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Akramjon Nematov: Central Asia is increasingly emerging as an independent centre for shaping its own economic and technological agenda
📅 09.10.2026
First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan commented to Dunyo IA on the outcomes of the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, held on October 8th in the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone in Turkmenistan
Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan (ISRS), commented to Dunyo IA on the outcomes of the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, held on October 8th in the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone in Turkmenistan:
Eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, held in Avaza on October 8th, marked a fundamental shift in regional cooperation. The region is entering a new phase: from diplomacy built on trust to economic connectivity, and from resolving longstanding issues to shaping a shared future. The political trust developed in recent years is becoming a driver of tangible development, providing a foundation for joint manufacturing ventures, infrastructure and energy projects, technological cooperation, and new value chains.
Azerbaijan’s full participation significantly broadens the geographical scope and opportunities for this cooperation, strengthening Central Asia’s links with the Caspian region and the South Caucasus.
Nature of regional cooperation is thus changing. Central Asia is increasingly emerging not only as a region of good-neighbourly relations and political dialogue, but also as a centre capable of shaping its own economic and technological agenda.
This shift is particularly significant amid profound changes in the international system. Geopolitical tensions are reshaping established patterns of trade, transport and energy flows, reconfiguring supply chains and increasing the value of reliable connections. The technological revolution is turning data, computing capacity and skills into strategic resources, while climate change is placing growing pressure on water resources, food systems, energy and infrastructure.
As President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted, “The world is changing rapidly, tensions are rising, trade and transport links are being reshaped and new risks are emerging”. These conditions create a clear need for closer coordination among the countries of the region, particularly in areas where their interests and capabilities are already closely connected.
Significance of the “Avaza” meeting therefore lies less in the number of proposals put forward than in the shared direction of the regional agenda, which emerged even more clearly in the statements of all six leaders.
This points to an important qualitative change: the Central Asian countries now have an agenda of their own, set their own cooperation priorities and propose mechanisms to implement them. This is an increasingly clear expression of the region’s capacity to act in its own right.
Emerging model of cooperation remains open to the wider world, flexible in its arrangements and grounded in the region’s ability to determine its own priorities. President of Uzbekistan expressed its guiding philosophy clearly: “We need a flexible and transparent format in which strong, sovereign, and independent states cooperate on the basis of mutual respect, trust and pragmatism”.
Under this approach, stronger links within the region create greater opportunities for external engagement. Central Asia is increasingly positioning itself as a hub in its own right, connecting East Asia, the Caspian region, the South Caucasus, Europe, South Asia and other regions, rather than remaining on the margins of major geoeconomic developments.
Significantly, the leaders see the further development of the Consultative Meetings primarily in terms of effectiveness and the delivery of agreed commitments. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev advocated preserving the format as a platform for direct dialogue and proposed taking stock of earlier regional initiatives. The President of Uzbekistan expressed a similar view: “The number of documents in itself does not solve much. What matters far more is that the decisions we have already taken are implemented and deliver the results they were intended to achieve”.
The next phase of cooperation will therefore involve strengthening implementation mechanisms, improving coordination among the relevant agencies and consistently following through on agreements, while preserving the flexibility and trust that define the format. The aim is to establish institutional arrangements that make cooperation more effective without making it more cumbersome.
Convergence of interests was particularly evident in the economic sphere. Kazakhstan proposed increasing intraregional trade and linking trade and logistics hubs with centres for industrial cooperation to create regional value chains. Kyrgyzstan focused on specific projects in agricultural processing, light industry, building materials and logistics. Tajikistan emphasised joint ventures, industrial complexes and manufacturing and export projects. Azerbaijan proposed making greater use of existing joint investment funds to establish new manufacturing operations and enter international markets. Turkmenistan also identified industrial, investment, transport and energy cooperation as key priorities.
Against this background, the formula proposed by the President of Uzbekistan, “six economies – one product”, builds naturally on this common direction. It seeks to complement mutual trade with deeper collaboration in manufacturing, bringing together the resources, technologies, capital, industrial capacity, skills and logistics of several countries to produce finished goods.
This reveals another fundamental shift. The region is gradually moving beyond a role centred primarily on transit and raw materials, and is demonstrating its readiness to become an important link in global manufacturing value chains. This strengthens the resilience of national economies, broadens market access for businesses and places economic connectivity on a firmer footing.
Uzbekistan’s proposals for a Central Asia–Azerbaijan Business Forum in Khiva and a Platform for Financial and Technical Support of Joint Investment Projects offer practical ways to advance this approach. They would provide the tools for project preparation, expert assessment, financial structuring and implementation support needed to turn political commitments to industrial cooperation into results. Uzbekistan’s initiatives thus build on priorities already identified by its partners and help translate them into investment and manufacturing projects.
A similar complementarity is evident in transport. Kyrgyzstan sees the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway as central to future opportunities and proposes assessing transport projects by delivery costs and journey times. Kazakhstan is expanding the capacity of the Middle Corridor and the North–South route. Azerbaijan is steadily developing the Caspian link and the Trans-Caspian route. Tajikistan is focusing on multimodal transport, the removal of administrative barriers and the digitalization of procedures. Turkmenistan is developing connections along the East–West and North–South axes.
In this context, the President of Uzbekistan’s proposal to accelerate the establishment of the Council for Infrastructure Development advances the shared objective of connecting transport projects. Such a mechanism could help coordinate the development of roads, railways, ports, border infrastructure and logistics centres, integrating individual national routes into a more coherent regional network.
Transport connectivity is understood to extend well beyond the movement of goods. The development of corridors creates opportunities for new manufacturing facilities, industrial zones, logistics hubs and service facilities along their routes. Infrastructure thus becomes a driver of both territorial development and value creation.
This approach offers a new perspective on Central Asia’s place in Eurasia’s emerging connectivity network. The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, the infrastructure of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan’s Caspian transport capacity and Tajikistan’s multimodal transport capabilities are gradually forming a broader network of interregional connections.
Central Asia is thus emerging as a potential key pillar of this connectivity network, linking different markets and routes while strengthening its own manufacturing and logistics capacity.
A similar trend is emerging in energy. Tajikistan proposed drawing up a list of priority energy projects, identifying mechanisms for their joint financing and developing a regional strategy for the green transition. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are already working to establish a green energy corridor across the Caspian Sea. Turkmenistan likewise considers energy one of the key areas for expanded cooperation.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s proposed Joint Concept for Low-Carbon Energy Potential takes this shared agenda forward through systematic planning. It would allow new generation capacity, energy storage and energy corridors to be planned around the complementary roles of hydrocarbons, hydropower, solar and wind generation. National energy strengths could thereby be combined more systematically into a resilient regional system.
Important areas of common interest are also emerging in the digital sector. Azerbaijan is developing Digital Silk Way and trans-Caspian fibre-optic infrastructure. Kazakhstan proposed cooperation on artificial intelligence and approaches to its responsible use. Tajikistan is establishing a Regional Artificial Intelligence Centre in Dushanbe. Kyrgyzstan is promoting a common e-commerce platform. Turkmenistan also views technological development and the adoption of AI as promising areas of cooperation.
President of Uzbekistan’s proposal for Common Computing Infrastructure, based on interconnected national data centres, would provide a technological foundation for these initiatives. It could link digital communications with computing capacity, research cooperation, skills development and practical applications. This would give AI cooperation the infrastructure needed for deployment in industry, transport, energy, agriculture and public administration.
Critical minerals, including rare earth elements, are closely linked to technological transformation. The President of Uzbekistan proposed stepping up efforts to establish a Regional Alliance on Critical Minerals and, as one of its first practical measures, developing a Unified Digital Map of Critical Mineral Reserves in Central Asia.
