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Uzbekistan presented a comprehensive overview of its bold market-oriented economic reforms and reaffirmed its strong commitment to WTO accession during a high-level panel session held as part of the 10th meeting of the WTO Working Party on Uzbekistan’s Accession.

The session, titled “Market Economic Reforms in Uzbekistan”, took place in Geneva with the support of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It brought together key global stakeholders to examine Uzbekistan’s reform agenda, the country’s investment climate, and its growing integration into the global trade system.

Uzbekistan Reaffirms Commitment to WTO Accession...

The Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2025) resulted in the signing of investment contracts and trade agreements worth $30.5 bn, according to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade.

The forum brought together over 8,000 participants, including 3,000 foreign guests from 97 countries. Across the event, 36 panel discussions were held.

At the official opening of TIIF-2025 and the session of the Foreign Investors’ Council, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a keynote address. The head of state also held bilateral meetings with executives of major international companies and global financial institutions.

As part of the forum, a national industrial exhibition...

Israel has launched airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure under a military operation called «Nation as a Lion». Reports confirm the deaths of several senior Iranian military officers and nuclear scientists.

Israeli officials stated that the main objective was to damage Iran’s nuclear programme. The strike followed the collapse of negotiations between the United States and Iran over the revival of the nuclear deal.

The U.S. government stressed that it had no involvement in the operation and issued a warning to Tehran against targeting American personnel in the region.

According to Reuters, explosions occurred at Iran’s uranium enrichment...

The Azerbaijan–Uzbek Investment Company (AUIC) plans to invest $500 mln in joint projects. Nazim Gadzhiev, the company’s CEO, made the announcement at the Tashkent International Investment Forum.

Established in 2024, the company has already reviewed more than 100 potential initiatives. At present, 15 projects are undergoing detailed due diligence, while six projects worth over $80 mln have received approval. These include four industrial ventures, one in fintech, and the construction of an international school in New Tashkent.

The company is also preparing projects in Azerbaijan in partnership with Uzbek stakeholders. Implementation may begin before the end of the year.

Earlier...

At the Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) 2025, Kursiv Uzbekistan had the privilege of engaging in a comprehensive discussion with Toyvo Klaar, the European Union’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan. This forum, held from June 10 to 12, underscored the EU’s robust commitment to deepening economic and strategic partnerships with Uzbekistan.

Ambassador Klaar highlighted the EU’s significant role as Uzbekistan’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $6.4 bn in 2024—a 5.2% increase from the previous year. Exports to the EU surged by 26.9%, reflecting a growing economic synergy . 

Furthermore, nearly 1,000 European companies are currently operating in Uzbekistan, benefiting from the...

Sardor Rustambaev begins his diplomatic mission as Uzbekistan’s first ambassador to the Republic of Maldives. He presented his credentials to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, according to the Dunyo news agency.

Following the ceremony, the two sides discussed prospects for strengthening bilateral ties. Talks focused on cooperation in politics, economy, culture, education, and other areas.

Tourism and education were key points on the agenda. They explored opportunities to launch direct flights, simplify visa procedures, and develop joint tourism programmes.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that Russia’s ambassador had completed his mission in Uzbekistan.

Polish textile company LPP plans to open more than 20 clothing stores across Uzbekistan, according to Dunyo news agency.

The first outlet under the Sinsay brand is set to open in August. The remaining stores will be launched by the end of 2025.

LPP has studied the local market and found that Uzbek consumers are highly price-sensitive and often prefer shopping at bazaars. As a result, the company will adopt an affordability-first pricing strategy.

In addition to Uzbekistan, LPP intends to expand into Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that Polish company Mobilis plans to hire 300 Uzbek...

Tourists from 35 countries have purchased tickets for Jennifer Lopez’s upcoming concert in Tashkent, according to figures from iTicket.uz. Foreign nationals account for 40% of total ticket sales.

The majority of international bookings come from Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. There are also buyers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, the UAE, Canada, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.

Ticket sales began five days ago.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that the K-pop group Blackswan drew an audience of 10,000 during their concert in Tashkent.

Iran may withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) if the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to take what it sees as a biased stance.

Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s Commission on Foreign Policy and National Security, made the statement on June 12.

His comments followed the adoption of a new IAEA resolution, which Tehran views as hostile. According to Rezai, the resolution lacks legal and technical grounds and is driven by political motives.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that Iran’s military command had drafted a plan to strike Israel using hundreds of ballistic...

Azerbaijani singer and entrepreneur Emin Agalarov has addressed concerns about the construction of a new resort on the shores of the Charvak Reservoir in Uzbekistan.

Social media users previously raised environmental concerns about the proposed project, suggesting it could worsen Uzbekistan’s existing water scarcity issues. The discussions centred on the rational use of water resources and the potential environmental strain on the local ecosystem.

Agalarov responded by stating that the reservoir, which supplies Tashkent with drinking water, would not be polluted. He said the project includes the installation of treatment facilities to ensure water safety. He also noted that...

German automaker Volkswagen plans to launch vehicle production in Uzbekistan in the fourth quarter of this year, according to state-owned company Uzavtosanoat. The production line will focus on sedans and crossovers.

«All models will be adapted to local market conditions and consumer demands,» Uzavtosanoat emphasised.

The agreement was signed at the Tashkent Investment Forum between Volkswagen and Alyans Auto, a subsidiary of Uzavtosanoat. Prior to the signing, Volkswagen presented a portfolio of eight car models to the Uzbek side.

