan’s successes in sport today show that it is becoming a known entity on the world stage. Frankly, this means that the country no longer needs a mediator – such as ‘former Soviet state’ or ‘site of a former US base for Afghanistan’ – to understand its position in the world.
In conclusion, I would like to say that these two place-setting events for Uzbekistan of the past month promise only further bright moments ahead, express the determination of New Uzbekistan, and the innovative path of its leader, president Mirziyoyev.

Qudratilla Rafiqov,
political scientist

Uzbekistan’s environmental initiatives are aimed at creating a healthy and sustainable environment in Central Asia
Uzbekistan’s environmental initiatives are aimed at creating a healthy and sustainable environment in Central Asia

Due to the Aral Sea tragedy, the negative consequences of climate change are more acute in Central Asia. The increase in air temperature in our region is twice the world average. The number of extremely hot days is expected to double and the area of glaciers will shrink by a third. In the last 30 years, the rate of warming in Central Asia is higher than the global average, and the average annual temperature has increased by 0.5 degrees. According to forecasts, the temperature is expected to increase by 2.0-5.7 degrees by 2085.

Uzbekistan is making active efforts to improve the quality of the environment and prevent the negative consequences of environmental problems. In particular:

Within the framework of international cooperation

Currently, the need for international cooperation in the field of environmental protection is determined by the growing ecological interdependence of all countries. Ozon layer depletion, pollution of the atmosphere and oceans, and the rise in temperature on our planet affect the entire world community, not just the countries engaged in environmentally dangerous activities. Therefore, today, a number of countries have established cooperation with the United Nations Organization on issues of environmental safety.

Such cooperation is based on a number of principles generally recognized by the international community. They are partly reflected in interstate agreements and acts, normative documents of international organizations, and summarized in the decisions of the most important international conferences dedicated to environmental protection and the regulation of cooperation between states and peoples in this field.

Based on this, Uzbekistan is actively promoting important climate initiatives aimed at uniting the region to combat climate change. These ideas of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev are constantly supported by the countries of the region.

As a logical continuation of the formation of a unified climate agenda for Central Asia, the initiative to develop a regional strategy for adaptation to climate change was announced by Uzbekistan at the 5th meeting of state leaders. In addition, the Head of Uzbekistan proposed to establish a multilateral platform at the level of the ministers of ecology - "Central Asian climate dialogue", which can be an integrating link in the path of "green" development in Central Asian countries.

In addition, President Shavkat Mirziyoev put forward a number of proposals at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). In particular, our country's President advocated for an expeditious agreement on the Global Framework for Climate Adaptation within the framework of the Paris Agreement. At the same time, he noted the need for a fair, transparent and inclusive transition to a low-carbon economy on a global scale, in which the interests of developing countries must be taken into account. He proposed to consider this urgent problem on a permanent basis, including within the framework of the "G7" and "G20" summits.

Within the framework of environmental reforms in our country

A strategy for the transition to a «green» economy

Uzbekistan adopted the strategy of transitioning to a "green" economy for 2019-2030. The main goals of this strategy are:

Preservation of natural resources: Modernization of irrigation systems, introduction of water-saving technologies.

Use of alternative energy sources: Expanding the use of solar, wind and biomass energy.

Introduction of cost-effective means in economic sectors: Improving energy efficiency in manufacturing and service sectors.

Improvement of environmental legislation

Legislation is also being improved to ensure environmental stability in Uzbekistan. These laws are aimed at providing legal groundwork to the reforms implemented in the fields of environmental protection and ecological stability.

Project "Restoration of sustainable forest landscapes in Uzbekistan"

The project "Restoration of sustainable forest landscapes in Uzbekistan" is being implemented in collaboration with the International Development Association. The cost of the project is more than 205 million dollars and it will be implemented within 6 years. It is important that the goals of the project include such tasks as expanding the territory of forests, strengthening the material and technical base of forestry, introducing sustainable management and developing the infrastructure of ecotourism.

"Uzbekistan - 2030" strategy

In the "Uzbekistan-2030" strategy adopted by the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan on September 11, 2023, reforms in the framework of water resources conservation and environmental protection are set as one of the priority goals. A number of measures are envisaged within the framework of the strategy, and they are being effectively implemented. In particular,

National project “Yashil Makon” ("Green Zone").

The Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers No.144-F of March 7, 2024 was adopted in order to implement the activities of the nationwide project "Green Space" in 2024. This project included a number of important initiatives aimed at improving the environmental situation in Uzbekistan and expanding green areas.

138.1 million tree saplings were planted in the spring planting season of 2024 within the "Green Zone" national project. This indicator made 110.5 percent compared to the planned one. This part of the project is aimed not only at environmental improvement but also at improving the aesthetic appearance of our cities.

"Green Parks" and "Green Belts"

In particular, 257 "Green Parks" were established, their total number reached 517. Also, "Green Belts" were established by planting 5.3 million tree saplings in and around industrial enterprises. These efforts were made to reduce the impact of industrial enterprises and protect the environment.

Initiatives of organizations and agencies

Ministries and agencies are also contributing to the aforementioned work. In particular, the Ministry of Defense created a park of 100 hectares, the Ministry of Digital Technologies and the Ministry of Mining and Geology — 65 hectares. These efforts are critical to ensuring the comprehensiveness and sustainability of the project.

Tree planting and waste recycling

In our country, trees have been planted near highways and railways, on river and canal banks, at industrial enterprises and gas stations. These are especially aimed at reducing the negative impact of transport and industry on the environment.

On average, 6.8 million tonnes of household waste are produced in our country per year. In recent years, the number of neighbourhoods covered by sanitation services has increased by more than 90 percent. The level of waste processing was 38.1 percent as of July 1, 2024, and the number of such enterprises was 313 as of February. 

Waste treatment and landfills

A new system for the regulation of landfills and waste processing is being launched. In each region, 3-4 landfills with a convenient location are being turned into special eco-industrial zones, and recycling projects are being implemented. In the remaining landfills, a new practice is being used to start temporary waste collection and reloading stations. The landfills that exhausted their resources are closed, poplar, mulberry, elm and maple trees are planted around them, and "green belts" are being established.

Avazbek Kholbekov,

Head of Department – Development Strategy Centеr

DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM RELATIONS BETWEEN UZBEKISTAN AND THE CIS COUNTRIES: DYNAMICS AND PROSPECTS
DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM RELATIONS BETWEEN UZBEKISTAN AND THE CIS COUNTRIES: DYNAMICS AND PROSPECTS

