Uzbekistan’s Inclusive Turn: Solutions at the Level of Each Mahalla

📅 29.01.2026

On 23 January, under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a videoconference meeting was held on the key tasks of poverty reduction and employment provision for 2026. In terms of both substance and the framing of issues, the meeting marked a turning point in the evolution of the country’s social policy.

The relevance of transitioning to a new model

The results of the reforms demonstrate a transition to the next stage of social policy. For the first time, poverty reduction has been placed in direct dependence on outcomes at the level of individual mahallas.

This shift is a consequence of the socio-economic results achieved. By the end of 2025, the national economy grew by 7.7%, significantly above the forecast level of 6.5%. GDP exceeded $147 bn, reaching approximately $3,900 per capita. Growth rates in all sectors surpassed those of 2024. Foreign investment reached $43 bn, while exports amounted to $33.8 bn. Inflation declined from 9.8% to 7.3% in 2025.

Sustained economic growth ensured a significant increase in budget revenues, which were consistently directed toward addressing social issues, reducing poverty, and developing mahallas. As a result, in 2025 income sources were provided for 5.4 mn people, and 330,000 families were lifted out of poverty. Unemployment declined to 4.8%, while the poverty rate fell to 5.8%.

As overall poverty indicators decline, its geography is changing. Poverty is becoming localized, concentrated, and heterogeneous. Nearly one-third of low-income households and around one-fifth of the unemployed are concentrated in a limited number of mahallas, which necessitates a transition to a new model.

Against this backdrop, the primary indicator becomes the outcome achieved at the level of each mahalla. The persistence of poverty or unemployment indicates that measures require further calibration.

Accordingly, for the first time at the national level, a systematic classification of all territories by poverty level was conducted. Based on 20 criteria, 37 “difficult” districts and 903 “difficult” mahallas were identified, home to around 120,000 poor families and approximately 155,000 unemployed citizens. At the same time, work to shape the image of a “New Uzbekistan” has also begun in an additional 33 districts and 330 “difficult” mahallas.

A distinctive feature of the new approach is that “difficult” territories are viewed as points of structural transformation. For each mahalla and district, comparative advantages are assessed, including economic, agricultural, industrial, logistics, or service-related strengths.

Individual development programmes for mahallas are being formulated. Practice shows that even in the most vulnerable areas, ensuring stable access to water and electricity, basic infrastructure, and integration with markets can multiply household incomes.

In the current year, territorially targeted development becomes the main instrument for achieving the stated goals, as clearly articulated by the President.

Infrastructure as an economic asset

A particular emphasis in the new model is placed on revising regional policy priorities. As noted by the President, residents and entrepreneurs in “difficult” districts and mahallas primarily expect improvements in roads, water supply, and electricity provision, rather than an expansion of tax incentives.

Concentrating resources on a limited number of problem territories allows infrastructure investment to be transformed from general budget spending into an instrument of targeted socio-economic impact. In 2026, $1.6 bn will be allocated for regional infrastructure development, of which $990 mn will be directed to “difficult” districts and mahallas.

At the same time, transfers from the republican budget to local budgets will double.

Additionally, allocations of $4.1 mn to each “difficult” district and $165 ths to each “difficult” mahalla are envisaged.

In total, district hokimiyats (district executive administrations) and local kengashes (local representative councils) will receive an additional approximately $330 mn exclusively to support problem territories.

A key element of this model is ensuring stable energy supply for “difficult” districts and mahallas.

In 2026, each of the 903 “difficult” mahallas is expected to host the construction of a small solar power plant with a capacity of 300 kW, with a total investment of around $110 mn. These plants will be transferred to the mahallas free of charge, creating a local energy asset. Through the generation of “green” electricity, each mahalla will gain a sustainable additional income source of $33-41 ths per year.

The proceeds are intended to be used for energy-efficient renovation of housing stock, reducing utility costs, and improving quality of life. Operation of the solar plants will involve members of low-income households, simultaneously addressing employment and infrastructure sustainability objectives.

A separate emphasis is placed on supporting the most vulnerable households. An instruction has been issued to conduct targeted assessments of 6,700 families with a member having a first-degree disability and no able-bodied household members, followed by identification of needs for energy-efficient housing upgrades and the launch of “green” renovation.

Taken together, these measures form a model of territorial and energy resilience. The effectiveness of local authorities’ performance will be subject to public evaluation, reinforcing the transition to results-oriented governance.

Comparative advantages of mahallas

The President clearly defined key socio-economic targets for 2026, including the provision of permanent employment for around 1 mn people, lifting 181,000 families out of poverty, increasing the number of poverty-free mahallas by 2.5 times to 3,500, and reducing the unemployment rate to 4.5%.

Achievement of these targets is expected to be based on the comparative advantages of specific districts and mahallas in industry, agriculture, and services. This approach allows resources to be concentrated where they generate the greatest multiplier effects for employment and household incomes.

As an example of leveraging comparative advantages based on location and specialization of mahallas, the President cited Furqat District. Its advantages include, first, cooperation with neighboring economically active centers; second, deepening specialization among nearby mahallas and combining competencies; and third, increasing value added through the launch of processing activities.

Further measures were outlined within the framework of a differentiated approach to developing problem territories.

Deepening mahalla specialization

Primary attention will be focused on deepening mahalla specialization, as welfare levels are significantly higher in mahallas with deep specialization. Practice shows that in such mahallas, welfare levels are noticeably higher, while the number of recipients of social assistance is half as large, at around 7 people per 10,000 population.

Currently, the 903 “difficult” mahallas encompass around 90,000 hectares of household and leased land. To transform this resource into a source of sustainable income, a new mechanism of a “social contract” between the state and the mahalla has been proposed. Mahallas that, by leveraging residents’ skills and rational land use, manage to increase household incomes by three to four times will receive additional financing of $165 ths for the development of road, water, and irrigation infrastructure. Implementation of this model is planned to begin with “difficult” mahallas.

To support deeper specialization, banks will allocate a total of $1.4 bn in loans. For production projects, 4% of the loan will be compensated, while for processing projects the compensation will amount to 6%.

Comparative advantages of mahallas

In 2026, $11.5 bn in credit resources are earmarked for the development of small and medium-sized businesses in mahallas, compared to $10.7 bn a year earlier. At the same time, banks have been tasked with strengthening entrepreneurship financing: alongside a planned $6 bn from external sources, the total volume of funds directed to mahalla-level projects should reach $8 bn.

Not only the scale but also the principle of credit allocation is changing. The model under which loans within the “Family Entrepreneurship” programme were issued on uniform terms at a 17.5% rate across all districts and cities is giving way to territorial differentiation. In particular, for the 37 “difficult” districts, the rate is reduced to 12%. This step transforms lending into an instrument for accelerating the development of problem territories.

In parallel, programme limits and target areas are being expanded. In all districts, the maximum size of concessional loans is increased by 1.5 times, from $2.7 ths to $4.1 ths. To support this decision, an additional $165 mn is added to the planned $297 mn.

