AGP Executive Report

Uzbek–US Talks: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke by phone with Donald Trump, congratulating him on the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and discussing progress on the Economic Cooperation Program, the U.S.-Uzbek Business and Investment Council, and joint projects in aviation, mining, infrastructure, energy, metallurgy, AI and digital tech, with an official Uzbekistan visit invited. AI Push: Uzbekistan says it aims to reach the top 50 in the AI Readiness Index by 2030, currently ranked 62nd, by expanding computing infrastructure and using international AI cooperation to train specialists and launch joint tech projects. Central Asia Water: Ministers from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, with Kyrgyzstan observing, approved steps for automated water accounting in the Syrdarya basin and discussed 2026 reservoir limits and Aral Sea saving tasks. Tourism Snapshot: WTTC data shows Uzbekistan’s tourism is the biggest in the region by GDP share (6% in 2025), while Central Asia’s tourism contribution rose to $20.1bn. Sports & Culture: Uzbekistan’s Keunimjaeva Aktenge won at a China–Central Asia wrestling event; and Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov finished second as Praggnanandhaa won the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz.

Uzbek-U.S. Talks: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke by phone with Donald Trump, congratulating him on the U.S. independence anniversary and discussing progress on the Economic Cooperation Program, a new Business and Investment Council, and joint projects in aviation, mining, energy, AI and digital tech. AI Push: Uzbekistan says it wants to climb to the top 50 in the Global AI Readiness Index by 2030, raising AI software services to $1.5bn and expanding computing infrastructure with an extra proposed $70m. Central Asia Water: Ministers approved steps to automate Syrdarya water accounting and set a working group timeline, as regional states coordinate reservoir limits for the 2026 growing season. Sports Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov finished second at the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz chess event, while India’s Praggnanandhaa won the title. Business & Crime: Uzbekistan’s economic crime agency says it uncovered a tax fraud scheme involving companies and tax officials, with 42.5bn soums in missed revenue.

AI Push: Uzbekistan says it wants to jump from 62nd to the global top 50 in AI readiness by 2030, aiming to grow AI software services to $1.5bn by expanding computing infrastructure and launching 200+ AI projects. US-Uzbek Talks: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a phone call with Donald Trump, praising the “unprecedented” state of ties and discussing implementation of agreements, upcoming events, and a possible official visit. EAEU Diplomacy: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan told an expanded Eurasian Intergovernmental Council session that the EAEU should not be treated as a zone of restrictions, stressing free movement of goods, services, capital and labor. Trade & Logistics: Belarus and Uzbekistan discussed customs steps to double bilateral trade, including using electronic origin certification and expanding AEO cooperation. Sports Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov finished runner-up as India’s Praggnanandhaa won the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz title. Economy Watch: Uzbekistan’s economic crime agency says it found a tax fraud scheme involving companies and tax officials, citing missed revenue of 42.5bn soums.

Eurasian Integration in Cholpon-Ata: Uzbekistan’s PM Abdulla Aripov joined the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Kyrgyzstan, backing deeper EAEU cooperation on digital trade, industry, eco-technologies, labor mobility and tourism, while discussing a roadmap to align technical rules and a joint project portfolio with the Eurasian Development Bank. Customs & Trade Facilitation: Belarus and Uzbekistan discussed steps to boost bilateral trade and customs cooperation, including using electronic systems for origin certification and mutual recognition of Authorized Economic Operator programs. Space & AI: Uzbekistan’s AI module was deployed in orbit aboard China’s STAR.VISION satellite Samarkand-2028, enabling on-orbit processing of hyperspectral imagery to cut data transmission. Rail Connectivity Push: Experts highlighted the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway as a “construction of the century,” with work moving into an active phase and potential earlier completion. Energy Watch: A report warns Russia’s fuel crisis is spilling into Central Asia, raising concerns for aviation fuel and diesel supplies as Moscow’s backup options shrink. Sports Spotlight (Samarkand 2026): FIDE says 400 teams are confirmed for the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand next month, with Uzbekistan’s squad led by Javokhir Sindarov.

