Customs Modernization: Uzbekistan says it has simplified clearance for most shipments—94% of exports and 87% of imports now go through simplified procedures—cutting customs declaration processing time to about 20 minutes as it prepares for WTO accession. Water Infrastructure Digitization: Kazakhstan is digitizing and restructuring water management, with over 23,000 water bodies already mapped in a national system, aiming for better water security and decision-making. Regional Security & Crime: South Korea reports 110 foreign fugitives hiding in the country, with Uzbekistan listed among the nationalities most represented. Uzbekistan-Serbia Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is on an official visit to Serbia, with high-level talks and a business forum expected to deepen cooperation. Uzbekistan-Qatar Trade: Qatar-Uzbekistan trade rose more than 30% in 2025, and both sides are pushing new projects in energy, logistics, infrastructure, and tourism. Tech & Business: A Tashkent region meeting with Japanese firms focused on digital transformation, green tech, and plans for an IT outsourcing hub and smart city pilot. Sports Spotlight: Uzbek chess challenger Javokhir Sindarov drew rare praise from Magnus Carlsen after a solid performance in the Global Chess League.