News

German automaker Volkswagen is officially entering the Uzbek market, according to Martin Sander, Member of the Board for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, who shared the news on LinkedIn.

Volkswagen plans to launch semi-knockdown (SKD) assembly operations in Uzbekistan in partnership with Alyans Auto, a subsidiary of Uzavtosanoat. The contract between the two parties has already been signed in Uzbekistan.

The auto giant intends to offer Uzbek consumers eight sedan models. Sander described Volkswagen’s entry into the market as a strategic expansion.

«The strength of the brand resonates with Uzbekistan’s growing...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed support for the implementation of major infrastructure projects involving Afghanistan, including the construction of the Surkhan–Puli-Khumri power transmission line and the Trans-Afghan railway.

These topics were discussed during a meeting with Noureddin Azizi, Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Industry and Trade, who visited Tashkent to participate in the International Investment Forum.

The two sides also discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, transport, energy, agriculture and mineral resources. President Mirziyoyev emphasised the importance of establishing the Hairatan Industrial Center, which is expected to produce pharmaceuticals, furniture, textiles, and construction materials, as well as process agricultural products.

Uzbekistan’s U-17 national football team played a friendly match against their peers from Chile, securing a 1–0 victory. The only goal of the game came in the 35th minute, scored by forward Azizbek Yerimbetov.

Strong Start and Solid Defensive Play

From the opening minutes, Uzbekistan’s young squad showed composure and discipline on the field. The team effectively controlled the midfield and denied the Chileans any real chances near goal. Following a sharp run down the wing, Yerimbetov scored with a precise finish to put Uzbekistan ahead.

Uzbekistan Starting Lineup

The starting eleven included: Shokirov, Hakimov, Bakhodirkhonov (captain), Khusanov...

Google and OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, have reached an agreement for OpenAI to use Google Cloud’s infrastructure to train and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) models, Reuters reported.

The deal came as a surprise to many in the tech industry. ChatGPT is often seen as a direct competitor to Google’s own AI products — and even to its core search business. Experts have long warned that the rise of AI chatbots could reduce reliance on traditional search engines and potentially disrupt Google’s business model.

Details of the agreement have not been disclosed. However, Reuters noted that the partnership will...

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a $25 mln loan for Uzbek pharmaceutical company and medicine distributor Meros Pharm, according to a statement from the bank’s press service.

The company plans to use the loan to expand its warehouse infrastructure, which will enable Meros Pharm to manage supply during periods of peak demand better and reduce delivery times.

The EBRD noted that this financing will also contribute to greater transparency in Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical sector and improve access to high-quality medicines for people in the country’s regions.

To date, the EBRD’s total investments in Uzbekistan have...

Uzbekistan’s Nuclear Energy Agency Uzatom and French engineering firm Assystem plan to establish a joint venture in Tashkent, according to a press release from the agency. The two sides have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

The initiative was also discussed during a meeting in Tashkent between Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev and Assystem’s Senior Vice President for International Affairs, Christian Jeannot.

The joint venture is expected to provide technical support for the construction of a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region. It will assist in selecting engineering solutions and integrating them into a unified development concept.

The...

Photo: Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the heads of several major Chinese companies, including China State Construction, China General Nuclear Power, CAMCE, Goldwind and ZTO Express.

China State Construction

With the head of China State Construction, the President discussed joint projects in Tashkent, including road modernization and the construction of cultural facilities. The parties agreed to establish a new industrial zone in the Tashkent region and develop new highways.

China General Nuclear Power

Talks with China General Nuclear Power focused on the mining industry and...

At the Tashkent Investment Forum, Uzbek and international experts discussed the planned establishment of the Tashkent International Commercial Court (TICC), according to the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade (MIIT).

Launching such a court would provide foreign investors with access to a common law-based legal system, which is more familiar to many international companies.

«The creation of TICC gives investors a real choice. The presence of arbitration, an economic court, and now a dedicated international commercial court means Uzbekistan is building a comprehensive legal environment for investors,» said Diana Bayzakova, Director of the Tashkent International...

The Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) 2025 continues to position Uzbekistan as a rising hub for global investors. Since its launch in 2022, the forum has resulted in 357 investment agreements worth $44 bn. Of those, 57 projects are already operational.