Uzbekistan-India Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov wrapped up a high-level visit to New Delhi, reaffirming the strategic partnership and pushing cooperation in trade, energy, digital tech, healthcare, education and regional security. Aviation & Connectivity: Incheon International Airport Corp. secured a 35-year concession to develop and operate a new Tashkent International Airport, a major South Korea-led investment. Agriculture & Trade Controls: Kyrgyzstan returned nearly 25 tons of Uzbek onions after inspections found missing mandatory phytosanitary labeling. Energy Supply Talks: Kyrgyzstan says it may buy up to 20,000 tons of fuel per month from Uzbekistan as it looks for alternatives amid reduced Russian supplies. Science & Youth: Tashkent will host the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (Aug 9–16) with 386 students from 97 countries registered. Banking: Ipoteka Bank confirmed Adam Szentpeteri’s appointment as CEO, pending central bank clearance. Sports (Uzbek presence): Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova lost to Jessica Pegula at the Toronto WTA event.

Uzbekistan–India Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov wrapped a 2–5 Aug visit to New Delhi, reaffirming the Strategic Partnership with India and pushing cooperation across trade, energy, digital tech, healthcare, education and connectivity. National Team Reset: Coach Fabio Cannavaro says Uzbekistan will refresh its squad after the 2026 World Cup, giving more chances to younger players ahead of the AFC Asian Cup. Space & AI for Agriculture: Uzbekistan launched its first space satellite, Samarkand-2028, with an AI module processing hyperspectral data in orbit for cotton and land monitoring. Tech Talent Spotlight: Uzbekistan will host IOI 2026 in Tashkent, with 386 school students registered from 97 countries. Regional Economy & Trade: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan highlighted growing trade and new production partnerships, while Uzbekistan’s inflation eased to 6.4% in July. Migration Pressure: Work-related entries from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan into Russia fell 15% in H1 2026 as rules tighten. Sports (Uzbek Connection): Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova advanced in Toronto after a retirement, setting up a third-round match vs Jessica Pegula.

Uzbekistan Economy: Annual inflation in Uzbekistan held steady at 6.4% in July, down from 8.9% a year earlier, as food prices eased on seasonal fruit and vegetable moves. Border Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have started the formal transfer of two border villages—Chon-Gara and Tash-Tobo—under the land-swap and border-demarcation agreements. Trade & Investment: China’s footprint keeps growing: H1 2026 bilateral trade hit about $7.7bn (Uzbek data), while Chinese-Uzbek ventures rose to 6,060, with mining, energy and industry leading. Tech & Space: Uzbek specialists contributed an AI module to the Samarqand-2028 Earth-observation satellite, aimed at faster mapping and early assessments for cotton, wheat and air quality. Energy Talk: Russia argues Central Asia’s electricity integration needs Russian nuclear tech, linking nuclear buildouts in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with hydropower in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Business/Legal: An Uzbek businessman won a UK defamation case tied to “pink slime” propaganda outlets, securing £105,000 plus legal costs. Sports (Uzbek link): Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov stayed in the chess spotlight at St. Louis Rapid & Blitz, finishing second after Praggnanandhaa led the rapid standings.

Space & AI: Uzbekistan’s Samarqand-2028 hyperspectral satellite was launched from a sea platform off China’s Shandong coast, with Uzbekcosmos building the onboard AI module to process data in orbit for faster decisions on cotton/wheat mapping and air-quality checks. Tech Economy: Uzbekistan is pushing to turn its IT outsourcing base into an AI export economy, leveraging IT Park incentives and growing service exports to 90+ countries. Investment Watch: Uzbekistan’s National Investment Fund reported a near-4,000% year-on-year net profit jump, mainly driven by unrealised gains tied to market value changes after its May 2026 IPO. Trade & Industry: The Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund approved 37 projects worth $100.5m, creating 883 jobs and boosting bilateral trade turnover by $40m. Mining/FTA Talks: India floated a possible free trade agreement with Uzbekistan as both sides eye deeper cooperation in copper and rare-earth processing. Aviation Connectivity: Centrum Air will launch direct Tashkent–Karachi flights from Sept. 3 (4 weekly). Sports: Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov stayed unbeaten in the St. Louis Rapid & Blitz rapid section, while Praggnanandhaa led into blitz by a point.

