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Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan Daily: Mongolia starts live sheep exports, fuel station safety tightened, and courts gain travel-restriction powers

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Politics

Emergency Ministry Orders Stricter Safety at Fuel Stations and Depots After Deadly Blasts

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan’s Emergency Situations Ministry issued a directive to managers of fuel retail, storage, and transport companies to enforce technical and fire-safety rules, appoint responsible staff, and keep firefighting systems fully operational. The move follows a series of fires and explosions at automotive gas-filling stations across several regions, including fatal incidents in Kashkadarya and recent blasts in Surkhandarya. Authorities emphasized that high-risk sites must adopt special fire-safety regimes, and written instructions from inspectors must be executed as required. The guidance signals tighter compliance expectations for operators handling propane and other fuels, with potential scrutiny of maintenance, training, and emergency procedures amid recurring accidents. No specific penalties were detailed, but the ministry’s announcement suggests heightened oversight of AGFCS facilities to prevent further casualties and operational disruptions.

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Courts Gain Power to Temporarily Restrict Defendants’ Foreign Travel During Criminal Proceedings

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan has tightened procedures allowing courts to temporarily restrict a suspect’s, accused’s, or defendant’s right to leave the country when there is a risk they may evade trial, according to a newly enacted law amending criminal procedure measures. The restriction applies when detention is not imposed but grounds exist to believe the person could depart and avoid court without valid reasons. Prosecutors, investigators, or inquirers can petition for the measure, detailing justification; judges must review petitions in closed session within eight hours of receipt and either approve or deny the request. Appeals against the ruling can be filed within 48 hours. The law took effect upon official publication. For businesses and individuals involved in legal disputes, the change raises the likelihood of court-ordered travel limits during investigations, underscoring the importance of early legal risk assessment and compliance during proceedings.

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World Bank, Finance Ministry Set Procurement Reform Roadmap for 2025–2026

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan’s Economy and Finance Ministry met with the World Bank to review 2025 cooperation and map projects for 2026 focused on modernizing public procurement. Priorities include designing a program to support domestic producers and SMEs in tenders, conducting a comprehensive performance audit of the procurement system, and developing projects to strengthen contract management with international expertise. The sides also discussed training and certifying procurement specialists via the Ministry’s Training Center, with the World Bank offering technical assistance. Additional themes covered governance and oversight improvements, anti-corruption measures, centralized purchasing, AI-driven process automation, and expanding “green” procurement practices. A detailed multi-year roadmap will be drafted, and the parties agreed to hold regular online consultations. No direct quotes or formal statements were cited in the report.

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Decree Establishes Comprehensive Support System for Evacuated Palestinians, Creates National Fund and Commission

Published: 2025-08-16

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree creating a coordinated state support system for Palestinians evacuated to Uzbekistan, designating them as “guests” and guaranteeing access to social services, healthcare, education, employment, and integration measures. A Republican Commission will coordinate ministries, map needs within one month, and assign social workers to each family. Benefits include monthly stipends for employable adults, rent coverage, one-time payments for births and funerals, fast-tracked disability status, and pensions for elderly without sufficient work history. Children receive priority, free placement in public kindergartens and schools (fees waived through 1 January 2028), free supplementary education, and expedited recognition of foreign diplomas. A dedicated fund under the National Social Protection Agency will pool donations, grants, and interest income, with spending approved by the Commission. Uzbekistan previously evacuated 100 wounded women and children in December 2024 and recognized Palestine in 1994. The article also recounts the Gaza war’s toll and current diplomatic developments.

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Income Tax Deduction on University Tuition Extended by Removing Age Limit for Children

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan has removed the age cap for claiming a 12% personal income tax deduction on payments toward university tuition (contract fees). Previously, parents could only apply the benefit if their child met an age requirement; the change allows the deduction regardless of the student’s age. This measure broadens eligibility for families supporting adult learners, graduate students, or those resuming studies, and could lower effective education costs. Employers administering payroll taxes should expect wider use of the deduction, and universities may see improved tuition payment compliance. The update aligns with efforts to ease household education expenses and may incentivize continued higher education. No official statements were quoted in the report.

