Issue 1772 - 06.02.2025
06.02.2025

Uzbekistan, Malaysia declare 2025-2026 as era of innovative collaboration

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim have agreed to initiate a new phase of innovative development in bilateral relations, strengthening economic, trade, and cultural ties.

The high-level talks took place at the Perdana Putra government complex in Kuala Lumpur, with both leaders first meeting in a narrow format before engaging in discussions with official delegations. President Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and congratulated Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the success of Malaysia’s "Madani" state strategy.

The two leaders noted that the historic visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to Uzbekistan in May 2023 provided fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation. Political dialogue and inter-parliamentary relations have since expanded, while mutual trade, joint ventures, and air connectivity between the two nations continue to grow.

Economic and trade cooperation was a central focus of the discussions. Both sides agreed to:

·         Develop an Agreement on Preferential Trade to facilitate increased commerce.

·         Organize mutual industrial exhibitions and adopt an Industrial Cooperation Program.

·         Establish a special economic zone in Tashkent under the management of a leading Malaysian company to support investment projects.

Malaysia reaffirmed its support for Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), emphasizing the importance of integrating Uzbekistan into the global trade system.

The two leaders also declared 2025-2026 as a period of innovative development in Uzbek-Malaysian relations, identifying key areas for collaboration:

·         Petrochemicals and chemicals

·         Electronics and semiconductor industries

·         Smart agriculture and green energy

·         Pilgrimage tourism and cultural exchanges

To enhance cooperation, a strategic dialogue platform for foreign ministers will be established to oversee high-level agreements.

Cultural and humanitarian exchanges will also be strengthened. Cultural weeks will be held in Uzbekistan and Malaysia this year to foster greater people-to-people ties.

The leaders discussed regional security, emphasizing joint efforts in countering terrorism, radicalism, and Islamophobia. They also stressed the importance of cooperation within international organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

To ensure the effective implementation of the agreements, Uzbekistan and Malaysia will develop a "road map" outlining key steps and timelines. At the end of the talks, President Mirziyoyev invited Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to visit Uzbekistan, further reinforcing the commitment to deepening ties.

In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with Uzbekistan saw a slight decline of 13.2% to RM369.8mn ($80.9mn), down from RM426.1mn ($94mn) in 2023.

Reported by Daryo (Uzbekistan).

Uzbekistan General

06.02.2025

Uzbekistan empowers 251,400 women with jobs in 2024

Uzbekistan made strides in supporting women’s employment and entrepreneurship in 2024, with 251,400 women securing permanent jobs and 54,500 engaged in public works.  

These achievements were highlighted during a meeting of the Republican Commission on enhancing the role of women in society, gender equality and the family, held in the Senate of the...

Uzbekistan made strides in supporting women’s employment and entrepreneurship in 2024, with 251,400 women securing permanent jobs and 54,500 engaged in public works.  

These achievements were highlighted during a meeting of the Republican Commission on enhancing the role of women in society, gender equality and the family, held in the Senate of the...

06.02.2025

Uzbekistan and Malaysia sign joint statement on deepening cooperation

Following productive talks held in Kuala Lumpur, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim signed a Joint Statement aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and developing a strategic partnership.

In addition, a series of important agreements were signed covering key areas of interaction. These...

Following productive talks held in Kuala Lumpur, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim signed a Joint Statement aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and developing a strategic partnership.

In addition, a series of important agreements were signed covering key areas of interaction. These...

06.02.2025

Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia discuss bilateral cooperation

On 4 February, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bakhramjon A’loev, held a meeting with the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Uzbekistan, Yusuf al-Utaibi.

During the meeting, the parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on deepening trade and economic ties, intensifying...

On 4 February, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bakhramjon A’loev, held a meeting with the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Uzbekistan, Yusuf al-Utaibi.

During the meeting, the parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on deepening trade and economic ties, intensifying...

06.02.2025

Uzbekistan and Russia expand cooperation in education and labour migration

A delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Behzod Musaev, Director of the Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers, is currently on an official visit to Moscow, Russia.

The delegation includes Shokhrukh Daliyev, First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of Uzbekistan, who is holding a series of key negotiations.

One...

A delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Behzod Musaev, Director of the Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers, is currently on an official visit to Moscow, Russia.

The delegation includes Shokhrukh Daliyev, First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of Uzbekistan, who is holding a series of key negotiations.

One...

06.02.2025

Uzbekistan-Pakistan political consultations held in Tashkent

On 5 February 2025, the eighth round of Uzbekistan-Pakistan inter-ministerial political consultations took place in Tashkent. The delegations were led by First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bahromjon Aloev and Pakistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Syed Ali Asad Gilani.

