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Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan: stable friendship and reliable partnership
📅 02.07.2025
UN Secretary-General to visit Uzbekistan
📅 30.06.2024
At the invitation of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will pay an official visit to our country from June 30 to July 1.
The program of the high-ranking guest's stay in Tashkent envisages talks at the highest level.
The agenda includes issues of further expansion and strengthening of Uzbekistan's multifaceted cooperation with the UN and its institutions, as well as topical aspects of global policy and regional interaction. Special attention will be paid to supporting measures to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in our country.
During the visit, the UN Secretary-General will also visit a number of industrial and social sites, hold bilateral meetings and events.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Uzbekistan plans to increase exports of electrical products to Europe, countries of South Asia and the Middle East
📅 19.07.2024
There are about a thousand manufacturing enterprises operating in the electrical engineering sector of Uzbekistan, most of them small, producing over two thousand types of products. Almost all enterprises in the industry are privately owned. The total number of people employed in the industry exceeds 35,000.
The 76 largest enterprises in the industry, which produce over 90% of all electrical engineering products, are members of the Association of Electrical Engineering Manufacturers (UzEltechSanoat). Of these, 18 enterprises manufacture electrical wires and cables, 27 enterprises manufacture household appliances, and 32 enterprises manufacture power transformers and other electrical products.
The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026 aimed to increase industrial production by 1.4 times by 2026, including doubling the production of high value-added products in the electrical engineering industry and tripling exports.
The Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy, adopted in September 2023, will ensure the achievement of all the goals outlined in the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan. It also sets the task of increasing copper processing in the electrical engineering industry to 300,000 tons per year and raising the localization level of manufactured products to an average of 65%.
Therefore, Uzbekistan pays special attention to the development of technologically advanced industries, including electrical engineering, and provides state support.
Over the past seven years, the President of Uzbekistan has adopted several legislative acts providing customs and tax benefits to enterprises in the electrical engineering industry, as well as subsidies to cover transportation and other expenses.
Specifically, until January 1, 2027, enterprises in the electrical engineering industry have received a 50% reduction in profit and property taxes. Additionally, benefits for exemption from customs duties on imported raw materials, components, and equipment for their own production needs have been extended.
Furthermore, several programs have been approved for the implementation of investment projects in the electrical engineering industry, focusing on technical and technological upgrades of existing facilities and the creation of new production lines.
Due to these measures, over the past 7 years, the volume of attracted investments in the industry has amounted to $935 million, of which about $400 million are foreign direct investments.
Additionally, more than 260 new investment projects worth over $800 million have been launched, including 50 cable production projects worth $120 million, 115 household appliance projects worth $380 million, 40 power equipment projects worth $60 million, and 58 other electrical engineering projects worth $250 million.
As a result, over 13,000 new jobs have been created, bringing the total number of jobs in the industry to 35,000.
As a result of implementing investment projects for modernizing and creating new production facilities, the production of new types of electrical engineering products has been mastered, particularly household appliances (washing machines, electric stoves, vacuum cleaners, hoods, water heaters, new models of refrigerators and washing machines under the Samsung brand, SMART HD TVs, built-in hobs and gas stoves, etc.); industrial air conditioners; new types of electrical cables (high and low voltage, used in solar energy systems, household appliances, as well as self-supporting insulated cables); dry transformers; electronics (monoblocks, SIM cards, electronic boards for household appliances); smart meters for electricity, gas, and water consumption; parts for solar panels and renewable energy stations; elevators and escalators; water pumps, etc.
Overall, from 2017 to 2023, the production volume of the electrical engineering industry increased 7.1 times to $1.98 billion, including a 5.5-fold increase in wires, cables, and copper products to $792 million; an 8.2-fold increase in household appliances to $633 million; and a 9.3-fold increase in power and technical equipment to $567 million.
The contribution of the electrical engineering industry to the development of the economy is also growing, and although the share of the industry's value added in the economy is still less than 1%, it has grown 1.5 times in recent years.
The growth in the production of electrical engineering products has contributed to an increase in export volumes, which have grown 5.5 times to $1047 million over the specified period, including a 4-fold increase in wires, cables, and copper products to $576 million; a more than 10-fold increase in household appliances to $214 million; and a 12-fold increase in power equipment and other products to $257 million.
It should be noted that the significant growth (more than 10 times) in the export of household appliances occurred due to the creation of new production facilities in Uzbekistan by Artel Electronics. In particular, the export volume of refrigerators increased 15 times to $58 million, televisions 6 times to $52 million, electric stoves 4.5 times to $40 million, washing machines 5 times to $20 million, air conditioners 4 times to $15 million, etc.
