AGP Executive Report

GEF Assembly Focus: GEF interim CEO Claude Gascon says the May 30–June 6 meeting in Samarkand must turn climate urgency into real, fast action as environmental finance faces tougher scrutiny. Energy & Industry Safety: Uzbekistan and ROSEN Group signed an MoU to strengthen oil-and-gas industrial safety, risk management, and regulatory capacity. Digital & Trade Push: Uzbekistan and China agreed to digitalise the textile sector, while officials visited Hoseo University for semiconductor cooperation talks. Transport Connectivity: Etihad and Uzbekistan Airways launched a codeshare linking Abu Dhabi with eight Uzbek cities via Tashkent. Governance & Oversight: The Senate approved reforms to speed up property-rights registration, and procurement watchdogs flagged 23 billion soums in tender violations. Aviation Weather Upgrade: Uzbekistan will modernize hydrometeorology and aviation weather systems to improve forecasting and flight safety. Regional Context: Central Asia’s water stress remains a looming security issue as countries weigh cooperation versus competition.

World Cup Momentum: DR Congo named its 26-man squad for the 2026 finals, with veteran Gaël Kakuta recalled and Ajax teen Jorthy Mokio left out—DR Congo will face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in Group K. Uzbekistan Oversight & Lawmaking: The Senate approved reforms to speed up property-right registration, tighten parole/probation controls, strengthen cultural heritage protection, and upgrade digital product marking. Energy & Digital Economy: Uzbekistan plans to modernize hydrometeorology and aviation weather systems, introduce an RAB-based electricity and gas tariff model, and tighten VAT rules for e-commerce and foreign online sellers. Business & Investment: Saida Mirziyoyeva hailed UzNIF’s London IPO as a historic milestone, while the Foreign Investors Council reviewed 116 initiatives to improve regulation and investment conditions. Procurement Watch: Uzbekistan detected over 23 billion soums in public procurement violations. Culture & Industry: Gijduvan ceramics gained geographical indication status, and JAC Motors opened its Toshkent plant to start local vehicle assembly.

Islamic Finance Push: Tashkent will host the 5th CIS Islamic Banking & Finance Forum on July 9, 2026, with talks on Shariah governance, fintech, takaful and how Islamic finance can pull in investment across the Commonwealth of Independent States. Business & Trade: Uzbekistan’s ICE AND GOLD says it will debut in Europe at Italy’s TuttoFood Milano in 2026 after 75% production growth over four years, and S&P placed DavrBank on positive CreditWatch after ABB’s plan to buy a 51% stake. Transport Connectivity: Etihad Airways and Uzbekistan Airways signed a codeshare deal starting Aug. 9, giving one-ticket access via Tashkent to multiple Uzbek cities and linking travelers to Abu Dhabi. Sports Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s Eldor Shomurodov finished as a Turkish Super Lig top scorer (22 goals), while Uzbekistan also posted a strong showing at the Asian Weightlifting Championships—men’s team fifth and women’s team third. Regional Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Baku for the World Urban Forum, as the Turkic world doubles down on AI and digital development at a Turkistan summit.

World Urban Forum in Baku: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is in Azerbaijan for WUF13, joining the Leaders’ Summit and holding bilateral talks as the forum spotlights affordable housing and sustainable city planning. Transit & logistics push: Uzbekistan and Afghanistan discussed cargo transit via the Hairatan port, while Uzbekistan also approved multiple transport and aviation protocols (with Turkmenistan, Romania, Kuwait, Jordan) to smooth cross-border movement. Agriculture expansion: Mirziyoyev signed a decree to bring 938,000 hectares of rainfed and pasture land into use, backed by $300m in financing and digitized e-auctions. Trade & tourism: Uzbekistan–Türkiye trade hit $653.4m in Q1 2026, and Uzbekistan welcomed 4.05m foreign tourists in Jan–Apr, up nearly 30%. Sports: Uzbekistan’s U-20 beat Tajikistan 3–0 at CAFA, while Uzbek athletes added medals across weightlifting, athletics, canoe slalom, and modern pentathlon. Safety & enforcement: A trailer fire on the Tashkent–Osh highway was contained quickly, and authorities seized 596 kg of drugs at the Afghan border.