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Economy

Mongolia Begins Live Sheep Exports to Uzbekistan as Tariffs Cut and Airlift Plan Set

Published: 2025-08-16

Mongolia has started shipping pedigree sheep to Uzbekistan under a pact for 100,000 head, with the first 1,000 “Bayad” sheep flown to Navoi for breeding. Authorities outlined a logistics schedule: 50,000 head across 60 flights by end-October, another 50,000 in November–December, and completion by end-2025, with talks to add 100,000 more in 2026. Tashkent will subsidize 50% of air transport costs for small ruminant imports from Mongolia through December 2027, supporting herd improvement and meat supply diversification. The countries also agreed to reduce Mongolia’s export duty on sheep and goats from $18 to $7, improving cost dynamics for importers and processors. Officials noted strong Uzbek market demand and signaled scope for processed meat retail, as well as collaboration in wool and cashmere value chains.

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Tax Audits Flag Retail and Food Services as Highest Evasion Risks in H1 2025

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan’s Tax Committee audited 2,519 high‑risk companies in January–July 2025—about 0.4% of active taxpayers—uncovering extensive underreporting. Inspectors found 1,270 firms hid more than 15.3 trillion soums in taxable base, triggering 3.1 trillion soums in penalties. Expected tax‑risk exposure was 7.7 trillion soums, while audits identified 9.2 trillion soums, indicating broader-than-anticipated evasion. Retail trade and food services accounted for the largest risk (5.5 trillion soums), followed by manufacturing (1.1 trillion), construction (961 billion), and services (641.7 billion). Patterns included unreported sales (4.6 trillion soums across 460 entities), absent inventory during stock checks (5.1 trillion across 394 firms), and unrecorded goods held or sold (5.5 trillion across 416 entities). Of 5 trillion soums due, 46% (2.3 trillion) has been paid. The findings suggest intensified enforcement and continued focus on point-of-sale reporting and inventory controls across consumer-facing sectors.

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Published: 2025-08-16

Navoiy Mining and Metallurgical Combinat (NMMC) plans an IPO this year, taking advantage of record-high gold prices. The company aims to float 10–15% of its shares via a dual listing on the London Stock Exchange and the Tashkent Stock Exchange. Bloomberg reports the transaction could value NMMC at around $20 billion on an enterprise basis, including debt. Citi, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan have been selected as partner banks. For international investors, the deal would offer exposure to one of Central Asia’s largest gold producers and deepen Uzbekistan’s capital-market integration. A successful sale could set a benchmark for future privatizations, improve price discovery for domestic listings, and support broader reforms to attract foreign capital.

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Glass Importers Decry New Certification and Customs Pricing as Regulators Pledge Fixes

Published: 2025-08-16

An importer warned that new rules are complicating construction glass imports, raising costs and creating a potential conflict of interest. A flat $10/m² customs base price now applies regardless of type or thickness, while mandatory certification since April 7 is conducted solely at Kvars’ lab, a domestic producer. Next Glass founder Dmitriy Pak urged scrapping mandatory certification or shifting it to an independent lab and called for a fairer base price.

"Why do we need mandatory certification here if the goods already arrive with a producer’s certificate of conformity to the DST?" - Dmitriy Pak, founder of Next Glass (gazeta.uz)

Customs chief Akmalkhoja Mavlonov said the tariff issue will be reviewed and elevated if needed.