During the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of issues...

On 5 February 2025, the eighth round of Uzbekistan-Pakistan inter-ministerial political consultations took place in Tashkent. The delegations were led by First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bahromjon Aloev and Pakistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Syed Ali Asad Gilani.

During the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of issues...

Finance and Investment

06.02.2025

Uzbekistan attracts over 333 trillion soum in foreign investments and loans in 2024

Uzbekistan achieved significant success in attracting foreign investments and loans in 2024, according to the Statistics Agency.

The total amount of funds directed toward fixed capital reached 333.8 trillion soum.

This sum includes:

150.5 trillion soum in foreign direct investments (FDI),

159.6 trillion soum in other foreign investments and loans,

23.6 trillion soum in state-guaranteed...

Uzbekistan achieved significant success in attracting foreign investments and loans in 2024, according to the Statistics Agency.

The total amount of funds directed toward fixed capital reached 333.8 trillion soum.

This sum includes:

150.5 trillion soum in foreign direct investments (FDI),

159.6 trillion soum in other foreign investments and loans,

23.6 trillion soum in state-guaranteed...

06.02.2025

Uzbekistan and Gazprombank develop strategy for adapting economy to climate challenges

Minister of Ecology, Environment, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan Aziz Abdukhakimov met with the First Vice President of Gazprombank Ekaterina Salugina-Sorokova to discuss prospects for cooperation in adapting the Uzbek economy to water and climate challenges and global green transformation. The implementation of the relevant project is planned for 2025–2026.

The...

Minister of Ecology, Environment, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan Aziz Abdukhakimov met with the First Vice President of Gazprombank Ekaterina Salugina-Sorokova to discuss prospects for cooperation in adapting the Uzbek economy to water and climate challenges and global green transformation. The implementation of the relevant project is planned for 2025–2026.

The...

06.02.2025

Over 1 trillion UZS in cashback returned to citizens in 2024 by Uzbek State Tax Committee

The State Tax Committee of Uzbekistan has reported that over 1 trillion UZS in cashback was disbursed to consumers nationwide in 2024, based on 1 billion verified receipts.

Residents of Tashkent received the highest cashback amounts, totaling 412.2 billion UZS. In December alone, 89.2 billion UZS in cashback was confirmed.

The distribution...

The State Tax Committee of Uzbekistan has reported that over 1 trillion UZS in cashback was disbursed to consumers nationwide in 2024, based on 1 billion verified receipts.

Residents of Tashkent received the highest cashback amounts, totaling 412.2 billion UZS. In December alone, 89.2 billion UZS in cashback was confirmed.

The distribution...

06.02.2025

Dollar declines slightly in Uzbekistan

On February 5, the dollar decreased by 13.59 soum, settling at 12,985.32 soum at the currency exchange. The Central Bank of Uzbekistan maintained the U.S. dollar exchange rate at this level.

The dollar is purchased for 12,925 to 12,965 soum at banks’ exchange offices and sold for 13,000 to 13,060 soum.

By Yelena Kim for

On February 5, the dollar decreased by 13.59 soum, settling at 12,985.32 soum at the currency exchange. The Central Bank of Uzbekistan maintained the U.S. dollar exchange rate at this level.

The dollar is purchased for 12,925 to 12,965 soum at banks’ exchange offices and sold for 13,000 to 13,060 soum.

By Yelena Kim for Kursiv...

Oil and Gas Sector

06.02.2025

Uzbek head of state discusses cooperation with Petronas

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim jointly visited the headquarters of Petronas, located in the famous Twin Towers complex, and held talks with the company’s president, Mohamed Taufik.

The meeting focused on prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with the global company, which holds leading...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim jointly visited the headquarters of Petronas, located in the famous Twin Towers complex, and held talks with the company’s president, Mohamed Taufik.

The meeting focused on prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with the global company, which holds leading...

Agriculture

06.02.2025

Agricultural land productivity in Uzbekistan to be improved

The President of Uzbekistan has signed a decree titled on Additional Measures to Improve the Fertility of Agricultural Lands and Create Favorable Conditions for Attracting Investments in the Sector.

The document introduces, on an experimental basis, a new system for allocating agricultural land, based on the principles of tenant independence and...

The President of Uzbekistan has signed a decree titled on Additional Measures to Improve the Fertility of Agricultural Lands and Create Favorable Conditions for Attracting Investments in the Sector.

The document introduces, on an experimental basis, a new system for allocating agricultural land, based on the principles of tenant independence and...

