News

Uzbekistan’s annual inflation rate declined to 8.7% in May, down from 10.1% in April. The State Statistics Agency published the update in its monthly inflation report.

This marks the lowest year-on-year inflation recorded over the past 12 months.

Monthly inflation, however, accelerated to 1.5% — more than twice the 0.7% rate seen in April.

Over the first five months of 2025, consumer prices rose by 4.4%, averaging 0.9% per month. For comparison, the monthly average stood at 0.7% in 2023 and 1.1% in 2024.

Food prices fell by 0.8% month-on-month in May. The drop reflects seasonal supply increases following...

Construction of the Orto-Tokoy hydropower plant in Kyrgyzstan has passed the halfway point. The country’s Ministry of Energy made the announcement.

The project, launched in June 2024, is being developed by Chakan HPP in cooperation with China National Machinery Industry Corporation. Completion is scheduled for the first half of 2026.

The hydropower plant will have a capacity of 21 megawatts and is expected to provide electricity to over 14,000 consumers in the city of Balykchy.

Key stages of construction have already been completed, including road access, tunnel drilling, and structural works on key infrastructure. Work is now focused on...

Kazakhstan aims to boost political engagement and trade with Afghanistan. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made this clear during a meeting with Nooruddin Azizi, acting Minister of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan, held on the sidelines of the Astana International Forum.

Tokayev said Kazakhstan seeks to raise bilateral trade with Afghanistan to over $3 bn. He also noted that Kazakhstan maintained its diplomatic mission in Kabul after the Islamic Emirate took power.

The Afghan side welcomed Kazakhstan’s continued engagement. Nooruddin Azizi thanked the Kazakh government for its diplomatic support and for removing the Islamic Emirate from its list of terrorist organisations.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a phone call with Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiqnazar, Mufti and Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, who reported on the successful arrival of Uzbek pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for Hajj.

A total of 15,000 citizens of Uzbekistan have travelled to the holy sites, accompanied by trained specialists and medical staff to support the pilgrimage.

According to Kholiqnazar, this year’s arrangements included air-conditioned tents for Uzbek pilgrims in the Arafat Valley, provided at the request of Tashkent.

«The preparations for this year’s Hajj season were carried out at a much higher level, with all...

Uzbekistan’s Embassy in Kyiv hosted a roundtable on May 28 with over 30 Ukrainian business leaders — participants of the Kyiv International Economic Forum. The event gathered executives from companies such as MEGOGO, Uklon, Sense Bank, UNIT.City, and EFI Group.

Uzbek officials presented the upcoming Tashkent International Investment Forum, scheduled for June 10–12. They highlighted opportunities in trade, logistics, IT, and consulting, and outlined government incentives for foreign investors.

Ukrainian Companies Show Interest in Uzbekistan’s Market

Business leaders expressed strong interest in building practical partnerships with Uzbekistan. Several companies proposed direct investments and entry strategies.

Uklon’s Vice President...

Japan considers Uzbekistan a key partner in Central Asia and plans to deepen bilateral cooperation. Hisashi Matsumoto, Parliamentary Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, made this statement during a meeting with Uzbekistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Olimjon Abdullaev in Tokyo on May 28.

According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides discussed visa liberalisation, humanitarian and business exchanges, labour migration, tourism, and security advisory revisions.

Matsumoto noted the positive momentum in relations between the two countries. He confirmed Japan’s intention to strengthen ties across multiple sectors.

The officials also agreed to maintain close coordination between their foreign ministries...

Jennifer Lopez will perform at the “Milliy” (Bunyodkor) Stadium in Tashkent on August 7, 2025, as part of her international Up All Night – Live in 2025 tour.

This marks Jennifer Lopez’s first-ever performance in Uzbekistan, and it has already been hailed as one of the year’s most significant cultural events. The concert is being organised by the Uzbekistan Foundation for the Development of Culture and Arts, with support from programs focused on international cultural cooperation and promoting the country’s tourism potential.

“This is a historic moment not only for the singer’s fans but for...

Uzbekistan is seeking closer cooperation with Italy in green energy, education, and culture. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined these priorities at the Central Asia – Italy summit, calling for deeper collaboration across strategic sectors.

