AGP Executive Report

Central Asia Power Shock: Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy says electricity disruptions were triggered by an accident in a neighboring country’s grid, while emergency automation and energy storage helped restore supply in Surkhandarya after an incident at 14:38. Blackout Blame Game: Kazakhstan’s KEGOC points to Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul HPP generators disconnecting, but Kyrgyzstan cites a different trigger—an external high-voltage line disconnection—leaving the exact cause unresolved. Construction Materials Policy: Kyrgyzstan is considering a six-month temporary ban on gypsum board imports to protect local production; Uzbekistan is named among key suppliers. Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Trade Push: Afghanistan’s Industry and Commerce minister urged new transit corridors to move Afghan exports to China via Uzbekistan, pitching investment in mining, agriculture, processing, energy and manufacturing. Turkic Heritage Digitization: ARICA’s third meeting in Hungary agreed on joint archaeology research and a unified digital database, with Uzbekistan among participating countries. Aviation Upgrade Watch: A researcher published what may be the first clear image of Uzbekistan’s J-10CE fighter jet, tied to a reported plan to buy 24 aircraft from China. Cotton Industry Calendar: Uzbekistan will host World Cotton Day 2026 Partners Conference in Tashkent on Oct. 7, bringing together global cotton and textile stakeholders.

Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Investment Push: Afghanistan’s Commerce and Industry Minister Nooruddin Azizi told the Surkhandarya–China Business Forum in Termez that Kabul is ready to attract Uzbek and Chinese investment, with a focus on trade expansion, new transit corridors, and sector-by-sector cooperation. Defense & Aerospace: A researcher says Uzbekistan’s Air Force J-10CE fighter jet has been clearly spotted in China, amid unconfirmed reports that Tashkent agreed to buy 24 J-10CE jets from Beijing for about $1 billion. Regional Power Shock: A major blackout hit Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan after a sudden change in Central Asia’s interconnected power flows; Kazakhstan’s KEGOC linked it to generator and grid disruptions in Kyrgyzstan, while Uzbekistan’s energy ministry blamed disturbances in a neighboring country, with restoration work underway. Cotton & Textiles in Tashkent: Uzbekistan and the International Cotton Advisory Committee will host World Cotton Day 2026 Partners Conference on Oct. 7 in Tashkent, bringing together government, UN agencies, and industry across the cotton value chain. Archaeology Digital Heritage: Turkic-world archaeologists agreed to jointly develop research and a unified digital database of archaeological heritage, including Silk Road cities, early Turkic monuments, irrigation systems, and medieval production centers.

Power Grid Shock Across Central Asia: A sudden change in electricity flows triggered blackouts in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on Aug 14, with Kazakhstan’s KEGOC linking the disruption to shutdowns at Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul HPP and Uzbekistan’s energy ministry blaming a neighboring grid failure; restoration work is underway and investigations are planned. Winter Energy Prep in the Region: Kyrgyzstan rolled out direct coal sales via fuel bases to cut intermediaries, while authorities also plan winter fuel stockpiles amid concerns over lower Toktogul reservoir levels. Textiles & Cotton in Tashkent: Uzbekistan will host World Cotton Day 2026 Partners Conference in Tashkent on Oct 7, bringing together government bodies and global cotton-textile stakeholders under a “Cotton for Good” theme. Trade & Logistics Push: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan held a field visit at the China border logistics network (Altynkol, dry ports and the Khorgos gateway) to boost freight volumes and terminal capacity. Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Business Forum: The 4th interregional forum will be held in Tashkent on Aug 22, targeting trade, investment and joint projects across sectors like agribusiness, construction, engineering, logistics and energy. Aviation MRO Expansion: ST Engineering’s cargo MRO in China’s Ezhou Huahu airport has gained Uzbekistan aviation approvals and is redelivering aircraft, with further capacity expansion planned.

Central Asia Power Shock: A sudden change in the interconnected Central Asian electricity grid triggered blackouts across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and parts of Uzbekistan on Aug. 14, with Kazakhstan’s KEGOC linking it to generator and transmission-line disconnections and Uzbekistan’s energy ministry saying the disruption came from a neighboring grid; restoration is underway and investigations are planned. Cotton & Textiles in Tashkent: Uzbekistan will host World Cotton Day 2026 Partners Conference on Oct. 7, bringing together government bodies and global cotton and textile value-chain players under “Cotton for Good.” Trade & Industry Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will hold the 4th interregional forum in Tashkent on Aug. 22, targeting deals in agribusiness, construction materials, mechanical engineering, logistics, energy and industrial production. Uzbek Textile Growth: Large enterprises produced textile goods worth 54.4 trillion soums in Jan–Jun, with exports up to $1.6bn (+24.1%). Logistics Connectivity: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan agreed after a border field visit to expand China-bound freight via rail and dry ports, including better terminal use and joint logistics solutions. Regional Energy/Water Cooperation: Tajikistan and Japan discussed energy and water projects in Dushanbe, including a new substation and Varzob-2 hydropower reconstruction.