This initiative builds on efforts to deepen industrial and technological cooperation. A more comprehensive understanding of the region’s resource base could improve transparency for investors, support processing industries and lay the groundwork for products used in modern energy systems, electronics and other high-tech sectors. Critical minerals are thus viewed not only as raw materials, but also as a foundation for future regional value chains that generate greater added value.
The convergence of approaches was also evident in the water and climate agenda. Kazakhstan emphasises improving regional principles for water use. Kyrgyzstan pays particular attention to the preservation of glaciers and mountain ecosystems. Tajikistan highlights the implications of glacier conditions and low water availability for food security. Turkmenistan consistently highlights issues concerning the efficient use of the waters of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, as well as the Aral Sea.
These priorities align with Uzbekistan’s longstanding commitment to stronger regional cooperation on water and climate. In Avaza, Uzbekistan focused on practical instruments: digital monitoring of water resources, modernisation of irrigation networks, the introduction of water-saving technologies, implementation of the Decade of Practical Action for the Rational Use of Water Resources in Central Asia, greater effectiveness of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) during our country’s forthcoming chairmanship, and sustained, substantive dialogue with Afghanistan.
Together, these measures would create a more comprehensive model in which common principles for water use are supported by objective data, glacier monitoring, technological solutions and durable mechanisms for cooperation.
The same progression is evident in environmental cooperation. The International Consortium “Clean Air of Central Asia”, proposed by Uzbekistan, gained a concrete project focus in Avaza. The President proposed launching its activities with a pilot program to improve the environmental performance of industrial zones, agricultural clusters and transport hubs. This would provide a practical mechanism for advancing the shared environmental agenda, allowing solutions to be tested and subsequently scaled up across the region.
Human capital is an essential part of this approach. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed developing a Regional Atlas of In-Demand Professions and Skills, bringing together national forecasts of shortages in specific occupations and of future occupational needs.
This initiative directly supports the industrial, infrastructure and digital agendas. As joint projects expand, demand will grow for engineers, energy and logistics specialists, programmers, AI experts and other skilled professionals. The regional atlas could align education with the actual needs of the emerging economy and provide the skilled workforce required for future projects involving several countries.
Avaza thus demonstrated the gradual emergence of an interconnected regional agenda. Trade is becoming more closely linked with manufacturing; transport with territorial development; energy with new corridors and storage technologies; digitalization with artificial intelligence and computing infrastructure; resource potential with processing; and economic development with human capital. Uzbekistan’s proposals reinforce this approach by building on its partners’ initiatives and providing additional practical measures and institutional support in specific areas.
Broader political and economic conclusion is even more significant. The Central Asian countries are increasingly confident in setting their own development priorities, designing mechanisms to implement them and managing their engagement with external partners. This is one of the clearest expressions of the region’s growing agency.
The region’s geoeconomic role is also changing. The shared emphasis on industrial cooperation, investment, critical minerals, technology and human capital signals a readiness to develop the region as a centre of value creation integrated into the global economy. Transit connectivity is increasingly being complemented by manufacturing and technological cooperation.
Crucially, this process remains open to the wider world. Stronger ties within the region expand opportunities for cooperation with Europe, China, Russia, South Asia, the Middle East and other partners. This reinforces Central Asia’s role as a bridge between different geoeconomic regions and as an important component of the emerging framework for interregional connectivity. Azerbaijan’s full participation strengthens this potential, extending the geographical reach of transport, energy, investment and digital cooperation across the Caspian Sea and through the South Caucasus.
Taken together, decisions and initiatives put forward in Avaza reflect a strong willingness among the participating states to build a region of shared development, in which national strengths reinforce one another and support common growth.
The effectiveness of regional cooperation therefore takes on particular importance at this stage. It should be measured by the expansion of joint manufacturing ventures, lower transport costs, a growing number of well-prepared and adequately financed projects, stronger energy and digital links, more efficient water use and, ultimately, greater opportunities for people.
Principle articulated by our Head of State, “solidarity and trust – for the sake of development and security”, captures the logic of the current phase: the trust built over time is finding practical expression in shared development and greater collective resilience. This model continues to rest on another principle set out by the President of Uzbekistan: “strong, sovereign, and independent states cooperate on the basis of mutual respect, trust and pragmatism”. Combination of national independence, a shared regional agenda and openness to the wider world defines the framework for cooperation that took further practical shape in Avaza.
Dunyo IA
On September 4–6th, Samarkand will host XII Inter-Parliamentary Union Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians
📅 20.08.2026
The XII Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians will be held on September 4–6th, 2026, in the city of Samarkand, under the theme “Restoring Human Rights, Justice and Dignity for All in Fragile Times”.
The XII Global Conference is expected to convene approximately 300 delegates representing 183 countries, 15 international organizations and around 50 permanent observers.
Event program includes six thematic sessions, during which the participants will address pressing issues pertaining to the status and rights of youth in the contemporary world. Specifically, particular attention will be devoted to protecting the rights of young people amid conflicts and digital transformation, expanding their political rights and opportunities, ensuring economic rights and youth employment, as well as preventing violence against women and youth.
Conference agenda envisages innovative and interactive working formats, including breakout discussions, training sessions, and dialogue forums. This approach is designed not only to facilitate a substantive exchange of views but also to foster the development of professional contacts among young parliamentarians from different countries.
An essential component of the conference will be the convening of the Third Global Forum on Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The participants will review the role of parliaments and inter-parliamentary interaction in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, alongside opportunities to enhance youth contributions toward implementing the global agenda.
Following the conference, the adoption of a final document is expected, which will contain recommendations and joint approaches of young parliamentarians on the core issues of the event's agenda.
Official working sessions of the conference will take place on September 4–5th. The third day, September 6th, will be dedicated to a cultural program organized by the parliament of the host country.
Annual IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians was established in 2014. The conference mechanism is aimed at enhancing the role of young parliamentarians and expanding youth participation in parliamentary activities, formulating recommendations that reflect youth perspectives on the IPU’s activities and agenda, as well as broadening opportunities for networking, strengthening solidarity and developing the capacity of young people.
IPU initiative to support youth participation in political life dates back to 2010, when the resolution “Youth participation in the democratic process” was adopted at the 122nd Assembly of the organization in Bangkok. The document underscored the necessity of full and active participation of youth and youth organizations in democratic processes at local, national, regional and international levels.
In furtherance of this initiative, IPU established the Forum of Young Parliamentarians in 2013 - an official, permanent body aimed at quantitatively and qualitatively enhancing youth participation within parliaments and the activities of the IPU.
To date, eleven Global Conferences of Young Parliamentarians have been convened, addressing a broad spectrum of pressing issues, ranging from youth participation in politics and democracy to digital transformation, climate change, education, employment and gender equality.
Dunyo IA
Samarkand
CERR Updates Bank Ranking for Q1 2026
📅 17.04.2026Following the results of Q1 2026, the ranking of large banks underwent notable changes. While the leading group remained intact, positions within the segment were reshuffled. In the small-bank category, movements were also significant, pointing to continued realignment and stronger competition across the sector.
The Center for Economic Research and Reforms presented the updated Bank Ranking based on the results of the Banking Activity Index for Q1 2026.
The study covers 34 commercial banks of the republic, including 20 classified as large financial institutions by scale and branch network, while the remaining 14 were categorized as small banks.
The methodology is based on the analysis of 27 indicators benchmarked against national averages and international standards, including the requirements of the Basel Committee. The ranking serves as an important tool for enhancing transparency and strengthening confidence in the financial system. This approach is consistent with international practice and is widely used by leading financial institutions.
