AGP Executive Report

Uzbekistan in the spotlight at BRICS: As the 18th BRICS Summit opens in New Delhi on Sept 12–13, Russia’s Vladimir Putin pitched an NDB-backed investment platform for trade, infrastructure, logistics and tech, while Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian urged BRICS to shift more toward local currencies and expand local-currency lending and guarantees. Payments and finance links: India’s Piyush Goyal pushed BRICS to link payment systems and expand local-currency trade, and Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan are set to launch cross-border QR-code payments under a memorandum. Aviation and security at home: Embraer unveiled the first C-390 Millennium for Uzbekistan’s Air Force, making Uzbekistan the first Central Asian customer; meanwhile Uzbekistan is considering bodyguard-style security services for foreign tourists. Economy and reserves: Uzbekistan’s international reserves topped $72 billion, and its IMF outstanding loans were reported at 73.64 million SDR (about $101.2m). Safety incident: Two workers died after a tyre exploded during maintenance at a Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company site.

Uzbek Alphabet Reform: Uzbekistan’s Senate approved changes to the Uzbek Latin alphabet, expanding it to 28 letters plus one apostrophe, replacing old digraphs with single symbols (Ş, Ç, Ö, Ğ) to ease typing and improve digital consistency. Night Noise Rules: A new law sets permissible noise levels and nighttime restrictions—11pm-7am on working days and 10pm-9am on weekends/holidays—starting enforcement in December 2026, with court compensation possible for harm. Tashkent Finance Push: President Mirziyoyev appointed Saida Mirziyoyeva to manage the Tashkent International Financial Center, tasked with coordinating its 2027 launch and representing it to investors and international partners. Tourism Connectivity: First-ever Tashkent–Mauritius direct flights are set to launch, following a bilateral tourism dialogue in Tashkent aimed at joint projects and new travel products. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Algeria agreed to establish a joint business council to boost direct communication between business operators. Sports—Asian Games Update: Uzbekistan is in beach soccer Group C for the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup, while Uzbekistan-related Asian Games coverage also includes Uzbekistan’s presence in volleyball group draws. BRICS in the Spotlight: While centered on India’s New Delhi summit (Sept 12-13), the coverage highlights BRICS expansion and major leader attendance, with Uzbekistan listed among partner countries.

BRICS Summit Security & Diplomacy: New Delhi is tightening security and traffic protocols as leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian prepare for the 18th BRICS Summit on Sept 12-13 at Bharat Mandapam, with India also expecting 1,200-1,300 journalists and staging cultural events like the “BRICS Symphony” gala. Uzbekistan in the Spotlight: China has exported the J-10C fighter jet to Uzbekistan, signaling deeper military ties and potential further arms sales. Education Update: Uzbekistan will start translating school textbooks into the new Uzbek alphabet in 2027, beginning with first-graders, with full transition planned by 2031. Finance Leadership: Saida Mirziyoyeva has been appointed manager of the Tashkent International Financial Center, aimed at attracting long-term investment under a special legal regime. Culture & Arts: Studio KO has turned a former tram depot in Tashkent into a new arts centre, adding to the city’s growing contemporary scene. Regional Trade Links: Algeria and Uzbekistan agreed to establish a joint business council and discuss a draft preferential trade agreement.

Tourism Surge: Uzbekistan welcomed 9.1 million foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, up 21.1% year-on-year, with 1.4 million arrivals in August alone and tourism services exports reaching $4.6bn (+53.5%). Korean Education Push: Korea’s Education Ministry is expanding Korean-language teacher training in Uzbekistan, opening a Korean department and a teacher training center in Bukhara to train about 60 teachers annually and serve western regions. Uzbek-Serbia Ties: Serbia and Uzbekistan are moving toward a free trade agreement with zero-rate tariffs and are also preparing deeper cooperation as Serbia’s embassy opening in Tashkent nears. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s foreign minister met Serbia’s top diplomat in Belgrade, while Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan held talks on military cooperation and a 2027 plan. Sports—Asian Games: Uzbekistan is set to face the Philippines in women’s football at Asian Games 2026, with the Philippines hit by an injury that ruled out Angela Beard. BRICS in the Spotlight: India’s BRICS summit in New Delhi (Sept 12-13) is set to focus on resilience in food and energy, health, disaster reduction and critical supply chains, with Uzbekistan listed among BRICS partners.

