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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over the past decade, the socio-economic, cultural, humanitarian, scientific, and educational relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the countries of Central Asia have clearly demonstrated that the region's strategic partners have entered a fundamentally new stage of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the recent agreements and high-level meetings among the Presidents of the Central Asian states have provided a strong impetus to the development of educational transfer, scientific cooperation, joint innovation projects, and the modernization of systems for training highly qualified specialists.

It should be emphasized that geopolitical stability, economic prosperity, and sustainable development in Central Asia are directly dependent upon the quality of good-neighborly relations among the countries of the region. Since 2016, the incorporation of the principle of "Good Neighbourliness as a Foreign Policy Priority" into the foreign policy doctrine of the Republic of Uzbekistan has elevated cooperation with neighboring brotherly states to an entirely new strategic level.

For centuries, the peoples of Central Asia have been united by a common history, shared cultural heritage, religious traditions, and spiritual values. Today, in the era of globalization and the digital economy, these nations are advancing regional integration to a qualitatively new stage. The principal driving force behind this transformation is intellectual capital, embodied primarily in cooperation in the fields of higher education, science, and innovation.

Prior to 2016, relations among neighboring countries experienced a period of relative stagnation, with numerous long-standing issues remaining unresolved. However, thanks to the far-sighted foreign policy, effective diplomacy, and strategic leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, historical barriers were overcome, opening a new chapter in regional cooperation. This breakthrough created a stable foundation for the significant expansion of educational, scientific, and cultural exchanges throughout Central Asia.

A compelling example of this transformation can be found in the rapidly developing partnership between Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. The declarations on strategic partnership, friendship, and good-neighborly relations, together with numerous intergovernmental agreements signed during official visits of the two countries' leaders, have established a comprehensive legal framework comprising more than 200 bilateral legal and regulatory instruments.

Whereas bilateral trade amounted to only USD 150–200 million in 2016, by 2025–2026 it had exceeded USD 1 billion, reflecting the remarkable intensification of economic cooperation. The establishment of the Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan Development Fund has enabled the financing of dozens of industrial, logistics, and agricultural projects. Assembly plants producing automobiles under Uzbek brands have been launched in Kyrgyzstan, while joint ventures in textile manufacturing and the production of construction materials have also been established.

Furthermore, the commencement of the active construction phase of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway is expected to fundamentally reshape the transport and logistics architecture of the entire Central Asian region, creating new opportunities for regional connectivity and economic integration.

During the same period, cooperation between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic underwent profound transformation. Since 2016, universities of the two countries have significantly expanded direct institutional cooperation, resulting in numerous bilateral academic initiatives.

Among the most significant achievements has been the establishment of the Forum of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, which has evolved into one of the principal platforms for strengthening academic cooperation, promoting joint research, and expanding university partnerships between the two countries.

Over the past several years, Uzbekistan’s higher education system has evolved into one of the principal drivers of regional integration and is increasingly emerging as a leading educational and scientific hub of Central Asia.

Today, 3,020 students from the countries of Central Asia are enrolled in higher education institutions across Uzbekistan, reflecting the growing confidence of neighboring nations in the quality and international competitiveness of Uzbek higher education. This student community includes 1,554 citizens of Turkmenistan, 646 from Kazakhstan, 436 from Tajikistan, and 384 from Kyrgyzstan. Beyond acquiring professional knowledge and competencies, these students contribute to the formation of a common educational space through the exchange of academic, cultural, and intellectual experiences.

In order to provide practical support for regional integration, the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan has introduced a system of state-funded scholarships for citizens of Central Asian countries. Under this initiative, 20 fully funded scholarships are allocated annually to each neighboring state, enabling talented young people to pursue higher education in Uzbekistan.

This initiative has become one of the most effective instruments of educational diplomacy, strengthening mutual trust, expanding people-to-people contacts, and fostering long-term humanitarian cooperation throughout the region.

A notable example of deepening academic integration is the establishment of the branch campus of Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University in the city of Chirchiq. During the initial stage of its operation alone, the branch enrolled 350 students, demonstrating the growing demand for cross-border educational opportunities.

As a reciprocal step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation, the National Research University “Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers” established its branch at the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University in Almaty. The branch currently educates 16 students in the fields of transboundary water resources management and agricultural innovation, drawing upon Uzbekistan's scientific schools, educational methodologies, and technological expertise.

