AGP Executive Report

Public Health Alert: Russia’s suspected plague case after a Siberian lab technician’s death has triggered hospital lockdowns, quarantines of 200+ contacts, and strict border health checks as the US says it’s “watching and monitoring” the situation. Uzbekistan Education Reform: Uzbekistan merges the preschool/school system with higher education, science and innovation into a single Ministry of Education and Science, aiming for unified standards and more university autonomy. Energy Infrastructure: Japan will grant Uzbekistan 90 modern gas distribution stations (about $3M) to stabilize regional gas pressure and improve supply reliability. Space & Policy: Global space leaders met at Türkiye’s International Astronautical Congress to push national space strategies, commercialization of orbit, and lunar landing plans. Regional Connectivity: UAE signed a MoU with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for the Central Asia–South Asia railway project, targeting trade and corridor integration. Science & Heritage: A Kabul conference highlighted Imam Burhanuddin Marghinani’s scientific legacy, with calls for deeper research across Islamic scholarship. Tech & Logistics Growth: Zeal Global announced plans to expand in Central Asia from Tashkent, citing rapid growth in Uzbekistan’s air cargo market.

ADEX-2026 Aviation Watch: China showcased a full-scale J-10CE mock-up in Azerbaijani markings at ADEX, with analysts flagging possible future procurement as Azerbaijan already operates the JF-17. Regional Rail & Skills: A China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project is pairing Chinese engineers with local crews, turning training into real capability on tunnels and welding. Uzbek Education Reform: Uzbekistan merges preschool/school education and higher education/science/innovation into one Ministry of Education and Science to unify management and boost education quality. AI in Courts: India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant urged digitising justice and using AI for research and case support while protecting constitutional values. Public Health Alert: Uzbekistan boosted sanitary readiness after suspected plague reports in Russia’s Irkutsk region, with monitoring and contact observation. Transport Connectivity: UAE signed a MoU with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for the Central Asia–South Asia railway project, aiming to strengthen trade corridors. Space Science: China’s Shenzhou-23 crew continued station upkeep and experiments, including Raman analysis and microgravity physics work. Tourism Infrastructure: Uzbekistan plans 30 new tourism areas by 2030 via master plans, transport links, and international consulting.

AI & Courts: India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant met Uzbekistan’s Supreme Court chair Robakhon Makhmudova in Tashkent, discussing judicial cooperation and how AI/digital tools can support courts while protecting constitutional values. Public Health: Uzbekistan stepped up sanitary and epidemiological readiness after suspected plague reports in Russia’s Irkutsk region, with monitoring and contact observation underway. Education Reform: Uzbekistan merged the preschool/school education and higher education/science ministries into one Ministry of Education and Science to unify management and strengthen science activity. Cyber Cooperation: Uzbekistan explored cyber cooperation with a Russian firm via the Sakuranesia-linked initiative focused on AI and secure data for training. Space Science: China’s Shenzhou-23 crew continued space science experiments and station maintenance, including Raman spectrometer studies and health checks. Transport Infrastructure: UAE signed a trilateral MoU with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to cooperate on the Central Asia–South Asia railway project, aiming to boost trade and regional integration. Agritech/Climate: Dutch researchers tested rice as a pilot approach to address sinking peatlands, highlighting climate-driven shifts in farming.

Public Health Watch: Uzbekistan has stepped up sanitary and epidemiological readiness after reports of a suspected plague case in Russia’s Irkutsk region, with specialists monitoring lab confirmation, infection source and patient contacts, and urging citizens not to spread unverified information. Education Reform: President Mirziyoyev signed a decree merging the preschool/school education and higher education/science innovation ministries into a single Ministry of Education and Science to unify management from early years through universities and strengthen public accountability. Regional Security Drills: Uzbekistan joined Azerbaijan and Turkey in the “Power of Unity-2026” exercise, rehearsing drone warfare, electronic attacks, border incidents and maritime operations with thousands of troops and large-scale unmanned systems. AI & Justice: At the AACC congress in Samarkand, Chief Justice Surya Kant urged courts to embrace digitalisation and AI for research and handling large case volumes—while keeping constitutional values like dignity, equality, liberty and fairness unchanged. Tourism Infrastructure: Uzbekistan plans to develop 30 new tourism areas by 2030, using master plans to coordinate transport, hotels and recreation, with international consulting support.