Central Asia Power Crisis: A sudden change in the regional electricity flow triggered blackouts across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on Aug. 14, with Kazakhstan’s grid operator KEGOC blaming the disconnection of two hydro generators at Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul HPP and Uzbekistan’s energy ministry saying the disruption came from a neighboring country’s system; power was being restored in stages while authorities launched investigations. Textile Industry Push: Tashkent will host CAITME 2026 and Global Textile Days, bringing 250 companies from 17 countries to showcase textile machinery and upgrades for the region’s garment sector. Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Business Links: The 4th Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Interregional Forum is set for Aug. 22 in Tashkent, targeting trade, investment and joint projects across agribusiness, construction, engineering, logistics, energy and industrial production. Standards & Tech Integration: Uzbekistan will become a full member of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) from Jan. 1, 2027, enabling direct participation in international electrical and digital standards work. Logistics & Trade Connectivity: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan discussed boosting cargo flow from China and improving terminal capacity, while Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan moved to streamline border procedures and create faster corridors for perishable goods. Textile Output Growth: Uzbekistan’s large enterprises produced textile goods worth 54.4 trillion soums in Jan–Jun, up 10.1% year-on-year, with exports reaching $1.6bn (+24.1%).

Aviation & MRO Expansion: ST Engineering’s China Cargo Hub MRO in Ezhou is ramping up after opening in Aug 2025, already redelivering 20 aircraft and targeting a second hangar to double capacity, with maintenance approvals for 757/767 from U.S. and Uzbekistan authorities and more expected from the EU. Power & Grid Risk: A Central Asia electricity-flow disruption on Aug 14 triggered blackouts across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with Uzbekistan’s Surkhandarya hit after an incident in a neighboring system; authorities say phased restoration is underway. Textiles & Trade: Uzbekistan’s textile sector posted strong H1 momentum—54.4 trillion soums in output (Jan–Jun) and $1.6bn in textile exports (+24.1% y/y)—while CAITME 2026 will bring 250 companies from 17 countries to Tashkent to upgrade machinery and production. Standards & Digital Industry: Uzbekistan will become a full IEC member from Jan 1, 2027, enabling direct participation in international electrical and tech standards work, including AI, cybersecurity and energy efficiency. Logistics & Connectivity: Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan discussed faster border procedures (including electronic driver visas) and a perishable-goods corridor, while Uzbekistan also plans to host the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan interregional forum in Tashkent on Aug 22 to spur investment and industrial cooperation. Energy Sector Output: Condor Energies reported higher Uzbekistan production in Q2 2026, averaging 13,851 boe/d, with natural gas and condensate sales up to $27.14m. Regional Disruptions to Exports: Uzbek exporters say Ukraine’s drone campaign against Wildberries logistics is hurting sales through the Russian marketplace, with textile firms reporting declines tied to warehouse disruptions. Agriculture Markets: Global cotton benchmarks rose after USDA revisions to 2026/27 production and mill-use outlooks, adding volatility for regional producers and traders.

Standards & Digital Industry: Uzbekistan will become a full International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) member from Jan. 1, 2027, letting Tashkent directly shape and update global electrical and tech standards; the country has already adopted nearly 2,000 of the IEC’s 11,000+ standards and plans deeper cooperation in IT, AI, cybersecurity, energy efficiency and renewables. Energy & Production: Condor Energies reported Uzbekistan output averaging 13,851 boe/d in Q2 2026, with natural gas and condensate sales rising to $27.14m and a new 17,925 boe/d production record in early August tied to new well tie-ins. Trade & Logistics: A shipment of 28 tons of vegetables from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan was rejected at a phytosanitary post due to missing mandatory labeling, and the cargo was sent back. Cross-border Disruption for Exporters: Uzbek firms say Ukraine’s drone attacks on Wildberries logistics are hurting exports through the Russian marketplace, with textile exporter ARTATEX reporting reduced sales this year. Consumer Finance Rules: Uzbekistan’s Senate adopted amendments requiring loan and microloan ads to carry mandatory warnings about financial risks and consequences of missed repayments. Science for Agriculture: Uzbekistan and China launched the hyperspectral satellite Samarkand-2028, aimed at agriculture, environmental monitoring, water management and disaster response, including an Uzbek AI module for onboard data processing.

