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Sincere congratulations to foreign partners
📅 16.06.2024
In connection with the advent of Eid al-Adha, the holy holiday of Eid al-Adha, which embodies such noble values as mercy, generosity, humanism and harmony, and promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance in society, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has received heartfelt congratulations from the heads of foreign States and governments, respected public and religious figures and heads of leading international and regional organizations.
In their messages, they express to the head of our state and the multinational people of Uzbekistan words of sincere respect, wishes for peace, well-being and prosperity, as well as reaffirm their commitment to the full strengthening of relations of friendship and multifaceted cooperation.
Congratulations, in particular, were sent to:
The Minister, Two Holy Shrines, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia;
Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia;
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey;
Abdelfattah Al-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt;
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev;
President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov;
President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon;
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov;
National leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov;
Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates;
Vice President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum;
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs of the United Arab Emirates;
Shaikh Seif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior of the United Arab Emirates;
Turki bin Muhammad bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of State and member of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia;
Emir of the State of Kuwait Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah;
Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Muborak Al-Sabah;
King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan;
King Muhammad VI of Morocco;
Abdelmajid Tebboun, President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria;
Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine;
Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev;
Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, Khusraw Noziri;
Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hussein Ibrohim Taha;
Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board.
Congratulations continue to pour in.
Peace and Trust in Asia - essential conditions for sustainable development
📅 14.10.2026
The third decade of the 21st century is shaping up to be a complex yet opportunity-rich period for the international relations system.
In this context, trust can be viewed today as a unique form of developmental capital. This is because in an environment where political trust exists, economic cooperation expands, investment climates improve, transport and logistics links develop and scientific and technological exchanges accelerate. Most importantly, nations begin to seek solutions to common problems through collaboration rather than in isolation.
Central Asia’s role as a region of peace, trust, and cooperation has also achieved international recognition within the framework of the United Nations General Assembly. In 2025, Uzbekistan delegation to the UN emphasized that joint efforts aimed at strengthening mutual trust, expanding economic and humanitarian ties and ensuring stability in Central Asia are shaping a new regional agenda based on equality, solidarity and shared responsibility.
Adoption of a resolution at the UN General Assembly in May 2026, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and economic integration to ensure sustainable development in Central Asia, served as a logical continuation of this process. It places special emphasis on promoting innovation, creating new jobs, ensuring long term sustainable economic growth and further developing good-neighborly relations among Central Asian nations.
In Uzbekistan’s contemporary foreign policy, transforming Central Asia into a peaceful, stable and prosperous region is viewed as a top priority. The Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asian nations have become an important mechanism for coordinating positions, advancing shared initiatives and strengthening mutual trust on an institutional basis.
Today's Asia is one of the leading spaces for the global economy, industry, innovation and technological progress. However, the long-term future of the continent is not determined solely by economic growth rates. Asia's true potential also depends on the ability of states with diverse political, economic, and cultural systems to cooperate around shared interests.
From this perspective, the meaning of “connectivity” in modern international relations is also evolving. While it was previously explained primarily through transport and trade routes, today it manifests as a complex phenomenon encompassing transport, energy, digital infrastructure, science, education and people-to-people ties.
A technological innovation created in one country can increase the efficiency of another nation's economy, and joint scientific research can offer a solution to a pressing issue for the entire region. For this reason, the new Asian model must rely not only on the movement of goods and capital but also on the free exchange of knowledge, technology and human capital.
In this regard, the cooperation between Central Asia and the Republic of Korea serves as a promising example. At the first “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” Summit held in Seoul in September 2026, security, practical economic cooperation and humanitarian exchanges were discussed as priority areas. Uzbek side particularly emphasized the open, pragmatic, and constructive nature of this partnership.
Value of such formats lies in the fact that they enrich traditional diplomatic relations with concrete economic, technological, scientific and educational projects. As a result, mutual trust transcends the level of political declarations and begins to manifest in practical outcomes.
One of the strongest foundations for sustainable peace is mutual understanding between people. Education, science and culture play an incomparable role in shaping it.
Political agreements establish the legal and institutional framework for relations between states. However, long-term trust between nations is primarily strengthened by people who understand each other's language, history, culture and values.
Therefore, viewing universities merely as educational institutions that train personnel no longer fully meets the demands of the modern era. A modern university is a space where scientific ideas are generated, different cultures engage in dialogue, youth gain international experience and long-term intellectual ties are formed between states.
Educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea
demonstrates noteworthy experience in this regard. Cooperation in higher education, vocational training, science and technology is expanding, making education a vital area of bilateral relations that shapes human capital. In particular, the need to train specialists who do not simply import modern technology but understand, adapt and develop it under local conditions is becoming increasingly urgent.
Conceptual significance of this approach is that the education-science innovation-production chain ensures the stability of international cooperation alongside economic development. Joint scientific laboratories, academic exchange, mobility of professors and students, and international research projects build professional trust between states. Over time, professional trust transforms into intersocietal trust. In this sense, international cooperation focused on education can be evaluated as a long-term investment in peace. Looking at this issue through the example of Bukhara, one can see a unique continuity between history and the present day. As one of the vital crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Bukhara has served for centuries not only as a hub for trade but also for science, education, culture and the exchange of ideas.
This historical experience carries significant meaning for the modern era as well. Having connected peoples and civilizations through caravan routes in ancient times, Bukhara can contribute to dialogue between different countries today through international education, scientific cooperation and academic diplomacy.
At Bukhara State University, we approach international cooperation precisely from this perspective. Joint educational programs with foreign higher education institutions, scientific research, international conferences, academic mobility and the exchange of professors and students are not isolated directions of the university's international activity. They serve a single purpose — bringing peoples closer together through knowledge and strengthening mutual trust through scientific cooperation.
In this process, role of youth is especially critical. A student participating in an international academic program today may become a scientist, engineer, entrepreneur, diplomat or public administration specialist tomorrow. Their experience of communicating with representatives of other nations and cultures today will undoubtedly influence their future professional decisions.
Therefore, it is not enough to evaluate the results of cooperation between universities simply by the number of signed memorandums or implemented projects. Its most significant outcome is the formation of a new generation that understands one another and can cooperate for the sake of common goals.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals also define the formation of peaceful and inclusive societies as an indispensable condition for sustainable development. This approach is no coincidence. Where there is no peace, long-term investment is difficult; in an unstable environment, scientific research and innovation slow down; and under conditions of distrust, states are forced to spend their resources on risk management rather than development. Therefore, when thinking about sustainable development in Asia, it is necessary to view three interconnected concepts as a single whole: peace, trust and human capital. Peace creates a stable environment for development. Trust expands cooperation between states, institutions, and societies. Human capital, in turn, transforms these opportunities into scientific, technological, economic and social outcomes.
Support for the initiative to strengthen regional cooperation and economic integration in Central Asia at the UN General Assembly in 2026 also shows the intrinsic link between peace, good-neighborliness, and sustainable economic development.
In today's environment, Asia's future is determined not by the isolated success of a single state, but by the capacity of regional states to collectively find solutions to shared problems. Climate change, water resources, ecological safety, energy, food supply, digital transformation and technological progress are issues that are not restricted by national borders. Their solution also demands transnational cooperation.
Therefore, modern era requires us to understand peace not merely as the absence of conflicts, but as an active socio-political environment that creates opportunities for development. Trust should be evaluated not as an abstract category of diplomatic relations, but as a practical mechanism for economic and intellectual cooperation.
Asia's progress in the 21st century largely depends on the degree to which we strengthen trust between states, how effectively we establish dialogue, and our ability to place common interests above competition.
New cooperative environment emerging in Central Asia demonstrates important experience along this path. Open dialogue, good-neighborliness, economic integration and scientific and humanitarian exchanges are shaping a qualitatively new stage of relations between states. The task now is to further deepen this trust through strong institutions, joint economic and scientific projects, academic exchanges, cultural dialogue and youth cooperation. After all, peace is not just today's tranquility — it is an opportunity created for future development. Trust, on the other hand, is the force that realizes this opportunity. Peace builds trust, trust expands cooperation and cooperation creates a solid foundation for sustainable development and shared prosperity. This principle must become the most essential substance of Asia's future development paradigm.
Obidjon Khamidov
Rector of Bukhara State University
How China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is redrawing the economic map of the continent
📅 06.08.2026
Interview of Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan (ISRS), with Dunyo IA.
- The historic state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to the Kyrgyz Republic has once again drawn considerable attention within the expert community to the construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. What place did this project occupy during the high-level talks in Bishkek and which aspects were at the center of the discussions between the two leaders?