In TIIF 2024 alone, $26.6 bn in agreements were signed, a clear sign of growing global confidence in Uzbekistan’s economy. Against this backdrop, Kursiv Uzbekistan spoke with Oybek Shaykhov, Secretary General of Europe-Uzbekistan Association for Economic Cooperation (EUROUZ), about the country’s evolving investment landscape.

— Uzbekistan is becoming more attractive to foreign investors. What, in your view, are the...

Freedom Pay continues to strengthen its contribution to the growth of the digital economy in Central Asia. In early June, Nazokat Rashidova, CEO of Freedom Pay in Uzbekistan, spoke at two major E-GATE conferences supported by the World Bank — on June 5 in Dushanbe and June 10 in Bishkek.

June 5, Dushanbe – Opportunities for Women in the Digital Economy

At the Dushanbe conference, Nazokat Rashidova participated in a panel discussion focused on the role of women in digital entrepreneurship. In her remarks, she highlighted that e-commerce and online payment services open new business opportunities for...

In one of the headline clashes of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina and Colombia played to a hard-fought 1–1 draw. The emotionally charged match, held as part of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification, showcased fierce competition between two regional football powers.

First Half: Visitors Strike First

The Colombia national football team started strongly and opened the scoring in the 24th minute through Luis Díaz, who cut in from the left wing, beat multiple defenders, and fired a shot into the far corner of the net past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The Argentina...

Uzbekistan’s economy is projected to grow by 5.9% in 2025, according to analysts at the World Bank (WB). The same growth rate is expected in 2026.

In 2027, the country’s GDP is forecast to expand by 5.8%.

The World Bank also expects economic growth in Europe and Central Asia to slow to 2.4% in 2025. However, regional GDP is projected to recover slightly to 2.6% in both 2026 and 2027.

World Bank experts warn that the global economy will decelerate to 2.3% this year, due to rising trade tensions and political challenges.

«Shocks have...

The triumph of Uzbek football became an international event, with foreign leaders in attendance at the historic match held at Bunyodkor Stadium.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev personally attended the national team’s final qualifying match against Qatar on June 10, 2025. The game ended in a confident 3–0 victory for Uzbekistan, marking the team’s historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent became a stage not only for sporting success but also a celebration of national pride. Speaking to the players and fans, the President emphasised that this achievement was the result of courage...

At the Milliy Stadium in Tashkent, the Uzbekistan national football team played its final match of the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, defeating Qatar 3–0.

Timur Kapadze’s squad had already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup ahead of this match. Nevertheless, the White Wolves fielded their full starting lineup: Utkir Yusupov in goal; defenders Abdukodir Khusanov, Akmal Mozgovoy and Husniddin Alikulov; midfielders Alijanov, Khamrobekov, Masharipov, Nasrullaev, Turgunbaev, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev; and striker Eldor Shomurodov leading the attack.

First Half: Turgunbaev Opens the Scoring

Uzbekistan took control early in the game. Azizbek Turgunbaev opened the scoring...

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced plans to open its first regional office in Central Asia, selecting Uzbekistan as its base. The announcement was made by Davide Monguzzi, Senior Loan Officer at the EIB, during the Tashkent Investment Forum.

«Our priority is cross-border infrastructure — roads, railways, and energy. We support initiatives that promote regional integration and cooperation beyond national borders,» said Monguzzi.

The EIB is currently collaborating with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport on a number of infrastructure projects, including road construction in Karakalpakstan and the Samarkand region.

The bank aims to mobilise other...

The Senegal national team pulled off a surprise in a friendly match against England, defeating the “Three Lions” 3-1 at the City Ground stadium in Nottingham.

The match began with an early goal from the English side — in the 7th minute, Harry Kane (FC Bayern) opened the scoring, slotting in a rebound after a failed save by the goalkeeper. However, the lead was short-lived.

In the 40th minute, Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace) equalized, capitalizing on a defensive error by England. After the break, Senegal increased the pressure, and in the 62nd minute, Aibou Diarra (Strasbourg) gave his team the...

