Issue 1853 - 13.06.2025
13.06.2025

Uzbekistan and Afghanistan strengthen ties with new preferential trade deal

On June 11, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Haji Nooruddin Azizi, Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry of Afghanistan, on the sidelines of the Tashkent International Investment Forum.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, economy, transport and logistics, energy, agriculture, as well as in geological exploration and the extraction of mineral resources, the presidential press service reported.

President Mirziyoyev emphasised the urgent need to construct an industrial hub in Hairatan and to establish production facilities there for pharmaceuticals, furniture, textiles, construction materials, and agricultural processing.

The parties also voiced support for the implementation of major regional infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Trans-Afghan railway and the Surkhan–Pul-e-Khumri power transmission line.

In addition, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, held talks with Nooruddin Azizi, resulting in the signing of a Preferential Trade Agreement and a Cooperation Program in Trade, Economy, and Industry for 2025–2026.

It was previously announced in August last year that the Preferential Trade Agreement between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan would come into force on October 1. The agreement provides for the elimination of customs duties on 14 categories of goods and includes support measures for exporters. Uzbekistan will also simplify the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for Afghan agricultural products.

Reported by KUN (Uzbekistan).

Uzbekistan General

13.06.2025

World Bank raises Uzbekistan’s 2025 growth outlook amid regional slowdown

Uzbekistan is expected to remain among the fastest-growing economies in Europe and Central Asia despite a broader regional slowdown, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report.

For 2025 and 2026, the World Bank forecasts steady GDP growth of 5.9% for Uzbekistan, followed by 5.8% in 2027. While the...

Uzbekistan is expected to remain among the fastest-growing economies in Europe and Central Asia despite a broader regional slowdown, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report.

For 2025 and 2026, the World Bank forecasts steady GDP growth of 5.9% for Uzbekistan, followed by 5.8% in 2027. While the...

13.06.2025

President of Uzbekistan’s visit to Brussels expected in coming months

The European Union is expecting a visit from president of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Brussels in the coming months, EU ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar announced during the Tashkent Investment Forum on 10 June.

“This will be a historic visit, a historic opportunity to sign the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement...

The European Union is expecting a visit from president of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Brussels in the coming months, EU ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar announced during the Tashkent Investment Forum on 10 June.

“This will be a historic visit, a historic opportunity to sign the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement...

Finance and Investment

13.06.2025

Uzbekistan secures over 30 investment deals on second day of Tashkent International Investment Forum

The second day of the Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s status as a key investment destination in Central Asia, with the signing of more than 30 investment agreements and memorandums.

These deals involved a diverse group of foreign companies, including ACWA Power, Bell Engineering Software Technologists, HYPER Partners, Shaanxi...

The second day of the Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s status as a key investment destination in Central Asia, with the signing of more than 30 investment agreements and memorandums.

These deals involved a diverse group of foreign companies, including ACWA Power, Bell Engineering Software Technologists, HYPER Partners, Shaanxi...

13.06.2025

Uzbekistan initiates PPP projects worth nearly $4.5bn across key infrastructure sectors

In 2025, nearly $4.5bn worth of public-private partnership (PPP) projects have been launched in road construction, transport, energy, water supply, irrigation, and other sectors, reflecting Uzbekistan’s commitment to expanding collaboration with international investors.

The announcement was made during the third plenary session of the Foreign Investors Council, held on June 11...

In 2025, nearly $4.5bn worth of public-private partnership (PPP) projects have been launched in road construction, transport, energy, water supply, irrigation, and other sectors, reflecting Uzbekistan’s commitment to expanding collaboration with international investors.

The announcement was made during the third plenary session of the Foreign Investors Council, held on June 11...

13.06.2025

Uzbekistan signs investment agreements with Afghanistan, Japan, and global partners at TIIF 2025

Amid bustling activity at the IV Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2025), Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, led a series of strategic meetings and signed major agreements with international partners, paving the way for billions in investment and deeper regional cooperation.

In a bilateral meeting with Afghanistan’s Minister...

Amid bustling activity at the IV Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2025), Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, led a series of strategic meetings and signed major agreements with international partners, paving the way for billions in investment and deeper regional cooperation.

In a bilateral meeting with Afghanistan’s Minister...

13.06.2025

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development commits $250mn to modernise Uzbekistan’s irrigation system and boost energy efficiency

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has pledged up to $250mn (€240mn) in a sovereign loan to support Uzbekistan’s efforts to modernise its irrigation infrastructure. The funds will enable the Ministry of Water Resources to upgrade 110 pumping stations across 10 regions, aiming to improve the efficiency of...

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has pledged up to $250mn (€240mn) in a sovereign loan to support Uzbekistan’s efforts to modernise its irrigation infrastructure. The funds will enable the Ministry of Water Resources to upgrade 110 pumping stations across 10 regions, aiming to improve the efficiency of...

13.06.2025

Uzbekistan holds meeting with representatives of JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Global Evolution

On 11 June, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan, Jamshid Kuchkarov, held a meeting with representatives of JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Global Evolution.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a financial holding company engaged in investment banking and financial services, operating globally under the J.P. Morgan...