- Indeed, recent state visit was truly a historic event, opening a new chapter in the development of Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan relations. The high-level talks took place in an atmosphere of unprecedented trust, mutual understanding, and strategic partnership, confirming that bilateral cooperation has advanced to the fundamentally new level of an alliance.
A central item on the agenda was the practical implementation of what is already widely referred to as the “project of the century” - the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Following many years of discussion, the project has entered the active construction phase and the two leaders held detailed discussions on the progress of this unprecedented undertaking.
Of particular significance was President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev's emphasis on the need to accelerate construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, describing it as one of the key drivers of the region's long-term economic development.
In essence, this is far more than another infrastructure project. A new architecture of Eurasian connectivity is taking shape - one that will enable Central Asia to strengthen its strategic agency, expand access to global markets, and diversify its external economic ties. This explains why the two leaders devoted such close attention to coordinating the practical implementation of the project and to the further development of regional transport infrastructure.
It is equally important to note that, thanks to close coordination at the highest political level, construction is progressing ahead of the original schedule. Although initially planned to take at least five years, the project is now expected to be completed one year earlier than originally anticipated.
This reflects an exceptional level of resource mobilization. More than 10,000 specialists and over 7,000 pieces of heavy construction equipment are already engaged on site. The railway is opening an entirely new chapter in the development of Central Asia, fundamentally reshaping both the geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape of the region.
- What is the geoeconomic significance of this corridor for Eurasia as a whole, and how will it transform the position of the region, particularly Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan?
- Project fundamentally redraws the transport and logistics map of Eurasia by creating the shortest and most efficient overland route between East and West a modern “Iron Silk Road”.
Traditionally, Central Asia has been viewed in global trade primarily as a landlocked region with limited transit potential. The commissioning of this railway will transform the region from a logistical cul-de-sac into one of the principal crossroads of Eurasian trade.
Projected annual capacity of the new railway will reach 15 million tonnes. To appreciate its scale, it is worth noting that the entire railway network of Kyrgyzstan transported 10.5 million tons of cargo in 2025. In other words, once the railway reaches its designed capacity, the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway alone will be capable of handling a greater freight volume than the current throughput of Kyrgyzstan's entire national railway system.
For Uzbekistan, project represents a major step toward consolidating its position as a regional transit hub, providing direct and secure access to the markets of South Asia, the Middle East and, ultimately, Europe.
For Kyrgyzstan, it will facilitate the large-scale economic integration of previously hard-to-access mountainous regions, create new jobs, and stimulate national economic development.
Railway will shorten the route from China to Europe and the Middle East by approximately 900 kilometres, while reducing cargo delivery times by seven to eight days, thereby decreasing dependence on the limited number of northern and maritime transport corridors.
However, project's significance extends well beyond shorter routes and faster delivery times. Railway is becoming a key element in shaping the new economic geography of Central Asia. It will transform the region from a passive transit area into an active organizer of Eurasian transport flows. This fundamentally changes the position of our countries within the global economy.
- How does this railway fit into the broader architecture of Eurasian connectivity alongside the Middle Corridor, Trans-Afghan routes and transport corridors through Iran?
- Rather than competing with other transport routes, it complements them by forming a single, integrated network of connectivity. First, the railway will connect directly with the Middle Corridor or Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), creating a seamless freight corridor linking China through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, across the Caspian Sea and onward to the Caucasus and Europe.
Second, by integrating with the emerging Trans-Afghan transport projects and Iran's transport network, the railway will create a powerful north-south and east-west transport crossroads. Central Asia will become a pivotal hub for continental trade, where cargo flows from China to South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe converge.
Looking at the broader picture, it becomes clear that integrating the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway with the Middle Corridor, Trans-Afghan route and transport links through Iran will establish an entirely new system of Eurasian connectivity.
Central Asia will no longer depend on just one or two external transport routes. Instead, it will gain the flexibility to redistribute trade flows across multiple corridors simultaneously. This will significantly strengthen the region's economic resilience while enhancing its strategic autonomy.
The greater the number of complementary transport corridors available to Central Asia, the greater its ability to determine its own development trajectory and the less vulnerable its economies will be to external geopolitical disruptions.
That is why this project should be viewed not merely as a transport initiative, but as a long-term investment in the resilience of Central Asia as an integrated economic space.
- You mentioned that, in the future, this corridor is expected to connect with the Trans-Afghan route. How is the implementation of the Termez–Naibabad–Maidanshahr–Logar–Kharlachi railway progressing today, and what impact could the success of the “project of the century” have on it?
- Work on the Trans-Afghan railway is also moving forward steadily. Active practical efforts are underway, and following the completion of field surveys, the feasibility study for this major transport corridor is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
At the same time, the rapid pace of construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and the scale of resources committed to the project clearly demonstrate Uzbekistan's capacity to successfully implement some of the world's most complex cross-border infrastructure projects.
The success of this “project of the century” significantly strengthens our engineering and organizational capabilities, demonstrates the country's unwavering political commitment and serves as a powerful catalyst for future initiatives.
Practical implementation of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway has established an exceptionally high benchmark in terms of both pace and execution, creating strong positive momentum for advancing the Trans-Afghan railway, which will provide Central Asia with the shortest overland access to the ports of the Indian Ocean.
- Some observers argue that the railway will primarily serve as a transit corridor. Will it also become a driver of industrial development and economic growth, particularly in the Fergana Valley?
- It is a misconception to view the railway solely as a transit pipeline for foreign goods. The project has been designed as both a multimodal transport corridor and an industrial development framework. Alongside its transit function, the railway will become a powerful catalyst for the development of domestic industry and manufacturing. Growth zones are already emerging around the railway's key junctions.
A good example is the construction of the Makmal freight transfer station in Kyrgyzstan. It is being designed not merely as a technical railway facility but as a fully-fledged regional transport and logistics hub, incorporating cargo terminals, warehouses, manufacturing and processing facilities, and a wide range of service infrastructure.
Industry will benefit from reliable and efficient logistics for both raw materials and finished products, reducing transportation costs while enhancing competitiveness. The Fergana Valley will be among the principal beneficiaries of the project.
As one of the most densely populated and economically dynamic regions of Central Asia and historically the heart of the region - Fergana Valley has been presented with a unique opportunity to reclaim the pivotal role it played for centuries.
Historically, some of the most important branches of the Great Silk Road passed through this region. Today, thanks to the new railway, the Fergana Valley is once again becoming a center of Eurasian connectivity. Rather than remaining on the periphery of the regional transport system, the valley will evolve into a major production, logistics, and investment hub for the entire continent.
Running through Kashgar, Torugart, Arpa, Makmal, Jalal-Abad and Andijan, the railway will connect the key nodes of this macro-region, attracting investment, revitalizing cross-border trade and removing longstanding logistical bottlenecks. This fundamentally transforms the development model of border regions. Instead of peripheral territories, they will become dynamic zones of economic growth, industrial cooperation and business activity.
Ultimately, these developments elevate Uzbek–Kyrgyz relations to an entirely new level of alliance, where jointly overcoming some of the world's most demanding engineering challenges in the high mountains fosters profound mutual trust and transforms the border into a zone of peace and shared prosperity.
- Will this corridor also be used for passenger transport and what impact could it have on tourism and business?
- From the outset, the project has been designed not only as a freight corridor but also as a passenger railway. Its technical specifications provide for passenger train speeds of up to 120 km/h, even in the challenging mountainous terrain. In practical terms, this represents a genuine transformation. Businesspeople, engineers, and executives will be able to travel quickly and comfortably between the major commercial centers of China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, helping to create a more integrated investment environment.
It is worth recalling that the number of joint ventures between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan has already reached 450, and the launch of the railway is expected to stimulate business activity many times over. The railway will also connect the spectacular mountain landscapes of the Tian Shan, iconic destinations such as Issyk-Kul, the historic cities of the Fergana Valley, as well as Samarkand and Bukhara, through a single high-speed rail network. Tourists will be able to cross borders within a matter of hours, generating a substantial multiplier effect for tourism, the service sector, and people-to-people exchanges.
- Some experts have expressed concerns that the railway could simply turn Central Asia into a market for Chinese goods. How would you respond to such assessments?
- Such views are based on an outdated perception of Central Asia as merely a supplier of raw materials. Today's reality is fundamentally different.
First, the countries of the region are implementing ambitious industrialization programs. In recent years, Central Asia has recorded some of the highest rates of industrial growth across Eurasia. In Uzbekistan, industrial output has increased by more than 70 percent over the past eight years, while manufacturing production has nearly doubled. Today, the manufacturing sector accounts for around 80 percent of the country's total industrial output. The fastest-growing industries include machinery manufacturing, electrical engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy and textiles. At the same time, the production and export of higher value-added manufactured goods continue to expand steadily.