Overall, the 2026 credit policy is shaped as a targeted development mechanism, a managed conversion of credit into employment, income, and local growth.

Institutional changes in system governance

A number of institutional changes are also envisaged to enhance the effectiveness of all governance levels involved in mahalla development.

Work in mahallas is moving away from an administrative-intermediary model and is being structured around specific projects. In this framework, the hokim’s assistant acts as a territorial development manager responsible for implementing project solutions.

To ensure integrated project governance, multi-level coordination is being introduced. Initiatives proposed by hokims’ assistants are paired with regional bankers; the first deputy hokim of the region provides operational oversight; and the “Reform Headquarters” supervises issues requiring inter-agency solutions. From February, a system of training hokims’ assistants in project management will be launched, starting with “difficult” mahallas. Each district will form a project portfolio followed by a transition to practical implementation.

One hundred “difficult” mahallas that demonstrate the best performance in job creation, income growth, and poverty reduction will receive an additional $82.5 ths each. Hokims’ assistants from these mahallas will be able to upgrade their qualifications in China, Turkiye, South Korea, and Malaysia.

In this context, work on developing mahalla master plans is being intensified. International experts are being engaged, alongside the potential of domestic universities. Final-year students in architecture programmes will be able to participate in the development of “difficult” mahallas, with the best projects being supported by state grants.

Overall, the institutional changes formalize a shift from a universal approach to a differentiated territorial policy.

Resource redistribution is justified by the structure of the economy: 62% of industrial production and 57% of services are concentrated in 50 districts and cities with high entrepreneurial potential. Growth in their budget revenues creates an opportunity to concentrate state efforts on problem territories.

This is evident from revenue dynamics: three years ago, additional local budget revenues in these 50 territories amounted to $72.2 mn, while in the current year they are expected to increase 8.5 times, to $610.5 mn.

As a result, greater attention can be directed to “difficult” districts and mahallas, where poverty and unemployment are territorially concentrated.

Conclusion

The decisions and instruments for 2026 demonstrate that Uzbekistan’s social policy is moving beyond traditional resource redistribution toward a model of managed territorial development. The new model rests on three interlinked pillars.

First, the concentration of infrastructure resources in “difficult” districts and mahallas, with the creation of long-term local assets, reduced household costs, and enhanced energy resilience.

Second, the expansion of employment based on comparative advantages and deeper territorial specialization, supported by financial incentives, access to credit, and solutions along value chains.

Third, institutional recalibration of governance, where a project-based approach and multi-level coordination align resources, responsibility, and measurable outcomes.

The essence of the current phase is that targeting becomes a technology focused on “difficult” territories. Exiting poverty is understood as an individual household trajectory, in which local conditions, skills, and infrastructure are decisive. The “Mahalla Seven” and the institution of hokims’ assistants serve as the connecting link, ensuring coordination and feedback until results are achieved.

 

Khurshed Asadov,
Deputy Director of Center for Economic Research and Reforms

The awakening lion: the era of renewal

📅 20.08.2024

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

August 2024 began with good news. That month’s two important events to which I would like to draw attention, are related to the growing role of New Uzbekistan in world politics, culture, and modern history. These were the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan and his participation in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Astana, as well as the historic victory of our athletes at the Olympic Games in Paris.
True, some may argue, “Well, the President has repeatedly participated in meetings in this format, and our athletes have delivered victories commensurate with those from other countries. What’s the big deal?”
But I also have a question for such people: When did the world powers take Uzbekistan, which will soon be celebrating thirty-three years of independence, so seriously? When have this country and its long-suffering people been recognised as independent subjects of international politics? When did our country’s representative reach thirteenth place in a set of international competitions in which athletes from more than two hundred countries took part? When was the anthem of Uzbekistan played eight times at such prestigious competitions? When was our flag raised thirteen times over the winners' podium? And when else did we hear that ‘Uzbek athletes have no equal in the world!’?
Of course, no one will be able to contradict me when I say that these two factors are the worthy fruit of the hard work of our country’s president Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
I would like to say a few words about the meetings in Kazakhstan. The details of this visit vividly demonstrated the results of Mirziyoyev’s changes in regional policy, which he put into place eight years ago.
The first meeting of the Interstate Supreme Council, which took place 7-9 August 2023, was cochaired by Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
This was the first time in our history that the leaders of these two Central Asian states have met to agree on multifaceted supranational cooperation, which is recognised by the world community and international experts as one of the main locomotives of international affairs in the modern world. In the past, despite supranational general concepts such as ‘Central Asia’, ‘regional unity’ or the substanceless slogan ‘Turkestan is our common home’, the identity of the region as a whole has remained extremely blurred. The actions of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the two main powers in the region, towards this end are an important step in transforming these previous abstractions into a concrete plan. We will talk about this a little later, but for now let us focus on the first meeting of the Interstate Council.
The visit hosted meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council, as well as a business forum, political consultations, a think tank forum and intellectual games. The organizers of the meetings also organised cinema days and other cultural events to strengthen the unity of Central Asian peoples in cultural terms as well as economic and political.
One of the most significant events of these meetings was the adoption by the leaders of the two countries of the Programme for Strategic Partnership and Allied Cooperation for 2024-2034. This document undoubtedly marks the beginning of a new stage in Uzbek-Kazakh relations of friendship and good neighbourliness.
Economic relations between the two parties have already reached record highs in recent years. As a result of previous meetings, such as economic forums and business meetings of the parties, solid agreements worth $7 billion were signed.
‘We have opened a new chapter in our multifaceted relations – we have held the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council. This format is an expression of the highest level of interstate cooperation and clearly demonstrates the close ties between our countries and peoples and their firm desire to strengthen cooperation in all areas,’ Mirziyoyev said at the meeting.
Of course, this unprecedented level of cooperation between the two countries did not go unnoticed by the world community and international experts. Analysts and think tanks commented widely on the details of the visit. In particular, Roy Anthony Rogers, Deputy Director of the Asia and Europe Institute at the University of Malaya (Malaysia), outlined his observations as follows:
‘Thanks to the strong historical ties and personal friendship between the leaders of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the current state of Uzbek-Kazakh relations is characterised by special dynamics, a high level of mutual understanding and trust. I believe that this visit of the president of Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan is of historic significance not only for the peoples of the two countries, but also for the prosperity of the entire Central Asian region.’
Praising Uzbekistan’s policy of regional cooperation, Nasri Al Saadi, Managing Partner of Premium Construction (Qatar), focuses in his article on the sincere actions of the neighbouring countries:
‘The two leaders are committed to uniting the region and coordinating efforts through consultative meetings and the Central Asia Plus platforms, which are becoming increasingly popular mechanisms for international cooperation. They actively support each other on global and regional political issues’.
Of course, my aim is not to summarise or comment on the opinions of foreign analysts on this historic meeting. My intention is to tell you about the activities of Mirziyoyev, who is striving with equanimity and wisdom to achieve his goal of transforming Uzbekistan’s previous isolation into regional openness and is achieving great success. After all, I am always proud to be a contemporary and compatriot of a person who has glorified and continues to glorify the name of the Uzbek people and Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan and Finland: Digital Groundwater Modeling as a Contribution to Climate Resilience in Central Asia

📅 06.11.2025

Amid growing water scarcity and climate instability in Central Asia, Uzbekistan and Finland are implementing a unique form of scientific cooperation that combines digital innovation with sustainable water resource management.

