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Importers and producers of plastic packaging will be required to organise its recycling or pay a recycling fee, according to the draft National Programme of Uzbekistan for 2025.

The relevant law is expected to be developed by November 1, 2025, and the new regulations will take effect in 2026, as stated by the Uzbek Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change.

Plastic waste collection equipment is planned for installation in supermarkets, shopping centers and markets.

The introduction of environmental responsibilities among packaging producers will be gradual. Companies producing soft drinks will be required to recycle 50% of plastic...

Uzbekistan has secured 58th place in the Global Firepower (GFP) ranking of the world’s strongest armies, published annually by the analytical agency Global Firepower.

This year, the country has climbed seven positions compared to last year’s result.

Kazakhstan, with the strongest army in Central Asia, ranked 57th. Turkmenistan placed 77th, Kyrgyzstan came in 105th, and Tajikistan ranked 108th.

The United States remains at the top of the list, while Bhutan occupies the last position.

Global Firepower is a military strength ranking developed by American blogger Daniel Puchek. The index takes into account 50 different military, demographic, financial, logistical, and...

Iran has cancelled the entry fee for Uzbek trucks, Kursiv Uzbekistan reports, citing the press service of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport.

The decision to eliminate the fee was made on a reciprocal basis. Starting from January 1, 2025, Iranian drivers gained the right to enter Uzbekistan free of charge.

This benefit for Uzbek carriers entering Iran came into effect on January 10.

In 2024, the entry fee for trucks entering the Islamic Republic of Iran was $400 per vehicle.

The cancellation of the fee follows negotiations between the transport ministries of both countries. The zero rate applies to both...

Japan will provide grants totalling $215,000 to three medical centres in Uzbekistan for the purchase of equipment, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan reports.

The agreement was signed during a meeting between ministry representatives and the head of the Japanese diplomatic mission, Hatori Takashi. The total grant amount is $215,000.

The funds will be allocated to the Scientific-Practical Medical Centre of Paediatric Oncology, Haematology, and Immunology, the Republican Perinatal Centre, and the Bukhara branch of the Republican Centre for Emergency Medical Assistance.

In addition, this year, the Japanese company Sojitz will begin constructing a clinic...

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to arrange a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Reuters reports.

While Trump did not specify a date for the meeting, he emphasised that Putin has expressed interest in holding talks.

“Putin has publicly stated his desire to meet, and we need to work towards ending this war. It’s a tragic situation,” Trump said.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also indicated that Putin is open to engaging with the U.S. president-elect, highlighting a willingness for dialogue.

Reuters suggests that Trump’s election has raised hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict between...

Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AMMC) plans to open a copper enrichment plant in July 2025, as outlined in the draft state programme for the year.

In its first phase, the plant will process up to 60 mn tonnes of copper ore annually. The ore will be transported from the Yoshlik deposit via a conveyor system.

AMMC and loans from foreign banks fund the construction of the copper enrichment plant. One of the largest creditors is Russia’s Gazprombank, while a consortium of German banks also finances the development of the deposit.

The total cost of the mining modernisation project...

The head of the European Regional Office of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Hans Kluge, has expressed gratitude to Uzbekistan for evacuating 100 Palestinians, including women, children, and accompanying individuals, to provide them with medical assistance. He shared his appreciation on his social media page on X.

«Thank you, Uzbekistan, for these compassionate efforts to save lives!» Kluge wrote.

According to Dr Kluge, 12 member states of the WHO European Regional Office have received patients from Gaza, enabling the evacuation of more than 700 people so far. However, outside the region, over 12,000 patients still require urgent assistance.

From January to November 2024, Uzbekistan exported 43,800 tonnes of raisins, with Turkey emerging as the largest buyer, according to the State Statistics Agency.

Over the 11 months, Turkey imported approximately 7,500 tonnes of Uzbek raisins. China followed with 6,700 tonnes, and Kazakhstan ranked third with 6,000 tonnes. Russia and the United Arab Emirates are among Uzbekistan’s top five trading partners for raisin exports.