06.02.2025

Uzbekistan exports 85,763 tons of persimmons in 2024

From January to December 2024, Uzbekistan exported 85,763 tons of persimmons, generating a total revenue of US$57 million, according to the Statistics Agency.

Russia was the primary export destination, receiving 64,344 tons of Uzbek persimmons. Kazakhstan imported 15,369 tons, while Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan received 3,348 tons and 1,747 tons, respectively.

Additionally, Uzbekistan...

From January to December 2024, Uzbekistan exported 85,763 tons of persimmons, generating a total revenue of US$57 million, according to the Statistics Agency.

Russia was the primary export destination, receiving 64,344 tons of Uzbek persimmons. Kazakhstan imported 15,369 tons, while Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan received 3,348 tons and 1,747 tons, respectively.

Additionally, Uzbekistan...

Metals and Minerals

06.02.2025

Gold bar prices reach record highs in Uzbekistan for four consecutive days

Since the beginning of the year, gold bar prices in the domestic market have risen by nearly 8%, reaching a new all-time high for the fourth consecutive trading day on Wednesday, February 5, according to the Central Bank.

A five-gram gold bar is now priced at 6.114 million UZS, while the...

Since the beginning of the year, gold bar prices in the domestic market have risen by nearly 8%, reaching a new all-time high for the fourth consecutive trading day on Wednesday, February 5, according to the Central Bank.

A five-gram gold bar is now priced at 6.114 million UZS, while the...

Manufacturing industry

06.02.2025

Kazakhstan establishes Industrial Cooperation Centre at Uzbek border

In 2027, an international centre for industrial cooperation called Central Asia will be launched on the border between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The Parliament of Kazakhstan, has ratified the intergovernmental agreement for this initiative.

The centre will be situated near the checkpoints Gulistan and Atameken. Plans include building warehouses, terminals, processing plants for agricultural...

In 2027, an international centre for industrial cooperation called Central Asia will be launched on the border between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The Parliament of Kazakhstan, has ratified the intergovernmental agreement for this initiative.

The centre will be situated near the checkpoints Gulistan and Atameken. Plans include building warehouses, terminals, processing plants for agricultural...

Communications and Transportation

06.02.2025

Uzbekistan imports over 24,000 electric vehicles in 2024

In 2024, Uzbekistan imported 24,095 electric vehicles worth US$224.8 million, according to preliminary data from the Statistics Agency.

The main supplier of electric vehicles was the People's Republic of China, from which 23,982 vehicles were imported.

Other countries significantly lag behind China in terms of supply volumes. For instance, 51 electric vehicles...

In 2024, Uzbekistan imported 24,095 electric vehicles worth US$224.8 million, according to preliminary data from the Statistics Agency.

The main supplier of electric vehicles was the People's Republic of China, from which 23,982 vehicles were imported.

Other countries significantly lag behind China in terms of supply volumes. For instance, 51 electric vehicles...

06.02.2025

1.52 trillion soum allocated for Tashkent public transport in 2024

In 2024, Toshshakhartranskhizmat and the Tashkent Metro received a total of 1.52 trillion soum in funding from the state budget. This was reported by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan.

The largest portion of the allocated funds — nearly 1.08 trillion soum — was directed to "Toshshakhartranskhizmat."

Meanwhile, the Tashkent...

In 2024, Toshshakhartranskhizmat and the Tashkent Metro received a total of 1.52 trillion soum in funding from the state budget. This was reported by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan.

The largest portion of the allocated funds — nearly 1.08 trillion soum — was directed to "Toshshakhartranskhizmat."

Meanwhile, the Tashkent...

Pharmaceutical and Healthcare News

06.02.2025

Illegal circulation of potent drugs prevented in Uzbekistan

Incidents of illegal circulation of potent pharmaceutical substances have been prevented in the Andijan and Tashkent regions.

During operational measures carried out in the Andijan region, a suspect named S.T. and others were detained for violating the law on the sale of pharmaceuticals. They were involved in the illegal trade of...

Incidents of illegal circulation of potent pharmaceutical substances have been prevented in the Andijan and Tashkent regions.

During operational measures carried out in the Andijan region, a suspect named S.T. and others were detained for violating the law on the sale of pharmaceuticals. They were involved in the illegal trade of...

Regional News

06.02.2025

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan lead in mutual investments in the Eurasian Region

Investment ties among Central Asian countries continue to strengthen. By the end of the first half of 2024, intraregional accumulated investments in the region Asia grew by 40% over a year and a half, reaching $834 million, according to the Eurasian Development Bank’s (EDB) report Monitoring of Mutual Investments of...

