News

Time magazine has named Liang Wenfeng, the mind behind Chinese AI firm DeepSeek, one of the 100 most influential people of 2025. He appears in the Pioneers section of this year’s prestigious list.

Liang, a veteran of neural network development for stock trading, turned his attention to generative AI and language models in 2023. Just a year later, his company’s chatbot upended the global tech landscape.

In late 2024, DeepSeek launched a language model that stunned the market. It outperformed industry giants and emerged as a formidable challenger to OpenAI’s ChatGPT—without the advantage of deep-pocketed investors or access...

Uzbekistan and Hungary have agreed to strengthen their defence partnership, signing a cooperation declaration during the visit of Hungarian Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky to Tashkent.

The agreement marks a significant step in expanding military and strategic ties between the two countries. Speaking after his meeting with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Defence, Shukhrat Khalmukhamedov, Szalay-Bobrovniczky said the new framework would lay the foundation for long-term collaboration in defence policy and military training.

During the talks, the ministers also addressed the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. According to a statement from Hungary’s Ministry of Defence, both parties agreed on the urgent...

Uzbekistan saw a sharp rise in visitors from Iran at the start of 2025, with 2,900 Iranian nationals travelling to the country in January and February — a 3.4-fold increase compared to the same period last year, according to data from the State Statistics Committee.

Business trips accounted for the majority of arrivals, with over 2,200 Iranian visitors entering the country for work-related purposes. Around 630 tourists came for leisure, while 24 visited family members.

The State Committee for Tourism forecasts a strong year for the sector, expecting Uzbekistan to welcome 12 mln international visitors and 23 mln domestic travellers...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed renaming the city of Yangi Andijan to Bobur, in honor of the great historical figure Zahiriddin Muhammad Bobur. The president emphasized the importance of preserving and celebrating Bobur’s legacy, which brought global recognition to the nation.

«His struggle for peace and justice from a young age, along with the courage and bravery he demonstrated throughout his life, serve as a profound lesson in patriotism and self-sacrifice,» Mirziyoyev stated during a recent address.

The president added that it would be fitting not only to name streets and squares...

In a thrilling second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, Borussia Dortmund defeated Barcelona 3–1 in Dortmund on April 15. However, the Catalan side advanced to the semifinals thanks to their dominant 4–0 victory in the first leg, securing a 5–3 aggregate win.

Match Summary: Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona

Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy was the star of the night, scoring a stunning hat-trick that nearly turned the tie around. He opened the scoring with a composed penalty in the 11th minute, added a second early in the second half, and completed his hat-trick 27 minutes later.

But a...

Uzbekistan will not receive a planned $2.5 mln grant from the U.S. Department of State intended to support civic engagement, according to a statement from the U.S. Government Effectiveness Department (DOGE).

U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio has cancelled a total of $215 mln in international funding for various overseas projects, with Uzbekistan among the affected countries. The decision also impacts civil society development aid for Kyrgyzstan and funding to promote democratic values in Armenia.

The cancellation of the grants comes amid news of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to slash the State Department’s financial aid budget by nearly...

Uzbekistan is set to introduce student visas for foreign nationals. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has instructed the government to prepare the necessary regulations within a month.

According to the president, the influx of students from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China and India could help boost the export of medical education in Andijan to $20 mln annually.

Mirziyoyev highlighted that last year, a 650-bed clinic was transferred to the Andijan State Medical Institute. The government allocated 180 billion soums for its renovation and equipment, which will allow 11,000 students to study and undergo practical training.

The institute has also launched a simulation center...

Central Asian nations are considering the launch of a joint television channel and media platform, according to Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture and Information, Aida Balayeva. The announcement was made during the second Central Asian Media Forum.

The channel’s programming will focus on showcasing the region’s potential, as well as promoting friendship and unity among the peoples of Central Asia. Plans include a series of broadcasts dedicated to historical events and the rich cultural heritage of the region.

As a successful example of media collaboration, Balayeva highlighted the partnership between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information and Uzbekistan’s Agency...

