Economy
Silk Avia begins commercial flight operations in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s first regional airline, Silk Avia, has begun commercial flight operations. The airline is offering low-cost flights from Tashkent to Termez, Navoi, Namangan, Karshi, and Urgench (via Bukhara and Samarkand).
Meeting climate goals with energy efficiency and renewable energy
Fossil fuels are a dead end for our planet, for humanity, and for economies. In her column for International Mother Earth Day, UNDP Resident Representative Matilda Dimovska writes about UNDP-supported green technology best practices in Uzbekistan.
World Bank to help Uzbekistan develop livestock sector
Uzbekistan’s livestock sector is a major economic driver, but it also contributes significantly to GHG emissions and has low productivity. A new World Bank project will help the country create a more productive and climate-resilient livestock sector.
Uzbekistan proposes to host Forum of Regional Heads of Central Asia and China
During the first Central Asia-China ministerial meeting, Uzbekistan proposed to host Forum of Heads of Regions of Central Asia and China in the second half of 2023 to strengthen partnerships, identify growth opportunities, and enhance inter-regional development.
Uzbekistan aims to boost potato farming and meet domestic demand by 2025
Uzbek President outlined number of measures to boost country’s potato farming sector, addressing constraints in seed access, sown land availability, and disease testing infrastructure. These efforts aim to achieve self-sufficiency in domestic potato production by 2025, reducing reliance on imports.
Water pumping stations in Uzbekistan to be transferred to businesses for management
Uzbek President convened a meeting to address critical challenges in water management. He criticized $500 million in yearly irrigation subsidies, ordered transfer of 300 pumps to businesses, and initiated mudflow accumulation. Plans for pipeline irrigation in Jizzakh region underway.
Uzbek government acts to prevent sugar shortages amid rising demand
The Uzbek government addresses rising sugar demand by boosting production, implementing measures to minimize risks, and ensuring adequate supply and affordability for the population. Sugar prices up 4.4% in March and 31.1% over the year.
Samarkand to receive 350 electric buses, boosting public transport
Samarkand is set to receive 350 electric buses, including 100 by the end of the year, as part of a $95 million project with the EBRD to significantly enhance the city’s public transportation infrastructure.
AnadoluJet launches new regular Ankara-Tashkent route
AnadoluJet, a Turkish Airlines subsidiary, commenced its new Ankara-Tashkent-Ankara service on April 18, with regular flights on Mondays, further bolstering the existing 60+ weekly flights between Uzbekistan and Turkey.
Uzbek President outlines proposals to boost food production industries
President Mirziyoyev unveils plans to support Uzbekistan’s food production industries, including establishing milk collection stations in regions, tagging and identifying livestock, allocating $35 million for poultry farms, and implementing shrimp farming projects, among others.
Uzbek and Russian officials discuss energy cooperation
Uzbek Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak convened in Moscow to discuss collaboration in gas, oil, and electricity sectors, including renewable energy, hydropower, and nuclear power plant construction.
“Uzbekistan must by all means join the WTO” — Uzbek President
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on Uzbekistan’s progress in its World Trade Organization (WTO) accession process and emphasized the economic significance of joining the WTO, aiming to double exports of finished products in the next three years.
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Russia advance in discussions on gas union project — Sergey Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced significant progress in discussions between Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan on a trilateral gas union project after a meeting of foreign ministers in Samarkand.
Uzbekistan eliminates customs duties on key construction materials until 2025
The Uzbek President signed a decree to exempt several imported construction materials from customs duties until January 1, 2025. The measure is aimed at reducing housing construction costs by 5%.
President approves mortgage reforms to expand housing access in Uzbekistan
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a decree introducing market-driven mortgage programs in 2023 to enhance housing access, with provisions allowing mortgages for individuals without formal income and differentiated loan rates.
US imposes new sanctions on Usmanov affiliated entities and citizens of Uzbekistan
The US imposed sanctions on Alisher Usmanov’s USM Holding and its affiliated companies, including Akhangarancement, Digital Invest, which holds a stake in Ucell and operates a labelling system in Uzbekistan. Additionally, several Uzbek citizens and natives have been subjected to these sanctions.
UK sanctions Usmanov’s USM holding
The UK has sanctioned Alisher Usmanov’s USM holding and two linked companies, Curzon Square and Hanley, due to their ties to the Russian government and strategic sectors. Two Cypriot nationals connected to Usmanov and Roman Abramovich also face sanctions.
US imposes sanctions on Akhangarancement JSC and its shareholder
The US Treasury Department has sanctioned Uzbekistan’s Akhangarancement JSC and Alisher Usmanov-linked Akkermann Cement CA over concerns of potential sanction circumvention. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a license to wind down transactions with these companies until July 11.
Uzbek President approves heating system modernization program in social facilities
President Mirziyoyev approved a public-private partnership program for the modernization of heating systems in Uzbekistan’s social facilities. In 2023, 500 billion soums are planned to be allocated for the modernization program, with 50% designated for the Fergana Valley regions.
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan work to restore North Sokh joint gas storage facility
A working group from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy visited the Kadamjay district of Kyrgyzstan to commence restoration work on the North Sokh underground gas storage facility.
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