"We will study your situation and submit proposals to the higher authority," - Akmalkhoja Mavlonov, Chair of the Customs Committee (gazeta.uz)

Ozstandart director Akmal Jumanazarov acknowledged the problem and proposed moving from mandatory certification to declarations, adding a new independent glass-testing lab in Namangan will be accredited within 1–2 months. The Chamber of Commerce head Davron Vahobov defended tighter controls to support domestic producers, citing Turkey’s model, while emphasizing the need to balance protection with affordable inputs for processors. Pak backed regulation but pressed for realistic, not inflated, base prices.

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Talks Advance on Local Production of CLAAS Farm Machinery

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan’s deputy minister of investments, industry and trade, Akram Aliev, met with CLAAS Vice President for Eastern Europe Michael Bayer in Tashkent to move forward on establishing local production of agricultural machinery. Discussions included technical alignment, development of production infrastructure, and localization measures, with specific focus on collaboration prospects in agro-engineering and output targets planned for 2026. The involvement of UzCLAAS Agro indicates a joint approach to manufacturing and after-sales support. While financial terms and exact production volumes were not disclosed, the agreements aim to bolster industrial capacity, expand technological capabilities, and deepen strategic cooperation with a global leader in farm equipment—positioning the sector for improved mechanization, potential import substitution, and export-oriented assembly over the medium term.

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Chinese Simple Leasing Plans $5M Investment to Modernize Tashkent Region Leather Manufacturing

Published: 2025-08-16

China’s Simple Leasing plans a $5 million direct investment to upgrade the leather sector in Tashkent region, following preliminary talks with Angren Charm LLC. The project targets new technology deployment, product diversification, and export growth. Organizational and legal modalities were reviewed at a meeting hosted by the Uzcharmsanoat association, where parties exchanged concrete proposals on technical specs, production volumes, target market segments, and export routes. A large Simple Leasing delegation is expected in September to inspect production sites, finalize contract terms with local partners, and sign a cooperation agreement. If executed, the initiative is expected to create jobs, improve quality, and strengthen competitiveness abroad. Simple Leasing specializes in finance and equipment leasing and has an international portfolio spanning industry, agriculture, and logistics.

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State Asset Agency Opens Sale of 100% Stake in Boysunko‘mir Coal Company

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan’s Agency for Management of State Assets has launched the privatization of Boysunko‘mir, offering 100% of the company to investors. The first phase collects applications from potential buyers, who must register with the advisor, provide shareholder details, and submit audited financial statements for the last three years. Entities under international sanctions are barred from participating. Applications via email are open until 20 September, with Tashkent-based Alkes Research serving as sell-side advisor. In the next phase, shortlisted bidders will sign NDAs to access detailed financials, then submit binding bids with deposit requirements. Boysunko‘mir holds coal extraction rights until 2055 and is developing the Boysun coal deposit in Surxondaryo. The process signals continued momentum in state asset divestments and opens a strategic coal asset to international and local investors.

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State Oil and Gas Company Tops Manufacturing Tax Payments in First Half-Year

Published: 2025-08-16

O‘zbekneftgaz JSC led tax contributions among manufacturing enterprises in the first six months, according to Kun.uz. Aggregate taxes paid by the top 20 manufacturing firms reached nearly 9.2 trillion soums. The ranking underscores the continued fiscal weight of the hydrocarbons sector, where state-owned O‘zbekneftgaz remains a dominant player. For investors and analysts, the figure signals robust profitability or elevated tax incidence within large industrial entities, supporting budget revenues during ongoing industrial policy shifts. While sectoral breakdowns and comparative year-on-year dynamics were not disclosed, the concentration of payments in top-tier firms suggests continued reliance on major state-affiliated manufacturers for fiscal intake. Further clarity on corporate tax rates, preferential regimes in strategic industries, and the balance of contributions across energy, mining, and non-extractive manufacturing would help assess sustainability and diversification of the tax base.