Kyrgyzstan has likewise demonstrated impressive industrial growth. In 2025, industrial production increased by 10.6 percent, while total industrial output has more than doubled over the past five years. Manufacturing accounted for 79.7 percent of the country's total industrial production. The strongest growth has been recorded in the food processing, chemical, pharmaceutical, construction materials, and manufacturing industries. Meanwhile, new production facilities, industrial zones, and logistics centres are being established to support international transport corridors.
Second, the benefits are mutual. Our countries will gain exceptionally fast access to China's market of more than 1.4 billion consumers, creating significant new export opportunities for agricultural products, textiles, non-ferrous metals, chemicals, electrical equipment, construction materials, and other value-added manufactured goods.
Moreover, during the recent state visit, considerable attention was devoted to the proactive development of modern industrial zones, logistics hubs and manufacturing facilities along the entire railway corridor. Uzbekistan's initiatives are specifically aimed at promoting joint manufacturing, industrial cooperation and the localization of new production chains - not at turning the region into a mere transit corridor.
In effect, a new industrial belt of Eurasia is taking shape, with Central Asia emerging not as a final consumer market but as an integral participant in global value chains. Consequently, the railway is needed not only to transport raw materials but increasingly to support the rapidly expanding industrial production of our countries. It is becoming far more than a transport corridor - it is laying the foundation for a new model of economic development in Central Asia based on industrial cooperation, higher value-added production, and deeper integration into the global economy.
- What has been accomplished on the ground so far and is there still scope to maximize the project's benefits?
- The scale of the work already underway is truly impressive and clearly demonstrates that the “project of the century” has entered its most intensive implementation phase. Construction activities are currently being carried out simultaneously at 83 of the 107 planned sites along the Kyrgyz section of the railway. More than 10,000 specialists and over 7,000 pieces of heavy construction equipment are working around the clock.
To appreciate the magnitude of this undertaking in the exceptionally challenging terrain of the Tian Shan Mountains, where construction is taking place at elevations exceeding 3,000 metres, it is enough to look at the figures. To date, more than 19.6 million cubic metres of earth have been excavated, including over 5.26 million cubic metres for the construction of the strategically important Makmal station.
At the same time, a network of 26 tunnels is under construction. More than 13.5 kilometres of the main tunnels have already been excavated, while excavation of the auxiliary adits has exceeded 51 percent of the planned volume. Approximately one-third of the tunnelling work is being carried out using advanced mechanized methods without the use of blasting technology. Construction is also underway on 38 of the 50 bridges envisaged under the project—equivalent to 76 percent of the total - with nearly 2,400 foundation piles already installed.
In other words, highly complex engineering challenges virtually unprecedented in the region - are being solved every day. The implementation of the project is simultaneously becoming the largest platform for training engineering specialists, introducing advanced construction technologies and developing new expertise in the transport sector.
Cooperation with Chinese partners, who possess world-class experience in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects under extremely challenging conditions, enables our specialists to master cutting-edge technological solutions that will subsequently be applied to other major infrastructure projects across Central Asia.
At the same time, the construction of the railway represents only the first stage of the initiative. It is equally important to begin creating the conditions that will allow the new transport corridor to generate the greatest possible economic benefits for all participating countries.
With this objective in mind, experts from the Project Office for the Development Strategy of International Digital Transport Corridors have prepared a number of practical initiatives aimed at maximizing the railway's operational efficiency.
One proposal calls for the establishment of neutral cross-border free technological zones along both the Kyrgyz–Chinese and Kyrgyz–Uzbek borders, operating under the principle of “one stop, one control”. Such an approach would substantially reduce border-crossing times while streamlining customs procedures.
A second initiative involves creating a modern cross-border free economic zone on the Kyrgyz–Uzbek border, incorporating logistics terminals, industrial facilities and processing industries. This would transform freight traffic into a source of higher value-added production, new employment opportunities, and integrated cross-border manufacturing value chains.
In addition, it has been proposed to establish a joint engineering and design bureau that would serve as a center for developing advanced technical solutions for the operation of high-altitude railways.
Another proposal envisions introducing a single digital transport document, integrating the railway administrations and customs authorities of the three participating countries into a unified digital system.
However, the project's greatest value extends far beyond transport infrastructure. The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is, in effect, creating a new model of regional development based on interconnected economies, industrial cooperation, technological partnership, and the joint utilization of the competitive advantages of our countries. It creates the conditions for Central Asia to move beyond its traditional transit role and emerge as an independent centre of manufacturing, logistics, and value creation.
Its political significance is equally important. Only a decade ago, the implementation of such an ambitious initiative would have seemed virtually impossible due to accumulated disagreements and a lack of trust among the countries of the region. Today, thanks to a consistent policy of good-neighbourliness, open dialogue, and mutual support, Central Asia is demonstrating an entirely new level of regional cooperation.
In this sense, the railway is becoming not only a symbol of transport connectivity but also a tangible embodiment of a new political culture in the region one founded on trust, pragmatism and shared responsibility for the future.
For this reason, the significance of the project will ultimately be measured not only by the millions of tons of cargo transported or the kilometres of railway constructed, but above all by the fact that it lays a durable foundation for the sustainable development, economic self-reliance, and strategic agency of Central Asia as a whole.
Dunyo IA
GENDER POLICY IN UZBEKISTAN
📅 13.06.2026
In recent years, wide-ranging reforms have been implemented in our country aimed at creating equal rights and opportunities for women and men, ensuring the full participation of women in social and public life, supporting them socially, economically, and legally, as well as protecting them from harassment and violence.
Thanks to the high political will and initiatives of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the issues of ensuring gender equality, protecting the interests of women, and ensuring the strength of families have been designated as priorities of state policy. The programs and strategies adopted in this regard are recognized not only at the national but also at the international level.
The participation of women in the socio-political, economic, and spiritual life of our country is increasing day by day. Today, they actively participate in state administration bodies, parliament, local councils, entrepreneurship, and scientific fields. Systematic measures are being implemented to create new jobs for women, develop their knowledge and potential, and widely involve them in entrepreneurial activities.
Within a short period, a national legislative base corresponding to international standards in this field was created. In particular, more than 100 normative-legal acts have been adopted over the past eight years. Among them, such important regulatory documents as the Law "On Guarantees of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men" and the Law "On Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence" are of particular importance.
Today, Uzbekistan consistently continues to cooperate with international organizations such as the UN, OSCE, and UNESCO in implementing its gender policy. This cooperation is creating new opportunities for protecting the interests of women and allowing them to fully manifest their potential in our country.
In order to properly establish the gender equality policy and ensure its full implementation, the “Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality until 2030” was adopted. Work on its introduction to all spheres and sectors is being carried out rapidly.
The “Uzbekistan – 2030 Strategy” defines important goals and tasks for strengthening the system of supporting women, ensuring their rights and legal interests, increasing their social, economic, and political activity, and ensuring gender equality.
First, to continue the policy of ensuring gender equality and increasing the share of women in leadership positions by boosting their socio-political activity;
Second, to create an environment of intolerance toward harassment and violence against women in society, and to ensure the rights and legal interests of women;
Third, to establish a transparent mechanism for targeted work with the “Women's Notebook” (“Ayollar daftari”) and establish public control over these efforts.
Concepts such as gender analysis of regulatory legal acts, adopting a gender-responsive national budget, and gender auditing are being introduced into legislation and put into practice.
The Commission on Increasing the Role of Women in Society, Gender Equality, and Family Issues has been established. It coordinates efforts to create equal opportunities in all aspects of rights and freedoms, protect the interests of women in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and develop and implement relevant measures to eliminate existing problems. Furthermore, regional commissions on increasing the role of women in society, gender equality, and family issues are operating under local Councils of People's Deputies.
To effectively implement state policy on ensuring the rights and interests of women and comprehensively strengthening the family institution, a vertical system has been created that reaches down to the lowest level – the neighborhood (“mahalla”) and household.
In order to elevate state policy regarding families and women in the Republic to a new level, find systematic solutions to their problems, and effectively organize and coordinate the activities of authorized bodies, the “Committee for Family and Women” was established along with its divisions in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regions, Tashkent city, and districts (cities). The Committee has been effectively implementing tasks such as continuing the policy of ensuring gender equality, increasing the socio-political activity of women, and carrying out reforms to support them.
The "Family and Gender" Research Institute under the Committee has created the `uzgender.uz` electronic platform for studying and monitoring gender issues in Uzbekistan. It contains data such as gender indices, an electronic corpus, interactive services, a gender analytical newsletter, and a gender library. In addition, online platforms such as `gender.stat.uz` by the National Statistics Committee and `gendermadad.uz` by the NGO "Madad" under the Ministry of Justice have been launched to provide our people with consultations and information on relevant topics.
