AGP Executive Report

Uzbekistan–Nuclear Energy: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi met Saida Mirziyoyeva in Tashkent, reaffirming support as Uzbekistan moves ahead with building a nuclear power plant in Jizzakh. Uzbekistan–Russia Diplomacy: President Mirziyoyev arrived in St. Petersburg for high-level talks with Vladimir Putin and to formally kick off construction of Uzbekistan’s first integrated nuclear power unit. Capital Markets: Uzbekistan’s GDRs jumped on the London Stock Exchange after Fitch revised the country’s outlook to positive, boosting investor confidence in reforms. Logistics & Trade: Oman’s Asyad Group agreed to acquire a controlling stake in key Uzbek logistics platforms, aiming to strengthen cargo corridors. Corruption Crackdown: Namangan authorities detained an investigator and a lawyer in a $40,000 bribe case. Power & Cities: A technical fault at Tashkent’s thermal power plant caused a temporary blackout and brief metro disruptions. Education Policy: Applicants with B1 foreign-language certificates will get 75% of the maximum score in entrance exams. International Links: Belgium plans to open an embassy in Tashkent; Uzbekistan and Hong Kong expanded visa-free travel discussions. Culture: Architect Kulapat Yantrasast was appointed artistic director of the 2027 Bukhara Biennial.

Energy & Industry: Uzbekistan boosted electricity generation by 5.8% in Jan–May 2026, producing 37.6842 billion kWh while consumption rose 3.8% year-on-year. Regional Connectivity: Tashkent hosted the second Termez Dialogue on Central and South Asia connectivity, with officials stressing practical projects and trust-building under a UN-backed framework. Telecom Investment: The planned sale of state mobile operator MobiUz is being framed as a major Central Asia investment signal, with a bidder committing $500m for infrastructure. Governance & Transparency: A draft decree would expand open-data disclosure, including monthly reporting on construction documentation reviews and permits. Real Estate Administration: Uzbekistan approved new rules for technical inventory of real estate, covering cadastral files, electronic plans, and appeal rights. Diplomacy: President Mirziyoyev met Hong Kong’s leader John Lee to deepen Uzbekistan–China ties and move toward visa-free travel talks. Public Safety: Uzbekistan’s foreign ministry said no Uzbek citizens were among the victims of a Delhi hotel fire. World Cup Link: Uzbekistan’s World Cup debut is set for June 17 vs Colombia.

Ukraine-Russia Tensions: Ukrainian drones struck Saint Petersburg as the “Russian Davos” economic forum opened, damaging infrastructure and prompting airport disruptions, while Zelensky warned more retaliation. Uzbekistan Credit Boost: Fitch revised Uzbekistan’s outlook to “positive,” citing structural reforms, stronger fiscal indicators, and rising reserves. World Cup Watch: AFC nations booked places for the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Uzbekistan among debutants; meanwhile, Canada’s Alphonso Davies and Moïse Bombito remain injury question marks ahead of the opener. Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan & Hong Kong: Tashkent and Bishkek discussed expanding trade, transport, and cultural ties, while Uzbekistan and Hong Kong agreed on a 30-day mutual visa-free arrangement. Tourism & Heritage: Uzbekistan and the World Bank discussed tourism development, and the US-backed first phase of Sherdor Madrasa restoration in Samarkand was completed. Competition Enforcement: Uzbekistan’s competition authority opened cases over violations worth over 8 billion soums, including coal and flour sold outside required exchange rules. Inclusive Jobs: Yandex Lavka expanded roles for hearing-impaired workers in Tashkent warehouses.

Nature4Health: Uzbekistan has officially entered the Nature4Health Phase II scoping stage as a country partner, aiming to strengthen “One Health” links between ecosystems, animals and people—starting with Karakalpakstan’s desertification and biodiversity pressures. Environment & Development: In Samarkand, CAREC is taking part in the 8th GEF Assembly and Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, including a Central Asia water-land nexus workshop focused on ecosystem restoration and resilience. Culture Reform: President Mirziyoyev has launched sweeping changes to Uzbekistan’s film industry to remove Soviet-era censorship structures, shift script review to professional experts, and boost international festival-ready productions. Sports Disruptions: DR Congo’s World Cup warm-up against Chile in Spain was cancelled by local authorities over Ebola concerns, adding to preparation setbacks. World Football Build-up: FIFA confirmed final squads for the 2026 World Cup—48 teams, 1,248 players—while the tournament schedule and broadcast plans are rolling out ahead of the June 11 start.