In 2021, the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at the rational development of natural resources through advanced technologies. Today, this project stands as an example of scientific diplomacy that unites European expertise with Uzbekistan’s potential.

 

From Paper Maps to Digital Models.

For many years, hydrogeological maps of Uzbekistan existed only in paper form. Within the framework of the joint project, they were digitized using the ArcGIS platform, creating a unified national groundwater database. This digital transformation enables specialists to monitor aquifer conditions, analyze water balances, and forecast the impacts of climate change.

Finnish experts conducted a series of training programs for Uzbek specialists, introducing modern methods of digital mapping and data processing. This strengthened the professional capacity of the sector and laid the foundation for scientifically grounded and transparent water resource management.

 

Scientific Practice: Experimental Site in Akhangaran.

An experimental site was established in the Akhangaran district of the Tashkent region, where joint research teams conducted geophysical studies and developed digital models of groundwater flow. The obtained data help predict groundwater levels, plan water supply systems, and identify areas vulnerable to drought.

The use of the MODFLOW software package made it possible to create models that provide scientifically based solutions for water resource allocation — particularly important for regions with limited water reserves.

 

European Partnership for Climate Resilience.

Cooperation with Finland is part of a broader European agenda aimed at supporting climate adaptation and sustainable development in Central Asia. By combining European technologies with Uzbekistan’s scientific resources, the project demonstrates how international partnerships can strengthen ecological security and water stability.

The results of the joint work were published in the journal Water (Scopus) under the title “Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Groundwater Recharge and Storage Using MODFLOW in the Akhangaran River Alluvial Aquifer, Eastern Uzbekistan.”

Furthermore, new areas of cooperation have opened — with the University of Padua (Italy) in geological risk monitoring, and with the Belarusian Scientific and Production Center for Geology in groundwater observation.

Looking Ahead.

The joint project between Uzbekistan and Finland is more than a transfer of technology — it represents a step toward creating a new culture of rational water use and responsible climate action. The establishment of a national digital hydrogeological database will become a key element in the country’s environmentally sustainable development.

As Europe and Central Asia continue to strengthen cooperation in water, energy, and climate, the Uzbek-Finnish project serves as a model of how scientific initiatives can deliver tangible environmental and social benefits.

President of Uzbekistan considers promising areas and projects of cooperation with UAE

📅 30.09.2024

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.

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

📅 26.07.2024

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

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

Within the framework of international cooperation

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

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

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

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

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

Within the framework of environmental reforms in our country

A strategy for the transition to a «green» economy

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

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

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

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

Improvement of environmental legislation

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

Project "Restoration of sustainable forest landscapes in Uzbekistan"

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

"Uzbekistan - 2030" strategy

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

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

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

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

"Green Parks" and "Green Belts"

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

Initiatives of organizations and agencies

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

Tree planting and waste recycling

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

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

Waste treatment and landfills

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

Avazbek Kholbekov,

Head of Department – Development Strategy Centеr

Third Renaissance: Center of Islamic Civilization as a strategy for Spiritual and Intellectual Advancement of New Uzbekistan

📅 12.03.2026

Human history demonstrates that every great advancement is built upon intellectual and spiritual foundations. Today, a project emerging from the heart of Central Asia is drawing global attention for its scale and significance - Center of Islamic Civilization is not merely an architectural landmark, but an intellectual bridge connecting the past, present and future of the region.

The anticipated opening of the complex in March 2026 has already attracted the attention of leading international publications and organizations, recognizing it as one of the most significant cultural projects of the New Uzbekistan.

The foundation for the project was laid in 2017, when President Shavkat Mirziyoyev introduced the initiative at the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. At that time, Leader of Uzbekistan emphasized the need to show the international community the true humanistic essence of Islam - enlightenment, peace and creation. This was not only a political statement but also a program for returning to the roots of a land that for centuries served as a cradle of science and culture.

The emergence of this monumental project coincides with a global need for spiritual transformation. In an era where Islamophobia and radicalism are spreading across different parts of the world, Uzbekistan has proposed a model to confront these challenges through science and education.

 

Today, this vision has materialized in a majestic complex covering ten hectares in the historic center of Tashkent. Its 65-meter azure dome and four golden gates symbolically represent the unity of all regions of Uzbekistan. Across every line of the building, architectural traditions of the Timurid era are harmoniously integrated with modern technological solutions.

Center embodies a balance of religion and science. Its main pillar, reflecting the rich architectural traditions of Ulugh Beg Madrasah, is adorned with a calligraphic inscription of the first revealed verse of the Qur’an, “Iqra” (“Read in the name of your Lord”), symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge as the highest spiritual duty of every individual.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the 7th-century Uthman Qur’an, a unique sacred relic inscribed by UNESCO in the “Memory of the World” Register.

The architectural concept of the complex impresses not only with its grandeur but also with its full compliance with contemporary urban planning and environmental sustainability standards. Every element of the project - from the foundation to the dome - has been constructed with respect for historical heritage and designed for longevity. The landscaped grounds surrounding the complex transform it into more than a scientific center, creating a spacious cultural and educational zone accessible to both city residents and international visitors.

The exhibition concept of the Center fundamentally departs from that of traditional museums. Built upon the principle endorsed by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, “Civilization – Personalities – Discoveries”, it does more than present historical facts; it immerses visitors in a living intellectual innovation. The exhibition is organized chronologically: the pre-Islamic period, the First and Second Renaissance and New Uzbekistan - forming the foundation of the Third Renaissance.

A special feature is the “Wall of Civilizations”, which showcases humanity’s intellectual progress as a continuous process. It illustrates how the discoveries of great figures from each era - including Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Farghani, Ibn Sina, Al-Biruni, and Mirzo Ulughbek - are directly linked to modern high technologies.

The extensive use of VR and AR technologies, holograms, and artificial intelligence enables the Center to “bring to life” unique 9th-century manuscripts, digitally reconstruct the original appearance of ancient observatories and transport past discoveries into the digital realm.

This large-scale integration of digital technologies positions the Center as a museum of the future. Through smart systems, visitors not only receive visual information but can virtually interact with great scientists and participate in their laboratory experiments. The “1001 Inventions” Laboratory, designed for children, sparks early interest in engineering and natural sciences. Center thus evolves beyond a repository of knowledge, becoming an interactive educational platform that nurtures the nation’s intellectual potential.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, has repeatedly emphasized that the true strength of a nation lies in its memory and cultural roots. He instructed that museum exhibitions be enriched with authentic examples of national heritage and that the rarest artifacts preserving the spirit and history of the Uzbek people be returned to the homeland.