Moreover, not only the geography of export countries has expanded, but also the range of electrical engineering products supplied to foreign markets. Currently, about 200 types of various electrical engineering products are exported to almost 70 countries. The number of exporting enterprises in the electrical engineering industry has grown to 100.
In January 2024, a Presidential Decree "On Additional Measures for Further Increasing the Production and Export Potential of the Electrical Engineering Industry" was adopted, outlining target indicators for the industry's development in the coming years.
Specifically, in 2024, the plan is to increase the volume of production by almost 30% to $2.6 billion, exports by 43% to $1.5 billion, and the volume of copper processing into finished products to 140,000 tons. In 2025, the goal is to increase production to $3.2 billion, exports to $2.0 billion, and copper processing to 160,000 tons.
To achieve these targets, the Program for Creating New Production Capacities and Diversifying Production in the Electrical Engineering Industry in 2024-2026 and Beyond has been approved. The program aims to implement a total of 294 investment projects worth over $4 billion in the coming years.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the necessary conditions have been created in Uzbekistan for enterprises in the electrical engineering industry to increase production volumes and expand the supply of their products to both domestic and foreign markets.
Therefore, goals have been set to increase exports not only to traditional but also to new markets. In particular, there are plans to increase the export of electrical engineering products to European markets, considering the GSP+ preferential trade regime granted to Uzbekistan, as well as to South Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
Yuri Kutbitdinov,
chief Research Officer of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the President of the
Republic of Uzbekistan
Prospects for Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea within the Framework of the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum
📅 24.08.2026
Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea has been developing consistently in recent years, acquiring new substance in such priority areas as the economy, investment, advanced technologies, digitalization, and public financial management. Relations aimed at further expanding practical cooperation between the two countries, studying advanced experience, and introducing modern technologies are becoming particularly important.
Within the framework of the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum, particular attention is being paid to identifying new areas of regional and bilateral cooperation, implementing joint projects in innovative and high-tech sectors, as well as developing human capital.
This process is becoming even more relevant ahead of the high-level visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of Korea on September 14–17. The visit will create important opportunities for bringing the strategic partnership between the two countries to a new level, expanding investment and technological cooperation, as well as reaching new agreements on the implementation of promising projects.
In particular, cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea in the area of public financial management and modernization of the treasury system is also developing steadily. In this regard, the Republic of Korea’s advanced experience is being studied as part of the modernization of the treasury system and the gradual transition to a “Digital Treasury” system.
From April 5 to 10, 2026, the Korea Fiscal Information Service (KFIS) organized a training and practical seminar in the Republic of Korea dedicated to public financial management information systems and the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies. The delegation of the Treasury Service Committee under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan took part in the seminar.
During the visit, the advanced information systems used in the Republic of Korea in the field of public financial management were studied in detail, including the operating mechanisms, functional capabilities, and role of the dBrain+, e-Naradoum, and e-Hojo systems in the digitalization of public financial management processes.
In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Treasury Service Committee and the Korea Fiscal Information Service. This document will contribute to further strengthening bilateral cooperation at the institutional level, expanding the exchange of experience, and developing practical cooperation aimed at improving public financial management information systems.
Furthermore, during meetings with the leadership of the Korea Fiscal Information Service, an agreement was reached on the engagement of a highly qualified expert from the Republic of Korea in the process of modernizing Uzbekistan’s public financial management information systems.
There are also prospects for establishing cooperation with the Republic of Korea in developing a semiconductor ecosystem, as well as implementing “OSAT” (the process of chip packaging and testing) and “IC Design” projects.
One of the key areas being identified is the exploration of opportunities to attract the Republic of Korea’s advanced technologies to Uzbekistan in the production of raw materials and high-purity chemical materials for semiconductors, train local specialists, establish cooperation in research and develop a semiconductor materials base in the country.
Within the framework of developing cooperation in the semiconductor sector with “SK Group,” particularly “SK Hynix,” prospects are being considered for technology transfer, the establishment of educational programs in “IC Design,” the training of local engineers and specialists in chip design, the implementation of joint educational programs, including grant-based projects, as well as the establishment of research and development centers.
The implementation of these initiatives will create an important foundation for developing the modern electronics and semiconductor industry in Uzbekistan, training highly qualified engineering professionals, localizing advanced technologies, and establishing new high-value-added manufacturing industries.