Investment ties among Central Asian countries continue to strengthen. By the end of the first half of 2024, intraregional accumulated investments in the region Asia grew by 40% over a year and a half, reaching $834 million, according to the Eurasian Development Bank’s (EDB) report Monitoring of Mutual Investments of...

06.02.2025

Budgets of Russia's regions grow within limits of inflation

The total deficit of unconsolidated regional budgets (excluding local ones) by the end of 2024 was 388 billion rouble, which is 70% higher than in 2023 (228 billion rouble), ACRA experts calculated for Kommersant according to the Unified Portal of the Budget System (the Ministry of Finance has not yet...

The total deficit of unconsolidated regional budgets (excluding local ones) by the end of 2024 was 388 billion rouble, which is 70% higher than in 2023 (228 billion rouble), ACRA experts calculated for Kommersant according to the Unified Portal of the Budget System (the Ministry of Finance has not yet...

06.02.2025

Russia does not see cooling economy

Analysts at the Bank of Russia's Research and Forecasting Department (DIP) found not a slowdown, but an acceleration in economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, while budget expenditures increased and credit momentum slowed. Inflation remained elevated in late 2024 and early 2025 due to excessive demand and lack...

Analysts at the Bank of Russia's Research and Forecasting Department (DIP) found not a slowdown, but an acceleration in economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, while budget expenditures increased and credit momentum slowed. Inflation remained elevated in late 2024 and early 2025 due to excessive demand and lack...

06.02.2025

Rouble gains ground, February promises to support it

The Russian stock market, after correcting the day before against the background of statements by the White House about the lack of specifics about the negotiations on Ukraine and progress in resolving the conflict, continued to slide down. By the middle of the day, the market intensified its decline, but...

The Russian stock market, after correcting the day before against the background of statements by the White House about the lack of specifics about the negotiations on Ukraine and progress in resolving the conflict, continued to slide down. By the middle of the day, the market intensified its decline, but...

06.02.2025

Corporate bonds in Russia show historic record in January

The beginning of 2025 turned out to be the most successful year for the corporate bond segment in the history of the Russian debt market: the volume of borrowings exceeded 459 billion rouble. This is almost four times higher than the previous January 2020 record. Issuers and investors not only...

The beginning of 2025 turned out to be the most successful year for the corporate bond segment in the history of the Russian debt market: the volume of borrowings exceeded 459 billion rouble. This is almost four times higher than the previous January 2020 record. Issuers and investors not only...

06.02.2025

Only 1% of enterprises in Russia want to hire migrant workers from Central Asia

Ideally, Russian industrial enterprises would like to solve the personnel problem by either graduates of secondary specialized educational institutions (colleges) or employees from other factories in the same region. And the most undesirable option for most industrial enterprises was the employment of migrants from Central Asia and Kazakhstan, surveys by...

Ideally, Russian industrial enterprises would like to solve the personnel problem by either graduates of secondary specialized educational institutions (colleges) or employees from other factories in the same region. And the most undesirable option for most industrial enterprises was the employment of migrants from Central Asia and Kazakhstan, surveys by...

06.02.2025

Number of domestic tourist trips in China during holidays reaches record

The number of domestic tourist trips in China during the Lunar New Year holidays has reached a record this year, as has the amount of tourists' expenses.

The total number of domestic trips over the eight days of the holidays increased by 5.9% compared to last year, to 501 million, Xinhua...

The number of domestic tourist trips in China during the Lunar New Year holidays has reached a record this year, as has the amount of tourists' expenses.

The total number of domestic trips over the eight days of the holidays increased by 5.9% compared to last year, to 501 million, Xinhua...

06.02.2025

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, which reflects the situation on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, fell by 0.65 percent compared to the results of the previous trading day, it amounted to 3,229.49 points.

The indicator Shenzhen component, which is an...

Trading on Chinese stock exchanges ended today with a multidirectional movement of quotations. The Shanghai Composite index, which reflects the situation on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, fell by 0.65 percent compared to the results of the previous trading day, it amounted to 3,229.49 points.

The indicator Shenzhen component, which is an...

06.02.2025

8-day Spring holiday in China spurs travel and consumption

During the 8-day Spring Holiday (Chunjie, traditional Chinese New Year), the world's second-largest economy experienced a boom in shopping and travel driven by the family reunification of hundreds of millions of Chinese.

This year, from January 28 to February 4, China has been celebrating long public holidays on the occasion of...

During the 8-day Spring Holiday (Chunjie, traditional Chinese New Year), the world's second-largest economy experienced a boom in shopping and travel driven by the family reunification of hundreds of millions of Chinese.

This year, from January 28 to February 4, China has been celebrating long public holidays on the occasion of...