Investors in Central Asia and the Caucasus have surged dramatically, according to a new report released today by Montfort Eurasia, a regional arm of the London-based strategic communications firm Montfort Communications.

Published on the sidelines of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, the report reveals that interest from U.S. and UK investors in the region has tripled since 2023. This growing enthusiasm comes despite lingering concerns over political stability and the security of investments.

The findings indicate that investors are especially drawn to sectors such as industry and manufacturing, oil and gas, as well as mining and natural resources.

At the Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF 2025), Uzbekistan unveiled a groundbreaking Sharia-compliant financing initiative for small businesses. The ethical, interest-free model is led by the Economic Empowerment Fund of Uzbekistan (EEFU) in partnership with SEAF, Islamic Development Bank, Saudi Development Fund, and Uzbekistan’s Reconstruction and Development Fund.  

The project, launched in 2021, is now in final approval stages, with $100 mln allocated for the first phase. The funds will test new financial tools and build investor confidence.  

Olim Yusupov, Deputy Executive Director of Uzbekistan’s Reconstruction and Development Fund, stated: «Uzbekistan has...

During the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that the Ukraine situation should be resolved through diplomatic efforts. He pointed to the ongoing direct negotiations in Istanbul as a crucial step towards achieving peace.

The President emphasised that peaceful settlement is essential for regional and global stability. He also highlighted the importance of global unity in ensuring justice and respect for human dignity.

Mirziyoyev stressed that now, more than ever, international cooperation is vital to prevent further escalation and to foster trust among nations.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that EU outlined top...

The Tashkent Investment Forum 2025 has attracted over 8,000 participants from more than 100 countries, where investment projects in Uzbekistan worth over $30 bn will be presented, Kursiv Uzbekistan has learned.

These foreign investment projects in Uzbekistan span strategic sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, digital technologies and other key drivers of the Uzbekistan economy.

Among the forum’s high-profile attendees are representatives of major international financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the New Development Bank (known as the BRICS Bank), both key partners in financing Uzbekistan’s development initiatives.

The forum’s centrepiece is the first-ever National...

The European Union is positioning Uzbekistan as the key partner in its new Central Asia Strategy, with a focus on climate infrastructure and industrial decarbonisation.

EU Ambassador Toivo Klaar said the Samarkand Summit in April 2025 marked a turning point.

Uzbekistan is now seen as a regional hub for investment, innovation, and cooperation.

«We don’t just extract resources. Europe offers knowledge, market access, and long-term partnership,» said Klaar.

Among priority areas:

The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) has released its midyear economic forecast for Uzbekistan, projecting Uzbekistan’s GDP growth in 2025 at 6.7% for the first half of the year. This estimate is based on nowcasting methods that utilize high-frequency indicators and international best practices to deliver a real-time picture of the Uzbekistan economy.

Resilient Growth Amid External Pressures

Amid global uncertainties, the Uzbekistan economic outlook for early 2025 remains strong. According to the State Committee on Statistics, GDP growth in Uzbekistan reached 6.8% in the first quarter. The economy is benefiting from a solid performance across major...

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will open its first regional office in Central Asia in Tashkent by the end of 2025.

The new hub will coordinate long-term investments in transport, water, and energy infrastructure across the region.

EIB Senior Loan Officer Davide Monguzzi confirmed the plan at TIIF 2025:

«Our focus will be on cross-border projects — roads, rail, energy — that go beyond national borders and boost integration.»

The bank is already working with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport to turn memorandums into real projects, starting with roads in Karakalpakstan and Samarkand.

EIB also aims to crowd in other international lenders under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with a delegation of leading American companies on June 9, ahead of the Tashkent International Investment Forum.

During the meeting, business leaders outlined a range of projects they plan to implement in Uzbekistan. The discussion involved US Assistant Secretary of State Eric Meyer, Chair of the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce Carolyn Lamm, Vice President of the US International Development Finance Corporation Brez Bethany, as well as senior representatives from Boeing, Visa, NASDAQ, Coca-Cola, Morgan Stanley, Air Products and others.

The two sides explored new avenues for cooperation, including digital technology, artificial intelligence, infrastructure...