Uzbekistan–US Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov met US Special Representative Sergio Gor in New Delhi, discussing ways to deepen the Uzbekistan–US strategic partnership, C5+1 cooperation, and upcoming joint events. India–Uzbekistan Parliamentary Ties: Saidov also met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, focusing on expanding inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation in trade, investment, and new sectors. Energy Accountability Watch: A former Uzbek energy minister, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, was reportedly detained after being dismissed over abuse of office and embezzlement allegations, with authorities yet to confirm details. Trade & Connectivity: Uzbekistan’s natural gas imports from Russia and Turkmenistan hit record levels in June, while exports fell—highlighting shifting energy flows. Border Developments: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan began procedures for transferring two border villages, with residents moving toward legal registration and citizenship steps. Mobile Network Expansion: Beeline Uzbekistan added six base stations along the Qongirot–Beyneu highway, boosting coverage over nearly 150 km.

Uzbekistan–India Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov wrapped talks in New Delhi, saying the visit is mainly to prepare for PM Narendra Modi’s upcoming trip and to push forward the strategic partnership across energy, infrastructure, defense, trade, education and culture. Parliament-to-Parliament Ties: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Saidov and discussed deepening inter-parliamentary dialogue, friendship groups, and lawmaking cooperation. Space & Tech: Uzbek engineers are building an onboard AI module for the Samarqand-2028 Earth observation satellite with China’s STAR.VISION, aimed at processing hyperspectral data for agriculture and environmental monitoring. Gold Reserves: Uzbekistan bought 9 tonnes of gold in June, adding to 41 tonnes for the first half of 2026, as central banks worldwide keep expanding reserves. Social Policy: Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals to expand education and social services for children with special needs, support homeless people and trafficking victims, and digitalise transport benefits. Connectivity: Beeline Uzbekistan expanded mobile coverage along the Qongirot–Beyneu A380 highway with six new base stations covering nearly 150 km. Sports: Pakhtakor signed Iraqi striker Ayman Hussein on a deal running to end-2026 to boost their title push.

Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan Border Deal: Uzbekistan has started transferring two villages, Chon-Gara and Tash-Dobo (about 2,500 residents), to Kyrgyzstan as part of border clarification, with Kyrgyzstan agreeing to hand over an equivalent area back. India–Uzbekistan Strategic Push: Uzbek FM Bakhtiyor Saidov’s New Delhi visit included a detailed review of the strategic partnership, with both sides eyeing deeper cooperation in energy, infrastructure, defence, education and trade—especially critical rare earth minerals and mining. Trade Ambition: India’s Piyush Goyal urged businesses to double bilateral trade within three years, highlighting co-investment and co-manufacturing, with textiles and cotton singled out. Aviation & Connectivity: Centrum Air will launch direct Tashkent–Karachi flights from Sept 3 (twice weekly). Central Asia Sports: Uzbek tennis player Kamilla Rakhimova beat Venus Williams in a rain-delayed match at the National Bank Open, while Kyrgyzstan is strengthening sports ties under “Games of the Future – 2026.” Education & Media: Kyrgyzstan published its approved 2026/27 textbook list for schools teaching in Kyrgyz, Russian, Tajik and Uzbek. Economy Watch: Uzbekistan’s central bank extended currency exchange trading hours from Aug 10 to 5 p.m. local time.

India–Uzbekistan Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov met India’s President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi, with both sides stressing deeper strategic ties and new cooperation in rare earths, agriculture, pharma and IT. Trade Push: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged India and Uzbekistan to double bilateral trade in three years, inviting co-investment, co-manufacturing and even a possible free trade agreement. NAM Support: Jaishankar told Saidov India backs Uzbekistan’s Non-Aligned Movement chairship for 2027–29, praising Tashkent’s stance against terrorism. Tax Reform Idea: An Uzbek advisory body proposes cutting income tax for banks and other financial services to 15% from 20%, using VAT to offset revenue gaps. Rail Corridor Watch: Work on the Kyrgyz section of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is progressing slightly ahead of schedule, with tunnels and bridges underway. Border Village Transfer: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have started exchanging land plots after border demarcation, including villages Chon-Gara and Tash-Tobo moving to Kyrgyzstan, with registration and citizenship steps underway. Business & Growth: Uzbekistan’s BirBir classifieds reports 150% year-on-year growth and nationwide expansion. Energy Outlook: Uzatom says Uzbekistan’s first small modular reactor could be commissioned in 2029, with the larger unit by 2033.

