AGP Executive Report

U.S. Partnership: Uzbekistan announced 54 agreements worth $12 billion during Marco Rubio’s Samarkand visit, spanning sectors including energy, transport and technology. The country also joined the Artemis Accords, opening new avenues for space cooperation. Digital Economy: Google Pay launched in Uzbekistan, while the central bank ordered commercial banks to use Uzbek in customer contracts unless both parties prefer another language. VEON agreed to buy mobile operator Perfectum for about $207 million. Asian Para Games: Uzbekistan sits second in the medal standings with 56 medals. Muhammadabdulloh Tursunjonov won silver in the men’s high jump T47. Foreign Recruitment: Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters says 45,959 foreign nationals from 151 countries have signed contracts with Russia’s military since 2022, with the largest numbers recruited in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Belarus.

U.S.–Uzbekistan: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Secretary of State Marco Rubio advanced economic ties in Samarkand, where 54 agreements and initiatives worth nearly $12 billion were announced across aviation, rail, critical minerals, finance, healthcare and agriculture. Washington also pledged to deepen regional supply chains, transport links and technology training. Regional Cooperation: Mirziyoyev and Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev discussed trade, investment and progress on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Space and Technology: Uzbekistan signed the Artemis Accords, opening new avenues for cooperation on space exploration. Digital Economy: VEON agreed to acquire Uzbekistan’s Perfectum mobile operator for about $207 million, while Google Pay has entered the market. Tashkent: City teams have begun inspecting and pruning trees, repairing irrigation systems and restoring park paths. Asian Para Games: Uzbekistan stood fourth in the medal table, with 6 gold, 13 silver and 10 bronze medals.

U.S. Investment: Uzbekistan signed 54 agreements with American companies worth a combined $12 billion, covering energy, transport, critical minerals, finance, technology and other sectors. Secretary of State Marco Rubio brought nearly 300 U.S. businesses to Samarkand for regional talks, saying Washington wants to be a long-term partner in Central Asia. Space Cooperation: Uzbekistan joined the Artemis Accords, becoming the 77th signatory and opening new opportunities to work with NASA and other space agencies. Digital Payments: Google Pay has launched in Uzbekistan, enabling contactless payments with supported Android devices. Infrastructure: India’s L&T has begun initial work on the New Tashkent International Airport, a major project aimed at expanding the capital’s air capacity. China Ties: Beijing says it is ready to deepen cooperation and invest further in Uzbekistan, as joint projects approach $60 billion.

US-Central Asia: Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Samarkand for C5+1 talks, bringing more than 200 US business leaders. The agenda includes trade, investment and regional cooperation, as Washington seeks closer ties with Uzbekistan and its neighbours. Infrastructure: India’s L&T has begun design and planning work for New Tashkent International Airport; construction awaits further contractual approvals. Energy: A proposed $5 billion Central Asia Gas Ring, discussed at a Tashkent forum, could link five countries’ networks and carry about 20 billion cubic metres of gas a year, though it remains a proposal. China ties: During Premier Li Qiang’s recent visit, Uzbekistan and China signed cooperation documents and reaffirmed support for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. Child protection: Uzbekistan has introduced life imprisonment for sexual violence against children.

US–Central Asia: Marco Rubio arrived in Samarkand for Monday’s C5+1 talks, bringing more than 200 business leaders as Washington seeks deeper trade, investment and security ties with Uzbekistan and its neighbors. China Ties: During Premier Li Qiang’s visit, Beijing pledged more investment and imports of Uzbek goods, and backed progress on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Child Protection: A new law allows life sentences for rape and other violent sexual crimes against children under 14, abolishes time limits for prosecuting the most serious offenses and provides free legal aid for young victims. Para Games: Uzbekistan opened the Asian Para Games with 10 medals—five gold, three silver and two bronze—placing third in the early standings. Health: UNICEF Uzbekistan and regional drugmakers met in Tashkent to explore reliable supplies of essential medicines for children and families in Afghanistan.

