AGP Executive Report

Counter-Terrorism Roadmap: Uzbekistan and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism signed a 2026–2027 cooperation roadmap, expanding work on training, rehabilitation, research, and countering terrorist financing. Fintech Push: Uzbekistan is accelerating plans to become a regional fintech hub by 2030, with the central bank driving regulatory and digital infrastructure reforms. AI Startup Funding: IT Park Uzbekistan kicked off the President Tech Award (prize pool raised to $5M) and launched a $1M President AI Award to back new startups. Workforce Planning Data: CERR, GIZ, and HELVETAS launched an analytical platform to forecast Uzbekistan’s workforce needs, aiming to reduce skills mismatches. Hotline Bottlenecks: Uzbekistan’s Competition Committee flagged long wait times and dropped connections on utility hotlines, pushing for unified standards and fixes. Water Stress & Governance: New research reports sharp declines in Amu Darya flows in Tajikistan, while Uzbekistan’s water sector faces rising corruption concerns. Energy Finance: The World Bank approved the second phase of financing for Tajikistan’s Rogun hydropower plant, supporting clean power and regional electricity trade. Digital Payments Deal: VEON and Mastercard plan to expand inclusive, AI-enabled financial services across Uzbekistan and neighboring markets. Child Safety Online: Uzbekistan is considering legal limits on social media for children under 16, focusing on responsible use rather than banning phones.

World Bank Energy Boost: The World Bank approved the second phase of financing for Tajikistan’s Rogun hydropower plant, targeting 14,400 GWh of clean electricity yearly, cutting winter shortages, and enabling power exports to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Green Landscape Restoration: Tajikistan’s RESILAND project is rolling out landscape restoration across 180,000 hectares, supporting forest, pasture, and protected-area recovery and benefiting about 336,000 people. SAF for Aviation in Uzbekistan: Allied Biofuels signed a FEED and detailed engineering deal with Sinopec Engineering for a $6.1bn sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and e-SAF project in Uzbekistan, setting up a path toward EPC. Digital Finance Access: VEON and Mastercard plan to expand inclusive, AI-enabled financial services across Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan, including digital wallets and embedded finance. AI Research Spotlight: Dnotitia released STAR-KV, a low-rank KV cache compression method selected as an ICML 2026 Spotlight paper, aiming to speed up long-context AI. Smart Farming Push: FAO opened its first Global Conference on Smart Farming to scale practical, tech-enabled methods for small farmers. Uzbekistan Tech Policy: Uzbekistan is considering legal limits on social media access for children under 16, focusing on regulated use rather than banning phones. Clean Energy Corridor Watch: Engineers say feasibility work for the Caspian Green Energy Corridor is “very promising,” supporting a Central Asia–Azerbaijan–Europe powerline concept. Uzbekistan–Georgia Talks: President Mirziyoyev will visit Georgia for talks on trade, investment, transport corridors, and cooperation in energy, pharma, agriculture, tourism, and IT.

Social Media Rules for Kids: Uzbekistan is drafting legislation to restrict social media access for children under 16, aiming to promote “responsible use” rather than banning smartphones. Smart Farming Push: FAO opened its first Global Conference on Smart Farming, highlighting how protected cultivation, better horticulture, and digital tools can help small farmers produce more with fewer resources. Disaster Monitoring from Space: China and Central Asian partners, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, are developing a disaster-monitoring satellite constellation to track earthquakes, glacial floods, and even crop pest risks, with AI processing planned at a data center in Xinjiang. Nuclear Skills in Tashkent: Uzbekistan plans a Regional Nuclear Knowledge and Skills Center in Tashkent under MEPhI, offering simulator-based training and safety-focused programs for Central Asian specialists. Uzbek-Georgia Cooperation: President Mirziyoyev will visit Georgia on July 2–3, with talks expected to boost trade, investment, transport corridors, and projects in pharma, chemicals, agriculture, energy, and IT. Healthcare Overcharging Refunds: Uzbekistan’s consumer protection watchdog ordered refunds totaling UZS 285.4 million to 127,000 patients after audits found pricing and accounting violations at multiple medical facilities.

Nuclear Education Boost: Uzbekistan will open Central Asia’s first Regional Nuclear Training Center in Tashkent under MEPhI, using simulator-based hands-on programs to train engineers and strengthen IAEA-aligned safety culture. Regional Energy Security: Uzbekistan’s energy policy spotlighted as Kyrgyzstan reports sufficient fuel and lubricant reserves while also pushing refinery visits and supply diversification to reduce import risk. Smart Farming Push: FAO launched its first Global Conference on Smart Farming to speed up adoption of tech for small farmers facing climate stress, degraded soils, and rising input costs. Digital Growth for Uzbekistan: Google expanded its Ads partner network—Coob Ads became an official Google Ads Sales Representative in Uzbekistan (plus Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova), aiming to bring localized support and training. Construction Materials Localization: President Mirziyoyev ordered faster use of locally made construction materials for housing and infrastructure, backed by district-level research and investment agreement follow-through. Child Safety Online: Uzbekistan is considering legal limits on social media use for children under 16, focusing on responsible use rather than banning phones. Innovation in Tashkent: Central Asia student innovation contest finals drew 736 teams and awarded gold to 15 projects, including from Tashkent State University of Economics. Parliamentary & Science Links: Uzbekistan and Indonesia agreed to deepen cooperation, including scientific and educational initiatives, while Oman-Uzbekistan consultations also flagged scientific collaboration.