Initiatives aimed at applying the Republic of Korea’s advanced technological and institutional experience in Uzbekistan, expanding mutually beneficial investment projects, and training modern specialists will contribute to bringing the strategic partnership between the two countries to a new level.
In this regard, the initiatives being put forward within the framework of the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum and the high-level visit will serve as an important foundation for further deepening multifaceted cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea, implementing new technological projects, and developing high-value-added sectors in the long term.
9 projects with a total value of 2 billion dollars
📅 15.10.2024The text of the article is in Uzbek!
Business in Uzbekistan are moving from digitalization to technological modernization
📅 20.08.2026
Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), jointly with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), surveyed more than 5,000 entrepreneurs from all regions of the country.
Study assesses the business environment and the effectiveness of entrepreneurship support measures, while developing proposals to further improve business conditions and promote private sector development.
Private businesses accounted for the majority of respondents (93%). By type of activity, wholesale and retail trade had the largest representation (43%), followed by services (30%), industry (17%), construction (8%), and agriculture, forestry and fisheries (2%).
The sample covers enterprises with varying levels of business experience. Almost one in four has been operating for more than 10 years (24%), more than a quarter for 5–10 years (28%), around a quarter for 3–5 years (26%), and one in five for 1–3 years (20%).
Survey results show that enterprises use a variety of tools to improve efficiency. One in three enterprises has adopted several digital solutions (33%), a comparable share uses artificial intelligence in at least two areas (30.4%), and almost one in four applies energy-saving solutions (23.2%). Enterprises are also introducing new products and technologies and revising their production and business processes to reduce costs.
Combined use of several measures is associated with stronger business performance. Among companies that have implemented at least three efficiency improvement measures, more than half report increased demand for their products and services (54.1%). Such enterprises are 4.1 times more likely to reduce costs, while the share of companies recording wage growth of more than 10% is 2.1 times higher.
Enterprises that have implemented at least three efficiency improvement measures also demonstrate greater investment activity, with more than half planning to increase investment in the following year (57.8%).
However, the comprehensive application of efficiency improvement tools has not yet become widespread. Approximately one in nine enterprises has implemented three or more measures (11.6%), while more than a quarter use none of the measures examined (28.5%).
By sector, three or more measures are implemented by 13% of enterprises in both industry and services, followed by trade (11%), construction (9%), and agriculture (8%). Regional differences are more pronounced. The comprehensive set of measures is most widely applied in Tashkent city (18%), while the corresponding figures are considerably lower in the Samarkand (4%), Bukhara (3%), and Syrdarya (2%) regions.
The survey results indicate the widespread use of basic digital solutions among enterprises (94%).
More than half of enterprises use artificial intelligence in one form or another (60%). AI is most commonly applied in marketing and sales (24%), production process optimization (15%), accounting and financial analysis (14%) and chatbots (13%).
At the same time, around one-third of enterprises use AI directly in production, logistics and financial processes (31%), indicating considerable scope for its further practical application.
Almost every second enterprise uses customer relationship management systems (CRM) to organize sales and customer engagement (48%). CRM systems are most widely used in the services sector (54%). Digital business analytics tools are used by only one in seven enterprises (14%). Nearly half of private enterprises do not use such systems, while more than a quarter are unaware of these digital solutions.
Social media has become a standard channel for promotion and customer engagement for more than four out of five enterprises (80.9%). More than half of enterprises have established online sales (58.8%), although the share of enterprises selling more than half of their products online remains relatively small (9%). Digital payment systems are used by one in four enterprises (25%).
The sectoral breakdown reveals differences in how digital tools are used. In services, CRM systems are the most widely used (54%), while this sector also records the highest adoption rates for artificial intelligence (68%), online sales (67%), and social media (87%).
In industry, CRM systems (49%) and artificial intelligence (60%) are widely used, alongside online sales (61%) and social media (81%).
In trade, digital payment systems are relatively more widespread (31%). More than half of enterprises also use artificial intelligence (55%) and online sales (54%), while over three-quarters use social media (77%).
In construction, social media is the most widely used digital tool (80%). More than half of enterprises use artificial intelligence (55%) and online sales (51%), while 43% use CRM systems.
In agriculture, digital payment systems are relatively widespread (30%). At the same time, 43% of enterprises use artificial intelligence, 49% have established online sales, and 66% use social media.
Findings show that further opportunities to improve enterprise efficiency are associated with the broader adoption of modern technologies and management solutions, the modernization and automation of production, development of digital sales channels and improvements in energy efficiency.