In recent years, Uzbekistan has demonstrated significant progress in the field of international tourism, which pays special attention to cooperation with the CIS countries. Historically, this region has close cultural, economic and humanitarian ties with Uzbekistan, which contributes to the active exchange of tourists and the development of joint initiatives in the tourism industry. According to statistics for January–August 2024 and 2025, there has been a steady increase in the total number of tourists from 6.7 million visiting Uzbekistan to more than 7.5 million with an annual increase of 15-20% per year. By the end of 2025, more than 11 million foreign tourists are expected to arrive.
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan remain the most significant sources of tourists among the CIS countries. In 2024, Kazakhstan sent more than 2.1 million tourists to Uzbekistan in January – August, Kyrgyzstan — about 1.78 million, and Tajikistan — almost 1.6 million. In 2025, Kyrgyzstan slightly surpassed Kazakhstan in the number of visitors — 2.16 million against 1.77 million, which indicates a positive trend towards strengthening bilateral ties in the field of tourism. Tajikistan also showed an increase of almost 1.7 million tourists. In addition to the traditional leaders, the number of tourists from Turkmenistan increased significantly in January–August, from 125,000 in 2024 to 243,000 in 2025. This growth confirms the growing attractiveness of Uzbekistan as a tourist destination for all neighboring countries.
The CIS countries with fewer tourists, such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Ukraine and Russia, also note positive dynamics. The increase in the number of Russian tourists in January –August is particularly noteworthy — from 587,000 in 2024 to more than 663,000 in 2025, reflecting the strengthening of tourist and cultural ties between the two countries. The growth of the tourist flow from the CIS is largely due to Uzbekistan's comprehensive work to improve infrastructure, simplify visa procedures, and actively promote travel brands. The development of transport links, the introduction of modern services and the expansion of the range of tourism products make Uzbekistan more and more attractive to visitors from neighboring countries.
Uzbekistan is the historical center and pearl of the Great Silk Road, the crossroads of world cultures and civilizations. There are more than 8,000 cultural heritage sites in the country. 209 of them are part of four museum cities included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The magnificent monuments of the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva attract many tourists who want to get acquainted with the rich heritage of the region. Samarkand is the ancient capital of the empire of the great commander Amir Temur, which houses the most beautiful Registan ensemble, the Ulugbek Observatory and the Imam Al-Bukhari complex, the most important for Muslims, the fabulous city of Bukhara, famous throughout the Islamic world with its Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex, the Ark fortress and the Poi Kalyan ensemble, the capital of the Khorezmshah State Khiva with a museum city open-air Ichan-Kala, and of course the city of Shakhrisabz, where Amir Temur was born and built the Ok-Saroy palace there.
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is the geographical center and the largest hub of Central Asia, a connecting bridge between East and West. Tourists can get great emotions and impressions from their stay in Tashkent, which has many interesting sights, including the architecture of modernity and the ancient East. Uzbekistan is not only a historical city, but also a huge number of natural attractions: the picturesque mountains of the Western Tien Shan and Pamir Alai, mysterious caves, the endless Kyzylkum desert, a huge number of lakes, the Ustyurt plateau and the Aral Sea in Karakalpakstan. It should be noted that Uzbekistan occupies high places in the world tourism rankings, in the field of security, historical attractions, family tourism, gastronomy, etc. There is a tourist police in all tourist centers of the country, thanks to which all foreign visitors feel safe at all times. At the same time, over the past 10 years, Uzbekistan has not had any incidents related to the safety of tourists in the country, which could negatively affect the tourist image of Uzbekistan. Great attention is paid to youth tourism in the country, special tours of historical subjects, ecotourism, extreme tourism, and industrial tourism have been formed to visit various production facilities, which also serve as their subsequent professional orientation.
The Government of Uzbekistan has identified several territories with high tourism potential as free tourist zones created specifically for businesses operating in the tourism sector. Conditions have been created to attract foreign investment in the tourism sector. To encourage investors, various incentives have been introduced for the hotel sector, the construction of tourist complexes and infrastructure. Business representatives from the CIS countries are the most active investors, creating both enterprises with 100 foreign investments and joint ventures in the tourism industry of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan invites Russian investors to take an active part in joint projects in the territories of Charvak, Chimgan, Nanai, Baysun, Maidanak, Miraki, Parkent, Akhangaran, Angren, Akchakul, Tudakul, Aydarkul and others tourist zones. The development of tourism with the CIS countries is becoming not only a factor of economic growth, but also an important element in strengthening interstate relations, cultural exchange and friendship of peoples. The growth of the tourist flow contributes to the creation of new jobs, the development of small and medium-sized businesses and the improvement of the standard of living of the population. The prospects for further development of tourism ties between Uzbekistan and the CIS countries look very promising. Enhanced cooperation, exchange of experience and implementation of innovative solutions will make the region one of the most attractive and dynamically developing tourist destinations in Eurasia. The Committee on Tourism of Uzbekistan is ready to support the tourism business of our countries in the implementation of joint projects, and create all necessary conditions for comfortable travel of tourists of all categories from the CIS countries.

 Head of the Department of
Transport and Logistics Development Shukhrat Isakulov

Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan
Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan

Agency for Information and Mass Communications
Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Republican Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment
 
In accordance with the implementation of the decision of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated June 4, 2024, “On the Establishment of the International Prize named after Muhammad Rizo Ogahiy in the Field of Literary Translation”, and in order to comprehensively support the translation of the best works of Uzbek literature into foreign languages and selected masterpieces of world literature into Uzbek, the International Prize named after Muhammad Rizo Ogahiy in the field of literary translation is hereby announced.
 
This international literary competition, being held for the first time in our country, aims to appropriately recognize the devoted translators who are widely promoting our national literature abroad and presenting the finest works of world literature to Uzbek readers. It also seeks to foster a love of reading among the youth and to increase international interest in the creative works of Uzbek authors.

Translation works published in book form or in print/electronic literary media over the past five years from the date of this announcement are eligible for submission.

The international competition will be held in the following categories, and only works meeting the minimum required volume will be accepted:

Best translation of a prose work of Uzbek literature into a foreign language – minimum of 10 printed sheets;

Best translation of a poetic work of Uzbek literature into a foreign language – minimum of 5 printed sheets;

Best translation of samples of Uzbek children's literature into a foreign language – minimum of 5 printed sheets;

Best translation of a prose work originally written in a foreign language into Uzbek – minimum of 10 printed sheets;

Best translation of a poetic work originally written in a foreign language into Uzbek – minimum of 5 printed sheets;

Best translation of samples of children's literature originally written in a foreign language into Uzbek – minimum of 5 printed sheets.

Translations in the genre of drama will be reviewed under the relevant categories mentioned above.

Submissions for the international competition will be accepted by the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan until September 1, 2025.

Each winner will be awarded a special diploma, a badge of honor, and a one-time cash prize equivalent to 300 times the base calculation amount.

More information can be found on the competition website ogahiymukofoti.uz
                

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and Latvia discussed issues on transport connectivity and logistics, IT and digital technologies, trade, and investments during their meeting in New York
Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and Latvia discussed issues on transport connectivity and logistics, IT and digital technologies, trade, and investments during their meeting in New York

TASHKENT, September 24. /Dunyo IA/. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov held negotiations in New York City with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Baiba Braže, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.
"Had a productive meeting with H.E. Baiba Braže, Foreign Minister of Latvia, – the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan wrote in his telegram channel. – We highly value the opening of the office of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia in Tashkent. Transport connectivity and logistics, IT and digital technologies, trade and investments were on the focus of our meeting".

