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In 2024, the Uzbek government allocated 17 trillion soums to support employment and entrepreneurship among women, as announced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The state’s investments have yielded positive results. By the end of the year, women entrepreneurs in the country produced goods worth 81 trillion soums and exported products valued at $450 mln. This initiative has also contributed to the creation of new jobs, particularly for women from low-income families.

The President highlighted the project “I Am a Participant in the Process of Creation,” which aims to train women in mahallas (neighborhoods) in in-demand professions and crafts.

“I view...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan delivered a statement at a ceremony honoring March 8, emphasising the country’s commitment to enhancing social protection for women. His remarks were reported by the press office of the head of state.

He noted that, following an assessment of the situation of women in each mahalla, 1 mln women in need of support have been documented in a “women’s notebook.” This year, targeted efforts will focus on assisting these women, including 162,000 women with disabilities who will receive medical care in sanatoria, clini, and their local mahallas.

Furthermore, Mirziyoyev announced that 130,000 Uzbek women...

The issuance of corporate bonds in Uzbekistan has surpassed two trillion soums, reaching 2.2 trillion soums as reported by the Central Securities Depository (CSD) on March 1, 2025.

Currently, 80.7% of these bonds are held by various organisations, while 17% are in the process of being placed. Foreign investors own 2.3% of the corporate debt securities.

The total volume of share issuances has exceeded 216 trillion soums, growing by 11.1% from March 2024. The depository manages shares from 688 issuers, with nearly 80% of these securities owned by the state. The remainder is held by investors, companies, organizations...

Being a woman means staying strong and responsible; it is not a sign of weakness, stated Uzbek Presidential Aide Saida Mirziyoyeva in a congratulatory message for International Women’s Day on March 8th.

«We have travelled a challenging path to transform ourselves and society, engaging with men as equals in politics, science and business. Today, we look forward with confidence to achieving our dreams,» Mirziyoyeva wrote on her Telegram channel.

She wished women resilience, recognition of their talents, health, happiness, as well as prosperity and peace in their families.

Mirziyoyeva concluded her message with the...

On March 7, President Donald Trump stated that the United States could impose sweeping banking sanctions against Russia if it fails to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine.

Trump emphasised, “Given that Russia is currently intensifying its military actions against Ukraine, I am seriously considering imposing substantial banking sanctions, as well as tariffs on Russia, until there is a cease-fire and a final peace agreement. Russia and Ukraine need to come to the negotiating table immediately before it’s too late. Thank you!” He shared this message on the Truth Social network.

Additionally, a knowledgeable source...

Over the next three years, Uzbekistan plans to launch 76 projects focusing on 28 rare metals. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was informed about these developments by Bobir Islamov, the head of the Ministry of Geology.

The total estimated cost of these projects is $2.6 bn. Additional funding is expected to be allocated for geological exploration to enhance the raw materials base.

Technoparks are proposed to be established in the Tashkent and Samarkand regions to strengthen the entire supply chain from raw materials to processing, scientific research and finished products. These regions are known for their rich deposits of molybdenum and...

The fortune of the richest man on Earth, Ilon Musk, decreased by $8.8 bn (114 trillion soums) in one day due to the fall in Tesla shares, the Independent calculated.

Tesla shares fell as the S&P 550 index fell 1.78 per cent on Thursday, a day after Donald Trump imposed tariffs against Canada, China and Mexico.

Musk has lost $121bn since December 2024, more than a quarter of his fortune. It is now estimated at $342bn, or 4.4 quadrillion soums.

In 2025, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are anticipated to lead in Eurobond issuance among CIS banks, according to a forecast by Fitch Ratings (as reported by Kursiv Uzbekistan).

This year, Uzbek banks are projected to issue Eurobonds totaling $0.7 bin, even though some of their liabilities were refinanced in the second half of 2024, as noted in the agency’s report.

Fitch Ratings analysts highlight that foreign debt in foreign currency plays a significant role in the financing of Russian banks. This is evident from the high loan-to-deposit ratio within the sector, which stood at 173% at the end of last year.