To ensure the implementation of tasks set out in the Law "On Guarantees of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men," advisory councils on ensuring gender equality have been established under state bodies, economic management structures, the private sector, and civil society institutions.
Today, the number of these Gender Advisory Councils has reached 4,000 nationwide. These councils serve as an important platform for ensuring equal rights and opportunities for men and women, maintaining gender balance in workplaces and all spheres of social life, protecting the interests of women, and effectively implementing decisions related to gender policy.
Attention is paid to increasing women's activity in political life: the Electoral Code legally stipulates that at least 40% of candidates nominated for deputy positions by political parties (or 2 out of every 5 candidates) must be women. A norm was also introduced in the Family Code establishing the marriage age for both men and women as 18 years. The list of occupations with unfavorable working conditions where the use of women's labor was fully or partially prohibited has been abolished.
In the political arena of our country, women are emerging not just as participants, but as leaders. Currently, they make up:
35% of leadership positions;
45% of entrepreneurship;
49% of political parties;
53% of higher education.
Many leading women are working in several key positions in our country – including the Chairperson of the Senate, Head of the Presidential Administration, Deputy Prime Minister, Ombudspersons, ministers, and heads of agencies and committees. This is a high evaluation of the intellectual potential, spiritual maturity, and management skills of modern Uzbek women. While the share of women in ministerial and equivalent positions was only 2.9% in 2018, by 2025 this figure reached 7.7%.
It should be noted that preparing women for leadership positions at various levels is a complex and systematic process that requires thorough preparation. To this end, 244 women have been trained so far under the newly created “School of Women Leaders” curriculum, and about 60 of them have been appointed to various leadership positions.
In particular, 15 women who received the highest Key Performance Indicators (KPI) at the “School of Preparation for Khokim (Governor/Mayor) Positions” were selected and involved in special training programs, indicating a future increase in the number of women among regional, district, and city-level leaders.
Based on Decree No. PF-95 of the President of our State dated June 19, 2025, strategic directions were set to elevate the civil service to a completely new level of quality. Within the framework of these reforms, the issue of increasing the role and activity of women in state governance is designated as a special priority. Specific target indicators have been set for the active recruitment of women into public service for the period up to 2030. In particular, the goal is to increase the share of women in the civil service as well as in the “National Personnel Reserve” to 40%.
By relevant decision of the Government, it has been established that, as a rule, at least 30% of the total number of candidates recommended for admission to the master's program of the Academy of State Policy and Governance under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan must be women. In addition, comprehensive measures are being taken to improve the system of preparing women for high-level positions and to develop their leadership potential. Through this, women will have the opportunity to actively participate not only in the state administration system but also at the level of strategic decision-making.
Education reforms implemented in recent years are also playing an important role in increasing the social activity of women. In the process of reforms carried out to radically reform all stages of continuous education, introduce the latest advanced technologies into the educational process, and raise the professional level of teachers, special attention is paid to the education of women. As a result, in recent years, the interest of women in applied and exact sciences has been growing.
Starting from 2020, a system was introduced to admit women from needy families to higher education institutions on the basis of state grants (1,000 quotas). In 2021, these grant places were doubled, reaching 2,000. In the current year, these quotas were doubled again, reaching 4,000. As a result, over the past 5 years, nearly 13,000 women were admitted to higher education institutions on the basis of state grants under this privilege.
The number of quotas for women who have 5 years of work experience but do not have higher education was increased 5-fold, reaching 2,500. Under this privilege, more than 2,000 women entered higher education institutions between 2022 and 2025.
Since 2022, contract fees for all women studying in master's programs at State Higher Education Institutions have been covered by the state budget. In this regard, funds amounting to 333.8 billion soums were covered by the state budget between 2022 and 2025.
A system of interest-free educational loans for up to 7 years has been established for female students studying in higher education institutions, technical schools, and colleges. In this regard, educational loans worth 4.6 trillion soums were allocated to nearly 415,000 female students in 2022-2025.
As a result of these opportunities and privileges, the share of women among students in higher education reached 53.2%, and in master's programs 65.8%. The interest of girls in modern knowledge and professions is growing. For example, girls make up 51% of the youth trained under the "One Million Coders" project.
Expanding the economic opportunities of women, ensuring their employment, involving them in entrepreneurship, and developing their businesses play an important role in increasing their social activity. Based on the decrees of our head of state, it is planned to ensure the employment of 2 million women and to train 250,000 women in professions and entrepreneurship this year alone.
Also, within the framework of the “HAMROH” program for supporting businesswomen, the following goals are set:
Allocating grants up to 50 million soums to 1,000 “mentor” female entrepreneurs who supported women in implementing "green projects" and IT projects, as well as helping at least 5 women start their businesses;
Allocating collateral-free loans up to 100 million soums to women with a positive credit history;
Forming entrepreneurship skills in women who want to start their own businesses through the launch of the "Partner Entrepreneur" (“Hamkor tadbirkor”) program, helping women start businesses on a cooperative basis, and assisting women in placing and selling their products on local and international electronic platforms.
Also, targeted work is being carried out with female entrepreneurs through a 4-stage system: “First Step to Business”, “Starting a Business”, “Expanding a Business”, and “Elevating a Business” to form a wide layer of “champion entrepreneurs” in cooperation with partner organizations.
As a result, in 9 months of this year, assistance was provided to secure lucrative employment for 2 million 48 thousand women across the Republic:
527.6 thousand women were employed in vacant positions in enterprises and organizations.
296.8 thousand women were trained in vocations and entrepreneurship. In particular, 160.8 thousand women were trained in vocations, 136 thousand women in entrepreneurship, and 63.9 thousand were attached to artisans.
99 thousand women were involved in training by Women's Entrepreneurship Centers.
Commercial banks allocated credit funds amounting to 15.7 trillion soums to 203 thousand women to support entrepreneurship projects. Of this, 1.7 trillion soums of credit funds were allocated to 105 thousand women within the framework of family entrepreneurship development programs. The Central Bank approved the Strategy for Providing Financial Services in the Field of Supporting Women's Entrepreneurship.
In order to systematically organize employment and health-strengthening efforts for women by training them in professional and entrepreneurial skills at the lowest level – the neighborhoods (“mahallas”), the activities of centers for ensuring employment and strengthening the health of women were launched in 2,876 mahallas.
In order to provide comprehensive legal, psychological, and mediation services to families and women, and to train couples getting married in family life lessons, “Family and Women Centers” were established in 197 districts and cities based on new approaches.
The public council “Women's Enlightenment” (“Ayol ma'rifati”) was established, uniting women in the scientific and creative fields to elevate family education and effectively utilize the scientific developments of family scholars that contribute to the development of the family institution. This council implemented about 10 projects, such as "History of Jadid Women," "Woman - Symbol of Progress," "Women towards Ecological Activity," and "Woman - Support of Society."
The "Responsible Parenting" project, aimed at forming prosperous and stable families based on national values among young families, was introduced. As a result of selection events for nominating families for the "Exemplary Family of New Uzbekistan" contest and awarding them with the "Exemplary Family" badge, their number exceeded 160 thousand. 2,000 families were awarded the "Exemplary Family" badge, which is a 9.6-fold increase compared to last year. Today, they actively assist in preventing family conflicts.
In order to sanitize the socio-spiritual environment in families and prevent women from falling under the influence of various negative and foreign ideas, propaganda groups consisting of more than 145 thousand active women were re-formed.
To award active women, the “Mo'tabar Ayol” (Venerable Woman) badge was established, and 2,090 women have been awarded to date. 480 talented girls were awarded the Zulfiya State Prize, established to increase the socio-political activity of young women and create conditions for them to realize their abilities and potential in various fields, as well as to encourage them.
In order to support persons with disabilities, disabled individuals, lonely elderly citizens, and other socially vulnerable categories of the population, and to organize social assistance in a fair, targeted, and transparent manner, completely new and unique mechanisms such as the “Iron Notebook” (“Temir daftar”), “Women's Notebook” (“Ayollar daftari”), and “Youth Notebook” (“Yoshlar daftari”) were created. Through the system of working with the "Women's Notebook" alone, practical assistance was provided to 4.5 million needy, low-income women in 2021-2025.
In order to expand opportunities for increasing women's socio-political activity, special attention was paid to strengthening the preschool education system in the country. While the coverage of children with preschool education was 38% in 2018, as a result of reforms, it was increased to 78%.