Sports Spotlight: Uzbekistan U-17 are through to the AFC Asian Cup semifinals after a dramatic quarterfinal vs South Korea, finishing 2-2 and winning the shootout 5-3; they’ll face Japan next on May 19. Football Abroad: Abdukodir Khusanov played the full FA Cup final for Manchester City as they beat Chelsea 1-0, adding another major trophy to his European run. Combat Sports: Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev notched his second pro boxing win, taking a judges’ decision in a six-round bout. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov discussed ties and regional issues with Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar, with both sides stressing continued coordination. Turkic Agenda: At the OTS summit in Turkistan, Uzbekistan pushed a Turkic cybersecurity alliance and a strategic AI cooperation network, alongside plans for a “digital Turkic corridor.” Economy & Trade: Pakistan’s seafood exports reportedly crossed $500m for the first time, driven by new access to Russia—an angle that could matter for regional exporters watching Eurasian market openings.

Tourism Push: Uzbekistan is rolling out a new tourism project management system, organizing development as a chain from “attractive location” to “infrastructure,” with master plans for 34 major sites and 31 tourism locations, plus a big funding boost (450bn soums added; 950bn total this year). Turkic Digital Leap: At the OTS summit in Turkistan, President Mirziyoyev backed a Turkic cybersecurity alliance, an AI cooperation network, and a “digital Turkic corridor” linking data centers—aiming to deepen integration as the region’s institutions grow. Payments Oversight: The Central Bank opened a draft on payment operator licensing, pushing clearer ownership rules via a “beneficial owner” concept and aligning procedures with global anti–money laundering standards. Security & Enforcement: Tashkent airport stopped an attempted synthetic drug import (alpha-PVP), and a criminal case is underway. Tech & Business: Tashkent’s Global Tech Weekend highlighted startup strategy and RocketFuel’s interest in building a creative game studio hub in Uzbekistan.

Diplomacy in focus: Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov spoke with Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar, with Saidov praising Pakistan’s “constructive role” in mediating for regional peace; both sides agreed to stay in close contact. Turkic integration push: At the OTS summit in Turkistan, leaders backed the Turkistan Declaration and doubled down on digital and economic cooperation—while Kazakhstan’s Tokayev rejected claims the bloc is becoming a military alliance. Aviation ties: Etihad and Uzbekistan Airways signed a codeshare deal starting Aug. 9, letting Etihad passengers connect via Tashkent to key Uzbek cities and giving Uzbek travelers easier access to Abu Dhabi. Space ambition: Uzbekistan plans to send its first national astronaut into space by Oct 2028. Energy & prices: Uzbekistan will raise electricity and gas tariffs from June 1, while Uzbekneftegaz and Chinese CCDC discussed new oil-and-gas cooperation. Sports & culture: Uzbekistan’s youth boxing and regional cultural events kept headlines moving, including a major codeshare and ongoing Turkic civil-society forums.

Energy & Utilities: Uzbekistan will raise electricity and gas tariffs from June 1, 2026, with higher kWh rates for most consumer groups and a set gas price of 2,000 soums per cubic meter for most categories. Gas Output Boost: Condor Energies says it hit a new record at its Uzbek gas fields, topping 14,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in April after connecting a new horizontal well. Digital Push: The Digital Technologies minister met China’s SINOSURE to expand digital transformation, telecom infrastructure, and export insurance for tech projects. Payments & Finance: UZCARD and Mastercard signed an MoU to expand cashless payments and cross-border settlements, while the Central Bank ordered tougher ATM oversight after failed transactions and delayed refunds. Capital Markets: UzNIF completed what it calls the biggest IPO in Uzbekistan’s history, with a concurrent London listing, and trading on the local market set to start May 18. Transport & Connectivity: Uzbekistan’s TRACECA role grew as an Uzbek official was appointed Secretary General, and a unified transit permit agreement was signed; meanwhile, Asman Airlines plans Tashkent–Issyk-Kul flights from late June. Trade & Food: Rice exports reached 1,200 tons in Q1, and banana imports rose 44.7% year-on-year. Tech Weekend: Tashkent hosted Global Tech Weekend with 120 speakers and dozens of startup-focused events. Sports: Uzbekistan’s youth boxing teams topped the Asian Championships in Tashkent, and Arthur Guliev won gold at a canoe sprint World Cup stage.

