AGP Executive Report

Regional Links: Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan’s foreign ministers met in Baku on Oct. 15, focusing on transport corridors linking Central Asia with the Caucasus. Power Upgrade: The Asian Development Bank signed a $200 million loan to modernize 60 electricity substations, reduce losses and help connect at least 3.3 gigawatts of renewable energy. Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met Qatar’s emir and Cambodia’s prime minister at the CICA summit. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is due in Uzbekistan on Oct. 17–18, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected in Samarkand for C5+1 talks with a business delegation. Child Protection: Sexual abuse of children under 14 is now punishable by life imprisonment in Uzbekistan.

Child Protection: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a law allowing life sentences for people convicted of raping children under 14. The law also removes the statute of limitations for these crimes. US Visit: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due in Samarkand on October 17–22 for talks with Central Asian officials, accompanied by more than 200 business leaders. The visit is expected to focus on regional ties and investment. Regional Ties: In Baku, Mirziyoyev and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev discussed expanding their strategic partnership, including cooperation in energy, transport, investment and tourism. Trade Routes: Railway officials from six countries met in Tashkent to advance the CASCA+ corridor, focusing on container shipments, tariffs and coordination to improve cargo links between Asia and Europe.

Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Baku for the CICA summit and met Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss expanding strategic ties and trade. US ties: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due in Uzbekistan from Oct. 17–22, with a business delegation and talks on investment and cooperation; Samarkand is on the itinerary. Investment climate: Amsterdam & Partners LLP says arrests linked to a dispute between fintech firm Solfy and the state-owned National Bank of Uzbekistan raise concerns about foreign investors’ safety. The firm’s allegations come ahead of Rubio’s visit. Trade: China approved fresh Uzbek watermelons for export and signed a protocol on phytosanitary checks and electronic certification. Uzbekistan shipped $210 million worth of fruit and vegetables to China in 2025. Energy: Uzbekistan and the Taliban authorities agreed to speed up work on the Surkhan–Puli Khumri power line, a 500-kilovolt project intended to supply electricity to Afghanistan.

US-Central Asia Ties: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due in Samarkand on October 17–22 for the C5+1 ministerial and meetings with all five Central Asian states. He will lead more than 200 US business leaders, putting trade and investment in focus. Trade and Technology: Around 200 Chinese companies are showcasing products at a Tashkent exhibition running through October 16, while Uzbekistan and China are also expanding cooperation in AI, IT and education. Economic Outlook: The IMF forecasts 7.8% growth for Uzbekistan and expects inflation to ease. The country also welcomed 10.3 million tourists in the first nine months of the year. Regional Links: Hairatan railway port in Afghanistan is handling 280–300 freight wagons daily, strengthening a key trade route linked to Uzbekistan. Good Samaritan: Uzbek doctor Hasan Kamilov treated a woman in severe shock aboard a flight to Korea, helping the plane avoid an emergency landing.

Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will visit Baku on October 14–15 for the CICA summit, where leaders are due to discuss security, transport links and digitalisation. Tourism: Uzbekistan welcomed 10.3 million foreign visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 20.4% year on year; arrivals from China more than doubled. Technology: Uzbekistan and China discussed joint AI projects, data security and links with Chinese universities, with Tashkent aiming to become a regional technology hub. Business: Uzbek officials explored cooperation with Canadian firm Thrust Belt Imaging on seismic data and geological exploration. Regional Infrastructure: An explosion and fire shut part of the Central Asia–Center gas pipeline in Russia’s Penza region. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation. Football: Neftchi Fergana lost 3–1 to Al-Nassr in the Asian Champions League after a security alert delayed kick-off in Riyadh by about an hour.

Regional Ties: Uzbekistan and Georgia held their 11th economic cooperation commission meeting in Tashkent, signing a joint protocol. Tashkent and Ashgabat also reaffirmed their strategic partnership in a leaders’ phone call. Trade and Borders: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan agreed on a 2027–28 customs roadmap covering digital services, data sharing, smoother border procedures and anti-smuggling efforts. Security: Two Uzbek nationals were injured in a Houthi attack on Riyadh airport, according to reports. Energy and Technology: Uzbekistan is advancing renewable energy cooperation with Japan, while a Japanese firm is backing a nuclear-powered data center project. Football: Neftchi Fergana lost 3–1 to Al-Nassr in Riyadh after a security alert delayed kick-off by an hour; Cristiano Ronaldo scored. Rights: Disability advocates say reforms have advanced on paper, but inaccessible transport, limited jobs and barriers to social support persist.