On 11 June, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan, Jamshid Kuchkarov, held a meeting with representatives of JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Global Evolution.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a financial holding company engaged in investment banking and financial services, operating globally under the J.P. Morgan...

13.06.2025

Karakalpakstan 2035: Uzbekistan’s new investment frontier

Saida Mirziyoyeva, Assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, took part in the IV Tashkent International Investment Forum, where she announced the development of a comprehensive strategy for Karakalpakstan through to 2035 and invited investors to contribute to the region’s growth.

“The development of Karakalpakstan, strengthening its regional economy, and improving the...

Saida Mirziyoyeva, Assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, took part in the IV Tashkent International Investment Forum, where she announced the development of a comprehensive strategy for Karakalpakstan through to 2035 and invited investors to contribute to the region’s growth.

“The development of Karakalpakstan, strengthening its regional economy, and improving the...

13.06.2025

Uzbek Central Bank keeps key interest rate unchanged at 14 percent

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has decided to keep the key interest rate unchanged at 14 percent per annum. The decision is aimed at mitigating the secondary effects of rising energy prices and ensuring a stable downward trend in overall inflation.

At its meeting on June 12, the Board of the...

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has decided to keep the key interest rate unchanged at 14 percent per annum. The decision is aimed at mitigating the secondary effects of rising energy prices and ensuring a stable downward trend in overall inflation.

At its meeting on June 12, the Board of the...

13.06.2025

Uzum Market files complaint, triggers case against YandexGo for reputation damage

The Committee for the Development of Competition and Protection of Consumer Rights has initiated proceedings against YandexGo UB over alleged unfair competition and damage to the business reputation of Uzum Market, based on a complaint submitted by the latter.

According to the Committee’s official statement, Uzum Market filed a complaint claiming...

The Committee for the Development of Competition and Protection of Consumer Rights has initiated proceedings against YandexGo UB over alleged unfair competition and damage to the business reputation of Uzum Market, based on a complaint submitted by the latter.

According to the Committee’s official statement, Uzum Market filed a complaint claiming...

13.06.2025

Inflationary pressure from exchange rate expected to ease in Uzbekistan

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan forecasts that the influence of the U.S. dollar exchange rate on domestic inflation will weaken in the coming months. This outlook is supported by growing export revenues, increased remittances, and rising inflows of foreign investment.

As it was earlier reported, the Central Bank’s Board decided to...

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan forecasts that the influence of the U.S. dollar exchange rate on domestic inflation will weaken in the coming months. This outlook is supported by growing export revenues, increased remittances, and rising inflows of foreign investment.

As it was earlier reported, the Central Bank’s Board decided to...

Oil and Gas Sector

13.06.2025

President of Uzbekistan explores deeper cooperation with European business leaders

As part of the Tashkent International Investment Forum and the meeting of the Foreign Investors Council, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a high-level meeting with executives from several leading European companies, including Standard Chartered, International Hospitals Group, LVMH, and Airbus.

The President emphasised that the growing presence of European delegations...

As part of the Tashkent International Investment Forum and the meeting of the Foreign Investors Council, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a high-level meeting with executives from several leading European companies, including Standard Chartered, International Hospitals Group, LVMH, and Airbus.

The President emphasised that the growing presence of European delegations...

Energy Industry

13.06.2025

Uzbekistan builds two nuclear power plants: six small modular reactors and new two-unit NPP

The nuclear power project in Uzbekistan, implemented in cooperation with Russian state corporation Rosatom, has been restructured and expanded to include both small-scale and large-scale nuclear facilities, according to the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia.

"Last year marked the launch of a small modular nuclear power plant (SMR) project. This...

The nuclear power project in Uzbekistan, implemented in cooperation with Russian state corporation Rosatom, has been restructured and expanded to include both small-scale and large-scale nuclear facilities, according to the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia.

"Last year marked the launch of a small modular nuclear power plant (SMR) project. This...

13.06.2025

Hydraulic testing of heating networks underway in Tashkent as part of winter preparations

From 30 May to 17 July 2025, scheduled hydraulic tests are being conducted across the capital to assess the strength and integrity of the city’s heating networks, according to a statement from Veolia Energy Tashkent’s press service.

These tests are part of routine preparations for the upcoming heating season and will...

From 30 May to 17 July 2025, scheduled hydraulic tests are being conducted across the capital to assess the strength and integrity of the city’s heating networks, according to a statement from Veolia Energy Tashkent’s press service.

These tests are part of routine preparations for the upcoming heating season and will...

Manufacturing industry

13.06.2025

János Kovács appointed as CEO of UzAuto Motors

The Supervisory Board of UzAuto Motors has appointed János Kovács as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Originally from Hungary, Kovács graduated from the Budapest University of Technology with a degree in Automotive Engineering.

With over 20 years of experience in the global automotive industry, he is recognized as a seasoned executive,...