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Bukhara Retail Complex Suspected of Power Theft Worth 1.1 Billion Soums

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan’s energy oversight continues to uncover illegal use of fuel and power resources, with a new case identified in Bukhara region. Investigators allege managers at K.S.K LLC interfered with the electricity meter of a company-owned retail complex transformer, diverting power valued at roughly 1.1 billion soums. Authorities have launched a pre-investigation review, signaling persistent scrutiny of commercial consumers following similar violations detected in other regions. The Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office reiterated that businesses must use energy resources legally and efficiently. For companies operating large retail or industrial sites, the case underscores heightened enforcement risk, potential financial penalties, and possible criminal liability for tampering with metering equipment.

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Diplomacy

Bilateral Deal Sets Path to Recognize Work Records and Coordinate Pension Payments Between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan’s off-budget Pension Fund and Kyrgyzstan’s Social Fund held talks in Tashkent on draft agreements to recognize employment periods across borders and coordinate pension entitlements. The framework would ensure pension rights regardless of where individuals worked or currently live, while preventing duplicate social insurance contributions—key for cross-border labor mobility. Negotiators also discussed administrative mechanisms to implement the accord and agreed to continue technical exchanges. According to Kyrgyzstan’s Social Fund, the arrangements aim to guarantee equal rights to state and insurance pensions for citizens of both countries and remove double payment risks. The parties see the accord reinforcing broader economic cooperation, including large infrastructure projects, by providing clearer social protection for mobile workers.

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Bilateral Deal Lifts Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan Flight Caps to 238 Weekly Services

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan agreed to expand scheduled air services, authorizing up to 42 weekly flights on Tashkent–Almaty and Tashkent–Astana, with other routes capped at seven per week. If fully utilized across all agreed city pairs, weekly frequencies could reach 238, signaling a step-change in regional connectivity. The accord, reached during the second Central Asia–China (C5+1) civil aviation working group conference, also increases the number of designated destinations for scheduled services. New links are already launching: Uzbekistan’s My Freighter (Centrum Air) began twice-weekly Aktau–Nukus from 3 July 2025, and Kazakhstan’s Fly Arystan started thrice-weekly Atyrau–Tashkent from 15 July 2025. The move is positioned to ease travel for business and tourism, strengthen cultural ties, and support supply chains between the neighbors, while paving the way for further route authorizations and carrier designations.

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Tashkent–Tehran Talks Advance Coordination on Afghanistan and Regional Security

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Ismatulla Irgashev, met Mohammad Reza Bahromi, Iran’s assistant foreign minister and head of the South Asia department, on 14 August in Tashkent. The officials reviewed bilateral cooperation related to Afghanistan and discussed regional stability and security, signaling tighter coordination between the neighbors on border management, counterterrorism, and humanitarian and trade corridors that transit Afghanistan. Both sides confirmed interest in maintaining a regular and constructive channel, agreeing to continue consultations in bilateral and multilateral formats. The outcome points to sustained dialogue mechanisms that could shape regional responses to Afghanistan’s economic isolation, cross‑border risks, and connectivity initiatives linking Central and South Asia.

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Latvia’s New Ambassador Presents Copies of Credentials to Foreign Minister Baxtiyor Saidov

Published: 2025-08-16

Latvia’s newly appointed ambassador to Uzbekistan, Yaunzems Girs, presented copies of his letters of credence to Foreign Minister Baxtiyor Saidov, marking the formal start of his diplomatic tenure. The credential handover is a standard step that precedes full accreditation and typically signals readiness to engage on bilateral priorities such as trade, logistics, education, and EU–Central Asia cooperation. For Tashkent, stronger ties with an EU member state can facilitate access to European markets and regulatory standards, while for Riga, engagement supports broader EU outreach in Central Asia and leverages Latvia’s transit and digital expertise. No immediate policy announcements were disclosed. The meeting underscores a continued push to diversify diplomatic partnerships and deepen practical cooperation across sectors.