Uzbekistan-India Diplomacy: PM Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with plans to boost trade to $5bn by 2030 and deepen coordination on connectivity, banking and payments. Cyber Safety: Uzbek users are being targeted by fake “best parent” online voting scams that push victims to authorize via Telegram—never enter Telegram codes on third-party sites. Regional Connectivity & Energy: BP and Socar received a green light to move to the next phase of exploration on Uzbekistan’s Ustyurt Plateau after completing the first 3D seismic data stage. Finance & Trade Links: Hong Kong and Uzbekistan signed an MOU to strengthen gold market cooperation at the Belt and Road Summit, including information sharing and settlement infrastructure. Culture in Tashkent: Uzbekistan opened its first permanent Centre for Contemporary Arts in Tashkent, repurposing a historic tram depot into a new hub for exhibitions and education. Security & Governance: A former Armenian security chief Armen Grigoryan joined PMCG as a senior adviser, working on feasibility assessments for the TRIPP connectivity project. Health & Mobility: Turkmenistan discussed public health risk detection at border points with IOM and WHO, relevant for regional transit partners.

Football & Youth Sport: Uzbekistan’s Oct. 6 friendly opponent South Korea is set to be led by interim coach Robert Moreno, arriving in Seoul Sunday and naming his first squad Monday, with matches also against Ecuador, Uruguay and Venezuela. Regional Football Stakes: The OFC U-19 semis in Apia decide two FIFA U-20 World Cup spots for 2027, with Solomon Islands vs Tahiti and New Zealand vs New Caledonia. Energy & Industry: Trinasolar has commissioned Uzbekistan’s 126 MW Sarimay Solar PV plant in Khorezm, supplying renewable power to the national grid and supporting the 40% renewables-by-2030 goal. Trade & Logistics: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan completed a cross-Caspian eTIR customs pilot using one digital transit document, a small but important step for the Middle Corridor. Diplomacy & Partnerships: Uzbekistan and Serbia signed a strategic partnership in Belgrade, exchanging 20 documents covering transport, renewable energy, agriculture, digitalization and support for the Middle Corridor. Tourism Boost: Uzbekistan welcomed 9.1 million foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, up 21.1%, with tourism services exports reaching $4.6bn. Sports Culture: Armenia and Uzbekistan held foreign-ministry consultations in Yerevan, including plans to deepen trade, logistics, tech, education and tourism, with direct flights between Tashkent and Yerevan highlighted.

Uzbekistan–Serbia Strategic Push: Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Aleksandar Vučić signed a joint statement establishing a strategic partnership in Belgrade, with plans for a free trade agreement and faster direct flights, alongside 20 cooperation documents spanning digitalisation, customs, renewable energy, culture, tourism, agriculture and transport. Energy & Supply: Gazprom says it boosted gas supplies to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan by nearly 70% in 2026, with Uzbekistan’s imports rising as domestic output declines. Regional Connectivity: The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is moving from plans to construction, with tunnel excavation underway on the Kyrgyz section. Diplomacy Beyond Europe: Uzbekistan and Armenia held foreign ministry consultations in Yerevan, focusing on industry, logistics, agriculture, digital tech, tourism and education, including progress on direct air links. Aviation for Tourism & Trade: Centrum Air will launch direct Hyderabad–Tashkent flights from Sept 28, aiming to strengthen tourism, healthcare, education and business ties. Culture Spotlight: Tashkent opened its first permanent Centre for Contemporary Arts, with Qatar Museums backing exhibitions and residencies. Education Watch: OECD’s PISA 2025 flags worsening reading, math and science skills among 15-year-olds, a concern for future workforce readiness. Chess in Samarkand: Uzbekistan prepares for the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand (Sept 15–27), expecting a record 398 teams.

Customs Modernization: Uzbekistan says 94% of exports and 87% of imports are now cleared under simplified procedures, cutting customs declaration processing time to about 20 minutes as it prepares for WTO accession, with more digital interaction and tighter enforcement. Water Data Push: Kazakhstan’s water reforms are mirrored by Uzbekistan’s own push to digitize water management—Uzbek officials highlight a national system covering 23,000+ water bodies and thousands of reports to support water security decisions. Uzbek Talent & Innovation: A new analysis argues Uzbekistan’s next competitive edge is talent, pointing to reforms, digitalization, and startups like Uzum as progress—while stressing stronger institutions and university-industry links. Uzbekistan-Serbia Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrives in Belgrade for a two-day visit, with ceremonial honors and plans for a strategic partnership joint statement and business forum. Qatar Cultural Diplomacy: Qatar’s Alliance of Civilisations chief meets Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies leadership to expand academic and cultural cooperation. Digital Money Policy: Uzbekistan’s central bank rejects a retail CBDC, saying stablecoins and existing payment systems already cover the need.