World Cup Watch: FIFA confirmed record 1,248 players from 48 nations for the 2026 World Cup, with 891 debutants and squads set to kick off June 11 across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Uzbekistan Football: Uzbekistan’s World Cup debut continues to draw attention after Canada beat Uzbekistan 2-0 in a rainy Edmonton friendly, while coach Fabio Cannavaro leads the squad at the tournament. Health & Sports: A DR Congo pre-World Cup friendly in Spain was canceled over Ebola fears, with local authorities in La Línea citing health-service recommendations. Diplomacy: Uzbekistan will host the second Termez Dialogue (June 4–6) on Afghanistan engagement and regional connectivity, with 150+ representatives expected. Foreign Relations: Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov discussed strategic ties with Azerbaijan and public diplomacy cooperation with the U.S. Regional Links: Shirak Avia launched Yerevan–Tashkent–Yerevan flights, restoring direct capital-to-capital connectivity. Energy & Investment: Saudi Arabia and the UAE were highlighted as key partners in Uzbekistan’s renewable energy push at Baku Energy Week. Education Quality: Uzbekistan’s education quality assurance agency gained INQAAHE membership in London, aiming for stronger international recognition.

Culture & IP Push: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev unveiled a wide package to revive Uzbekistan’s culture and arts, pairing tax relief and funding with stronger copyright protection, including a digital system using AI to track creative assets and safeguard author payments. Social Support for Creatives: The plan also introduces vouchers for public servants, students, and low-income families, plus district-level directorates to manage venues and event spending. Energy Stability Talk: The Energy Ministry said power outages can’t be solved by infrastructure alone, urging more rational electricity use while grid upgrades continue after June 1 tariff changes. Trade Diplomacy: Qatar and Uzbekistan chambers met in Tashkent to activate their Joint Business Council, aiming to boost trade, investment, and halal cooperation. Sports—World Cup Prep: Uzbekistan lost 2-0 to Canada in a rainy Edmonton friendly, with Osorio and Nelson scoring; the match was part of Uzbekistan’s first World Cup buildup. Crime Crackdown: Prosecutors in Andijan uncovered a tax cashback fraud scheme using fake invoices and shell firms, siphoning UZS 35.1 billion. Diaspora & UN Ties: Saida Mirziyoyeva met Austrian parliamentary leaders and UN officials in Vienna, highlighting cooperation on reforms and anti-drug efforts.

Culture & Tax Boost: Uzbekistan is expanding tax incentives for the culture and arts sector, exempting eligible organizations from VAT, profit and turnover taxes, plus land, property and personal income taxes, while reimbursing up to 20% of concert/event costs from 1 July and offering free vouchers for hundreds of thousands of people to attend theatres, cinemas and concerts. Anti-Doping Reform: Uzbekistan says it has become the first country to align its national laws with the new WADA code, strengthening its anti-doping system ahead of the code’s next-year rollout. Electricity Disruptions in Tashkent: Power is being restored after faults at the Vystavochnaya 110/10/6 kV substation affected parts of Shaykhantahur and Almazar; emergency teams are working to fully restore supply. Local Governance Rumor Check: Tashkent authorities deny claims that the Sergeli car market will be demolished, saying renovation and modernization works are underway while the market continues operating normally. International Moves: Uzbekistan joins the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for the first time, and a Senate delegation led by Tanzila Narbayeva is set to visit Serbia. Regional Trade: Ferghana region’s first shipments of apricots and peaches have reached Malaysia as part of new agricultural export deals.

Tax & Business: Uzbekistan’s Tax Committee reviewed 82 entrepreneur appeals over UZS 375.1bn in penalties from Jan–Apr 2026, upholding regional decisions in 71 cases (UZS 342.2bn) while granting partial relief to four firms (about UZS 600m). Public Finance: State debt climbed to $47bn by end-Q1 2026, up $4.4bn year-on-year, with most growth tied to external borrowing used largely to cover the budget deficit and fuel-energy needs. Energy Transition: Battery storage capacity reached 1,545 MW, helping the grid cover about one-eighth of peak evening demand as renewables expand. Demographics: UNICEF projects Uzbekistan’s population will top 52m by 2050, driven by births outpacing deaths, with a rising share of older residents. Humanitarian Return: Uzbekistan reintegrated 530+ citizens returned from conflict zones via the Mehr operations, with about 75% being children now back in schools. Environment & Risk: Uzhydromet warns of heavy rain (June 2–5) in mountainous areas that could trigger mudslides and flash floods across multiple regions. Culture & State Honors: President Mirziyoyev awarded state honors to 167 cultural figures, including 24 posthumous awards, highlighting arts as a driver of national standing. World Cup Link: Transfermarkt values Uzbekistan’s World Cup squad at €78.73m and ranks the team 35th among participants. Transport & Connectivity: FLYONE Asia launched new Tashkent–Baku and Tashkent–Ganja routes, boosting Central Asia–South Caucasus travel.

