AGP Executive Report

UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO’s 48th World Heritage Committee in Busan added 25 new sites—19 cultural, five natural, and one mixed—bringing the total to 1,273 protected places across 173 countries, with emergency protection steps for threatened areas and a new $13m strategy for Small Island Developing States. Central Asia security & diplomacy: Russia has ordered talks to update military-technical cooperation agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, while the Caspian Sea is flagged as a growing flashpoint as Ukraine, Iran, and wider regional tensions intersect. Uzbekistan research funding: Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council announced a record $478m package for 12 projects under its Areas of Excellence and Theme-based Research schemes, spanning medical imaging, smart manufacturing, neutron scattering, green tech, and AI. Uzbekistan business climate: CERR reported Uzbekistan’s composite business climate index rose to 58 in June, with current conditions at 48 and expectations at 68, alongside improving demand and hiring signals. Agriculture tech cooperation: Uzbekistan is preparing to host the Spain–S5+ Azerbaijan forum in Tashkent, with agriculture and investment on the agenda and a push to bring in scientific research, innovation, and water-saving know-how. Regional logistics: Uzbekistan’s role in the Middle Corridor gets a boost as talks and forums highlight cross-border transit hubs and export-focused logistics initiatives. Aral Sea climate impact: A new study says the dried Aral Sea has released about 825m tons of carbon dioxide since 1960, underscoring why restoration matters for climate and regional air quality.

AI & Research: Uzbekistan’s Besqala Mining Valley is set to become the country’s first tax-free crypto mining zone, with a new Karakalpakstan-wide regulation approved by the Ministry of Justice and incentives running until 2035. Digital Economy: Kyrgyzstan launched a state digital investment platform (“AIS Investments”) to connect investors and government bodies in one online space, using AI tools and an interactive investment map. Responsible AI: The ITU unveiled its AI for Good Lab in Geneva to help developing economies scale responsible AI via policy support, skills training, and public AI infrastructure. UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO added “Tashkent Modernist Architecture” to the World Heritage List, expanding what counts as Uzbek heritage beyond the Silk Road era. Energy & Industry: Masdar secured $5bn financing for a 24/7 solar-plus-battery project in the UAE, a major signal for firm clean power. Regional Connectivity: Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev reviewed New Tashkent construction progress, including a new Nizami-named pedagogical university campus with research labs and information systems. SCO Cooperation: SCO media and think tank summits in Bishkek focused on practical cooperation across digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, and AI.

AI for Good: The ITU launched its AI for Good Lab in Geneva to help developing economies move from small AI pilots to responsible, scalable national AI—covering policy readiness, skills building, and public AI infrastructure. Uzbekistan Agriculture Tech: Uzbekistan is turning to epigenetics as the “software” side of farming, aiming to boost yields and cut costs as it pushes beyond genetics-only seed work. UNESCO Heritage (Tashkent): Ten modernist buildings in Tashkent were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, highlighting Central Asia’s post-1966 earthquake urban transformation. Healthcare Digitalization: Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan signed healthcare MoUs spanning virtual care, health insurance, digital transformation, medical education, and workforce development. Energy Sector Governance: President Mirziyoyev reviewed fuel and energy reforms, stressing the core issue is management and accountability—not lack of funding. Regional Industry Links: Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan advanced construction and industrial cooperation through a Turkmen-Uzbek business forum focused on joint projects and modern building materials. SCO Knowledge Exchange: Media and think tank leaders met in Bishkek under the SCO to strengthen cooperation and information security.