Financial Results for Q1 2026
During the reporting period, total assets of the banking sector amounted to 932.3 tn sums ($76.3 bn), while liabilities reached 793.9 tn sums ($64.9 bn). Lending increased by 14%, while deposits grew by 32%. The aggregate capital of the banking system was fully denominated in the national currency. Net profit reached 3.1 tn sums ($254 mn), which is 36.3% higher than a year earlier.
During the period under review, the share of non-performing loans declined to 3.3%, compared with 4.5% a year earlier, indicating improved portfolio quality. At the same time, in several banks the ratio remains above the sector average. Capital adequacy indicators exceed minimum regulatory requirements by more than 1.4 times, confirming the resilience of the banking sector.
Large Banks Activity Ranking for Q1 2026
The results of Q1 2026 show that despite the relative stability at the top of the ranking, both categories of banks recorded notable positional changes.
In the large-bank segment, performance was mixed. Out of 20 banks, 7 improved their positions, 8 declined, and 5 retained their previous places. This reflects a high level of competition and the ongoing redistribution of market positions.
The most notable progress was demonstrated by Tenge Bank, which moved up by 6 positions. Three more banks — Agrobank, Invest Finance Bank, and Xalq Bank — advanced by 2 positions each. Positive momentum was also recorded by Ipak Yuli Bank, Asia Alliance Bank, and Hamkorbank, all of which improved their standing in the overall ranking.
At the same time, several large banks recorded lower activity levels. The most significant decline was observed at Orient Finans Bank and Trast Bank, which fell by 5 and 3 positions respectively.
Changes Across Key Indicators
Financial Intermediation. The leading positions were taken by Invest Finance Bank, Anor Bank and Kapitalbank. In this ranking, Davr Bank and Hamkorbank fell by 4 positions, while Ipoteka Bank declined by 1 position.
Financial Accessibility. The leaders were Agrobank, Anor Bank and BRB. Under this indicator, declines were mainly observed among leading banks: Kapitalbank (-3 positions), Hamkorbank (-7), Asia Alliance Bank (-1), Ipak Yuli Bank (-5), and Trast Bank (-6). The strongest improvement in this ranking was recorded by Tenge Bank (+8), Xalq Bank, Davr Bank (+5), and Agrobank (+4).
Capital Adequacy. The top positions were occupied by Orient Finance Bank, Trast Bank and Halk Bank. At the same time, Agrobank dropped by 4 positions, while Aloqa Bank declined by 2 positions.
Asset Quality. The leaders were Hamkorbank, Asia Alliance Bank and Ipak Yuli Bank. Turonbank fell by 5 positions, while Asakabank, Mikrokreditbank, SQB, Trast Bank and Anor Bank each declined by 2 positions.
Management Efficiency. The highest positions were held by SQB, Orient Finance Bank and NBU. At the same time, Asaka Bank dropped by 5 positions, while BRB declined by 4 positions.
Profitability. The leaders were Hamkorbank, Trast Bank and Asia Alliance Bank. Turon Bank, after falling by 3 positions, ranked last. In this ranking, Kapitalbank, Asia Alliance Bank, Anor Bank and Davr Bank declined by 2 positions, while Ipoteka Bank and Mikrokreditbank fell by 1 position.
Liquidity. The leaders were Asia Alliance Bank, Ipak Yuli Bank and Trast Bank. At the same time, Mikrokreditbank, Ipoteka Bank, Anor Bank and SQB each declined by 1 position.
Small Banks Activity Ranking for Q1 2026
The small-bank group remained relatively stable, with leading institutions retaining their positions. The main changes in this category were concentrated in the middle segment, where several banks improved their standing due to stronger financial intermediation and higher profitability.
Within this group, 8 out of 14 financial institutions improved their rankings. The most notable gains were recorded by AVO Bank and Apex Bank, both rising by 3 positions. TBC became the leader of the ranking.
At the same time, 5 banks moved down, with the sharpest decline recorded by Octobank, which lost 6 positions. Saderat Bank, Garant Bank, and Ziraat Bank each rose by 2 positions. The ranking was rounded out by Open Bank and Uzum Bank, both up by 1 position.
Jafar Khidirov, CERR
CERR Banking and Financial Sector Research Sector
Tel: (78) 150 02 02 (441)
CERR Public Relations and Media Sector
Tel: (78) 150 02 02 (417)
The "Vatandoshlar" Public Foundation announces a competition for young compatriots abroad to visit the "Anor" summer resort in Uzbekistan!
📅 03.06.2025The text of the article is in Uzbek!
Ensuring the true independence of the courts of Uzbekistan is a priority task of the ongoing reforms
📅 23.07.2024
As the most important task of judicial reform being implemented in the Republic of Uzbekistan, important work is being carried out to ensure constitutional human rights and freedoms, strengthening the authority of the judiciary, which is considered an important guarantee of effective protection of human rights and to ensure the true independence of the courts.
Also, further expansion of the population’s access to justice within the framework of the principle “New Uzbekistan - New Court” requires accelerating the reform of the judicial system and introducing advanced international standards into the field. We can also observe confirmation of this in the corresponding positions of our state in the ratings of international organizations. Thus, according to the results of the Rule of Law Index ranking for 2022 (worldjusticeproject.org), Uzbekistan took 78th place out of 140 countries with an indicator of 0.50 points, of which 75th place in terms of civil justice and 65th in terms of criminal justice.
The fact that the update of the Constitution on the basis of generally recognized principles and norms of international law is enshrined in the preface of the updated Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan is a clear expression of recognition of the supremacy of generally recognized international law.
Article 15 of the Constitution determines that international treaties of the Republic of Uzbekistan, along with generally recognized principles and norms of international law, are an integral part of the legal system of Uzbekistan. According to part four of this article, if an international treaty of Uzbekistan establishes rules other than those provided for by the law of the Republic of Uzbekistan, then the rules of the international treaty of the Republic of Uzbekistan are applied.
Article 17 of the Constitution especially emphasizes that the Republic of Uzbekistan is a full-fledged subject of international relations; it is established that international law is based on generally accepted principles and norms. The application by courts of generally accepted principles and norms of international law is permitted in cases where existing laws contradict these international principles and norms.
Article 11 of the Constitution states that the system of state power of Uzbekistan, which is considered a full-fledged subject of international relations, is based on the principles of separation of powers into legislative, executive and judicial. It should be especially noted here that in accordance with Article 131 of Chapter XXIII, dedicated to the judiciary, the judicial system and the procedure for the activities of courts in the Republic of Uzbekistan are determined by law; the creation of emergency courts is not allowed.
In accordance with Article 1 of the law “On Courts” in the new edition (2021), the judicial power in Uzbekistan operates independently of the legislative, executive powers, political parties, and other public associations. Judicial power is exercised only by the courts. It was established that no other bodies or persons have the right to assign powers to the judiciary.
Article 2 of this law defines the judicial system, which consists of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan; military courts; Courts of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regional and Tashkent city courts; Administrative Court of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, administrative courts of regions and the city of Tashkent; interdistrict, district, city courts for civil cases; district and city courts for criminal cases; interdistrict, district, city economic courts; interdistrict administrative courts. It has been established that in the Republic of Uzbekistan specialization of judges by category of cases can be carried out, but the creation of emergency courts is not allowed.
As noted in Article 4 of this law, the main tasks of the court are to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, state and public interests, rights and legally protected interests of legal entities and individuals guaranteed by the Constitution and other laws, international treaties of Uzbekistan, as well as international acts on human rights entrepreneurs. The activities of the court are aimed at ensuring the rule of law, social justice, civil peace and harmony, that is, it indicates that it is implemented in accordance with international agreements and international human rights instruments.