Uzbekistan–China Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met CPC International Department chief Liu Haixing in Tashkent and agreed a joint Road Map to deepen interparliamentary and party cooperation, alongside rising trade and joint projects. Nuclear Oversight Plan: Uzbekistan proposed a joint engineering venture with a foreign partner to provide independent technical oversight for its first nuclear power plant in Jizzakh. Energy Push: Uzbekistan’s Solar House net metering scheme reached 2,508 MW of PV capacity by August 2026, with officials targeting 700 MW more this year. Fiscal Talks: Uzbekistan and the IMF discussed steps to strengthen fiscal stability, budget planning, and public financial management. Regional Security & Courts: Uzbekistan featured in BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum diplomacy, as China’s top judge called for “digital justice” and practical judicial cooperation. Sports—AFC U20: India qualified for the AFC U20 Asian Cup after beating Bangladesh 3-0, with Uzbekistan’s 3-0 win over Syria confirming the result. Culture & Heritage: Qatar joined a Tashkent conference on Islamic cultural heritage, with talks focused on scientific and cultural dialogue.

AFC U20 Asian Cup Buzz (Tashkent): India thrashed Bangladesh 3-0 in the final Group B qualifier at Do’stlik Stadium, with goals from Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav and substitute Md Arbash—yet India’s ticket still hinges on the Syria–Uzbekistan result later Sunday. AFC U20 Qualifiers (Uzbekistan): Hosts Uzbekistan beat Syria 3-0 to top Group B with a perfect record, while Bangladesh finished bottom and were relegated to the Development Phase. Nuclear Policy Shift: Uzbekistan’s latest update on its first nuclear reactor cluster omits Rosatom’s name and proposes a new consortium to oversee construction, signaling a rethink of Russia’s role. Inflation Watch: Uzbekistan’s annual inflation eased to 6.2% in August (from 6.4% in July), with food and transport driving the monthly rise. Culture & Diplomacy: Qatar Museums’ Sheikha Al Mayassa inaugurated CCA Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary arts centre, as Qatar and Uzbekistan launch a five-year collaboration. Regional Connectivity: China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway hit a milestone with the first tunnel breakthrough on the Kyrgyz section, part of a route aimed at cutting travel times toward Europe. Security/Travel: Russian airports suspended operations nearly 1,000 times in August amid drone attacks, disrupting flights including some from Uzbekistan.

Cultural Diplomacy: Qatar Museums chair Sheikha Al Mayassa inaugurated the Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent, a new permanent hub for contemporary art, research and exchange, opening to the public today in a renovated 1912 industrial building. Youth & Rights: At the 12th IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, speakers from Algeria and Bahrain highlighted youth economic rights, climate action, and protections for women and young people. Digital Payments: Indian MP Raghav Chadha pushed a “digital future” at the IPU, pointing to India’s UPI and its planned link with Uzbekistan’s UZQR to make cross-border payments simpler for travellers and students. Sports—Football: India’s U20 side thrashed Bangladesh 3-0 in Tashkent to keep AFC U20 Asian Cup qualification hopes alive after a 20-year gap; their final fate hinges on the Syria–Uzbekistan result. Sports—Security & Cooperation: China’s police chief met Lao and Uzbekistan officials in Beijing, focusing on tackling telecom fraud, online gambling, drug control and border security. Regional Ties: Uzbekistan marked 35 years of independence with growing ties to Qatar, with cooperation expanding across investment, trade, energy, infrastructure and tourism.

Startup Finance Push: Uzbekistan will launch the “Future Entrepreneur” program (2027-2030), with IT Park Uzbekistan backing tech projects and the UzVC National Venture Fund financing up to 30 startups in priority sectors; each can get up to 5 billion soums via interest-free convertible loans/SAFE, with the state capped at 49% and an initial 150 billion soums earmarked for 2027. Regional Connectivity Milestone: The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway hit a major milestone as the first tunnel on the Kyrgyz section was drilled through, with 27 tunnels, 43 bridges and 88 roadbed sections already underway. SCO Spotlight: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders including Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized multipolar cooperation and security, while PM Modi urged SCO members to dismantle the “terror ecosystem” with coordinated action. Diplomatic Expansion: Uzbekistan opened its first consulate in the USA in Seattle, aiming to boost trade, investment, technology ties and education cooperation. Travel Update for Uzbek Visitors: Thailand tightens entry rules for Uzbek citizens starting September 15, ending the previous 60-day visa exemption framework. Sports & Culture: Uzbekistan’s presence in regional events continues—from World Nomad Games coverage to Uzbekistan-linked tennis headlines at the US Open.