The stronger performance of enterprises that use these tools comprehensively demonstrates the importance of their consistent adoption for productivity growth and greater investment activity.
Technological modernization represents a separate area of opportunity for enterprises. The survey results indicate a relationship between the introduction of new products and technologies, increased demand and investment activity.
At the same time, 51% of enterprises still have scope for further technological modernization through upgrades and the introduction of new products, services and innovations.
The further spread of digital solutions also depends on the conditions for their implementation. According to entrepreneurs, digitalization could be supported by improved internet infrastructure (13%), greater availability of qualified specialists (10%) and lower financial costs associated with technology adoption (9%).
The need for skilled personnel is also confirmed by the broader findings of the study, with enterprises reporting shortages of specialists with various qualifications, including IT professionals and engineering and technical personnel.
Overall, the survey results show that further improvements in business efficiency require a transition from the use of individual digital tools to their direct integration into production and management.
CERR’s findings are consistent with the results of World Bank research. Enterprise-level data show that the most significant productivity gains occur when companies move beyond basic access to digital technologies and adopt more advanced solutions, including cloud services, management systems, analytics, and artificial intelligence. Digital payments and online sales alone have a limited impact unless accompanied by changes in internal business processes.
Realizing the considerable untapped potential for technological modernization depends primarily on developing managerial and digital competencies, training qualified personnel, and shifting from supporting access to technologies toward their practical adoption by enterprises.
This approach is also consistent with contemporary research on economic growth, which links long-term productivity gains to the diffusion of new knowledge and its practical application (2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences; Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt).
Accordingly, further business support measures should focus on expanding the practical adoption of technologies in enterprises’ production and management processes.
Dunyo IA
New Uzbekistan strategy – a new way of supporting the young generation
📅 08.07.2024
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
State awards presented to brave athletes
📅 14.09.2024
On September 13, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the winners and medalists of the XVII Summer Paralympic Games.
The event was attended by the leadership of the National Paralympic Committee and sports federations, coaches, parents of athletes, representatives of state and public organizations.
As you know, the competitions were held from August 28 to September 8 in the capital of France, Paris. About 4.4 thousand Paralympians from 168 countries participated in them. From Uzbekistan, 65 para-athletes competed in 9 sports.
The Paralympic Games, like the Olympics, were successful for our country. Our compatriots set many records, winning 10 gold, 9 silver, 7 bronze - a total of 26 medals. They took 13th place in the overall team standings, as well as 3rd place in Asia and 1st place among Turkic, Islamic countries and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
On May 28-29, the Prime Minister of Italy will pay an official visit to Uzbekistan
📅 27.05.2025
THE EDUCATIONAL POLICY OF NEW UZBEKISTAN IS OPENING NEW HORIZONS IN THE REGION
📅 28.11.2025
We are the luckiest children of our people. We are fortunate to see the days dreamed of by our Jadid ancestors and to build the future they desired. During the events of the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, I was once again convinced of this.
In recent years, Central Asia has acquired a new image on the world political map. Today, it is recognized that the countries of the region are not competitors, but reliable partners moving together on the path of development and cooperation. Consequently, other regions and powerful states are seeking to engage with us, envisioning a future in harmony with the spirit of Central Asia. This is not without reason. Because in the international arena, various conflicts and the pursuit of solely material interests have intensified. In such a situation, thanks to the political will and wise decisions of our President, a completely new policy, inherent to our people—one of openness and magnanimity—has gained priority in our region. All Central Asians rejoice in this. Why? Because our peoples have lived as neighbors, in-laws, sharing joys and sorrows as one nation.
In awakening the spirit of Central Asia, our President first took the path of bringing our peoples closer together. We wisely used the power of literature and art to elevate relations to a new stage. In particular, various events and festivals were organized among cultural representatives of our countries. As part of state visits, performances by art and culture representatives and grand concerts have become commonplace.
Our President has turned the gifting of books to his colleagues into a tradition. At the time, we understood this only within the framework of cultural ties. Time itself shows that the path chosen by our President is the way to reach the hearts of the people!
After all, the peoples of Central Asia consider Khazrat Navoi their ancestor. Likewise, we also love Jami, Fuzuli, Makhtumkuli, and Abai just as we do Bobur or Alisher Navoi. We value the epic of Manas as if it were our own, and we read the works of Aitmatov more than anyone else. This alone indicates that our peoples have lived for centuries as close as flesh and nail. The leader of our state elevated such important aspects to the level of state policy. This opened a path to the hearts of our peoples. As a result, the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia was rich in historic events. Importantly, following its conclusion, very important decisions for the future of the region were adopted.
