AGP Executive Report

Gender & Anti-Corruption: A UNDP study in Uzbekistan finds corruption hits women harder, with only 22.5% of men saying women can be competent leaders—pushing calls for gender-sensitive anti-corruption policy. Construction Safety & Environment: Tashkent is rolling out stricter rules for about 1,700 active construction sites, including dust control, real-time environmental sensors, and surveillance linked to a central network. Ancient Medical Discovery: Uzbek researchers report a 4,000-year-old child’s skull with cranial trepanation—among the oldest known surgical evidence in Central Asia. Food Security Research: CIMMYT and Uzbekistan signed an 18-month “bridge phase” to modernize wheat, adding elite germplasm and disease surveillance for yellow rust and Fusarium. Digital Inclusion: Yandex Lavka in Uzbekistan is expanding jobs for deaf and hard-of-hearing workers in its dark stores, with adapted training and sign-language support. Tech & Investment: IFC committed $10m to Highland Capital Fund II, signaling growing confidence in Uzbekistan’s early-stage private equity market. Nuclear Energy: Uzbekistan plans to start construction of its first nuclear power unit on June 4 via a video conference with Russia’s Putin and President Mirziyoyev. International Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Hong Kong agreed to expand ties in finance, AI, transport, and logistics, including a planned visa-free regime.

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.

Green Tech & Climate Diplomacy: Samarkand hosted the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly and Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, bringing governments and experts together to push practical climate and sustainability projects. Uzbekistan’s Environment Authority and Tashkent Zoo joined the events, while a GEF-funded biosafety initiative under the Cartagena Protocol kicked off to strengthen national biosafety policy, lab capacity, and risk monitoring. Digital Transport & Telecom: Uzbekistan and Finland discussed digital transport logistics, real-time transport data, smart mobility, and open API services, while Omnitele talks focused on broadband upgrades and 5G expansion. Startup & Health AI: Uzbek startup Lidavex won a regional Startup World Cup stage with LiDAR-based cervical data collection to train AI for maternal and child health diagnostics. Industrial Tech & Chemicals: President Mirziyoyev reviewed BCG Group OZ operations in Chirchik and briefed chemical industry development projects, highlighting modernization, new product lines, and import substitution. Mobility Infrastructure: Mirziyoyev approved Toshkent Metro restructuring and expansion plans aimed at boosting daily ridership to 1.8 million by 2030.

Green Expo & GEF Momentum: Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 opened in Samarkand (June 2–4), with Uzbekistan pushing green investment and clean-tech partnerships alongside the 8th Global Environment Facility Assembly. Biosafety & Biodiversity: At the same Expo, Uzbekistan launched a GEF-financed biosafety initiative to build a national biosafety system aligned with the Cartagena Protocol, boosting policy, lab capacity, and risk monitoring. Digital Transport & Logistics: Uzbekistan and Finland discussed real-time transport data, AI-enabled logistics, and digital corridors between Central Asia and Europe, including open API and GovTech cooperation. 5G & Telecom Modernization: Uzbekistan also met Finnish telecom consultancy Omnitele on broadband expansion, fiber buildout, mobile network planning, and 5G rollout priorities. IT Park Europe Push: IT Park Uzbekistan held talks with Schwarz Digits and STACKIT on helping Uzbek IT firms enter Europe’s regulated corporate market, focusing on data protection and sovereign infrastructure. Tech-Driven Chemical Growth: President Mirziyoyev reviewed BCG Group OZ operations in Chirchik and broader chemical-industry modernization plans, highlighting new product lines, lab testing, and import substitution. MedTech Startup Win: Uzbek startup Lidavex won a regional Startup World Cup stage with CerviLite, using LiDAR-collected childbirth data to train AI for cervical cancer diagnostics and fertility monitoring. Regional Connectivity: Uzbekistan will host the 2nd Termez Dialogue on June 4–6, focusing on connectivity, security, climate change, and cooperation with Afghanistan.