UNESCO World Heritage (Uzbekistan): Ten modernist buildings in Tashkent were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, marking Uzbekistan’s sixth cultural site and its first individual national nomination in 25 years. UNESCO World Heritage (Kazakhstan): Kazakhstan also secured UNESCO status for the Rock Mosques and Associated Sacred Sites of Mangystau, a serial property of five Sufi rock-cut complexes. Energy Governance (Uzbekistan): President Mirziyoyev urged tighter management and accountability in the fuel and energy sector, stressing that the core problem is execution discipline—not lack of funding. AI & Security (Regional): Pakistan’s FIA defended AI-assisted airport screening and selective phone checks tied to smuggling cases after privacy backlash. Tech & Finance (Uzbekistan): TBC Bank Group completed its majority acquisition of OLX Uzbekistan, expanding the classifieds platform’s reach under a new joint venture. SCO Cooperation (Kyrgyzstan): The SCO Media and Think Tank Summit in Bishkek pushed for stronger coordination against disinformation and for practical integration projects. Science & Education (Uzbekistan): The 58th International Chemistry Olympiad in Tashkent saw Israel win two gold and two silver medals, with 363 students from 92 countries competing. Transport & Connectivity: A new Eurasian Development Bank update highlights who finances major transport projects—showing Central Asia’s growing share alongside Russia’s dominance.

Nuclear Security Training: Malaysia’s Nuclear Agency hosted a workshop on Integrated Nuclear Security Management with U.S. DOE support, bringing together participants from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to strengthen emergency planning, skills, and international cooperation. SCO Push for Practical Integration: At the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting in Kyrgyzstan, China highlighted a decade plan with new green, digital, science and tech, energy, and AI platforms—while experts and media urged turning SCO know-how into concrete joint projects. Central Asia Nuclear Future: A new analysis weighs how Russia’s funding limits may slow schedules, while China’s financing and reactor tech could reshape Central Asia’s nuclear partnerships and push consortium-based models. Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan Value Chains: Trade momentum keeps rising: Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan turnover neared $1.2bn in 2025 and grew further in early 2026, with cooperation shifting from border fixes to joint business and investment. Health & Pharma Cooperation: Afghan and Uzbek officials discussed expanding medical collaboration, including cancer and heart-disease treatment, plus training and quality-control lab support for pharmaceuticals. Ancient Science Discovery: Archaeologists report the oldest reliably dated mulberry silkworm cocoons in Uzbekistan, pushing sericulture in Central Asia back to around 1940–1765 BCE. Energy Storage Boom: CATL posted a 42% jump in H1 2026 net profit, driven by stronger demand for EV and energy-storage batteries, reinforcing the region’s battery race.

Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan Trade Surge: Bilateral trade keeps climbing fast: Uzbekistan’s exports to Kyrgyzstan hit $771M in 2025 (+46.5%), with total turnover near $1.2B (+37%); in Jan–May 2026, turnover reached about $469M (+45.5%), showing a growing economic bridge between the two neighbors. Industrial & Transport Cooperation: Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed an “Industrial-technological belt” with joint high-tech production centers, plus a border logistics hub tied to the East–West transit corridor, and proposed a Supreme council “Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan.” Energy Drilling Push: Uzbekneftegaz and China’s XIBU moved into a new phase for Ustyurt Plateau exploration, planning 30 deep wells, with the first rig starting at the Kyzylzhar field and all wells targeted to begin by mid-August. Health Sector Links: Afghan and Uzbek officials agreed to expand health cooperation, including treatment of Afghan patients, pharmaceutical development, and lab equipment and quality-control collaboration. Ancient Science Discovery: Archaeologists report the oldest reliably dated mulberry silkworm cocoons in Uzbekistan, pushing sericulture in Central Asia back thousands of years and reshaping Silk Road timelines. Education & Research Exchange: Uzbekistan’s higher-education leadership highlighted growing Central Asian academic ties via exchanges and joint scientific projects, framing education as a driver of regional cooperation.

Uzbek–France Healthcare Boost: Uzbekistan and France agreed to deepen medical cooperation in Tashkent, including plans for a Gustave Roussy Cancer Center branch in Uzbekistan, specialist training in French hospitals, trauma care centers in Tashkent region resort areas, and pilot diagnostic-technology projects. Energy & Drilling: Uzbekneftegaz and China’s XIBU moved into a new phase of Ustyurt Plateau exploration, targeting 30 deep wells, with first drilling at Kyzylzhar scheduled for late July and all wells expected to start by mid-August. Regional Trade Corridors: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan reported rapid growth in bilateral trade since 2016, with 2025 turnover near $1.2bn and 2026 January–May trade up sharply, reflecting expanding value chains. Central Asia Connectivity Talks: Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed an “industrial-technological belt,” high-tech production centers, and a border transport-logistics hub, with a proposed Supreme council to drive implementation. SCO Diplomacy: Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar met Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on SCO sidelines, focusing on defense, agriculture, technology, workforce exchange, and a 2025–2027 cooperation roadmap. Ancient Science Discovery: Archaeologists reported the oldest reliably dated Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons in Uzbekistan, pushing sericulture in Central Asia back thousands of years. Education & Research Exchange: Uzbekistan’s higher-education leadership highlighted growing academic exchanges and joint projects across Central Asia and the Turkic world.

Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan Trade Boost: Bilateral trade is surging as the two countries shift toward joint value chains, with turnover up sharply in 2025 and continuing to rise in 2026 (Jan–May). Health Cooperation: Afghan and Uzbek officials discussed expanding health sector ties, including cancer and heart-disease treatment for Afghan patients, plus pharmaceutical development and quality-control lab cooperation. Energy & Drilling: Uzbekneftegaz and China’s XIBU are ramping up Ustyurt Plateau exploration, planning 30 deep wells and mobilizing modern rigs to speed drilling schedules. Regional Tech/Industry Talks: Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan proposed an “industrial-technological belt,” high-tech production centers, and a new supreme council to coordinate projects. SCO Diplomacy: Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar met Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Belarus on SCO sidelines, focusing on trade, connectivity, energy, and regional stability. Ancient Science in Uzbekistan: New research based on ancient silkworm cocoons found in Uzbekistan suggests sericulture in Central Asia dates back about 4,000 years, far earlier than previously thought. Education & Innovation Links: Uzbekistan’s higher-education leadership highlighted growing academic exchanges and joint scientific projects across Central Asia and the Turkic world. Cross-border Payments: Alipay+ added new bank partners, including Hang Seng Bank, expanding QR-based cross-border mobile payments and linking systems that already include Uzbekistan’s HUMO.

Uzbek Digital Finance: Uzum has entered CNBC-Statista’s 2026 “World’s Top Fintech Companies” ranking for the first time, recognized in the neobanking category for its digital-first services and rapid user adoption. Energy & Industry: Uzbekneftegaz and China’s XIBU are moving into a new phase of Ustyurt Plateau exploration, planning 30 deep wells, with the first rig work at Kyzylzhar set to begin on July 25 and full-stage drilling expected to start by mid-August. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan reviewed progress on 80 joint investment projects worth over $1.8bn, with bilateral trade rising to $4.8bn in 2025 and up 37% in Jan–May 2026, alongside a $7.8bn Investments and Trade Road Map. Education & Research Links: Uzbekistan’s higher-education leadership highlighted how academic exchanges and joint projects are strengthening Central Asian ties, while Uzbek scholars discussed cultural cooperation with Azerbaijan’s National Library. Heritage Science: A Silk Road heritage conservation training program brought participants from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan to China for hands-on work on monitoring, early warning, and scientific study of traditional craftsmanship.

Uzbek Fintech Spotlight: Uzum has entered CNBC-Statista’s 2026 “World’s Top Fintech Companies” ranking for neobanking, highlighting Uzbekistan’s fast-growing digital finance ecosystem and its push toward an IPO. Central Asia Trade Boost: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan signed regional and commercial deals worth over 80 billion tenge (about $146m) in Aktau, aiming to accelerate cooperation in trade, transport, industry, and cross-border development. Regional Tech & Culture Links: Uzbek scholars visited Azerbaijan’s National Library to discuss cultural and academic cooperation, including joint work on Oriental literature and historical manuscripts. Water Tech Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan agreed to deepen water management collaboration, including modernization of irrigation infrastructure and digital monitoring systems. One Health Warning: Central Asia faces new waves of extreme heat, with experts urging coordinated “One Health” action across meteorology, healthcare, veterinary and environmental agencies. Energy Sector Court Case: Former Uzbekneftegaz boss Bahodir Siddiqov went on trial in Tashkent over alleged embezzlement and related financial crimes, as scrutiny widens in the energy contracting system. Space/Defense Tech (Regional Relevance): Embraer and Anduril signed an MoU to integrate Anduril’s pallet-launched Barracuda-500M into the C-390 Millennium, pointing to faster, scalable strike options. Fact Check (Sports Tech/Policy): A claim that FIFA’s “clean stadium” rules were new in 2026 was rated mostly false, since similar restrictions were used in earlier World Cups.

