News

The Taliban administration and Uzbekistan have signed a $1 billion contract to develop natural gas in the Tuti-Maidan block in Afghanistan’s Jawzjan and Faryab provinces, as announced by the office of Afghan Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul-Ghani Baradar.

Uzbekistan plans to invest the entire amount in the project over ten years. The republic will invest $100 million in the Afghan gas field in the first year of the agreement and will also construct a 100MW thermal power plant (TPP) within the first two years.

The document was signed by Abdul-Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs...

Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic, has declared a blood feud against Suleiman Kerimov and two members of the Russian State Duma, Bekkhan Barakhoyev and Rizvan Kurbanov, over the situation with Wildberries, as reported by the Telegram channel Baza.

“This is a business situation. Bekkhan Barakhoev, Suliman Karimov and Rizvan Kurbanov are prominent businessmen. Not only are they attempting to take business away from Tatiana Kim, but they also allegedly tried to have me killed. I initially kept quiet about it, but now I am officially stating that I will declare a blood feud against Barakhoev, Karimov...

The term “Turkestan” will be used instead of “Central Asia” in Turkish history curricula, as reported by TRT, citing the Turkish Ministry of National Education.

The ministry believes that the initiative will help strengthen students’ patriotism and national consciousness.

Experts view the curriculum changes as a way to highlight Turkey’s cultural and historical connections with other Turkic nations, such as Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

They also mention that adding the new term to the school program can be viewed as part of a policy to align Ankara more closely with the countries in the region. In early September...

UNICEF predicts that climate change and the opening of the Kosh-Tepa irrigation canal in Afghanistan will cause water shortages and job losses in Uzbekistan’s agriculture.

The organisation’s experts predict that the damage to Uzbekistan’s economy will amount to about 0.7% of GDP. Agriculture in Bukhara, Khorezm, Kashkadarya Provinces and Karakalpakstan will suffer due to water shortages. Up to 250,000 people may lose their jobs.

The construction of the Kosh-Tepa Irrigation Canal started in 2022. Afghanistan intends to divert approximately 10 cubic kilometers of water annually from the Amu Darya river to irrigate 500,000 hectares of agricultural land. Uzbekistan...

VEON has officially launched the digital entertainment platform KINOM in Uzbekistan, offering over 130 channels of linear TV and on-demand films and TV series, as reported the Company’s press office.

The platform, developed locally, focuses on providing local language content and aims to support the growth of regional creative industries.

This launch is part of VEON’s strategy to expand its digital entertainment platforms, which have been successful in other countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh.

VEON is a digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 160 million customers. Operating across six countries that are...

According to the podcast Lolazor, the Energy Minister of Uzbekistan, Zhurabek Mirzamakhmudov, recently addressed the issue of rising propane prices in the country. He attributed the price increase to various factors, including insufficient growth in fuel production, an increase in the number of cars and resellers and the presence of unlicensed firms operating in the Uzbek liquefied gas market.

Mirzamakhmudov mentioned that the country’s propane production is expected to reach 860,000 tons in 2024, up from the previous 800,000 tons. He also emphasised that the Ministry of Energy does not impose any barriers to the purchase of imported fuel.

On October 8, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the routine CIS Heads of State Council meeting led by Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Mirziyoyev introduced several proposals concerning trade, cybersecurity and cultural cooperation.

The summit saw the participation of the presidents of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, along with the Prime Minister of Armenia.

During his speech, Mirziyoyev discussed crucial topics of security and sustainable development. The president stressed the significance of cooperation among the CIS countries’ special services in addressing contemporary challenges. He also underlined the need for joint efforts to enhance cybersecurity.

The President...

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has joined the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) advisory group, as reported by the regulator’s press office.

The Basel Consultative Group (BCG) was established to collaborate with banking supervisors who are not committee members. Group members have the opportunity to take part in BCBS discussions and activities.

The committee’s main objective is to develop and implement international standards in the banking sector. It conducts research, analyses financial risks and provides a platform for regulators to exchange experiences.

BCBS decisions are not legally binding. Committee members implement its standards independently and voluntarily.

Kursiv...

The Jumeirah Group, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is exploring the possibility of entering the Uzbek market, as reported by Dunyo news agency.

