Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda on 15 October met Uzbekistan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov and signed a $200 million loan agreement to modernize the country’s electricity distribution system, cut power losses, and improve reliability as electricity demand rises, the Bank said. “A reliable power supply is
As part of Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to develop domestic tourism, make travel more affordable for the population and improve transport connectivity between regions, fares for domestic air travel have been reduced by up to 20 percent, according to the country’s Tourism Committee. In line with the instructions of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, particular attention is being
The opening ceremony of “Khiva – Youth Capital of the Turkic World 2026” was held on 12 October in Khiva, Uzbekistan. Nuru Guliyev, Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), addressed the ceremony and highlighted the importance of Khiva’s designation in strengthening youth cooperation across the Turkic World. He emphasized that the
Government representatives, the European Union, international financial institutions, development partners and private-sector representatives met in Tashkent on 30 September for the Second National Conference on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC) in Uzbekistan. The conference examined how investment and reforms can strengthen Uzbekistan’s role in sustainable connectivity between Central Asia and Europe, the Delegation of the
The United States Government has established the Trans-Caspian Enterprise Fund (TCEF), a non-profit investment fund committed to private sector development across the South Caucasus and Central Asian region. Capitalized with $201 million from the U.S. Government to mobilize private investment along the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, the Fund will invest in businesses and infrastructure that can
A new international tourism association, Umrah Plus, has been established in Uzbekistan. The main objective of the new international organization is to combine Umrah pilgrimage with Uzbekistan’s rich historical, cultural and religious heritage, increase the number of foreign pilgrims visiting the country, and promote Uzbekistan’s potential in pilgrimage tourism on international markets. Representatives of the
Kazakhstan’s national railway operator, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, has announced the launch of the Women’s Carriage service on an international train route for the first time. Starting October 1, 2026, the service will be available in the daily train operating on the Almaty–Tashkent route. “The international Almaty–Tashkent route is vital for developing passenger travel between Kazakhstan
Growth across Central Asia and Mongolia remained strong, at 5.9 per cent year on year, in the first half of 2026, according to the latest Regional Economic Prospects report published by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The Bank forecasts growth in Central Asia and Mongolia to remain robust at 5.8 per cent in 2026
According to the latest analytical data from UN Tourism, published in the World Tourism Barometer, Uzbekistan recorded the highest growth in international tourist arrivals among European destinations in January–June 2026, according to the country’s Tourism Committee. The number of international tourist arrivals to Uzbekistan increased by 25% compared with 2025, demonstrating the country’s continued strengthening
On September 16, the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit took place in Seoul. The event, chaired by President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung, was attended by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and President of
On September 14 in Seoul, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea. The leaders discussed the further development and deepening of the Uzbek-Korean strategic partnership. Mirziyoyev emphasized that over the years, the Republic of Korea has become a reliable friend and one of Uzbekistan’s most important
In January–August 2026, 9.1 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan, representing a 21.1 percent increase compared with the same period last year, according to the country’s Tourism Committee. While 7.7 million tourists visited the country during the first seven months of the year, 1.4 million tourists arrived in Uzbekistan in August alone. The most significant increases in tourist arrivals
On 10 September, a special screening of “A New Look: Uzbek Fashion Following Independence,” a documentary by young British filmmaker Dan Akhm exploring the development of fashion in independent Uzbekistan, took place in London with the support of the Eurasian Creative Guild. The film was introduced by Silk Road Media Adviser Taina Kaunis. The screening
On September 10, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed investment projects aimed at improving the waste management system, waste processing, and electricity generation from solid waste in Uzbekistan. The meeting noted that consistent measures are being taken in Uzbekistan to ensure environmental sustainability, process household waste, and reduce the burden on landfills. An important role in this
On September 8, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić held talks in Belgrade. At the beginning of the meeting, Mirziyoyev emphasized that the first visit by the President of Uzbekistan to Serbia will go down in history as the beginning of a new stage in relations between the two countries.
A new Center for Contemporary Arts officially opened in Tashkent on September 6. The Center for Contemporary Arts is a flagship project of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation. The center was established at the initiative of the Head of State, reflecting the country’s consistent efforts to develop culture, support the creative community, and
On September 2, the Uzbek premiere of the short documentary film “A New Look: Uzbek Fashion Following Independence” by British director Dan Akhm took place in Tashkent. A special screening, timed to coincide with the celebration of the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, was held at the Human House Gallery with the support of the
The Uzbek cities of Tashkent and Samarkand have become members of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Green Cities Network, according to the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan. According to certificates issued by the Secretariat of FAO’s Green Cities Initiative at FAO Headquarters in Rome on 20
On August 30, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who arrived in Uzbekistan on a state visit. The leaders emphasized the historic significance of the visit, which marks the elevation of relations between Uzbekistan and India to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. The talks focused
The establishment of the Uzbekistan Business Council in Dubai was announced on August 26. The initiative was launched by the Representative Office of the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan in the UAE, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in the UAE, and representatives of the Uzbek business community, with the support of the Dubai