It is worth noting that in recent years, important documents have been adopted to ensure the compliance of the judicial system of our country with generally recognized international standards. These include such important historical documents as decrees of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On measures to further reform the judicial and legal system, strengthen guarantees of reliable protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens” (2016), “On measures to radically improve the structure and increase efficiency of the judicial system of the Republic of Uzbekistan" (2017), "On measures to further improve the judicial system and increase confidence in the judiciary" (2020), "On measures to radically improve the system of financing the activities of the judiciary" (2021), decrees of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated January 28, 2022 “On the development strategy of the new Uzbekistan for 2022 - 2026”, Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated January 16, 2023 “On additional measures to further expand access to justice and increase efficiency of the courts."
The Decree of the President of Uzbekistan dated January 16, 2023 “On additional measures to further expand access to justice and increase the efficiency of the courts” provides for:
in order to ensure the effective use of resources involved in the implementation of judicial activities, on the basis of advanced foreign experience, transfer the powers to consider certain categories of civil, economic and administrative offenses to the relevant administrative bodies:
determine the procedure for completing cases of certain categories of criminal, civil, economic and administrative offenses in lower courts;
What is relevant is that issues such as reconciliation of parties in civil and economic cases, development of reasonable proposals for the widespread introduction of the institution of mediation are raised.
It is appropriate to recognize here that the main idea and provisions of the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” have found their full expression in the updated Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which is considered the basis of our national legislation.
It is known that the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” consists of a preamble and a total of 30 articles, and if all its provisions are sequentially considered, then one can note the consistency and consistency of the content with the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan on human rights. For example, you can notice the similarity between the contents of Article 3 of the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”, which reads: “Every person has the right to life, liberty and security of person” and Article 25 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan: “The right to life is the inalienable right of every person and is protected by law. Encroachment on human life is a grave crime.”
Also, the rule that “no one shall be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” in Article 5 of the Declaration corresponds to the second paragraph of Article 26 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan “No one shall be subjected to torture, violence, other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment." One may also note the reflection of the provision of Article 9 of the Declaration that no one shall be arrested, detained or persecuted without cause in the second paragraph of Article 29 of our Constitution “No one shall be subjected to arrest, detention, detention, detention or other restriction freedom except on the basis of the law" and in the third paragraph - "When detained, a person must be explained in a language he understands his rights and the grounds for detention"
Article 10 of the Declaration enshrines the right of every person to demand an independent and impartial court and its reflection in international legal acts to which the Republic of Uzbekistan has acceded inspires confidence that only an independent court can protect the rights of every citizen through an impartial and open consideration of the case in court. In this regard, it should be noted that the reforms carried out on the basis of the Action Strategy for the Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021, put forward at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, taking into account international standards, laid the foundation for democratization and liberalization of the judicial and legal sphere, ensuring genuine independence of the judiciary, protection of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens.
In order to improve the judicial system and ensure the independence of the courts, one of the important steps was the creation of the Supreme Judicial Council of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Supreme Court and the Higher Economic Court were merged, the activities of the Supreme Court were improved, the Economic Courts were reorganized into economic courts, 71 inter-district, district (city) economic courts were empowered to hear cases in the first instance. The first term of work as a judge is five years, then ten years and an indefinite term. The powers of the courts to independently resolve their financial, logistical and technical issues were withdrawn from the judiciary and transferred to the Supreme Court, which led to the independence of the courts from the executive authorities and ensuring their independence. The institution of returning a criminal case to the court for additional investigation was abolished, thereby putting an end to unnecessary censorship, and people were spared unnecessary confusion and nervousness. It was strictly established that a person’s guilt in committing a crime should be based only on evidence proven in court, that is, it was strictly forbidden to make decisions based on rumors and assumptions. In order to fully ensure fair justice, verify the legality, validity and fairness of court decisions, an audit authority was created.
One of the important problems of the judicial reform system is the new system for training qualified and mature judges and judicial staff. Increasing the population's trust in judicial institutions by the Supreme Council of Judges, ensuring the stability of justice and the rule of law, serves to transform the court literally into a “Fortress of Justice” and improve the level of justice.
The introduction of the institution of a plea agreement and its implementation in the criminal procedural legislation of our country is also an important factor in increasing the protection of human rights, freedoms and legitimate interests recognized in international law.
In accordance with the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan dated January 28, 2022 “On the new development strategy of Uzbekistan for 2022-2026”, about 300 laws were adopted in 2017-2021, more than 4 thousand resolutions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan aimed at fundamental reforming all spheres of state and public life in five priority areas of development of our country.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in his report dated December 7, 2019, “The supremacy of the Constitution and laws is the most important criterion for a legal democratic state and civil society,” dedicated to the 27th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, especially noted “ensuring the true independence of the courts is our highest priority. We must not allow the courts to be influenced by certain officials. In this regard, it is necessary to strengthen responsibility for interference in court cases or pressure on the court.”
The issue of ensuring compliance of the judicial system of Uzbekistan with generally accepted international standards will continue to remain relevant. In addition, practical measures are ongoing to harmonize national legislation with international legal standards in the field of human rights. After all, constitutional reforms today require an approach to constitutional norms, which are the main legal criterion that determines the value of a person in the life of our society, taking into account modern realities and international legal standards.
Ayub Muhammadiev, professor of the Department of Civil Law Sciences of the University of Public Security of the Republik of Uzbekistan, doctor of Law
Nearly all initiatives put forward by the President of Uzbekistan at the OTS summit in Turkestan were practical in nature
📅 19.05.2026
On May 15, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a working visit to the city of Turkestan, where he took part in the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States. The visit featured an extensive political, economic, and humanitarian agenda, as well as a series of high-level bilateral meetings. In an interview with the correspondent of Dunyo IA, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan Akramjon Nematov shared his views on the significance of the summit, emerging trends in the development of the OTS, and Uzbekistan’s initiatives.
— President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s participation in the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Turkestan was highly intensive both in terms of substance and the number of bilateral engagements. In your opinion, what made this visit particularly noteworthy and distinctive?
— First and foremost, I would note that this visit reflected a qualitatively new stage both in the development of the Organization of Turkic States itself and in the role of Central Asia within the emerging architecture of Eurasian cooperation.
Notably, the summit agenda extended far beyond cultural and humanitarian cooperation to encompass issues directly linked to future economic and technological development — digitalization, artificial intelligence, transport connectivity, and innovation. This reflects the OTS’s gradual transformation into a more pragmatic platform oriented toward practical cooperation.
Such an approach is particularly close to Uzbekistan, as our country has consistently advocated open, mutually beneficial, and technology-driven cooperation across Eurasia. Amid ongoing global transformation, connectivity, resilient supply chains, digital infrastructure, and joint industrial development are becoming key determinants of long-term regional competitiveness.
Another distinctive feature of the summit is the increasingly prominent role of Central Asia as an independent center of regional dynamism. It is symbolic that the meeting took place in Turkestan, one of the most important spiritual and historical centers of the Turkic world. This underscores the growing importance of our region not only as a space of shared historical and cultural heritage, but also as a major hub of economic, transport, and humanitarian connectivity.
Particular attention should be paid to the bilateral meetings held by the President of Uzbekistan with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, and President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. These meetings demonstrated the high level of trust and intensity of regional dialogue.
In particular, talks with the Kyrgyz side focused on advancing major infrastructure projects, above all the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Today, such projects carry not merely transport significance but strategic importance, as they are shaping a new geoeconomic configuration of Eurasia and strengthening Central Asia’s role as a key transit, manufacturing, and logistics hub.
The meeting with the Turkish leader also confirmed that Uzbek-Turkish relations have reached the level of a stable comprehensive strategic partnership. This is no longer solely about expanding trade or investment, but about building long-term cooperation in industry, technology, logistics, education, and other sectors.