US-Central Asia Ties: Secretary of State Marco Rubio has departed for Uzbekistan, where he is due to meet Central Asian leaders at the C5+1 summit. The visit aims to deepen US economic and security ties with the region. China Partnership: During talks in Tashkent, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev backed stronger trade and investment, including cooperation in energy, minerals, AI and agriculture. Li also pledged support for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, a major regional transport project. Banking: Uzbekistan’s outstanding bank loans rose 7.4% in the first eight months of 2026 to about $53.8 billion, while microloans grew faster, increasing their share of total lending.

China Partnership: Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit brought pledges to expand trade, Chinese investment and cooperation in energy, AI and agriculture. Beijing also backed the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and said it was ready to import more Uzbek products. US Outreach: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Uzbekistan for C5+1 talks, accompanied by more than 200 US businesses as Washington seeks stronger trade and security ties. Uyghur advocates are urging him to raise rights concerns. Energy and Development: Uzbekistan has announced $4.7 billion in energy deals and secured a $200 million ADB loan to modernize its power grid; AIIB discussions cover transport, energy and water projects. Heritage: Two ancient Uzbek canals have been added to the World Heritage Irrigation Structures list.

Diplomacy: Chinese Premier Li Qiang is due in Uzbekistan on Oct. 17–18. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also expected in Samarkand for C5+1 talks on regional cooperation, bringing more than 200 business representatives. China ties: An Uzbek expert says joint work in areas including energy, manufacturing and railways is helping advance national development. Energy: Uzbekistan has signed $4.7 billion in energy deals and outlined plans for two more nuclear power plants. Heritage: The ancient Dargom and Shohrud canals have joined the World Heritage Irrigation Structures list; both still support agriculture and historic oases. Higher education: Universities from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan agreed to expand exchanges, research and joint projects at a forum in Khankendi. Trade: Tashkent-based cargo carrier My Freighter won UK approval to operate cargo flights, with services expected to begin soon.

Water Heritage: Uzbekistan’s ancient Dargom and Shohrud canals have joined the World Heritage Irrigation Structures list. The canals still serve the Samarkand and Bukhara oases, following the listing of two other Uzbek canals last year. Regional Ties: Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan discussed expanding transport links, transit and energy cooperation in Baku. Separately, Azerbaijan’s university forum produced cooperation agreements with Uzbek institutions, including deals linking Baku State University with nine universities. U.S. Engagement: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due in Samarkand on October 17 for talks with Central Asian foreign ministers, accompanied by executives from more than 200 U.S. companies. Economy: Uzbekistan secured a $200 million Asian Development Bank loan to modernize its power grid; foreign trade reached $57.4 billion in January–August. Child Protection: Uzbekistan has introduced life imprisonment for sexual abuse of children under 14.

Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due in Samarkand for a meeting with Central Asian foreign ministers, accompanied by more than 100 US companies. China’s Premier Li Qiang will visit Uzbekistan on October 17–18. Energy: Uzbekistan secured a $200 million Asian Development Bank loan to modernise its power grid. Regional ties: At the CICA summit in Baku, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called for stronger trust, transport and energy cooperation; Uzbek, Azerbaijani and Turkmen officials also discussed regional transport links. Industry: South Korean manufacturer Hansae Mobility has opened an automotive-parts plant in Fergana, expanding local production and supply to regional carmakers. Child protection: Uzbekistan has introduced life imprisonment for sexual abuse of children under 14.

Regional Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined Asian leaders at the CICA summit in Baku, calling for greater trust and cooperation. Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan also agreed to deepen transport and transit links between Central Asia and the Caucasus. Upcoming Visits: Chinese Premier Li Qiang is due in Uzbekistan on October 17–18. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also expected to visit Uzbekistan with a delegation of more than 200 business leaders for talks with Central Asian officials. Trade and Investment: Uzbekistan’s foreign trade reached $57.4 billion in January–August, while the country signed a rail and metro cooperation deal with China’s CRRC Dalian. Justice: Uzbekistan has imposed life sentences for sexual abuse of children under 14.