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Infrastructure

Chinese Rail Firm Explores Role in New Tashkent–Samarkand Railway Construction

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan’s Deputy Transport Minister Jasurbek Choriyev held talks with Yunkan Ma, deputy CEO of China’s Tianjin Rail Transit Group, on potential participation in building a new Tashkent–Samarkand railway, according to Kun.uz. While no deal was announced, the engagement signals early-stage interest from a major Chinese urban rail and transit contractor. For international investors and suppliers, the discussions suggest momentum behind upgrading intercity connectivity on one of the country’s busiest corridors, which could shorten travel times and enhance freight flows between the capital and a key regional hub. The project, if advanced, would likely require financing, rolling stock, signaling, and construction partnerships, opening a window for cross-border cooperation with Chinese technology and EPC expertise. No timeline, project scope, or procurement method was disclosed.

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Energy Ministries Coordinate Winter Operations and Advance Reconnection to Central Asian Power Grid

Published: 2025-08-16

Energy ministers from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan agreed on operational coordination for the upcoming winter season and discussed steps to advance the “reconnection to the unified Central Asian power system” project. The move signals deeper cross-border grid management aimed at improving reliability during peak winter demand and potentially enabling more flexible electricity exchanges. For regional stakeholders, progress on rejoining the legacy Central Asian synchronous grid could reduce outage risks, optimize hydro-thermal balancing between the two countries, and lay groundwork for broader market integration. While technical timelines and specific mechanisms were not disclosed, the coordination suggests a shared intent to align dispatch and emergency support protocols, which may benefit industrial consumers and grid stability across the region.

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Four Tashkent Region Wastewater Plants to Start Operations by Year-End, Backed by IFIs

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan plans a major expansion of wastewater treatment, with the utility O‘zsuvta’minot targeting commissioning in four Tashkent region cities—Chirchiq, Bekobod, Angren, and Olmaliq—by end-2025, starting with a 130,000 m3/day facility in Chirchiq before Independence Day. Over the next five years, 68 plants are slated across new residential “Yangi O‘zbekiston” massifs, financed by $840 million from international financial institutions; $200 million has been disbursed. Projects include ADB-supported builds in Olmaliq, Bekobod, Angren and Chirchiq, and a separate consortium plan for a 1 million m3/day plant to extend centralized sewerage to over 500,000 residents and 100 enterprises. The program aims to revive idle or underperforming facilities and improve environmental outcomes.

"Our task is to fully relaunch treatment plants that have fallen into disrepair so they operate with quality and positively impact the environment." - Ahmad Suvonqulov, acting head of O‘zsuvta’minot (gazeta.uz)

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Published: 2025-08-16

Tashkent has introduced paid street parking on key central roads, dividing spaces into five zones priced from 12,000 to 5,000 UZS per hour. Drivers must pay within five minutes of parking, exclusively via the “Poytaxt Parking” mobile app or Paynet terminals. The system aims to curb illegal stopping, ease congestion, and streamline parking, with designated spaces for drivers with disabilities. Authorities plan subscription options for local residents and businesses, indicating a shift toward managed curbside access and potential changes in commuting costs. Noncompliance will incur fines, signaling stricter enforcement. Anhor.uz published a photo-based guide explaining how to use the parking, payment steps, and answers to common questions, which may help newcomers navigate the system. The rollout suggests broader urban mobility reforms and a push for digital payments in municipal services.

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Talks Advance on Kitob–Shahrisabz–Qarshi Road Reconstruction with Interest in New Taxtakoracha Tunnel

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan’s Transport Minister Ilhom Makhkamov met Jechun Myao, CEO of China’s Poly Changa, to accelerate the reconstruction of the Kitob–Shahrisabz–Qarshi highway. The parties outlined next steps to fast-track implementation, signaling movement on a key interregional corridor connecting Kashkadarya’s economic centers and the M39 route toward Tashkent. Poly Changa highlighted its tunneling expertise and expressed interest in building a new tunnel at the Taxtakoracha (Takhtakaracha) mountain pass, a strategic choke point for freight and passenger traffic. A new tunnel could improve year‑round reliability, reduce transit times, and bolster logistics resilience during winter conditions. While timelines and financing details were not disclosed, the engagement suggests potential Chinese contractor participation in Uzbekistan’s priority transport upgrades and could open the door to structured EPC models or public‑private cooperation.