Language and cultural cooperation has also become an important dimension of regional integration. Centers of Uzbek language and culture have been restored and expanded at higher education institutions in Osh and Jalal-Abad, while departments of Kyrgyz language and literature have resumed and broadened their activities at universities in Tashkent and Andijan.

These initiatives not only promote linguistic and cultural exchange but also contribute to strengthening mutual understanding, preserving shared historical heritage, and educating younger generations in the spirit of friendship, tolerance, and good-neighborly relations.

The expansion of academic cooperation has demonstrated that universities today perform a role far beyond their traditional educational mission. They increasingly serve as platforms for scientific diplomacy, intercultural dialogue, and regional cooperation, making a substantial contribution to sustainable development and long-term stability across Central Asia.

The powerful momentum of educational integration that has emerged across Central Asia has gradually expanded beyond the region, reaching the South Caucasus and, in particular, the Republic of Azerbaijan. Contemporary Uzbek–Azerbaijani cooperation in higher education, science, and culture stands as a vivid example of the growing strategic partnership between the two fraternal nations.

At present, 44 new bilateral agreements and memoranda of cooperation between higher education institutions of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have been prepared for implementation, laying a solid foundation for the further expansion of academic and scientific collaboration.

Currently, 51 Azerbaijani students are pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan, while 31 Uzbek students are enrolled at leading universities in Baku and Ganja. Although these figures may appear modest, they reflect the emergence of sustainable mechanisms for academic exchange and increasing educational mobility between the two countries.

Academic mobility has become one of the defining features of bilateral cooperation. In 2024, five students from Tashkent State Pedagogical University completed a period of study at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and Baku Slavic University, gaining valuable exposure to Azerbaijan's educational system, teaching methodologies, and academic environment.

During the same year, 15 students representing Termez State University, universities in Tashkent, and higher education institutions specializing in arts and culture participated in scientific conferences and international academic forums held in Azerbaijan, thereby strengthening scholarly communication and expanding professional networks between young researchers.

Reciprocal academic exchanges have also intensified. Eleven Azerbaijani professors and scholars visited Uzbekistan, delivering lectures in philology, psychology, and management for students and academic staff of Uzbek universities. These visits have significantly contributed to strengthening scientific dialogue and promoting the exchange of academic expertise.

A particularly promising area of cooperation is the joint initiative between the Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology and the Baku Higher Oil School to develop innovative joint degree programmes in Petroleum Engineering and Chemical Engineering. The project is expected to combine the scientific and technological capacities of both countries while preparing highly qualified professionals capable of meeting the demands of modern industry and the global energy sector.

Cooperation between the Alisher Navoi Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature and the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan has likewise continued to develop dynamically. Their partnership encompasses joint research projects, scholarly publications, academic conferences, and collaborative initiatives in the humanities, linguistics, and literary studies.

Humanitarian cooperation has also acquired a strong institutional dimension. Since 2019, the Muhammad Fuzuli Azerbaijani Center for Culture, Education and Research in Tashkent has become an important intellectual platform for students, researchers, and academics interested in Azerbaijani language, literature, history, and culture.

Similarly, the Alisher Navoi Research Center, established within the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Literature of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, has become a significant venue for collaborative research on Turkic literature, comparative philology, and shared cultural heritage.

Regular literary evenings dedicated to the works of Alisher Navoi and Muhammad Fuzuli have further strengthened cultural dialogue, inspiring young people in both countries to explore the rich literary traditions of the Turkic world and reinforcing a shared sense of historical and cultural identity.

These initiatives demonstrate that educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan has evolved beyond conventional academic exchange. It has become a strategic instrument of cultural diplomacy, scientific partnership, and intellectual integration, contributing to the long-term development of both countries and to broader regional cooperation.

Another significant dimension of Uzbek–Azerbaijani cooperation has been the establishment of specialized academic and cultural centers dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the shared intellectual heritage of the Turkic world.

The Kara Karayev Center, established at the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture, introduces students to the rich musical legacy of the distinguished Azerbaijani composer while fostering professional cooperation in the field of performing arts.

Likewise, the Khurshidbanu Natavan Center, opened at Termez State University, has become a symbol of Uzbekistan's profound respect for Azerbaijani cultural heritage and a tangible manifestation of the growing humanitarian partnership between the two countries.

A landmark event took place on 13 September 2024, when a new Center for Uzbek Language and Culture was officially inaugurated in the city of Ganja. The center is expected to play an important role in promoting the Uzbek language, literature, history, and national traditions among Azerbaijani students and scholars while strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Collectively, these educational, scientific, and cultural initiatives have gradually evolved into one of the fundamental pillars of cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), contributing to the formation of a common intellectual and educational space across the Turkic world.

