AI-Powered Mining Push: Uzbekistan is rolling out an AI and digital overhaul for mining and geology, aiming to boost proven reserves by 879 tons of gold, 510 tons of silver, and 676,000 tons of copper over five years, with a National Geological Database digitizing 36,000+ archival reports and AI used to speed analysis, improve reserve estimates, and optimize drilling. Investment & Deals Spotlight: Tashkent’s 2026 International Investment Forum (June 16–18) is set to draw 8,000+ participants from 99 countries, with an exhibition covering AI, IT, energy, chemicals, and more, plus deal signings across nine sectors. Tech Parks, Cross-Border Innovation: Hong Kong’s Cyberport is partnering with Kazakhstan’s Astana Hub and Uzbekistan’s IT Park to drive “hub-to-hub” collaboration, including AI supercomputing exposure and MoUs for tech cooperation. Digital Infrastructure Upgrade: Uzbekistan and ZTE discussed expanding data center projects, focusing on power, cooling, cybersecurity, and engineering support, with a joint working group planned. Critical Minerals Diplomacy: The U.S. launched a C5+1 critical minerals dialogue in Astana, covering exploration, mapping, mining processing, and supply chains, with Uzbekistan among the participating states. Regional Capital Shift: A new EDB readout says China has overtaken Russia as the top investor in Central Asia, with Uzbekistan among the biggest beneficiaries of rising Chinese investment. Education Tech via Apps: Yandex Go added in-app charity giving in Uzbekistan, matching user donations to support Teach For Uzbekistan teacher training and mentoring in underserved schools.