Digital Government & AI: Uzbekistan is pushing GovTech forward, with talks on secure data exchange, digital identification, and adding AI to public services, alongside cybersecurity and digital literacy efforts. Telecom Modernization: The Digital Technologies Ministry also met Finnish operator Elisa to expand broadband, automate telecom networks with AI, deploy 5G, and build a regional digital hub. Energy & Research Diplomacy: At Baku Energy Week, Uzbekistan’s energy minister backed the Central Asia–Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor, aiming for 20 GW renewables by 2030 and a 54% renewable electricity share. Oil & Gas Tech: Uzbekneftegaz and BP discussed accelerating the Ustyurt project roadmap through 2029, including geophysical exploration and using high-performance computing for seismic analysis. Trade & Halal Partnerships: Qatar and Uzbekistan chambers met in Tashkent to activate the Joint Business Council, target priority sectors, and explore halal industry cooperation. Agriculture Exports: Ferghana region secured Malaysia-bound fruit exports, including first air shipments of cherries plus apricots and peaches, with plans for logistics support. Water & Climate Risk: Kyrgyzstan raised concerns over Kazakhstan’s cloud-seeding, warning that artificial rain could disrupt sensitive mountain ecosystems—while Uzbekistan prepares its own artificial rain experiments.

Culture & Creative Economy: President Mirziyoyev met culture and arts leaders, announcing new support measures including creative associations across 21 fields, an annual National Creative Forum, and monthly payments for widely recognized creative workers. Agri-exports to Malaysia: Ferghana’s delegation wrapped up a Kuala Lumpur visit with deals in agriculture and healthcare; first air shipments of apricots and peaches (plus cherries) have entered the Malaysian market. Energy Tech & Oil-Gas Planning: Uzbekneftegaz and BP discussed accelerating Ustyurt project steps through 2029, including geophysical exploration timing and digital seismic analysis using high-performance computing. Digital Government & AI: Uzbekistan’s digital technologies ministry met Finland’s HAUS and Estonia’s ESTDEV on secure data exchange, digital ID, GovTech ecosystems, and adding AI to public services, alongside cybersecurity cooperation. Telecom 5G & Smart Infrastructure: Talks with Elisa focused on large-scale 5G rollout, AI-driven telecom automation, fraud prevention, and expanding fiber and digital solutions for industrial IoT, logistics, and data centers. Water & Food Security Warning: A water expert warned that salinization from saltwater intrusion can undermine irrigation, threaten food security, and drive migration pressures. Pasture Restoration Results: Khatlon’s pasture monitoring under a resilient landscapes project reported improved forage productivity from rotational grazing, fenced restoration, and pasture user unions. Science & Heritage Discovery: A Bronze Age child’s skull from Uzbekistan shows trepanation marks, described as the oldest known evidence of surgery in Central Asia. World Cup Prep (Local angle): Uzbekistan’s Namangan set a Guinness record by planting 29.4 million flowers for the International Flower Festival, with the event expected to draw millions of visitors.

GEF Assembly in Samarkand: Uzbekistan hosted the Eighth Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly, kicking off an international environmental week focused on biodiversity, marine conservation, ecosystem restoration, and cutting greenhouse gases, while delegates urged stronger safeguards so local communities and smaller implementers aren’t left behind. Water Diplomacy in Dushanbe: A three-day OSCE/UNU-INWEH/CAREC seminar on “Promoting Cooperation over Shared Waters” wrapped up, stressing the use of scientific and technical data in transboundary water negotiations and pushing for more inclusive, women-led participation. Women Parliamentarians on Water: Central Asian women lawmakers met in Dushanbe to advance the water agenda and climate resilience, highlighting legislation and parliamentary diplomacy as tools for cross-border cooperation. Uzbekistan Tech & Industry Moves: ANDRITZ will supply a new baby diaper production line to Tashkent’s ATCO Hygienics (commissioning by end-2026), while TEXNOPARK discussed possible escalator production expansion with Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator, including cloud-based monitoring tech. Ancient Science Find: Researchers reported a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age child skull from Uzbekistan showing trepanation—described as the oldest known surgical evidence in Central Asia. Digital Infrastructure & Global Tech: ZTE says it wants to help build an AI-driven “digital tropical rainforest” via overseas data centers and ecosystem partnerships, reflecting rising demand for localized, reliable computing.

