“My Road” initiative takes off as part of Uzbekistan’s Open Budget project
Uzbekistan’s “My Road” initiative starts on April 17, inviting citizens to propose local road repair and construction projects, with 312 billion soums allocated for funding. The program emphasizes public involvement in shaping regional infrastructure development.
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.
Samarkand and Tashkent designated as CIS Cultural and Youth capitals for 2024
Foreign ministers from Central Asian countries and Russia convened in Samarkand, designating Samarkand as the CIS Cultural Capital and Tashkent as the Youth Capital for 2024. Additionally, a resolution was endorsed to establish a quadrennial Olympic event for children with disabilities.
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%.
Uzbekistan hosts 4th ministerial meeting to address Afghanistan’s economic and security challenges
Foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbours met in Samarkand, addressing the nation’s complex situation and emphasizing the need for economic projects, infrastructure development, and regional collaboration to counter terrorism and narcotics trafficking for a peaceful future.
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.
Uzbekistan among first nations to receive childhood cancer medications through new global platform
Uzbekistan is among the first six countries selected by the World Health Organization to receive essential childhood cancer medications through the newly launched Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GPACCM). A forum is being held in the US to prepare for its launch.
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.
Uzbekistan commits to global action on biodiversity with UNDP partnership
Uzbekistan announced its intention to harmonize its national biodiversity strategy with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), aided by assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
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 assigns youth in need of state support to government officials
President Mirziyoyev introduces an initiative to support youth by categorizing them as “good,” “medium,” or “heavy” based on their state support needs. Officials will be directly assigned to “heavy” category youths, aiding in vocational training, job placement, and financial resource access.
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.
Uzbek President proposed building a car plant in Syrdarya
Uzbek President proposed to build a car plant in Syrdarya region jointly with partners from China. “The more car plants, the lower the price will be, and the quality will also improve,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In Syrdarya, businesses will also take part in building roads.
In January, inflation expectations in Uzbekistan reach highest levels since July 2020
After a three-month hiatus, Central Bank resumed releasing data on inflation expectations for households and businesses. In January, household expectations reached 18.9%, and businesses 18.7%, marking the highest levels since July 2020. By March, expectations significantly decreased to 14.1−14.4%.
First Deputy Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction dismissed
Nozim Khusanov has been removed from his position as First Deputy Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction of Uzbekistan. The reason for his dismissal remains undisclosed. Khusanov previously served as Minister of Employment and Labour Relations.
Uzbek President signs legislation to protect women and minors from violence
The President signed legislation aimed at protecting women and minors from violence, according to Saida Mirziyoyeva. The legislation not only criminalizes domestic abuse, harassment, and stalking, but also precludes those convicted of sexual violence from receiving parole or leniency in sentencing.
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