In all legal entities except budget organizations, a procedure has been established for granting and paying pregnancy and childbirth allowances from the State Budget funds based on the minimum consumer expenditure for each month to women who have continuous work experience of at least the last 6 months. Under this, it is stipulated that an allowance in the amount of 4 times the minimum consumer expenditure is paid before the birth of the employee's child. For this purpose, more than 56.6 billion soums of pregnancy and childbirth allowances were paid to women working in the private sector from the Social Insurance Fund.
Subsidies are being paid from the State Budget to cover the wages of educators in preschool education organizations established under organizations where women work evening shifts.
A mechanism for taking women victims of harassment and violence under state protection and issuing protection orders has been created. In order to prevent gender-based violence, separate articles on domestic (household) violence, harassment, and disclosing information that humiliates a person's honor and dignity or reflects confidential aspects of human life were included in the legislation.
Centers for Rehabilitation and Adaptation of Women operate to provide socio-legal and psychological assistance to women who have suffered from harassment and violence or fell into difficult social situations, and to provide them with targeted support.
The Committee for Family and Women and its territorial divisions:
Are exempted from paying state fees for lawsuits filed in courts to protect the rights and legal interests of women;
Can submit mandatory representations to heads of state bodies and organizations to eliminate violations of legislative acts, as well as the causes and conditions giving rise to them, in the field of ensuring the rights and legal interests of women and strengthening families;
Benefit from a newly created system to release women from punishment ahead of schedule on bail (surety).
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan: Digital Cooperation Enters a New Phase
📅 14.04.2026
In recent years, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) has expanded steadily, acquiring strategic significance. This partnership not only strengthens economic ties between the two nations but also serves as a foundation for the formation of a unified digital space across Central Asia.
A Robust Legal Framework
The legal foundations of bilateral cooperation were established in the early years of independence and have been progressively refined since. Agreements and memoranda concluded in the areas of electrical and postal communications, cross-border telecommunications services, radio frequency coordination, and space research have created a solid basis for bilateral relations. Notably, a new agreement on radio frequency usage signed in 2025 is contributing to the harmonised development of shared digital infrastructure.
Digital Economy: Growth and Investment
Cooperation in the digital economy has intensified considerably in recent years. The number of IT Park residents with Kazakhstani capital has reached 67, with export services valued at USD 2.8 million rendered in 2025 and 755 new jobs created. The number of companies exporting services to the Kazakhstani market has reached 155, with total export volume amounting to USD 17.6 million and a combined workforce of 4,600 employees — a clear indicator of growing mutual trust and an increasingly favourable business environment.
The Central Asian Innovation Hubs platform, established through the cooperation of the region's leading technology parks, has elevated the regional startup ecosystem to a new level, enabling hundreds of startups to access international markets.
Startups and Global Integration
Special attention is being devoted to startup support within the framework of bilateral cooperation. Both countries' startups are actively participating in such prestigious events as ICT Week Uzbekistan and GITEX Global. Kazakhstani and Uzbekistani startups have attracted new investment through participation in international acceleration programmes held in the United States, the UAE, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Forty startups participated in the Draper University, AlchemistX, and Silicon Valley Residency programmes.
One hundred startups under the Central Asian Innovation Hubs umbrella participated in major international conferences, including the AI Forum in Kazakhstan, Eurasia Technology Week in Turkey, Machines Can See Summit in the UAE, GITEX in Germany, and London Tech Week in the United Kingdom.
More than 20 companies with Uzbek capital are currently operating among Astana Hub residents, including Oson, Billz, Sales Doctor, IT Academy for Engineers, Verifix, Smartup, Iman, Uysot, Smartcast, Tezbor, Platma, and BITO.
The opening of the Khan Tengri Innovation Hub in Shanghai has broadened market entry opportunities for regional startups in China.
On 3 October 2025, the Kazakhstan Market Entry global acceleration programme was launched during the Digital Bridge 2025 international conference, with 10 startups from the Republic of Uzbekistan presenting their projects on stage. The programme is being conducted in partnership with Astana Hub as an exchange initiative, under which 10 Kazakhstani startups are actively developing their products in the Uzbekistani market through the Digital Startup Awards acceleration programme.
The Digital Startup Awards — one of the region's most prominent initiatives with a total prize fund of USD 1 million — brought together startups from Central Eurasia, including Kazakhstan and other regional markets, through its incubation, acceleration, and Best Startup Project competition components. Upon completion of the programme, 14 startups successfully completed the acceleration track and 15 completed incubations. Based on results achieved and expansion potential, IT Park Ventures invested up to USD 50,000 per startup in SAFE format for acceleration participants, and up to USD 10,000 for incubation participants on the same terms.
Telecommunications: Strengthening Interconnectivity
In the field of telecommunications, direct communication channels have been established between major operators of both countries, enabling the efficient exchange of international telephone and internet traffic. Operators including Uzbektelecom JSC, Kazakhtelecom JSC, Jusan Mobile JSC, TransTeleKom JSC, and TNS-Plus LLC are facilitating the exchange of international direct and transit telephone and telegraph traffic. Additionally, a system for sharing data on the IMEI codes of mobile devices is being introduced between the two states — a significant measure in ensuring information security and combating the circulation of unauthorised devices.
Artificial Intelligence: Forward-Looking Cooperation
Cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence is progressing consistently. Scientific and research ties have been established with the Institute of Artificial Intelligence at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan. Specialists from both countries are engaged in joint work on personnel training, the development of research laboratories, and the creation of innovative solutions.
Digital Government: Cross-Border Collaboration
On 17 December 2025, agreements were reached to launch a pilot project on tourism data exchange, building on Memoranda of Understanding signed between the UN ESCAP and both the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan.
On 13 March 2026, a meeting held at the Digital Government Project Management Centre between UN ESCAP, Korea's National Information Society Agency (NIA), and Kazakhstan's NITEC JSC announced the successful completion of the first phase of the project. During this phase, the legal and technical frameworks for cross-border data exchange among Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Korea were developed, and data-driven analyses were prepared demonstrating their value in decision-making processes. Results pertaining to the activities and consumer behaviour patterns of Korean tourists in Uzbekistan proved particularly significant.
Upon the successful completion of subsequent phases, the project envisions expanding data exchange to other priority sectors and establishing a unified intergovernmental data-sharing platform among Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Korea — an initiative that will drive the development of cross-border digital cooperation and enhance the efficiency of both public and commercial services.
Information Security and Infrastructure
Efforts are under way within the framework of cooperation memoranda to develop e-government systems, digital platforms, and public data management systems. The transition of digital television broadcasting to enable the rollout of 4G and 5G networks in the 700 MHz band is being implemented in a coordinated manner across Central Asia.
ICT cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan today carries strategic importance not only for both nations, but for the entire Central Asian region. Joint initiatives in digital economy, the startup ecosystem, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications are accelerating innovation-driven development across the region. This partnership will undoubtedly serve as a key driver in the formation of a unified digital space and the enhancement of global competitiveness.
The text of the article is in Uzbek!
📅 25.07.2024The text of the article is in Uzbek!
Uzbekistan – Serbia: A New Geography of Industrial Cooperation
📅 05.09.2026
A deeper model is beginning to take shape in Uzbek-Serbian economic relations, based on companies’ mutual access to each other’s markets. The Uzbek side is exploring participation in infrastructure projects in Serbia, while Serbian partners are considering localization, contract manufacturing, and the placement of orders in Uzbekistan. In this way, trade relations are being complemented by investment and production projects capable of giving cooperation a more sustainable character.
The economic logic behind this rapprochement is largely determined by the geographical position of the two countries. Serbia is in close proximity to the major markets of Central and Southeastern Europe and benefits from an extensive network of trade agreements. Uzbekistan is consistently expanding its industrial base and deepening localization in Central Asia. This combination creates favorable conditions for projects in which the partner’s market serves as a platform for production and investment, followed by access to neighboring markets.
Existing trade already outlines the sectoral foundation for cooperation. Uzbekistan supplies Serbia with food, textile, and chemical products, while Serbian exports include industrial equipment, machinery, metal products, and other goods for production purposes. The greatest potential lies in segments where supplies can be further developed through production specialization and joint investment.
The development of transport connectivity between Central Asia and Europe is increasing the importance of the Serbian route. Serbia is considered a potential European link of the Middle Corridor, or Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Increasing the reliability and predictability of transportation reduces logistical constraints for businesses and improves the economics of projects targeting both Central Asian and European markets.
Against this background, cooperation in the railway sector is particularly significant. The sides are exploring a joint project for the construction of approximately 200 kilometers of railway infrastructure in Serbia. For Uzbekistan, the significance of this initiative goes far beyond a single infrastructure project. It provides an opportunity to bring to the European market the expertise accumulated in railway construction, engineering, and the implementation of major transport facilities. This expands the country’s export potential through engineering and construction services and gives national companies an opportunity to gain experience in implementing projects within the European business and regulatory environment.
