President Mirziyoyev visited the construction site of the Olympic city to host 4th Asian Youth Games-2025. It will accommodate the Ministry of Sports, sports federations and other agencies. “The complexes should not be empty after the Asian Games, but should serve our people,” said the president.
In Termez, President of Uzbekistan spoke about implementing major industrial projects in Surkhandarya. Uzbekistan’s oil independence is expected to be obtained in 2−3 years with the launch of the gas chemical complex in Baisun and the expansion of geological exploration.
The U.S. and Central Asian countries are launching a public-private dialogue business platform — Business 5+1 — to strengthen the region’s economic cooperation with American companies.
In preparation for the fall-winter period, Uzbekistan’s UGSS Gazli and Khojaabad are 98% full. Gas extraction from them has not yet started due to warm weather. Energy Minister has earlier noted that extraction capacity will be increased from 18−20 million to 30 million cubic meters.
Despite plans to increase the share of solar, wind and hydropower in electricity generation, Uzbekistan “will not give up gas,” Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov declared. He said the country is aiming to almost double gas-fueled power generation.
Since October 7, Uzbekistan has imported about 300 million cubic meters of gas from Russia under a contract with Gazprom, Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov said. He again refused to reveal the price of imported “blue fuel.”
Uzbekistan opened UZ Euro Trade House in Vilnius (Lithuania). The trade house is expected to intensify practical partnership and substantive dialogue between the business communities of the two countries.
Uzbekistan increased its natural gas exports to China in May, with supplies rising to $78.16 million, almost double the amount exported in April. Despite this increase in exports, the country’s gas production continues to fall.
Gas production in Uzbekistan fell by 9.8% in the first five months of the year compared to the same period last year, with production falling for the second consecutive month in May. Meanwhile, electricity production showed record growth in May, while growth in oil production slowed to 3.1%.
“Raiffeisenbank,” a Russian subsidiary of the Austrian banking group Raiffeisen Bank International, announced that it will stop making euro transfers to Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and several other countries. The decision will take effect on July 3.
Uzbekistan Airways received its 18th Airbus aircraft, an A320neo. Four more due to arrive by the end of the year. They will have the simplified fuselage color due to the carrier’s plans to refresh its corporate livery.
The Energy Ministry of Uzbekistan announced details of a two-year gas agreement with Gazprom. It will supply 9 million cu.m. daily and an annual volume will reach almost 2.8 billion cu.m. This is in contrast to earlier reports by Kommersant, which stated that the volume would be twice as much.
Uzbekistan Airways signed an agreement with Czech aircraft manufacturer LET Aircraft Industries to purchase up to four LET L-410-E20 light turboprop aircraft. They are to be used for flights within Uzbekistan.
President of Uzbekistan signed a resolution that stipulates writing off penalty amounts accrued on personal property tax and land tax. Additionally, the decree terminates court and enforcement proceedings related to the collection of tax arrears, penalties, and fines.
President Mirziyoyev signed a decree that stipulates the reduction of customs duties for cars with engines under 1,200 cc until January 1, 2028, resulting in a decrease in total customs duties for these types of vehicles.
The Central Bank of Uzbekistan kept its main interest rate at 14%. The bank stated that the economy continues to experience a slowdown in inflation due to fundamental and seasonal factors, with the likelihood of sharply rising inflation reduced if current trends persist until the end of the year.
The International Labour Organization and the International Finance Corporation launched a new Better Work programme in Uzbekistan, aimed at improving working conditions and competitiveness in the country’s textile and garment industry through compliance assessments, training, and advisory services.
Ipoteka Bank, Uzbekistan’s fifth largest bank, was acquired by Hungary’s OTP Bank. They bought 73% of Ipoteka Bank’s shares from the Uzbek Ministry of Economy and Finance for $324 million, and plans to buy the remaining 26% within three years. The bank also changed its logo as part of the deal.
Uzbekistan’s international reserves dropped by $837.9 million to $34.37 billion in May, as the value of its gold reserves fell by nearly $1 billion. The decline in gold did not lead to a corresponding rise in foreign exchange reserves.
In 2022, nearly a quarter of seasonal workers came to the UK from Central Asia. Uzbekistan was the second-largest source of migrant workers after Ukraine.
Sign up for additional features