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Kazakhstan will start producing paper from hemp for official documents. The material will be used for passports, ID cards and other secure papers, the Ministry of Agriculture announced.

Production has not started yet. The investor is still choosing land and technology. But the government says the process is already underway.

The hemp will be grown in North Kazakhstan. Only approved varieties with low THC will be used. This means the crop will not have any drug-related effects and will meet legal standards.

The project targets exports. But the paper will also be used inside Kazakhstan — including for printing...

Uzbekistan could lose up to $5 bn annually by 2050 due to the growing impact of climate change. The findings come from a national report published in June 2024. The study was prepared by the Ministry of Ecology of Uzbekistan and the State Center for Climate Change.

Which sectors are most at risk

The agriculture sector alone could suffer up to $2.7 bn in yearly losses. Other vulnerable sectors include water supply, energy, infrastructure, and public health. Without adaptation, total losses could reach 3% of Uzbekistan’s GDP every year.

Why are the risks increasing

The report points to two key threats: rising...

On July 7, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a progress report on the ongoing reforms in Jizzakh region, focusing on the implementation of development plans and the resolution of pressing local issues.

The session followed a presidential decree issued on December 31 last year, aimed at accelerating the region’s socio-economic development. The decree outlined key goals for 2025, including attracting $2 bn in investment, raising exports to $285 mn and securing employment for 168,000 people.

Over the first six months of the year, 200 projects have already been implemented across industry, services and agriculture in the region, with total investment...

Uzbekistan’s trade with EAEU countries reached $7.2 bn from January to May 2025. The data comes from the State Statistics Agency.

In the first two months of the year, the EAEU accounted for 23.6% of Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade.

Russia Leads Among EAEU Partners

From January to February, trade turnover with EAEU countries reached $2.56 bn. Exports amounted to $882.4 mln. Imports stood at $1.67 bn.

Russia remained Uzbekistan’s key partner. Trade volume reached $1.62 bn, with $1.07 bn coming from Russian imports.

EAEU Enables Free Trade Zone

The EAEU includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. The union operates as a single economic area.

It ensures free...

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have officially submitted a joint bid to host the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup, UFA reports. FIFA has begun reviewing potential host candidates for the tournament, and the bid reflects growing ambitions among Turkic states to play a larger role on the international football stage.

The national football associations of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan noted the progress both countries have made in recent years, including major reforms in the sport, infrastructure improvements and a stronger international presence. The joint application expresses confidence in their ability to host the tournament at the highest standard.

Both nations are now...

Uzbekistan still plans to send cosmonauts into space. This announcement was made by Muhiddin Ibragimov, Deputy Director of UzSpace. He addressed the topic during a recent episode of the Ucast podcast.

A Dream with Scientific Purpose

“Sending astronauts to the International Space Station is, of course, a dream. But it must be a clear, conscious goal with defined scientific objectives.” Ibragimov said.

He said sending a cosmonaut could be done within a year. The candidate must be healthy, and funding must be secured. A full-scale mission would cost around $50–60 mln.

Planning...

China has launched the installation of a record-setting impulse turbine at the Datang Zala Hydropower Station in the Tibet autonomous region, marking a major step in its push for clean energy and carbon neutrality. The 500-megawatt turbine, developed domestically, holds the title for the largest single-unit capacity of its kind globally, according to SCMP.

Two of these colossal turbines will be installed at the power station, located on the Yuqu River – a tributary of the Nu River that flows through Yunnan province into eastern Myanmar and eventually the Andaman Sea. The turbines are made of martensitic steel, chosen...

Uzbekistan has appointed its first-ever ambassador to Serbia, Oybek Shakhavdinov, according to a statement by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on social media. The diplomat formally presented his credentials to President Vučić, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries.

Serbian side welcomed the appointment, describing it as a step that would inject new momentum into the full range of Uzbek-Serbian cooperation. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to expand Uzbekistan’s diplomatic presence in Europe and deepen engagement with key regional partners.

Ambassador Shakhavdinov will reside in Budapest, serving concurrently as Uzbekistan’s envoy...

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov has welcomed Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin as Indonesia’s newly appointed Ambassador to Uzbekistan. The meeting marked the formal start of her diplomatic mission to the country.