Energy Push: Uzbekistan kicked off new power projects under “Uzbekistan Energy Week 2026,” including a 150 MW (300 MWh) storage system in Tashkent, a 200 MW (800 MWh) storage plan in Bukhara, and a 1,000 MW wind plant in Karakalpakstan with a 40 km transmission line—aimed at boosting renewables and grid stability. Agriculture Upgrade: President Mirziyoyev ordered expansion of intensive orchards to raise yields and water efficiency, targeting renewal of outdated orchards and pushing export-oriented horticulture. Regional Diplomacy: Mirziyoyev is set to visit Kazakhstan for a Turkic States informal summit focused on AI and digital development, with the Turkestan Declaration expected. Human Rights Platform: Tashkent hosted the China–Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum, stressing “human rights through high-quality development.” Local Life: A bus and car crash in Tashkent’s Yakkasaray district left multiple people injured, with the car driver preliminarily blamed. Sports Spotlight: Uzbekistan remains in the spotlight at the Asian U17 boxing championships in Tashkent, with Bahrain’s Jayden Price set for the gold medal bout.

Energy Push: Uzbekistan kicked off big power projects with AMEA Power, including a 150MW/300MWh storage system in Tashkent, a 200MW/800MWh facility in Bukhara, and a 1,000MW wind plant in Karakalpakstan—aimed at boosting renewables and grid stability. Renewables Record: Solar and wind hit a new daily peak on May 13: 62.4 million kWh total (36m from solar, 26.4m from wind), about 29% of generation, with “green” power at 59% including hydropower. Energy Diplomacy: Uzbekneftegaz met Condor Energies on raising gas output, while Uzbekneftegaz also discussed expanded financing with ADCB and sukuk talks with Fitch. Agriculture Plan: Mirziyoyev ordered wider intensive orchards and better land-and-water efficiency, targeting higher yields instead of expanding acreage. Local Life: A bus and Tracker crash in Tashkent’s Yakkasaray district left multiple people injured; authorities say the car driver was at fault. Governance & Society: Abdukadirov was named acting head of the reforms agency, and Uzbekistan’s court awarded copyright compensation to an American translator.

Metro Upgrade: Uzbekistan approved plans to expand and modernize the Tashkent metro, aiming for 1.8 million daily riders by 2030, with the network growing to 79 stations and 103 km of track, plus shorter train intervals. Finance Watch: Official reserves rebounded to over $70bn in April after a March dip, with gold and foreign currency both rising. Trade & Jobs: Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to expand legal labor recruitment via a joint working group, including healthcare, tourism, construction and engineering. Energy & Industry: BP bought a 40% stake in six Uzbekistan oil-and-gas blocks, while Uzbekistan’s electric vehicle imports surged nearly fourfold in early 2026. Sports Spotlight: Uzbekistan U17 beat Australia 2-0 and now face South Korea in the AFC U17 quarterfinal. Diplomacy: India and Uzbekistan held their 17th Foreign Office consultations in New Delhi, focusing on trade, investment, energy, tech and education.

World Cup Countdown: Uzbekistan’s Group K is set for June 17–27, with ticket demand still high after lotteries closed—fans are being pushed to FIFA’s last-minute sales and official resale. Uzbekistan Football: Fabio Cannavaro says the squad is being built around current form and readiness, with tough friendlies (including Canada and the Netherlands) to sharpen the team for its first-ever World Cup. Sports Spotlight: Uzbekistan U17 finished top of Group D after beating Australia 2–0, setting up a quarterfinal vs the runner-up of Group C. Investment & Law: Tashkent is planning major reforms to protect foreign investors—new dispute-resolution steps, faster timelines, and updated civil-code tools like escrow and indemnity mechanisms. Finance & Oversight: UzCard net profit jumped 42% in Q1, while tax authorities tightened scrutiny of large P2P transfers to curb shadow income. Energy & Diplomacy: Mirziyoyev met SOCAR and bp on new energy projects, and Uzbekistan targets a 54% green energy share by 2026.