In fulfillment of this noble vision, a delegation led by Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization and a special commission of scholars, Orientalists and art historians, conducted large-scale research. One of the Center’s most important tasks is the repatriation of national cultural heritage scattered abroad; in recent years, systematic cooperation has been established with prestigious auction houses and private collectors for this purpose.

Thanks to these efforts, more than a thousand unique manuscripts and artifacts have been returned to Uzbekistan. The World Society for the Study, Preservation and Promotion of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (WOSCU) has also transferred numerous unique artworks from Transoxiana and Khorasan to the Center's collection.

Scientific expeditions and diplomatic missions organized by the Government of Uzbekistan have facilitated the creation of facsimile copies of manuscripts preserved in major museums and libraries worldwide. This process underscores that the rich cultural heritage of the Uzbek people is not only the legacy of Central Asia but also an integral part of the Islamic world and human civilization. Each repatriated treasure symbolizes the determination of the New Uzbekistan to restore its cultural identity.

The Center of Islamic Civilization is conceived not merely as a museum, but as an active scientific and educational platform. It provides comprehensive facilities for researchers, including a library housing over 200,000 volumes, restoration laboratories, a calligraphy school, and digital archives. Center also hosts offices of prestigious international organizations - including ICESCO, IRCICA and OCIS (Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies) - highlighting its role as a major hub for scientific and educational engagement.

More than 1,500 specialists from over 40 countries contributed to the project. International experts, including Khaled El-Enany, have described the Center as a “unique civilizational complex, integrating a next-generation museum, advanced research infrastructure, a modern library, national and international archives on the history of Central Asian civilizations, digital humanities technologies and an extensive network for global scientific and cultural collaboration”.

President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, referred to the Center as an intellectual hub of the modern world, likening it to historical institutions such as the Bayt al-Hikma, Academy of Ma’mun and Ulugh Beg Madrasah, which once shaped the development of science.

 

 

 

        

 

At the Congress “Central Asia: Shared Spiritual and Educational Heritage – Shared Future”, Center was visited by five presidents, becoming a symbol of collective regional pride. The event also brought together more than 300 scholars and cultural figures from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan.

In February 2026, new reports from Paris further bolstered the project’s global prestige. The International Committee of the “Prix Versailles” included Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent in the list of the “World's most beautiful museums of 2026”.

This recognition is further reinforced by the inclusion of the Center of Islamic Civilization in authoritative international publications and rankings, such as “Smithsonian Magazine”, “BBC Travel”, “BBC History” and “National Geographic”. This places it alongside the world’s major museum initiatives, including the “Lucas Museum of Narrative Art” (Los Angeles), “National Geographic Museum of Exploration” (Washington, D.C.) and “London Museum” (London).

Such acclaim significantly enhances the Center’s scientific and tourism potential, transforming it into a must-visit global landmark. These achievements vividly demonstrate the creative potential of New Uzbekistan and its innovative approach that meets international standards.

It is no coincidence that the Center’s opening coincides with the Holy month of Ramadan. It was in 2018, during this blessed month, that the first stone of this grand project was laid. Now, eight years later, Center of Islamic Civilization will open its doors, becoming a vital symbol of the revival and preservation of Islamic cultural heritage for future generations.

Central Asia and Azerbaijan: Strategic Partners Building a Green Energy Hub Together

📅 21.07.2026

In recent years, cooperation between Central Asia and Azerbaijan in the energy sector has entered an entirely new phase. This progress is primarily the result of the wise policies pursued by the countries’ leaders, based on mutual trust, friendship, and good-neighborly relations. Thanks to this strong political will, major energy initiatives that were once viewed only as future prospects have now moved into the implementation stage, becoming important projects serving Central Asia’s sustainable development and contributing to the global green transformation.

Today, Central Asia is no longer a field of competition in the energy sector; rather, it is increasingly becoming a space for cooperation based on mutual trust, shared interests, and the principles of sustainable development. This process is gaining practical significance thanks to the forward-looking policies, open dialogue, and constructive approach of the countries’ leaders.

Energy security, the rational use of water and energy resources, coordination of electricity systems, and the rapid development of renewable energy sources have become key priorities of regional cooperation. The emerging regional architecture is creating new opportunities not only for meeting domestic demand but also for participation in international energy markets.

The countries of Central Asia have established mechanisms for continuous dialogue in the fields of energy and water management. Regular working meetings among the ministries of energy and water resources of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan play an important role in ensuring the stable operation of electricity systems, the efficient use of water resources, the coordination of seasonal loads, and the uninterrupted supply of energy to households and industry.

Within this framework, the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan occupies a special place. The national energy systems of the two countries are closely interconnected, and practical cooperation in coordinating electricity flows, maintaining capacity balances, and ensuring the reliable operation of the unified energy system continues to develop steadily. Regular dialogue at the level of heads of state has further strengthened this cooperation and transformed it into an important integration factor for the entire region.

The countries’ goals in the field of renewable energy are also closely aligned. In recent years, Uzbekistan has accelerated the development of green energy, implementing large-scale programs to build solar and wind power plants, energy storage systems, and modern electricity networks. Kazakhstan is likewise consistently advancing reforms aimed at developing a green economy and reducing carbon emissions. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, with their substantial hydropower potential, make a significant contribution to regional energy security. Meanwhile, Turkmenistan is implementing important initiatives to modernize its energy infrastructure and expand electricity exports.

Today, the common objective of the Central Asian countries extends beyond the development of their national energy systems. The primary task is to establish a single regional energy space that is interconnected, competitive, environmentally sustainable, and open to external markets. In this context, Azerbaijan’s participation broadens the geographic scope of cooperation and creates a strategic corridor linking Central Asia with Europe.

 

The Green Corridor: A Strategic Bridge Linking
Central  Asia and Europe

The high level of political trust achieved among the Central Asian countries is now being translated into practice through major transnational energy projects. Among the most significant is the Green Corridor initiative, being implemented by Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan.

This project will elevate regional energy cooperation to an entirely new level by connecting Central Asia to the European energy system through the Caspian Sea. It will create opportunities to export environmentally friendly electricity generated in the region to international markets.

The strategic partnership agreement signed in Baku during COP29 in November 2024 provided a solid legal foundation for this initiative. Subsequently, cooperation among national electricity grid operators was established, and the Green Corridor Alliance LLC was created. Currently, the Italian company CESI is conducting the project’s feasibility study.

The Green Corridor is not merely an export route; it is a strategic platform for creating an integrated electricity market in Central Asia. The project will strengthen interconnections among national power systems, facilitate more efficient use of renewable energy resources, and create new opportunities for attracting investment.

This initiative is a practical expression of the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan and will help transform Central Asia into an important link in the global green energy value chain.

 

Kambarata HPP-1: A Project for Regional Energy Security

Another important example of energy integration in Central Asia is the construction of Kambarata HPP-1.