Uzbekistan Tourism Push: Uzbekistan plans 30 new tourism areas by 2030, with master plans covering transport, hotels, recreation and other infrastructure, and a new tourism infrastructure project office set up to bring in international know-how. AI in Courts: India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant urged digitalisation and AI in justice systems while protecting constitutional values like dignity, equality, liberty and fairness—an idea resonating with Uzbekistan’s broader tech modernization. Cybersecurity Funding: The US allocated $5 million for cybersecurity and digital-sector support across Central Asia, including cyber hygiene, incident response, critical infrastructure protection, and grants for startups and AI development. Startup Ecosystem Signals: Uzbekistan-linked innovation momentum appears in regional startup news, including Astana Hub’s partnerships with IT Park Uzbekistan and other deals to boost AI labs, mentorship and cross-border startup growth. Space Milestone Nearby: Kyrgyzstan launched its first satellite via SpaceX rideshare, built locally in Bishkek—highlighting how cheaper access to orbit is reshaping regional space ambitions. Green Energy Corridor: Siemens Energy and a Green Corridor Alliance MoU aims to explore electricity transmission cooperation for the Trans-Caspian Green Energy Corridor, potentially linking Central Asia renewables to European markets. Regional Connectivity Debate: Policy analysis argues the US is shifting Eurasian connectivity from pure transit to commercial corridors—transport plus investment, manufacturing, services and new business hubs.

Uzbekistan Education Upgrade: Uzbekistan will pilot English-medium STEM classes in 100 schools, boosting pay for participating teachers and using a new school quality index plus vouchers for more flexible training. Cybersecurity Deal: Uzbekistan and Singapore’s Group-IB signed an MoU on digital security and threat intelligence, aiming to build local cybersecurity expertise. Justice Tech Debate: India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant urged using AI to expand access to justice in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand, but stressed “human primacy” so AI can’t replace judges. Regional Tech Ecosystems: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan agreed to deepen cooperation between their IT parks, including joint startup and incubation programs to help regional firms go international. Development Finance Wins: The Eurasian Development Bank received three ADFIAP awards, including a Tashkent project creating an international financial platform. AI Safety Startup: NeuroDetectYO won a Seoul startup contest for AI fall-risk detection and wearable safety tech. Mining Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan’s Bai Tau Minerals discussed joint mining exploration and investment, including using Uzbekistan’s e-auksion platform.

AI & Courts in Uzbekistan: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant told a Samarkand forum that AI can support judicial research and digitise access to justice, but “can never replace” judges—urging safeguards so vulnerable people aren’t excluded. Uzbekistan IT Ecosystem: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan agreed to deepen cooperation between their IT parks, including joint startup incubation and a regional push to help Central Asian IT firms reach international markets. Melanoma Biomarker Debate: Uzbekistan-linked researchers are cited in a new commentary arguing a melanoma RNA-modification risk score (RMODscore) still needs broader multi-hospital testing before clinical use. Regional Defense Industry: The Organization of Turkic States met in Baku to set a 2027 roadmap for defense-industry cooperation, including joint R&D, co-production and technology localization. Energy & Water Security: A Central Asia energy discussion in Baku highlighted sovereignty concerns—hydropower alone may create creditor dependence, so countries need smarter water-energy planning. Space & Satellites: Kyrgyzstan plans its first national satellite launch via SpaceX Falcon 9, underscoring growing regional interest in low-orbit capability. Uzbek Heritage Skills: Uzbekistan’s traditional craft workshops are training the next generation in woodcarving, embroidery and ceramics—linking heritage to modern livelihoods.

Uzbekistan Tech & Research: Uzcosmos is rolling out a State Space Monitoring Program to use satellite imagery, GIS and AI for a “virtual gauge” system to better manage water resources and agriculture nationwide. Space & Satellites: Kyrgyzstan plans its first homegrown satellite launch into low Earth orbit on Oct 1 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9, aiming to boost regional space capability. Health Tech: Uzbekistan-linked researchers are urging extra hospital-wide testing for a melanoma RNA-modification risk score (RMODscore) before it can be used clinically. Digital Economy & Trade: A new CASA railway corridor MoU was signed by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the UAE to study a route boosting Central–South Asia connectivity. Industry & Innovation: Omani EV maker MAYS signed a $17.9m deal to supply 750 vehicles to Uzbekistan, including localisation and after-sales training. Culture & Skills: Uzbekistan’s traditional crafts are being passed to new generations through workshops and apprenticeships, from woodcarving to ceramics. Security & Tech Diplomacy: C5+1 is set to meet again in Samarkand, with talks expected to focus on connectivity, energy security, trade and economic modernization.