Uzbekistan’s leading venture studio, Startup Garage, has announced its expansion into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with a new office in Doha, Qatar. This move makes it the first venture studio from Central Asia to establish operations in the region, enhancing opportunities for startups in both markets.

Expansion into MENA

Startup Garage, founded by Muhammad Khalil, has built a strong presence across 14 regions in Uzbekistan within eight months. The venture studio provides mentorship, funding, and strategic support for early-stage startups, backed by Aloqa Ventures. By entering the MENA market, Startup Garage aims to facilitate cross-border expansion...

Road safety remains a major challenge in Central Asia and the Caucasus, with both regions recording some of the highest traffic-related fatality rates globally, Eurasianet reports. Data indicates an increase in road deaths in several countries, highlighting ongoing concerns about vehicle safety, driving behaviour, and infrastructure conditions.

Rising fatalities in Central Asia

Traffic-related deaths in Central Asia have shown an upward trend. Kazakhstan recorded 2,579 road fatalities in 2024, the highest in a decade. Tajikistan also registered 552 deaths, marking the highest total since at least 2005. While Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have made some progress in reducing fatalities...

On March 5, in anticipation of International Women’s Day, ACWA Power hosted the Women’s Power 2025 Forum, marking the second consecutive year of this impactful event. The forum highlighted the resilience and leadership of women across generations, bringing together influential voices to discuss the role of women in traditionally male-dominated sectors, particularly renewable energy.

Uzbekistan made significant progress in advancing gender equality in recent years. In 2024 alone, more than 30,000 young women received free master’s degrees, and women now make up over 40% of the Legislative Chamber.

The country also became the first in the region to...

The World Bank has released a comprehensive study examining migration patterns, challenges, and opportunities in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region. The report highlights that the ECA region hosts 100 mn migrants, representing one-third of the global migrant population. Factors such as income disparities, demographic changes, climate change, and conflicts drive these migration trends.

Central Asia’s migration dynamics

As of 2023, over 80% of migrants from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have moved to Russia. Uzbekistan’s migration is more varied: 57% of its migrants reside in Russia, 15% in Kazakhstan, and 10% in Ukraine. Labour migration significantly contributes to the...

Uzbekisstan’s Tashkent hosted an official ceremony on 6 March, where President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received credentials from newly appointed ambassadors of Egypt, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Georgia, and Turkey.

The President welcomed the diplomats and wished them success in their new roles. He emphasised the importance of mutual support among friendly nations amid rising global geopolitical tensions. Uzbekistan continues to advance an open and pragmatic foreign policy, strengthening partnerships with countries across all regions and international organisations.

Uzbekistan’s role in regional and global initiatives

President Mirziyoyev highlighted Central Asia’s transformation into a region of good-neighbourliness, trust, and integration...

Uzbekistan led global gold purchases in January 2025, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). Central banks worldwide added 18 tons to their reserves, continuing the trend of gold accumulation.

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan bought 8 tons of gold, bringing total reserves to 391 tons. Gold now makes up 82% of the country’s international reserves.

China followed with a 5-ton purchase, increasing its total to 2,285 tons. Kazakhstan added 4 tons, while Poland and India bought 3 tons each. The Czech Republic increased its reserves by 2 tons, and Qatar added 1 ton.

While some countries increased holdings...

Wildberries, a major Russian online marketplace, faced a tax audit in Uzbekistan. Authorities found that it did not fully comply with tax laws. The company operates in Uzbekistan through LLC WB INT EXPORT.

Following the audit, Wildberries paid an extra UZS 51.2 bn (around $4.5 mn) in taxes for 2022–2024. This includes UZS 42.8 bn (about $3.8 mn) in VAT. Officials stated that all businesses must follow tax rules to ensure fair competition. Compliance helps companies maintain transparency and avoid legal issues.

Uzbekistan will block access to the Chinese e-commerce platform Temu from March 20, 2025. Authorities urge customers to stop buying from...

At the Women’s Power Forum 2025, organised by ACWA Power for the second consecutive year on March 5, a stark reality was presented. Today, 119.3 mln girls are out of school, limiting their future opportunities. Closing the gender gap in extreme poverty could take 137 years at the current pace. Greater participation of women in the workforce could add $28 trillion to global GDP by 2025 — more than the combined economies of the US and China.

