AGP Executive Report

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.

Uzbekistan–Russia Chill: A Kremlin statement after Putin’s Aug. 31 meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was unusually curt, fueling talk of growing tension in relations. Nuclear Push: Uzbekistan’s $9.5bn nuclear power plant construction is advancing, with President Mirziyoyev demanding higher local production—raising domestic output from 21% to at least 30% and planning a 200-hectare industrial zone in Farish. Digital Economy: Tashkent will host ICTWEEK Uzbekistan 2026 (Sept 22–25), aiming to connect startups, investors, and global tech partners. Transport Safety: A passenger train crash into a car at a railway crossing in Surxondaryo’s Denau district killed four people. Water Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held talks on protecting and sustainably using transboundary water resources, including work on a roadmap for the Tashkent aquifer to 2030. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s role at the SCO Plus and related judicial diplomacy continues, with international forums and meetings involving Uzbek leaders.

US Open Focus: Top seed Aryna Sabalenka steamrolled Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova’s compatriot Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 to reach the third round, setting up a next clash with Rakhimova. Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan Water: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held talks on protecting shared transboundary water resources, including a roadmap for the Tashkent transboundary aquifer through 2030. Transport & Trade Links: A meeting in Bishkek around the SCO summit underscored regional connectivity, while Uzbekistan’s broader push for cooperation continues across energy and infrastructure. Cars for Citizens: Uzbekistan plans to let citizens temporarily import foreign-registered vehicles for personal, non-commercial use, with customs digitisation steps due by 2027. Energy & Industry: Uzbekistan unveiled progress on an integrated nuclear power plant in Jizzakh, including major earthworks and a push to raise local supply content. Regional Security: South Korea detained one Uzbek and questioned others over alleged financing and support for a Syria-based terrorist group. Culture Abroad: Qatar Museums opened two exhibitions on Uzbek heritage at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.

SCO Nuclear Safety: Uzbekistan is among SCO members backing the bloc’s first nuclear safety and security declaration, calling for tougher cooperation on regulation, emergency response and stopping illicit trafficking of nuclear materials as Iran tensions rise. Uzbekistan-India Trade Push: Uzbekistan and India are aiming to lift bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030, with uranium and critical minerals cooperation at the center of talks after their recent upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Sports in Tashkent: India’s U20 men’s team faces hosts Uzbekistan in a key AFC U20 qualifier in Tashkent after both sides won their openers. Regional Diplomacy: US envoys met Central Asian leaders in Bishkek amid SCO summit diplomacy, underscoring ongoing outreach to the region. Land Restoration Partnership: Uzbekistan renewed the accreditation of ICBA’s Tashkent office through 2029, supporting drought resilience and land restoration work across arid and saline areas. Security Watch: South Korea detained an Uzbek citizen over alleged crypto-linked support to a Syria-based terrorist group, with additional suspects under investigation. Culture & Arts: Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary art center in Tashkent, the CCA Tashkent, is set to open this September.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders marked the SCO’s 25th anniversary and adopted the “Bishkek Declaration,” pledging deeper cooperation on security, trade and technology, while rejecting “double standards” in counter-terrorism and condemning US-Israel strikes on Iran. Water as a red line: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif warned against weaponising water, calling it the region’s lifeblood. Uzbekistan-India cultural push: India’s PM Narendra Modi urged translating the Tamil classic Thirukkural into Uzbek and announced steps to preserve Uzbekistan’s Buddhist heritage and expand Hindi scholarships. Digital payments momentum: India’s UPI hit record levels in August, and Uzbekistan is moving to enable UPI-style payments via partnerships, boosting cross-border convenience. Regional connectivity: ADB approved a $400m BUILD facility for CAREC border upgrades, targeting faster, cheaper rail and road crossings. Sports & culture: Uzbekistan-linked SCO events included Kok-boru/kokpar tournament draws and chess “diplomacy” after Modi gifted a World Cup scoresheet to Uzbek President Mirziyoyev.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and PM Narendra Modi as SCO leaders adopted the Bishkek Declaration, pledging deeper cooperation on security, trade and technology and calling for a more “representative” multipolar order. Terrorism & Afghanistan: Modi urged SCO members to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism and push for peace in Afghanistan via inclusive governance. Water as a red line: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif told the summit water must never be weaponised, stressing binding Indus Waters Treaty commitments. Uzbek-India ties: Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan ended with plans to lift bilateral trade to $5bn by 2030 and a likely long-term uranium supply framework. Digital payments: UPI’s surge hit a record 24.51bn transactions in August, while Uzbekistan is set to expand cross-border UPI use via UZQR for Indian travellers. Defense update: Uzbekistan confirmed it will buy China’s J-10CE fighters. World Nomad Games: Uzbekistan’s teams face Kyrgyzstan in kok-boru/kokpar group draws, with wrestling medals also reported from day one.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: The 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit kicked off in Kyrgyzstan with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attending, as more than 500 journalists were accredited to cover the two-day event. Uzbekistan-Russia ties: On the sidelines, Mirziyoyev met Vladimir Putin, reviewing progress in trade (up 12% this year) and major projects in industry, energy, transport and culture. Uzbekistan-China push: Xi Jinping met Mirziyoyev, calling for a “golden decade” and urging faster progress on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway plus cooperation in AI and desertification control. India-Uzbekistan momentum: During Modi’s SCO-linked diplomacy, India’s PM told Putin to move from endless war to peace, while coverage around Uzbekistan highlights the growing India-Uzbekistan agenda on trade, minerals and energy. Cross-border security: Separately, four Uzbek men were arrested in South Korea over alleged financing and logistics support for a Syria-based terrorist group. Payments upgrade: Uzbekistan’s national QR system UZQR is set to enable UPI payments for Indian travelers via a partnership with Uzbekistan’s HUMO and NPCI International.

Uzbekistan–India Upgrade: PM Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, set a USD 5 billion trade target by 2030, and agreed on a long-term uranium supply arrangement. Visa-Free Travel for Indians: Uzbekistan announced a 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens, with details rolling out alongside the visit. UPI Goes Live in Uzbekistan: NPCI International and Uzbekistan’s NIPC/HUMO partnership will let Indians pay at Uzbek merchants by scanning UZQR using UPI apps. SCO Summit Focus: In Bishkek, SCO leaders are spotlighting regional security, counterterror cooperation (Tashkent’s RATS role), and connectivity projects, as Iran and the Middle East stay high on the agenda. China–Uzbekistan “Golden Decade”: Xi Jinping told Mirziyoyev China is ready to deepen cooperation, including AI and desertification control, and push high-quality progress on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Regional Watch: Uzbekistan’s critical minerals scholar Iqboljon Karabaev was reported arrested in Kazakhstan on espionage charges. Logistics Push: DP World plans to start construction of a $288m Tashkent dry port in October 2026 to link rail, road, warehousing, and customs.