Uzbekistan–India Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov arrived in New Delhi for a four-day visit, with meetings planned with President Droupadi Murmu and EAM S Jaishankar, plus a business forum aimed at deepening the strategic partnership. Digital Infrastructure Race: Uzbekistan is pushing ahead on a Saudi-backed data center project in Tashkent, targeting completion of the first phase by year-end as Central Asia’s data-center competition heats up. Trade & Customs Tech: Pakistan Customs joined a UNODC–WCO meeting in Tashkent to boost secure, technology-driven trade facilitation, including mutual recognition of AEO programs and wider use of AI risk management. UNESCO Recognition for Tashkent: Tashkent Modernist Architecture has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, highlighting how international modernist design was adapted to local culture and seismic realities. Sports—Tennis: In Toronto, Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova beat Venus Williams 6-4, 6-1 in a rain-delayed National Bank Open opener. Sports—Chess: Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov climbed to fourth in the world top 100 in the latest FIDE rankings, with several other Uzbek players also moving up.

UNESCO Recognition for Tashkent: Ten modernist buildings and urban complexes from Tashkent’s post-earthquake transformation (1960s–early 1990s) have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as “Tashkent Modernist Architecture: Modernity and Tradition in Central Asia.” Regional Diplomacy in Cholpon-Ata: Central Asian leaders and Azerbaijan met in Cholpon-Ata to push cooperation, with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev wrapping up his Kyrgyzstan visit after talks that produced a Treaty on Allied Relations and plans for an interstate council. Transport & Trade Links: Kyrgyz and Uzbek ministers inspected the “China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan” railway works, while Belarus launched the “Slavic Caravan” freight train to Uzbekistan, aiming to cut delivery times to days. Border and Economic Moves: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan agreed to expand border checkpoints and raise trade targets, as both sides deepen industrial-zone cooperation. Humanitarian Support: Uzbekistan provided $200,000 in medical and non-medical equipment to Afghanistan’s Balkh hospital.

Regional Diplomacy & Sports Diplomacy: Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev wrapped up his state visit to Kyrgyzstan and the informal Central Asia–Azerbaijan consultative meeting, with key outcomes including a Treaty on Allied Relations and plans to boost trade to $3bn, expand transport links, and accelerate the Kambarata HPP-1 project. Water-F1 Showcase: Kyrgyzstan kicked off the UIM F1H2O World Championship stage at Issyk-Kul, with leaders from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan attending and organizers stressing ecology and tourism value. Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Technical Help: Uzbekistan’s Technical Regulation Agency offered support to Afghanistan’s power utility, including staff training, calibration, and mobile lab setup to align with international electricity standards. Business & Investment: TBC Bank (with U.S. partner Titan Investments) bought a majority stake in Uzbekistan’s classifieds platform OXL Uzbekistan, aiming to use it as a channel for financial services. Trade & Food Security: Balkh’s mutton exports to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have started, with about 1,000 sheep slaughtered daily and health checks completed before shipment. International Context: A U.S. explainer on Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” drew renewed attention to Gaza disarmament plans and its critics.

Central Asia Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev used the Cholpon-Ata informal summit to push a “common development space” linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Afghanistan, calling for long-term solutions to new risks and stronger coordination via the “Central Asia+” format. Regional Cooperation & Trade: Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover hit $41bn in the first half of 2026, up 7.4%; exports were $15.9bn and imports $25.1bn, with China the top partner. Border & Customs Facilitation: China-Uzbekistan AEO mutual recognition is now in force, promising faster customs clearance for compliant firms. Sports & Tourism Spotlight: The UIM F1H2O “Formula 1 on water” stage kicked off at Issyk-Kul, with Central Asian presidents in attendance and Kyrgyzstan highlighting the event’s tourism and ecology focus. Humanitarian Aid: Afghanistan’s Abu Ali Sina Balkhi Hospital in Balkh received $200,000 in medical and non-medical equipment from Uzbekistan. Security & Business Impact: Wildberries CEO Tatiana Kim said drone attacks have caused billions in losses for entrepreneurs across multiple countries and that the company is upgrading warehouse security and fire safety.