Uzbekistan–Hong Kong Ties: Tashkent and Hong Kong agreed to expand cooperation in investment, finance, digital transformation, AI, and transport, with plans for a visa-free regime to boost business and tourism. Green Construction Rules: Tashkent rolled out stricter environmental and safety requirements for about 1,700 active construction sites, including dust control, site fencing, real-time sensors, and surveillance linked to a central inspection network. Food Security Research: CIMMYT and Uzbekistan signed an award agreement for an 18-month wheat innovation bridge phase to improve germplasm, disease monitoring, and speed-breeding capacity against yellow rust and Fusarium threats. Energy Tech Milestone: Putin and Mirziyoyev will remotely launch construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power unit on June 4, with plans for two large units and two small modular reactors. Digital Economy Push: IT Park Uzbekistan showcased its push to make the country a regional digital services exporter, targeting $5bn in IT exports by 2030. Inclusive Tech Jobs: Yandex Lavka expanded roles for deaf and hard-of-hearing workers in Tashkent’s dark stores, partnering with a local disability support group. Private Capital: IFC committed $10m to Highland Capital Fund II, signaling growing confidence in Uzbekistan’s early-stage private equity market. Commodities Watch: Gold cooled after April purchases, while industrial metals like copper and aluminum kept rallying—an external backdrop for Uzbekistan’s trade and industry.