AI & IT Exports: Uzbekistan is aiming for at least $5bn in IT and AI service exports by 2030, with officials saying the next step is scaling skills, investment, and real AI use across businesses and public services. Digital Safety: Uzbekistan is considering legal limits on social media for children under 16, with the goal of encouraging responsible use rather than banning phones. Construction Materials Push: President Mirziyoyev ordered faster adoption of locally made construction materials to turn big investment deals into concrete projects, jobs, and higher-value output. Green Aviation Fuel Deal: Sinopec Engineering Group has agreed to handle FEED-to-EPC work for a $6.1bn biorefinery in Uzbekistan, targeting large-scale sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel production. Education & Innovation: China’s Central Asia college student innovation contest finals were held in Tashkent, with 15 gold-winning projects selected from 736 teams. Energy Reliability Watch: Kyrgyzstan hit a new summer electricity demand record, highlighting how hydropower dependence and climate-driven low water levels can strain supply. Transport Labor: A global truck driver shortage is now described as structural, with Uzbekistan among markets reporting high vacancy pressure. World Cup Tech/Media: England’s round-of-32 clash with DR Congo is set for July 1, with local coverage and viewing options highlighted for fans.

AI Exports Push: Uzbekistan aims for at least $5bn in IT and AI service exports by 2030, with IT exports rising from under $1m in 2017 to nearly $1bn in 2026, as officials stress skills, investment, and wider AI use across business and public services. Mining Lab Cooperation: Kazakhstan’s VNIItsvetmet experts visited Uzbekistan’s Uzgeologorazvedka labs in Samarkand to share modern ore testing and quality methods, focusing on reliability, calibration, and international best practices. Green Power Corridor: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are advancing the Caspian Green Energy Corridor, built around a planned high-voltage submarine cable to move renewable electricity (and related green fuels) toward European markets. Nuclear Training Hub: Uzbekistan will set up a Regional Center for Knowledge and Skills in Atomic Energy at MEPhI’s Tashkent branch to train Central Asian specialists and strengthen nuclear safety cooperation. Health Funding Milestone: Uzbekistan completed its first Ishonch Fund healthcare project, investing $43.5m in maternal and newborn care across 227 perinatal centers with UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO support. Fuel Station Safety: The Cabinet approved stricter safety rules for fuel stations after thousands of violations were found in 2025 inspections, with some sites temporarily suspended. Central Bank Risk Prep: Central Bank Chairman Timur Ishmetov urged regulators to plan for worst-case scenarios beyond baseline forecasts to handle external shocks.

Nuclear Education & Safety: Uzbekistan approved a new Regional Center for Knowledge and Skills in Atomic Energy at MEPhI’s Tashkent branch, aiming to train Central Asian nuclear specialists and strengthen IAEA-aligned safety and practical skills. Nuclear Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Norway launched a three-year partnership under Norway’s Nuclear Action Plan to modernize Uzbekistan’s radiation and nuclear safety regulatory system and adopt international best practices. Clean Energy & Investment: Uzbekistan and South Korea plan to deepen energy cooperation via a June 30–July 1 forum focused on advanced energy tech, renewables, efficiency, and new joint projects. Maternal Health Funding: Uzbekistan completed its first Ishonch Fund health project, using $43.5m of returned assets to upgrade perinatal centers nationwide and train medical staff to cut maternal and newborn deaths. Economic Resilience: Central Bank Chairman Timur Ishmetov urged policymakers to plan for worst-case external shocks, not just baseline forecasts. Digital Life for Kids: Uzbekistan is considering stricter age limits for social media access for children under 16, with a draft law expected after consultations. Sustainability in Higher Ed: 50 Uzbek universities entered the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, with 24 in the world top 1,000. Turkic Culture & Language: Turkic World Week opened in Baku to mark 100 years since the First Turkological Congress, with discussions on modernizing Turkic language development. Fuel Station Safety: New rules target accident prevention at fuel stations after thousands of inspections found widespread safety and technical violations.