He proposed a multilateral green platform to help Central Asian countries implement their decarbonisation strategies. Uzbekistan is ready to partner with Italian firms in renewable energy, hydrogen development, water infrastructure, and enterprise energy audits.

«We are ready to implement joint projects, including the supply of green energy to the EU,» said Mirziyoyev. Italy’s engineering and manufacturing firms are expected to play a key role.

Uzbekistan is ready to scale up economic ties with Italy through new formats of business dialogue and joint production. Speaking at the Central Asia – Italy summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed creating a Central Asia – Italy Business Club.

The Club would operate under the chambers of commerce and bring together leading entrepreneurs from both sides.

«Such meetings could be held annually in our capitals, opening up new opportunities for trade and investment,» he said.

Mirziyoyev noted that trade and investment between Uzbekistan and Italy have nearly tripled in recent years. Ongoing technological projects...

Uzbekistan sees Italy as a key partner in tackling global security challenges. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev voiced this at the Central Asia – Italy summit in Kazakhstan, highlighting the need for regular political dialogue and joint efforts on pressing international issues.

He supported the summit’s agenda, calling the new platform for multilateral dialogue with Italy «relevant» in the current geopolitical climate.

«In today’s complex geopolitical conditions, rising threats to security and stability call for deeper coordination,» he said.

Mirziyoyev welcomed Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s efforts to facilitate direct peace talks on Ukraine. He also...

Uzbekistan is exploring new ways to attract private capital to its pharmaceutical sector, as the country moves to strengthen domestic production and expand healthcare access.

The Director of the Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency, Abdulla Azizov, met with a World Bank delegation to discuss investment opportunities and strategic reforms.

Both sides reviewed barriers limiting private sector participation and highlighted the need for regulatory clarity and regional infrastructure projects.

The talks also stressed the importance of global partnerships to improve governance and support long-term growth in Uzbekistan’s pharma industry.

UN Women officially opened its country office in Uzbekistan on May 27. The ceremony in Tashkent gathered senior government officials, parliament members, UN agency heads, civil society representatives, and international partners.

The decision to establish a permanent presence was made during the 2024 visit of Sima Bahous, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women.

A Milestone for Gender Equality

The new office marks a key step in Uzbekistan’s cooperation with UN Women. It supports the country’s national agenda to advance gender equality and promote women’s empowerment across sectors.

«This is a...

Uzbekistan’s Presidential Assistant Saida Mirziyoyeva met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to conclude her official visit to Moscow.

The discussion focused on key areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, labour migration, and the training of skilled professionals. Both sides noted the growing trade turnover and the progress of joint projects, particularly in industry and energy.

They also reviewed proposals to streamline migration procedures and potentially shift part of the patent application process to Uzbekistan.

Education remained a priority. The parties discussed opening new university branches and launching a new engineering school in partnership with the National University...

During a meeting with Russian Federation Council Chairwoman Valentina Matvienko, Presidential Assistant Saida Mirziyoyeva emphasised the close personal relationship between Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

She described their connection as not only trusting but fraternal, highlighting the strategic depth of bilateral ties.

Mirziyoyeva thanked Matvienko for her long-standing support and friendship toward Uzbekistan, calling her a true friend of the country.

«Our peoples share a common history and deep-rooted cultural links — these ties should not be ignored, but developed,» she stated.

Mirziyoyeva also underlined the value of...

A court in Yangiyul, Uzbekistan, has sentenced 50-year-old A. Mukhtarov to 5 years and 1 month in prison for joining Russia’s Wagner Group and for drug possession.

Mukhtarov travelled to Russia in 2022, trained near Molkino, and signed a contract with the paramilitary group. He later took part in combat in Ukraine, where he was seriously injured. He returned to Uzbekistan in March 2023.

In February 2025, police found 9.74 grams of marijuana at his home. The court found him guilty under articles on mercenarism and illegal possession of narcotics.

Previously, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that 20,000 migrants who...

On May 28, during the international Plus Forum – Digital Uzbekistan 2025 held in Tashkent, Freedom Pay Uzbekistan officially signed an agreement to join the Central Asian Fintech Association (CAFA).