The humanitarian dimension of the visit was equally significant. The visit to the mosque built by the Uzbek side in Turkestan became a vivid symbol of the strengthening fraternal ties between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and reflected the shared historical, spiritual, and cultural affinity of the two peoples. Importantly, the humanitarian dimension is increasingly serving as a natural complement to economic and political cooperation in the region.
In a broader context, the visit confirms that Uzbekistan continues to pursue an open and balanced foreign policy aimed at fostering constructive engagement with all partners. It is fundamentally important that the countries of Central Asia view Turkic cooperation not as a closed geopolitical project, but as part of a broader architecture of inclusive and mutually beneficial cooperation across Eurasia.
This is precisely why Central Asia is increasingly asserting itself as an independent actor in international relations with its own agenda based on the principles of good-neighborliness, connectivity, pragmatism, and shared responsibility for the region’s sustainable development.
— What agenda did Uzbekistan bring to the informal OTS summit in Turkestan, and what, in your view, was particularly noteworthy about the initiatives put forward by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev?
— Uzbekistan presented at the summit of the Organization of Turkic States a highly comprehensive yet pragmatic agenda aimed not only at strengthening the cultural and civilizational commonality of the Turkic world, but above all at shaping a new architecture of technological, transport, investment, and humanitarian cooperation.
What distinguished President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s address was its emphasis on transforming the OTS from a predominantly political and cultural platform into a mechanism for practical integration in the most promising and strategically sensitive areas of the 21st century — artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, logistics, climate security, and cyber resilience.
Notably, Uzbekistan effectively proposed a conceptual vision for a “Digital Turkic Space.” The discussion has moved beyond cultural affinity or expanding trade toward the creation of a common technological ecosystem. It was in this context that the initiative to establish a strategic cooperation network in the field of artificial intelligence was advanced, along with the concept of a “Digital Turkic Corridor” designed to connect regional data centers and digital platforms through high-speed communication channels.
It is especially important that the President of Uzbekistan linked the digital agenda with the historical and intellectual heritage of Turkic civilization. References to Muhammad al-Khorazmiy, Ahmad al-Farganiy, Abu Rayhan al-Beruniy, and Mirzo Ulugbek gave the speech greater depth and intellectual dimension. In doing so, it was emphasized that modern technological modernization is viewed not as an external borrowing, but as a natural continuation of the region’s own scientific legacy.
Another important feature was Uzbekistan’s promotion of the institutionalization of cooperation. Virtually all of the President’s initiatives were practical in nature and aimed at establishing concrete mechanisms of interaction — a joint venture fund with Kazakhstan, a Technology Forum in Tashkent, a big data platform for consolidating shared cultural heritage, a Turkic Cybersecurity Alliance, and a climate risk monitoring system based on satellite data.
It is also indicative that Uzbekistan consistently promotes the nexus between digitalization, transport connectivity, and security. Particular emphasis in the speech was placed on integrating the Middle Corridor with the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, the digitalization of customs procedures, and the launch of a unified logistics space. In essence, this involves the formation of a new Eurasian transport and technological framework in which Central Asia becomes not a periphery, but one of the key hubs.
The environmental dimension of the initiatives also deserves special attention. Uzbekistan proposed viewing the climate agenda as an issue of collective security for the Turkic space. The initiative to declare 2027 the Year of Environmental Protection within the OTS framework, along with proposals for joint monitoring of droughts, soil degradation, and glacier melt, reflects the intention to provide the Organization with a more modern and globally relevant agenda.
Equally important is that amid growing international turbulence, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev placed special emphasis on trust, coordination, and collective resilience. The proposal to establish a Turkic Cybersecurity Alliance reflects the understanding that emerging threats are increasingly taking shape not only in the traditional military-political sphere, but also in the digital domain.
Overall, Uzbekistan’s address demonstrated that Tashkent views the OTS as a long-term platform for strategic cooperation capable of becoming one of the independent centers of technological, economic, and humanitarian development across Eurasia. At the same time, the distinguishing feature of Uzbekistan’s approach lies in its combination of pragmatism, institutional thinking, and the concept of open regional connectivity.
— How would you assess the overall outcomes of the OTS summit, and what is its practical significance today?
— Viewed in a broader strategic context, the recently concluded summit of the Organization of Turkic States demonstrated that the OTS is gradually moving beyond a predominantly symbolic and humanitarian model of interaction toward becoming a fully-fledged platform for practical cooperation in a rapidly changing world.
And this is perhaps the principal outcome of the meeting in Turkestan.
Today, the international system is undergoing a period of profound transformation. Geopolitical fragmentation is intensifying, competition for transport routes, technologies, resources, and markets is growing, and established logistics chains are being disrupted. The importance of infrastructure resilience, energy security, digital sovereignty, and food stability is steadily increasing. Against this backdrop, states are increasingly seeking regional formats of cooperation capable of ensuring resilience to external shocks.
It is precisely in this context that the outcomes of the OTS summit should be viewed.
The practical significance of the meeting lies primarily in the fact that the countries of the Turkic world have begun discussing not abstract integration ideas, but concrete mechanisms for joint development — transport corridors, digital infrastructure, technological cooperation, climate resilience, logistics, and cybersecurity.
It is highly indicative that virtually all speeches delivered by the leaders focused, in one way or another, on connectivity and resilience. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the need to strengthen the transport and transit potential of the Turkic space and further develop the Middle Corridor. President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stressed the importance of logistics integration and expanding economic cooperation among OTS member states. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev paid particular attention to transport connectivity and the region’s role in shaping new Eurasian routes. All of this reflects a shared understanding that transport, logistics, and infrastructure connectivity are becoming the foundation of the new regional economy.
In this regard, Central Asia is gradually transforming into one of the key hubs of Eurasia. The region is no longer perceived solely as a transit space. Today, the focus is on the emergence of a new manufacturing, logistics, and investment hub linking East and West, North and South.
That is why such importance is attached to the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, the integration of the Middle Corridor, the digitalization of customs procedures, and the development of data centers and logistics platforms. In effect, a new infrastructural geography of Eurasia is taking shape.
It is particularly important that the summit clearly highlighted the interconnection between transport connectivity, digitalization, and security. Today, the resilience of states is determined not only by military capabilities, but also by their ability to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of transport corridors, energy networks, digital infrastructure, and supply chains.
In this sense, Uzbekistan’s initiatives appear highly timely and strategically sound. The proposals to establish a “Digital Turkic Corridor,” a Turkic Cybersecurity Alliance, a climate risk monitoring system, and joint artificial intelligence platforms reflect an understanding that competition in the 21st century will increasingly unfold in the technological and infrastructural domains.
The climate agenda also deserves special attention. Just a few years ago, such issues were perceived as secondary, whereas today they are directly linked to economic resilience and security. Water scarcity, soil degradation, and extreme weather events have a direct impact on energy, agriculture, transport, and migration processes. Therefore, Uzbekistan’s proposal to establish climate risk monitoring mechanisms and declare 2027 the Year of Environmental Protection appears especially timely and relevant.
It is also noteworthy that the summit demonstrated a high level of political trust among the Central Asian states. Just a few years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine such an intensive level of regional interaction. Today, however, Central Asia is acting no longer as an object of major powers’ foreign policies, but as an independent actor in international relations capable of shaping its own agenda and advancing major regional initiatives.
Overall, it can be said that the practical value of the summit lies in strengthening the region’s long-term resilience. The focus is on creating mechanisms that will enable the countries of the Turkic space to jointly adapt to global transformations — technological, economic, climatic, and geopolitical.
For this reason, the current summit should be viewed not merely as a diplomatic event, but as an important stage in shaping a new model of regional cooperation across Eurasia based on pragmatism, connectivity, technological development, and collective resilience.