GEF in Samarkand: Uzbekistan officially kicked off the Eighth Global Environment Facility Assembly with a flag-raising ceremony, bringing together governments, scientists, and finance to tackle climate and biodiversity challenges, with a cooperation memorandum signed between the GEF secretariat and Uzbekistan’s ecology and climate committee. Ancient Medicine in Uzbekistan: A Bronze Age child’s skull from Northern Bactria shows clear trepanation marks, described as the oldest documented surgical practice in Central Asia and among the earliest in Asia. Education & Tech Links: Uzbekistan’s universities held a Third Education Fair with ANAS’s Central Scientific Library, spotlighting AI, digital transformation, and science/education cooperation across the Turkic world. Regional Connectivity Forum: Uzbekistan will host the second Termez Dialogue on connectivity (June 4–6) in Tashkent, aiming to connect Central and South Asia through peace, climate adaptation, and environmental resilience discussions. Industry & Equipment: ANDRITZ will supply a new diaper production line to Tashkent’s ATCO Hygienics, targeting higher hygiene-product capacity with modern converting systems. Motorsport Tech: Tashkent launched an Open Central Asia Drift Cup stage at CAEx, mixing FIA-style racing with the eSports GT3 championship.

Motorsport & Digital Sports: Tashkent kicked off a stage of the Open Central Asia Drift Cup at the CAEx complex, with 28 cars from Uzbekistan, Latvia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Japan, plus an eSports GT3 championship under FIA rules—aimed at boosting youth interest in technical sports. Industrial Tech & Manufacturing: ANDRITZ will supply a new baby diaper production line to Tashkent for ATCO Hygienics, with commissioning planned for late 2026 to expand PERLA-branded output. Urban Industry Expansion: JAC officially opened a joint-venture plant in Tashkent’s Yangi Avlod Industrial Park, showcasing multiple models and signaling deeper Central Asia presence. AI in Daily Life: Microsoft data shows only 7.2% of Uzbekistan’s working-age people used generative AI in Q1 2026, below the global average, even as adoption is rising. Water & Climate Resilience: Uzbekistan plans five floodwater reservoirs (2027–2030) to improve irrigation and manage mudflows, targeting thousands of hectares. Digital Governance: Uzbekistan and Finland discussed e-government and AI for public services, including training and startup links. Food Safety: Uzbekistan’s National Food Agency found contamination and hygiene violations at “Food Gallery,” ordering corrective actions and further testing. EAEU Tech & Trade: Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev pushed initiatives on digital trade, industrial cooperation and labor mobility with the EAEU, including a push toward a unified digital space for barrier-free trade.

EAEU Digital Trade Push: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed a “digital trade space” with the Eurasian Economic Union, calling for a unified digital environment for barrier-free e-commerce, customs data exchange, and labor mobility via connected national employment systems. Green Industry Plan: He also backed an EAEU “Green Transformation” program to cut carbon intensity, boost energy efficiency, and use AI in industrial modernization. Connectivity Forum: Uzbekistan will host the second Termez Dialogue on Central–South Asia connectivity in Tashkent (June 4–6), aiming at peace, sustainability, and shared prosperity. AI Adoption Snapshot: Microsoft’s report says only 7.2% of Uzbekistan’s working-age people used generative AI in Q1 2026, though adoption is rising. IT Park Growth: IT Park member exports hit $191.8M in Q1 2026 (+$38.5M), with services market volume up to UZS 9.4T and fixed-asset investments rising sharply. Solar Deal: JinkoSolar will supply 1 GW of photovoltaic modules to Uzbekistan for distributed generation and large solar projects. Food Safety Alert: Uzbekistan’s National Food Agency found sanitary violations in “Food Gallery” samples, including high aerobic microorganisms and bacteria. Floodwater Infrastructure: Uzbekistan plans five floodwater reservoirs (2027–2030) to improve irrigation and manage mudflow and floodwaters. Digital Tourism Tech: Uzbekistan and China discussed an AI-driven “Smart Tourism Data System” for real-time analytics and forecasting, with plans for a similar platform in Uzbekistan. Academic Degree Reform: From Jan 1, 2027, Uzbekistan will scrap multiple bureaucratic hurdles in advanced degree training and attestation, easing paths for researchers. Pharma Incentives: New support from June 1 will reimburse up to 50% of foreign consulting and international certification costs for domestic pharmaceutical firms. Regional Tech Links: Ferghana region met Japanese firms in Tokyo on electronics, AI, robotics, and logistics, plus talks with JICA on infrastructure and green projects.