According to the agency, the number of foreign tourists visiting Uzbekistan has tripled over the past seven years, and the number of hotels has increased tenfold.

Jumeirah Group is a renowned chain of tate-owned luxurious hotels.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Russian hotel company YE’S may enter the Uzbek market.

Uzbek militaries took second place at the Cambrian Patrol International Army competition, as reported by Dunyo.

The tournament is held annually in the United Kingdom. In 2024, 100 teams from 30 nations participated, including Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

Uzbekistan took first place in a subgroup of 13 teams. British colleagues praised the Uzbeks’ professional level and skills.

Uzbekistan’s military has previously performed successfully in the Cambrian Patrol. In 2019, they won first place, and from 2020 to 2022, they won silver medals.

Recall that Uzbekistan is ranked 65th among the world’s strongest armies in 2024.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also...

According to the Unified State Register of Enterprises and Organisations (USREO), Saneg established Saneg Atom in mid-January 2024.

Saneg’s press service told Kursiv Uzbekistan that it is part of a long-term strategy to diversify its business.

At this stage, the company is not actively working in this direction, and there are also no projects in the field of nuclear energy.

The authorised capital of Saneg Atom is 100 thousand soums. The head of the company is Elkhan Aliyev.

Kursiv Uzbekistan reports that the citizens of Kazakhstan voted to build a nuclear power plant. 

In September 2024, the number of residents of IT Park increased by 66, 29 of which were created with the participation of investors from foreign countries, as reported by the tech cluster’s press office.

The residents plan to create about 700 jobs. Last month, 99 companies joined the tech cluster.

The total number of exporting residents reached 936. The number of companies with foreign capital participation totalled 574.

Resident exporters operate in the markets of the USA, Germany, Switzerland, France, the UK, Singapore, China, South Korea, Japan and UAE.

The companies mainly provide outsourcing services, develop programmes and work...

According to Transfermarkt, the transfer value of French Lance defender Abdukodir Khusanov reached five million euros at the beginning of October. Compared to June, the player’s value has doubled.

He is the second most expensive player from Uzbekistan, behind only CSKA’s Abbosbek Faizullayev, whose value is estimated at six million euros.

Khusanov was born on 15 May 2002 in Tashkent. Before moving to Lance, he played for Tashkent clubs Pakhtakor and Bunyodkor.

Kursiv Uzbekistan reports that Eldor Shomurodov could continue his career in the U.S. club. 

Uzbekistan has demonstrated significant progress in actively replenishing its gold reserves, ranking sixth among the other countries (from 2013 to 2023), as reported by RBK, citing data from the World Gold Council.

Over ten years, Uzbekistan successfully increased its gold reserves by 154 tonnes. The leading countries in this endeavor were Russia (1.3 thousand tonnes), China (1.2 thousand tonnes) and Turkey (424 tonnes).

Kazakhstan secured the seventh position, increasing its reserves by 151 tonnes. Conversely, Thailand displayed less activity in purchasing gold, securing the tenth spot with an increase of 92 tonnes.

According to research by the World Gold...

On October 6th, a significant event took place in Kazakhstan with the final referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) at 8:00 PM Tashkent time. According to preliminary data from the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan, there was an election turnout of 63.87%.

Notably, the highest turnout was in Kyzylorda Oblast at 82.48%, indicating strong puplic engagement in the region, while the lowest was in Almaty at 25.39%, suggesting the need for increased awareness and participation.

At 14:00, the Central Election Commission officially recognised the referendum, with over 51.7% of voters participating, reflecting a significant level...

Uzbekistan and South Korean companies have agreed to collaborate on the production of auto parts and electrical equipment, as reported by Dunyo news agency.

During the meeting at the Uzbek Foreign Ministry on October 4th, there was a focus on emphasising the significance of fostering cooperation between Uzbekistan and Korea, with the participation of Korean Ambassador Won Do Young.

The discussion also involved exploring ways to support foreign companies and enhance their participation in the Uzbek market.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbekistan and South Korea have agreed to develop a cargo forwarding center for inland ports.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino commended the exceptional organization of the Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan, expressing his admiration for the event during his attendance at the final match.