Space & Disaster Tech: China and Central Asian partners (including Uzbekistan) signed on a joint satellite constellation, the Tianwu Constellation, starting with five remote-sensing satellites to monitor earthquakes, glacial floods and other hazards, using AI plus ground systems for earlier warnings. Nuclear Safety Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Norway launched a project under Norway’s Nuclear Action Plan to strengthen Uzbekistan’s radiation and nuclear safety rules, regulators and best practices. Health & Accountability: $43.5 million seized from Gulnara Karimova in Switzerland will fund maternal and neonatal care, including equipping 231 maternity hospitals and training over 80,000 medical workers. Digital Life for Kids: Uzbekistan is considering a law to restrict social media access for children under 16, with stricter enforcement while keeping phones allowed for school use. Energy Pressure in the Region: Russia-linked fuel disruptions are pushing up prices across Central Asia; Kyrgyz officials say adjustments may be gradual as supply stabilizes. Culture & Science Heritage: Namangan hosted the Third International Maqom Art Forum, with President Mirziyoyev highlighting maqom as a bridge for cultural and scientific heritage. Sports (World Cup): DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to reach the Round of 32, setting up a knockout clash with England.

Uzbekistan–U.S. Environment Deal: Uzbekistan and the United States have upgraded their environmental cooperation into a long-term strategic partnership, focusing on climate change, biodiversity, sustainable development, and scientific collaboration through the C5+1 framework. Disaster Monitoring in Space: China and Central Asian partners are moving toward a joint satellite constellation for earthquake, landslide, and glacial-flood monitoring, combining satellite data with ground systems and AI for faster early warnings. World Cup Shock for Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan’s historic World Cup run ended after the group stage, with the team eliminated despite spirited play; DR Congo then made the knockout stage for the first time in 52 years, setting up a clash with England. SCO Business Leadership: Pakistan is set to chair the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Business Council in 2027, with member states including Uzbekistan aiming to expand trade, investment, and technology transfer. Sports & Culture Spotlight: A viral story shows an Iranian father helping his blind son “feel” World Cup tactics through a tactile cardboard pitch, highlighting how sport can inspire beyond the field.

Space Tech for Disaster Response: China and Central Asian partners (including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan) signed a deal to build the “Tianwu Constellation,” starting with five satellites to share remote-sensing data and use AI for early warnings on earthquakes, glacial floods, landslides, and agricultural pests. Uzbekistan in the Spotlight at the World Cup: Uzbekistan’s historic debut continues to draw attention after the White Wolves’ first matches, including a 5-0 loss to Portugal and a 3-1 defeat to DR Congo, with their next Group K game against DR Congo still crucial for pride and possible qualification scenarios. World Cup Group K Drama: Portugal and Colombia played to a tense 0-0 draw, while DR Congo advanced after beating Uzbekistan 3-1; knockout matchups now hinge on results and tight group permutations. EU Migration Pressure: A report says the EU may push Central Asian states to host migrant centers for rejected asylum seekers, with Uzbekistan and others reportedly unlikely to agree.

Space & Disaster Tech: China and Central Asian partners (including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan) signed an agreement in Urumqi to build the “Tianwu Constellation” satellite network for shared remote-sensing monitoring of earthquakes, landslides, glacial floods and agricultural pests, starting with five satellites and using an AI processing center in Xinjiang for early-warning and water-security support. World Cup (Uzbekistan): Uzbekistan’s historic World Cup debut continues in Group K as DR Congo take on Uzbekistan with qualification on the line; Uzbekistan, still searching for points after heavy defeats, needs a big result to keep hopes alive while Congo must win to stay in contention. World Cup (Group K): Portugal vs Colombia becomes the headline Group K decider: Colombia can top the group with a draw, while Portugal need a win to finish first and shape a smoother Round of 32 path. EU Migration Pressure: A senior MGIMO researcher says the EU may push Central Asian states to host migrant centers for rejected asylum seekers, with Uzbekistan flagged as unlikely to accept.

Space & Disaster Tech: China and Central Asian partners plan a joint satellite constellation, “Tianwu,” starting with five satellites to share remote-sensing data for earthquakes, agricultural pests and glacial-flood risks, with AI models to be developed in Xinjiang. Uzbekistan Anti-Corruption: Uzbekistan has adopted amendments creating an electronic registry of people convicted of corruption, adding restrictions on their public roles and expanding criminal liability. Trade & Investment: Uzbekistan and the U.S. announced an “early harvest” package with tariff cuts/reductions for U.S. goods and faster talks on reciprocal trade and investment, alongside a Moody’s sovereign rating upgrade. Critical Minerals: NEQSOL Holding signed a cooperation agreement with Uzbekistan’s mining ministry to jointly develop critical minerals, including titanium, during TIIF 2026. Health Funding: $43.5m from confiscated Gulnara Karimova assets is being routed into maternal and newborn care upgrades across 231 perinatal centers, with major equipment and training support. World Cup (Uzbekistan spotlight): Uzbekistan’s World Cup run continues to draw attention as Group-stage drama nears its end, including the Iran–Egypt VAR offside controversy that shaped knockout hopes.