Thanks to the political support of the Presidents of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the coordinated efforts of the governments of the three countries, this project has finally moved from decades of discussion to practical implementation.

With a planned capacity of 1,880 MW, the hydropower plant is not merely a major energy facility. It will contribute to maintaining the water-energy balance in Central Asia, improving the reliability of electricity supply, managing seasonal demand more effectively, and ensuring the rational use of water resources in the context of climate change.

The project will also bring new investment, modern infrastructure, and thousands of jobs to the economies of the three participating countries. The involvement of the World Bank further confirms the project’s international significance and economic viability.

 

Central Asia: A New Global Hub for Green Energy

Today, the countries of Central Asia are demonstrating an entirely new model of development in the energy sector. Competition is being replaced by trusted cooperation, while rivalry over resources is giving way to integration based on shared interests.

Regular dialogue among Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan is helping to ensure the stable functioning of the unified energy system, coordinate water and energy resources, and improve mechanisms for mutual support in emergency situations.

At the same time, the large-scale reforms being implemented by Uzbekistan in the development of renewable energy have become an important driver of the region’s transition to a green economy. The rapid construction of solar and wind power plants, energy storage facilities, and modern electricity grids is significantly increasing Central Asia’s overall energy potential.

Today, the countries of the region are pursuing a long-term strategy aimed not only at meeting domestic energy demand but also at supplying environmentally friendly electricity to Europe and other international markets.

In conclusion, the strategic partnership in the energy sector between Central Asia and Azerbaijan is a practical result of the policies pursued by the countries’ leaders, which are based on mutual trust, friendship, and good-neighborly relations.

Major initiatives such as the Green Corridor and Kambarata HPP-1 clearly demonstrate that the countries of the region are capable of jointly addressing complex challenges. This cooperation not only strengthens energy security but also lays a solid foundation for transforming Central Asia into a strategic green energy hub connecting Europe and Asia.

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

Uzbekistan and Belarus strengthen multifaceted partnership based on mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation

📅 08.07.2026

Official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Belarus begins on July 8^th

 

On July 8–9^th, President of Uzbekistan will pay an official visit to Belarus.

Contemporary stage of Uzbek-Belarusian relations is characterized by steady positive dynamics and the sequential expansion of cooperation across a broad spectrum of dimensions.

Diplomatic relations between the two nations were established on January 21st, 1993. Embassy of Belarus in Tashkent has been operational since February 1994, while the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Minsk was established in October 2017 and commenced full-scale operations in March 2018. Over the intervening years, the sides have formulated a substantial legal and regulatory framework and accumulated significant experience of interaction in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres.

Legal and regulatory framework of Uzbek-Belarusian cooperation encompasses virtually all areas of bilateral interaction. Currently, 126 bilateral documents have been signed between Uzbekistan and Belarus, regulating cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, industrial cooperation, transport, education, culture, science, healthcare and interregional interaction.

Foundational document is the Treaty on the Principles of Interstate Relations, signed in Tashkent on November 6, 1991, which serves as the legal basis for the development of the Uzbek-Belarusian partnership and reaffirms the parties' commitment to the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect and due consideration of mutual interests.

Political dialogue remains the key cornerstone of the Uzbek-Belarusian partnership. Regular contacts at the highest and high levels contribute to strengthening mutual trust and the sequential development of bilateral relations. From 1991 to 2026, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko, visited Uzbekistan six times, including official visits in 1994, 2018 and 2024. A significant milestone in the development of bilateral cooperation was marked by the official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Belarus on July 31st – August 1st, 2019.

Intergovernmental cooperation constitutes an essential element of bilateral interaction. Between 2022 and 2026, a series of reciprocal visits by the Prime Ministers of Uzbekistan and Belarus took place, during which matters of trade and economic cooperation, industrial partnerships, logistics and the implementation of joint investment projects were discussed.

An important component of Uzbek-Belarusian interaction is inter-parliamentary cooperation, which in recent years has acquired a more systematic and practice-oriented character. A special place in the structure of inter-parliamentary cooperation is occupied by the Uzbek-Belarusian women's business forums, which have become an effective platform for the development of business contacts, support for entrepreneurial initiatives and the expansion of humanitarian ties.

Economic interaction remains one of the key areas of the Uzbek-Belarusian partnership and demonstrates a steady positive dynamic. Despite the complex international economic environment, the sides manage to consistently increase the volume of mutual trade, expand investment cooperation and strengthen industrial cooperation.

In recent years, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Belarus has increased more than fivefold - from 181.7 million dollars in 2017 to a record 965 million dollars at the close of 2025. This positive dynamic persists in the current year. Following the results of January - April 2026, volume of reciprocal trade reached 340.4 million dollars, representing a nearly one-third increase compared to the same period last year.

Structure of mutual trade is characterized by a high degree of diversification. Belarus supplies Uzbekistan with food products, machinery and equipment, vehicles, chemical products, and raw materials, whereas Uzbekistan exports industrial and food commodities, finished products, services and processed goods.

Investment cooperation also makes a substantial contribution to the development of bilateral ties. Currently, 244 enterprises with the participation of Belarusian capital operate in Uzbekistan, while 229 companies with the participation of Uzbek business are functional in Belarus. In 2025, the volume of Belarusian investments attracted into the economy of Uzbekistan amounted to 104.4 million dollars. The coordination of economic interaction is ensured by the Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, established in 2001.

An important factor in strengthening Uzbek-Belarusian relations is the development of direct ties between the regions of the two countries, which facilitates the translation of agreements reached at the political level into concrete economic, investment and humanitarian projects.

Since 2017, more than forty mutual visits of regional delegations from Uzbekistan and Belarus have taken place. Active exchange of visits facilitates the expansion of contacts between local authorities, business circles and public organizations. A special place in the development of interregional cooperation is occupied by the Forums of Regions, which are traditionally held within the framework of official visits of the heads of state and are accompanied by national exhibitions, presentations of investment potential and the signing of cooperation agreements.

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation remains one of the important areas of the bilateral agenda, contributing to the strengthening of friendship, mutual understanding, and the expansion of educational, scientific and cultural exchanges.

Cultural exchanges represent a significant direction of cooperation. Creative groups from Belarus regularly participate in the “Sharq Taronalari” International Music Festival in Uzbekistan, while representatives of Uzbek culture perform at Belarusian venues, including the “Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk” International Festival of Arts. Days of Culture of the two countries are regularly held on a mutual basis.

Monuments dedicated to prominent figures of the two nations hold symbolic value for strengthening cultural ties. In 2018, a bust of the classic of Belarusian literature Yakub Kolas was unveiled in Tashkent, and in 2019, a monument to the great Uzbek poet and thinker Alisher Navoi was installed in Minsk, serving as a clear testament to the mutual respect for the historical and cultural heritage of both states.