Before the final game, he had a productive meeting with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Uzbek Football Association (UFA) President Abdulsalom Azizov, and other representatives of our country.

Infantino emphasised that our country loves football and invests in its development.

“All the participating teams, as well as the fans in this beautiful country, have made this tournament truly special, and I enjoyed attending it very much,” Infantino underlined.

The FIFA tournament...

The Agency for State Assets Management (AUGA) has granted permission to four investors from the EU, UAE and Turkey to proceed with the privatisation of three business centers in Tashkent City, as reported by the organisation’s press-office.

The properties being offered for sale are owned by Alokabank, Asakabank and Uzpromstroybank.

KPMG provides consultancy for the deal, while Deloitte is responsible for the appraisal. Investors can expect to receive further details regarding the upcoming stage of privatization.

The binding offers (BO) for the acquisition of assets are being accepted until 25th November.

The AUGA announced the start of business...

The World Bank is considering participating in the construction of a toll road from Tashkent to Andijan. This matter was discussed during a meeting between Uzbek Transport Minister Ilhom Mahkamov and representatives of the financial organization, as reported by the Ministry’s press-office.

The parties discussed methods to attract private investment in the Uzbek transportation industry. They also talked about the project to construct a road from Tashkent to Andijan and the potential involvement of the World Bank.

Shomik Raj Mehndiratta, Head of Transport Policy for Europe and Central Asia and Wei Winnie Wang, Head of Infrastructure Programme and Lead...

According to the Uzbek Ministry of Ecology, Uzbekistan has prepared documents to nominate the Zaamin Mountains for the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List.

The Zaamin Mountains may become the first site in Uzbekistan to receive such a status. Previously, the list only included transboundary sites such as the Western Tien Shan and the Turan Deserts.

Zaamin National Park is situated in Jizzak Oblast and covers an area of 21 thousand hectares, with half of the area covered by forests. The park is home to rare juniper species and red-listed animals, including the Turkestan lynx, the Tien Shan brown...

The World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) began in Tashkent on Wednesday, 2 October and will continue until 4 October.

Among the forum organisers are the Foundation for the Development of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan, the Indonesian authorities and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The event’s partners include the British Council, the Asian Development Bank Institute and Westminster International University in Tashkent.

More than 2,000 international representatives from the creative industry will participate in WCCE. The conference’s central theme will be ‘Inclusive Creativity: Changing Reality’.

The organisers emphasised that the conference will be interactive, allowing...

During the Fintech & Banking 2024 forum on 3 October, Loialte and the FinTech Association of Uzbekistan joined forces by signing a memorandum of cooperation. The aim is to foster cybersecurity expertise in the banking and fintech industries of the republic.

‘We are committed to achieving both short-term results and building long-term partnerships. In this collaboration, we are prepared to engage experienced professionals and provide training for new talents, including young individuals,’ stated Bachana Shelia, Managing Partner of Loialte.

Nargis Dustmatova, Chairperson of the FinTech Association of Uzbekistan, stated that there will be a focus on training cybersecurity experts...

Naomi Campbell, the renowned British supermodel, contributed significantly to the World Conference on the Creative Economy (WCCE) by actively engaging in a panel discussion on sustainability in the global fashion industry.

During the program, Campbell engaged in a meaningful discussion with the French-Lebanese publisher and founder of Canvas magazine about the impact of fashion on the creative economy, focusing on the concept of Threads of Innovation.

In late September, Campbell was prohibited from acting as a trustee for charities in England and Wales due to financial irregularities and mismanagement within her organisation.

The supermodel’s foundation illegally used the UNICEF...

The Fintech & Banking 2024 International Forum, coorganised by the FinTech Association of Uzbekistan and Axioma School, is scheduled for 3-4 October, as reported by Kursiv Uzbekistan.

The event, supported by the Central Bank of Uzbekistan and key players in the financial market, will bring together over 300 participants from ten countries to discuss the latest trends and challenges in financial technology.

At the event, global specialists will explore topics including sustainable fintech, artificial intelligence and e-commerce.

Kursiv Uzbekistan reports that Tashkent is hosting a conference on the creative economy.