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$200 Million Set for Karakalpakstan Development Program Through 2035

Published: 2025-08-16

The government plans to channel $200 million into a comprehensive program underpinning Karakalpakstan’s 2035 development strategy. The strategy will be implemented via a rolling five-year action plan, signaling a phased approach to funding, project selection, and execution. While details on sectoral allocations and timelines were not disclosed, such programs in the region typically prioritize infrastructure, utilities, SME support, and social services to close regional disparities. For international stakeholders, the structured five-year framework suggests a pipeline of tenders and public-private partnership opportunities, alongside potential improvements in connectivity and investor services. Monitoring how the $200 million is sequenced—grants, concessional loans, or budget funds—will be key to assessing project bankability and long-term impact. No official quotes were provided in the source article.

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Society

Tashkent Police Warn Students of Rental Scams as New Academic Year Draws Near

Published: 2025-08-16

Tashkent’s Main Department of Internal Affairs (IIBB) issued a public warning that rental fraud targeting incoming students is increasing ahead of the new academic year. Scammers are posting low-cost apartment listings online, posing as landlords and demanding upfront payments—often a holding fee or two months’ rent—before cutting contact and blocking victims on social media. Authorities advised verifying property ownership, avoiding advance payments before viewing and signing, and using reputable platforms or formal contracts. The alert follows the 1 August opening of applications for student dormitories, which may push more students into the private market. For universities and employers, the risk underscores the need for vetted housing channels and clear guidance to newcomers, particularly those unfamiliar with local rental practices.

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Kidnapped Worker Found Stabbed in St. Petersburg Forest After Ransom Demand

Published: 2025-08-16

An Uzbek citizen working in St. Petersburg was discovered in the Lisiy Nos forest with multiple stab wounds and a bag over his head, Russian media reported. The victim told Primorsky District police he was abducted a day earlier in Sestroretsk after stopping at a store post-shift. The assailants allegedly forced him to call relatives and demand 55,000 rubles before transporting him to the forest, stabbing him several times, and leaving him alongside a bloodied knife. He was hospitalized; authorities have opened an investigation. The case underscores ongoing risks faced by Central Asian migrant workers in Russia and follows recent incidents involving Uzbek nationals, including a fatal construction site accident in St. Petersburg and a separate killing near Moscow, highlighting vulnerabilities around labor, safety, and community tensions.

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Customs Post Chief Detained over Alleged Bribe for Smuggling 80 Phones in Fergana

Published: 2025-08-16

State Security Service (DXX) officers detained the head of a Fergana customs post on suspicion of taking a bribe to allow 80 mobile phones through the border without formal clearance. According to local reports, the official allegedly demanded $5,000 and one phone to facilitate the illicit passage. He was apprehended with material evidence during a sting operation and is identified as a customs lieutenant colonel. Authorities have opened a criminal case under Article 210 (bribe-taking) of the Criminal Code, and a pretrial detention measure has been applied. The case underscores ongoing anti-corruption enforcement in border and customs operations, a sector that has seen increased scrutiny as trade volumes rise and consumer electronics remain a high-margin smuggling target.

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Counterfeit $150,000 Seizure in Sirdaryo Traces to Cross-Border Supply Line

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan’s State Security Service detained a 27-year-old in Sirdaryo while allegedly attempting to sell $150,000 in counterfeit U.S. currency for $30,000 in genuine cash during a sting operation coordinated with the Department for Combating Economic Crimes. Investigators say the suspect sourced the fake banknotes from a contact in Chirchiq, with the notes reportedly smuggled from Kazakhstan. The individual had been serving a 1 year 10 month sentence of restricted liberty following a December 2024 conviction under Criminal Code Articles 168 (fraud) and 176 (counterfeiting). A new case has been opened under Article 176, Part 3(a) for large-scale distribution of counterfeit money, and a pre-trial detention measure imposed. Authorities are pursuing additional accomplices, signaling heightened scrutiny of transboundary counterfeit cash networks and local distribution nodes.

