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President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has congratulated the people of Uzbekistan on the Day of Memory and Honour, which this year coincides with the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War. In his message, the president expressed deep respect for veterans of war and labour, acknowledging their historic role in securing peace and freedom for future generations.

«This bright and solemn day, which glorifies the defenders of our peaceful lives, is a time to honour the memory of our brave soldiers who gave their lives for the independence and well-being of our homeland...

Uzbekistan’s international reserves rose to over $49.2 bn at the beginning of May, according to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan. The reserves grew by 2.9% in just one month.

Gold accounts for more than $37.6 bn of this total. However, the physical volume of gold held declined slightly, from 11.8 mln to 11.5 mln troy ounces.

The country’s foreign currency reserves also increased, rising by $616.9 mln over the month to surpass $11 bn.

According to the World Gold Council (WGC), in March this year the Central Bank of Uzbekistan became the largest gold seller, offloading 11 tonnes.

BMW, Volkswagen and other German companies have admitted responsibility for supporting the rise of the National Socialists in Germany during the 1930s, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

Bosch, Adidas and Mercedes-Benz were also among those that acknowledged their involvement. In total, representatives from 49 German firms signed the joint statement.

“German companies contributed to strengthening the power of the National Socialists. Driven by self-interest, many businesses and their leaders at the time became involved,” the statement reads.

The companies also expressed a firm stance against hatred, discrimination and antisemitism.

Tensions remain high along the India-Pakistan border. On the night of May 8, Pakistani forces opened fire with small arms and artillery along the Line of Control, according to Indian news agency ANI.

In the morning, several explosions were reported in the Pakistani city of Lahore. Preliminary reports indicate that an Indian reconnaissance drone was shot down over the city. Residents heard blasts near the airport and in central districts. Witnesses also saw smoke rising above the Naval College building.

Despite these incidents, the overall intensity of hostilities has eased. Schools and universities in Pakistan have resumed classes...

Germany’s new government, led by Friedrich Merz, will continue to deepen cooperation with Uzbekistan, according to Manfred Huterer, Germany’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan.

The ambassador stated that Berlin is ready to support Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms. He also confirmed Germany’s interest in attracting Uzbek workers for its medical institutions and logistics companies.

Huterer highlighted the strong cultural ties between the two nations. Over 300,000 people in Uzbekistan currently study the German language, and Germany intends to maintain support for educational projects in this area.

Turning to economic relations, the ambassador noted significant growth. Trade turnover between Germany and Uzbekistan has doubled in...

Uzbekistan plans to establish a new technical university, Tashkent Tech, according to Saida Mirziyoyeva, Assistant to the President of Uzbekistan.

“Our strategic goal is to create a new-generation university that meets the highest international standards,” Mirziyoyeva stated.

The university will focus on training highly qualified engineers. Tashkent Tech will be developed on the foundation of Tashkent State Technical University. The Boston Consulting Group will support the project.

Mirziyoyeva emphasised that the university will play a key role in advancing Uzbekistan’s technological sovereignty and industrial development.

The initiative to open Tashkent Tech was...

The Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) has launched a new Refereeing Academy, according to the organisation’s press service.

The academy will train referees for both national and international tournaments. The training programme will follow international standards and consist of six modules.

The first group of 25 students began classes on May 6. Their education will combine theoretical lessons with practical sessions led by experienced referees. Top graduates will have the opportunity to officiate at Uzbek and international matches.

UFA Vice President Ravshan Irmatov described the academy’s opening as a major step for developing refereeing across Central Asia. He stressed that...

On May 6, the Scientific and Technical Council approved the site plan for a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region, according to the Uzatom agency.

The approved scheme will help adapt the plant to local conditions. Authorities also plan to use Uzbekistan’s uranium reserves to produce nuclear fuel.

Rosatom has announced that the foundation works for the plant are expected to begin in 2026. Uzbekistan’s construction material manufacturers are also expected to join the project.

Russia’s Atomstroyexport will design the power plant. Hungary and China may also join the project as potential partners.

The United States Federal Reserve (Fed) has kept its key interest rate unchanged for the third time, maintaining it at 4.25–4.5% per annum, according to an official statement.

“Unemployment has remained low and stable in recent months, while labour market conditions continue to be solid. However, inflation remains somewhat elevated,” the Fed noted in the statement.

Experts surveyed by Reuters believe that the Fed may move towards cutting rates later this year. However, analysts at Barclays expect the regulator to hold rates steady until at least July.

US President Donald Trump has...

Tenge Bank has received a fine for failing to disclose key terms in its microloan advertisement, the Competition Development Committee announced.

The bank promoted online microloans of up to UZS 50 mln via its Tenge 24 platform. However, the advertisement did not provide crucial details, such as the annual interest rate and repayment terms.

The committee launched a case for violating advertising laws. Alongside the fine, officials instructed the bank to correct the violations and avoid similar breaches in future.

On May 9, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will meet in Moscow, according to RIA Novosti.

The two leaders agreed to hold the meeting during a phone call last week.

The main topic of their discussions will focus on strengthening trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan.

Leaders from 29 countries are expected to gather in the Russian capital to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War. On the same day, President Putin will also hold bilateral meetings with the heads of Slovakia, Serbia and Brazil.

The meeting...

The Ualikhanov district in the North Kazakhstan region will begin cultivating industrial hemp, the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan has confirmed to Kursiv Kazakhstan.

Authorities plan to build an agricultural complex to grow and process the plant. Hemp can be used to produce more than 500 types of products, including paper, textiles and gunpowder, according to the ministry.