The Supervisory Board of UzAuto Motors has appointed János Kovács as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Originally from Hungary, Kovács graduated from the Budapest University of Technology with a degree in Automotive Engineering.

With over 20 years of experience in the global automotive industry, he is recognized as a seasoned executive,...

13.06.2025

Minister of Construction of Uzbekistan meets with China CAMC Engineering delegation

As part of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, the Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of Uzbekistan, Sherzod Khidayatov, held a meeting with a delegation led by Wang Bo, Chairman of the Board of China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd.

The discussions focused on the strategic priorities set by the...

As part of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, the Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of Uzbekistan, Sherzod Khidayatov, held a meeting with a delegation led by Wang Bo, Chairman of the Board of China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd.

The discussions focused on the strategic priorities set by the...

13.06.2025

Volkswagen to launch car production in Uzbekistan in partnership with Uzavtosanoat

Volkswagen signed a contract to begin large-unit assembly of vehicles in Uzbekistan in collaboration with Alyans Auto, a subsidiary of Uzavtosanoat. Component deliveries are planned from China. “We have eight stylish sedans and spacious SUVs,” a Volkswagen representative stated.

German car manufacturer Volkswagen and Uzbekistan’s Uzavtosanoat signed a cooperation agreement, member...

Volkswagen signed a contract to begin large-unit assembly of vehicles in Uzbekistan in collaboration with Alyans Auto, a subsidiary of Uzavtosanoat. Component deliveries are planned from China. “We have eight stylish sedans and spacious SUVs,” a Volkswagen representative stated.

German car manufacturer Volkswagen and Uzbekistan’s Uzavtosanoat signed a cooperation agreement, member...

Regional News

13.06.2025

Russian State Duma approves bill on introduction of new form of money in budget process

The draft law on the phased integration of the digital rouble into the budget process was approved by the State Duma on June 11 in the first reading. Starting in October, this technology is planned to be used in a pilot mode for such types of payments as budget subsidies,...

The draft law on the phased integration of the digital rouble into the budget process was approved by the State Duma on June 11 in the first reading. Starting in October, this technology is planned to be used in a pilot mode for such types of payments as budget subsidies,...

13.06.2025

Sanctions against Russia lead to increase in use of anti-search bans in United Kingdom

In the UK, over the past five years, the total number of cases in the courts has increased on the imposition of anti-search prohibitions that prevent the initiation of proceedings in another jurisdiction. In 74% of cases, sanctions against Russia were the main factor for the parties requesting such measures....

In the UK, over the past five years, the total number of cases in the courts has increased on the imposition of anti-search prohibitions that prevent the initiation of proceedings in another jurisdiction. In 74% of cases, sanctions against Russia were the main factor for the parties requesting such measures....

13.06.2025

Russian-Chinese trade turnover decreases by 8%

Mutual trade between China and Russia continues to decline, while China's overall trade turnover with other countries is growing. Traditionally, Russian exports to China are based on hydrocarbons, the supply of which to China is noticeably decreasing both in physical and monetary terms. Russia is gradually losing interest in Chinese...

Mutual trade between China and Russia continues to decline, while China's overall trade turnover with other countries is growing. Traditionally, Russian exports to China are based on hydrocarbons, the supply of which to China is noticeably decreasing both in physical and monetary terms. Russia is gradually losing interest in Chinese...

13.06.2025

Chinese seaport cities record rapid growth of port economy in 2024

The added value of Chinese seaport cities in the port economy in 2024 reached 6.7 trillion yuan (about 933 billion US dollar), which is 360.6 billion yuan more than in 2023. This is reported in a report distributed as part of the 3rd Tianjin International Shipping Exhibition, which opened here...

The added value of Chinese seaport cities in the port economy in 2024 reached 6.7 trillion yuan (about 933 billion US dollar), which is 360.6 billion yuan more than in 2023. This is reported in a report distributed as part of the 3rd Tianjin International Shipping Exhibition, which opened here...

13.06.2025

Trading on Chinese stock exchanges ends with multidirectional movement of quotations

Trading on Chinese stock exchanges ended today with a multidirectional movement of quotations. The Shanghai Composite index, reflecting the situation on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, increased by 0.01 percent. compared to the previous trading day, it amounted to 3,402.66 points.

The indicator Shenzhen component, which is an indicator of business activity...

Trading on Chinese stock exchanges ended today with a multidirectional movement of quotations. The Shanghai Composite index, reflecting the situation on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, increased by 0.01 percent. compared to the previous trading day, it amounted to 3,402.66 points.

The indicator Shenzhen component, which is an indicator of business activity...

13.06.2025

China's transport system passes 64.59 billion interregional trips in 2024

In 2024, Chinese residents made 64.59 billion interregional trips, which is 5.4 percent more than in the previous year. This is evidenced by the statistical report on the development of the transport industry for 2024, released on Thursday by the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China.

According to...

In 2024, Chinese residents made 64.59 billion interregional trips, which is 5.4 percent more than in the previous year. This is evidenced by the statistical report on the development of the transport industry for 2024, released on Thursday by the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China.

According to...