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan: stable friendship and reliable partnership
Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan: stable friendship and reliable partnership

       The modern relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan represent an example of a dynamically developing strategic partnership based on a solid historical foundation, spiritual closeness and mutual political will to deepen comprehensive cooperation.
For centuries, the Uzbek and Azerbaijani nations have been closely linked by historical and cultural ties, common Turkic roots, similar traditions, language, customs and values. These factors serve as the foundation for sustainable dialogue and comprehensive mutual understanding between the two countries, strengthening the atmosphere of trust and good neighborliness.
      This year, two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Nowadays, the relations between Tashkent and Baku clearly demonstrate an illustrative example of cooperation between the two fraternal countries. Moreover, with the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations in 2024, they rapidly reached the highest level of interstate cooperation.
       This was a logical continuation of a long-term path, during which both countries managed to lay a constant foundation for a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership, and adoption of over 200 interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental deals. Among the key ones are the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, the Declaration on Deepening Strategic Partnership and Enhancing Comprehensive Cooperation, along with the Agreement on the Establishment of the Supreme Interstate Council.
       Undoubtedly, these achievements are based on the political determination and will of our leaders, who have raised the evaluation of bilateral cooperation year by year. Their regular official contacts and honest relationship have become a powerful catalyst for the dynamic and progressive development of dialogue at all levels. Since 2017, the leaders of the two countries have held 12 meetings, and the number of high-level visits has exceeded 150.
       Such intensive and coordinated communication gave a truly breakthrough impetus to joint work in a wide range of realms and allowed to achieve breakthrough outcomes in all core areas of cooperation.
       Today, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan continue to consistently strengthen an economic partnership that demonstrates stable and sustainable growth dynamics. Over a decade years, the trade turnover has increased 8-fold from $32 million to $253 million. The target has been set to bring this figure to $1 billion. In order to achieve this aim, systematic efforts are being made to enlarge mutual trade and investments, as well as to enhance industrial cooperation.
       Representatives of the business circles of the two countries are showing a growing in establishing close economic ties. In recent years, the number of joint ventures has increased 5-fold. At present more than 240 companies with the participation of Azerbaijani capital are activate in Uzbekistan. Reciprocally, the number of Uzbek companies operating in the Azerbaijani market has reached 70.
       Cooperation in the automotive industry has become one of the core areas of bilateral cooperation. As part of a joint project of Uzavtosanoat and Azermash companies, Chevrolet cars have been manufactured on the basis of the Hajigabul Industrial Park. At present, about 9,000 cars have been produced.
In order to boost production capacities and taking into account the dynamic growth in demand for manufactured products, construction of a second plant has begun. The launch of the new plant will increase production to 30,000 units per year and create over 1,200 new jobs. Deliveries are planned to both the domestic and foreign markets of Azerbaijan.
       Using their resources and accumulated experience, Tashkent and Baku have also launched projects for textile and sericulture clusters. In Azerbaijan, they will be built on the principle of a full production cycle – from the cultivation of raw materials to deep processing and the production of final products.
In the same strategic area, joint initiatives are being actively implemented to create cotton and dairy agro-industrial complexes, build residential and tourist facilities, develop modern logistics centers and implement energy projects with an emphasis on "green" transformation.
       An important tool for ensuring sustainability and the scalability of such joint work has become an established Uzbek-Azerbaijani investment company with a total capital of $500 million. These days, with the help of this investment company, are being implemented 15 major projects worth over $360 million.
Such dynamics of economic cooperation has become possible due to the consistent enhancement of interregional ties, which are becoming stable and systematized. A vivid confirmation of this is the annual Uzbek-Azerbaijani interregional forum, which opened a wide path for establishing twinning relations between the major cities of the two countries, such as Bukhara and Lankaran, Termez and Bilasuvar, Namangan and Mingachevir, etc.
      Currently, 11 cities of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have already signed deals on mutual cooperation. Thus, it can be confidently stated that nowadays the interregional partnership executes not only a supporting role, but also acts as an independent mechanism for promoting direct bilateral relations.
One of the core areas in Uzbek-Azerbaijani cooperation is development of energy relations between Uzbekneftegaz and SOCAR in the development of oil fields in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
      At the same time, the parties have begun practical implementation of the Strategic Partnership Agreement among Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in the field of "green energy", which provides for the creation of an international energy corridor. In the future it will connect Central Asia with Europe through the territory of Azerbaijan. As part of this project, Uzbekistan plans to export up to 5GW of green energy to European countries through Azerbaijan by 2030.
      Currently, the focus may be not only on the transfer of "green" electricity, but also on establishing joint cooperation in the building of solar power plants and the production of components for renewable energy sources.
Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan also share similar views on the creation of an extensive system of transport and logistics corridors. This is due to the general desire to convert a strategic location into a long-term economic benefit.
      In this regard, joint participation in the implementation of logistics projects is considered by the two countries as a main factor in the growth of their economies. The global trend towards the diversification of transport routes reinforces the unifying role of Azerbaijan between Central Asia and Europe. These days,        Uzbekistan is actively increasing cargo transportation through the Azerbaijani infrastructure. For the last over the past 4 years, they have shown a 5-fold increase and by the end of 2024 amounted to more than 1 million tons of cargo.
At the same time, Uzbekistan's initiatives to develop transport connectivity, including the construction of the Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan–China railway, are capable of connecting Azerbaijan with China and the South Asian region.
     Broad cultural and humanitarian ties are an important component of Uzbekistan's bilateral cooperation and Azerbaijan. And, it is not a coincidence. The diversity of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations that has developed today is predetermined by the intersection of historical processes that have played a decisive role in the mutual enrichment of the two cultures and the socio-economic symbiosis of the two nations.
     Day for Culture and movies, dialogs of creative and scientific intelligentsia in both countries play a special role in strengthening humanitarian ties. Mutual respect for cultures and traditions, as well as the desire to understand the spiritual essence and mentality of each other is of great importance in Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations. The mutual interest in the study of cultures is obvious. A monument of the great Uzbek poet and the thinker Alisher Navoi was erected in Baku. In Tashkent, the square where the monument to the famous poet, classic of Persian poetry Nizami Ganjavi stands is one of the favorite places of residents and foreign tourists. The large memorial complex of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, established in 2022 in Tashkent, has also become a vivid symbol of the robust friendship of our fraternal peoples.
      Both countries, located on the historical route of the Great Silk Road, have all the favorable conditions for flourishing tourism industry. Both sides have been making significant efforts in this direction. Last year, amendments were made to the Visa-free travel of citizens Agreement of 1997, which made it possible to increase the duration of stay in both countries without registration from 7 to 15 days.
      Thanks to these advantages, the number of Azerbaijani guests who visited Uzbekistan increased from 10,000 in 2022 to 18,000 in 2024. At the same time, the number of tourists from Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan has increased significantly from 11,000 to 16,000 visitors.
      The achieved level of bilateral cooperation in the field of education and vocational training of young personnel deserves special attention. There are more than 40 cooperation deals under which scientific research is conducted and experience is exchanged.
      In particular, agreements were reached on the opening of a representative office of Samarkand State Medical University on the basis of Nakhchivan University. It is anticipated to launch joint master's degree programs in the field of oil and gas refining between Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology and Baku Higher Oil School, as well as in finance and business analysis between Tashkent State University of Economics and Azerbaijan State University of Economics.
      An indicator of fruitful cooperation between the two states in the field of education and science is the first Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Rectors' Forum of higher educational institutions which was held in Andijan this year. More than 70 representatives of Azerbaijani and Uzbek universities discussed core issues of the strengthening of higher education systems in the two countries. As a result of the conference, over 60 interuniversity deals were reached.
      In general, both countries are undoubtedly interested in further comprehensive promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthening coordination and interaction within international and regional organizations in order to contribute to the consistent and dynamic development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations.
      In this regard, assessing the path we have taken, we can be optimistic about the future of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations. This applies to the entire spectrum of interaction – political dialogue, economic ties, humanitarian and scientific cooperation.

 

Iroda Imamova,
Leading Researcher
of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies
under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

New powers of the new Parliament of Uzbekistan
New powers of the new Parliament of Uzbekistan

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

New Uzbekistan strategy – a new way of supporting the young generation
New Uzbekistan strategy – a new way of supporting the young generation

18.9 million of the population of Uzbekistan or 54 percent are young people and children under 30 years of age. 9.5 million of young people are male and 9.4 million are female.