Government: Botir Kudratkhodjayev has been appointed Uzbekistan’s defense minister, replacing Shukhrat Khalmukhamedov, who is moving to another post. Digital Services: Drone strikes on Russian Yandex data centers disrupted taxi, food-delivery and other services in Uzbekistan and across Central Asia, highlighting the region’s reliance on computing infrastructure abroad. Reserves: Uzbekistan’s physical gold holdings rose by about seven tonnes to 446 tonnes in September, but total reserves fell $5.54 billion to $66.58 billion, largely as gold prices declined. Technology: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are working to connect their startup ecosystems and attract investors, while Tashkent prepares to host a Women in Tech leadership forum on October 13. Trade: Uzbek, Afghan and Indian firms signed trade agreements worth nearly $400 million, as Hairatan’s railway port gains importance as a link to overseas markets. Football: Pakhtakor rescued a 1-1 draw against Al Qadsiah with a late penalty in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Afghanistan Ties: Afghanistan’s agriculture minister called in Tashkent for partnerships that go beyond trade to investment, production and agricultural value chains. An Uzbek delegation also pledged help restoring historic sites in Afghanistan. Trade & Transport: Afghan, Uzbek and Indian businesses signed nearly $400 million in trade and investment agreements. The Hairatan railway, linking Afghanistan with Uzbekistan and wider markets, is emerging as a key freight hub. Financial Reform: Uzbekistan’s landmark capital-markets bill has passed its first parliamentary reading, proposing new instruments, including sukuk, and closer alignment with international standards. Tashkent Spotlight: The city’s Swimming World Cup delivered a short-course world record for South African Pieter Coetzé. Uzbekistan also reached its first-ever mixed-team final at the Judo World Championships, taking silver behind Japan. Public Safety: Huge crowds gathered to see YouTube star MrBeast during his Uzbekistan visit, with reports of a crush in Samarkand.

MrBeast Visit: Huge crowds gathered to see the American YouTuber in Tashkent and Samarkand, with reports of crushes as fans pushed to get close. Regional Trade: Private-sector firms from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and India signed agreements worth nearly $400 million at a Kabul trade exhibition, aiming to expand investment and business ties. Cultural Heritage: Uzbekistan offered to help restore historic sites in Afghanistan, including the Mashrab Baba shrine in Takhar. At UNESCO, the Islamic Civilization Center presented Central Asia’s scholarly and spiritual heritage. Reform and Innovation: A draft capital-markets law, now past its first parliamentary reading, would add instruments such as sukuk and align regulation with international standards. Uzbekistan also presented a plan for a Mars-mission simulation facility in Karakalpakstan. Swimming: South Africa’s Pieter Coetzé set a short-course world record in the 50m backstroke at the Tashkent World Cup.

Regional Trade: Firms from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and India signed agreements worth nearly $400 million at a Kabul trade event, while Malaysia reported $108 million in bilateral trade with Uzbekistan in the first half of 2026 and sees room to grow ties in manufacturing, electronics and food. Healthcare: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan discussed training 100 doctors in specialist fields, improving primary care and exploring local medicine production. Culture: Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Center presented the region’s scholarly and spiritual heritage at a UNESCO conference in Paris. Tashkent on the World Stage: The city’s Swimming World Cup delivered a short-course world record for South Africa’s Pieter Coetze and a 200m backstroke gold for Canada’s Taylor Ruck. Consular Support: Uzbekistan helped bring home a 17-year-old from Türkiye after she reported abuse, forced labour and an attempted forced marriage.

Tashkent World Cup: South Africa’s Pieter Coetze set a short-course world record in the 50m backstroke, while Canadian Taylor Ruck won 200m backstroke gold and Ireland’s Mona McSharry left with three medals. Uzbekistan Abroad: A 17-year-old who reported abuse and forced-marriage attempts in Türkiye has returned safely to Uzbekistan and is receiving support. Regional Ties: Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to establish a high-level strategic partnership council; Uzbekistan is also set to chair the CIS in 2027. Trade and Tourism: Afghanistan–Central Asia–India business talks produced MoUs worth more than $400 million, while Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Commerce says recent Uzbekistan–Afghanistan agreements total nearly $3 billion. Chinese visitor numbers have risen 3.5 times since visa-free travel began. Economy: Uzbekistan’s gold and foreign-exchange reserves fell by $5.54 billion in September, while the Asian Development Bank forecasts 7% growth in 2026.