The Ministry of Agriculture also stated that an investor is already negotiating with regional officials to implement the project.

Uzbekistan has reached a historic milestone by welcoming more than one million tourists in April 2025, according to the State Committee for Tourism.

The majority of visitors came from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, the Committee told Kursiv Uzbekistan.

«This figure is not only a historic achievement, but also the result of consistent reforms implemented in the tourism sector,» the Committee noted.

Uzbekistan plans to further expand its range of services for foreign visitors and strengthen its position in the global tourism market, the authority added.

Pakistan is ready to end hostilities if India stops its military operation Sindhur, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Bloomberg.

The minister stressed that Islamabad has no desire for conflict and acts only in self-defence.

“If India withdraws, we will definitely halt our military actions. But as long as we are under attack, we must respond and defend ourselves,” Khawaja Asif said.

India launched strikes on Pakistani territory overnight on May 7. According to Indian officials, the attacks targeted infrastructure belonging to two terrorist groups, not civilian or military sites.

However, Pakistan accused...

Uzbek troops will take part in the military parade in Moscow to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War, announced Yuri Ushakov, aide to the Russian President.

They will join soldiers from 12 other countries, including nations from Central Asia and Southeast Asia. Ushakov noted that North Korea will not send troops to the event.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged other countries not to send their soldiers to Moscow. The Ministry warned that joining the parade would breach neutrality, especially for states claiming to stay neutral on Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Warren Buffett will remain Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway after stepping down as Chief Executive Officer, the investment holding company has confirmed.

Greg Abel, currently Vice Chairman, will take over as CEO from January 1, 2026. The Board of Directors unanimously approved his appointment. Abel will be responsible for key management decisions, while Buffett is expected to serve as an adviser.

The 94-year-old billionaire first announced plans to hand over the reins earlier in May. Buffett described Abel as the ideal person to lead Berkshire Hathaway and expressed confidence in the company’s future.

«Everything...

Women have officially started operating trains in the Tashkent Metro for the first time, marking a historic milestone for Uzbekistan. The announcement was made by the Mir television channel.

At this stage, the women are working under the guidance of experienced mentors but are expected to take full control of train operations independently in the near future.

The recruitment of female train drivers began in 2024 following an order from the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The selection process was open to female employees already working within the metro system.

Applicants faced a rigorous evaluation process, which included interviews...

UzAuto Motors posted a significant increase in profit during 3Q24. The company reported net income exceeding UZS 2.7 trillion, up 42.5% compared to the same period last year, according to its financial statement.

Revenue rose by 6.5% year-on-year, adding UZS 2.5 trillion. Meanwhile, production costs increased by only 1.5%, or UZS 0.5 trillion. As a result, gross profit jumped from UZS 5.1 trillion to UZS 7.1 trillion — a 38.5% increase from the previous year.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree that requires the Central Bank of Uzbekistan to complete the implementation of a centralised anti-fraud system by early September.

By the same deadline, banks and payment organisations across the country must also introduce similar systems.

By September 1, the Central Bank’s unified platform will begin integrating transaction data and other financial information from Uzbekistan’s financial institutions.

The regulator will publish monthly lists of banks and payment systems reporting the highest number of cybercrime cases.

The Central Bank also plans to launch a system to detect signs of financial pyramid schemes and notify...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has ordered the establishment of a unified training cluster to develop qualified personnel for public service, the energy sector, transport and other strategic industries, according to the presidential press service.

The cluster will include the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation and the Academy of Public Policy and Governance. As part of the initiative, civil servants will be sent on internships. Master’s degree programmes, professional development courses and retraining schemes will be designed in partnership with international institutions.

In addition, Uzbek citizens who win scholarships to study at leading global universities may receive financial support from the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation. For those admitted...

An international paragliding festival will take place in the Urgut district of Samarkand region on May 10-11, according to Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee.

The event, set to be held in Andak mahalla, is expected to welcome around 70 athletes from ten countries. The programme includes paragliding competitions, an air show, a food exhibition and musical performances.

The festival aims to boost Urgut district’s profile as a tourist destination. Organisers also hope to attract more extreme sports enthusiasts to Uzbekistan.

The Indian government has withdrawn its representative to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Krishnamurthy Subramanian, following his public criticism of the institution, Bloomberg reports.

Subramanian, who held the position of Executive Director at the IMF, was expected to complete his term in six months. He previously served as Chief Economic Adviser to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2018 to 2021.

In one of his speeches, Subramanian stated that his economic growth forecast for India was more accurate than the IMF’s. He also openly criticised the Fund’s comments regarding foreign exchange interventions by the Reserve Bank of India.

According...

Global gold prices have resumed their upward trend ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate meeting, according to Bloomberg.

The June futures contract rose to $3,290 per troy ounce, marking a recovery after a week-long decline.

The Fed is widely expected to keep rates unchanged. However, strong US labour market data and pressure from President Donald Trump could push policymakers towards lowering rates.

A signal of potential rate cuts would likely support gold prices. During periods of loose monetary policy, gold tends to rise as US Treasury yields fall and inflation expectations increase. In recent...

Participants in Uzbekistan’s Work and Travel programme will receive interest-free loans of up to UZS 15 mln, according to a government resolution.

Each year, up to 2,000 students can apply for these loans. To do so, applicants must submit documents through public service centres or the online portal. The application requires a valid visa, proof of income, and an employment contract.

Once approved, borrowers will be required to repay the loan within one month of returning to Uzbekistan.

Work and Travel remains one of the most popular student exchange programmes worldwide. It gives students the opportunity to obtain temporary...