More than 50 laws and regulations were adopted in 2017-2021 in order to strengthen the legal basis of state policy regarding youth in the republic, and June 30 was declared as "Youth Day ".

As a result of the socio-political and economic reforms implemented in our country in recent years, a step has been taken to a completely new level of development. Youth , culture and sports issues was established in the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan , a "Youth Parliament" consisting of 100 active and enterprising young people under the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and 250 active and initiative young people under the Legislative Chamber, a commission on youth issues was established in the Legislative Chamber. 22.9 percent of business entities operating in the republic or 106 thousand 574 of them belong to young people under the age of 30 will come 21.5% of individual entrepreneurs are young people under 30 years old. Also, more than 3.5 thousand young farmers and about 7.8 thousand young craftsmen are working in the country.

In the 2019 elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 9 (6%) young people were elected as deputies, and 10% of local council deputies are young people.

The "Brave Boy" state award and the "Builder of the Future" medal were established to reward young people between the ages of 14 and under 30, who set an example for their peers with their activity and initiative in the social and political life of the country, as well as who have achieved great achievements in their studies and work. At the core of these practical results are consistent and effective reforms carried out on the basis of the renewed strategy of reforms and the strong will of the head of state regarding youth policy.

The strategic goal of the state youth policy implemented in the republic is to create conditions for every young person to get a free education, to carry out productive work, to realize themselves and to develop creatively, and to raise the level of social life in all aspects , which made it possible to accumulate valuable experience in our country. At this point, it should be emphasized that, along with state organizations, non-governmental organizations operating in our country are actively involved in the search for talented young people and their support. For example, it is important that one of the main directions of the state policy regarding youth is aimed at supporting the talents and abilities of young people. At the same time, in 2019, by a special decree of the President, the "Hope of the Country" fund under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan was established. Thousands of talented young people through educational grants awarded by this foundation

Our country has the opportunity to study in prestigious universities of developed foreign countries and learn advanced foreign experience. In particular, for the 2022-2023 academic year, 420 students and masters received scholarships and grants for studying abroad from the "Hope of the Country" fund. We can see that these practical works are being carried out in accordance with the goals of the development strategy of New Uzbekistan. Because, according to the 50th goal of the development strategy for 2022-2026, through the "Hope of the Country" fund, to double the scope of sending free and creative thinking young people to study at prestigious foreign universities, in which fifty percent of young people are trained in technical, exact sciences and IT fields and conducting open selection contests for bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies in the most prestigious universities of foreign countries, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs of foreign higher education institutions important goals such as announcing and conducting an open competition were set by the Foundation for the purpose of participation in educational programs. As a result of the practical work carried out by the Foundation, a number of young people have mastered the knowledge and skills required by the times and are applying them to a number of areas of reforms in our country.

One of the urgent tasks of this organization in the fields of education, science, technology, information technology, culture, art, sports, and entrepreneurship, and the tasks of encouraging and supporting their various initiatives.

         As the President of Uzbekistan stated at the Youth Forum of Uzbekistan, "No matter what reforms we try in our country, we will first of all rely on young people like you, on your energy and determination. As you all know, today we have set ourselves huge goals. We have begun to create the foundations of the Third Renaissance in our Motherland. We consider the family, pre-school education, school and higher education as well as scientific and cultural centers to be the most important links of the Renaissance. For this reason, we are implementing fundamental reforms in these areas. I believe that in creating a new foundation for the development of our country, you, our devoted and patriotic youth, will actively participate and make a worthy contribution."

In the "New Development Strategy of Uzbekistan", which serves as a unique road map of the renewed reforms aimed at realizing the potential of such determined young people.

One of the priority directions of the state policy regarding youth in our country is the issue of ensuring youth employment, providing them with education, and training them in the profession. During the meeting with young people within the framework of the 2021 Youth Forum, the head of state asked for new and very relevant proposals in this regard. In particular, from now on, governors of regions, districts and cities, ministers and responsible leaders should hold regular meetings with young people, governors should develop and implement "road maps " aimed at solving the problems of young people, and report to local councils on this issue every six months. it was decided to give and determine the plans for the next six months.

An important initiative was put forward at the forum, such as the organization of vocational and entrepreneurship training for unemployed and unorganized youth within the framework of the "Youth: 1+1" program. Based on the principle "Each entrepreneur helps young people", the initiative to connect one unemployed youth to one entrepreneur was actively supported by many of our entrepreneurs. The head of state approved this noble action, which can provide employment to at least 500,000 young people.

         Within the framework of this initiative, during the past period, a number of activities have been carried out to train young people, provide them with jobs, and direct them to entrepreneurship, so that the level of unemployment among young people is significantly decreasing.

In this place, in the following years, in order to further accelerate youth reforms, including reducing unemployment, further expanding the scope of vocational training, and providing comprehensive support to talented young people, with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated January 18, 2021 "A youth-oriented state in Uzbekistan Policy Development until 2025" Concept was approved. According to it, as a result of the statements of the state policy on youth, opportunities will be created to further strengthen the economic potential of the country and to widely apply advanced practices.

And also it is expected that by 2030, Uzbekistan will be among the first 30 advanced countries of the world according to the PISA (The Program for International Student Assessment) rating .

At the same time, adaptation of educational programs to international standards (PISA, STEAM), coverage of children in pre-school educational institutions, youth comprehensive schools and higher educational institutions will be gradually increased due to the expansion of opportunities for non-state educational institutions. In particular, 80 percent of children under 3-7 years of age in the republic are enrolled in pre-school education organizations.

To increase the cultural level of young people, the number of libraries, theaters, cinemas, museums, parks and other cultural institutions will be gradually increased, and the capacity of sports facilities will be increased by 30% by creating conditions for young people to engage in mass sports.

Conditions will be created for youth to engage in public sports in neighborhoods; IT-parks will be established in all regions, Digital technology training centers will be established in districts (cities), about 200,000 young people will be trained on the basis of the "One million Uzbek programmers" project.

Conditions will be created for young people to use high-quality, fast and cheap Internet services, provision of double growth of communication and information services will be the most important results of the "Youth of Uzbekistan - 2025" concept.

         In conclusion, it can be said that by 2030, our country will become one of the "countries with an income above the average", the country's gross domestic product will exceed four thousand dollars per capita, and our economy will double from its current state. The effective implementation of the concept "Youth of Uzbekistan - 2025", which is an important legal basis, is of great importance. The fact that young people of any country have intellectual potential, knowledge and modern profession remains an important factor of the country's development.

 

Asrorjon Sattorov,

                                 The University of Public Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan Associate professor

Uzbekistan: civil society institutions — a bridge between society and state
Uzbekistan: civil society institutions — a bridge between society and state

Today, civil society institutions, particularly non-governmental non-profit organizations (NGOs), play an active role in Uzbekistan's development and the implementation of the “Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy. It is impossible to build a new Uzbekistan without organizing the activities of NGOs, the most important institution of civil society, according to democratic principles. On this basis, effective work is being done to support NGOs and civil society institutions, strengthen social partnerships with state bodies, implement effective public oversight, and improve the legal framework governing this area.

As a result of the measures implemented, the legal and regulatory framework has been improved to provide legal guarantees for NGOs while also meeting modern democratic requirements and international standards. The laws "On non-governmental non-profit organizations," "On guarantees for the activities of non-governmental non-profit organizations," and "On public oversight," as well as the Presidential Decree "On approval of the civil society development concept for the period 2021-2025" and a number of Governmental decrees, have all been adopted.

