News

On the eve of Entrepreneur’s Day, the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) released its latest nationwide survey assessing Uzbekistan’s business climate. The results reveal steady improvements across most sectors, with entrepreneurs showing confidence in future growth.

Overall Trends

In July, the composite business climate index rose to 52 points, an increase of five compared with the same month in 2024. The rise was largely due to higher current activity, with the current situation index climbing by 14 points to reach 44. This measure reflects how entrepreneurs assess sales, demand, employment, access to resources and operational stability.

Thailand is preparing to roll out a new pilot scheme that will allow foreign visitors to convert cryptocurrencies into Thai baht for use in the country, the nation’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced.

The initiative, known as TouristDigiPay, will begin in the final quarter of 2025 and run for 18 months. It is being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Payments in baht, not crypto

Under the framework, cryptocurrencies themselves cannot be spent directly. Merchants will instead be paid in baht, while...

A section of the kiswa, the cloth that covers the sacred Kaaba in Mecca, has been brought to Uzbekistan, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the republic announced.

The fragment, which was positioned above the door of the holy site, was delivered from Saudi Arabia intact. It measures 6.3 metres in height and 3.3 metres in width.

By the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the cloth will be placed in the museum of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation in Tashkent.

The Kaaba, regarded as the holiest site in Islam, is located in Mecca. According to tradition it was built...

Supernova Strikers 2025 delivered one of the year’s most talked-about fights, as Alana Flores earned a unanimous decision victory over Gala Montes on August 17 at the Palacio de los Deportes.

Venue was sold out and the result was clear: Alana Flores won 30–26 on all three judges’ scorecards. The fighter from Monterrey raised her arms in celebration after overcoming an opponent who held a size and weight advantage but could not match her pace or resolve.

The evening began with theatrical walkouts. Montes entered first, styled in black lace and introduced as «The Bride of Mexico», though her...

On August 17, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a telephone conversation with President of Russia Vladimir Putin. The leaders exchanged views on current international matters as well as the bilateral agenda.

President Putin briefed his Uzbek counterpart on the main outcomes of the Russia–United States summit held in Anchorage on August 15.

President Mirziyoyev welcomed the positive momentum in high-level dialogue between Moscow and Washington and stressed the importance of working towards a peaceful settlement in Ukraine.

The two sides also discussed the need for coordinated measures to maintain the current pace of trade and...

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have formalised contracts worth about $243 mln for four large-scale electricity infrastructure projects, Ariana News reports. The agreements were signed in Kabul on August 17 in the presence of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamahmudov.

The contracts were concluded between Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) and Uzbek energy partners. Once completed within 18 months, the projects will enable Afghanistan to import between 800 and 1,000 megawatts of electricity from Uzbekistan.

Projects Agreed

The four initiatives include:

On August 18, most of Uzbekistan will experience dry weather. Brief showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible in parts of the Fergana Valley during the morning. Winds will reach 7–12 m/s, occasionally strengthening to 13–18 m/s with dust in some areas. Daytime temperatures are expected to range between 30°C and 35°C.

The capital will remain dry with winds at 3–8 m/s. Temperatures in Tashkent will be between 32°C and 34°C.

In the mountain regions, brief showers and thunderstorms are expected in some locations. Winds will be 7–12 m/s, sometimes increasing to 13–18 m/s. Temperatures will vary from 21°C to...

Several banks have updated their rates for exchanging foreign currencies into UZS as of August 18. This article contains information about the most favourable rates.

Here are Central Bank Reference Rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Several banks offer the best rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Financial institutions may change the value...

Philippe Coutinho scored two goals as Vasco da Gama secured a 6-0 victory over Santos in the Brazilian Serie A on Sunday, August 17, leaving Neymar with the worst defeat in his career.

Neymar, who signed a new deal with Santos in June, was part of the side that suffered the heaviest defeat of his career. Visibly emotional at the final whistle, he was comforted by a member of the coaching staff.

Vasco took the lead in the first half through Lucas Piton, with David Correa de Fonseca doubling their advantage after the break. Coutinho then struck twice, while...