Uzbekistan exported over 2,400 tons of persimmons in January and February this year, totaling $1.3 mln in export revenue, according to data from the State Committee on Statistics (Naсkomstat).

The main buyer of Uzbek persimmons was Kazakhstan, which imported 1,200 tons. Russia followed with 940 tons, while Kyrgyzstan purchased 186.3 tons.

This year, Uzbekistan aims to export vegetables, fruits, and other food products worth $3.5 bn. The government also plans to expand into promising new markets, targeting over $440 mln in exports to those destinations.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that agricultural production in the country grew by...

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) posted a 42% year-on-year revenue increase in the first quarter of 2025, reaching NT$839 bn (approximately $25.6 bn), the Company’s press office reported.

The January–March period results exceeded analyst expectations and aligned with the Company’s internal forecasts. Every month, March saw the strongest revenue growth, with net income up 46.5% compared to March 2024.

Analysts attribute TSMC’s strong performance to global demand for AI-related chips and semiconductors. TSMC is a major supplier for tech giants like Apple and Nvidia in this key area.

Despite the strong quarterly results, TSMC shares have fallen 23.7% on the...

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has added four new companies to the national register of microfinance instititions (MFIs), following a decision by the regulator’s board.

The newly registered firms — Bright Future Financing Mikromoliya Tashkiloti, Muvaffaqiyat Mikromoliya Tashkiloti, Urban Finance Solutions Tashkiloti and Xon Saroy Moliya — are now authorised to provide microloans to the population.

As of April 2, over 120 microcredit organisations operate in Uzbekistan under licenses issued by the Central Bank. Since the beginning of 2025, the regulator has registered 19 new MFOs.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that microfinance organisation Delta issued bonds worth...

Uzbekistan has approved a programme for the development of the secondary government bond market, according to a government resolution.

The adopted document aims to modernise the budget system and enhance the efficiency of public spending and investments. The strategy for managing public debt over the next three years is expected to be implemented.

Plans include measures to support the secondary market for government bonds and the issuance of short-term securities.

Starting in September this year, the republic plans to provide government debt reports in the PSDS statistical database.

Uzbekistan exported more than 2,900 tonnes of peanuts in January and February this year, marking a 47.6% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the State Committee on Statistics.

Kazakhstan imported the largest share, purchasing 984 tonnes. Pakistan followed with 497 tonnes, and Azerbaijan ranked third with 371 tonnes.

As of early March, Uzbekistan had exported 193,000 tonnes of agricultural products in total — a 23% year-on-year decline.

Private investors injected $11 bn into US stocks after former President Donald Trump announced new trade tariffs in early April, Bloomberg reports.

Despite a stock market slump, investors remained undeterred. Tesla and Palantir Technologies attracted the most attention among retail buyers.

Bloomberg noted that retail investors continue to back US equities even as the S&P 500 experiences a sharp decline. Meanwhile, institutional investors have shifted their focus towards international markets and treasury bonds.

The world’s wealthiest individuals gained a combined $304 bn following the suspension of tariffs. Among them, Elon Musk — a close ally of Trump...

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) signs a contract to host the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps, according to TASS.

The sporting events will take place across two mountainous regions in France. In July last year, the IOC confirmed the host locations for the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympic Games.

The 2030 Games will mark the fourth time France hosts the Winter Olympics. The country previously held the Games in Chamonix in 1924, Grenoble in 1968, and Albertville in 1992.

Salt Lake City in the United States will host the 2034 Winter Olympics.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Malaysia, Karomiddin Gadoev, has met with Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib, Executive Director of Malaysia’s largest energy company, Malakoff Corporation Berhad, to discuss potential cooperation in the energy sector.

Uzbekistan outlined its strategic plans for expanding environmentally friendly energy sources, particularly hydroelectric power. The two sides considered opportunities for developing both small- and large-scale hydroelectric power stations across the country.