Automotive Industry: JAC officially opened a joint-venture plant in Tashkent’s Yangi Avlod Industrial Park, showcasing models from M3/M4 to JS8 and T9 as the company pushes deeper into Central Asia. Regional Connectivity & Diplomacy: Uzbekistan will host the second Termez Dialogue on June 4–6 in Tashkent, aiming to link Central and South Asia around peace, connectivity and sustainability. EAEU Digital & Green Agenda: President Mirziyoyev proposed new EAEU initiatives, including a Green Transformation program for industry modernization and a digital labor market using national electronic employment systems. Climate & Water Infrastructure: Uzbekistan plans five floodwater reservoirs (2027–2030) to boost irrigation and manage mudflow and floodwaters across Samarkand, Tashkent and Jizzakh regions. AI Adoption & Research Reform: Microsoft data shows only 7.2% of working-age people in Uzbekistan used generative AI in Q1 2026, while a new decree will cut bureaucratic hurdles in the academic degree system from 2027. Digital Economy Growth: IT Park service exports rose to $191.8m in Q1 2026, up $38.5m year-on-year, alongside higher fixed-asset investment. Digital Tourism: Uzbekistan and China discussed an AI-driven “Smart Tourism Data System” for real-time analytics, and Uzbekistan showcased its Digital Silk Road vision at an AI expo in Tianjin. Food Safety: Uzbekistan’s National Food Agency found sanitary violations at “Food Gallery,” including bacterial contamination in multiple samples. Renewables: JinkoSolar agreed to supply 1 GW of photovoltaic modules for Uzbekistan’s solar projects, supporting distributed generation for commercial and industrial users.

Uzbekistan–China Mega Deals: Tashkent secured $3.5B in investment and export agreements at the Xi’an forum, including $1B for BRT lanes and overpasses, $500M for housing in renewal zones, and $400M for drainage and irrigation under an EPC+F model. Aviation Infrastructure: Work continues on “New Tashkent” airport, planned for 20M passengers/year with two 4-km runways and 169 stands, while regional airports are being modernized. Energy Projects: Uzbekistan plans a 1.4 GW coal plant in Angren tied to the Nisbosh deposit (233M tons) and aims to boost aviation fuel output to 600,000 tons/year by 2030. Digital & Cybersecurity: Uzbekistan’s digital ministry met Finland on 5G/6G, spectrum, and cybersecurity cooperation, and discussed IT startup links with Finland’s Maria 01. Tourism Tech Push: Uzbekistan is expanding promotion via Trip.com, targeting China and other Asian markets. Climate Science: A new study warns Central Asia’s glaciers lost about 30 cubic km of ice in 2025, threatening water supplies across the region.

EAEU Summit Focus: President Mirziyoyev is set to join the Eurasian Economic Union summit in Astana as Uzbekistan pushes deeper, practical Eurasian trade and investment ties amid global market shifts. Uzbek-German Tech & Trade: Tashkent met Germany to discuss expanding trade and technological cooperation, with bilateral turnover up 13.2% in 2025 to $1.4B. Energy Build-Out: Uzbekistan plans a 1.4 GW coal-fired plant in Angren tied to the Nisbosh deposit, plus new coal mining—aimed at cutting gas imports and boosting domestic power supply. Aviation Fuel Upgrade: By 2030, aviation fuel output is targeted at 600,000 tons/year, with storage capacity rising to 80,000 tons and digitized fuel-supply management. China Infrastructure Push: Tashkent signed $3.5B in Xi’an deals under EPC+F (no budget guarantees), including BRT/roads, drainage, and urban housing. Digital Connectivity Demo: Viasat showcased direct-to-device satellite messaging in Uzbekistan, supporting always-on communications for remote areas. Cybersecurity & Startups: Finland talks covered 5G/6G, spectrum, and cybersecurity cooperation; Uzbekistan also explored joint startup acceleration with Maria 01 and IT Park Uzbekistan. Health & Research Links: Vietnam and Uzbekistan agreed to cooperate on traditional and integrated medicine research, training, and clinical studies. Tourism Growth Online: Uzbekistan is expanding promotion on Trip.com and other Asian platforms to drive arrivals across China and beyond.