Cooperation in the field of education and professional training is developing dynamically. An important step was the establishment of the Belarusian-Uzbek Intersectoral Institute of Applied Technical Qualifications in Tashkent. Double-degree programs are being implemented between the universities of the two countries, while forums of rectors of engineering and technical universities, along with professional and educational forums, facilitate the expansion of academic interaction and the conclusion of cooperation agreements between educational institutions.

Cooperation in the fields of science, cinematography, and tourism is expanding. Days of Uzbek Cinema are regularly held in Belarus, and Days of Belarusian Cinema in Uzbekistan, with representatives from both countries participating in international film festivals. Interaction between tourism organizations is also growing, including within the framework of specialized forums and presentations of the tourism potential of both states.

Cooperation in the field of healthcare is an intensively developing area of bilateral interaction. In 2023, the first medical forum “Healthcare and Medical Education Days Uzbekistan – Belarus” took place, resulting in the signing of more than 120 agreements aimed at expanding partnerships between medical institutions, exchanging experience and implementing modern technologies.

Belarusian diaspora living in Uzbekistan plays a special role in strengthening humanitarian ties. Today, there are approximately 18 thousand ethnic Belarusians in the country. A significant contribution to the preservation of national culture and the development of public diplomacy is made by the “Svitanak” Belarusian Cultural Center in Tashkent and the Belarusian Cultural Center in Angren.

Thus, Uzbek-Belarusian relations are characterized by steady development across key areas of interaction. The high level of political dialogue, expansion of trade and economic cooperation, development of interregional ties, and humanitarian interaction create a solid foundation for the further deepening of a partnership that meets the long-term interests of both countries.

Dunyo IA

Uzbekistan as an Operational Hub for Technology Companies: Key Figures, Conditions, and Advantages

📅 24.06.2026

Relocating an operational office to a new jurisdiction is invariably a complex undertaking, involving unfamiliar regulatory environments and concerns regarding continuity of team management and internal processes. Uzbekistan addresses the majority of these challenges — and this article examines the factors underpinning that proposition and the reasons why more than 1,000 technology companies have chosen the country as their base of operations.

Why Companies Choose Uzbekistan

 

For businesses originating from CIS countries, Uzbekistan offers a familiar business culture, an established professional rhythm, and a legislative framework that is relatively straightforward to navigate. Teams integrate into operational workflows more rapidly, and founders are not forced to spend the initial months resolving administrative or logistical matters.

A further advantage is the elimination of lengthy preparation periods for basic operational setup. IT Park provides not only company registration assistance but also fully equipped, ready-to-use office infrastructure - including furniture, equipment, and communications.

All core administrative processes are handled through a single interface — the One Stop Shop — covering company registration, tax administration, bank account opening, and documentation requirements, without the need to navigate multiple institutions. A dedicated team with experience guiding hundreds of companies through this process is on hand to anticipate and resolve common complications.
For teams relocating with their families, the Softlanding Program offers assistance with housing, documentation, and post-relocation adaptation, enabling employees to settle in efficiently and transition smoothly into professional responsibilities.

 

Zero Risk Program: Launching Without a Cash Flow Gap

The Zero Risk Program is designed to accelerate the initial operational phase of relocation. Participating companies receive a fully furnished and equipped office, enabling near-immediate commencement of operations. The program additionally covers a portion of recruitment and staff training costs and reimburses up to 15% of payroll expenses, allowing businesses to assemble their teams and reach full operational capacity without undue financial pressure.

 

Tax Conditions for IT Park Residents

 

IT Park residents benefit from some of the most advantageous tax conditions available to technology businesses in the region: a 0% rate on corporate income tax, VAT, and social tax. Personal income tax for employees stands at 7.5% - considerably lower than prevailing rates across much of Europe.

 

These conditions allow companies to direct a greater proportion of resources toward team development and business growth rather than absorbing a high tax burden.

The cost of living and operational expenditure in Uzbekistan further reinforces this advantage, enabling businesses to reduce recruitment and retention costs, as well as day-to-day operating expenses, while maintaining working and living conditions conducive to international business.

 

IT Visa and Conditions for Teams

 

A three-year IT Visa is available to founders, investors, and technology specialists, allowing holders to reside and work in Uzbekistan without a separate work permit. The visa extends to family members and grants access to healthcare and education services on equivalent terms to Uzbek citizens, as well as the right to purchase real estate without value restrictions.

 

Uzbekistan as a Base for International Expansion

 

For a growing number of companies, relocation to Uzbekistan extends beyond operational transfer. The country is increasingly regarded as a strategic platform for international development. The IT and BPO sectors are expanding rapidly, with regional offices and delivery centers being established to serve clients across Europe, the CIS, Asia, and the United States. Uzbekistan's geographical position between European and Asian markets facilitates access to multiple markets simultaneously.

TIIF-2026: Shaping a New Investment Architecture for Central Asia

📅 27.05.2026

From June 16^th to 19^th, the capital will host the 5^th Tashkent International Investment Forum, the country's primary investment platform and one of the region's largest business forums.

 

Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026) has solidified its position as a key investment platform in Central Asia, bringing together states, international investors, and representatives of global business. The forum serves not merely as a platform for dialogue, but as a space where the region's practical investment agenda is actively shaped.

The core idea of the forum lies in the fact that Uzbekistan is consistently cementing its status as a regional investment hub, capable not only of attracting capital but also of defining long-term rules and directions for the economic development of Central Asia.

The scale of TIIF-2025 clearly demonstrated that the forum has transitioned to a new stage of its development. The event brought together more than 8,000 delegates from 97 countries, with the total volume of signed investment agreements reaching 30.5 billion US dollars. These indicators stand as some of the most significant results among regional investment platforms.

The growing number of participants, the broadening geography, and the increased volume of concluded deals bear witness to a notable strengthening of international business confidence in Uzbekistan's investment climate. The forum is increasingly perceived not as a one-off discussion platform, but as a sustainable mechanism for generating real investment solutions.

The significance of the Tashkent International Investment Forum is determined not only by its scale, but also by its practical value for participants. TIIF provides a unique opportunity for direct access to key economic and political decision-makers - ranging from heads of state and governments to representatives of international financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds and major corporations.

The forum cultivates a rare environment where the state, investors, and business are concentrated within a single space, allowing for a seamless transition from general discussions to concrete formats of cooperation. Within the framework of TIIF, B2B and B2G meetings are actively advanced, serving as the cornerstone for concluding investment agreements and launching new projects.

TIIF-2026, scheduled to take place from June 16 to 19 in Tashkent, will maintain and expand upon the framework of previous years, combining elements of high-level political dialogue, business negotiations, and sectoral discussions. The forum's program features a plenary session with the participation of heads of state, panel sessions, thematic pitch presentations, and an expanded exhibition showcasing the country's industrial and investment potential.

One of the defining features of TIIF-2026 is its exceptionally high level of representation, which brings together a unique concentration of political, financial, and corporate capital within a single venue. The forum features heads of state and government, including leaders from Central Asian and European nations, alongside executives from international organizations and multilateral development banks.