Uzbekistan Space & Water Tech: Uzcosmos launched a State Space Monitoring Program to turn satellite imagery, GIS and AI analytics into a “virtual gauge” for water and reservoir management, aiming to speed decisions for agriculture and public administration. Archaeology in Bukhara & Jizzakh: Excavations in Bukhara uncovered rare Samanid-era ganch panels with Kufic inscriptions, while Jizzakh researchers identified new Stone Age sites and petroglyphs, adding fresh detail to Uzbekistan’s deep past. Regional Rail Connectivity: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the UAE signed an MoU for the CASA railway corridor, with technical and economic studies and a possible working group to shape infrastructure and financing. Digital & Cybersecurity Push: The U.S. pledged $5M via CRDF Global to support AI, digital infrastructure, data centers and cybersecurity across Central Asia, including training and incident response. EV Deal: Omani EV maker MAYS signed a $17.9M agreement to supply 750 vehicles to Uzbekistan, with plans for localization, training and after-sales support. AI in Public Sector: Seoul-based 42Maru presented an agentic AI transformation strategy for governments to ICT ministers, including Uzbekistan.

Space & Climate Tech: Kyrgyzstan opened a new extreme-climate research lab in Bishkek to improve forecasting and study glacier and water risks, while the country also prepares to launch its first homegrown nanosatellite for crop monitoring and early drought detection. Digital Governance: Central Asia proposed a common digital space in Astana, pushing mutual recognition of electronic documents and closer alignment of data and AI rules to ease cross-border business. Cybersecurity Funding: The U.S. pledged $5 million for Central Asia’s digital sector and cybersecurity via CRDF Global, targeting specialist training, faster cyber incident response, and protection for critical infrastructure and finance. Uzbekistan Tech Outsourcing: A new report says Uzbekistan is moving from domestic IT services to export-oriented tech outsourcing, with rapid growth in IT companies and service volumes. Aviation Connectivity: Centrum Air launched twice-weekly direct flights between Hyderabad and Tashkent, boosting South Asia–Central Asia trade and travel links. Energy & Industry: Rosatom offered Armenia a 1 GW nuclear plant bid, and Uzbekistan–Latvia cooperation advanced phytosanitary lab diagnostics and food-safety systems.

Cybersecurity Funding: The U.S. pledged $5 million for Central Asia’s digital sector and cybersecurity at the C5+1 conference in Astana, targeting incident response, critical infrastructure protection, and training. Digital Integration: Central Asian governments and IT firms in Astana discussed making regional digital markets more compatible, including proposals for aligned rules on e-docs, digital ID, data protection, cybersecurity, and AI governance. Satellite & Connectivity: Uzbekistan expanded satellite communications cooperation, signing an agreement with APT Satellite/Uzsat during ICT Week Uzbekistan 2026 to boost connectivity and digital infrastructure. Space Tech: Kyrgyzstan plans to launch a domestically built nanosatellite in early October, aimed at monitoring crops and early drought signals. Higher Education Links: Malaysia and Central Asia met in Astana at MAHEF2026 to strengthen university partnerships, including participation from Uzbekistan. Trade & Food Safety: Uzbekistan and Latvia advanced phytosanitary cooperation, including lab diagnostics and ISO-based testing methods for safer food exports. Aviation Route: Centrum Air launched a new Hyderabad–Tashkent direct service, improving South Asia–Central Asia connectivity.

AI & Robotics in Aviation: Reconova debuted at PTE Asia 2026 in Singapore, showing embodied AI for airport baggage transfer and passenger processing, aiming to expand smart aviation solutions across Central Asia and the Middle East. Digital Economy & AI Rules: Central Asian states met in Astana to align digital policies and AI governance—focusing on e-docs, digital IDs, data protection, cybersecurity and AI regulation—while keeping national digital sovereignty. Satellite Connectivity: Uzbekistan and APT Satellite (Apstar) agreed to expand satellite communications and digital infrastructure during ICT Week Uzbekistan 2026. Space/Tech Diplomacy: Uzbekistan also signed an APT satellite connectivity deal and is pushing broader satellite cooperation via regional partnerships. Tech Investment Push: Uzbekistan’s “Enterprise Uzbekistan” regime is set to offer tax exemptions for qualifying tech investors and special product testing rules, positioning Tashkent as a Central Asia tech hub. Smart Transport & Rail Tech: Uzbekistan Temir Yollari discussed acquiring eight high-speed electric trains with Hyundai Rotem, plus maintenance and freight-wagon projects with CRRC. Regional Connectivity: A new direct Hyderabad–Tashkent flight route launched, strengthening South Asia–Central Asia travel links. Energy & Climate Resilience: A “sponge city” model story highlights nature-based urban water resilience as extreme weather worsens.