In particular, a concept for regional security and stability in Central Asia was adopted. In today's global world, security is of paramount importance. In such a situation, one cannot develop in isolation. Where there is peace, there is also stability. That is why the new Central Asia is seen on the international stage as a peaceful and stable zone. Our region has not only natural resources and economic potential but also a sufficient level of human capital. At a time when mutual conflicts and economic blockades are intensifying in various parts of the world, it is also true that Central Asia's ability to maintain stability is seen as a lifeboat for others.
Maintaining this stability and achieving economic growth by utilizing its opportunities is not easy. Anyone who closely observes the working regime of our President understands this correctly. Because the leader of our state works day and night to strengthen international ties. From the world podium, he is advancing not only national but also universal human interests. He calls for resolving any conflict and dispute through peaceful, diplomatic means.
It is these calls, aspirations, and initiatives that have awakened the spirit of Central Asia today. The entire region has unanimously decided to safeguard security and stability together. As our President put it, we have deeply understood that our strength is in unity, and our path to success is in friendship and cooperation.
In recent years, relations in the "Central Asia Plus" format have expanded. Our region is demonstrating a unified position on the international stage. At the same time, it is actively integrating into the world economy. Investment attractiveness is growing, export opportunities to third markets are expanding, and transit potential is increasing. For example, last year, the mutual trade volume between our countries reached 10.7 billion US dollars. The total volume of investments attracted to our region increased by 17 percent.
Further enhancing economic relations and correctly assessing the rapidly changing, unpredictable geopolitical processes is an urgent task. In this sense, it is gratifying that at the Consultative Meeting, a catalog of threats to Central Asian security and measures to prevent them for 2026-2028 were outlined.
The Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia was established on the initiative of our President. The leader of our state chaired its seventh meeting. During this period, our cooperation has been highly effective. To further enhance the potential of cooperation, over 20 major events were held. A forum for inter-regional cooperation at the level of deputy prime ministers was launched. Likewise, meetings of ministers were held for the first time. In particular, ministers of geology, industry, agriculture, ecology, and culture held meetings.
Due to such aspects, we are right to say that a new era of the Consultative Meeting has begun. Just one example: now, member states will engage in separate, individual cooperation in each sector within the Consultative Meeting. We were convinced of this once again at the ministerial meetings.
Within the framework of the international congress on "Central Asia: Common Spiritual and Educational Heritage – Common Future" at the Islamic Civilization Center, we held our first meeting with the culture ministers of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. Various issues of multilateral cooperation were discussed. We discussed issues of cooperation in various fields of culture and art. We exchanged views on the current state of regional cultural cooperation and future plans.
Our peoples have one thing in common. That is, people listen more to elders, to individuals respected by the community. They follow them. Precisely this aspect is considered our unique strength, unlike other regions. Therefore, for the future, vital issues were raised about expanding cultural exchange among cultural figures. As a result, we reached agreements on expanding regional cultural cooperation.
Mutual respect and magnanimity among peoples do not appear by themselves. It must be admitted that the human psyche has a strong tendency towards negative information. In today's global world, we see enough examples of this. Our President, deeply understanding this very aspect and analyzing it thoroughly, created the opportunity for cultural workers to strengthen such ties. I believe that cultural workers, and intellectuals in general, are responsible for further developing peace and mutual understanding in the region. It is precisely we who must prepare and present to our peoples the positive content that will lead to this. In this sense, we united around a common idea to hold joint events and festivals in the fields of art, literature, cinema, theater, and music. Such events remind us of ourselves once again. They sing the universal ideas, friendship, and magnanimity promoted by Navoi, Jami, Fuzuli and Makhtumkuli, Abai and Aitmatov, which are the cause for awakening the spirit of Central Asia today.
The gratifying aspect is that we will also expand joint projects for the study, restoration, and digitization of cultural heritage. Furthermore, we will develop exchange programs among young creators. We reached an agreement on organizing seminars, conferences, and summer schools. We also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in training and advanced training in the field of culture and art. Importantly, positive opinions were expressed on developing a "Central Asian Cultural Brand."