In industry, the transition to more sophisticated forms of cooperation is taking place in several formats. In light industry, the placement of orders from Serbian brands at existing Uzbek production facilities is being considered. In pharmaceuticals, contract manufacturing of medicines in cooperation with Hemofarm and Galenika is being explored, along with local production in cooperation with the Torlak Institute. In mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, the focus is on the localization of metal components and the assembly of electric motors. This agenda is complemented by initiatives in the chemical industry and small and medium-sized hydropower.
These formats reflect different levels of enterprise involvement in joint value chains. The placement of orders makes it possible to utilize existing production capacities and establish links with international brands. Contract manufacturing raises requirements for technologies, standards, and quality control. Component localization brings more complex operations into the country and generates demand for local suppliers. In this way, commercial ties gradually create a foundation for sustainable production specialization. The mutually beneficial nature of cooperation is also evident in construction.
Alongside joint efforts to develop railway projects in Serbia, the involvement of Serbian contractors in major urban development projects in Uzbekistan is also being considered. Each side has the opportunity to apply its own experience in the partner’s market and expand the geographical reach of its national businesses.
At this stage, the institutional framework is of particular importance. The agreements on the mutual promotion and protection of investments and on economic cooperation that have entered into force provide a legal framework for long-term investment and systematic sectoral cooperation. Their practical value lies in supporting the initiatives already identified — from determining participants and developing financing models to their direct implementation.
The contours of the next stage are therefore already sufficiently clear: infrastructure services in the European market, the integration of Uzbek enterprises into international production chains, the development of more sophisticated technological operations within the country, and mutual participation of businesses in major projects. This is creating a deeper structure of relations in which trade is extended through investment and industrial cooperation.
The key task now is to consistently transform the established portfolio of initiatives into operational projects. Their implementation will make it possible to turn the geographical position of the two countries into a practical economic resource: for Uzbekistan, to expand the activities of national businesses in the European market; and for Serbia, to develop a long-term presence in the industrial space of Central Asia.
Uzbekistan-Turkey: Development of Cooperation in Environmental Protection
📅 28.01.2026
Uzbekistan and Turkey are consistently developing bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the fields of ecology and environmental protection, paying special attention to the exchange of experience, the introduction of modern technologies, and the professional development of specialists.
Representatives of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan regularly participate in seminars, training courses, and other events organized by international structures in the Republic of Turkey. Such cooperation formats serve to strengthen professional ties and adopt advanced approaches in the field of environmental management.
One of the significant stages of cooperation was a meeting with a delegation from "OSTIM Energik," a company specialized in clustering technologies in renewable energy and ecology under Turkey’s Middle East Industry and Trade Center (OSTIM). During the negotiations, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation on air purification systems, the construction of water treatment facilities, the development of renewable energy sources, as well as the processing of domestic and agricultural waste.
Within the framework of developing practical cooperation, a business trip was organized for a delegation from the State Center for Ecological Expertise under the Committee. The goal was to study advanced foreign experience in the field of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including modern methods of ecological expertise and monitoring.
Additionally, a joint event was held in Tashkent with the participation of the Turkish company "Cengiz Group" regarding the reduction of the number of vehicles and the strengthening of environmental control over them. This initiative was aimed at reducing pollutant emissions and increasing environmental responsibility in the transport sector.
A distinct direction of cooperation is related to the development of scientific and educational ties. Partnerships have been established between the Turkish State Meteorological Service and the Hydrometeorology Research Institute of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the Faculty of Ecology at Ege University in Izmir and the Central Asian University for the Study of Environment and Climate Change. This cooperation is directed towards retraining specialists and enhancing their professional skills in environmental protection and climate research.
The active cooperation between the two countries continues on international platforms as well. Within the framework of the climate forum held in Samarkand on the theme "Global Climate Challenges and Central Asia – Solidarity for Common Prosperity," a youth session was held with the participation of Turkish representatives. This constituted a significant contribution to shaping a new generation of environmental leaders.
The participation of the Ecology Committee delegation, led by Aziz Abduhakimov, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change, in the "Zero Waste" international forum organized by the "Zero Waste Foundation" in Istanbul was also a significant milestone. During the forum, global approaches to waste reduction, the development of a circular economy, and the introduction of sustainable consumption principles were discussed.
Furthermore, a delegation from the Forestry Agency under the Committee visited the Mugla province and the city of Antalya to study Turkey’s best practices in forestry, sustainable forest resource management, and the prevention of ecosystem degradation.
In conclusion, the cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkey in the field of ecology and environmental protection is of a systemic and multifaceted nature, covering technological, scientific, educational, and institutional directions. The implementation of joint initiatives serves to introduce modern environmental solutions, increase the stability of natural ecosystems, and strengthen international partnership in the interests of sustainable development.
Makhmud Khaydarov,
Chief specialist Department of international cooperation and rankings of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change
Active Diplomacy of Uzbekistan: 2025 — From Dynamic Dialogue to Tangible Results
📅 28.12.2025
The year 2025 marked a stage of qualitative renewal and consolidation of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy positions. Amid a complex and ambiguous international environment characterized by rising geopolitical tensions, the transformation of global institutions, and intensifying competition for resources and markets, Uzbekistan, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, consistently pursued an open, pragmatic, active, and proactive foreign policy. This approach not only helped preserve the stability of external relations but also infused them with new substantive content aligned with the country’s long-term interests and domestic development priorities.
As emphasized by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in his Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people on December 26, 2025, “in recent times the country has been becoming an international platform for dialogue where global issues are discussed.”
As an integral part of the large-scale socio-economic reforms underway in the country, the diplomatic strategy of New Uzbekistan was aimed at creating favorable external conditions for economic modernization, attracting foreign investment and tourists, expanding export potential, and strengthening humanitarian and cultural ties. The foundations of this foreign policy course remained the principles of openness, equal partnership, mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, and strict adherence to international law.
Political dialogue at the highest level with prominent world leaders has reached a new stage and become regular. New agreements have been reached with the leaders of the United States, China, Russia, France, Italy, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and a number of Arab states. In 2025, the number of bilateral meetings at the level of heads of state and government exceeded 55, which indicates a growth in mutual trust with foreign partners.
A similar trend was observed in the development of intensive high-level political dialogue. Throughout the year, high-level Uzbek delegations carried out 172 visits to 93 countries, covering virtually all key regions of the world. Representatives of ministries, agencies, and regional administrations also played a substantial role in shaping the international agenda. With the support of diplomatic missions, they undertook around 300 official visits to more than 50 countries, bringing foreign relations to a more practical and results-oriented level.
Acting as an active host, Uzbekistan has become one of the centers of world diplomacy. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that the country has hosted forums, assemblies and conferences of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the United Nations Civil Service, the UNESCO General Conference, the International Climate Conference, the Tashkent Summit of the countries of the region and a number of other major events. Our country has hosted over 120 high-level foreign delegations, as well as about 300 delegations from regional authorities of foreign states. These contacts have contributed to the development of interregional cooperation, the establishment of direct links between business circles and the expansion of the legal framework for cooperation.
Central Asia traditionally occupies a special place in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy strategy. In 2025, this priority received further institutional development. Uzbekistan chaired the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, with the chairmanship implemented for the first time on the basis of a comprehensive standalone program. Its agenda covered economic cooperation, transport connectivity, environmental issues, rational use of water resources, and humanitarian exchanges.
The organization of more than twenty major events and the holding in Tashkent of a summit of Central Asian leaders—historic in its outcomes and chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev—became the culmination of regional diplomacy for the year. These developments confirmed the region’s aspiration to deepen mutual trust and pursue joint development.
Today, we can say with confidence that our vast region is becoming a unified, fully-fledged player in world politics for the first time in a long time. This is evidenced by the growing attention of the international community and the changed perception of the region on the global stage. A striking example is the development of the ‘Central Asia Plus’ formats, which in 2025 were filled with new concrete practical content. The summits with the European Union, China, Russia, the United States and Japan clearly demonstrated the region's increased role in global politics and strengthened its position as an area of stability, predictability and mutually beneficial cooperation.
An important direction of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy in 2025 was the further expansion of its geographical reach. Alongside traditional partners in the CIS, Europe, and Asia, contacts with countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America were intensified. The first-ever bilateral high-level engagements with Slovakia, Serbia, Jordan, Paraguay, and several other states testified to the consistent expansion of Uzbekistan’s international presence. As a result, the total number of countries with which Uzbekistan maintains diplomatic relations reached 165.