World Cup Update: Canada’s Marcelo Flores will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after tearing his ACL in the Concacaf Champions Cup final, leaving coach Jesse Marsch without a replacement for now ahead of Monday’s friendly vs Uzbekistan in Edmonton. Road Safety & Youth: Uzbekistan has readied over 1,100 buses to transport children to summer camps, with 692 road patrol officers deployed and thousands of road inspections and repairs completed for safer routes. President’s Condolences: Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent condolences to Türkiye after a deadly bus crash in Denizli killed at least eight people and injured dozens. Environment & Finance: The Global Environment Facility’s 71st Council and the Eighth GEF Assembly are underway in Samarkand, with Uzbekistan hosting major discussions on climate and biodiversity funding through 2030. Energy Costs: Uzbekistan’s energy ministry says electricity and gas tariff increases are being indexed to inflation and tied to modernization needs, with average rises around 10%. Customs Cooperation: An Uzbekistan customs delegation is in the U.S. to expand cooperation on risk management, anti-smuggling efforts, radiation safety, and border infrastructure modernization. Culture & Creative Economy: Tashkent is set to premiere the puppet show “Caliph-Stork” and unveiled the Uzbekistan Creative Park, offering support and tax incentives for creative businesses.

Motorsport in Tashkent: The Open Central Asia Drift Cup launched at the CAEx exhibition complex, featuring 28 cars from Uzbekistan and abroad and adding an eSports GT3 stage under FIA rules. State honors for culture: Senate chair Tanzila Narbaeva visited families of prominent artists and delivered posthumous state decorations under a presidential decree. Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan trade push: Mirziyoyev and Tokayev signed a practical roadmap in Astana covering cooperation in autos, energy, chemicals, logistics, construction, housing and agriculture. Energy update: Uzbekistan’s BESS capacity reached 1,545 MW, covering over 13.5% of evening peak demand, supporting the country’s renewables buildout. Customs cooperation: Uzbekistan and the United States agreed to expand customs collaboration, including risk analysis, anti-smuggling and modernizing border checkpoints. Business tax relief: A new decree raises the VAT entry threshold from June 1 and offers a simplified VAT option for eligible small businesses. Regional security concern: Russia signed a military pact with the Afghan Taliban, drawing international alarm over regional militant risks. Sports spotlight: Uzbekistan’s U17 Greco-Roman team took second at the Asian championships in Vietnam with one gold and four other medals.

EAEU Trade & AI Push: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined EAEU leaders in Astana as the bloc backed new trade initiatives, including free-trade talks with Tunisia and updates to customs rules with Serbia, alongside a joint statement on responsible AI development. Cross-Border Food Safety: Russia’s Rosselkhoznadzor says it will restrict fruit and vegetable imports from 10 Uzbek exporters starting May 30, citing phytosanitary violations and quarantine inconsistencies. World Cup Prep With Uzbekistan Ties: Canada named its 26-player World Cup squad, with captain Alphonso Davies included despite a hamstring injury; the team will play Uzbekistan in a friendly in Edmonton ahead of the tournament. Uzbekistan in the Spotlight at GEF Assembly: Delegates are heading to the Global Environment Facility’s assembly in Samarkand to push environmental goals through local action and international cooperation. Sports—Regional Wrestling: Kyrgyzstan’s U-17 Greco-Roman wrestlers won second place overall at an Asian Championship in Vietnam, with Uzbekistan also finishing tied on points.

Industry & Investment: JAC officially opened a joint-venture plant in Tashkent’s Yangi Avlod Industrial Park, showcasing models from the M3 to T9 and signaling deeper Central Asia expansion. Small Business Relief: Saida Mirziyoyeva backed a presidential decree raising the VAT registration threshold from 1 billion to 5 billion soums, aiming to cut tax complexity and inspections that pushed firms to split artificially. EAEU Push: President Mirziyoyev proposed new initiatives at the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Astana, focusing on digital trade, industrial cooperation, transport connectivity and labor mobility; Kremlin spokesman Peskov said EAEU members support Uzbekistan’s integration interest. Trade & Borders: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan signed a practical action plan to implement investment and trade agreements across sectors like autos, energy, pharma and logistics. Agriculture Pressure: Russia’s Rosselkhoznadzor announced temporary restrictions on fruit and vegetable imports from 10 Uzbek exporters from May 30, citing phytosanitary violations. WTO Step: Uzbekistan signed a market access protocol with India as part of its WTO accession drive, targeting full membership before end-2026. Connectivity Forum: Tashkent will host the second Termez Dialogue on Central–South Asia connectivity on June 4–6. Aviation & Tourism: Uzbekistan discussed potential direct flights with China’s Spring Airlines at ITB China. Water Security: Uzbekistan plans five floodwater reservoirs (2027–2030) to boost irrigation and manage mudflows.