Both parties aim to establish new production lines, transfer technology, and develop the export potential...

Ravshan Usmanov, Uzbekistan’s newly appointed ambassador to Ireland, has presented his credentials to Ralph Victory, a representative of Ireland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to Dunyo News Agency.

The diplomatic meeting took place in Dublin, where Victory and Usmanov discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, economy and culture.

Usmanov has served as Uzbekistan’s ambassador to the United Kingdom since 2023 and, as of February this year, also became the country’s first ambassador to Iceland.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Russian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Oleg Malginov is concluding his diplomatic mission.

Uzbekistan Airways invites you to explore two vibrant cities of Southeast Asia — Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok — where unforgettable experiences, culinary discoveries, and tropical nature await.

✈️ Kuala Lumpur – A Shopping Capital and Urban Jungle

Kuala Lumpur offers something for every taste and budget, with its modern infrastructure ensuring a comfortable stay. Where else can you walk through the jungle, climb the Petronas Towers, and try real durian — all in one day?

Flights from Tashkent to Kuala Lumpur operate twice a week — on Wednesdays and Sundays, with return flights the following day.

Seasonal bus routes have been launched on the Tashkent – Cholpon-Ata (Issyk-Kul) line, according to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport.

Buses depart daily at 3:00 PM from Tashkent. Tickets can be purchased for 300,000 Uzbek soums on the website avtoticket.uz, or via the ATTO and UzBus mobile apps. The route is operated by Uzautotrans Service.

Issyk-Kul is the largest high-altitude lake in Kyrgyzstan, nestled in the mountains. It is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning natural scenery. Last summer, the lake welcomed over 725,000 tourists.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Azerbaijan plans to build a tourism center in Charvak.

Defender the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13.

This will be the first edition of the tournament held in an expanded 32-team format, divided into eight groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

Manchester City’s Group G Fixtures:

Full Manchester City Squad:

Goalkeepers:
Bettinelli (13), Ortega Moreno (18), Ederson (31)

Defenders:
Dias (3), Stones (5), Ak...

Uzbekistan has launched a new project to introduce a luxury tourist train called The Samarkand Express. The initiative is led by JSC Uzbekistan Railways and is being implemented with the involvement of foreign direct investment.

The total investment in the project is expected to reach $25 mln, with $10 mln in foreign funding planned for 2025. The project spans from 2024 to 2026.

As of now, the exterior design of one luxury carriage has been fully completed. It will soon be sent to Italy for full interior outfitting and finishing.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbekistan and China will launch...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Pedro Vargas, Chairman of the Board of the Euronews media holding, to discuss the possible opening of a Euronews office in Tashkent, according to the presidential press service.

Mirziyoyev expressed support for the plan to train local journalists through the Euronews Academy program.

Euronews is an international news channel founded in 1993 in Lyon, France. It broadcasts in 13 languages, including English, French, Russian, and Arabic. The channel operates 24/7 and reaches 400 million households in 160 countries.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Nuclear Energy Agency Uzatom and French engineering firm Assystem plan to establish a joint venture...

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are set to strengthen investment cooperation through a $5bn resort development project, as part of a broader agenda to expand economic ties.

During the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2025, the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan signed an agreement with Azerbaijan’s Agalarov Development. The deal covers the construction of Sea Breeze Uzbekistan, an all-season resort in the Bostanlyk district of Tashkent region.

The large-scale project will span 577 hectares, including 100 hectares in the initial phase. It is expected to boost tourism infrastructure, generate new jobs, and attract foreign visitors.

The agreement was signed in...

Russia intends to establish pharmaceutical manufacturing in Uzbekistan, according to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, TASS reports.

The announcement came during a working group meeting focused on boosting trade turnover between Russia and Uzbekistan.

“The Russian side is preparing a list of pharmaceutical products for localisation, with guaranteed procurement planned from 2025 to 2034,” the ministry confirmed.

Earlier, Russian company BioVitrum revealed plans to produce paraffin in Uzbekistan. The project may also include the construction of a warehouse and research centre.

Kursiv Uzbekistan previously reported that...

At TIIF 2025, a dedicated panel session highlighted Uzbekistan’s push to join the World Trade Organization by 2026, linking the accession process to broader investment climate reforms.

The session, Attracting Sustainable Investment: from Reform to Success, brought together officials from the OECD, ADB, EU, and the Uzbek government. ADB Country Director Kanokpan Lao-Araya said the bank’s $14 bn portfolio in Uzbekistan now includes efforts to integrate the country into regional and global value chains, with WTO accession as a key target.

OECD representative Fares Al-Hussami noted that Uzbekistan is revising legal provisions, including exclusive state export rights, to create equal conditions...

The Azerbaijan–Uzbek Investment Company plans to boost economic cooperation by investing $1–25 mln in minority stakes across diverse sectors in both countries, according to its Director, Nazim Gadzhiev.

$300mn Ritz-Carlton Complex and Twin Cultural Centres

Speaking at the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2025, Gadzhiev confirmed that the company has already reviewed over 100 potential projects. Fifteen are under detailed analysis, and six have received board approval. The company opened its Tashkent office last year and is now launching one in Baku to improve access to the Azerbaijani market.

The panel session, titled Azerbaijan – Uzbekistan: Vectors of Economic Partnership, outlined...

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...