Reserves: Uzbekistan’s gold and foreign-currency reserves fell by $5.54 billion in September to $66.58 billion, mainly due to lower gold prices. The country’s physical gold holdings rose slightly to about 446 tonnes. Agriculture: Pakistan’s Al-Ghazi Tractors has entered the Uzbek market with an initial shipment of 18 tractors and a new partnership focused on trade and technology exchange. Swimming: Tashkent’s World Cup meet saw South Africa’s Pieter Coetzé set a short-course world record in the 50m backstroke; Canadian swimmer Taylor Ruck also claimed two silver medals. Regional ties: At the Avaza summit, Uzbekistan joined Central Asian leaders and Azerbaijan in backing stronger trade and transport links. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan also agreed to establish a high-level strategic partnership council. Government: Erkinjon Turdimov was appointed first deputy prime minister and minister of education and science.

Government: Erkinjon Turdimov has been named Uzbekistan’s first deputy prime minister and minister of education and science. He will coordinate education, science and healthcare, as a new Cabinet secretariat is established. Regional ties: At the CIS summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev urged members to reduce trade barriers and strengthen food security, and backed making 2029 the Year of Transport Connectivity. Uzbekistan is due to chair the CIS in 2027. Central Asian leaders also called for trade among their six countries to reach $20 billion and discussed a regional business forum for 2027. Water: Uzbekistan and its neighbors agreed on river withdrawals and reservoir schedules for the 2026–27 off-season, but country-level quotas have not been made public. Tashkent sports: South African swimmer Pieter Coetzé set a short-course world record in the 50m backstroke at the Swimming World Cup, clocking 22.09 seconds. Clean energy: Uzbekistan’s $20 million solar program has equipped 1,580 homes and 334 public institutions, with another 1,197 households expected to receive systems by May 2027.

Regional Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined Central Asian and Azerbaijani leaders in Awaza, where the expanded six-country forum focused on trade, transport links and regional cooperation. At the CIS summit, leaders are expected to discuss Uzbekistan taking over the bloc’s chairmanship in 2027. Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan Ties: Mirziyoyev and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov agreed to establish a High-Level Strategic Partnership Council, creating a framework to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, transport, agriculture and water management. Travel Alert: From November 1, Uzbek citizens visiting Egypt will need visas arranged in advance. Tourist trips must use authorized tour operators, and new age-based rules require family accompaniment for travelers under 40, along with proof of funds. Swimming: Tashkent is hosting a World Aquatics World Cup stop. Canada’s Taylor Ruck took silver in the women’s 50m freestyle, while Ireland’s Mona McSharry won bronze in the 200m breaststroke.

Regional Diplomacy: At the Awaza summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev backed deeper cooperation among Central Asia and Azerbaijan, including joint manufacturing, green energy and transport links. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan also agreed to establish a High-Level Strategic Partnership Council to expand cooperation in trade, energy, transport, agriculture and water management. Economy: Uzbekistan is forecast to grow 7.9% in 2026, the fastest pace in Central Asia, while a new trade exhibition linking China and Central Asia is set for Tashkent. Tashkent Sport: Ireland’s Mona McSharry won bronze in the 200m breaststroke at the World Aquatics World Cup stop in the capital. Accountability: An OCCRP and RFE/RL investigation alleges former senior security official Otabek Umarov acquired UAE citizenship while in a role that barred dual nationality; the claims have not been established in court. Most compensation awarded to families affected by the Dok-1 Max poisoning remains unpaid more than two years after the verdict. Public Services: Centrum Air apologized after a passenger was removed from a flight following a dispute over being addressed in Uzbek, and said it would cover his extra travel costs.

Regional Summit: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Turkmenistan for talks with Central Asian and Azerbaijani leaders, with regional cooperation on trade, transport and energy on the agenda. Water Cooperation: Central Asian states agreed on reservoir operations and water allocations for the 2026–27 non-growing season, as officials seek stronger coordination over the Amu Darya and Syr Darya amid climate pressures. Tourism: Uzbekistan plans to upgrade nine historic caves and a salt mine with visitor routes, safety measures and digital guides. Economy: The World Bank forecasts 7.9% growth for Uzbekistan in 2026, driven by domestic demand, rising wages and investment. Press Freedom: Blogger Sirojiddin Adilov was sentenced to four years in prison; rights advocates cite alleged trial irregularities and question whether his critical reporting played a role. Food Security: FAO chief QU Dongyu presented Mirziyoyev with the organization’s Agricola Medal during a visit to Tashkent.