Dunyo IA
Climate Change Adaptation Measures in the Aral Sea Region
📅 21.04.2026
Today, climate change stands as one of the most urgent and complex global challenges, with its negative effects being particularly acute in ecologically fragile regions under high anthropogenic pressure. One such area is the Aral Sea region, where the consequences of climate change are having a far-reaching impact on the state of natural resources, the living standards of the population, and economic activities.
The desiccation of the Aral Sea has led to a sharp change in the region's microclimate, an increase in air temperature, a decrease in precipitation, intensified wind activity, and a greater frequency of dust and sand storms. These processes are causing land degradation, water scarcity, and a decline in biodiversity. Consequently, agricultural productivity is diminishing, the pressure on drinking water supplies is mounting, and a serious threat to public health is emerging.
Climate change adaptation measures in the Aral Sea region primarily encompass a comprehensive set of actions aimed at sustainable water resource management, strengthening hydro-technical infrastructure, establishing protective forest plantations on the dried seabed, reducing land degradation, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing the climate resilience of the population.
In the New Uzbekistan, the issue of adapting to climate change is one of the priority directions of state policy.
Under the leadership of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, numerous initiatives are being advanced at the international level to ensure environmental sustainability, protect natural resources, and adapt to climate change.
Notably, on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a special resolution "On declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of environmental innovations and technologies" was adopted at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly on May 18, 2021.
Today, programs aimed at transforming the Aral Sea region into a zone of environmental innovations and technologies, developing green infrastructure, and increasing the population's resilience to climate change are being consistently implemented. This is crucial for combating the negative environmental and public health consequences of the Aral Sea's desiccation, addressing the resulting problems, and improving the living conditions of the local population by ensuring their employment.
In his speech at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2025, the leader of Uzbekistan will emphasize that the negative consequences of the Aral Sea's desiccation must remain a constant focus of the global community. It will be noted that in recent years, 2 million hectares of salt-tolerant desert plants have been planted on the dried seabed, and by 2030, green cover will be established across 80 percent of this area.
The International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) is a key institutional center that develops practical solutions for climate change adaptation.
The Agency of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), operating within the IFAS system, plays a crucial role in implementing climate change adaptation measures in the Aral Sea region.
Specifically, within the framework of the "Creation of Small Water Bodies in the Amu Darya Delta (Phase II) " project, mechanisms for a stable water supply to the lake system have been improved. This is enabling the redistribution of water resources, regulation of the hydrological regime, and strengthening of the region's ecological balance.
In parallel, the reconstruction of the Muynak Canal has significantly increased its water conveyance capacity. Water distribution efficiency has improved, the water supply to the lakes has stabilized, and water losses have been considerably reduced.
Furthermore, as part of the reconstruction of the "Ribache" reservoir dam, hydraulic structures were reinforced, water discharge systems were modernized, and the risk of erosion was significantly diminished. This contributes to strengthening water security and ensuring the effective and rational use of water resources.
In the area of ecological restoration, protective forests are being established in the Akhantay and Akkum areas. Forest reclamation measures carried out on the dried seabed are helping to reduce wind erosion and salt migration processes. Through these efforts, the microclimate in the region is stabilizing, and landscape degradation is being prevented.
At the same time, the social dimension is also vital for ensuring environmental sustainability. To this end, competitions, educational campaigns, and promotional events aimed at raising ecological awareness among youth are regularly organized.
Additionally, modern models for the sustainable use of water and land resources are being introduced for the local population and farms. In this process, special attention is focused on the widespread adoption of water-saving technologies, effective management of land resources, rational land administration, and the implementation of agricultural practices adapted to climate change.
As a result of these measures, it is possible not only to mitigate environmental problems but also to raise the population's standard of living, ensure economic stability, and strengthen the region's resilience to climate change.
A Digital and Scientific Approach: A New Stage in Climate Adaptation
At the current stage, climate change adaptation processes are not limited to traditional methods but are being integrated with modern digital technologies and scientific approaches. Specifically, these include:
- real-time monitoring of hydrological and meteorological data;
- analyzing the condition of territories based on satellite imagery;
- planning and optimal allocation of water resources;
- and collecting and managing data through digital platforms.
These approaches enable the early detection of climate change impacts, the reduction of risks, and the efficient use of resources.
At the same time, international cooperation is crucial for the effective implementation of climate change adaptation measures in the Aral Sea region. In particular, through collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), efforts are underway to enhance the region's climate resilience through sustainable water resource management and the introduction of integrated approaches.
Additionally, in partnership with the Global Water Partnership (GWP), mechanisms for ensuring water security and the rational use of resources are being developed. Meanwhile, projects implemented with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) involve monitoring the ecosystems of the Aral Sea's wetlands to assess the impacts of climate change and develop adaptation measures.
Adapting to climate change in the Aral Sea region is not merely about addressing environmental problems; it is a fundamental condition for achieving sustainable development.
The ongoing systemic reforms show that through a scientific approach, modern technologies, and institutional cooperation, sustainable solutions can be achieved even amid the most complex environmental crises.
The primary task now is to prioritize climate change adaptation in every sector and integrate it into our way of life.
This is because adapting to climate change is not just a present-day task, but a strategic responsibility to future generations.
Birodarjon Burkhonjonov,
Head of the Agency of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
A SHARED GENETIC CODE: THE REVIVAL OF THE CULTURAL AND CIVILISATIONAL HERITAGE OF CENTRAL AND SOUTH ASIA
📅 01.06.2026
Historically, Central and South Asia constituted a macro-region of intensive cross-cultural and civilisational exchange.
The peoples of the two regions were repeatedly incorporated into common state formations and shared political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spaces. It was through these territories that major routes passed, connecting the Middle East, Europe, India and China. Close contacts facilitated the dissemination of scientific knowledge and philosophical ideas, as well as achievements in medicine, astronomy, mathematics, architecture, diplomacy and systems of public administration.
In contemporary conditions of global turbulence and a deficit of mutual trust, understanding the deep historical and civilisational commonality of Central and South Asia is of particular importance. This is not only a matter of retrospectively analysing trade ties or political contacts of the past. Data from modern population genetics confirm the existence of stable, centuries-long anthropological interconnections among the population of the macro-region.
The results of large-scale palaeogenetic studies, including the sequencing of ancient DNA (aDNA) from representatives of the Indus civilisation, together with archaeological and linguistic evidence, make it possible to reconstruct the directions of migration flows and the transformation of the gene pool over millennia.
Studies of the ancient population of southern Uzbekistan and of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) demonstrate the genetic continuity of local populations and their close contacts with ancient communities of the Iranian Plateau, north-western India and the Indus basin.
The specific nature of these processes in the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age indicates that the territories of present-day southern Uzbekistan functioned as a space of permanent demographic and cultural exchange. They formed part of a single area of intensive circulation of people, technologies and cultural practices. This factor shaped the closeness of anthropological, linguistic and religious processes in Central and South Asia without erasing their autochthonous identities.
This is not a question of genetic homogeneity, but of a centuries-old system of demographic interactions that shaped the closeness of anthropological, linguistic, cultural and religious processes in Central and South Asia.
In this context, Uzbekistan attaches special importance to the restoration of deep historical and cultural relations in order to create a solid foundation for enhancing connectivity. After 2016, the country’s modern foreign policy is based on the synergy of pragmatic economic and transport partnership and the recognition of the common historical destiny of the macroregion.
At the same time, within the framework of the “Termez Dialogue”, projects are being formed for the joint study of Buddhist and Islamic heritage. The exceptional syncretism of the monuments of southern Uzbekistan (Kara-Tepe, Fayaz-Tepe and Kampyrtepa) reflects the historical synthesis of Indian, Hellenistic, Iranian and Central Asian traditions, marking the routes of the transfer of Buddhism from India to East Asia.