Satellite Comms Breakthrough: Viasat and Uzbekistan partners demonstrated first in-country direct-to-device satellite messaging over Viasat tech, sharing native SMS between Android phones via satellite—aimed at always-on connectivity for remote regions and industrial IoT. Digital & Industrial Push: The demo lands as Uzbekistan rolls out major 2026 industrial projects and continues digital transformation efforts, including satellite communications development. Energy Corridor Focus: Kazakhstan is tightening its role as a Central Asia gas transit hub, upgrading infrastructure to move Russian gas toward Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan while enabling reverse flows. SME & Export Support: Uzbekistan’s new rules from 1 June include pharma reimbursement for GMP/FDA/WHO steps, plus customs and public procurement facilitation; meanwhile the Eurasian Development Bank will back export certification and market entry for Uzbek firms. Urban Tech Cautionary Tale: Foreign investors plan to leave Kyrgyzstan after delays and stalled approvals in a Bishkek smart-city pilot. Regional Investment & Infrastructure: Uzbekistan and China’s Xi’an forum secured $3.35bn in Tashkent mega-project deals, including BRT transport, drainage upgrades, and a special industrial zone package. Science-Adjacent Culture: Uzbekistan showcased its Islamic Civilization Centre internationally, reinforcing cultural-science heritage ties with Qatar.

Smart-City Tech Fallout: Foreign investors say a smart-city pilot in Bishkek stalled for months after promised approvals and meetings failed to materialize, despite delivering “smart poles” with lighting, surveillance, Wi‑Fi and traffic monitoring. Uzbekistan Rules Update: New regulations take effect from 1 June, covering pharma support, customs facilitation, digital transformation, environmental protection, public procurement and anti-corruption. Export Push: The Eurasian Development Bank will back Uzbekistan exporters with technical assistance for certification, standards compliance and market entry. Mega Investment for Tashkent: Uzbekistan and China signed deals worth $3.35B for transport, drainage, housing upgrades and smart waste-sorting, plus $130M for a special industrial zone. Autonomous Mobility Testing (Ukraine): Kyivstar’s Uklon began Ukraine’s first live autonomous vehicle testing with remote operators at Boryspil Airport. Green Energy Cooperation: Uzbekistan and China agreed on renewable-energy science and tech collaboration in Xi’an. Islamic Science & Culture: Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Centre was showcased in Qatar, highlighting scholars and knowledge in science and philosophy.

IPO Watch: Hexagon Nutrition’s IPO opens June 5, with an anchor bid day June 4 and a fixed price band of ₹42–₹45; the offer includes an offer-for-sale of up to 30.86 million shares by existing shareholders. Carbon Governance: The Democratic Republic of Congo named Lumiere as its national sovereign carbon registry, with a full platform unveiling planned for the GEF Assembly in Samarkand (June 1–6). Uzbekistan–Qatar Cultural Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s newly inaugurated Islamic Civilisation Centre is being showcased in Doha, with officials calling it a bridge for scholarship and dialogue across the Islamic world. SME Financing Push: Uzbekistan’s president reviewed plans for a unified digital lending platform for SMEs, aiming to speed up credit access and reduce paperwork by linking banks to e-government data. Health Tech & Trade Links: A Hong Kong implant maker says it will expand research and explore a Central Asia factory, while Uzbekistan–China talks continue to expand green energy and pharma cooperation.