Observing this process, the meetings and agreements at the level of state leaders, I felt that today Central Asia has truly become a single region, a unified force. Our peoples have gone through many trials to reach this day. We can see this in the example of our Jadid ancestors. Thankfully, the river that flows, flows on. Our ancestors always called the people of the world to enlightenment, friendship, and kindness. Today, we, as a single region, continue this eternal tradition. It is gratifying that the leader of our state is wisely using these values of ours not only for our country but also for the benefit of the whole world. This was clearly evident in the initiatives put forward by our President at the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.
In particular, an initiative was put forward to establish an Council of Elders, comprising respected public figures with life experience and authority, based on the values and traditions of people's diplomacy. At the same time, it was emphasized that further improving cooperation mechanisms and the contractual-legal basis is of fundamental importance. Especially, the initiative to transform the Consultative Meeting into the strategic format of a "Central Asian Community" became the words in all our hearts.
Because now Central Asia is not just a region, but is strengthening its place on the world political map as a single voice, a united force. That is why our President emphasized in his speech at the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia: "I am fully confident that today we are on the threshold of a period of historical awakening of our region as the New Central Asia."
Precisely for this reason, developed countries are eager to cooperate with us. This is a great opportunity for the countries of the region. Using it wisely depends on our ability to protect our unity, friendship, and interests in a coordinated manner. In New Uzbekistan, it is recognized as a people-oriented policy precisely because such important aspects are always the focus of attention. The scale of countries wishing to cooperate with us confirms how sincere these recognitions are. There are two important reasons for the strong aspiration of developed countries towards New Uzbekistan. First, New Uzbekistan has become known as a state promoting the ideas of peace and humanity.
Here, a vital truth must be stated. No matter how a person may appear in a hostile guise, they still strive to live for peace and friendship. Countries are the same. They may engage in various conflicts for their own interests. But deep down, they desire peace and prosperity. The foreign policy position of New Uzbekistan offers guarantees of this peace and friendship.
The second important point is that thanks to the people-centered foreign policy, Central Asia has achieved unity. Now it is not seen as a field for labor or natural resources. Rather, it is seen as a new force with broad economic power in the international arena. During the Consultative Meeting, the leaders of the countries were at the Islamic Civilization Center. Our President emphasized that this center is a unique platform for creating scientific knowledge and ideas, conducting research, and popularizing our common cultural-historical heritage. Therefore, it is natural for the center to become a haven for the scientific and spiritual elevation of youth.
We certainly have grounds for saying this with full confidence. At the Consultative Meeting, our President proposed to regularly organize the first International Congress dedicated to spiritual heritage and enlightenment ideas. According to it, the congress will be held annually in the country chairing the Consultative Meeting.
All this shows that the countries of Central Asia are uniting not only because of economic or security issues, but because they are familiar with enlightenment. We know well that relationships built solely on material interests are fragile. In our region, however, live peoples with a single history, a common past. This is the reason for a unity that surpasses any material interests. That is why, at the meetings of state leaders, issues of culture and enlightenment always find a place on the agenda. This evokes boundless pride and honor in our hearts. At the same time, it also imposes the responsibility of being a generation worthy of such honorable days. For, at a time when the educational policy of New Uzbekistan is opening new horizons in Central Asia, being worthy of it is the duty and debt of every child of this land
Central Asia on the Threshold of a New Environmental Phase
📅 15.04.2026
The Regional Environmental Summit, to be held on 22–24 April 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan, is of significant importance for Central Asia. Above all, it serves as clear evidence that the countries of the region are jointly seeking solutions to complex challenges such as climate change, water scarcity and land degradation. This reflects a transition to a new phase of environmental policy—one grounded in strong and sustained cooperation.
Shared Challenges Require Collective Solutions
Environmental challenges in Central Asia do not recognize national borders. The tragedy of the Aral Sea, inefficient use of transboundary water resources, desertification, and air pollution affect not just individual countries, but the future of the entire region.
In recent decades, unsustainable water management—particularly in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins—has increased pressure on both ecosystems and economic resilience. In this context, the regional summit represents a practical step forward—from acknowledging shared challenges to addressing them collectively.
The summit agenda outlines eight priority areas, reflecting a comprehensive approach to environmental policy. These include climate change mitigation; ensuring food security and ecosystem resilience; adaptation to natural risks and strengthening economic resilience; reducing air pollution and improving waste management; developing mechanisms to achieve environmental goals; sustainable management of natural resources; a just and inclusive green transition; and the development of environmental and digital competencies.
Thus, the summit agenda encompasses not only environmental, but also socio-economic dimensions.
Support for this initiative at the United Nations level adds considerable political and international weight to the process. It sends a strong signal that environmental issues are no longer confined to nature conservation alone—they are increasingly matters of security, economic stability and social well-being.
