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On April 3, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the heads of neighbouring Central Asian countries held discussions in Samarkand during the first Central Asia-European Union summit.

In a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon, the leaders reviewed the outcomes of their trilateral discussion that took place in Khujand on March 31. They stressed the importance of fully resolving border issues.

They evaluated the progress made in implementing their previously agreed-upon agreements, including the increase in trade turnover and the acceleration of various cooperation projects.

During the meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, they discussed the acceleration of projects...

Uzbekistan and the European Union may sign an extended partnership agreement in June of this year, according to a report from the Euronews TV channel.

Euronews noted that the agreement’s text is already prepared, and it now requires legal review.

Earlier, António Costa, the head of the European Council, informed Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev that Brussels aims to sign the document by the end of the year.

It is important to note that the Central Asia-EU summit is currently taking place in Samarkand. This forum is expected to mark a new chapter in the development of relations between the...

The trade tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump offer Uzbekistan the opportunity to develop industries where the country has a competitive edge. This view was shared by Uzbekistan’s Special Representative for the World Trade Organization (WTO), Azizbek Urunov, in a post on LinkedIn.

Urunov highlighted the textile industry as an example.

“This presents a good opportunity for new investments and the expansion of exports,” he noted.

He also mentioned that the share of the US in Uzbekistan’s exports stands at 1%. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan has entered the category of countries with...

At the end of the summit in Samarkand, the countries of Central Asia and the European Union will decide to establish a strategic partnership, announced Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The head of state proposed signing an agreement on partnership and cooperation between the regions. Central Asia also expressed interest in holding regular meetings at the Foreign Ministry level and organising an interparliamentary forum. Mirziyoyev suggested hosting the regional forum every two years.

The president also touched on economic cooperation. A presentation of Uzbekistan’s industrial park is planned for European investors. In addition, Tashkent is counting on signing an agreement...

Uzbekistan plans to build over 2,900 micro-hydropower plants in 2025-2026, the Ministry of Energy reports.

The total capacity of the plants will reach 164 MW, allowing them to generate 500 mln kWh of electricity annually.

The construction of these plants will also create jobs for 1,200 people during the building phase, and 520 permanent positions once the power stations are operational.

The European Union will invest €12 bn in Central Asian countries, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced.

The funds will be allocated to Central Asia through the Global Gateway programme. According to von der Leyen, the investment will spark a new wave of projects in the region.

“Today, we are launching a strategic partnership. This partnership demonstrates that you can rely on the EU,” she said at the Central Asia-EU Summit in Samarkand.

Of the announced amount, €3 bn will go towards transport projects, €2.5 bn for critical minerals, €6.4 bn...

Uzbekistan welcomes the commencement of peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, said President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the Central Asia-EU Summit in Samarkand.

“We understand that we face very difficult and complex issues, but we see no alternative to the diplomatic efforts and political solutions currently being pursued,” he emphasised.

Peace negotiations on Ukraine began with the administration of President Donald Trump. The United States has been engaging in talks with both Kyiv and Moscow.

Representatives from the three countries held several meetings on this matter in Saudi Arabia in...

Uzbekistan has achieved its best ranking in nine years, now sitting at 57th in the updated FIFA (International Football Federation) rankings. This makes the national team the top team in Central Asia.

In comparison, Kyrgyzstan ranks 103rd and Tajikistan 104th. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are placed at 113th and 142nd, respectively. Japan is the highest-ranked team in Asia at 15th, followed closely by Iran at 18th.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbekistan’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup have increased to 96%.

US Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick has called on illegal migrants from Uzbekistan to return home voluntarily and avoid waiting for deportation. The statement was published by the US Embassy in Uzbekistan.

Henick stated that thousands of illegal migrants from Uzbekistan could currently be in the United States. He reminded them that they could face arrest, detention in immigration jails, and eventual deportation.

In February 2025, it was revealed that deported migrants from the US would temporarily be sent to Panama and Costa Rica.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has invested over €5 bn in Uzbekistan’s economy. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed the figure during his meeting with EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso.

The bank has primarily directed its investments towards Uzbekistan’s private sector. During the meeting, both sides highlighted the role of EBRD experts in supporting banking sector reforms and business development.

Plans are in place to expand cooperation in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as female and youth entrepreneurship.

Key priorities include the green economy, decarbonisation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, mortgage market development, and transport connectivity.

In early April, US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on imported goods from over a hundred countries, including Uzbekistan, which now faces a 10% duty. Kursiv Uzbekistan explores the potential consequences for the Uzbek economy.

«We must recognise that while the US is among Uzbekistan’s top ten trading partners, its share remains small compared to Russia and China,» said Stanislav Pritchin, head of the Central Asia sector at IMEMO RAS.

According to Uzbekistan’s National Statistics Committee, trade between Uzbekistan and the US totalled $881.7 mln in 2024, while trade with China and...

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlines the agenda for the EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand, focusing on trade, investment, green energy, and critical raw materials.

The EU plans to announce a major investment package for Central Asian countries, prioritising transport, strategic natural resources, energy transmission, and digitalisation.

Von der Leyen highlights that, beyond rich raw material reserves, Central Asian nations have strong potential for developing sustainable industries.

“Europe seeks to establish a full value chain rather than simply purchasing raw materials. This is crucial for creating local jobs and ensuring high environmental...

US President Donald Trump announces new tariffs on most countries, raising fears of a trade war, according to Reuters.

“We are in the very early stages of what could, unfortunately, escalate into a serious global trade war,” said Donald Calcagni, Chief Investment Officer at Mercer Advisors.