A new stage of civilisational synthesis is associated with the integration of the region into the Islamic space from the eighth century onward. Termez became one of the key intellectual centres of the Muslim world, as evidenced by the influence of Sufi networks and the legacy of the outstanding thinker al-Hakim at-Termizi, whose works retain authority in both Central and South Asia. In the Timurid era, these ties served as a basis for the formation of the unique Indo-Muslim civilisation of the Great Mughals, whose origins directly go back to the cultural matrix of Mawarannahr.
Relying on this historical and civilisational foundation, Tashkent today advocates the creation of a common cultural and humanitarian platform for Central and South Asia, one that demonstrates a high degree of complementarity with the foreign policy strategies of key South Asian states.
India: New Delhi views Uzbekistan’s initiatives through the prism of its own Connect Central Asia concept. Cultural and historical parallels (the Baburid era, Sufism and Buddhist heritage) enable India to expand its humanitarian presence in the region, as reflected, in particular, in the opening of branches of leading Indian universities (Amity and Sharda) in Uzbekistan.
Pakistan: For Islamabad, deep spiritual ties with Samarkand and Bukhara are critically important. The development of programmes of “ziyarat tourism” (pilgrimage tourism) acts as a catalyst for humanitarian contacts and contributes to the growth of mutual trust necessary for implementing large-scale trans-regional transport projects.
Afghanistan: For Kabul, Uzbekistan’s depoliticised initiatives open a legitimate channel of interaction with the outside world, allowing the country to integrate into regional economic processes without being drawn into political confrontation.
The strategic potential of the macro-region is closely linked to its demographic characteristics. Central and South Asia are among the youngest regions in the world: the share of the population under 30 exceeds 60 per cent, while the median age is about 28. This demographic resource serves as a key driver of sustainable growth and the activation of intersocietal ties, which makes the development of human capital particularly urgent.
In these conditions, joint work in the field of human capital development becomes increasingly important. This includes the training of qualified personnel, the expansion of scientific and academic cooperation, the exchange of knowledge and technologies, and the intensification of youth and public contacts.
Uzbekistan is consistently scaling up inter-university and scientific and academic cooperation in the macro-region. A practical example of this activity is Termez, where programmes of vocational and language training for Afghan students have been launched with the support of international organisations. As a result, the city is being transformed into a major educational and humanitarian hub at the junction of the two regions.
In this context, Tashkent’s modern initiatives aimed at restoring trans-regional connectivity appear as a natural continuation of a historical model of development determined by the deep interdependence of states.
The contemporary foreign policy course of Uzbekistan is based on the synergy of pragmatic economic and transport partnership and the recognition of the macro-region’s shared historical destiny. In implementing this strategy, Termez, an ancient intellectual and logistical hub linking Mawarannahr, Afghanistan and the Indian subcontinent, acquires special significance.
Its historical role was shaped by a unique geostrategic position. Already in antiquity, Termez was an important centre of the Greco-Bactrian and Kushan worlds. It was the Kushan Empire that created one of the first stable political and economic spaces uniting the territories of present-day Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India.
Today, Uzbekistan is institutionalising this heritage by creating new multilateral dialogue platforms. The key element of this architecture is the international platform “Termez Dialogue”, which is focused on developing transport and logistical connectivity, humanitarian diplomacy and academic interaction.
The expert community notes the qualitative evolution of this platform. The second session of the “Termez Dialogue”, scheduled for 4–6 June 2026 in Tashkent, Termez and Samarkand, marks a transition from conceptual discussions to the formation of applied mechanisms of cooperation in politics, logistics, climate adaptation and cultural exchange. The forum is acquiring the status of a specialised international platform for developing multilateral approaches to regional security and the Afghan settlement process.
The fundamental distinction of Uzbekistan’s approach lies in its reliance on the concept of “inclusive regionality”, which presupposes the obligatory inclusion of Afghanistan in the system of trans-regional ties. Tashkent proposes an alternative model of diplomacy, viewing humanitarian cooperation as an instrument for reducing interstate contradictions and overcoming regional fragmentation.
Thus, contemporary Uzbekistan is carrying out a conceptual rethinking of the historical experience of interaction between Central and South Asia in relation to the realities of the twenty-first century. By developing the “Termez Dialogue” platform and stimulating trans-regional connectivity, Tashkent is transforming historical memory of a single civilisational space into a viable mechanism of multilateral integration, humanitarian partnership and indivisible regional security.
Alisher Sabirov
Doctor of Historical Sciences
Nizami National Pedagogical University
of Uzbekistan
9 projects with a total value of 2 billion dollars
📅 15.10.2024The text of the article is in Uzbek!
Improving Efficiency and the Rational Use of Energy Resources
📅 22.01.2026
A study conducted by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms has revealed a large-scale transition of Uzbekistani households to energy-saving technologies. The widespread adoption of energy-efficient solutions has enabled nearly 90% of households to implement at least one measure to reduce energy costs.
One of the key changes has been the widespread adoption of energy-efficient solutions at the household level.
The most common practice has been the installation of LED lighting. Overall, 87% of households have switched to LED lighting. In some regions, such as the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Khorezm, Navoi, and Tashkent regions, this figure exceeded 90%.
A total of 44% of households improved the thermal insulation of windows and doors through the installation of plastic structures, with particularly high activity in Kashkadarya (84%), Bukhara (69%), and Khorezm (54%) regions.
Additionally, 31% of households purchased energy-efficient household appliances, with the highest shares observed in Jizzakh (60%), Navoi (59%), and the Republic of Karakalpakstan (54%).
There is also growing interest in the use of renewable energy sources. More than half of owner households expressed satisfaction with the results and interest in expanding generation capacity.
The analysis indicates that potential demand for solar panels among the population amounts to approximately 1.9 million households, opening prospects for the formation of a domestic market valued at over $2.3 bn.
At the same time, a share of consumption through less efficient heating sources remains, including outdated gas boilers and solid-fuel stoves.
Potential for Improving Building Energy Efficiency
According to estimates, insulating the exterior walls of apartment buildings, modernizing heating systems, and replacing doors and windows could yield savings of more than $60 mln per year.
According to the World Bank, similar potential exists in social facilities, healthcare institutions, preschools, and public schools. Targeted investments to improve the energy efficiency of these facilities could reduce energy consumption by 20–50%, equivalent to a reduction of up to 7.1 bn kWh per year.
Thus, the measures being implemented in Uzbekistan to enhance energy efficiency serve as an important driver of economic growth.
CERR Public Relations Sector
Tel.: (78) 150 02 02 (417)
Uzbekistan’s Export Performance in Q1 2026
📅 27.04.2026
At the end of Q1 2026, the republic’s exports of goods and services demonstrated a steady growth trend.
During the reporting period, exports totaled $5.8 bn, increasing by 26%, or $1.2 bn, compared to the same period last year.
Export growth was driven primarily by the expansion of shipments of higher value-added products and raw materials. In particular, exports of natural uranium amounted to $402.6 mn, increasing by $196 mn, or 95%. Exports of non-ferrous metals reached $248.7 mn, up by $137 mn, with a twofold increase recorded. Exports of oil and gas products totaled $160 mn, rising by $20 mn, or 15%.
Positive dynamics were also observed in manufacturing industries. Textile exports reached $731 mn, increasing by $110 mn, or 18%. Exports of construction materials totaled $304 mn, up by $130 mn, or 75%. Exports of jewelry products reached $214 mn, increasing by $75 mn, or 54%.
Sustained growth was also recorded in agricultural and food exports. Fruit and vegetable exports reached $320 mn, increasing by $34 mn, or 12%. Food product exports totaled $282 mn, increasing by $47 mn, or 120%.