The event gathered leaders from the government, United Nations (UN) Women, international development banks, and top private sector companies to discuss...

On March 5, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze held meetings with the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, transport, tourism, and other key sectors. Both sides emphasised the need to enhance intergovernmental dialogue to maintain the positive momentum in bilateral relations.

Bilateral trade growth and investment expansion

In 2024, trade turnover between the two countries increased by 50%, with the number of joint enterprises also rising. A key area of focus was the development of a digital bank with the participation of Georgian investors.

Mirziyoyev...

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has ordered the dismissal of 117 heads of internal anti-corruption control units across ministries and government agencies. The decision follows concerns over ineffective oversight and a lack of proactive measures in tackling corruption. The dismissed officials will be replaced with professionals who demonstrate integrity and commitment to systemic reform.

Reforming anti-corruption oversight

President Mirziyoyev expressed dissatisfaction with the Anti-Corruption Agency’s performance, criticising it for focusing on statistics rather than addressing corruption at its source. He noted that agency employees failed to engage with high-risk areas such as district health departments, employment offices, and bank branches...

75% of corruption crimes in Uzbekistan occur at the local level, particularly in areas such as infrastructure access, licensing, preferential loans, recruitment, and professional development. This announcement was made by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on March 5. In response, the government is introducing new measures to enhance oversight and improve public service delivery.

Enhancing local-level oversight

To address corruption risks, the Anti-Corruption Agency will conduct quarterly visits to high-risk regions. These inspections will assess factors contributing to corruption and propose digital solutions to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Each minister and regional governor must establish a system that evaluates...

On March 5, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired an expanded meeting to assess the progress in combating corruption and outline future measures. The discussion focused on strengthening transparency, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies, and reinforcing legal mechanisms.

At the start of the meeting, President Mirziyoyev highlighted the need for a comprehensive evaluation of efforts to create a corruption-free environment.

“The biggest obstacle and stumbling block to reforms is corruption. This is fully confirmed by world experience,” he said.

Strengthening anti-corruption framework

Uzbekistan has implemented a structured system to address corruption. Separate laws...

Almost 15 mln people in Afghanistan face food shortages during Ramadan, with many unsure of their next meal, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The agency reported that 14.8 mln Afghans experience food insecurity, while 3.1 mn are in a critical situation. Humanitarian organisations warn that reduced funding is limiting assistance as the number of people in need continues to rise.

OCHA estimates that $1.9 bn is required to support those affected in Afghanistan. However, only $9.9 mln has been secured so far, leaving a significant shortfall.

The UN agency has urged the...

On Nowruz, residents of Uzbekistan will enjoy a three-day holiday. The Uzbek Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction has announced the updated weekend calendar.

The holiday is set to begin on Friday, March 21, which is designated as a non-working day according to the Labour Code of Uzbekistan. Therefore, those who work a five-day week will have a break from March 21 to March 23.

Uzbeks will have another three consecutive days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, which will be observed from March 8 to March 10.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reported on how Nowruz will be celebrated...

Photo: Unsplash

Members of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis have approved a draft law on insurance for farmers during its third reading, according to the press service of the Lower House of Parliament.

The proposed law aims to introduce insurance contracts for agricultural enterprises that cover natural and technological incidents. It also plans to involve independent experts in the insurance process, which will help fully digitalise the market.

The adopted document outlines the state support for agricultural insurance, along with the rights and obligations of the involved parties. It also details the creation and responsibilities of...

Uztemiryulcontainer has successfully sent its first freight ontainer train from India to Kazakhstan, as reported by the company’s press service.

The total length of the rail route was 4,300 kilometers, with an additional maritime segment of over 1,500 kilometers. Previously, the company had been sending freight trains from India to Uzbekistan.

The Transport and Logistics Centre of Turkmenistan and Kedentransservice JSC also participated in this cargo shipment.

Uztemiryulkontainer aims to establish regular container shipments between India and Central Asia, which will enhance opportunities for both exporters and importers.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that in 2024, the demand for...