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Halal Auto Leasing Fraud Case Moves to Trial; Four Suspects Placed on Wanted List

Published: 2025-08-16

Following a Kun.uz investigation, part of the criminal case against “Halal Auto Leasing Company” has been sent to court. Prosecutors allege an organized group promised work visas to foreign countries and defrauded more than 500 people, causing losses of 7.3 billion soums. Authorities say four individuals suspected of evading investigation are now on a wanted list, with in absentia detention measures approved. The case underscores persistent risks in visa facilitation schemes targeting job seekers and highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on fraudulent recruitment intermediaries. For businesses and observers, the proceedings will test enforcement capacity and may signal tighter scrutiny of cross-border employment services and financial solicitations tied to overseas work opportunities.

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Environment

Renewables Gain Ground with Record Output, New Storage and Export Corridor Plans

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan reports rapid scale-up of renewables, citing a 30% share of electricity from clean sources and record monthly output in July 2024 (1.246 billion kWh). Generation capacity has risen 50% since 2019 to 25 GW, including 4 GW of solar and wind and 300 MW of storage, with 3.5 GW of new renewables and 1.8 GW of storage slated for 2025. The country targets 54% renewables by 2030. Authorities say 11 solar and 4 wind plants now operate, while small-scale adoption has expanded to 129,826 sites (1.65 GW) supported by duty- and VAT-free imports, net metering, and concessional loans. Officials also highlight a trilateral “Green Corridor” with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to move clean power to Europe, aiming to position the country as a regional green energy hub. > "We are leading Central Asia in developing and producing green energy" - Furqat Qurbonov, senior specialist, Energy Ministry (uza.uz)

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Innovation

Top Diplomatic University Lifts Tuition Fees 15% for 2025–26, Citing Wage and Utility Hikes

Published: 2025-08-16

The University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) in Tashkent will raise tuition fees by 15% from the 2025–26 academic year, aligning costs with higher payroll and utilities. The decision, approved by UWED’s supervisory board, follows a 20% increase in staff salaries (10% from October 2024 and another 10% from August 2025), around 10% average inflation in 2024, and a 15% rise in heating tariffs over 2024–25. New annual fees: bachelor’s 1st–2nd year non-stipend 33.75 million soums (stipend: 40.586m); 3rd–4th year non-stipend 27.301m (stipend: 34.137m). Foreign students with residency pay 38.4m; with visas 44.8m. Master’s non-stipend is 34.56m (stipend: 41.396m). UWED does not offer evening, part-time, or distance programs, heightening reliance on day-program contracts. The ministry has not yet finalized sector-wide tuition for 2025–26, leaving other universities’ pricing pending.

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Tashkent Mayor Flags “Maxsustrans” Losses, Pushes Digital Fixes and Construction Waste Recycling

Published: 2025-08-16

"Because of Maxsustrans’s poor financial condition, trash has remained in some neighborhoods for one or two days and bins are insufficient." - Shavkat Umrzoqov, Tashkent city mayor (kun.uz)

Tashkent’s mayor said municipal waste operator Maxsustrans is operating at a loss of 45 billion soums, disrupting regular pickups and exposing gaps in bin availability. Officials have begun digitizing operations to address service delays and logistics, signaling a shift toward data-driven waste management. The largest challenge, according to the mayor, is construction debris, a rising byproduct of the capital’s building boom. He noted that the president has ordered the launch of a plant to process construction waste, indicating forthcoming investment and regulatory moves in the urban waste value chain. For businesses, expect tighter oversight of construction disposal and potential requirements to use designated recycling channels once the facility comes online.