Among the participants are representatives from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), alongside sovereign wealth funds and export credit agencies. Such a composition ensures a direct link between state reforms, global financial institutions, and private capital.

The outcomes of the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2025) received widespread international acclaim from representatives of government structures, financial institutions, and global business, who noted Uzbekistan's growing role as the region's premier investment hub.

The Director of the Center for Global and Regional Studies (CEGREG), Professor Ikboljon Qoraboev (Kazakhstan), emphasized the scale and significance of the forum:

• Central Asia has once again taken center stage in the international business community. From June 9^th to 12^th, Tashkent hosted the 4^th Tashkent International Investment Forum - the largest regional investment platform, which is consistently gaining momentum and international resonance with each passing year. The scale of this year's forum is truly unprecedented, bringing together around 3,000 foreign delegates from nearly 100 countries.

TIIF is emerging as the premier platform for showcasing the industrial and economic potential of Central Asia, while the participation of state leaders, major investors, and international banks highlights the strategic significance of the forum as a window of opportunity for the region.

Associate Professor at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics, political scientist Emin Garibli (Azerbaijan), accentuated the integration significance of the forum:

• Tashkent International Investment Forum is emerging not only as a key economic platform for Central Asia, but also as a vital instrument for deepening integration processes between Europe and Asia. The forum strengthens Tashkent's status as a regional center of gravity for investment and demonstrates the country's resolve in advancing reforms within the framework of the New Uzbekistan strategy.

Executive Producer of CGTN, Zhang He (China), highlighted the investment impact of the reforms:

• The economic reforms implemented in Uzbekistan have created a more favorable environment for investors. Uzbekistan possesses immense potential in sectors such as industry, 'green' energy, agriculture, information technology, and tourism. This will serve to diversify investments and expand the manufacturing of high-value-added products.

Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Nobumitsu Hayashi (Japan), noted the transformation of the forum's role:

• The forum has transformed into a fully-fledged regional platform, uniting business leaders and financiers from across Central Asia and Eastern Europe. The reforms in Uzbekistan are creating a predictable and attractive environment for long-term investments.

Chairman of the Chinese company CAMCE, Wang Bo (China), noted the practical value of the forum:

• This prestigious event opens up excellent opportunities not only for our company, but also for foreign investors seeking prospects in the dynamically developing economy of Uzbekistan. For foreign investors, Uzbekistan represents a unique opportunity, particularly in light of the WTO accession process. As the President noted, this will open up even greater prospects for sustainable development, making Uzbekistan an attractive destination for global investment.

Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026) is cementing its role as one of the key platforms for investment dialogue in Central Asia, where not only the directions of economic policy are shaped, but also real mechanisms for interaction between the state and global capital are forged.

On the whole, the experience of previous years demonstrates that TIIF has already transitioned from a traditional conference format into a practical investment ecosystem that influences the structure of regional economic development. In this context, TIIF-2026 is viewed as the next phase in strengthening Uzbekistan's role within the global investment architecture and further expanding its integration into international capital markets.

 

Dunyo IA

 

Uzbekistan-Turkey: A New Stage of Cooperation and Prospects for Developing Cultural and Humanitarian Ties

📅 28.01.2026

It is worth noting that one of Uzbekistan’s greatest achievements since independence has been ensuring peace, interethnic harmony, and mutual understanding among its multinational population. In particular, the wise national policy developed in our country in recent years is based on the key idea: “Multinationality is the wealth of Uzbekistan”.

         It should be emphasized that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkey is currently gaining increasing significance in both quantitative and qualitative terms. Relations between the two countries, as a truly new stage of strategic cooperation, clearly demonstrate that historically and today, the Turkish and Uzbek peoples are truly fraternal peoples, not only in ethnic origin but also in spirit. Despite all the changes in historical development, these two fraternal peoples are steadily and diligently strengthening their national statehood, implementing the necessary reforms to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world. In this context, Turkey’s developed industry, achievements in agriculture, tourism potential, extensive statehood experience, and the growing natural interest of Turkish investors in the Uzbek market are of great importance to our country.

         This closeness and commonality of approaches are the most reliable guarantee that the development of cultural and humanitarian ties between Uzbekistan and Turkey will continue to strengthen and deepen in the future, for the benefit of the Uzbek and Turkish peoples.

         In particular, this is due to the age-old bonds of friendship, brotherhood, and mutual understanding between the Uzbek and Turkish peoples, as well as the similarity of culture, religion, and traditions of the peoples of both countries. This also demonstrates that these relations have deep historical and cultural roots, which provide a solid foundation. Moreover, culturally and historically, these two countries played a central role in the development of the civilization of the Turkic peoples. Therefore, at the 7^th summit held in Baku on October 15, 2019, Uzbekistan’s accession to the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States as a full member was highly praised and greeted with enthusiasm by all participating states. It is no exaggeration to say that this event not only strengthened the spirit of brotherhood in the Turkic world but also led to the emergence of a new regular cooperation format between Ankara and Tashkent.

         At the 8^th Summit of the organization, held in Istanbul on November 12, 2021, its name was changed to the Organization of Turkic States. The Summit also approved the concept of the Turkic world through 2040. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed holding the first summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Uzbekistan in 2022. The proposal was accepted, and the next, 9^th summit of the organization was held in Uzbekistan in November 2022.

         It is important to emphasize that in 2022, the leaders of the two countries celebrated the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 5^th anniversary of the establishment of a strategic partnership. Our view is supported by the agreement to strengthen cooperation on reforms in Uzbekistan, implement public-private partnership mechanisms, and deepen partnerships in science, education, art, cinema, tourism, and information.

         Furthermore, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh. M. Mirziyoyev is actively implementing a large-scale reform program aimed at expanding Uzbekistan’s economic opportunities and improving the well-being and living standards of the population. The success of this policy, to some extent, depends on elevating our country’s effective relations with its international partners to a qualitatively new level. The special attention is deserved that Uzbekistan is responding to fundamental global changes with a new, proactive, pragmatic, and constructive foreign policy.

         The goals of modernizing our country’s economy and enhancing its global competitiveness require strengthening cooperation with foreign partners in industrial cooperation, studying the experience of developed countries, and attracting large-scale foreign investment and high technology. In this regard, notable that the economic development strategies of Uzbekistan and Turkey can complement each other in a number of important areas. This is due to the fact that Turkey is among the 20 largest economies in the world and has achieved high results in such important sectors for Uzbekistan as tourism, textiles, automotive manufacturing, construction, and food processing.

         Especially, Turkey’s textile and jewelry industries are among the top five in the world. Forty-four Turkish building contractors are among the world’s top 250 construction companies. This ranks Turkey second only to China, one of the world’s leading economies. While the country’s food industry has successfully entered Western markets and strengthened its position there, the Turkish automotive industry is on the cusp of transitioning from conventional automobile production to mass production of domestically produced electric vehicles. This once again confirms that Turkey is an important economic partner for us. Laying the foundations for a completely new export-oriented economic development model in the New Uzbekistan requires systemic changes across all economic sectors and further strengthening ties with reliable external partners with whom industrial cooperation can be developed in these sectors.

