AGP Executive Report

Fintech Push: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank and Singapore’s GFTN will host the inaugural Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum in Tashkent on Aug 24–26, aiming to turn the country into a regional tech-finance hub with sessions on open banking, stablecoins, cross-border payments, Islamic finance, and innovation. Health Tech & Policy: WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation launched a diabetes management overhaul across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, including AI-assisted eye diagnostics in pilot sites like Nukus, Gulistan, and parts of Tashkent. AI in Agriculture: Uzbekistan is mapping reforms to boost AI farming and genomics, while a new 5-year science pact links the Agri University with the Soil Analysis Centre to train students in labs and fields. Healthcare Reform: A national cancer program approved for rollout from 2027 targets earlier detection and raises survival goals from 35% to at least 45%. Regulation & Innovation: Cabinet Decree 297 updates Uzbekistan’s patent issuance workflow with a digitized process and clearer rules for invention patents. Public Safety: Uzbekistan will deploy covert “mystery patient” inspections across hospitals after a surge in complaints, and also toughens anti-drug penalties and road-safety accountability.

Uzbekistan Health Tech: WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation launched a diabetes management overhaul across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, with Uzbekistan piloting AI-assisted eye diagnostics in Nukus, Gulistan and Tashkent districts. Cancer Care Upgrade: Mirziyoyev approved a National Cancer Control Program for 2027, aiming to lift five-year survival to at least 45% and expand palliative coverage to 80% by 2030. AI in Agriculture: Uzbekistan is pushing AI farming and genomics for agri modernization, including restructuring research institutes and unifying fragmented farm data for smarter yield forecasting. Science Pact for Soils: The Agri University and the Soil Analysis Centre signed a 2026–2031 science partnership to link lab work with real field training and joint soil research. Mining Digital Push: Uzbekistan plans to roll out AI and digital tech across mining and geology, targeting major reserve additions and a unified AI-driven platform for exploration and production. Patent Rules Update: Cabinet Decree No. 297 approved a digitized administrative regulation for state invention patents, clarifying novelty and industrial applicability requirements. Tech & Investment Events: IT Park Uzbekistan pitched an IT outsourcing hub at London Tech Week, while the 5th Tashkent International Investment Forum runs June 16–18 and a Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum is set for Aug 24–26. Healthcare Oversight: Uzbekistan will deploy covert “mystery patient” inspections in hospitals and clinics to curb protocol deviations and unnecessary services. Regional Energy Skills: Tashkent hosted training for power system dispatch management to better integrate renewables across Central Asia.

AI for Mining: Uzbekistan plans to roll out AI and digital tools across mining and geology, building a unified digital platform and expanding reserve growth targets (including 879 tons of gold and 676,000 tons of copper) as it courts up to $30bn in investment by 2030. Cancer Care Upgrade: Mirziyoyev approved a WHO-backed National Cancer Programme aimed at lifting five-year survival rates from 35% to at least 45% by 2030, boosting screening and expanding radiotherapy modernization plus palliative coverage to 80%. Aquaculture Push: Uzbekistan wants to more than double fish output to 500,000 tons by shifting from lake-based farming toward intensive, water-efficient systems, supported by tech upgrades and financing. Digital Finance Forum: Tashkent will host the inaugural Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum (Aug 24–26), targeting $1bn in fintech investment by 2030 and pushing licensing, startups, and work on stablecoins. Urban Planning Tech: The government is digitizing and reorganizing urban planning documents via a unified electronic registry, as master-plan coverage lags behind rapid urban growth. Transport Engineering: Uzbekistan Railways is reviewing high-speed rail plans to Andijan and Termez, including a possible order of eight Hyundai Rotem electric trains. Health in Schools: Nestlé’s Health Routes program now reaches 12,000+ Uzbek students nationwide, adding a hands-on “Food Laboratory” teaching format. Wildlife Science Angle: A Caspian cobra sighting in eastern Uzbekistan reignited interest in research on venom’s potential cancer-fighting effects.

Uzbekistan–Sweden Mining Deal: Uzbekistan and Sweden signed an expanded mining and geology MOU, aiming to bring modern technologies, training, and ESG-aligned sustainable practices into Central Asia’s extractive sector. Renewables Grid Warning: A new Eurasian Development Bank report says Central Asia’s fast solar buildout could backfire without grid upgrades, storage, and market reforms—raising electricity costs and systemic risk. Tashkent Traffic Engineering: Tashkent’s traffic management center is redesigning flow around the Sergeli auto market with a dedicated access road to cut bottlenecks and conflict points. AI/IT Education Push: Fergana and SeoulTech plan joint AI and IT degree programs, linking universities with IT Park and industry to train job-ready graduates. Mortgage Market Milestone: Uzbekistan registered its first mortgage bond issuance, a 40.5bn soum step toward mortgage-backed securities and deeper capital-market financing. Nuclear Progress: Rosatom began construction of an export small modular nuclear plant unit in Uzbekistan, with the first concrete poured under IAEA construction standards. Language Reform: Parliament approved a bill to replace several foreign loanwords in law with Uzbek terms, including “password” and “traffic light.” World Cup Context (for locals): Uzbekistan’s MFA issued a fan travel guide and warned supporters to follow entry rules closely; meanwhile, visa rejections for non-European fans remain a concern.

Nuclear Power Push: Rosatom has started construction of an export Small Modular Nuclear Power Plant in Uzbekistan, with first concrete poured for a unit at the Farish District site in Jizzakh—an IAEA-aligned step that could also offer practical lessons for future SMR projects. Cancer Care Upgrade: Elekta and MIBS signed to install the first Leksell Gamma Knife Esprit in Uzbekistan at a new Tashkent oncology hospital, expected to open in 2027, boosting advanced radiotherapy capacity. AI for Mining: Uzbekistan is rolling out an AI-and-digital overhaul for mining and geology, aiming to add 879 tons of gold reserves (plus 510 tons of silver and major copper growth) by building a national geological database and using AI to speed exploration and drilling. Urban Planning Overhaul: President Mirziyoyev reviewed reforms to modernize urban planning and construction, with master plans digitized for over 1,000 settlements and plans to expand coverage in 2026–2027. Tech & Business Links: Uzbekistan is set to host a Uzbekistan–U.S. Business Forum focused on industrial, infrastructure and technology projects, while Uzbekistan and Sweden signed a migration and mobility agreement supporting legal work and training in fields like healthcare and engineering. EU Supply-Chain Shift: Europe is considering tougher rules to avoid single-supplier dependence for critical materials—potentially creating new opportunities for Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan beyond raw exports.

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.

Environment & Water Security: Uzbekistan hosted the Eighth Global Environment Facility Assembly in Samarkand, where Central Asian ministers officially launched the Central Asia Water and Land Nexus Programme (CAWLN) to tackle shrinking rivers, degraded soils and rising temperatures across five countries. Digital Infrastructure & AI: Uzbekistan is pushing ahead with data-center expansion talks with China’s ZTE, while a U.S. delegation discussed AI and cybersecurity partnership opportunities in Tashkent. GovTech & Public Services: Tajikistan studied Uzbekistan’s e-government and AI-enabled citizen services, including digital ID, e-document exchange and facial recognition platforms. Health & Research Links: The Fergana Medical Institute signed a University of Michigan partnership covering training, joint research and clinical education upgrades. Investment & Industry: Uzbekistan and the U.S. signed a trade cooperation MOU as bilateral commerce topped $1B, and the Tashkent Investment Forum 2026 is set for June 16–18 with 8,000 guests from 99 countries. Cyber & Fraud Watch: Authorities charged suspects behind a $2.7M tax cashback fraud scheme using fake invoices and Telegram-based claims through Soliq Mobile. Tech for Uzbekistan’s Growth: Uzbekistan’s IT ecosystem also drew attention via a planned Uzbekistan–China critical minerals push and new data center coordination work.

AI & Cybersecurity Partnership: A U.S. delegation met Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies to discuss AI adoption, cloud and data center upgrades, and scaling IT services exports—aiming to deepen tech and innovation cooperation. GovTech & Digital Identity: A Tajik delegation studied Uzbekistan’s e-government and AI tools, focusing on digital identity, e-document exchange, and biometric/cybersecurity solutions like myID and UzFace. Social Protection Strategy: Uzbekistan drafted its 2027–2033 social protection plan with the World Bank and UNICEF, stressing digitization of services, better inter-agency coordination, and stronger child-rights protection. Health & Research Links: The Fergana Medical Institute signed a University of Michigan partnership covering staff training, joint research fellowships, and curriculum upgrades aligned with international medical licensing. Water Security: GEF launched the CAWLN Water-Land Nexus program across Central Asia to tackle water stress and land degradation affecting ~60 million people. Fraud Crackdown: Prosecutors charged suspects behind a $2.7M tax cashback scheme using fake invoices and Telegram groups to exploit Soliq Mobile. Military Medicine Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Turkey agreed to expand training and scientific cooperation for military medics, including joint treatment and specialist exchanges. Clean Sport: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan anti-doping agencies signed a cooperation memo covering education, testing systems, and shared research. Market Watch: Tashkent rents held at $550 in May, but listings fell 21%, hinting at future upward pressure.

Uzbekistan–U.S. Business Forum: Tashkent will host the Uzbekistan–U.S. Business Forum on June 16 at CAEx, with major American firms and finance leaders expected to explore joint investment in industrial, infrastructure, transport, digital tech, and agriculture. Critical Minerals & Pharma Push: Uzbekistan and a Chinese firm signed a memorandum to expand critical minerals extraction, processing, and technology transfer; meanwhile, Uzbek pharma cluster delegations studied India’s GMP-based cluster model, and Uzbekistan’s medical industry agency met AIG Hospitals and Guangzhou Pharma to discuss partnerships. Copper & Defence Upgrades: President Mirziyoyev reviewed major copper projects, including commissioning steps for a $2.7B concentrator plant, and also discussed defence sector reforms plus modernization of military aviation training. Nuclear Progress: Uzbekistan continues construction of its first nuclear power plant, with updates on infrastructure and licensing aligning with safety standards. Trade & Border Tech: Uzbekistan’s customs warned of temporary queues at the Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan border due to Kazakh IT maintenance. Agriculture Exports: Uzbek raisins reached Senegal for the first time, supported by digital monitoring and quality management.

Uzbekistan–China Critical Minerals: Uzbekistan’s Technological Metals Plant and Shaanxi Non-ferrous Metals Holding Group signed a memorandum to expand exploration, extraction, deep processing, tech transfer, research, training, and joint investment in strategic minerals. Healthcare & Pharma Partnerships: Uzbekistan’s medical industry agency met AIG Hospitals in India to discuss expertise exchange and investment; meanwhile Tashkent Pharma Park delegations studied India’s pharma cluster model (including GMP-linked production and wastewater treatment practices), and Uzbekistan also held talks with Guangzhou Pharma on joint projects, research, and medicinal plant cooperation. Aviation Green Fuel Push: IATA warned that sustainable aviation fuel remains under 1% of global jet demand and that jet fuel costs plus SAF shortages could trigger billions in compliance penalties—urging policy fixes. Customs & Border Tech Glitches: Uzbekistan’s Customs Committee warned of temporary queues at the Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan border due to Kazakhstan’s customs IT maintenance. World Cup Tech in the Background: FIFA is using AI to help curb social media abuse during the 2026 tournament. Education Mobility Lens: A report highlights how Russia’s stricter school access rules are reshaping Central Asian student mobility beyond old defaults.

Nuclear Energy: Uzbekistan officially began construction of its first nuclear power plant, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin authorizing the first power unit via video link in Jizzakh; the project is led by Rosatom and framed as a major step toward advanced engineering, baseload electricity, and long-term energy security under IAEA supervision. Digital Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Russia discussed expanding digital infrastructure and ecosystems, including AI deployment, modern data centers, e-government upgrades, electronic signatures, and cross-border data exchange, with a roadmap planned. Construction Services Reform: From 1 July, Uzbekistan will simplify construction-related public services using “one application, one payment” for utility connections, streamline urban planning assignments, and extend correction deadlines for deficiencies. Innovation & Trade Links: A major Hong Kong delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee wrapped up a five-day Central Asia mission, securing 96 agreements worth about $1.65B and pushing “hub-to-hub” collaboration in finance, innovation, technology, and aviation; Cyberport also signed MoUs with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan tech parks. Cybersecurity Watch: A report says free smart TV apps on Samsung/LG/Roku can quietly route AI web-scraping traffic through users’ devices via embedded SDKs, raising new concerns about consent and device security. Environment & Water Resilience: At Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 in Samarkand, a Swiss-funded Zarafshan River Basin project pavilion drew high-level visits, highlighting climate-resilient water management and support for PhD research.

Nuclear Energy: Uzbekistan has officially started construction of its first nuclear power plant, with the first concrete poured for a small modular reactor unit at the Farish site in Jizzakh; the ceremony connected the project to St. Petersburg and included IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, while Rosatom and Uzbekistan’s atomic agency outlined progress in engineering, licensing, and site prep. Digital Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Russia agreed to expand digital ties, focusing on AI, new data centres, e-government upgrades, electronic signatures, and cross-border data exchange, with a roadmap to follow. Construction Reform: From 1 July, Uzbekistan will simplify construction public services using “one application, one payment” for utility connections, unify architectural assignments from 1 September, and cut repeated approvals for minor changes. Aviation & Green Tech: At IATA’s 82nd AGM in Rio, officials warned sustainable aviation fuel still covers under 1% of jet demand despite net-zero goals, as Europe faces summer disruption pressures. Green Agenda: The GEF’s 8th Assembly in Samarkand elevated Uzbekistan’s global environmental role, including plans to become a GEF donor and a push for “Green Capital” status. Tech & Industry Links: Hong Kong’s delegation visited IT Park Uzbekistan to review digital public services and AI startup support, while SCO industry ministers met in Cholpon-Ata to back low-carbon industrial zones and a shared investment database.

Nuclear Energy Push: Uzbekistan kicked off construction of its first nuclear power plant, with leaders citing modern small modular tech and IAEA-aligned safety; the project is pegged at about $9.5B and includes both large and small reactor units, while regulators also issued a construction license for an RITM-200N unit. AI & Jobs: At SPIEF, Uzbekistan’s digital minister said the country’s AI strategy is human-centric, aiming to create jobs and keep talent at home via IT Park growth and remote-work opportunities. Cyber & Smart Devices: A new report warns that free apps can embed proxy SDKs turning always-on smart TVs (and other devices) into scraping relays, raising privacy and bandwidth misuse concerns. Climate Finance at GEF: Tanzania urged stronger adaptation funding as the 8th GEF Assembly wrapped in Samarkand, highlighting faster access and reforms for vulnerable countries. Transport Tech Upgrade: Uzbekistan extended a zero recycling fee for new buses and added a modern fare system using contactless cards and smartphone/NFC options. Environment & Wildlife: Central Asian states agreed to boost cooperation to protect the snow leopard and manage mountain ecosystems under GEF-9 planning. Regional Tech Trade: Wildberries projections point to Uzbek goods surging past $2B in 2026, driven by e-commerce access for small manufacturers.

Nuclear Energy Push: Uzbekistan kicked off construction of its first nuclear power plant, with leaders saying the project marks a new tech and industrial stage and will follow IAEA safety oversight; the integrated plant is reported at US$9.5B and includes large and small reactor units, with a separate license issued for an RITM-200N unit. AI Jobs & Digital Growth: At SPIEF, Uzbekistan’s digital technologies minister said the country’s AI strategy is human-centric, aiming to create jobs and bring remote work home as foreign IT offices expand in IT Park. GEF Climate Funding: Tanzania urged stronger climate adaptation finance as the 8th GEF Assembly ends in Samarkand, warning that time is running out to meet 2030 environmental targets. Eurasian Tech Trade: Russia’s SPIEF remarks highlighted BRICS momentum in high-tech exports, while Wildberries projections say Uzbek goods on the platform could top $2B in 2026. Urban Mobility & Inclusion: Uzbekistan extended a zero recycling fee for new bus imports until end-2027 and plans to digitize disability parking permits via social cards. Regional Science & Culture: Central Asian culture ministers met the U.S. in Tashkent under C5+1 to expand heritage protection and digitalization, including museum and research cooperation.

Nuclear Energy Push: Uzbekistan and Russia have officially started construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant unit, with leaders joining a ceremony via video link and the IAEA present; regulators also issued a construction license for an RITM-200N unit, while officials set the project’s base cost ceiling at about US$9.5 billion and say safety will follow modern international standards. AI & Jobs: At SPIEF, Uzbekistan’s digital technologies minister said the AI strategy is human-centric, aiming to create jobs and bring remote work into the country, supported by rapid growth around IT Park and startups. Urban Tech & Mobility: Uzbekistan extended a zero recycling fee for imported buses (including electric and trolleybuses) until end-2027 and plans a more digital, validator-based fare system from Sept 2026; separately, the government is moving disabled parking permits fully online via a social card system. Industry & Skills: Ferghana plans new chemical projects after visits to the Chirchiq Chemical Industrial Technopark, while the region and Germany are expanding vocational training cooperation through modern centers and labor-market-aligned programs. Environment & Biodiversity: Central Asian countries agreed to jointly preserve the snow leopard and strengthen mountain ecosystem management through a GEF-backed regional vision for the next funding cycle. Regional Connectivity: Uzbekistan used SPIEF to argue Central Asia is becoming an independent growth hub, calling for tighter digital, payment, and production infrastructure links.

Nuclear Energy Breakthrough: Uzbekistan and Russia officially kicked off construction of Uzbekistan’s first integrated nuclear power plant, with presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Vladimir Putin joining via video link as the first concrete was poured for the first unit in Jizzakh’s Forish district, with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi attending; the project combines SMR RITM-200N units with VVER-1000 reactors and is framed as a major step for energy security and high-tech industrial growth. Digital Environment Governance: Uzbekistan and Italy signed an AI-based environmental assessment cooperation deal to modernize environmental impact reviews using AI tools and a digital platform approach under the “Permitting 5.0” concept. Aral Sea & Biodiversity Cooperation: UNDP and Karakalpakstan signed a statement to strengthen Aral region environmental protection, focusing on biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, land and water management, and climate resilience. GEF Funding Push: At the Eighth GEF Assembly in Samarkand, leaders stressed that environmental finance can’t be optional, while the GEF council approved a new funding package for biodiversity and climate adaptation, including blended finance discussions aimed at closing major funding gaps. Cybersecurity Alert: Researchers reported the Silent Ransom Group’s “fast flux” infrastructure and shared details with the cybersecurity community as the FBI warns of ongoing attacks targeting sectors including legal services and healthcare. Heritage Restoration Milestone: Samarkand marked the first phase completion of Sher-Dor Madrasah façade restoration, supported by a U.S. cultural preservation roadmap and a $500,000 grant. Regional Tech & Telecom: GSMA M360 Eurasia 2026 in Samarkand brought senior leaders and companies to discuss AI, 5G, cybersecurity, data centers, and resilient digital infrastructure across Eurasia. Mobility Tech: VEON’s Kyivstar subsidiary Uklon agreed to acquire Ukraine’s electric scooter operator E-wings to expand into a multimodal mobility ecosystem. Regional Connectivity Diplomacy: The UN’s preventive diplomacy chief praised Uzbekistan’s Termez Dialogue on connectivity as a trust-building platform linking Central and South Asia.