Digital Government: Uzbekistan and South Korea held a public administration cooperation forum in Tashkent, with a focus on AI in government services, disaster management tech, civil service capacity, cybersecurity, IT outsourcing, and digital education. Urban Tech & AI Infrastructure: Tashkent city officials met Shanghai LinkWise Data Tech to accelerate the capital’s digital transformation, including data consolidation into a unified digital environment and plans for cloud infrastructure and data centers tied to “Safe City” and “Comfortable Urban Environment” initiatives. Fintech Ecosystems: At TIIF 2026, Uzum’s leadership argued Uzbekistan’s fintech is moving from payments into integrated financial ecosystems that combine shopping, credit, transfers, and banking in one app. Logistics & Rail: The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway corridor could be finished by 2028–2029, two years ahead of schedule, supported by specialized Chinese technologies for Kyrgyz terrain. AI-Ready Data Centers: DataVolt secured $150m for a 12MW green AI-ready data center in Tashkent (TAS-1), alongside a local talent diploma program. Industry Modernization: EBRD approved up to $25m to modernize Tashkent Pipe Plant, cutting energy use via new induction heating and efficiency upgrades. Investment & Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and the New Development Bank agreed a medium-term joint project portfolio after Uzbekistan became the bank’s 10th shareholder, with focus on energy, water, transport, and engineering infrastructure. Regional Digital Trade: Türkiye ratified a Turkic states digital economy partnership deal, aiming to reduce barriers to e-commerce, digital services, and cross-border data-based activity.