Critical Minerals Deal: NEQSOL Holding signed a cooperation agreement with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology to jointly develop critical minerals, including titanium, during TIIF 2026—aiming to strengthen tech and industrial supply chains. Trade & Investment Push: The U.S. and Uzbekistan agreed on an “early harvest” package—tariff cuts or reductions for many U.S. industrial and agricultural goods, plus faster talks toward a reciprocal trade and investment agreement. Anti-Corruption Tech: Uzbekistan adopted amendments creating an electronic registry of people convicted of corruption crimes, with restrictions on civil service, public office, and certain state roles. Digital Finance Growth: A Central Bank survey says digital payments adoption jumped to 71.17% of respondents in 2025 (from 39% in 2021), boosting demand for broader financial services. Climate Risk & Water Security: Central Asia’s RESILAND CA+ dialogue in Bishkek reviewed a roadmap and investment plan to cut transboundary mudflow and flood risks, including a push for digital tools. Energy Sector Accountability: Uzbekneftegaz dismissed Gissarneftgaz executives after audits found major operational underperformance and alleged financial corruption.

Robotaxis in Focus: CaoCao Mobility and May Mobility announced a Europe-first partnership to move robotaxi pilots toward large-scale commercialization, with CaoCao running fleets and May Mobility supplying autonomy-as-a-service. Digital Finance: Uzbekistan’s digital payments keep surging: a Central Bank survey (with ADB support) says 71.17% of people used digital payments in 2025, up from 39% in 2021, and the shift is now spilling into lending, insurance, and business banking. AI & Regional Tech Diplomacy: At the Jeju Forum, envoys said a Korea–Central Asia summit in September could usher in a new phase on AI, critical minerals, infrastructure, and clean energy. Investment & Standards: Uzbekistan outlined priorities for international financial institutions—transport connectivity, industrial value chains, and tech/management know-how—aiming to turn big deals into real projects. Clean Aviation Fuel: Allied Biofuels signed a front-end engineering deal with Sinopec Engineering for a ~$6.1B SAF/e-SAF complex in Uzbekistan. Energy Governance: Uzbekneftegaz dismissed Gissarneftgaz executives after audits found severe operational neglect (only 17% of wells actively operating) and alleged financial corruption. Health Research: A Yili-region study reports HPV genotype differences across ethnic groups, underscoring the need for targeted cervical cancer prevention.

SAF Engineering Push in Uzbekistan: Allied Biofuels signed a front-end and detailed engineering deal with Sinopec Engineering for a ~$6.1B sustainable aviation fuel complex in Uzbekistan, aiming to combine biomass processing, green hydrogen and power-to-liquid tech for lower-carbon jet fuel. US–Uzbek Trade Acceleration: The US and Uzbekistan agreed an “early harvest” on tariffs for industrial and agricultural goods and will speed up talks toward a reciprocal trade and investment agreement. Tech Hub Attraction: A new report highlights why 1,000+ tech firms are choosing Uzbekistan, pointing to IT Park support, a One Stop Shop for registration and tax steps, and faster setup for operational offices. Regional Finance Expansion: The Eurasian Development Bank outlined a strategy through 2031 to expand its geographic footprint to 11 countries, including Gulf states, while keeping support aligned with existing shareholders. Energy & Industry Partnerships: Uzbekistan is also moving on critical minerals cooperation and industrial modernization themes, while TIIF updates continue to frame investment into infrastructure, industry and energy.

Energy & Industry: CHSH (China Leading Ready To Install Dry Type Transformer) is highlighted as Uzbekistan modernizes its power grid, pushing safer dry-type transformers for growing urban demand. Nuclear Education: Rosatom will host “Obninsk NEW 2026” for nuclear youth, bringing 500+ young participants from 70 countries to focus on personal, professional and technological development. Cybersecurity: Europol-led action disrupted the Amadey and StealC malware ecosystem, recovering 27M stolen credentials and dismantling 326 servers and 142 domains. Clean Aviation Fuels: Allied Biofuels signed a FEED + detailed engineering deal with Sinopec Engineering for a $6.1B SAF/e-SAF project in Uzbekistan, moving the complex toward EPC. Digital & Mobility Tech: South Korea eased rules for video data in autonomous vehicle testing, allowing collection without anonymizing under safeguards—relevant for regional self-driving research. Regional Investment & Connectivity: EU launched a Connectivity Agenda Platform aiming to mobilize up to €2B for transport and trade-facilitation projects across the Middle Corridor. Automotive Market: JETTA (FAW-Volkswagen) entered Uzbekistan, starting with exports of VS5 and VS7 SUVs and planning phased localization.