News

At the III Uzbekistan PPP Roundtable, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) outlined a clear message: Uzbekistan’s public–private partnership framework has matured, and the next phase must focus on scaling real projects.

Speaking at the event, Huseyin Ozhan, Managing Director for Central Asia and Mongolia at the EBRD, emphasized that the forum is no longer «just another discussion platform,» but «an accelerator of progress» — a signal that Uzbekistan is transitioning from structural reforms to concrete implementation.

A mature PPP foundation — and a growing pipeline

According to Ozhan, Uzbekistan has already completed the most complex stage of PPP reforms:

Director Aditya Dhar revealed that the cast and crew of his upcoming film Dhurandhar worked intensive 16–18 hour days over one and a half years, despite growing calls for standard eight-hour shifts in the film industry.

Speaking at the trailer launch, the filmmaker praised his team’s dedication: «From actors to assistants, even the spot boys, everyone felt they had to give their life to this film,» he said.

He added that not once did anyone complain about the demanding schedule.

Dhar’s comments come amid a wider debate sparked by actress Deepika Padukone, who...

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has restated its position that Christians in the country are facing a «genocide,» citing years of killings, displacement, and insecurity across northern and central regions.

Speaking at CAN’s Fourth Quarterly National Executive Council Meeting in Jos on Tuesday, the association’s president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the gathering was a deliberate show of solidarity with communities that have endured «unspeakable tragedy.»

«It would be a grave injustice to deny the painful reality,» Okoh said, highlighting repeated attacks that have left families shattered, churches destroyed, and entire communities uprooted. «We stand...

Police in Kwara State have confirmed that two people were killed and several others abducted after armed bandits stormed a church in the town of Eruku on Tuesday evening.

The attackers opened fire during an evening prayer service at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Oke Isegun, Ekiti Local Government Area. The pastor was shot before the gunmen rounded up worshippers at gunpoint, authorities said.

In a statement, police reported finding one victim dead inside the church and another fatally wounded in nearby bushland. A local vigilante member also sustained gunshot injuries and was taken to ECWA Hospital in...

EA SPORTS has revealed plans for F1 25, which will now include content covering both the 2025 and 2026 FIA Formula One World Championships. The announcement also outlined the future of the EA SPORTS F1 series, with a new and expanded game set for release in 2027.

Following the commercial and critical success of F1 25, praised by players, media, content creators and F1® drivers, a paid expansion will bring the game up to date with the major changes coming in 2026. This includes new cars, sporting regulations, teams, and drivers.

The premium update forms part of a wider...

US President Donald Trump has reignited controversy over his treatment of female journalists after calling a Bloomberg reporter «piggy» and later berating an ABC News correspondent during a high-profile Oval Office event with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The first incident occurred aboard Air Force One last Friday, when Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey asked why Trump would not release documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein «if there’s nothing incriminating in the files.»

Trump pointed at her and replied, «Quiet. Quiet, piggy.»

The exchange surfaced online this week, drawing condemnation...

Several Formula 1 teams are set to sport unique liveries at this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, adding extra spectacle to the night race.

Williams were the first to reveal a bespoke design, featuring an all-black colour scheme to highlight title partner Atlassian and their AI-driven solution Rovo.

Sauber followed with a ‘Final Lap’ livery, marking three seasons with partner Stake and ahead of the team’s rebranding as Audi in 2026.

Racing Bulls, in collaboration with title sponsor Visa Cash App, introduced a holographic-inspired design aimed at reflecting Las Vegas’s vibrant nightlife and high-energy atmosphere.

Alpine are bringing pink...

An Israeli drone strike on the Ein el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon killed 13 people and wounded several others on Tuesday, Lebanese authorities said. It was the deadliest Israeli strike on Lebanese territory since the Israel–Hezbollah ceasefire a year ago.

The attack hit a car parked near a mosque on the outskirts of Sidon, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency. The Health Ministry confirmed the death toll but released no further details. Hamas fighters blocked journalists from entering the area as ambulances transported the injured and recovered bodies.

The Israeli military said it targeted a Hamas...

Bitcoin may be headed for a dramatic collapse to $10,000, according to Mike McGlone, chief commodity strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence, who outlined an «extreme bear case» for the world’s largest cryptocurrency.