Against this backdrop, several events of strategic significance had a profound impact on Uzbekistan’s foreign policy positioning in 2025. The signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Brussels marked a transition in relations with the EU to a qualitatively new level. The agreement established a solid legal framework for deepening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, attracting investment, and developing cooperation in sustainable development, the green economy, and digitalization, while also reflecting the high assessment by European partners of Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms.
Continuing its course toward expanding and deepening engagement with key global centers of power, Uzbekistan steadily developed relations with the United States. A landmark event in this regard was the successful outcome of the “C5+1” summit held in Washington in November, which brought together the leaders of the United States and the Central Asian states. Uzbekistan’s role in this format has been widely recognized by international experts and policymakers as that of a key initiator of regional cooperation and a responsible partner of the United States in the areas of sustainable development, security, economic interaction, and humanitarian ties.
Equally significant was the participation of the President of Uzbekistan in the session of the United Nations General Assembly. The head of state’s address from the UN’s main international platform reaffirmed the country’s commitment to multilateralism, peaceful dialogue, and the collective search for solutions to pressing global challenges.
In 2025, four resolutions initiated by Uzbekistan were adopted by the UN General Assembly, reflecting the country’s priorities in sustainable development, regional security, and humanitarian cooperation. In addition, Uzbekistan was elected to several authoritative UN bodies, underscoring the growing trust of the international community.
A historic event of the year was the holding of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand. For the first time in forty years, this forum took place outside Paris, representing unprecedented recognition of Uzbekistan’s cultural, historical, and civilization significance. For several days, Samarkand became a global platform for dialogue on education, science, and culture, strengthening the humanitarian dimension of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy and its image as a center of intercivilizational interaction.
Alongside active political diplomacy, economic diplomacy developed dynamically in 2025, firmly establishing itself as one of the key instruments of the country’s foreign policy. Systematic work within the framework of “Ministry of Foreign Affairs — diplomatic missions — sectoral agencies — regions” yielded tangible results in attracting foreign investment and expanding external economic ties. Over the first ten months of the year, USD 34.4 billion in foreign investment was mobilized with the support of diplomatic missions.
The effectiveness of Uzbekistan’s economic policy received high praise from international financial institutions and rating agencies. In 2025, Fitch Ratings and S&P upgraded the country’s sovereign credit rating from “BB-” to “BB,” while Moody’s revised its outlook from “stable” to “positive,” reflecting growing confidence in the economy and the sustainability of ongoing reforms.
The intensification of foreign economic activity also contributed to the growth of trade indicators. Over the first eleven months of 2025, Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover reached USD 72.7 billion, with exports amounting to USD 30.8 billion—an increase of USD 6.6 billion compared to the same period of the previous year. A significant reduction in the trade deficit was the result of targeted efforts by diplomatic missions to diversify markets and promote domestic products abroad.
Tourism, as an element of “soft power,” played an important role in shaping Uzbekistan’s positive international image in 2025. Over eleven months, the country was visited by 10.7 million foreign tourists, with more than one million foreign visitors welcomed each month on average. Active participation in international exhibitions, large-scale promotional events abroad, and the hosting in Tashkent of the first “Central Asia–European Union” Tourism Forum helped strengthen Uzbekistan’s position as one of the most promising tourist destinations in the region.
Considerable attention was also devoted to protecting the rights and interests of Uzbek citizens abroad, an important humanitarian dimension of foreign policy. From January to September 2025, more than 385,000 consular actions were carried out, including the return of unlawfully confiscated documents and the recovery of unpaid wages, alongside the implementation of programs facilitating the return of compatriots to their homeland. In parallel, digital consular services were improved, the geography of visa-free and simplified entry for Uzbek citizens was expanded, and cooperation with diaspora communities was strengthened.
In summary, the outcomes of 2025 clearly demonstrate that Uzbekistan’s foreign policy has reached a high level of maturity, consistency, and effectiveness. The country not only strengthened its positions on the international stage but also successfully leveraged diplomatic instruments to support domestic development, enhance investment attractiveness, and improve the quality of life of its citizens. Uzbekistan concludes the year with an expanded network of partnerships, a robust legal and contractual framework, and a clear vision for the future—remaining open to the world and looking ahead with confidence and optimism.
Dunyo IA
Uzbekistan and Finland: Similar Approaches to Building Good-Neighborly Regional Relations
📅 06.11.2025
In an era characterized by growing disunity among global powers, the strategies employed by so-called “middle” states in forging stable regional relations present promising solutions for achieving international peace and cooperation. Uzbekistan, a Central Asian nation situated at the heart of the historic Silk Road, and Finland, a Nordic state with a unique experience as a neutral border state during the Cold War, exemplify how a consistent commitment to dialogue can contribute to regional stability amidst the complexities of global relations.
Geographically separated, these countries have developed strikingly similar approaches to ensuring sustainable development, peace, and stability in their regions. They address key regional security challenges by strengthening multifaceted and mutually beneficial good-neighborly relations with their neighbors. Additionally, they engage in multilateral, long-term partnerships with interested countries and organizations.
While Uzbekistan and Finland have been shaped by different historical contexts, these experiences have contributed to the development of a shared diplomatic philosophy centered around stability, cooperation, sovereign equality, mutual respect, and multilateral interaction.
Central Asia, a region steeped in ancient history, has long been a cultural and historical hub. Centuries ago, it was a unified space where politics, economics, and culture intertwined seamlessly. As one of the cradles of human civilization, Central Asia boasts a rich tapestry of history and a vibrant cultural heritage that has shaped universal values. These values emphasize cooperation over confrontation, tolerance over imposition, and the belief that the well-being of neighbors is intrinsically linked to one’s own.
Since gaining independence in 1991, Uzbekistan has consistently championed a policy of regional interaction. This policy, which gained prominence under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2016, became a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. Tashkent’s “diplomatic offensive” to enhance intra-regional cooperation became one of the most significant policy changes that transformed relations in modern Central Asia.
Tashkent’s unprecedented focus on dialogue and building trust with neighboring states has transformed Uzbekistan into the primary organizer of cooperation in the region. It has advocated for the development of multilateral interaction mechanisms, spanning various domains such as water resource management, transport corridor expansion, industrial cooperation, border demarcation, and regional security.
The positive impact of these policy changes has reverberated throughout the entire region. After 2016, economic cooperation witnessed a remarkable surge, leading to a nearly doubling of the total GDP of Central Asian states from $273 billion to $520 billion. Trust and strengthened ties between countries have facilitated a 4.5-fold increase in intra-regional trade, soaring from $2.4 billion to $11 billion. Moreover, the number of tourists visiting the region has doubled, further boosting its appeal.
The collective openness and enhanced stability have become attractive factors for third countries, resulting in a significant increase in the region’s foreign trade. This growth has seen a remarkable rise of over 200 percent, from $112 billion to $253 billion.
Finland’s diplomatic traditions were shaped by its unique position at the crossroads of Eastern and Western “spheres of influence.” Its vulnerable geographical location drove its pursuit of interaction and stability.
Finland consistently advocates for strengthening friendly relations with all countries, particularly its neighbors, and fostering ties within Nordic cooperation structures like the Nordic Council, the Council of Ministers of the Nordic Countries, and the Nordic Investment Bank.
This approach is reflected in Finland’s active involvement in the OSCE with aims to enhance dialogue and trust.
Finland’s 2025 OSCE chairmanship, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, holds symbolic significance. It exemplifies Finland’s commitment to building bridges, fostering dialogue, and cultivating trust, aligning with its dialogue-based foreign policy. Finnish diplomacy consistently emphasizes the importance of strengthening common positions and approaches among states, reflecting Finland’s consensus-oriented diplomatic style, which Uzbekistan shares as well.
It’s worth noting that both countries adhere to the same fundamental principles of international law. Respect for national sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the inviolability of borders serve as practical guidelines shaping Uzbekistan and Finland’s foreign policy, regional behavior, and international positioning.
Tashkent’s approaches to regional interaction resonate with Helsinki’s priorities for cooperation with the Nordic and Baltic countries. Uzbekistan’s efforts in resolving border disputes and collaborating on water resources in the region mirror Finland’s approach to peacebuilding and fostering cooperation.
Furthermore, both countries have established themselves as advocates of results-oriented cooperation. They are pragmatic architects of projects that create mutual benefits and strengthen regional stability and interregional connectivity.
Under the leadership of President Sh. Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is actively promoting the development of transport infrastructure within Central Asia and with neighboring regions, including the West, East, and South. For instance, the development of the “Middle Corridor” (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) has led to a remarkable six-fold increase in cargo shipments along it over four years, from 2020 to 2024, reaching a substantial volume of 4.5 million tons. Tashkent is also actively involved in the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and is promoting connectivity between Central and South Asia.