Energy Deals: bp has joined SOCAR and Uzbekneftegaz in Uzbekistan’s North Ustyurt gas exploration, taking a 40% stake under a PSA covering six blocks (Boyterak, Terengquduq, Birqori, Kharoy, Qoraqalpoq, Qulboy), with seismic work already underway. Green Corridor: Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are pushing the Green Corridor Alliance to expand renewable power and cross-border electricity links, aiming to enable clean exports toward Europe. Tourism Push: Tashkent is backing a “Tourist Ring of Central Asia” with proposals for a single visa for third-country visitors and faster border corridors for organized groups. Finance & Housing: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank says housing prices are unlikely to swing sharply in the next 2–3 years as construction ramps up; meanwhile, officials are also exploring Hong Kong dual listings and IPO pathways for Uzbek firms. Sports & Culture: Uzbekistan is listed among Asian Games cricket qualifier teams, while the World Cup field is now set—Uzbekistan is confirmed among AFC qualifiers.

EU Sanctions Escalation: The EU moved ahead with a new $106bn Ukraine loan push while launching its 20th Russia sanctions round, adding 46 more ships to the “shadow fleet” list and banning EU entities from selling tankers to Russia, plus targeting Russian port use (Murmansk, Tuapse) and a key terminal in Indonesia. Public Health Check: Uzbekistan reported no hantavirus cases and said the situation is stable after online concerns. Capital Markets Talks: Tashkent and Hong Kong discussed dual listings and IPOs for Uzbek firms, alongside bonds, ETFs, and other market links. Housing Outlook: The central bank expects no sharp housing price swings in the next 2–3 years. Trade Push: Uzbekistan and Mongolia set a goal of $100m annual trade after a Tashkent forum; the UAE also approved veterinary templates to open market access for Uzbek livestock and poultry. Security & Finance: Andijan courts sentenced a drug ring to 8–11 years; the central bank tightened suspicious-transaction thresholds and raised the ID-free cash FX limit to $500. Digital “Zero Bureaucracy”: Uzbekistan plans to cut paperwork across 783 services, digitize most of them, and speed processing times.

Digital Finance Deal: Beeline Uzbekistan and Ipoteka Bank OTP Group signed a strategic partnership to roll out joint digital financial products, installment programs, loyalty offers and co-branded services, moving from pilots to wider launch. Foreign Policy: Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov received Kuwait’s new ambassador credentials and discussed expanding cooperation, while also confirming stronger ties with Turkmenistan after an equestrian friendship conference. Trade & Markets: Uzbekistan gained official access to the UAE livestock market via approved veterinary certificates for eggs and poultry/rabbit meat, and set a target to lift trade with Mongolia to $100m. Transport Upgrade: Tashkent plans 16 new bus routes by year-end as passenger demand rises, alongside more digitization and reduced cash payments. Sports Spotlight: Youth action in Tashkent continues, with Uzbekistan-linked regional tournaments and Indian U-17 boxing success—eight finalists and four bronze medals—adding to the week’s momentum. Crime & Justice: An Andijan drug smuggling group was sentenced after a border operation seized hashish and marijuana.

EV Boom: Uzbekistan’s electric vehicle imports have surged nearly fourfold in early 2026, with 23,079 EVs brought in from January–April worth $309.3m—far above last year’s 5,863 units. Transport & Safety: Authorities say a drunk bus driver in Bukhara was detained after driving while intoxicated with 40 kindergarten children onboard. Governance Crackdown: Mirziyoyev reviewed plans to curb illegal construction, after inspections flagged 3,791 illegal projects nationwide, with new digital alerts and tighter oversight promised. Banking Moves: ADB and Khalq Bank signed a financing-support deal to help the bank access more market-based funding. Sports Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s U-17s kept their momentum in the AFC U-17 run, while Indian girls dominated boxing finals in Tashkent. Regional Ties: Uzbekistan and Pakistan are expanding tourism cooperation, with new B2B deals aimed at boosting visitor flows. Quick Note: The week’s biggest Uzbekistan-specific developments skew toward transport, construction enforcement, and finance—sports and regional cooperation are also active, but major policy shifts are the headline.