The total value of Uzbekistan’s raisin exports during this period amounts to $64.8mn.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan has approved a regulation for establishing tourism clusters, according to a government decree.

To gain the status of a tourism cluster, an application must be submitted to the Tourism Committee. Documents can be filed online or sent by mail.

The regulation also defines the concept of a “tourism cluster” as a collective of organisations and entrepreneurs offering tourism and related services.

It is worth noting that the country aims to build at least 100 more hotels with a capacity of 15,000 rooms to further develop its tourism sector. Experts suggest focusing on...

Sarbon-Neftegaz’s ordinary shares have been admitted for trading on the Republican Stock Exchange (RSE) “Tashkent” since January 9, according to the exchange’s press service.

The decision to list the securities was made by the exchange’s board of directors at the end of December last year.

Founded in 1994, Sarbon-Neftegaz provides transportation services for the oil and gas industry, including passenger and cargo transport. The company’s fleet consists of more than 100 trucks and passenger vehicles.

As of January 9, the company’s charter capital is valued at UZS 6.6 bn.

In the third quarter of 2024, the company reported a...

US President-elect Donald Trump is determined to acquire Greenland to expand Washington’s sphere of influence in the Western Hemisphere, Reuters reports.

Previously, Trump did not rule out the possibility of forcibly taking control of Greenland, which baffled European nations.

During his first presidency, Trump also discussed buying Greenland. However, his recent comments about the island highlight that this is a deeply rooted ambition, not a passing fancy, according to Reuters.

One of the agency’s sources stated that the future president will not use force to seize Greenland. Instead of a military solution, he plans to apply economic and...

Uzbekistan’s Anti-Corruption Agency annulled 234 illegal state procurements in 2024, totalling UZS 263.9 bn. This was reported by the agency’s press service.

A total of 273 procurements, valued at UZS 552.5 bn, were reviewed over the year.

The agency also issued 257 recommendations to ministries and departments, while 273 requests were sent to law enforcement agencies.

Currently, efforts are underway to hold 104 individuals administratively accountable. Another 85 individuals may face disciplinary actions.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbekistan has approved a strategy for developing the state procurement system through 2027.

The document includes initiatives for expanding the...

The Business Ombudsman of Uzbekistan received over 9,100 complaints in 2024, according to spokesperson Guljamol Shukurova. Tax issues account for 12% of these cases while 11% involve cadastral matters. Common concerns also include banking, loans, and business inspections.

The ombudsman resolves 51% of all complaints providing legal guidance in other cases.

The Virtual Entrepreneur’s Office receives an additional 10,400 inquiries. Of these:

As a result of these appeals, businesses secure:

Uzbek citizens wishing to work abroad will receive training at home, according to the draft state programme for 2025.

The training will be organised in cooperation with the host countries. Uzbek nationals will undergo language courses and professional training, with a focus on women and youth.

In addition, in 2025, Uzbekistan plans to support the deployment of labour migrants through organised recruitment programmes. To achieve this, the country intends to sign agreements with foreign employers and recruitment agencies.

The goal of these efforts is to diversify labour migration.

Uzbekistan plans to introduce new international bus routes to Russia, China, and Central Asian countries, the Ministry of Transport reports.

The ministry intends to collaborate with domestic and foreign transport operators to achieve this.

According to the ministry’s plans, new bus services to Kazakhstan will connect Bukhara with Turkestan, Urgench with Aktau, and Fergana with Almaty (via Tajikistan).

The ministry is also encouraging businesses to establish passenger transport services to Kyrgyzstan’s cities. Proposed routes include Andijan to Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Arslanbob; Kasansay to Jalal-Abad; and Bukhara to Bishkek.

Direct routes from Samarkand and Bukhara to Dushanbe will also be...

Uzbekistan plans to increase investments in the industrial sector’s fixed capital by 6.1% in 2025, according to the country’s state programme.

The authorities also aim to boost investments in agriculture and construction by 4.1% and 14.2%, respectively.