Uzbek Fintech Spotlight: Uzum has been named among the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC and Statista for the first time, landing in the neobanking category and highlighting Uzbekistan’s fast-growing digital finance ecosystem. Cross-Border Payments: Ant International’s Alipay+ added new bank partners, including Hang Seng Bank, expanding QR-based cross-border mobile payments across Asia-Pacific and linking into Uzbekistan’s HUMO QR network. Regional Trade Growth: Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan trade keeps climbing, with turnover forecast to near $1.2B by 2025 and exports from Uzbekistan rising sharply, signaling deeper supply-chain ties. Water & Irrigation Tech: Uzbekistan and Japan deepen collaboration in water management, with a focus on modernizing irrigation and using digital monitoring to improve efficiency. AI Push in Central Asia: Central Asian officials gathered in Shanghai for AI cooperation talks, including the push to formalize a global AI governance body (WAICO), reflecting intensifying competition between China and the US. Climate & Safety Systems: Heatwaves are being framed through a “One Health” lens across Central Asia, while Kyrgyzstan’s hydrometeorological monitoring is being modernized to improve natural-hazard forecasting and early warnings. Heritage Science Training: Young researchers from Central Asia joined Silk Road heritage conservation training, combining scientific study of traditional craftsmanship with monitoring and early-warning methods. Defense Tech Watch: Embraer and Anduril signed an MoU to integrate pallet-launched Barracuda-500M cruise-missile capabilities into the C-390 platform, pointing to new rapid-deployment concepts.

Uzbek Fintech Spotlight: Uzum has entered CNBC-Statista’s 2026 ranking of the world’s top fintech companies for the first time, landing in the neobanking category as its digital ecosystem expands across payments, shopping, and cards for millions of users. Climate & Health Risk: A One Health expert warns that Central Asia’s extreme heat is hitting people, livestock, and ecosystems together—meaning heat response needs coordinated monitoring, early warnings, and data sharing across meteorology, health, veterinary, agriculture, and environment agencies. Energy Court Update: In Tashkent, the trial of former Uzbekneftegaz chairman Bahodir Siddiqov and eight others is underway over alleged large-scale embezzlement and related financial crimes, as scrutiny of state energy contracting deepens. Water Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Japan have agreed to deepen collaboration on water management, including irrigation modernization and digital monitoring. Agritech Irrigation Tech: A smart drip irrigation system has been launched in Navoi, pointing to more efficient water use in farming. Regional Investment Pulse: UNCTAD data shows Uzbekistan’s FDI stock rose sharply in 2025, with the country recording the strongest annual increase in Central Asia. SAF Export Logistics: Allied Biofuels outlined planned sustainable aviation fuel export routes from Uzbekistan to Europe and the UAE via rail and sea corridors, supported by Pro Logistic Services. AI Policy Signal: Central Asian officials, including Uzbekistan, are aligning with China’s AI push as WAICO is set up in Shanghai, with Astana offered to host WAICO’s first annual meeting.