AI Infrastructure Push: Uzbekistan secured $6B+ in data-centre commitments for AI, aiming for 800 MW of new compute capacity and a $1.5B domestic AI market by 2030, with early capacity expected from Nov 2026. Startup Ecosystem: Golden Gate Ventures will run a two-year program in Uzbekistan for 20 Central Asian founders, linking them to mentors and its international network after opening a Tashkent office. Tech Investment Rules: Enterprise Uzbekistan plans tax exemptions and special product-testing rules for qualifying tech investors, with the regime expected to start in early 2027 and target Tashkent as a Central Asia expansion base. Digital Connectivity & Telecom: AzInTelecom showcased cloud, biometric ID and AI solutions at ICTWEEK Uzbekistan 2026, while Uzbekistan’s rail and telecom partners continue pushing modernization. Transport Tech: Uzbekistan Railways discussed acquiring eight high-speed electric trains from Hyundai Rotem, including VIP carriage upgrades, and also explored service and maintenance support with other partners. Science & Education: A fossil discovery in Mongolia is reshaping mammal evolution theories, while chess news highlights Samarkand’s role in record-breaking talent.

AI Infrastructure Push in Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan secured over $6B in private commitments to expand AI data-centre capacity, targeting 800 MW of new compute power and a $1.5B domestic AI market by 2030, with early capacity expected from Nov 2026. Startup Funding & Mentorship: Golden Gate Ventures will run a two-year program in Uzbekistan for 20 founders across Central Asia, announced during ICT Week Uzbekistan 2026 in Tashkent. Digital Telecom Showcase: AzInTelecom presented cloud, biometric and AI solutions at ICTWEEK Uzbekistan, highlighting its push to strengthen Azerbaijan’s regional digital hub role. Satellite Connectivity Moves: Uzbekistan signed deals to boost satellite connectivity, including cooperation with Eutelsat OneWeb and an APT satellite connectivity expansion with China. Energy & Industry Links: Uzbekistan’s regional tech and infrastructure momentum also shows up in cross-border projects like AI data-centre networking and ongoing industrial cooperation discussions. Global Science Note: A new Nature study on a nearly complete Mongolian dinosaur-era mammal fossil is reshaping how scientists understand mammal evolution.

Rail & Trade Connectivity: Iran has completed the Chabahar–Zahedan rail line, a major overland freight link that can route cargo from India through the deep-water port into Central Asia, with Uzbekistan and neighbors positioned to benefit from faster rail access. AI & Work Trends: New analysis highlights a widening AI hiring gap—talent inflows favor core AI firms like Nvidia, while churn stays high at Amazon—signaling a shifting job market around AI roles. Legal/Business Climate: Courts are split over prime contractors’ employer status under the “yellow envelope” law, adding uncertainty for contracting and labor practices. Digital Finance Expansion: VEON and Square Group received Bangladesh Bank approval for a digital bank license, backed by a $250m anchor investment and aiming to scale mobile-first financial services across the region, with VEON already serving 59m customers including in Uzbekistan. Uzbek Tech & Satellites: Uzbekistan’s digital technologies ministry says it signed an agreement with APT Satellite to expand satellite communications and broadband services via UZ-SAT cooperation. Regional Tech Diplomacy: An UAE research delegation met in Tashkent to expand academic and research cooperation with Uzbek institutions.

Uzbekistan Digital Connectivity: Uztelecom and Apifonica will launch a Voice AI Centre in Uzbekistan, deploying voice agents on Uztelecom infrastructure and later opening the service to the wider market, announced during ICT Week Uzbekistan 2026. Agri-Tech Funding: Agrobank unveiled AgroVentures, a $6.1m venture fund backing 60–75 startups, with a focus on agri-tech and AI for crop monitoring, smarter irrigation, and better market access. Satellite & Telecom Links: Uzbekistan signed an agreement with APT Satellite to expand satellite communications and digital infrastructure, including broadband and broadcasting services, while also discussing future satellite launches. ICT Week Uzbekistan Highlights: ICT Week Uzbekistan 2026 in Tashkent showcased biometric payment tech (palm/face payments) and other AI-driven products, with 300+ exhibitors from 51 countries. Regional Tech Diplomacy: A UAE research delegation met Uzbekistan’s embassy officials to expand education, research, and cultural cooperation. Security Tech: Interpol’s “Operation Shams II” used AI face biometrics to identify 126 terrorism suspects, with Uzbekistan among the region’s law-enforcement participants. Global Industry Watch: Hyundai Rotem says its AI, rail tech and hydrogen push is accelerating exports, with a second high-speed deal in Uzbekistan gaining momentum.