McGlone said current market conditions resemble the peak of the 1999 tech bubble and warned that Bitcoin’s decline could spill over into the broader stock market.

«I think it can go back to 10,000… Going lower, unfortunately, means the stock market. That’s just normal,» he said.

He noted that volatility remains unusually low, and a downturn in Bitcoin could trigger a wider...

Hana Tetteh, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Libya, has welcomed Qatar’s decision to fund a joint project with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at supporting political dialogue and civic engagement in the country.

According to the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), the funding agreement will bolster efforts to advance the political roadmap Tetteh presented to the UN Security Council on August 21.

The initiative seeks to expand civic participation and reinforce a Libyan-led political process, UNSMIL said in a statement.

Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned recent attacks by illegal Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling the actions a «blatant violation» of international law and UN resolutions.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry urged the international community to take «urgent and effective measures» to protect holy sites, prevent further settler violence and ensure compliance with international obligations.

The condemnation follows two days of intensified Israeli military operations that left two Palestinian youths dead and several others injured in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. On Sunday, settlers vandalised four Palestinian vehicles in...

The Caribbean island of Curacao became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup, drawing 0-0 with Jamaica in Kingston to secure a place in next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With a population of just 156,000, the team known as «the Blue Wave» topped Group B with 12 points from six matches, finishing one point ahead of Jamaica. Dutch veteran coach Dick Advocaat missed the decisive match due to a family emergency.

Haiti Returns After 52 Years

Haiti booked their first World Cup appearance since 1974, defeating Nicaragua 2-0 in Curacao...

Arsenal are reportedly tracking a promising young midfielder who has drawn comparisons to Chelsea legend Michael Essien. The Gunners face competition from Premier League rivals Bournemouth ahead of the January transfer window.

According to The Mail, Arsenal are interested in Nordsjaelland’s 19-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi, who is enjoying an impressive season in Denmark. The North London club view him as a long-term prospect, while Bournemouth see him as ready to contribute immediately under manager Andoni Iraola, following the path of other emerging talents.

Yirenkyi is valued at around £20 mln, making him an attractive deal. The Ghana international has flourished...

Despite efforts by Kazakhstan’s national rail company KTZ to prioritise grain wagons, Uzbekistan is struggling to unload incoming shipments on time. This has caused wagon standstills and increased turnover on Central Asian routes, reports APK News.

Grain transport company AO «Astyk Trans» said the delays have forced the rescheduling of wagon allocations due to congestion at Saryagash station.

Currently, AO «Astyk Trans» can handle 7,775 wagon departures per month. Of these, 3,500 are used for domestic grain deliveries to processors under existing agreements, 1,300 serve government contracts with the Food Contract Corporation to ensure national food security, and the...

The event titled “the III Roundtable on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)” focused on «Mobilizing Private Capital through PPPs.» Several strategic agreements covered energy, transport, health and water sectors.

Energy Projects Receive Partial Risk Guarantees

The Ministry of Economy and Finance, Asian Development Bank (ADB), ACWA Power and JSC Uzenergosbyt signed agreements to provide partial risk guarantees for key energy projects.

These projects include:

Water Infrastructure Upgrades

Miahona Company and the Ministry of Water Resources agreed to modernize 135 pumping stations in Karakalpakstan. The government will...

Trade between China and Uzbekistan grew by 17.2% year-on-year in the first ten months of 2025, reaching $12.898 bn, according to data published on November 18 by China’s General Administration of Customs.

Chinese exports to Uzbekistan increased 21.3% over the period, totalling $11.382 bn. Imports from Uzbekistan declined 6.5% year-on-year to $1.517 bn.

In October 2025 alone, the total trade volume between the two countries amounted to $1.38 bn, with Chinese exports to Uzbekistan reaching $1.22 bn and imports from Uzbekistan to China standing at $157 mln.

For comparison, trade between China and Uzbekistan in 2024 was valued at...

Uzbekistan is preparing to launch its first London listing with the national investment fund, UzNIF, paving the way for other state-backed companies, Bloomberg reports. The fund could begin share sales in London and Tashkent as early as the first quarter of next year.