Central Asia Connectivity: The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway hit a major milestone as the first tunnel on the Kyrgyz section was drilled through, with the 209.6-metre Kosh Dobo North No. 2 tunnel completed on schedule; work is also underway on 27 tunnels, 43 bridges and 88 roadbed sections, aiming to link Kashgar to Andijan. Regional Infrastructure Engineering: In Kyrgyzstan’s Suzak area, construction continues on the Kec-Alat River bridge for the same corridor, planned as the line’s tallest structure. Uzbekistan–China Tech & Finance: Uzbekistan’s state-led fintech push is expanding via a central-bank innovation hub and a $50mn venture fund, with a credit scoring platform in the works. Diplomacy & Multilateralism: A senior Uzbek lawmaker urged unity to tackle the world’s “polycrisis,” warning that interconnectedness is rising while mutual trust is falling. Sports (Uzbekistan in focus): Bhutan’s men’s beach volleyball team advanced after a comeback win over Uzbekistan at the CAVA Beach Volleyball Tour Bhutan Open 2026. Travel & Payments: Uzbekistan is becoming easier for Indians to visit and pay in, with UPI acceptance enabling QR payments.

BRICS Justice Talks: India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant opened the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi, holding bilateral meetings with judicial leaders including Uzbekistan, and pushing a shared arbitration/mediation platform to settle cross-border business disputes. Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan Ties: Uzbekistan marked Turkmenistan’s Independence Day celebrations with a reception in Ashgabat, highlighting 35 years of reforms and a focus on peace and good-neighbourliness in Central Asia. Tech Cooperation: Hong Kong’s Cyberport and Kazakhstan’s Astana Hub deepened tech links, with a new hub-to-hub push for AI, fintech and smart-city projects across Central Asia. US Open Spotlight: World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka paused her US Open match against Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova after complaining about a strong cannabis smell drifting onto court, then advanced to the fourth round. Trade & Investment: Amsterdam & Partners filed an ICSID arbitration request against Uzbekistan seeking over $100m in compensation, asking for urgent measures for a detained company director.

Parliament & Rights: Uzbekistan kicked off the 12th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, with a joint delegation from both houses and a focus on youth rights, digital rights, climate resilience, jobs, and ending violence against women. Social Protection: Uzbekistan, the World Bank and UNICEF are developing an Adaptive Social Protection Strategy to help households better handle climate, natural and economic shocks, with faster crisis response and tighter coordination. Sports—Football: India’s U-20 were beaten 0-4 by Uzbekistan in Tashkent in AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers; India remain second in Group B and must beat Bangladesh next. Sports—Tennis: Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open run hit a bizarre moment when she paused play over a strong cannabis smell drifting onto court, then advanced; she’ll face Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova next. Culture & Education: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are expanding cooperation in culture, education and science, including plans for a conference on Azerbaijani thinker Yusif Qarabaghi. Regional Projects: A new production zone is planned on 105 hectares transferred from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan, as officials inspect land for facilities. Business & Trade: Uzbekistan’s customs seized $240,000 hidden on women’s legs, while reports also highlight growing Uzbekistan–Qatar cultural cooperation.

US Open (Tennis): Naomi Osaka fought back to beat Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 and reach the third round, while Aryna Sabalenka snapped at a reporter over “partying” questions after a 6-1, 6-1 win. Uzbekistan Sports (Football): India’s U20 men were beaten 0-4 by Uzbekistan in Tashkent in AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers; Uzbekistan’s set-piece goals decided the match. AFC U20 Qualifiers (Next Match): India still has a path to qualify as they prepare to face Bangladesh on Sept. 6. Cultural Diplomacy: Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s ACDF signed a five-year cooperation agreement, and Sheikha Al Mayassa inaugurated two Uzbek-heritage exhibitions at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art. Aviation/Defense (Regional): Uzbekistan showcased its first Chengdu J-10CE fighters, marking a major shift from Russian-only air equipment. Travel Policy: Thailand ended visa-free entry for Uzbek citizens, requiring advance e-visas. Gold Reserves: World Gold Council data shows Uzbekistan was among net sellers in July, while China and Poland led purchases.