Measures will be introduced to ensure an annual inflation rate not exceeding 7-8% of GDP. The consolidated budget deficit is expected to remain below 3% of GDP.

Exports of goods and services are projected to rise by 15% in 2025.

By August of this year, the readiness of banks and major enterprises to implement ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles will be...

Uzbekistan plans to develop a national programme for green financing by December 1, 2025, according to a draft presidential decree by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The programme will include the establishment of procedures for assessing national green economy projects. During the country’s Year of Environmental Protection, Uzbekistan aims to legislate principles of green, climate, and sustainable financing.

Additionally, all public-private partnership projects exceeding $10 mn will undergo checks for compliance with green components and sustainable development principles. These initiatives will be integrated with the international Source platform and the PIERS evaluation system.

In 2025, Uzbekistan aims to secure around...

Uzbekistan plans to establish close cooperation with the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump, according to the draft state programme for 2025.

Tashkent also aims to hold the first round of a strategic dialogue with the United States this year and enhance cooperation under the “C5+1” format, which includes Uzbekistan, the US, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

The 10th “C5+1” summit is expected to take place in Samarkand, alongside a planned ministerial meeting.

Other initiatives include expanding cooperation with the US in security, science, and education.

From January to November 2024, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and the US reached...

As of January 8, the US dollar has increased by UZS 14.88, reaching UZS 12,962.98 on the Uzbekistan currency exchange, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan reports.

In banks, the dollar is bought for UZS 12,885–12,925 and sold for UZS 12,950–13,010.

It is worth noting that on January 6, some banks were selling the dollar for as much as UZS 13,000.

US President-elect Donald Trump has left open the possibility of using force to secure the Panama Canal and Greenland, according to Euronews.

During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump emphasised that controlling these territories is critical to ensuring the national security of the United States. He argued that it is the only way to protect the “free world” from growing threats posed by Russia and China.

As a result, Trump indicated he would consider a range of actions, from economic sanctions to direct military intervention, to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland.

Trump also questioned...

Uzbekistan’s gold and foreign currency reserves reached $41.18 bn in 2024, which is a 19.1% increase compared to 2023, according to data from the country’s Central Bank.

Foreign currency assets amounted to $8.6 bn. Of this amount, $8.1 bn was held in international commercial banks. Another $351 mn was held in foreign central banks and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The volume of gold in the country’s reserves reached 12.3 mn troy ounces having increased by 3.36% over the year. In monetary terms, this figure grew from $24.6 bn to $32 bn.

At the same time, various foreign currency...

Ann Altman, the younger sister of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of sexual abuse, Business Insider reports.

In the lawsuit, Ann alleges that Sam Altman subjected her to abuse from the age of three, with incidents occurring throughout the 1990s and 2000s. She claims these experiences led to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical injuries. Ann is seeking compensation of more than $75,000 and reimbursement for legal costs.

Later, Sam Altman posted a denial letter signed by his mother, Connie, and his younger brothers, Max and Jack.

«Our family loves Annie and...

In the coming years, Russia may increase its gas supplies to Central Asian countries to 12-15 bn cubic metres per year, as reported by TASS, citing Sergey Kaufman, an analyst at Finam.

To boost fuel supplies Moscow, Astana, and Tashkent are working to increase the capacity of the Central Asia-Centre gas pipeline, added Alexey Grivach, Deputy Head of the Russian Energy Security Fund.

Grivach believes that after modernisation, the pipeline’s capacity to Central Asia will rise to 10-12 bn cubic metres per year.

Russia is considering the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline through Mongolia and...

Uzbekistan developed a strategy for managing spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. This announcement was made by Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, the head of Uzatom, in an interview with Trend.az.

The document is currently being coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies, he added.

Akhmedkhadjaev emphasised that the small nuclear power plant under construction in Uzbekistan will use local raw materials as fuel. This will help reduce the cost of electricity generation.

The head of “Uzatom” also noted that agrometeorological monitoring of underground water is being carried out at the site of the power plant construction, based on recommendations from the IAEA...