The civil society development concept for the period 2021-2025 aims to increase state support for civil society institutions in the form of subsidies, grants, and social orders by 1.8 times, as well as increase the volume of allocated funds to 70 billion soums by 2025.

A number of goals, objectives, and indicators related to the further development of civil society are set out in conceptually significant documents such as the Strategy for Action, the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026, and the "Uzbekistan - 2030" Strategy. Upon that basis, it is worth noting that the State programmes adopted annually include provisions for further strengthening the activities of civil society institutions and NGOs.

The chapter titled "Civil society institutions" and the term itself were included for the first time in the new version of the Constitution adopted through a referendum in 2023.

It should be mentioned that the President of Uzbekistan prioritizes civil society institutions and NGOs in his publications, speeches, and reports. Shavkat Mirziyoyev's book titled "Strategy of New Uzbekistan" includes a separate paragraph titled "Free and Open Civil Society" and it includes comments on priority areas for civil society development as well as proposals for implementing a number of tasks based on a thorough examination of relevant national legislation, law enforcement practice, and best foreign experience.

According to the figures, there were only 95 NGOs operating in the country on January 1, 1991; by January 1, 2000, there were 2,585, by January 1, 2016, there were 8,417, and by January 1, 2024, there were over 9,000. These NGOs are critical in protecting individuals' and legal entities' rights and legitimate interests, as well as democratic values and the achievement of social, cultural, and educational objectives. 

It is also important to note the dynamic growth of support and financial sustainability provided by NGOs. In particular, 513.8 billion soums were allocated from the state budget to support 2,074 NGOs and other civil society institutions between 2017 and 2023. If 12.3 billion soums were allocated in 2017, the figure was 226.4 billion in 2023. It is planned to allocate 1.8 trillion soums in 2024.

Furthermore, the scope of state support for civil society institutions has been broadened, and public funds to support civil society institutions have been established through the local Councils (Kengash) of People's Deputies. The legal basis for allocating funds from the local budget to support civil society institutions in the regions has been strengthened, and social projects are funded through these channels.

It should be acknowledged that favourable conditions are one of the most important factors in the effective operation of non-governmental organizations. In 14 regions of our republic, "Houses of non-governmental non-profit organizations" have been established, housing approximately 500 NGOs and providing them with the necessary office equipment, furniture, items, equipment, and other tools. As a result, the NGOs' problems with the building were resolved, and their socially beneficial activities were resumed. In particular, newly established NGOs carrying out their activities in socially significant spheres were accommodated in these buildings under the right of free use.

To regularly improve the knowledge and skills of NGOs' managers based on the best foreign experience, the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan organizes training courses on a special 72-hour training programme. To date, 367 NGO leaders and managers have attended advanced training courses. These advanced training courses are expected to train 134 NGO managers by 2024.

It should be noted that NGOs express proposals and initiatives to improve State programs and legislation in their field, as well as carry out public control measures over the implementation of Regional socioeconomic development programmes and State programmes.

 

As mentioned above, the 83rd goal of the “Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy prioritizes the expansion of free civil society and media activities, transforming Uzbekistan into a hub for civil society development. It specifically highlights the tasks of increasing the number of projects implemented within the framework of social partnership by at least threefold and increasing the number of NGOs participating in government programs to at least 80.

To summarize, civil society institutions and NGOs are genuine supporters of state bodies and organizations in the process of reforms, sociopolitical and socioeconomic changes, achievement of strategic goals, and serving as a social bridge between society and government.

 

Anvarjon Mirkomilov,

Head of Department,

Development Strategy Center

Founder of BMB HOLDING: Supporting entrepreneurs in the process of building New Uzbekistan has become one of the main goals of the reforms of our Head of state
Founder of BMB HOLDING: Supporting entrepreneurs in the process of building New Uzbekistan has become one of the main goals of the reforms of our Head of state