Investors worry that Trump’s actions will hurt corporate earnings and fuel inflation. Experts interviewed by Reuters noted that discussions around the tariffs have already slowed economic growth.

Jay Hatfield, CEO of Infrastructure Capital Advisors, called the tariffs «the worst-case scenario», warning that Trump’s move could push...

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Samarkand on Wednesday, April 2, to attend the Central Asia–EU summit, according to the press service of Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov welcomed her at the airport.

Earlier, European Council President António Costa also arrived in the city. The summit will bring together the leaders of Central Asian countries.

Ahead of the event, von der Leyen stated that the Samarkand forum would serve as Europe’s response to the US-imposed tariffs. She noted that the summit is part of the EU’s broader strategy to diversify trade.

Over the past...

The death toll from the earthquake in Myanmar has reached 2,800 as of April 2, according to Xinhua news agency.

Authorities report that 373 people remain missing, while more than 4,600 have sustained injuries.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, with tremors also felt in China, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent condolences to Myanmar and Thailand following the disaster.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $30 mln loan to Uzbekistan’s Mortgage Refinancing Company (MRC), according to a statement from the financial institution’s press service.

The loan aims to support inclusive and green mortgages in Uzbekistan, with a particular focus on supporting women.

“The project will increase the accessibility of mortgage loans, concentrating on the needs of women and green renovation mortgages in Uzbekistan,” the loan description states.

It is worth noting that since the beginning of March this year, Uzbekistan has resumed accepting applications for mortgage subsidies. Residents...

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has announced his intention to run for the position of UN Secretary-General, Kommersant reports.

The election for the next UN chief is set to take place next year. The current Secretary-General, António Guterres of Portugal, has held the position since early 2017.

Grossi criticised the UN Security Council, stating that it remains in a paralysed state. He added that if the organisation functioned perfectly, the world would not be facing its current conflicts.

Grossi has led the IAEA since 2019. Before his appointment, he served as Argentina’s ambassador...

Moody’s assigns Octobank a long-term international credit rating of B3 with a stable outlook, recognising the bank’s strong financial performance and effective risk management in 2024.

Moody’s analysts highlight Octobank’s solid financial results, with a net profit of UZS 144 bn ($11.1 mln), a return on assets of 4.8%, and nearly 80% of assets classified as liquid. The bank maintains a strong capital position, with a Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio of 38% and a total capital adequacy ratio of 48.3%—almost double the regulatory requirements—ensuring resilience against potential economic challenges.

Moody’s expects Octobank’s financial position to remain stable over the...

Uzbekistan’s IT Park and Kazakhstan’s Astana Hub plan to open international technology hubs in China and the UAE by the end of 2025, the IT Park press service told Kursiv Uzbekistan.

The two tech clusters have signed a memorandum of cooperation with China’s Growth Vision Pro. The agreement outlines the establishment of a hub in Shanghai and the promotion of domestic startups in the Chinese market.

Additionally, Central Asian and Chinese tech clusters plan to launch startup development programmes and collaborate on attracting investment.

Over the next five years, IT Park and Astana Hub aim to create at least eight...

Uzbekistan will reduce tariffs for the transit of grain from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan by 40%, according to a report from the press service of NC Kazakhstan Temir Joly JSC. The grain will be transported through the Oasis junction to the Galaba station.

This development was announced during a meeting between representatives of NC KTZh and Uzbekistan Temir Yollari.

During the meeting, it was noted that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have successfully met the shipping plans by increasing the capacity of the Sary Agash junction to 50%.

The parties also agreed to enhance cooperation in the development of the Trans-Afghan corridor.

The recent inauguration of the new campus of RANCH Technological University of Urgench in Urgench marks a significant advancement in the region’s educational landscape. Attended by Dzhurabek Rakhimov, the Khokim of the Khorezm region, the opening ceremony highlighted the university’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities.

By utilising locally sourced materials such as reinforced concrete and furniture fittings from Urgenchkormmash JSC, the university not only demonstrates sustainable practices but also fosters local industry collaboration. This approach reduces costs and supports the regional economy.

The new campus is poised to accommodate 16,000 students, representing a substantial increase in educational capacity. With...

During a working visit to Khujand, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.

In a ceremony attended by both presidents, the Foreign Ministers signed a protocol and exchanged documents that confirm the entry into force of the Treaty on Allied Relations.

This treaty was originally concluded on April 18 of the previous year in Dushanbe and has now officially come into effect, as reported by Kursiv Uzbekistan, which highlighted Uzbekistan’s ratification of the treaty with Tajikistan.

Roma secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Lecce in the 30th round of Serie A on March 29 at the Ettore Giardiniero – Via del Mare Stadium in Lecce.

Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk scored the only goal of the match in the 80th minute.

Eldor Shomurodov came on in the 72nd minute, replacing Matías Soulé. In the remaining time, he made two attempts on goal, one of which was on target.

League standings

With this win, Roma climbed to sixth place in the Serie A table with 52 points, just three points behind the Champions League spots.

Meanwhile, Lecce...

Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has sent condolences to the governments of Myanmar and Thailand following the recent earthquake, according to Uzbekistan’s Consulate General in Bangkok.

On Friday, March 28, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Myanmar, with tremors also felt in Thailand, where the magnitude reached 4.2.

By the morning of March 30, the death toll in Thailand had risen to 17, with 32 people injured and 83 reported missing. In Myanmar, the disaster claimed over 1,600 lives, with an estimated 3,400 people injured.