Russia is increasing exports of products that meet halal standards, according to Pavel Bukhanov, head of the Russian Export Centre’s office in Uzbekistan. He made the statement at a conference held at the Sputnik press centre.

Bukhanov noted that in recent years Russia has placed greater emphasis on obtaining halal certification, which is also a pressing requirement for the Uzbek market. Several Uzbek firms are already ensuring that all certification procedures are strictly followed.

He warned that without proper confirmation from importers, supply problems could arise even when producers hold halal documentation.

According to Bukhanov, most Russian companies now take...

A memorandum has been signed to formalise twin-city relations between Uzbekistan’s Ferghana and China’s Kashgar, paving the way for cooperation in industry, agriculture and tourism, the Fergana regional administration announced.

New Investment Agreements

During a visit to Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, a Ferghana delegation held talks with Chinese companies. As part of the visit, Fergana-based tour operator Dilrabo Travel signed a $2.5 mln agreement with China’s Kashi Katie.

Chinese firms expressed interest in processing agricultural produce and manufacturing construction materials in Uzbekistan. The sides also agreed to collaborate on projects involving the production of robots and equipment for public...

On August 14, during an official visit to Singapore, Uzbekistan’s delegation led by Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov held talks with senior representatives of Singapore Cooperation Enterprise, Sembcorp Industries and Wilmar International. The discussions took place in a constructive spirit, with both sides outlining specific measures to advance cooperation.

Two sides reached agreement on a programme to improve the effectiveness of Uzbekistan’s special economic zones. The plans include the introduction of a one-stop shop mechanism, unified management standards, a CRM platform and modern infrastructure designed to attract strategic investment.

Pilot Project Based on Singapore’s Model

Starlink will enter the Uzbek market later than expected, according to an update published on the company’s official website.

The coverage map now shows that the satellite internet service is scheduled to launch in Uzbekistan in 2026. Rollout will also extend to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan in the same year.

The company’s arrival in Uzbekistan was initially anticipated in 2023, before being postponed to 2025. The latest revision has now pushed the date back by a further year.

In 2022, SpaceX had announced its readiness to implement large-scale projects in Uzbekistan, raising expectations of an earlier entry.

In 1981 Airbus SE announced plans to develop a new single-aisle jet to challenge Boeing’s dominance. At the time Boeing’s 737 had already reshaped global aviation, offering airlines a cost-effective way to operate shorter routes. By 1988 when the first A320 rolled off the line, Boeing had already delivered some 1,500 737s.

Four decades on, Airbus has closed the gap, Bloomberg reports. Data from consultancy Cirium shows that by early August the A320 family trailed the 737 by only 20 aircraft, with 12,155 deliveries to date. The lead is expected to vanish within weeks.

From Underdog to Market...

Khamzat Chimaev has claimed the UFC middleweight title after defeating South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis in a one-sided contest at UFC 319 in Chicago.

In only his ninth bout under the UFC banner, the unbeaten Russian fighter dominated the five-round championship clash. All three judges scored the contest 50-44 in his favour. From the opening seconds of each round, Chimaev repeatedly took the champion to the ground, controlling the action and landing more than 500 strikes over the course of the fight.

Murphy’s Knockout Statement

In the co-main event, Britain’s Lerone Murphy produced a spectacular spinning elbow to...

Shows of Jennifer Lopez in Central Asia turned into more than just music events, becoming a competition over which city would reap the bigger financial rewards. The results showed Tashkent leading the way, generating almost three times the tax revenues of Almaty and attracting twice as many overseas visitors.

On August 7, Lopez performed at the Milliy Stadium (formerly Bunyodkor) in Tashkent before an audience of more than 31,000 people. Among them were 15,300 foreign guests, giving a significant boost to tourism. The city’s budget benefitted from 42.5 bn soums, equivalent to around $3.3m, in tax revenues.

A...

UFC welterweight contender Carlos Prates has wasted no time lining up his next fight after producing a spectacular knockout win at UFC 319.