In recent years, systematic work has been carried out to create a continuous chain of comprehensive support for the development of entrepreneurship in our country. As a result of the measures implemented and important decisions made over the last seven years, a new generation of entrepreneurs of New Uzbekistan has emerged.
In particular, BMB HOLDING is one of the major subjects of private entrepreneurship, playing an important role in the economic life of our country, and gaining strong positions not only in the domestic, but also in the international market.
On the eve of the 33rd anniversary of independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Dunyo information agency talked to Bekzod Mamatkulov, the founder of BMB HOLDING.
– Mr. Mamatkulov, in recent years BMB HOLDING has gained a great reputation not only in Uzbekistan, but also among the international business community. Today, the Holding effectively works in the areas of providing consulting services on investment projects, developing international business and trade relations, attracting foreign investments, export-import exchange, introducing innovative technologies, creating modern agro-industrial clusters. We would like to start our conversation with the organization of the Holding and the history of its development.
– After his election as President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev put on the agenda of our state’s policy such important issues as increasing economic potential, attracting investments and, most importantly, supporting entrepreneurs to bring the country to a new stage of development.
In this sense, the opportunities created for entrepreneurs have radically changed my life goals and made me want to test my potential in business.
We generated our first income through services. Developing business plans and providing consulting services was our first source of income. Later we bought land in Arnasay district of Jizzak region to implement our agricultural projects. We planted mung beans and peas as secondary crops here. The first attempts were successful. The agricultural products we grew gave better results than we expected. For the first time we were able to export our crops abroad. In particular, we started selling agricultural products to Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. Later, we had a plan to supply cotton and grain to the state on a contract basis, and we gradually expanded our financial capacity, making a profit from it.
In 2017, during the visit of the Head of state to Jizzakh region, our project to create a food cluster in Arnasay district was presented. At the meeting, the President emphasized that he would support us, like all businessmen, and expressed great confidence in us. Such attention and support of the President of the country gave us additional strength. After that, there was a desire to further expand our business activities, to test ourselves in new industries, to develop and implement joint projects with foreign partners.
In particular, in 2018, we were among the first to create the largest cotton cluster in the country. Thanks to the attention of the management and creation of favorable conditions for doing business, we created a cluster for growing medicinal plants, namely saffron. Later we organized a fruit and vegetable cluster. This big project, in turn, enabled us to set up a system of sorting, packing and deep processing of fruits and vegetables. Thus, having passed through various stages of business, our small project has now formed into BMB HOLDING. At present the Holding unites 30 enterprises. They employ more than six thousand people across the country.
– It is no secret that today the Holding realizes investment projects of international and national level. As an entrepreneur and a person who knows the business environment in foreign countries, how do you assess the investment environment in Uzbekistan? Are there aspects that do not satisfy you, are there factors that are obstacles for business?
– In the process of building New Uzbekistan, the creation of a favorable investment environment for entrepreneurs has become one of the main goals of the reforms of the Head of our state. The adoption by the President of Uzbekistan of a number of decrees and resolutions aimed at supporting entrepreneurs is yielding results today.
Improvement of tax legislation, creation of the possibility of free currency conversion, reforms in the sphere of private property and a number of other positive changes related to these spheres have played their important role, and entrepreneurs are now considered as the driving force of the country’s economy. In 2020-2022, despite the fact that the coronavirus pandemic worldwide had a large negative impact on the economies and the global investment environment, Uzbekistan’s economic growth rates remained stable and its investment attractiveness continued to grow.
The fact that the inflow of foreign investments into the country has increased significantly testifies to the confidence of international business in the economic reforms in our country. Active diversification of the economy is an important achievement that has opened new opportunities for investors in all sectors, starting with industry.
Now, if we talk about the factors that are obstacles for business, aspects that do not satisfy entrepreneurs, I will tell the truth openly: at the level of the government, reforms are being implemented very intensively, positive changes are taking place. But when you go to the lower level of the system, there are still cases of inattention and carelessness somewhere. I believe that such shortcomings will be eliminated.
– We know that BMB HOLDING is engaged in the production and export of a wide variety of agricultural products. In particular, the organization headed by you has achieved great success in saffron cultivation. Today saffron grown in Uzbekistan is becoming popular in many regions of the world. Tell me, when did you come up with the idea of establishing such a complex sphere as saffron cultivation in Uzbekistan and why did you choose this particular project?
– During President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visits to Kashkadarya region in 2017, the issue of cultivation of medicinal plants in mountainous and foothill regions, development of this sphere in our country and export of valuable medicinal plants to the world market was prioritized. The leader of our country also inquired why it is impossible to grow saffron in Uzbekistan despite all conditions, and gave a special instruction to develop this industry. During the President’s visit to Jizzakh region, we made a detailed presentation of our saffron cultivation project. Having familiarized himself with the project, the Head of state expressed his full support to it and instructed the responsible persons to implement the program as soon as possible.
However, it was not easy to realize this project at first. When implementing this business idea, first of all, we deeply studied the demand and supply in the domestic and foreign markets, opportunities and prospects for its implementation in the conditions of Uzbekistan, our own potential in this area, as well as a number of other factors. In 2020, we started to implement the project in pandemic conditions. At first, it took a lot of patience and hard work to find specialists, to bring saffron bulbs suitable for our climate from Europe and to get the desired harvest. In the first year we planted saffron bulbs on 55 hectares of land. The high demand for the harvest and the experience gained stimulated further development and expansion of the project. Today saffron is grown on 400 hectares of land. In the next three years, it is planned to increase the area of saffron plantations to 1,000 hectares and produce 20 tons of pure saffron products per year.
At the beginning of 2024, the product BMB Za’faron for the first time in our region received the USDA Organic certificate, an environmental certificate developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which allowed Uzbek saffron to enter the American markets. After several years of in-depth analytical research, Uzbek saffron grown in the Bakhmal district received the appropriate permission to export to Chinese markets according to the conclusion of the Uzbek-Chinese interdepartmental commission.
– Indeed, a lot of experience in saffron cultivation has been accumulated in recent years. At the same time, what countries’ experience do you think should be studied and implemented in order to grow a competitive product that meets the requirements of international standards and markets?
– In agriculture, each product is grown using a specific method. Such countries as Italy, Austria, South Korea, USA, and Saudi Arabia have enough experience in saffron cultivation. Of course, we study the experience of countries with climatic conditions close to ours and exchange experience with industry experts. I can say that we have mobilized all possibilities to get more crops and export them abroad. The increase in exports, in turn, contributes to increasing the inflow of foreign currency into Uzbekistan and ensuring economic stability.
To bring our national products to the world market and increase their competitiveness, the most important factors are, first of all, quality, then price and, of course, matching production capacity to demand. We have taken these aspects into account in our work and projects, especially in saffron cultivation.
– In Uzbekistan, on the initiative of the Head of our state, an open dialog with entrepreneurs is held annually. Tell me, what impact do these efforts have on the activities of the Holding headed by you?
– It would not be an exaggeration to say that the adoption of a number of resolutions and decrees on creation of favorable business environment and healthy competition in our country, comprehensive support for entrepreneurs, further liberalization of tax policy have served to eliminate the problems that have arisen for many years and hindered the free activity of entrepreneurs.
Thanks to the political will of the President of Uzbekistan, the organizational and legal foundations for the development of the industry have been strengthened, and the attention to entrepreneurs has changed dramatically. Most importantly, all this has already started to yield positive results.
In addition, an open dialog between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and entrepreneurs has been established. In my opinion, there is no other country in the world that has such a format.
I can confidently say that the open communication of the Head of state with the business community, which has now become a tradition and is held annually, serves as an important factor in the formation of a new competitive class of entrepreneurs in New Uzbekistan.

I visit many countries for work. In particular, my friends-partners in Italy, Germany, the United States, Austria and other countries highly appreciate the annual dialog of the President of Uzbekistan with entrepreneurs. It is no secret that people look at us with envy when they see the personal attention of the Head of state to the development of business in our country. In fact, it is a great achievement for both sides — the President meets with businessmen, listens to their systemic problems, finds solutions and solves them. Therefore, today all businessmen are looking forward to meeting with the President. This meeting has also become an important forum for businessmen to assess their activities for the year and determine plans for the future. The speeches of our country’s leader at the meeting and important initiatives aimed at further development of the industry, removal of existing obstacles, provision of benefits to entrepreneurs serve as a program for further expansion of businessmen’s activities.
I would like to give an example based on my experience. Before dialoguing with the President, I note in my notebook the issues we face in our work. Listening to the President, I always get comprehensive answers to all my questions based on deep analysis.
– In August 2022, by the decree of the President of Uzbekistan, you were awarded the “Faol Tadbirkor” sign, and in 2023 — the “Dustlik” order. Recall those moments when your entrepreneurial activity was highly appreciated by the leadership of our country.
– Before answering, I have to say one thing. Before coming to business, I worked in state and public organizations for more than 15 years. I never received even a certificate of honor, let alone a state award. Today, the leader’s focus is on people who have sincerely worked for the development of our dear country — Uzbekistan. In recognition of our work, in 2022, I was awarded the “Faol Tadbirkor” sign. In 2023, I had the honor to receive the “Dustlik” Order from the esteemed President. These are not just awards given to me, they are recognition of the work of thousands of dedicated people working in the Holding’s system. Such a high appreciation gives our team more confidence and motivation, and gives us great strength to realize the goals we have set for ourselves.
– The direction of economic diplomacy is becoming increasingly important in attracting foreign investment to Uzbekistan, finding new partners and exporting national products abroad. In this regard, does the Holding, which you head, use the opportunities of diplomatic missions of our country in foreign countries? How satisfied are you with the work of our country's embassies in this direction?
– Frankly speaking, it used to be impossible to meet with diplomats. If you went abroad and wanted to meet with the Ambassador of our country, he would not accept businessmen. This is an open statement. The Ambassador only dealt with politics. Thanks very much to our President, he brought the diplomats’ attention to the economy as well. This, of course, has opened wonderful conditions and opportunities for entrepreneurs. Openness in this sphere, in turn, has become an important step for entrepreneurs in finding foreign partners and attracting investment.
Today, the diplomatic missions of Uzbekistan in foreign countries play a very important role in the activities of the Holding Company, and we feel their support at every stage of realization of our numerous projects. The introduction of the position of Advisor to the Ambassadors of Uzbekistan on economic issues has been very useful for us entrepreneurs. It should be noted that BMB HOLDING has established close relations of economic cooperation with embassies of foreign countries in Uzbekistan, in particular with diplomatic missions of Russia, China, USA and a number of European countries such as Poland, Austria and Latvia.
In a word, the role of diplomatic missions of Uzbekistan and foreign countries in our country is very important in effective realization of the company’s projects.
– Today BMB HOLDING operates in the field of cultivation and production of agricultural products. Our readers are also interested in the future plans of the Holding.
– Our plans for the near future are huge. In particular, the work on establishment of deep processing of agricultural and fruit and vegetable products, and the launching of textile factories in Syrdarya region is in full swing. We also want to implement projects in the field of medicine. Our first project in this direction will be the creation of a health center in Navoi region in 2025. Also, a chain of restaurants and hotels “Zafaron” will be launched in Tashkent city and Tashkent region.
Along with this, we plan to implement the project “Energy-efficient technologies and equipment for production, mining and processing of natural decorative stone” worth 50 million US dollars together with the organization Toksel Makina from Turkey.
– Our last question may be off-topic, but many people are also very interested in this area. We would like to ask about your projects in sports, especially in soccer. What are your goals in soccer and futsal? Also, please, provide information about BMB HOLDING brand ambassadors in the sphere of chess.
– This is an interesting question. BMB HOLDING considers the development of sports in our country, especially soccer and futsal, as one of the main directions of its activity. The Holding was one of the sponsors of Sogdiana soccer club in 2021 and Lokomotiv soccer club in 2022. Since 2023, our Holding has been one of the sponsors of the professional soccer league of Uzbekistan.
At the same time, the BMB PROFESSIONAL FUTSAL CLUB team started its activity in the system of the Holding. A number of famous local and Brazilian futsal players were invited to the team. For the last two years the team won the Cup of Uzbekistan and the Super Cup of Uzbekistan. Today the basis of our team is made up of futsal players playing in the national team of Uzbekistan on mini-football.
On June 30, on the occasion of Youth Day in Uzbekistan together with the Agency for Youth Affairs within the framework of the project of the brand ORRO ROSSO in Milan (this brand is currently the official partner of the Italian soccer club Milan and Monza) we organized a trip to our country of four famous former players of the soccer club Milan, world and European champions Dida, Sergino, Panucci and Zaccardo. I believe that the visit of famous soccer players to Uzbekistan has served to increase the interest and activity of our youth in sports.
As you know, the Futsal World Cup will be held in our country from September 14 to October 6 this year. BMB HOLDING as the main partner organization is preparing for this futsal holiday.
Besides, BMB HOLDING actively supports talented young chess players. Recognizing them as the face and ambassadors of the Holding, we call them brand ambassadors. In particular, FIDE Master of Sports Humoyun Bekmurodov won a silver medal at the X Chessable Sunway Sitges International Chess Festival 2023 held in Barcelona (Spain), and also won the Dubai Police Global Chess Challenge tournament held in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) on May 3-13 this year.
Another of our young chess players is Umida Omonova, a student of the International Chess School, world champion in blitz and rapid, FIDE Master of Sport, member of the Uzbekistan national team, holder of the state award named after Zulfiya, brand ambassador of BMB HOLDING. She also won the 18th round of the Uzbekistan Championship held in April this year.
Another thing is that BMB HOLDING mobilizes all its capabilities and potential in the direction of further prosperity of New Uzbekistan, which is being built under the leadership of the Head of state, improvement of welfare of our people and development of the Motherland.
- Thank you for taking the time to talk to us.
- Thank you.