Regular dialogue among the ministries responsible for education and science within the Organization of Turkic States has further accelerated this process. In particular, the visits of Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to Tashkent, together with discussions involving Nagif Hamzayev, Member of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, have elevated to the policy agenda the establishment of a comprehensive system for teaching the Uzbek language to international learners, modeled on Türkiye's internationally recognized TÖMER framework.

The implementation of such an initiative would substantially expand opportunities for foreign students to study the Uzbek language while simultaneously strengthening Uzbekistan's educational diplomacy and enhancing the country's cultural influence throughout the broader Turkic region. Beyond language instruction, the project could become an effective mechanism for promoting Uzbekistan's higher education system, national heritage, and academic potential on the international stage.

More importantly, the Turkic states are today becoming increasingly integrated not only in political and economic terms but also as a unified scientific and intellectual community. Shared historical memory, common cultural values, and mutual aspirations for innovation are gradually giving rise to a common educational ecosystem capable of generating new knowledge, technologies, and human capital.

Only a few years ago, the concept of a "common intellectual home" existed primarily as a strategic vision. Today, however, this vision is becoming a tangible reality within university classrooms, research laboratories, joint scientific projects, and international academic exchanges. Students, researchers, and faculty members have emerged as the principal architects of this transformation, strengthening academic cooperation through everyday collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The students who are currently studying in neighboring countries within an atmosphere of mutual trust, friendship, and respect will become tomorrow's scientists, engineers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. They will jointly address such strategic challenges as regional economic security, transboundary water governance, environmental sustainability, food security, technological modernization, and scientific advancement.

From this perspective, educational integration in Central Asia should not be regarded merely as another dimension of humanitarian cooperation. Rather, it represents a long-term strategic investment in the formation of a single competitive intellectual space, capable of enhancing regional resilience, promoting sustainable development, and increasing the global competitiveness of Central Asia in the twenty-first century.

Ultimately, the future of regional integration will depend not only on infrastructure projects, trade agreements, or political dialogue, but also on the ability of the countries of Central Asia and the broader Turkic world to cultivate a new generation of highly educated, globally competitive professionals united by common values, shared responsibility, and a collective vision for regional prosperity. In this regard, cooperation in higher education, science, and innovation should be viewed as one of the most effective strategic instruments for ensuring lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development across the region.

Fazliddin MUMINOV,

Head of Department

Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

of the Republic of Uzbekistan

At the invitation of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will pay an official visit to our country from June 30 to July 1.

The program of the high-ranking guest's stay in Tashkent envisages talks at the highest level.

The agenda includes issues of further expansion and strengthening of Uzbekistan's multifaceted cooperation with the UN and its institutions, as well as topical aspects of global policy and regional interaction. Special attention will be paid to supporting measures to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in our country.

During the visit, the UN Secretary-General will also visit a number of industrial and social sites, hold bilateral meetings and events.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

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

Dear forum participants!

Dear guests!

I sincerely congratulate you, all those who make a worthy contribution to the development of the holy religion Islam, on the opening of the international scientific-practical conference dedicated to the study of the scientific heritage of the great muhaddis Imam Termezi in the homeland of outstanding Muslim scholars - in Uzbekistan.

It is gratifying that today's authoritative forum is attended by renowned specialists in the field of Islamic studies - prominent scholars and ulema, experts and researchers. In your person we see the continuers of the good traditions of the great thinkers who are the pride of the Muslim world - Imam Bukhari and Imam Termezi.

May the Almighty bless you, I wish you happiness and prosperity!

Dear friends!

Speaking about our outstanding ancestors-scientists, bright representatives of the Islamic world of the Middle Ages, we, of course, among the first names of Hazrat Imam Termezi.

We are rightfully proud of this incomparable person, the favorite disciple of the great Imam Bukhari, who was honored with the high rank of Sultan of Muhaddis, who has been glorifying our region for twelve centuries with his undying works and high human qualities.

Imam Termezi is recognized in the world as one of the six great muhaddis, his collection of hadiths is among the most revered and reliable sources, and the Muslim Ummah bows before the name of this outstanding man.

Another practical expression of such recognition is the fact that the topic for discussion at today's conference was the unique works of Imam Termezi “Ash-Shamoil al-Muhammadiyya” and “Sunani Termiziyya”, as well as important issues concerning the scientific heritage of the Ulema Termezis and its relevance today.

