As part of ongoing efforts to create a more convenient and safer environment for tourists in Uzbekistan, measures are being taken to develop the country’s car rental (Rent-a-Car) services. An open dialogue was held at the Tourism Committee, bringing together representatives of the Ministry of Digital Technologies, the Customs Committee, insurance companies, and car rental
On June 26, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed measures to reduce the share of the shadow economy. In recent years, systematic efforts have been undertaken in this direction. In particular, special and territorial commissions to combat the shadow economy have been established, risk analysis and segmentation systems have been introduced in the tax and customs authorities,
A few months ago, I had the privilege of visiting Uzbekistan — a land where every day seemed to offer me another chance. Another chance to see, to taste, to learn, to be humbled. I boarded the sleek high-speed train from Tashkent to Samarkand, watching the landscape unfold at modern velocity. Not long after, I
Uzbekistan continues to advance its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development through strengthened action on hazardous chemicals and waste management. Following the historic Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), held in Samarkand, a new project titled “Supporting Implementation of the Stockholm Convention through the Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste in Uzbekistan” has been
On June 22, artists and members of the delegation of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) arrived in Uzbekistan within the framework of events to be held in Andijan, the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2026. With celebrations of the cultural capital which will feature over 100 artists from various countries of the
Water access in Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan is not a simple infrastructure problem. It is a question of geography, climate, and the particular circumstances of the region’s most remote communities, where the distance from district centers, the absence of roads, and the depth of need make development especially challenging. Meeting these challenges requires joint effort and partners
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is improving access to licensed medical products in Uzbekistan by financing the expansion of Big-Family-Pharm (BFP), operator of the Akmal Pharm pharmacy chain in the Fergana Valley. BFP, which runs 86 retail pharmacies across the Tashkent, Andijan and Fergana regions of Uzbekistan, will receive an EBRD loan of
One of the most memorable events of my Latin American journey was the meeting with Paraguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, in the capital city of Asunción. Ramírez Lezcano is one of the country’s most influential diplomats and has served as Paraguay’s Foreign Minister since 2023. This visit became my first official trip
The participation of Uzbekistan’s national football team in the FIFA World Cup is not only a historic sports achievement but also an effective instrument for promoting the country internationally, showcasing its tourism potential, cultural heritage, and national brand on the global stage, according to the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan’s appearance on the world stage
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the Uzbek Plant of Technological Metals (TMC) have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in financing the extraction and processing of critical minerals and rare earth metals. The document is aimed at strengthening Uzbekistan’s position in global supply chains for strategic raw materials by developing knowledge‑intensive industries and
The European Investment Bank (EIB) on June 18 opened its Regional Representation for Central Asia in Tashkent, bringing its teams closer to partners and projects throughout the region, the bank said. The office was inaugurated by EIB Vice-President Marek Mora, who highlighted the bank’s growing engagement in Central Asia and its expanding pipeline of investments
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved $150 million in concessional financing from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) to help Uzbekistan implement the Second Phase of the Rural Infrastructure Development Program. The program activities will improve public infrastructure and services for rural communities in six regions across the country, according to the World Bank.
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and Yashil Energiya have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in renewable energy. The parties plan to jointly finance and implement projects in distributed solar generation, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and small hydropower plants in Uzbekistan. The ceremony took place within the framework of the Tashkent International Investment Forum last
Over the past three decades, the post-Soviet space has embraced megaprojects with a fervour reminiscent of Soviet-era “gigantomania”. A new terminal, a new city, a new tech hub, a new railway – each presented as a leap into the future. Too many of these projects have turned out not to be engines of growth, but
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) says it is providing funds to develop sustainable transportation solutions in Nukus, the sixth-largest city in Uzbekistan and the capital of the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan, in the latest project under the EBRD Green Cities programme. The EBRD’s sovereign loan of up to US$ 37 million (€ 32.2 million)
On June 18, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a plenary session of the Foreign Investors Council. The meeting was attended by President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso, executives of leading international companies, banks, and financial institutions. Addressing the meeting, the President noted that in recent years the Council under
The President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Uzbekistan on an official visit on June 17 and held talks with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The discussions focused on further advancing Uzbek-German cooperation, strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, and enhancing cultural and humanitarian exchanges. The parties expressed satisfaction
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the government of Uzbekistan have agreed to deepen their long-term strategic cooperation, helping to establish a competitive, resilient, green and well-governed private sector and supporting the preparation and implementation of public-sector projects, according to the EBRD. The enhanced partnership framework agreement (EPFA) between the two parties will
Over the past years Uzbekistan has attracted more than $150 billion in foreign investment, of which $123 billion has been secured in the last five years alone, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said in his address at the Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum. We are implementing systemic measures to improve fundamentally the investment climate in
The Uzbekistan-Turkiye Business Forum was held on June 16 in Tashkent. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov, Minister of Trade of Turkiye Omer Bolat, as well as representatives of government agencies, business circles, investors, major corporations, and business associations from both countries, according