Dunyo IA

The priority of water resource management reform in Uzbekistan is water conservation and its rational use
The priority of water resource management reform in Uzbekistan is water conservation and its rational use

Today, as global climate changes are observed, the population is growing, and industrial sectors are rapidly developing, the value of water resources is increasing not only in the Central Asian region but also worldwide.

 

According to the data, over the past 30 years, the air temperature in our region has increased by one and a half degrees, as a result of which about a third of the centuries-old glaciers in the highlands have melted, and the volume of water in rivers and streams has decreased slightly.

 

If current climate trends continue, in the next twenty years, the flow of the two large rivers, Amu Darya and Syr Darya, may decrease by 15%. This would result in a 25 percent reduction in per capita water availability and agricultural crop yields.

 

These are not just numbers, but indicators related to the fate and well-being of the people living in the region.

 

According to scientists, by 2040 in some areas of Central Asia, the need for water resources will triple. Over time, economic damage could reach 11% of the region's gross domestic product. The United Nations (UN) warns that countries in the region are currently losing up to US$2 billion a year due to water scarcity and inefficient use. Therefore, if appropriate measures are not taken now, it is inevitable that the countries in our region will face dire consequences of water shortages.

 

Under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, special attention is being paid to the comprehensive development of the water management sector in our republic, the rational use of existing water resources, including the widespread introduction of digital and water-saving irrigation technologies, and remarkable results are being achieved in this regard.

 

In his speech at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly on September 19, 2023, the leader of Uzbekistan emphasized the issue of water resource shortages in Central Asia, supported the establishment of the position of the UN Secretary General's Special Representative on Water Resources, and proposed creating a platform for water-saving technologies in Central Asia. In the process of using the "United Nations-Water Resources" mechanism, he emphasized his support for attracting and implementing the most advanced technologies.

 

This means that Uzbekistan will take the initiative in creating a platform for water-saving technologies in Central Asia, while also seeking to involve the international community in the process.

 

For more than 30 years since its establishment, the International Fund for Saving the Aral has become the most important platform for regional cooperation in the fields of water management and ecology. In the face of new risks and threats arising because of global climate change, the role and importance of the fund are increasing.

 

On September 15, 2023, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward the initiative to develop and implement new, agreed-upon decisions for the long-term perspective within the framework of this structure at the meeting of the Council of Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral held in Dushanbe. Reflecting the spirit of today, he emphasized the need to further improve the fund's legal framework and modernize its institutional mechanisms.

It should be noted that in the country’s domestic policy over the past seven years, at the initiative of the President, large-scale reforms in the water sector have been implemented. To manage state policy in the field of water management, a separate Ministry of Water Resources was created and the Concept for the development of the industry for the period until 2030 was approved.

 

As a logical continuation of these reforms and to solve systemic problems at the middle and upper levels of the water management system, on May 7, 2024, the President of Uzbekistan signed the decree "On Setting Priorities for the Introduction and Development of a Modern Management System in Water Resources." According to this document, the activity of the Ministry of Water Resources was divided into three parts, setting up a vertical management system. At the upper level is the management of the state water policy, the regulator; the middle level is engaged in the operation and construction of water management facilities and the introduction of business processes into the sector; and the lower-level handles supplying water directly to consumers.

 

In the middle stage, an agency for the exploitation of water resource facilities is being set up that operates as an independent legal entity. The agency includes the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Karakalpakhstan and regional irrigation systems basin departments, main canals, water reservoirs, and pumping station utilization departments, as well as land-improvement expeditions.

 

The department for the implementation of water management projects participates as a customer in projects funded by the budget and foreign investments. The decree envisages a 22% increase in the salary of middle- and high-level employees working in the ministry system, starting on July 1, 2024, and a 60% increase starting in 2025. It should be mentioned that starting in January 2024, the salary of lower-level employees has been doubled, and several incentive mechanisms are being used.

 

As a result of the accurate calculation of available water resources, special attention is paid to the introduction of water-saving technologies, resulting in abundant and high-quality harvests from agricultural crops. Nevertheless, the prevention of water scarcity remains one of the most important directions for Uzbekistan.

 

Uzbekistan is a country with a large water infrastructure in the Central Asian region; the total irrigated cropland exceeds 4.3 million hectares.

 

As one of the five priority directions of the "Uzbekistan-2030" strategy, which defines the goals of sustainable development of the country, the task of saving water resources and environmental protection is emphasized, placing great responsibility on water management employees.

 

To reduce water losses in irrigation networks, the year 2024 was announced as a "breakthrough year for concreting canals" in the water industry at the initiative of the President. For this purpose, 5,000 kilometers of irrigation networks, of which 1,500 kilometers are main and inter-farm and 3,500 kilometers are internal, have been concreted this year. To date, 525 kilometers of canals have been reconstructed, of which 355 kilometers have been concreted. The length of canals concreted by clusters and farms has exceeded 13,500 kilometers.