His long-awaited clash with fellow striker Geoff Neal lived up to its billing, with both men expected to deliver fireworks on the main card. The fight had been rescheduled from earlier in the year, and when it finally happened in Chicago, it proved to be worth the wait.

From the opening bell the pair traded heavy shots, each visibly rocking the other in a frantic first round. Neal began with an unusual flurry of leg kicks...

Uzbekistan will experience noticeably cooler weather on Saturday, August 17, with daytime temperatures ranging between 27°C and 32°C. Conditions will remain dry across much of the country, though winds of 7–12 m/s are forecast, with occasional gusts reaching 13–18 m/s accompanied by dusty patches.

In the capital, the weather will stay dry under partly clear skies. Winds will blow at 5–10 m/s, while daytime highs are expected to hover between 30°C and 32°C.

By contrast, mountain districts could face brief showers and thunderstorms during the day. Winds in these areas are also forecast at 7–12 m/s, with local strengthening...

Several banks in Uzbekistan open their currency exchange points and money transfer offices over the weekends, according to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan.

The list includes:
Agrobank, Apexbank, Asia Alliance Bank, BRB, Ipoteka Bank, Milliy Bank, Orient Finans Bank, Tenge Bank, Trastbank, Universalbank, Kapitalbank, Hamkorbank, SQB, Asaka Bank, Anor Bank, Garant Bank and Hayot Bank.

Here are Central Bank Reference Rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Several banks offer the best rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into...

Manchester City produced a commanding performance to defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 in the Premier League on Saturday, August 16, evening. Erling Haaland led the way with a brace, while Tijjani Reijnders and Ryan Cherki also found the net.

City Take Early Control

The visitors wasted no time asserting their dominance. In the 35th minute Haaland opened the scoring, converting a low cross from Rico Lewis at the far post after neat build-up play involving Tijjani Reijnders. Just three minutes later City doubled their advantage. Oscar Bobb intercepted possession in midfield and fed Reijnders, who struck crisply into the...

Moscow and Bishkek are negotiating the potential localisation of Russian car manufacturing in Kyrgyzstan, with both sides aiming to reach agreements on contracts for vehicle supplies. The announcement was made by Roman Chekushov, Deputy Head of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, during the Kyrgyz-Russian Economic Forum in Cholpon-Ata.

Chekushov noted that a global trend has emerged for automobile producers to establish production facilities in the countries where they seek a market presence.

«Kyrgyzstan is no exception. We expect that several discussions will take place on the possibility of localising Russian car production here...

American UFC fighter Bryan Battle has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled contest against Uzbekistan’s Nursulton Ruziboev after failing to meet the middleweight limit, Championat reports. The fight was due to take place on August 17 at UFC 319 in Chicago.

Battle’s withdrawal followed controversial remarks about Uzbek fans. In a recent interview, the American ridiculed their English language skills. He added with irony that he would become «the people’s champion of Uzbekistan» after the bout. He even took it to his Instagram page and posted a picture of him sleeping with his daughter:

The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI), which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a basket of key food commodities, averaged 130.1 points in July 2025. This marked a rise of 2.1 points or 1.6% from June. The increase came despite falling prices for cereals, dairy and sugar, as higher costs for meat and vegetable oils outweighed the declines. Overall, the index was 9.2 points or 7.6% higher than a year earlier, but still 18.8% below the record peak reached in March 2022.

Cereals Slip as Rice and Wheat Weigh Down Index

The FAO Cereal Price Index...

Merseyside Police confirmed that a 47-year-old man was removed from Anfield on Saturday, August 16, after allegedly directing racist abuse at Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo during the Premier League opener against Liverpool.

Match Interrupted After Semenyo Reported Abuse

The match was paused in the 28th minute after Semenyo drew referee Anthony Taylor’s attention to a comment from the stands. Both managers, Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, were informed as officials followed the league’s anti-discrimination protocol.

Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury told viewers that Semenyo himself had highlighted the incident. Reporter Laura Hunter later observed a supporter...