Strong growth was also achieved in services. During the reporting period, services exports amounted to $2.2 bn, increasing by 35%, or $573 mn, compared to last year.
Regional export activity also expanded. In Andijan region, exports increased by $83 mn, or 74%; in Khorezm region by $27 mn, or 66%; in Navoi region by $15 mn, or 42%; in Fergana region by $54 mn, or 42%; in Namangan region by $43 mn, or 31%; in Syrdarya region by $17 mn, or 29%; and in Samarkand region by $54 mn, or 28%. In Tashkent city, exports grew by $178 mn, or 42%.
Export growth was recorded in 147 districts and cities across the republic.
The geography of exports continues to expand. In January–March of the current year, previously non-exported goods worth $162 mn across more than 140 product categories were supplied for the first time to 86 countries, including the United States, Austria, Belarus, Poland, South Korea, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan.
In particular, exports to Hong Kong included jewelry, solar panels, semiconductors, brass products, and spare parts worth $42.1 mn. Exports to Afghanistan included truck cranes, aluminum products, oilcake, metal fittings, pipes, and other goods worth $19.8 mn. Exports to the United States included carpets, rug fabrics, electrical equipment, solar panels, and other goods worth $9.4 mn.
In addition, exports amounted to $2.3 mn to Poland, $3.8 mn to Kazakhstan, $3.2 mn to Belarus, $1.7 mn to Austria, $1.1 mn to the United Kingdom, $1.1 mn to Iran, and $649.3 thousand to South Korea.
As a result of efforts to involve new businesses in export activity, 702 new business entities joined export operations during the reporting period. Their exports totaled $270 mn. As a result, the total number of exporting enterprises reached 4 thousand.
Within the national export support system, financial and organizational assistance to exporting enterprises continued. Through the Trade Promotion Fund, 405 exporters received financial support totaling 32.3 bn soums, while these companies exported goods worth $98.9 mn. Every $1 of state support generated $38.9 in exports.
In addition, the Light Industry Agency provided financial assistance totaling 8.8 bn soums to 212 exporters.
The achieved results confirm the effectiveness of the measures being implemented in the country to expand export potential, diversify the product range, and strengthen competitiveness in foreign markets.
Center for Economic Research and Reforms Media Sector
Bringing Markets and Capital Together: The Uzbekistan–Türkiye Economic Union
📅 28.01.2026
Over the past eight years, relations between Uzbekistan and Türkiye have undergone a profound qualitative transformation, evolving from traditionally friendly ties into a full-fledged strategic partnership with a strong economic, investment, and industrial dimension. While the period prior to 2017 was largely characterized by inertia, the launch of large-scale reforms in Uzbekistan marked a decisive shift in bilateral relations toward practical cooperation focused on trade, investment, and joint manufacturing.
A key role in this transformation has been played by the political will and personal engagement of the leaders of both countries - President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Regular high-level dialogue has provided Uzbek-Turkish relations with stability, strategic coherence, and a long-term economic horizon.
Political Foundations as a Driver of Economic Convergence
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992; however, a turning point came in October 2017 with the signing of the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership in Ankara. This step laid a solid institutional foundation for the rapid expansion of trade, economic, and investment cooperation.
In 2018, the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was established in Tashkent under the co-chairmanship of the two presidents. Its meetings in 2020, 2022, and 2024 became key platforms for aligning priorities in trade, investment, industry, transport, and interregional cooperation. Over time, political dialogue has evolved from declarative engagement into a practical instrument supporting concrete economic initiatives and project-based decisions.
Trade: Scale, Structure and Institutional Incentives
Türkiye is firmly among Uzbekistan’s largest trading partners. In 2020, bilateral trade turnover amounted to USD 2.1 billion, reaching USD 3.02 billion by the end of 2025.
Uzbekistan’s exports to Türkiye are predominantly industrial in nature, comprising non-ferrous metals and metal products, textiles, services, plastics, and food products. Imports from Türkiye consist mainly of mechanical and electrical equipment, chemical products, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and metal structures, reflecting Türkiye’s role as a key source of industrial technologies and equipment.
A significant qualitative step forward was the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement in 2022, which entered into force in 2023. In 2025, the parties began expanding the list of goods covered by preferential treatment, creating additional incentives for trade diversification and deeper industrial cooperation.
Investment Cooperation: From Presence to Systemic Engagement
Investment cooperation is one of the most dynamically developing areas of bilateral relations. In 2024, the volume of Turkish investments utilized in Uzbekistan reached USD 2.2 billion, while in January-November 2025 it increased to USD 3.2 billion. A total of 2,137 enterprises with Turkish capital operate in Uzbekistan, including 496 joint ventures and 1,641 wholly Turkish-owned companies.
These enterprises are active in textiles and furniture manufacturing, construction, trade, transport, logistics, and services. Importantly, a substantial share of them is export-oriented, strengthening Uzbekistan’s integration into regional and global value chains.
Industrial Cooperation: Transition to Joint Manufacturing
In recent years, Uzbek–Turkish cooperation has increasingly shifted from traditional trade toward industrial partnership. Turkish companies are actively involved in establishing production facilities across Uzbekistan’s regions, introducing modern technologies, management standards, and export-oriented business models.
Regular meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, accompanied by business forums, result in detailed roadmaps comprising dozens of measures covering industry, energy, logistics, and regional projects. This approach forms a solid foundation for sustainable industrial partnership.
Interregional Cooperation: Localized Economic Engagement
Active interregional interaction has become an essential element of the new partnership model. In 2024, targeted visits by delegations from the Fergana, Khorezm, Namangan, Navoi, Samarkand, and Jizzakh regions, as well as the city of Tashkent, were held to various regions of Türkiye.
This format enables a shift from framework agreements to concrete investment projects, creates direct B2B and B2G communication channels, and contributes to a more decentralized and resilient architecture of cooperation.
Transport and Logistics as Pillars of Trade and Investment
The expansion of trade and industrial cooperation naturally increases the importance of transport and logistics interaction. Türkiye is viewed by Uzbekistan as a key logistical gateway to European and Mediterranean markets, while Uzbekistan is becoming an important hub for Türkiye’s access to Central Asia.
The development of rail and road transport, along with intensive air connectivity - up to 97 regular flights per week across eight routes - enhances business mobility, supports investment activity, and strengthens economic integration between the two countries.
Prospective Areas of Cooperation: Converging Interests
The established economic core of Uzbek–Turkish relations provides a basis for a new phase of cooperation, shifting from quantitative growth to deeper structural and technological integration.
Localization and joint development of industrial production remain key convergence points. Uzbekistan offers industrial zones, resources, and a growing domestic market, while Türkiye contributes technology, design, managerial expertise, and access to external markets.
The textile and light industry is evolving toward the production of finished branded goods and contract manufacturing for international retail chains. Mechanical engineering and electrical equipment sectors are creating prerequisites for the establishment of assembly and production facilities. The agro-industrial complex offers opportunities for deep processing and joint exports of food products.
A separate strategic direction is the joint entry into third-country markets, where the combination of Uzbekistan’s production potential and Türkiye’s trade and logistics infrastructure creates substantial competitive advantages.
Overall, over the past eight years Uzbekistan and Türkiye have built a resilient model of strategic partnership based on trade, investment, industrial cooperation, interregional engagement, and transport connectivity. Trade turnover exceeding USD 3 billion, multi-billion-dollar investments, and thousands of joint enterprises testify to the maturity and long-term nature of bilateral relations.
Mashrab Mamirov,
Head of Directorate General of the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan -
Diplomatic Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs -
State Committee for Tourism Development -
Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan
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invest.gov.uz -
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