News

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.

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited the Abylkhan Kasteyev State Museum of Arts, according to the press service of the Uzbek leader.

The two leaders viewed the works of Abylkhan Kasteyev, a pioneer of fine arts in Kazakhstan, and Uzbek painter Ural Tansykbayev.

Mirziyoyev and Tokayev also highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation between their countries.

Israel is verifying reports that the UAE has sentenced three Uzbekistani nationals to death for the murder of Chabad emissary Cvi Kogan, according to Israel National News.

A recording circulating on social media allegedly captures one of the suspects informing his mother about the verdict:

“The three of us have been sentenced to death,” he says.

Authorities have yet to confirm the authenticity of the recording. Kursiv Uzbekistan has formally requested clarification from Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry.

What happened

Cvi Kogan, a resident of the UAE and a representative of Chabad in Abu Dhabi...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held an informal meeting today in Almaty to discuss the further development of bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries, as reported by the Presidential Press-Office.

During the meeting, which included members of both delegations, the leaders addressed key areas for deepening Uzbek-Kazakh cooperation in the spirit of good neighbourline, strategic partnership, and alliance.

At the start of the talks, the presidents exchanged warm congratulations with each other and their nations on the occasion of the spring holiday Navruz and the upcoming Ramadan Eid.

The two sides...

A mild winter in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan has impacted Russian gas exports to these countries, according to a source cited by Kommersant.

Gazprom, which supplies fuel to the Central Asian region, faces declining demand due to warmer temperatures. In February, Russia’s gas production reached 57.2 bn cubic metres, marking an 11.3% year-on-year decline, Kommersant reports.

Earlier forecasts predicted an increase in Russian gas exports to Central Asia, with projections suggesting volumes could reach 15 bn cubic metres in the coming years.

As of early March 2024, Uzbekistan’s gas imports totalled $35.8 mln, reflecting a 66.2% drop compared to the...

The Stock Exchange of Thailand has suspended trading following powerful earthquakes, RBC reports.

In Bangkok, residents are being evacuated from high-rise buildings. Earlier, one of the buildings in the capital collapsed due to tremors.

Thailand recorded a 4.2-magnitude earthquake, with the epicentre located in neighbouring Myanmar, where the magnitude reached 7.7.

Uzbekistanis can now receive financial rewards for voluntarily handing over firearms, ammunition, and explosives, according to a government decree.

The reward amount depends on the weapon type and condition. For a rifled firearm, the payout is approximately UZS 1.9 mln, while a smoothbore firearm fetches UZS 1.5 mln. Bladed weapons qualify for UZS 187,500.

Residents can also receive compensation for illegal pneumatic, gas, or signal weapons. Ammunition surrender is valued at 5% of UZS 18,750.

Compensation for damaged weapons will be half the standard rate.

Law enforcement will check surrendered weapons against databases, conduct ballistic examinations, and perform other...

Uzbekistan plans to sell state assets worth UZS 30 trillion ($2.3 bn) in 2025, contributing at least UZS 10 trillion ($772.7 mln) to the national budget. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined these targets during an extended meeting on March 27, focusing on privatisation priorities. The initiative aims to attract investment, boost economic efficiency, and create new business opportunities.

Privatisation Progress and Challenges

Between 2021 and 2024, Uzbekistan privatised state assets worth UZS 47 trillion ($3.6 bn)—30 times more than the previous decade. As a result, the number of state-owned enterprises halved, and the government’s share in the economy dropped...

Ukrainian artist Oleksandr Ivanchak has created a portrait of Manchester City and Uzbekistan national team player Abdukodir Khusanov using Rubik’s cubes.

The video showcasing the artwork has gained over 300,000 views on Manchester City’s official X account.

Ivanchak, a speedcubing champion of Ukraine, has previously crafted similar portraits of notable figures, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, and boxer Oleksandr Usyk.

Rubik's Cube Khusanov 🧱🇺🇿 pic.twitter.com/jVGVJdNuLB

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 25, 2025

Khusanov was recently named Manchester City’s Player of the Month for February. He secured the award with a...