President of Uzbekistan scheduled for state visit to Tajikistan
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a state visit to Tajikistan on April 18−19. He will hold negotiations with president of Tajikistan and other officials, and attend a number of joint events.
Official explains reasons behind gas and electricity tariffs increase
Gas and electricity production costs far surpass current tariffs unchanged since 2019, said a Finance and Economy Ministry official. Inflation has reached 66% over this period, he added. Agency for Social Protection noted that 1.5 million needy families will receive aid to cope with the price hike.
Freedom House: Democracy Score in Central Asia continues to decline
Democratic performance in Central Europe and Central Asia continues to decline, with the war in Ukraine and other conflicts having hastened geopolitical shifts in the region, Freedom House reports. Uzbekistan’s democracy level is rated at 1.18 out of 7 points.
Electricity and gas tariffs to increase in Uzbekistan starting May 1
From May 1, electricity and gas tariffs in Uzbekistan will increase for the first time since August 2019. The subsequent increase is set for April 2025. The government is also introducing “social norms” for gas and electricity use.
Children left without parental care in Russia repatriated to Uzbekistan
17 Uzbekistani minors, deprived of parental care and in need of assistance, have been returned from Russia to Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to establish joint company for Kambarata HPP-1 construction
Governments of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan are set to establish a joint company for the construction of the Kambarata Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP-1) along the Naryn river. Upon completion of the project, ownership of the plant’s shares and assets will be transferred to Kyrgyzstan.
“Escalating tensions in Middle East may lead to broad military confrontation,” says Uzbekistan’s MFA
Uzbekistan calls on the parties involved in the Middle East conflict for restraint and political settlement. “Escalating tensions in the region could lead to more serious consequences and a broad military confrontation,” the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
World Bank slightly reduces Uzbekistan’s 2024 GDP growth projection
World Bank revised Uzbekistan’s 2024 GDP growth forecast down from 5.5% to 5.3%. Inflation is expected to rise due to higher energy prices. WB also identifies such risks as reduced growth in Russia and China, and increase in potential financial liabilities for state-owned enterprises and banks.
“Tashkent to apply Sydney’s practices to renovate streets,” city hokim says
Tashkent hokimiyat plans to undertake renovation of mahallas and streets using a unified code based on the practices of Sydney, Australia. Hokim Shavkat Umurzakov announced the initiative. “Ideal conditions should extend beyond the city center, in the most challenging and remote mahallas,” he said.
Almost 4,800 convicted for domestic violence, sexual harassment in Uzbekistan in first quarter
In the initial quarter of the current year, 4,477 individuals faced administrative and criminal charges under domestic violence statutes in Uzbekistan. Among them, 318 were convicted of sexual harassment, while 40 were found guilty of disseminating intimate information.
Photos: Morning namaz on Ramadan Hayit in Tashkent
Mosques in Uzbekistan held morning prayers marking the conclusion of Ramadan. This year’s namaz was conducted under heightened security measures. Photo report from Khoja Ahrar Vali and Minor mosques in Tashkent.
President congratulates people of Uzbekistan on Ramadan Hayit
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in his Ramadan Hayit (Eid al-Fitr) message to the people of Uzbekistan, emphasized the importance of preserving “peace and tranquility, to fortify out unity and bring our reforms to a new level to serve the interests of the people” amidst ongoing global tensions.
Uzbekistan labor migrants to access subsidies and assistance abroad
In Uzbekistan, labor migrants are expected to be compensated for professional and language certificate expenses and assisted in times of difficulty abroad. Upon return, they’ll receive employment support, with subsidies available for their employers.
President visits cyber sports arena in Jizzakh, meets with youth
President of Uzbekistan met with the youth at the newly opened cyber sports arena in Jizzakh, launched last December at a cost of 30 billion soums. The arena is capable of hosting international competitions in boxing, wrestling, basketball, table tennis, chess, and other sports.
President pardons 426 people, including 11 foreigners
Ahead of Ramadan Hayit (Eid al-Fitr), the president of Uzbekistan granted clemency to 426 individuals. Among them, 135 are fully released from their main sentences, while 200 are released on parole. 11 foreigners and three minors are among the pardoned.
President initiates construction of industrial zone and solar power plant in Jizzakh region
President of Uzbekistan participated in the ceremony launching construction of an industrial zone specializing in metallurgy and a solar power plant in the Jizzakh region.
“Uzbekistan's budget should be result-oriented,” says Timur Ishmetov
By 2026−2027, Uzbekistan aims to transition its state budget fully to “result-oriented budgeting”, first deputy advisor to the president Timur Ishmetov stated. The primary objective for 2024 is to ensure macroeconomic stability, he added.
Gold price surge boosts Uzbekistan’s foreign exchange reserves, yet gold volume declines
In March, Uzbekistan’s foreign exchange reserves grew to $34.2 billion, amid record-breaking increases in gold prices. Meanwhile, the physical volume of precious metal in the reserves fell by 10.9 tons, marking its lowest level since May 2022.
Heads of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan approve establishment of joint venture between railway administrations
Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan discussed Central Asian security and supported the establishment of a joint venture between the countries' railway administrations. It will be involved in the development of the trans-Afghan railway.
“Kazakh-Uzbek tandem is vital necessity,” says Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
During talks with the head of Uzbekistan, the president of Kazakhstan noted that the “Kazakh-Uzbek tandem is a vital necessity, and only through joint efforts is it possible to ensure sustainable development of our countries”. The presidents discussed enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
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