The agreement was signed by Nazokat Rashidova, General Director of Freedom Pay Uzbekistan, and Otabek Nasirov, Chairman of CAFA. The partnership marks a significant step towards advancing innovation in fintech, blockchain solutions, and cybersecurity, while contributing to the development of a resilient and modern digital financial infrastructure in the region.

Freedom Pay’s membership in CAFA opens new opportunities to expand cooperation, strengthen the digital payments ecosystem, and promote cutting-edge financial technologies across Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The partnership aims...

Uzbekistan plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) and other modern technologies to advance its cultural sector. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree to launch a new creative tech lab to lead these initiatives.

To support young creatives, the government will create a unified ERP Madaniyat platform. Schools and colleges across the country will open youth creative clubs, while a nationwide movement called «Culture Volunteers» will encourage civic engagement in the arts.

The country will also invite at least four prominent international cultural figures each year to share their expertise with Uzbekistan’s emerging talent in the creative industries.

In addition, the...

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have signed a declaration to deepen strategic partnership between the two countries.

Government agencies from both sides also signed a package of agreements, including deals on investment protection and cooperation in the field of critical raw materials.

Tashkent will expand ties with Italian universities as well as with companies such as SIMEST and Danieli.

Earlier, officials announced plans to launch joint industrial projects in a special economic zone near Tashkent. The two countries are also discussing the establishment of a joint investment fund.

Previously, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that Uzbekistan and Italy signed...

Samarkand has named one of its streets after Rome during the official visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Uzbekistan.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the decision at the naming ceremony, emphasising the deep historical and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Italy, as well as the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

Rome, the capital of Italy and one of the world’s oldest cities, boasts a history that spans over 2,700 years. Once the heart of the Roman Empire, it is home to iconic monuments such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.

Previously, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that a street...

During the official visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Italian delegation signed a bilateral agreement on labour migration, according to the Uzbek President’s press service.

The two leaders also discussed the development of a strategic partnership and ways to strengthen cooperation between Uzbekistan and Italy.

Trade turnover between the two countries has nearly tripled in recent years, while the number of joint ventures has doubled.

Italy expressed readiness to train Uzbek exporters to help them access European markets. In turn, President Mirziyoyev proposed launching a technological partnership programme with Italian companies.

A US Court of International Trade has ruled that former President Donald Trump exceeded his authority when introducing certain tariffs against China and other countries, The New York Times reported.

The panel of judges suspended parts of the presidential order that imposed tariff restrictions on imports from China, Mexico, Canada, and several other nations. The court stated that the president lacked the legal grounds to use tariffs as a tool to protect the country from economic threats.

Trump based the order on the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. However, the legislation does not explicitly grant the president the authority to...

Uzbek footballer Abdukodir Khusanov, who plays for Manchester City and the national team, got married in Tashkent on May 28.

Kursiv Uzbekistan gathered details from the celebration, which took place at a restaurant in the capital. Members of the Uzbekistan national team attended the event and joined in the festivities.

Boxing champion Bakhodir Jalolov posed for a photo with Khusanov during the celebration.

Popular singer Jahongir Otajonov performed at the wedding and kept the guests entertained.

Khusanov’s Manchester City teammate Jack Grealish sent a video message to congratulate him.

Vítor Reis also recorded a video greeting. However...

On May 28, Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni arrived in Samarkand at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan.

President Mirziyoyev personally greeted the Italian leader upon arrival at Samarkand International Airport. The national flags of both countries were raised, and an honour guard was formed in recognition of the high-level visit.

Following the official welcome, Prime Minister Meloni, accompanied by the President, toured the historic Registan Square — a UNESCO World Heritage site — and the cultural and ethnographic complex “Eternal City” at the Silk Road Samarkand tourism centre.

High-level talks and bilateral meetings are scheduled for...

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported the discovery of counterfeit batches of the cancer drug Imfinzi in the European region and the Eastern Mediterranean. The medication is used to treat lung cancer in adults.

Fake packaging was found in Iran and Turkey. Previously, the WHO had issued similar warnings concerning Armenia, Lebanon and Turkey.

Imfinzi, produced by AstraZeneca, contains the active substance durvalumab, a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The drug is only available by prescription.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health noted that Imfinzi is not registered in the country and is not...