The participation of international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, is particularly important. It expands the potential to translate environmental initiatives into concrete projects, as addressing these challenges requires not only political commitments, but also substantial financial resources and advanced technologies.
The Green Transition: Opportunity or Challenge?
The concept of a “green transition” occupies a central place in the summit agenda. For Central Asian countries, this process is inherently dual in nature.
On the one hand, the transition to a green economy offers opportunities to attract investment, foster innovation and create new jobs. The development of renewable energy, resource-efficient technologies and sustainable agriculture can serve as key drivers of economic growth.
On the other hand, this transition requires large-scale reforms. Modernizing outdated infrastructure, upgrading industry, and strengthening environmental awareness among the population are complex and demanding tasks. This is precisely why the emphasis on a “just and inclusive green transition” is of fundamental importance.
Uzbekistan: Advancing Reforms and Environmental Initiatives
For Uzbekistan, the summit provides an important platform to present its environmental policy on the international stage. In recent years, the country has been implementing large-scale initiatives and programmes such as “Yashil Makon,” “Toza Havo,” “Bio Meros,” “Territory Without Waste” and “Eco-Culture,” demonstrating its proactive stance on the environmental agenda.
Particular attention is being given to the restoration of the Aral Sea region. Practical measures undertaken in this area position Uzbekistan as a significant partner not only regionally, but also globally, creating favorable conditions for attracting investment and expanding international cooperation.
Key Expected Outcomes of the Summit
The summit is expected to result in the signing of a number of strategically important documents, including a Joint Declaration of the Heads of State of Central Asia; a Regional Cooperation Programme with the United Nations for 2026–2030; memorandums on biodiversity, ecotourism, and ecosystem protection; agreements on the establishment of a regional early warning system for wildfires; and initiatives to create a transboundary “Peace Park.”
These documents will form a solid foundation for long-term cooperation and financing of environmental projects.
Conclusion: A Regional Response to Global Challenges
The Regional Environmental Summit highlights the growing role of Central Asia in the global environmental agenda. The forum represents an important step toward the development of a unified regional strategy aimed at reducing climate risks, conserving natural resources and ensuring sustainable development.
For Uzbekistan, participation in the summit is not only an opportunity to showcase its achievements, but also a key platform for strengthening international partnerships, attracting investment and advancing initiatives in the field of the green economy.
Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic: A Visit That Gave the Relationship New Practical Substance
📅 02.05.2026
On 30 April, the official visit of Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to Uzbekistan came to a close. The visit took place at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Talks were held at the Kuksaroy residence in both restricted and plenary formats. As a result, the two sides signed a Joint Declaration on the Promotion of Expanded Cooperation along with a package of bilateral agreements covering economic, industrial, and scientific-technological cooperation, as well as the training of diplomatic personnel, collaboration in the fields of geology and metrology, and the supply of electric trains.
It is worth noting that this was already the second visit by a Czech prime minister to Uzbekistan. In April 2023, Petr Fiala visited Tashkent, and in October of the same year Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov made a reciprocal visit to Prague, where he met with Czech President Petr Pavel and signed an Interstate Declaration on Enhanced Cooperation. In September 2025, on the sidelines of the 80th anniversary session of the United Nations General Assembly, Presidents Mirziyoyev and Pavel held a bilateral meeting and discussed specific projects in the areas of investment, innovation, transport, and agriculture. Such intensity of contacts at the highest level is a rare phenomenon in international diplomacy. It testifies to the fact that both sides regard their relationship not as a matter of protocol formality, but as a genuine political priority.
The agenda of the current Uzbek-Czech talks was exceptionally substantive, covering several key areas, each of which merits separate consideration.
First — the expansion of trade, economic, and industrial cooperation. Over recent years, bilateral trade turnover has doubled, which is in itself a significant achievement. Nonetheless, both sides acknowledge that the figures attained merely reflect the existing potential without coming close to exhausting it.
Against this backdrop, the parties set a target of raising the volume of mutual trade to one billion US dollars, including through an expansion of the range of goods supplied. Uzbekistan already hosts 37 joint ventures with Czech capital participation, providing a solid productive foundation for the further development of the partnership.
The principal mechanism governing this process and opening up new avenues for interaction is the The Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Industrial, and Scientific-Technological Cooperation. Over the years of its operation, the Commission has held ten sessions, the most recent of which took place in Prague in March 2025.