Dear participants of the conference!

In recent years, a great work has been carried out in our country to study and popularize the invaluable heritage of many of our thinkers-theologians who made a great contribution to the development of the Islamic religion, to honor their memory, to improve the places associated with their life and activities, including Imam Termezi.

It should be noted that a magnificent memorial complex has been erected in his honor in Sherabad district of Surkhandarya province, and an international research center, a specialized Islamic secondary school and an Islamic institute have been opened in the city of Termez bearing his name.

These institutions, together with the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the Centre for Islamic Civilization, the Hadith Scientific School and other religious educational and research organizations, are studying the rich heritage of Imam Termezi in a comprehensive and in-depth manner. In particular, works of the thinker are published, scientific researches, books and artistic works are dedicated to him.

I hope that after familiarizing yourselves with the work carried out in this direction within the framework of the conference, you will express your opinions and proposals on further activation of cooperation in this field.

We, the heirs of great scientists, emphasizing that Islam is a religion of peace, goodness and humanism, on the way of realization of good hopes and aspirations of mankind, consider it our most important duty to jointly enrich this incomparable spiritual treasure and preserve it for future generations.

I express my deep gratitude to the scientists and ulema of our country and to you, dear guests, to all figures of science who show real dedication for such a noble goal.

The doors of the leading research and educational institutions of Uzbekistan are always open for you.

Greeting you once again from the bottom of my heart, I wish you health, new achievements in your scientific and creative activities, and a successful conference.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The second day of the visit of the Head of our state to Navoi region began with a joyful event. A ceremony dedicated to new projects was held with the participation of representatives of the public.

In recent years, entrepreneurship in Navoi region has been actively developing, and the interest of investors in the region continues to grow. In 2023 alone, the region produced more than 101 trillion soums worth of industrial products and exported $648 million. Foreign investments worth about $478 million were also absorbed, and the foreign trade turnover of the region amounted to about $1.3 billion. More than 300 foreign enterprises operate in the region, and their number will continue to increase.

Fifteen new projects were announced at the ceremony.

In particular, the projects on extraction and processing of oil shale in Kanimekh district, construction of a 300 megawatt solar photovoltaic station and a 75 megawatt electricity storage system in Karmana district, production of technical gases in Navoi city, processing of marble in Gazgan and granite in Zarafshan, extraction and enrichment of kaolin in Uchkuduk district, and production of fish feed in Khatyrchi district were launched. 

Enterprises were launched to produce potassium sulfate and sulfuric acid in Karmana district, cotton pulp in Navoi city, and granite processing in Nurata district.

The total cost of the 15 projects is $3.6 billion. More than 7 thousand jobs will be created.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev pressed a symbolic button and gave start to the construction and operation of the new projects.

According to the survey results, entrepreneurs are increasingly reporting higher demand, employment growth, and an overall improvement in business conditions.

The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) presented the results of its business climate analysis based on monthly surveys of entrepreneurs across the country.

Based on the collected data, a composite Business Climate Index has been developed, reflecting both current business conditions and expectations for the next three months.

Business Climate Dynamics in Uzbekistan

As of February 2026, the composite Business Climate Index reached 65 points (on a scale from −100 to +100), which is 11 points higher than in the same period last year.

The improvement in the business climate was primarily driven by rising business expectations, which increased by 13 points to 81. Additional support came from improved assessments of current business conditions, which rose by 10 points to 51.

The survey indicates positive trends across key business activity indicators. The share of entrepreneurs assessing the current business situation as “good” increased to 44%, compared to 38% in February of the previous year.

The proportion of enterprises that increased their workforce rose to 19%, up from 12% a year earlier. Meanwhile, 34% of respondents reported an improvement in business conditions over the past three months, compared to 28% last year.

In addition, 39% of respondents reported increased demand for their products, up from 22% in the same period last year.

Sectoral Dynamics of the Business Climate Index

In a sectoral breakdown, improvements in the business climate were observed across all major sectors of the economy compared to the previous year.

The most significant improvement was recorded in agriculture, where the index increased by 29 points to reach 73. This growth was driven by both improved current conditions and a substantial rise in expectations.

The share of entrepreneurs assessing conditions as “good” rose to 56%, compared to 41% a year earlier. Meanwhile, 52% reported increased demand (35% previously), and 49% noted an improvement in the business environment over the past three months (32% previously).