Disaster Risk Tech: Kyrgyzstan’s hydrometeorological agency is modernizing monitoring and forecasting with new equipment and tech to better track floods, mudflows, landslides, extreme heat and other hazards—aiming for faster, more accurate warnings. Water & Industry: Xinshengtai highlights advanced environmental equipment for cleaner, more efficient industrial water management, positioning it as a solution for tighter standards and recycling needs. Smart Mobility: Volkswagen is deepening its China self-driving push with Horizon Robotics, targeting Level 3 driver-assist in China from H2 2027 and paving the way for robotaxi work. Uzbekistan Economy Pulse: A regional business activity update shows June momentum: tax revenues up 45.6% year-on-year, customs payments up 19.2%, exports up 27.6%, and bank lending up 5%. Road Safety Tech: Asia-Pacific road safety projects include AI for helmet checks, a central crash database, sensor-based school commute analysis, and safer training for drivers. Central Asia Connectivity & Security: Analysis warns the Middle Corridor needs a stronger security component as transit grows; new e-permit testing and a single transit document push aim to simplify freight movement. Uzbekistan–China Investment: China’s footprint in Uzbekistan keeps expanding beyond infrastructure into energy, geology, finance and high-tech, with a shift toward higher value-added production. Uztelecom Cybersecurity: Uztelecom signs a cooperation memo with TMS Hub and the State Cybersecurity Centre to boost telecom and cybersecurity skills and joint scientific projects. SAF Export Logistics: Allied Biofuels lays out planned SAF/e-SAF export routes from Uzbekistan to Europe and the UAE via rail and sea corridors, supported by Pro Logistic Services’ multimodal network. AI Governance in the Region: Central Asian leaders back a China-led AI cooperation push around WAICO, signaling growing Beijing influence in the region’s AI agenda.

AI & Regional Tech: Central Asian leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan met in Shanghai for the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, where China-backed WAICO was launched—signaling a growing tilt toward Beijing as AI competition with the US intensifies. Renewables in Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan’s renewable power push is accelerating fast, with solar now over half of installed renewables and major foreign investment helping the country move toward 50% renewables by 2030 and net zero by 2050. Green Agriculture Tech: A smart drip irrigation system was installed in Navoi’s orchards as a “smart” open-air lab, using soil moisture sensors and automated weather data to optimize irrigation and fertigation. Uzbek Digital Finance: Uzum was named among the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC and Statista in the neobanking category. SAF Logistics (Uzbekistan-Europe): Allied Biofuels outlined multimodal export routes for sustainable aviation fuel from Uzbekistan to Europe and the UAE, using rail and sea corridors via Kazakhstan, the Caspian, the Black Sea and the Suez Canal. Education & Research: Uzbekistan hosted the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad in Tashkent, while Navoi’s research community also showcased practical water-saving tech for climate resilience.

One Health & Avian Flu Reporting: A Central Asia webinar for journalists urged more accurate, calm coverage of zoonotic risks like highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), warning that most reporting appears only during emergencies and that explanatory science-based journalism is still rare. Chemistry Olympiad in Tashkent: India’s Kabeer Chillar and team won four gold medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad in Uzbekistan, highlighting how students are turning national exam success into global research skills. Uzbekistan Medical Upgrade: Namangan’s trauma and orthopedics center is receiving €10 million in Austrian equipment to modernize care, with most deliveries already in and the rest scheduled before year-end. Cultural Heritage Research Link: Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Center signed a cooperation memorandum with Hong Kong Palace Museum covering museology, heritage preservation, restoration, joint exhibitions, and specialist training. Aral Sea Climate Impact: New research says the Aral Sea’s drying has shifted it from a carbon sink to a major carbon source, adding urgency to restoration and emissions planning. AI Governance Push: Indonesia joined the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a founding member, as China moves to formalize global AI influence through new institutions. Regional Science Exchange: An SCO young scientists camp in Kyrgyzstan wrapped up projects spanning environmental chemistry, biomedicine, renewable energy, aquatic robotics, and astroinformatics.

International Olympiads in Uzbekistan: The 58th International Chemistry Olympiad in Tashkent kept delivering big science headlines, with India taking a historic clean sweep of four gold medals (including Kabeer Chillar) and Iran also winning major chemistry and biology medals. Regional STEM momentum: Trinidad and Tobago earned its first-ever IChO medal (bronze) in Tashkent, while Turkmen schoolchildren returned with four medals (1 silver, 3 bronze), highlighting how Central Asia is becoming a hub for elite youth research training. Heat stress on infrastructure: Extreme mid-July temperatures across Central Asia buckled roads and strained power grids, with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan reporting consumption and generation records and temporary measures to protect equipment. Cultural science diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Center signed an MoU with the Hong Kong Palace Museum for joint exhibitions and research, and Greece and Uzbekistan agreed a 2026–2028 plan spanning education, science, and cultural heritage. AI governance watch: China’s WAICO launch in Shanghai signals a push to formalize global AI influence through new institutions.