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Published: 2025-08-16

SpaceX’s Starlink could activate its satellite internet service in Uzbekistan in 2026, according to information posted on the service’s website. The update follows the network’s commercial launch in Kazakhstan on August 13, where residents can legally connect to Starlink’s low-Earth orbit constellation, enabling stable broadband in remote areas. Kazakhstan pricing includes Residential Lite at 23,000 tenge (about $43) and Standard Residential at 31,000 tenge (about $57.5) per month; both offer unlimited data, with Lite receiving lower priority during peak times. Starlink’s Uzbekistan debut was previously signaled for 2023, then shown as 2025, and now appears shifted to 2026. The system operates around 550 km altitude, promising high speeds and low latency suitable for video calls, streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications, potentially reshaping connectivity in underserved Uzbek regions if regulatory and market conditions align.

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Local Governments to Fund Tuition for 150 Eligible Female Students Each Year

Published: 2025-08-16

A presidential decision signed on 5 August enables regional administrations to cover base tuition fees for select female students using local budget surplus funds. Each year, hokimliks will finance contracts for 150 women: 40 first-year entrants and 110 in second year or above. Eligibility targets three groups: women from low-income families listed in the Unified Social Protection Registry, female students who are orphans or deprived of parental care, and widows raising underage children alone. The measure excludes those pursuing a second degree and students enrolled at foreign or private universities operating in Uzbekistan. The policy signals a push to expand tertiary access for vulnerable women while channeling support through local authorities and clearly defining exclusions to manage fiscal exposure.

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Health

Primary Care Expands at Family Clinics and Rural Points with Screening, Home Visits, and Free Essentials

Published: 2025-08-16

Uzbekistan’s family polyclinics and rural doctor points have upgraded facilities and services following nationwide primary care reforms, including refurbished buildings, new equipment, and expanded coverage. The 62nd Family Polyclinic in Tashkent’s Uchtepa district now serves 30,000 residents with pediatric and physiotherapy units, day care beds, diagnostics (ECG, ultrasound, X‑ray, lab tests), minor surgery, vaccination, and pre/postnatal monitoring. Free pre‑consultation checks and essential medicines are available. Adults 18–40 receive health profile assessments, while those over 40 undergo targeted screening via family clinics and mobile brigades. Home-based services cover pregnant women, newborns, and elderly patients upon request. Administrative services include referrals, sick leave certificates, and medical statements. > "Patients can access family doctor and nurse services, diagnostics, minor surgery, physiotherapy, and home-based care, with guidance on referrals and sick leave" - Feruza Mirzayeva, Chief Physician, 62nd Family Polyclinic (uza.uz) The “Uzbekistan–2030” strategy seeks to double health funding, resolve 70% of care needs at the primary level, and fully digitize facilities.

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Arts

Photo Exhibition Highlights Decade of China–Uzbekistan Cooperation Under SCO Framework

Published: 2025-08-16

A joint photo exhibition and awards ceremony organized by the National News Agency of Uzbekistan, the Fergana branch of the Journalists’ Union, and China’s Embassy in Tashkent spotlighted ten years of China–Uzbekistan ties within the SCO framework. Twenty-seven photographers submitted over 500 images; 94 works were selected for display, covering industry, agriculture, science, arts, and sports—reflecting broadening bilateral engagement. The exhibition runs August 15–22 in Fergana, with plans to tour regional centers and universities, signaling sustained public diplomacy outreach. Chinese Ambassador Yu Jun framed the moment as a qualitative shift in relations, underscoring momentum for expanded cooperation across sectors.

"Relations between Uzbekistan and China are entering a new era, moving to a qualitatively new stage." - Yu Jun, Chinese Ambassador to Uzbekistan (uza.uz)

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