Anwar Syahrin expressed strong interest in collaborating with Uzbekistan and praised the country’s progress in advancing green energy initiatives. He also announced plans to visit Uzbekistan later this year to explore investment opportunities on the ground.

The Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul has warned Uzbek citizens about a growing number of employment-related fraud cases in Turkey.

According to the consulate, more and more cases have emerged where Uzbek nationals are offered high-paying jobs in Turkey. These offers often come with promises of a good salary, housing, and official documentation.

However, many citizens face situations where they receive only part of their wages—or none at all. Working conditions often turn out to be harsh and degrading. Some employers exploit workers illegally, violating their rights. Those working without a permit risk fines and deportation. In many...

TikToker Valery Yugai (alias “Abdulloh”), who insulted Uzbeks on social media, has been arrested in the UAE and extradited to Uzbekistan, the Tashkent Regional Interior Ministry reports.

Authorities highlighted that his statements could have provoked ethnic conflict. In one video, the blogger claimed that he did not recognise Uzbekistan and expressed dissatisfaction with being born in the country.

Furthermore, Yugai stated that he would kill his mother if he reached three million followers and 100 mln likes.

After his arrest, the blogger explained that he made such videos to gain popularity. He apologised and expressed regret for his actions.

Kazakhstan has begun denying entry to motorists from both Uzbekistan and Russia due to unpaid traffic fines, according to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport.

Several Uzbek nationals have already faced issues at the border after accumulating administrative penalties for traffic violations committed on Kazakh territory.

The ministry reminded citizens that they can pay outstanding fines via the Kaspi Bank website or mobile app under the public services section. Once paid, Kazakh authorities will lift the entry restrictions.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk has welcomed Uzbekistan’s membership in the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), according to Vedomosti. He stressed that the move holds significance not only for Uzbekistan itself but also for strengthening economic integration across the Eurasian region.

«Uzbekistan has one of the most dynamically developing economies in Central Asia. Its entry into the Eurasian Development Bank plays a vital role for both the country and the broader process of Eurasian economic integration,» said Overchuk.

He added that Uzbekistan’s membership opens the door to investment, which will help boost key sectors...

President Donald Trump has said he doesn’t rely on Elon Musk for anything — apart from the fact that he simply likes him — while praising the businessman’s performance during a cabinet meeting in Washington.

«I don’t need Elon for anything, except that I like the guy. But I’m telling you, he’s done a fantastic job,» the president stated.

Trump added that he had no need for a new Tesla but still bought the highest-spec model, paying «a ton of money» for it. He praised Musk for producing outstanding vehicles.

The comments came...

Uzbekistan has increased its apple exports fivefold in volume terms during January–February 2025, according to the country’s National Statistics Committee.

The country exported 1,600 tonnes of apples worth $935,000 during the period, significantly up from the same months last year.

Russia remained the largest buyer, importing 1,000 tonnes. Kazakhstan followed with 341 tonnes, while Turkmenistan imported 149 tonnes.

Uzbekistan also shipped apples to Mongolia and smaller quantities to other countries.

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has started developing investment projects in Uzbekistan, according to the bank’s Chairman of the Management Board, Nikolay Podguzov.

«EDB will support Uzbekistan in its efforts to grow rapidly and sustainably, and to improve the well-being of its citizens,» Podguzov said.

The bank plans to finance its first projects in Uzbekistan within this year.

In April, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law formalising Uzbekistan’s accession to the EDB. The country will hold a 10% stake in the institution. According to the EDB, Uzbekistan’s membership will unlock new opportunities...

Uzbekistan aims to increase its agricultural and food exports to $3.5 bn this year, according to a decree from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The government has set a target to secure 30 permits for the export of vegetables and fruits to eight countries.

Plans also include exporting agricultural products to emerging markets worth $442 mln this year, with expectations to raise this figure to $575 mln in the following year.

Uzbekistan plans to launch packaging enterprises across various regions, with an investment of $40.5 mln.

To support companies selling packaged agricultural products, the government has set a 1% social tax...