US-Central Asia Ties: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due in Samarkand on October 17–22 for a C5+1 meeting, accompanied by more than 200 business leaders, before travelling to India. Regional Diplomacy: In Baku, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met President Ilham Aliyev to advance their countries’ strategic partnership, trade and cooperation in transport, energy and investment. Trade Routes: Railway officials from six countries met in Tashkent to develop the CASCA+ corridor, discussing container shipments, tariffs and coordination to improve links between Asia and Europe. Investment and Innovation: A South Korean company has opened a $30 million auto-parts plant in Uzbekistan, while new e-commerce regulations are set to begin in December. Uzbekistan and China also signed a protocol for watermelon exports. Science: Samarkand is set to host the International Astronautical Congress in 2028.

Regional Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Baku for the CICA summit and met Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. They discussed expanding strategic ties, trade and joint projects in energy, transport and investment. US Visit: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due in Uzbekistan from Oct. 17 to 22, leading a delegation of more than 200 American business leaders. Trade: China approved Uzbek fresh watermelon exports under a new phytosanitary protocol, adding to a growing list of agricultural products cleared for its market. Energy Links: Uzbekistan and Taliban officials agreed to speed up work on the Surkhan–Puli Khumri power line to Afghanistan, addressing financing and technical obstacles. Investment Concerns: Ahead of Rubio’s visit, Amsterdam & Partners LLP warned that foreign investment in Uzbekistan was unsafe, citing arrests linked to fintech firm Solfy; the cases stem from a dispute with the state-owned National Bank, and the allegations have not been ruled on in court.

U.S.–Central Asia Ties: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due in Samarkand on October 17 for the C5+1 ministerial and talks with regional leaders. He will lead more than 200 U.S. business representatives, putting trade and investment high on the agenda. Trade: Around 200 Chinese companies are showcasing products at a Tashkent exhibition running October 14–16, including firms in high-tech and emerging industries. Economic Outlook: The IMF projects Uzbekistan’s economy will grow 7.8%, with inflation expected to ease. Energy: A 1.6-gigawatt shutdown at a new Syrdarya power plant in September again disrupted Kazakhstan’s grid and led to temporary power restrictions in parts of Uzbekistan. Tourism: Uzbekistan welcomed 10.3 million visitors in the first nine months of the year.

Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is due in Baku on October 14–15 for the CICA summit, where leaders will discuss security, connectivity and digitalization. Uzbekistan and Türkiye are targeting $5 billion in bilateral trade, while Uzbek and Azerbaijani tax officials discussed a pilot for exchanging digital documents. Technology and Industry: Uzbekistan and China agreed to deepen cooperation in AI, IT and education. Uzbek officials also explored geology projects with a Canadian firm, including seismic data processing and mineral exploration. Tourism: Uzbekistan welcomed 10.3 million foreign visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 20.4% year on year; arrivals from China more than doubled. Energy: An explosion and fire shut a section of the Central Asia–Center gas pipeline in Russia’s Penza region. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation. Sport: Neftchi Fergana lost 3–1 to Al-Nassr in the AFC Champions League after a security alert delayed kickoff in Riyadh by about an hour.

Economic Cooperation: Georgia and Uzbekistan held their 11th economic commission meeting in Tashkent, signing a joint protocol. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan also agreed on a 2027–28 customs roadmap covering digital services, data sharing and smoother border procedures. Government: Erkinjon Turdimov was appointed Uzbekistan’s first deputy prime minister and minister of education and science. Regional Ties: Uzbek and Turkmen leaders reaffirmed their strategic partnership in a phone call, while Khiva opened a Turkic World youth center to support cultural, educational and innovation projects. Football: Neftchi Fergana lost 3–1 to Al-Nassr in the AFC Champions League. The Riyadh match was delayed about an hour by a security alert; Alisher Odilov scored for the Uzbek side.