Eurasian Integration: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Astana for a working visit and is set to take part in the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting as an observer state. Small Business Tax Relief: Mirziyoyev signed a decree easing the tax burden for small firms, including a higher threshold for moving to the general taxation system, a simplified VAT regime for catering/trade/services, and fewer tax audits. Japan Ties: Uzbekistan and Japan held talks in Tokyo on expanding legal and consular cooperation, with focus on migration and protecting citizens’ rights. AI Tourism Push: Uzbekistan and BISU discussed an AI-driven “Smart Tourism Data System” and exploring a similar platform for Uzbekistan’s tourism sector. Environment & Agriculture: Uzbekistan and ICBA agreed to launch an accelerator program for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs to tackle Aral Sea region challenges like water scarcity and soil salinization. Security Update: Uzbekistan seized 26.5 kg of narcotics in Tashkent and Namangan regions and detained members of a transnational drug group. Tech & Energy: Ucell and ZTE rolled out an AI energy-efficiency solution across Ucell’s network, boosting energy efficiency by 10.6%. Pharma Incentives: Uzbekistan introduced new support for domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers, reimbursing part of costs for foreign consulting and international certification. Sports: Uzbekistan won 16 medals at the Asian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, including multiple golds.

Power Supply Disruptions in Bishkek: Scheduled maintenance will trigger electricity outages on May 29 across multiple Bishkek areas, including microdistricts “Tunguch” and “Vostok-5,” plus parts of Chuy Avenue and several residential zones. Uzbekistan–Afghanistan Trade: Uzbekistan’s private sector has signed trade deals with Afghanistan worth over $5 billion in eight months, with bilateral trade turnover rising from about $400–500 million to more than $1.5 billion. Uzbekistan–Germany Business Ties: Tashkent and Berlin discussed expanding trade and investment; bilateral turnover grew 13.2% in 2025 to $1.4 billion, with 233 German-capital firms operating in Uzbekistan. EAEU Summit in Astana: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will attend the EAEU Supreme Economic Council meeting in Astana on May 29 as an observer state. World Cup Focus: Uzbekistan unveiled its 2026 FIFA World Cup kit, created with AI effects, and will play in Group K vs Colombia, Portugal, and DR Congo. Transport & Infrastructure Push: Uzbekistan plans a new 1.4 GW coal plant in Angren and aims to boost aviation fuel production to 600,000 tons per year by 2030. Crypto Regulation: Uzbekistan’s regulator revoked UzNEX’s operating license, setting out refund channels for users. Tourism Growth via Digital Platforms: Uzbekistan is expanding promotion through Alibaba’s Fliggy and Trip.com, citing rising Chinese interest and thousands of bookings.

Uzbekistan Joins BRICS-backed NDB: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed Uzbekistan’s formal entry into the New Development Bank, signaling fresh development-finance clout as the country pushes a massive 2026 infrastructure push. Tech & Connectivity: Viasat, with Uzbekistan’s digital ministry, UZ-SAT and Uztelecom, demonstrated satellite-powered direct-to-device messaging on Android phones—aimed at boosting coverage in remote areas. Energy & Industry Links: Uzbekistan’s telecom operator Ucell and ZTE completed a large-scale rollout of an AI energy-saving RAN solution across the network, improving energy efficiency by 10.6%. Sports—Football & Youth: Uzbekistan will host Group B of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 qualifiers in Tashkent (Aug 25–Sep 6, 2026), with India drawn alongside Uzbekistan, Syria and Bangladesh. World Cup Logistics: FIFA confirmed base-camp locations for 48 teams; Uzbekistan is among the debut storylines as the tournament expands to 48 squads. Culture: Uyghur writer Abdushukur Qumtur attended Khorezm “Lazgi” Festival in Khiva, highlighting Uzbekistan’s UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage.

World Cup Countdown: FIFA has released the full 2026 schedule for the expanded 48-team tournament across the US, Mexico and Canada, kicking off June 11 in Mexico City and running through July 19, with Uzbekistan facing Portugal, DR Congo and Colombia in Group K. Security Watch: Russia’s FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov said joint work with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan helped stop planned terrorist attacks in Russia, while the Afghan Islamic Emirate rejected Moscow’s ISIS-K claims. Uzbekistan Business & Law: President Mirziyoyev signed new small-business benefits starting June 1, including higher thresholds and VAT/admin easing; Uzbekistan’s regulator revoked the crypto exchange KOBEA GROUP’s license. Trade & Economy: Uzbekistan’s foreign trade rose 5.8% to $26.3bn in Jan–Apr, with China the top partner; the Eurasian Development Bank will support export certification and market entry. Regional Cooperation: Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan agreed on summer operating rules for the Bahri-Tojik reservoir. Sports & Culture: Uzbekistan won 15 medals at the Asian Wrestling Championships U23, and tourism promotion continues in China via ITB Shanghai and digital platform talks.