In the services sector, the business climate index increased by 8 points to 61. While assessments of current conditions remained relatively stable, expectations improved.

Entrepreneurs maintain strong expectations regarding demand in the coming three months, with 72% reporting anticipated growth, close to last year’s level (71%). At the same time, employment has been gradually increasing, with the share of firms expanding their workforce rising to 16%, compared to 12% previously.

In the construction sector, the business climate index rose by 8 points to 69. Improvements were observed in both current assessments and expectations. Entrepreneurs are increasingly reporting higher employment and demand, reflecting stable sectoral dynamics.

The share of respondents reporting improved business conditions over the past three months increased to 34%, compared to 26% a year earlier. Meanwhile, 27% reported workforce expansion (15% previously), and 80% expect demand to increase in the next three months, up from 77% last year.

In industry, business climate growth was more moderate, increasing by 2 points to 67. At the same time, business expectations remain high, with continued growth in demand and gradual employment expansion.

Over the past three months, 32% of entrepreneurs reported increased demand, compared to 29% a year earlier. Workforce expansion was noted by 22% (13% previously), while 77% expect further demand growth in the next three months, also exceeding last year’s level.

Barriers to Business Activity

According to the survey, 61% of entrepreneurs reported no constraints in their operations, up from 57% in the previous month, indicating an overall improvement in the business environment.

Compared to the previous month, the share of respondents reporting difficulties related to access to credit, electricity supply, transport, and logistics has declined. At the same time, there has been a moderate increase in concerns related to access to land resources, utility costs, and tax rates.

CERR Sector for Competitiveness and Investment Activity Analysis

Tel: (78) 150 02 02 (441)

CERR Public Relations and Media Sector

Tel: (78) 150 02 02 (417)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dunyo IA

Uzbekistan and Finland possess significant potential to deepen their partnership in the areas of ecology, sustainable natural resource management, and climate change mitigation. Environmental institutions of both countries actively engage through international conferences, forums, and projects supported by international organizations and development banks.

One of the most notable examples of practical cooperation is the joint project between the Agency of Hydrometeorological Service of Uzbekistan, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the Finnish Meteorological Institute. Valued at USD 2 million, the project aims to strengthen Uzbekistan’s hydrometeorological capacity, train specialists in modern forecasting methods for weather and natural disasters, and enhance climate services and adaptation measures to climate change.

To further expand bilateral cooperation, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan has identified several priority areas that could form the basis for a future Memorandum of Understanding with Finland.

One key area of collaboration could be sustainable forest management. Over 70% of Finland’s territory is covered by forests, which account for 0.5% of global timber reserves. Studying Finland’s experience in public-private partnerships in forestry and its effective mechanisms for conserving forest ecosystems could help Uzbekistan improve its own approaches to developing green zones and protecting natural territories.

Another promising area is circular economy development. Finland was among the first countries to adopt a national “roadmap” for transitioning to circular models of production and consumption. For Uzbekistan — which is currently developing a modern waste management and recycling system — learning from Finland’s sustainable production practices would be an important step toward achieving “green” growth.

Air quality management is also an area of great interest. Finland is recognized as one of the countries with the cleanest air in the world, thanks to its advanced monitoring systems and strict environmental regulations. Adopting Finnish technologies for tracking pollutants and reducing emissions could significantly improve air quality in Uzbekistan’s urban centers.

Particular attention is also given to climate action. Finland aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 and its strategies for reducing emissions and adapting to climate challenges could serve as a valuable model for Uzbekistan in implementing its own climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

An important area of focus is scientific and educational cooperation. The Ministry of Ecology of Uzbekistan is interested in establishing partnerships between Finnish universities and the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University). Academic exchange programs, joint research initiatives and the development of green educational technologies will contribute to training a new generation of environmental and climate specialists in the region.

Cooperation in biodiversity conservation and protected areas management is also of high importance. Finland allocates 13.3% of its territory for these purposes and plans to expand this figure to 30% by 2030. This experience holds great value for Uzbekistan, which is actively implementing a national program to expand its network of reserves and national parks.

The signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate of Finland would be a logical step toward strengthening this partnership. Joint initiatives between the two countries will help combine innovation and scientific expertise in pursuit of a shared goal — protecting nature, enhancing climate resilience, and building a sustainable and environmentally secure future.

Anvar Tursunaliyev,

Chief specialist Department of international cooperation

and rankings of the Ministry of Ecology,

Environmental Protection and Climate Change