During the discussion, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation. Saidov highlighted strong momentum in political dialogue and growing engagement in economic diplomacy.

«There are many untapped opportunities to deepen Uzbekistan–Indonesia ties across various sectors,» Saidov wrote on his official Telegram channel. He noted the ambassador’s experience and expressed confidence in her future contributions.

Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin brings significant diplomatic background to the post, with her appointment...

US President Donald Trump criticised Elon Musk for launching the «America Party» and opposing the administration’s new spending package.

In a Truth Social post, Trump called Musk a «train wreck» and said third parties only create disruption and chaos. He added that Musk’s plan to form a third party is ridiculous and not viable in the US political system.

The clash follows Musk’s announcement that the America Party would oppose the recently signed bill, which removes tax incentives for electric vehicles. Trump defended the move, stating the EV mandate was ridiculous and harmful to consumers.

Trump also...

Uzbekistan’s external debt rose to $68.4 bn in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest external sector report from the Central Bank. The figure reflects both public and private sector borrowing and highlights the country’s continued access to international financing amid strong investor confidence.

Of the total, $35.8 bn corresponds to public debt, while $32.6 bn is held by private (corporate) borrowers. Despite the increase, the report notes that most of the debt is concessional and considered moderate in terms of debt sustainability.

Investment and Exports Support External Stability

Foreign investment remains a core source of...

Full-scale construction of the international China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is now underway, according to Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister Bakyt Torobaev. Speaking on July 3, 2025, he announced that building works began on June 30, marking a major milestone in the long-anticipated transport project.

Although official construction was launched on 27 December 2024 with addresses from the presidents of Kyrgyzstan, China and Uzbekistan, on-the-ground implementation has now entered an active phase.

The railway line will stretch over 304 kilometres across Kyrgyzstan. Valued at $4.7 bn, the project involves major infrastructure components, including 29 tunnels—three of which will be among the longest...

Uzbekistan plans to launch its own ferry operations in the Caspian Sea to accelerate external trade shipments, according to Minister of Transport Ilhom Makhkamov. In an interview with Uzbekistan 24, he emphasised the strategic importance of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s recent visit to Azerbaijan in boosting both economic and transport ties.

The Middle Corridor, a key trade route for Uzbekistan, passes through Azerbaijan and remains vital for export and import flows. Makhkamov confirmed that preferential tariffs for container transport via Azerbaijan have been extended until the end of 2026, offering up to 70% discounts.

Joint ferry operations and regional...

President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov will make a state visit to Tajikistan on July 8–9 at the invitation of President Emomali Rahmon, the Kyrgyz presidential administration has announced.

The official programme includes high-level talks between the two presidents, as well as meetings with the speakers of both chambers of parliament and the prime minister of Tajikistan. According to Sagynbek Abdumutalip, head of the foreign policy department in the Kyrgyz Presidential Administration, the visit will cover a broad agenda, from regional security to economic cooperation.

The parties are expected to sign a joint communiqué and a number of bilateral agreements...

Tajikistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in transport and logistics following a bilateral meeting on 2 July during the 12th Meeting of SCO Transport Ministers in Tianjin.

The talks were held between Azim Ibrohim, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Liu Wei, Minister of Transport of the People’s Republic of China. The two sides discussed a wide range of collaborative projects designed to improve cross-border connectivity, logistics efficiency and regional transit potential.

Key topics included the creation of vehicle maintenance facilities for electric cars in Dushanbe, allocation of temporary storage facilities in...

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic officially launched the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code on July 4, 2025. The initiative, developed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, aims to expand women’s access to finance and strengthen their role in the economy.

Chairman of the National Bank Melis Turgunbaev emphasised the macroeconomic importance of the move, noting that women-led small and medium businesses contribute significantly to GDP.

Key changes include simplified access to unsecured loans and reduced reserve requirements for financial institutions issuing loans under women-focused programmes. Ten financial institutions have already joined the initiative, including banks, microfinance...

Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector is set to benefit from new international partnerships following a successful business visit by a delegation from the Fergana region to Germany, Agronews reports. Key agreements were reached with Polish partners, marking a major step forward for local producers looking to expand into European markets.