 

In recent years, the areas covered by water-saving technologies in the country have reached 1.3 million hectares. Of this, drip irrigation accounts for 478,000 hectares, sprinkler irrigation for 55,000 hectares, and discrete method irrigation for 29,000 hectares. Over 700,000 hectares have been leveled using laser leveling equipment.

 

Work on the introduction of water-saving technologies, which started in previous years, is being continued consistently. This year alone, it is planned to introduce cost-effective technologies on 500,000 hectares of land and to fully cover all irrigated farming areas in the country with such technologies by 2030.

 

All possibilities and resources are being used for this. Today, the number of local enterprises producing equipment and components for water-saving technologies in Uzbekistan has reached 55, with plans to increase this number in the future.

 

In recent years, 11,446 "Smart Water" devices, online water level monitoring meters in 1,704 pumping units, and online monitoring of seepage water levels have been installed in 6,746 reclamation monitoring wells. To manage water resources from one point without human intervention, the management processes of 65 large water management facilities were automated.

 

It is planned to save 8 billion cubic meters of water in 2024 through the concreting of channels, the introduction of water-saving technologies, the digitization of the industry, the implementation of "smart" devices, and effective water management.

 

It should be noted that 60 percent of the irrigated cropland in the country is supplied with water through pumps. There are more than 1,600 pumping stations in the Ministry's system, and due to their modernization, installation of modern energy-saving devices, and the introduction of public-private partnerships, electricity consumption has been reduced by 1.5 billion kWh in the last seven years.

 

In the coming years, the total cost of the water industry will be $6.0 trillion. Agreements for 463 public-private partnership projects worth significant amounts in soums were signed. In 2023, all water management facilities in five districts and 300 pumping stations across the republic will be transferred to the private sector.

 

This transfer increases work efficiency, saves up to 30% on electricity at pumping stations, and reduces salary deductions by 13%.

 

The "Irrigators' School" was launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Water Resources, the "Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers," the National Research University, and "Agrobank." Highly qualified specialists from abroad are organizing one-week-long free training courses for designers, contractors, managers of farms, and cluster enterprises from all districts of the republic.

 

In short, life itself proves that the only solution to mitigate the water shortage in our region is to save water and use it wisely.

 

Press service of the Ministry of Water Resources
of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani cooperation
The development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani cooperation

   Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of East-West and North-South transport corridors and has a favorable geostrategic position.
   Reconstruction of roads and railroads, construction of international airports in Baku and regions, Baku International Sea Trade Port, development of East-West and North-South transport corridors have played an important role in the development of transport infrastructure not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the entire region.
   In turn, relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are rapidly developing in all spheres - from politics to economy. One of the key areas of bilateral interaction is transportation and logistics. This cooperation plays an important role not only for the two countries, but also for the whole Eurasia, opening new transit corridors between East and West.
   For Uzbekistan, as a landlocked country, access to international transportation routes is vital.
   In this regard, Azerbaijan is becoming a key partner, providing access to the Caucasus and further to Europe, while the free trade regime, which has been in force between our countries since 1996, opens up the possibility of unimpeded entry of domestic products into the markets of partners.
   Thus, the volume of cargo transportation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan by the end of 2024 was more than 100 thousand tons, with an increase of 5% in relation to the previous year.
   It is gratifying that our two countries have established fruitful work in the field of aviation. In turn, Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations in the field of aviation are regulated by the Agreement on air communication and cooperation in the field of air transport dated 27.05.1996, as well as memorandums and protocols of consultations signed between the aviation authorities of the two countries. It should be noted that during the past period Uzbekistan's air navigation service provider has joined the Regional Platform on Air Navigation Safety Coordination for Europe and Asia, and since December 21, 2023 Uzbekistan has officially become a member of the association established by air navigation service providers of Turkey and Azerbaijan.
   Over the past 2 years, the number of flights between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan has increased 2 times per week. Currently on the Tashkent-Baku route regularly operates 8 flights per week.
   In addition, the Parties attach great importance to the joint development of logistics infrastructure. In particular, the Baku International Sea Port in Alyat and the free economic zone located there open new opportunities for Uzbek companies.
   In order to significantly develop cargo transportation in this direction in the interests of Uzbekistan, the issue of acquiring 2 vessels for transportation on the Caspian Sea is being worked out.

   Cooperation with colleagues from Azerbaijan is underway in this direction.
   “Uzbekiston Railways” and Azerbaijan Railways are intensifying cooperation in the field of container transportation, increasing throughput capacity and introduction of digital solutions in logistics. In turn, Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations in the field of railway transport are regulated by the Agreement on mutual relations in the field of international railway communication of 27.05.1996, the Agreement on measures to further deepen cooperation in the field of railway transport and development of combined transportation of 11.09.2008.
   Speaking of cooperation in this direction, it is important to mention the Protocol signed during the meeting of the heads of railroads of five countries - Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on the formation of an international multimodal route “Asia-Pacific Countries - China-Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan - Azerbaijan - Georgia - Turkey - Europe” (CASCA+). On December 17, 2021 Turkey joined this Protocol, and the Protocol of the six-party meeting was signed between the parties.
   These documents provide for the organization of multimodal transportation of container block-train from China to Europe along the Trans-Caspian route with the provision of discounts for railway transportation in the amount of up to 70%.
   In 2024 through the port of Baku (Middle Corridor) the total volume of cargo transportation of Uzbekistan amounted to more than 1 million tons with an increase of 26 % in relation to the previous year.
   In the implementation of the above projects, the time requirement is to strengthen the introduction of digital technologies in the process of international freight transportation.
   In December 2022, the first transportation under the E-TIR system in full compliance with the 11th Annex to the TIR Convention between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan took place.
   Starting from March 2025, fully switched to electronic exchange of E-PERMIT permit forms.
 
   New directions of possible interaction between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.
   1. In the current geopolitical situation, there is a tendency of transition from traditional transportation routes to alternative, more reliable, involving the use of different modes of transport, which contributes to the growing attractiveness of multimodal transportation.
   Despite the limited access to the main world ports, Uzbekistan can fully develop the transport and logistics industry through the formation of land transport corridors, developing them throughout the Eurasian region.
   There are promising transportation projects that could become a huge impetus in the integration of the transportation system of Central Asia, the Caucasus, Europe and Asia.
   Among such projects are the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan and Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railroad projects.
   The development of the above two projects will lead to an increase in the transit potential of the countries of the Central Asian region, the Caucasus and the formation of new multimodal transport and transit digital corridors:
   “APR countries - China - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan - Azerbaijan - Georgia - Turkey - EU”;
   “SEA countries - Pakistan - Afghanistan - Uzbekistan - Kazakhstan - Azerbaijan - Georgia (Black Sea ports) - EU”.
   2. Uzbekistan's cooperation with Azerbaijan is strengthened
   Within such international platforms as CIS, Organization of Turkic States, Economic Cooperation Organization, TRACECA and others.
   Thus, transport and logistics cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan goes beyond bilateral relations - it becomes an important link in the formation of a new Eurasian transport map. Given the geographical location of both countries, their interaction plays a key role in ensuring sustainable and diversified routes between the East and the West.
 
Bekzod Kholmatov
Director of the Center for the Study of Transport Problems
 
Shokhjakhon Shikhnazarov
Chief Specialist of the Center for the Study of Transport Problems


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