         Thus, in recent years, in a historically short period of time, a solid foundation has been laid for revolutionary changes in Uzbek-Turkish relations that will last for centuries — important programmatic plans have been developed and decisive practical steps have been taken. There is no doubt that this development of relations will further enhance the prestige of Uzbekistan and Turkey on the international stage, ensure stable economic growth in both countries, the socioeconomic well-being of their peoples, and the full realization of their creative potential.

         Turkey and Uzbekistan are actively developing not only bilateral relations but also cooperation in multilateral formats. Participation in the Organization of Turkic-Speaking States is also an important component of international cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkey.

         Currently, Uzbekistan has created ample opportunities for citizens of more than 130 different nationalities to actively participate in socioeconomic, political, legal, spiritual, and educational life, to recognize their national identity, and to preserve their ethnic values. Also, interethnic harmony and religious tolerance, national unity and solidarity are envisaged, and, above all, the upbringing of a harmoniously developed generation that understands its national identity based on a rich historical and spiritual heritage, national values, customs and traditions, possesses a high sense of national pride and has a worldview formed on the basis of universal human values, modern technology, and scientific achievements.

         Currently, in the New Uzbekistan, unity and mutual understanding are the main principles of policy in the sphere of interethnic relations, aimed at maintaining unity and harmony in society, where an important aspect is not only protecting the interests of various ethnic groups but also shaping a civic identity based on respect and consideration for the rights of others.

         In the area of ​​interethnic relations, Decree No. DP-52 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan as of March 19, 2025, “On measures to advance to a new stage in strengthening nationwide unity and relations with compatriots abroad”, was adopted. In this decree, the harmonization of interethnic relations in society and the formation of a unified civic identity through strengthening friendship, mutual solidarity, tolerance, and unity in society are defined as one of the priority tasks for strengthening national harmony and ties with compatriots abroad.

         The Committee is designated as the authorized republican executive body implementing state policy in the area of ​​interethnic relations, supporting compatriots abroad, and coordinating the activities of state bodies in this area.

         The Committee’s primary objectives are: harmonizing interethnic relations, forming a unified civic identity by strengthening friendship, mutual solidarity, tolerance, and unity in society; strengthening the involvement of all nationalities and peoples living in Uzbekistan in national development by ensuring their rights and legitimate interests; developing socio-cultural and friendly ties with foreign countries through public diplomacy; supporting the mobilization of the socio-economic potential of compatriots abroad for the development of our Homeland; and systematically analyzing issues of national unity among the people of Uzbekistan and compatriots abroad in the name of common societal goals.

         The Committee has taken significant steps to develop cooperation with the USA, Canada, China, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and several other countries to elevate the consistent implementation of state policy toward compatriots living abroad to a new level.

         Currently, the Committee implements state policy aimed at ensuring interethnic harmony and tolerance in society and supporting the mobilization of the socio-economic potential of compatriots abroad for the development of our country. It also establishes friendly international relations, strengthens friendship with civil societies in foreign countries, and implements a “public diplomacy” mechanism with 157 national cultural centers, 43 friendship societies located in the republic, as well as with more than 60 brother cities, and nearly 100 societies of compatriots abroad.

         Enormous opportunities have been created for the preservation, presentation, and development of national identity, language, traditions, customs, history, and culture of various nationalities. Furthermore, the role of national cultural centers, established by representatives of various nationalities living in our country is of particular importance in strengthening cultural cooperation between the New Uzbekistan and foreign countries.

Specifically, Turkish National Cultural Centers were established in Bukhara in 1991, in Tashkent - in 1992, and in 1997, the Turkish National Cultural Center of Uzbekistan.

         Since 1997, the primary focus of the Turkish National Cultural Center of Uzbekistan (chairman Umar Ibrahimov Salmanov) has been the revival of the Turkish language, culture, traditions, and customs. To this end, the Center has established a Council of Elders, a Women’s Council, a Youth Wing, and a department for working with sports clubs and ensembles.

         Currently, three folklore ensembles operate under the auspices of the Center: Sevinch, Anadolu, and a women’s folklore group.

 In 1999, under the direction of Mikail Suleymanov, an honorary member of the Turkish National Cultural Center of Uzbekistan, the MIKO Comedy Theater was founded. The performances were shown in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. These theatrical productions are primarily aimed at strengthening unity, solidarity, and harmony among representatives of different nationalities.

         A number of representatives of Turkish nationality have been awarded state awards for their contribution to strengthening interethnic harmony, mutual understanding, and friendship in our country.

         The first information about the arrival of Turks in Uzbekistan was found in the diary of the Spanish ambassador González de Clavijo. Written sources mention Turkish musicians at the court of the Temurid Shahrukh. There is information that Turkish merchants and artisans settled in the territory of modern-day Uzbekistan in the late Middle Ages to engage in trade and crafts.

         When did the Turks arrive in Uzbekistan? We pondered this question for a long time, examining over 100 sources. The results yielded varied answers. The first representatives of the Turks settled in the territory of modern-day Uzbekistan, in the lands of Akhsi, which corresponds to the territory of today’s Namangan Region, when Turkic peoples migrated from the Yenisei River to the state known today as Turkey. The second group arrived during the reign of Amir Timur, in the 1400s.

         In 1992, the number of Turks living in Uzbekistan was 21,000, while today it has exceeded 50,000.

         Currently, our citizens of Turkish nationality living in Uzbekistan actively participate in the political, economic, social, and cultural life of the republic, making a worthy contribution to the development and progress of the state.

         The visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Turkey ushered in a new era in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, based on mutual trust and expressing a desire for long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of our peoples.

         Official visits by the leaders of the two countries contribute to strengthening political dialogue and demonstrate a fruitful practical partnership. To further develop bilateral cooperation, the parties discussed in detail priority areas for further expansion of their partnership, including in areas such as trade and economics, investment, transport, textiles, energy, agriculture, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

         Furthermore, in accordance with the Action Plan for 2026-2027 signed between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and Turkey, the most effective cooperation aimed at ensuring sustainable development and prosperity based on lasting security has been established.

         It is noteworthy that the first part of the book by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, “Modernity and the New Uzbekistan
 is entitled “Humanity’s Chosen Path of Sustainable Development”. The fact that it reflects the priority criteria for human development in the 21st century and the noble global goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development confirms our aforementioned ideas.

         Overall, the primary and most important factor in maintaining socio-political stability in Uzbekistan is the ability to ensure unity and national harmony among its multi-ethnic population. It should be noted separately that national understanding and national unity, which are strengthening day by day in our society, serve the cohesion processes on an ethnic and cultural basis among representatives of all nationalities living in Uzbekistan.

Saodat Tilovberdievna Davlatova

Head of Department of the Committee on interethnic relations and compatriots abroad of the Republic of Uzbekistan,

Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor