AGP Executive Report

Tourism Security: Uzbekistan is considering expanding bodyguard-style protection for foreign tourists and delegations, with route-by-route risk planning, video surveillance, and rapid-response teams covering the whole trip. Aviation Upgrade: Embraer unveiled the first C-390 Millennium for the Uzbekistan Air Force, making Uzbekistan the first Central Asia customer for the transport/humanitarian aircraft. Public Safety: Two workers died after a tyre exploded during maintenance at Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company’s Pistali site; a preliminary inquiry and special investigation are underway. Finance & Debt: Uzbekistan has about 73.64 million SDRs (around $101.2m) in outstanding IMF loans, tied to emergency COVID-era financing. Regional Payments: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan plan cross-border QR-code payments and direct cross-border transfers to bank cards via mobile banking. BRICS Watch: Uzbekistan is listed among BRICS partner countries as leaders gather in New Delhi, with payment-system linking and local-currency trade a recurring theme. Customs Cooperation: Armenia’s revenue and Uzbekistan’s customs committees signed a memorandum to expand canine unit training and cooperation.

Uzbek Alphabet Update: Uzbekistan’s Senate approved amendments to the Uzbek Latin alphabet, expanding it to 28 letters plus one apostrophe, with new single symbols replacing some two-letter combinations to make digital typing and search more consistent. Night Noise Rules: Uzbekistan adopted a law limiting excessive noise at night, banning noise above permissible levels from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on working days and from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekends/holidays, with court compensation possible. Tashkent Finance Center: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev appointed Saida Mirziyoyeva to manage the Tashkent International Financial Center, tasked with coordinating its launch and representing it to investors and international partners ahead of operations planned for 2027. Regional Diplomacy: South Korea will host a Central Asia summit in Seoul next week, bringing together leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to boost trade, energy and critical minerals cooperation. BRICS Spotlight: India’s BRICS summit in New Delhi (Sept 12-13) is ramping up with major leader attendance and heavy security planning, while Uzbekistan is listed among BRICS partner countries.

BRICS Summit Security & Diplomacy: India is tightening security and traffic protocols in New Delhi ahead of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on Sept. 12-13, with thousands of personnel deployed around Bharat Mandapam as leaders including Putin, Xi, Pezeshkian and Ramaphosa are expected to arrive. Uzbekistan in Global Spotlight: China has exported the J-10C fighter jet to Uzbekistan, signaling Beijing’s push to expand military sales beyond its usual markets. Uzbekistan Education Reform: Uzbekistan will start translating school textbooks into the new Uzbek alphabet in 2027, beginning with first-graders and completing the switch by 2031. Uzbekistan Finance & Investment: Saida Mirziyoyeva has been appointed manager of the Tashkent International Financial Center, a special-regime hub aimed at attracting long-term foreign investment. Regional Trade Links: Algeria and Uzbekistan agreed to set up a joint business council and discuss a preferential trade framework to boost bilateral trade. Culture & Arts: Studio KO in Tashkent has turned a former tram depot into a contemporary arts centre, adding a new cultural stop for visitors.

Tourism Surge: Uzbekistan welcomed 9.1 million foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, up 21.1% year-on-year, with 1.4 million arrivals in August alone and tourism services exports reaching $4.6B (+53.5%). Korean Education Push: Korean-language teaching is expanding beyond Tashkent, with a new Korean department and teacher training center opening in Bukhara; the number of schools offering Korean rose from 4 (2023) to 25 (August), and the center is set to train 60 teachers annually. Serbia-Uzbekistan Diplomacy: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov in Belgrade, highlighting momentum for the strategic partnership, regular high-level contacts, and steps toward opening Serbia’s embassy in Uzbekistan. Trade Deal Talks: Uzbekistan and Serbia are preparing a free trade agreement aiming for reciprocal zero-rate tariffs across goods, plus an industrial cooperation program spanning light industry, agriculture, pharma, geology, metallurgy, and IT. Sports & Regional Fixtures: Uzbekistan is set to face the Philippines in women’s football at the Asian Games 2026 group stage, with the Philippines also drawn against Hong Kong and China.

Energy & Industry: BP and Socar have received the green light to move from the first phase to the next stage of exploration on Uzbekistan’s Ustyurt Plateau after seismic data collection was completed, with plans to reinterpret results and pick a wildcat location. Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s MFA says a meeting between Turkmen Deputy FM Myahri Byashimova and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Ravshanbek Alimov focused on strengthening political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural ties, including coordination on UN platforms and upcoming joint events. Regional Connectivity: UNECE’s Dmitry Mariyasin said the Middle Corridor should be “green” and digital-ready, stressing seamless operation on UN norms, interoperable digital solutions, and reduced transport times. Security/Policy: A consulting firm PMCG says former Armenian Security Council chief Armen Grigoryan has joined as a senior adviser and is working on feasibility assessments for the TRIPP connectivity project. Tech & Safety: Uzbekistan users are being targeted by Telegram-based “best parent” voting scams that ask for verification codes—authorities warn not to enter codes on external sites or share them. Culture: Uzbekistan’s first permanent Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent has opened in a restored 1912 tram depot, bringing exhibitions and education under one roof.

Uzbekistan Tourism Boom: Uzbekistan welcomed 9.1 million foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, up 21.1% year-on-year, with August alone bringing 1.4 million visitors; tourism services exports hit $4.6bn (+53.5%). Renewables Push: Trinasolar supplied 184,328 Vertex N 695W modules for Uzbekistan’s 126 MW Sarimay Solar plant in Khorezm, now fully commissioned and feeding the national grid. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Serbia signed a strategic partnership in Belgrade, exchanging 20 documents on transport, renewable energy, agriculture, digitalization and labor mobility, with talks on a possible free trade agreement and direct flights. Football Focus: Uzbekistan’s national team is set to play South Korea in October friendlies as interim coach Robert Moreno prepares his first squad; meanwhile, OFC U-19 semi-finals decide two FIFA U-20 World Cup spots, with Uzbekistan among the contenders. Trade Corridor Tech: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan completed a cross-Caspian eTIR customs pilot using one electronic transit process, aimed at speeding Middle Corridor freight.

Uzbekistan–Serbia Push for Strategic Partnership: Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Aleksandar Vučić met in Belgrade, signing a joint statement to set up a strategic partnership and exchanging 20 cooperation documents spanning digitalization, customs, green tech, transport, culture, agriculture and tourism; a free trade working group and direct flight plans were also flagged. Energy Supply Update: Gazprom said it increased gas supplies to Central Asia—covering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan—by nearly 70% in 2026, with Uzbekistan’s rising imports highlighted as it shifts from producer to net importer. Regional Connectivity: Uzbekistan and Armenia held foreign-ministry consultations in Yerevan, focusing on industrial ties, logistics, agriculture, digital tech, tourism and education, including progress on restoring direct air links. Aviation Link to India: Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air will launch direct Hyderabad–Tashkent flights from Sept. 28, aiming to boost tourism, healthcare, education and business ties. Security and Migration Watch: South Korea reported 110 foreign fugitives in its system, with Uzbekistan listed among the nationalities. Nuclear Policy Reminder: Central Asian states marked the CANWFZ treaty’s 20th anniversary, reaffirming commitment to a nuclear-weapon-free zone and urging progress on disarmament.

Customs Modernization: Uzbekistan says it has simplified clearance for most shipments—94% of exports and 87% of imports now go through simplified procedures—cutting customs declaration processing time to about 20 minutes as it prepares for WTO accession. Water Infrastructure Digitization: Kazakhstan is digitizing and restructuring water management, with over 23,000 water bodies already mapped in a national system, aiming for better water security and decision-making. Regional Security & Crime: South Korea reports 110 foreign fugitives hiding in the country, with Uzbekistan listed among the nationalities most represented. Uzbekistan-Serbia Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is on an official visit to Serbia, with high-level talks and a business forum expected to deepen cooperation. Uzbekistan-Qatar Trade: Qatar-Uzbekistan trade rose more than 30% in 2025, and both sides are pushing new projects in energy, logistics, infrastructure, and tourism. Tech & Business: A Tashkent region meeting with Japanese firms focused on digital transformation, green tech, and plans for an IT outsourcing hub and smart city pilot. Sports Spotlight: Uzbek chess challenger Javokhir Sindarov drew rare praise from Magnus Carlsen after a solid performance in the Global Chess League.

Uzbekistan-Serbia Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Belgrade for an official two-day visit, welcomed by Aleksandar Vucic with top state honours; talks include a strategic partnership joint statement, a business forum, and a ceremonial Order of the Republic of Serbia. SCO Security Funding: Pakistan’s upcoming 2027 SCO summit gets a boost as Pakistan’s ECC approved Rs6.6bn for 30 bullet-proof vehicles for heads of state movement. Energy & Industry: Uzbekistan says it has 2.5 GW of solar under net metering and expects 700 MW more in 2026; it also proposed a joint engineering venture for independent oversight of its first nuclear power plant in Jizzakh. Fiscal Reform: Uzbekistan and the IMF discussed steps to strengthen fiscal stability and improve public financial management. Regional Trade & Culture: Qatar joined an Islamic cultural heritage conference in Tashkent, while Uzbekistan and China agreed a new cooperation Road Map. Sports & Youth: Uzbekistan’s youth football success in qualifiers helped set up AFC U20 Asian Cup main-tournament spots, with India also qualifying after 20 years.

AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers (Tashkent): India beat Bangladesh 3-0 in their final Group B match, with goals by Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav and substitute Md Arbash, keeping the Blue Colts in the race for China 2027 after a 20-year absence; their qualification hinges on the later Uzbekistan-Syria result. Uzbekistan-Russia Nuclear Ties: Uzbekistan’s latest update on its nuclear project omits Rosatom and instead points to a new consortium for oversight and independent assessments, signaling a shift in how the project will be managed. Uzbekistan Inflation: Annual consumer inflation cooled to 6.2% in August (from 6.4% in July), with food and transport among the biggest drivers. China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Rail: A major milestone was reached on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway as the first tunnel breakthrough occurred on the Kyrgyz section, supporting a faster China-to-Europe corridor bypassing Russia. Culture & Diplomacy: Qatar Museums chair Sheikha Al Mayassa attended the inauguration of CCA Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary arts centre, launching a five-year Qatar-Uzbek collaboration. Security & Travel: Russian airports reportedly suspended operations nearly 1,000 times in August due to Ukrainian drone attacks, with some disruptions also affecting Central Asian routes including Uzbekistan Airways.

Cultural Diplomacy: Qatar Museums’ chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa attended the inauguration of CCA Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary art center, opening to the public on Sept 6 in a reimagined 1912 industrial building. Aviation Safety: Russian airports suspended operations nearly 1,000 times in August amid Ukrainian drone attacks; Uzbekistan Airways said two flights to Moscow were disrupted by Russian airspace restrictions and routes were adjusted for safety. Digital Payments: India’s Raghav Chadha told the IPU conference in Samarkand that India’s digital inclusion model should protect rights, highlighting the planned link between India’s UPI and Uzbekistan’s UZQR/UZCARD systems to simplify payments for travelers and students. Sports—Football: India’s U20 team beat Bangladesh 3-0 in Tashkent to keep AFC U20 Asian Cup hopes alive after a 20-year absence; qualification depends on the later Syria–Uzbekistan result. Sports—Chess: Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov’s loss to Nepomniachtchi was a setback in the Global Chess League as Carlsen’s team still won. Regional Security: China’s public security chief met Lao and Uzbekistan officials in Beijing to expand cooperation on telecom fraud, online gambling, drug control and border security.

Startup Finance Push: Uzbekistan will launch the “Future Entrepreneur” program (2027-2030), with IT Park Uzbekistan support and UzVC National Venture Fund backing up to 30 startups in priority sectors, offering up to 5 billion soums per project via interest-free convertible loans/SAFE and a planned 150 billion soums initial budget. Transport & Connectivity: A major milestone for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway—Kosh Dobo North No. 2 tunnel has been drilled through on the Kyrgyz section, with dozens of tunnels, bridges and stations still under construction. Diplomacy & Access: Uzbekistan opened its first consulate in the USA in Seattle, aiming to expand trade, investment, technology, education and social cooperation. Regional Security & Rights: Uzbekistan’s Upper House urged non-selective application of international human rights law at a conference in Samarkand. Public Safety: An Uzbek student was arrested after an alleged fatal hit-and-run involving a cyclist in South Korea. Travel Tech: Uzbekistan is set to accept India’s UPI, making payments easier for Indian visitors. Sports Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova featured at the US Open as Aryna Sabalenka advanced after a match disruption linked to a strong cannabis smell.

Uzbekistan Independence Day diplomacy: Uzbekistan marked its 35th independence anniversary with a solemn reception in Turkmenistan’s Tashkent Park, featuring Uzbek cultural displays and remarks from the Uzbek ambassador on reforms under “New Uzbekistan” and a rights-first agenda. Regional connectivity: Major progress continues on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, with the first tunnel drilled through on the Kyrgyz section—an early milestone as 27 tunnels, 43 bridges and key stations move ahead. Finance & fintech: A report highlights Uzbekistan’s state-led fintech push, with the Central Bank of Uzbekistan shaping the rules and backing innovation via a venture fund and an innovation hub. Parliament & global cooperation: A senior Uzbek senator urged unity amid the “polycrisis,” stressing that development, security, civilization and governance are linked—and that multilateral institutions must work better. Judicial diplomacy: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant called BRICS to become a “living Nalanda University,” promoting healthy disagreement and faster, predictable justice. Sports in Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova faced a US Open distraction as Aryna Sabalenka complained about a strong marijuana smell from the stands, though Sabalenka advanced. Travel access: Uzbekistan signed an agreement to accept India’s UPI, making payments easier for Indian visitors.

BRICS Justice Talks: India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant opened the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi, stressing stronger judicial cooperation, plus a shared arbitration/mediation platform for cross-border business disputes; he also held bilateral meetings with judicial leaders including Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan Ties: Uzbekistan marked Turkmenistan’s 35th Independence anniversary with a reception in Ashgabat, highlighting decades of reforms and a focus on peace and good-neighbourliness in Central Asia. Tech Cooperation: Hong Kong’s Cyberport deepened ties with Kazakhstan’s Astana Hub and IT Park Uzbekistan, aiming to move AI and fintech startups into wider Asia-Pacific markets. Sports Spotlight (Uzbekistan in focus): At the US Open, world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka beat Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 but briefly halted play after complaining about a strong cannabis smell drifting onto court. Energy/Industry Watch: A production zone is planned on land transferred from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan, with officials assessing logistics and site suitability. Investment Dispute: Amsterdam & Partners filed an ICSID arbitration request against Uzbekistan seeking over $100m in compensation for a detained company director.

Parliament & Youth Policy: Uzbekistan’s 12th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians opened in Samarkand with a joint delegation from both chambers, chaired in the presence of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and IPU leadership, focusing on human rights, digital rights, youth employment, climate resilience, and ending violence against women. Sports (Uzbek Players): Aryna Sabalenka advanced at the US Open after an unusual cannabis-smell interruption, while Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova awaits Sabalenka in the next round; in Tashkent, India’s U-20 were beaten 0-4 by Uzbekistan in AFC qualifiers. Social Protection: Uzbekistan, the World Bank and UNICEF are developing an Adaptive Social Protection Strategy to help households handle climate, natural and economic shocks faster and more effectively. Diplomacy & Trade: An Uzbek envoy in India praised India’s 7.8% GDP growth as a “breakthrough” and called the two economies “complementary,” with a push to lift bilateral trade toward $5 billion. Regional Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan-linked developments include plans for a production zone on land transferred from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan, as ties deepen across borders.

US Open (Tennis): Naomi Osaka rallied past Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 to reach the third round, while Elise Mertens’ win set up a next-round clash with Uzbekistan’s Maria Timofeeva. AFC U20 Qualifiers (Football): Uzbekistan thrashed India 4-0 in Tashkent, with Ulugbek Maratov, Kuvonchbek Abraev, Shorakhim Shorakhmedov and Nurbek Sersenbaev on target; India still sit second in Group B and play Bangladesh next. Culture (Qatar–Uzbekistan): Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s ACDF signed a five-year cooperation deal, and Sheikha Al Mayassa inaugurated two Uzbek-heritage exhibitions at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art. SCO & Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan pushed for turning SCO principles into practical economic, security and digital projects after the Bishkek summit. Sports (Nomad Games): Uzbekistan athletes won medals across events at the VI World Nomad Games, including bronze in er enish and strong showings in other disciplines. Aviation/Defense: Uzbekistan publicly showcased its first Chengdu J-10CE fighters, marking a major shift toward Chinese aircraft.