A highlight of the trip was the signing of a $10 mln export contract between the Beshagro Eksport company, based in Besharyk district, and European buyers. The agreement will see locally produced dried fruits delivered to Europe, boosting trade ties and offering Fergana’s farmers new financial opportunities.

$15 Mln Fruit...

Residents of Uzbekistan submitted 58,691 Schengen visa applications in 2024 — the highest number in the past decade. Compared to 2023, demand grew by 26.2%, according to data from SchengenVisaInfo.com.

How Many Schengen Visas Were Approved for Uzbekistan?

In total, 51,604 visas were issued to Uzbek citizens last year. This corresponds to an approval rate of 87.29%. On average, 1.51 visas were granted per 1,000 residents of the country.

At the same time, 9,250 applications were denied — a 15.76% rejection rate. The number of rejections rose by more than 1,200 compared to 2023. The denial rate per capita stood at 0.27 per 1,000 residents.

Which Schengen Countries Received...

As of July 6, 2025, Uzbekistan’s solar and wind power plants have generated a combined 5 bn kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity since the beginning of the year, the Ministry of Energy reports.

At present, 11 solar photovoltaic stations and 4 wind power stations with are installed. Their total capacity reaches 4,119 megawatts (MW). They are operating across 10 regions of Uzbekistan.

The latest figures show a significant increase from previous years. In 2022, following the grid connection of the first solar plants in Navoi and Samarkand, the country produced 434 mln kWh of green electricity. This rose to nearly...

Uzbekistan’s telecom market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 12.7% over the next three years — more than double the projected pace across the CIS. According to new research by Nexign and TelecomDaily, modernisation of infrastructure, 5G rollout and digital service expansion will drive this growth.

Between 2020 and 2024, the value of Uzbekistan’s telecom sector doubled from UZS 10.2 trln to UZS 20.9 trln. Although growth slowed slightly in 2024 due to market saturation in basic services, the country still posted an 18.6% increase over the previous year — outpacing Kazakhstan (11%), Kyrgyzstan...

Visitors planning to use the Tashkent Metro should be aware of recent changes: cash payments at ticket counters have been suspended at several key stations. The announcement, made via the metro’s official Telegram channel, marks a shift towards a fully cashless fare system.

Ticket offices are now closed at the following stations:
Mirzo Ulug’bek, Xalqlar Do’stligi, Paxtakor, Hamid Olimjon, Pushkin, Do’stlik, Toshkent, Oybek, Tinchlik, Shahriston, Bodomzor, Minor and Abdulla Qodiriy.

In their place, automated machines will be installed on a trial basis to make buying tickets quicker and more efficient.

Better Value for Tourists Using Card or App

While...

Uzbekistan is constructing six new hydropower plants (HPPs) on the Naryn River in Namangan Region with a combined capacity of 228 MW. According to Uzbekhydroenergo, this is the largest hydropower initiative in the region’s history.

The first facility in the cascade, HPP-1, is scheduled to launch before the country marks 34 years of independence in September. The announcement was made by Uzbekhydroenergo Chairman Abdugani Sanginov.

Once operational, the plants are expected to generate around 1 bn kWh annually. This would supply electricity to approximately 430,000 households.

The project aims to improve energy reliability in the eastern part of Uzbekistan...

On July 5 2025, Tashkent hosted the Uzbekistan–South Korea Business Forum, held during the official visit of a delegation from the South Korean city of Ulsan, the government portal reports. The event brought together more than 100 representatives from business and government circles of both countries, underscoring their growing economic partnership.

The forum was co-chaired by Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev and Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo Gyeom, who highlighted the strong momentum in bilateral ties and reaffirmed their readiness to expand economic cooperation.

Green Energy Agreement with Major Korean Corporations

A key outcome of the forum was...

US President Donald Trump has warned that countries aligning with BRICS’ «anti-American agenda» will face a 10% tariff, raising concerns for Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Both countries obtained official BRICS partner status on January 1, 2025.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated there would be «no exceptions» to the new tariff policy. The announcement comes months after he threatened to introduce 100% tariffs on BRICS states if they attempted to replace the US dollar in global trade. At the time, Russian officials said no such discussion had taken place within the group.

Uzbekistan currently holds...