Preparations for the IPO of Navoi Mining & Metallurgical Company, one of the world’s largest gold producers, have slowed. Officials are concerned a London listing could reduce dividends that contribute significantly to the state budget. Navoi’s final IPO timing will depend on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s decision.

UzNIF, managed by Franklin Templeton, recently restructured its portfolio to...

Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with Uztechtrade, Uzbekistan’s state importer of military and dual-use equipment, to deliver an undisclosed number of Flexrotor uncrewed systems.

Olivier Michalon, Airbus Helicopters Executive Vice President for Global Business, said the deal marks Uzbekistan as the first customer for the Flexrotor in Central Asia.

«Uzbekistan is a long-standing and valued partner for Airbus Helicopters, and we are proud that Uztechtrade has chosen the cutting-edge Flexrotor to advance its uncrewed capabilities,» said Michalon. “This selection underscores Uzbekistan’s commitment to adopting innovative technology and strengthens our cooperation across crewed and uncrewed...

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who suspended his re-election campaign and leaves office on January 1, is visiting Uzbekistan and will return on November 23. Adams, who recently met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will visit Tashkent and Samarkand.

According to media reports, Adams plans to meet government, business, tech, sports and religious leaders to discuss partnerships that could create jobs and drive innovation in New York. He will also visit religious sites important to the Muslim community.

Adams’ tenure has seen achievements in housing and pandemic recovery but was overshadowed by ethics concerns and federal investigations. Last...

Exxon Mobil has joined Chevron in exploring options to acquire parts of Russian oil company Lukoil’s international assets, sources familiar with the matter said. Exxon is looking at Lukoil’s holdings in Kazakhstan, including stakes in the Karachaganak and Tengiz fields, where both US companies and Lukoil are partners. Chevron is also evaluating the same assets.

Exxon may also consider bidding for Lukoil’s West Qurna 2 field in Iraq, the Russian firm’s most valuable asset. Exxon previously operated the neighbouring West Qurna 1 project before exiting last year.

The list of potential buyers has expanded since the US Treasury...

Microsoft and Nvidia are investing in AI startup Anthropic under a new partnership that includes a $30 bn commitment by Anthropic to use Microsoft’s cloud services. Nvidia will contribute up to $10 bn and Microsoft up to $5 bn, with both companies participating in Anthropic’s next funding round.

The deal strengthens ties between major AI players and reflects growing demand for computing power as firms compete to develop systems rivaling human intelligence. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said both companies will increasingly be customers of each other, with Anthropic using Microsoft infrastructure while Microsoft uses Anthropic models.

The move also...

The Republican-controlled US Congress has voted almost unanimously to release Justice Department records on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a measure President Donald Trump had opposed for months before abruptly changing his position.

The House passed the bill 427-1, and the Republican-majority Senate quickly approved it. Legislation could reach Trump for his signature as soon as November 17, with a senior White House official confirming he plans to sign it.

The Epstein case has been politically sensitive for Trump, who has faced scrutiny for his past association with the financier and for amplifying conspiracy theories about him...

Xiaomi Corporation has announced its unaudited Q3 2025 results, reporting total revenue of $15.83 bn, up 22.3% year-on-year, marking the fourth consecutive quarter above $14 bn. Adjusted net profit reached $1.58 bn, up 80.9% and hitting a record high. Year-to-date revenue stands at $47.66 bn, with adjusted net profit of $4.59 bn, already surpassing 2024’s full-year total.

«Human × Car × Home» strategy

Guided by its «Human × Car × Home» strategy, all business segments showed strong growth. The smart EV, AI and other new initiatives segment achieved positive quarterly income for the first time, with revenue of...

Uzbekistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are preparing new projects worth more than $3 bn, following a meeting between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and ADB President Masato Kando on November 18.

The current portfolio of joint projects already exceeds $15 bn, with the ADB remaining Uzbekistan’s largest regional partner. The two sides also discussed preparations for the bank’s annual Board of Governors meeting, scheduled to take place in Samarkand in May 2026.

President Mirziyoyev proposed signing a new programme of expanded strategic partnership at the event. It will cover projects in infrastructure development, training for engineers and technicians, education...