Economic cooperation and environmental protection are additional pillars of Uzbekistan’s regional strategy. These aspects play a crucial role in Uzbekistan’s environmental programs, particularly in mitigating the consequences of the Aral Sea disaster.
Finland, following a similar pattern of project-oriented cooperation, has been an active participant in initiatives of the Nordic Council and the Barents Euro-Arctic Council. These initiatives encompass cross-border cooperation in environmental protection, innovation, and people-to-people contacts. Finland also promotes initiatives of the Trans-European Transport Network and Arctic connectivity.
Known for its leadership in environmental protection, Finland actively participates in cross-border economic projects with partners from the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Alongside their close cooperation with countries in their respective regions, Uzbekistan and Finland pursue a policy of strategic multilateralism. Both countries actively participate in various regional and global institutions, reflecting their shared views that modern challenges require collective responses. They believe that “middle powers” can exert effective influence through institutional engagement.
Since 2016, Uzbekistan has significantly increased its involvement in regional organizations, primarily the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), and various United Nations bodies.
Additionally, the “Central Asia +” (C5+1) platform, now comprising over 10 partner countries and organizations, actively promotes interregional cooperation. Notably, the inaugural “Central Asia – European Union” summit held in April 2025 resulted in an agreement on “deep and comprehensive cooperation” between the two regions.
Finland’s international engagement, while having a longer history, also follows a similar pattern of active institutional participation. As a member of the European Union since 1995 and multiple international organizations, Finland maintains its traditional interactions with regional structures in Northern and Baltic Europe.
As the international landscape becomes increasingly intricate, Uzbekistan and Finland encounter similar challenges that test their historically established unique diplomatic approaches.
Uzbekistan faces the primary challenge of sustaining the momentum for deepening regional partnership and intensifying cooperation with external actors amidst escalating geopolitical tensions, environmental threats, and economic shocks.
From Uzbekistan’s perspective, responding to the changing geopolitical landscape and the economic transformation needs of Central Asia requires strengthened cooperation, both among Central Asian countries and between regions.
Finland’s challenge lies in finding a balance between its commitments within the EU and NATO and its traditional role as a mediator in building consensus and dialogue, particularly in organizations like the OSCE, where it continues to promote “strengthening dialogue and trust.”
Overall, Uzbekistan and Finland exemplify successful regional cooperation based on a consistent commitment to dialogue and interaction. Despite their distinct geographical and historical contexts, both countries have adopted similar foreign policy approaches focused on conflict prevention, institutional engagement, and pragmatic regionalism.
In an interconnected world characterized by great power rivalry, the diplomatic approaches of Uzbekistan and Finland serve as a reminder that sustainable security and prosperity are achieved through dialogue, cooperation, and practical collaboration, rather than diktat, isolation, or empty rhetoric.
And unsurprisingly, these foreign policy approaches positively impact the lives of their citizens. It’s not a coincidence that Finland consistently ranks as the “happiest country in the world” for the eighth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report. Similarly, Uzbekistan leads in the level of happiness among Central Asian countries in the same ranking.
Sharif Akhmedov,
Chief Researcher at the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan–Czech Republic: A Strategic Partnership at a New Stage of Development
📅 27.04.2026
Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic are entering a new phase in their relationship, building on the strong foundation laid over more than three decades. During this period, Uzbek-Czech ties have evolved from largely ceremonial contacts into a system of substantive engagement spanning political dialogue, trade, investment, and cultural and humanitarian exchange. Today, as Uzbekistan deepens its connections across Europe, the Czech Republic stands out as one of its most prominent partners in Central Europe.
The framework of the current relationship took shape from the first years of independence. The two countries established diplomatic relations on January 1, 1993, and the Czech Republic moved quickly to open a trade mission in Tashkent – one of the first to do so – which it converted into a full embassy in November 1994. Over the following decades, both sides steadily built out the treaty and legal framework, developed inter-parliamentary ties, and established intergovernmental communication channels, creating the infrastructure for genuine cooperation.
The year 2023 marked a qualitative turning point. Reciprocal visits at the prime ministerial level – Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s visit to Tashkent in April and Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov’s visit to Prague in October – infused the relationship with new content and momentum. The talks produced the Interstate Joint Declaration “On Enhanced Cooperation”, which set the direction for the partnership in the years ahead.
The pace of engagement has not slowed since. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský visited Tashkent in October 2024, and in September 2025 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Petr Pavel met on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. Both sides have concentrated on expanding ties in investment, transport, innovation, and agriculture – a focus that reflects the practical, results-oriented character of the bilateral dialogue.
An important institutional development came in February 2025, when both chambers of the Oliy Majlis established Uzbek-Czech inter-parliamentary groups. These structures sustain continuous dialogue at the parliamentary level and create conditions for strengthening the legislative relationship and broadening the treaty and legal framework.
This political activity has created fertile ground for trade and economic engagement, which is showing positive momentum. Bilateral trade reached $189.7million in 2025. Although this represents a slight decline from 2024, the figure is three times higher than the 2018 level, reflecting the broader long-term upward trend. The Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Industrial and Scientific-Technical Cooperation serves as the structural instrument for sustaining this trajectory; its tenth session took place in Prague in March 2025. Through this mechanism, both sides are steadily expanding their business presence.
More than 40 companies with Czech capital now operate in Uzbekistan, and that number continues to grow. A vivid example of Czech business interest is Škoda Group’s intention to launch a joint venture in Uzbekistan for the local assembly and maintenance of railway rolling stock, as well as to establish a Škoda Academy for the training of industry specialists.
Beyond manufacturing and trade, Czech business is also making inroads in healthcare. Contacts with Czech pharmaceutical companies are becoming more regular, and Czech medicines and modern medical equipment have gained a solid presence on the Uzbek market.
Czech business interest is underpinned by active government support: the Czech Republic is actively backing Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO, which is expected this year. Membership in the organization will open new opportunities for foreign investors and create additional conditions for expanding trade.
The humanitarian dimension of the partnership has taken the longest to develop and is, for that reason, the most durable. As far back as 2003, Termez State University and Charles University launched a joint archaeological expedition in the Surkhandarya region. Over twenty years of fieldwork, the project has uncovered previously unknown monuments from the Bronze and Iron Ages. The exceptional finds gathered over the years of research formed the basis of the exhibition “From Zarathustra to Genghis Khan”, which opened in Tashkent in April 2023 on the occasion of Prime Minister Fiala's visit.
The cultural agenda continues to grow. Czech musical ensembles regularly participate in the Sharq Taronalari festival in Samarkand, while the Czech-Uzbek Friendship Society in Prague has for many years served as a living platform for people-to-people diplomacy.
Academic and scientific cooperation is also advancing. The National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, the Tashkent Medical Academy, and a number of other universities are running joint programmes with Charles University, Comenius University, the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, and Mendel University.
Student interest in Czech education continues to grow steadily: over the past five years, the number of students from Uzbekistan studying in the Czech Republic has doubled, approaching 700. The annual Czech government scholarship programme, which gives Uzbek citizens access to undergraduate, master’s and doctoral study, has contributed significantly to this growth.
Labour mobility between the two countries is also developing. Around 3,000 Uzbek citizens currently work in the Czech Republic in industry, construction, trade, and services, and an annual quota of 150 labour visas reflects both sides’ structured approach to organising labour mobility.
All of this sustains a steady flow of mutual travel, supported by a direct weekly air service between Tashkent and Karlovy Vary that makes the Czech Republic a readily accessible destination.
The breadth and depth of this engagement naturally raises the question of priorities for the bilateral dialogue going forward.
First, opening an Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Prague would improve the speed of contacts, expand Uzbekistan’s diplomatic presence, and allow more effective support for joint projects.
Second, despite the temporary decline in trade volumes in 2025, the potential for recovery is considerable. The Czech Republic’s high standing in the Prosperity Index, 8th in the EU in 2026, confirms its status as a key technology and investment partner for Uzbekistan.
Third, particular promise lies in mechanical engineering, machine-tool manufacturing, and industrial automation. According to Harvard University’s Economic Complexity Index, the Czech Republic has held 7th place globally for a decade in its capacity to produce and export technologically sophisticated goods – precisely the kind of partnership Uzbekistan needs for its industrial modernisation agenda.
Overall, the Czech Republic is consolidating its role as one of the strategic anchors in Uzbekistan’s European partnership network. The convergence of Czech industrial capacity and Uzbekistan’s dynamic, fast-growing economy lays the foundation not merely for an exchange of goods, but for deep technological integration and large-scale industrial projects designed to last for decades.
Kayumova Madinabonu,
Leading Researcher of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under 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.
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