To further stimulate trade, the first Uzbek certification branch in the Czech Republic is being established, while work is simultaneously under way on the construction of a Euro 6 vehicle certification laboratory and a quantum measurement standard — infrastructure facilities without which Uzbek products would face significant barriers to full access to European markets.
In parallel, an agreement has been reached with leading Czech companies on the development of a Technology Cooperation Programme encompassing mechanical engineering, green energy, geology and critical raw materials, as well as chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the Czech Export Credit Insurance Corporation (EGAP) and the Czech Export Bank confirmed their intentions to provide financial support for joint projects. To coordinate the entire economic agenda, it was decided to establish a Business Council, and the next session of the Intergovernmental Commission is scheduled to take place in Tashkent in August of the current year.
The Uzbek-Czech business forum, held on the eve of the visit with the participation of the heads of government of both countries, served as a practical platform for giving the bilateral agenda concrete substance. More than 200 participants discussed prospects for deepening economic cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that Uzbekistan's GDP exceeded 145 billion US dollars in 2025 — a figure that is fundamentally transforming international investors' perception of the country.
As a result, Czech companies are increasingly viewing Uzbekistan as a strategic springboard for access to Central Asian markets. The unique combination of dynamic growth, a young population, and a favourable geographical location makes the country one of the most attractive hubs on the Eurasian continent.
Following the forum, a package of cooperation agreements was signed covering mechanical engineering, infrastructure modernisation, and education, while mechanisms for engagement with the Czech Export Bank and EGAP were formalised, providing for preferential lending and risk insurance for high-technology projects.
Second — high-technology cooperation in the transport sector, the symbolic centrepiece of which was the signing of a contract for the supply and maintenance of the first ten Škoda Group electric trains. It should be stressed that the prospects of this project extend well beyond a simple equipment transaction. The plans include the establishment of a joint venture for local assembly and lifetime technical maintenance of rolling stock, as well as the creation of a Škoda Academy for the training of Uzbek specialists.
In this context, Škoda Group CEO Petr Novotný regards Uzbekistan as his company's "number one target" outside Europe, believing that the results achieved there will open the door to markets across Central Asia. For Uzbekistan in turn, this is not merely a technical upgrade, but an opportunity to integrate into European production chains and build domestic technological competences.
Third — cooperation in the fields of education, science, and cultural and humanitarian ties. In this domain, Uzbek-Czech partnership has its deepest roots and the most enduring future. The number of Uzbek students enrolled at Czech universities has grown from approximately 350 in 2020 to between 600 and 700 today, predominantly in technical, economic, agricultural, and IT disciplines. The Czech government's annual award of scholarships for citizens of Uzbekistan provides an additional incentive.
Of particular note is the fact that direct contacts have been established at the inter-university level. The National University of Uzbekistan cooperates with Charles University and the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague; the Tashkent Medical Academy maintains ties with the First Faculty of Medicine at Charles University; and a number of other leading institutions collaborate with Mendel University in Brno. The talks confirmed mutual interest in further expanding academic exchanges, including joint degree programmes, which will open fundamentally new career horizons for students of both countries.
Worthy of mention in this context is also the scientific and archaeological dimension of bilateral ties. Since 2003, Termez State University has been conducting a joint expedition with Charles University of Prague in the Surkhandarya region. Over the past two decades, nine previously unknown Bronze Age sites and fourteen Early Iron Age monuments have been discovered, and maps and inventories of heritage sites across several districts have been compiled. This cooperation has continued regardless of changes in government and shifting political circumstances.
An equally significant aspect is the ongoing exploration of the possibility of resuming direct air services between Tashkent and Prague — a matter that at first glance may appear to be purely logistical, but which in practice opens up new opportunities for tourist, business, and academic contacts alike.
Coming to the fore as well are the prospects for systematic cooperation in the field of labour migration, reflecting the profound qualitative shifts taking place in the labour markets of both Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic.
In sum, assessing the outcomes of the visit, one can state with confidence that Uzbek-Czech relations are entering a qualitatively new phase of development. The intensive high-level dialogue, underpinned by concrete economic initiatives, technological agreements, and institutional mechanisms, lays a solid foundation for a long-term strategic partnership.
The implementation of the agreements reached opens broad prospects for the modernisation of the Uzbek economy, the development of high-technology industries, and the strengthening of human capital. For the Czech Republic, meanwhile, Uzbekistan is becoming not merely a trading partner, but a reliable gateway to one of the most dynamically developing regions of Eurasia.
Bakhtiyor Mustafayev
Deputy Director, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
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