Oil & Gas Stability: Uzbekistan’s President reviewed measures to keep oil and gas supplies steady for the economy and households, including daily oversight across production, storage and distribution, and plans to commission 27 wells in August to add 887,000 cubic meters of gas. Agri-Tech & Water Resilience: A new ADB-funded PARCH project (2025–2028) is rolling out precision agriculture and climate-smart orchard tech in Uzbekistan, including solar-powered irrigation, drip systems and cold storage to tackle water shortages and boost yields. Horticulture Exports: Uzbekistan ranked sixth worldwide in fresh sweet cherry exports in 2024 (32,200 tons), and from Jan–Jun 2026 exported 23,300 tons to 11 countries. Finance Consumer Protection: Uzbekistan’s Senate approved amendments requiring loan and microloan ads to carry mandatory warnings about financial risks, as borrower numbers and microloan use keep rising. Science Cooperation: Uzbekistan and China launched the hyperspectral satellite Samarkand-2028 with an Uzbek AI module for agriculture, environmental monitoring and water management. Logistics Connectivity: Etihad launched inaugural Tashkent service to strengthen cargo links via Abu Dhabi for time-sensitive and high-value goods. Local Jobs & Industry: In Nurota’s Dekhibaland mahalla, 32 business entities operate, including 12 manufacturing firms, retail outlets and farms, supporting local employment.

Uzbek Business Dialogue: Uzbekistan’s five-year “open dialogue with entrepreneurs” has shifted from removing individual barriers to rewriting rules across taxation, lending, land access, exports, digital services, and investor protection. Energy Security: President Mirziyoyev reviewed measures to keep oil and gas supplies stable, including Uzbekneftegaz commissioning plans for new wells and daily oversight from drilling to gas transmission. Agri-Tech & Exports: FAO-backed PARCH precision agriculture project (2025-2028) is rolling out solar irrigation, drip systems, smart tools, and cold storage for commercial orchards, while Uzbekistan also ranked 6th worldwide in 2024 sweet cherry exports (32,200 tons). Logistics Boost: Etihad launched its inaugural Tashkent cargo service via Abu Dhabi to expand time-sensitive freight links. Regional Labor Pressure: Russia’s migrant crackdown is cutting Central Asian labor flows; Uzbekistan sent 1.1m workers in H1, down 13.2%. Safety & Repatriation: Uzbekistan repatriated bodies of eight citizens killed in a drone attack in Russia’s Tatarstan and coordinated help for injured workers. Industry Partnerships: ATIRE named Bohnenkamp as its distribution partner across Baltics, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Romania. Tech Cooperation: Uzbekistan and China advanced scientific ties via the Samarkand-2028 hyperspectral satellite and related agriculture and environmental projects.

Energy Market Stability: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed measures to keep Uzbekistan’s oil and gas market stable and prevent unjustified price hikes, including daily oversight across drilling, processing, storage and supply, with Uzbekneftegaz planning 27 new wells in August to add 887k cubic meters of gas. Air Cargo Connectivity: Etihad Airways launched its inaugural Abu Dhabi–Tashkent service, aiming to boost cargo flows via Abu Dhabi for time-sensitive and high-value goods like textiles, fresh produce, electronics and pharmaceuticals. Oil & Gas Supply Planning: The same presidential briefing stressed matching production capacity to rising demand for natural gas and petroleum products, including seasonal planning and strict adherence to supply schedules. Critical Minerals & Industry Links: A Korea–Uzbekistan business roundtable in Seoul highlighted cooperation on critical minerals, AI and advanced manufacturing, with both sides pointing to Uzbekistan’s role ahead of the Korea–Central Asia summit. Digital Payments Push: VEON’s Banglalink received Bangladesh Bank approval for Mukto Pay, signaling continued regional momentum in digital financial services and connectivity investments. Uranium Demand Pressure: A parliamentary panel flagged that India’s domestic uranium supply covers only about 30% of needs, underscoring the growing strategic value of uranium mining partnerships that include Uzbekistan.

Aviation & Trade Links: Etihad Airways launched its first Abu Dhabi–Tashkent daily non-stop route, and added a codeshare with Uzbekistan Airways that extends travel to eight Uzbek cities, boosting connectivity for business and tourism. Business Diplomacy: At a Korea–Uzbekistan Business Roundtable in Seoul, leaders pushed cooperation in critical minerals, AI, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure ahead of the Sept. 16-17 Korea–Central Asia summit. Industrial Investment & Processing: Uzbekistan is positioning critical minerals as a new industrialization lever, urging deeper processing (not just raw exports) as demand rises for metals used in EVs and clean energy. Energy & Solar Supply Chain: Arctech secured additional solar tracker capacity across Central Asia, including Uzbekistan deals, as the region scales utility and project pipelines. Agriculture Value-Add: ICBA and Uzbekistan’s Agency for Innovative Development launched a Farmers’ and Agro-Entrepreneurs Accelerator in Karakalpakstan to help 200 producers build value-added products and market access. Economy & Capital Spending: Uzbekistan allocated 338.9 trillion UZS in fixed capital investment in Jan–Jun 2026, with manufacturing, agriculture, construction and utilities taking the largest shares. Regional Logistics: CargoPoint opened an Almaty office to manage Kazakhstan-routed China–Europe Truck+Air freight, aiming to cut transit times and add route resilience.

Critical Minerals Push: Uzbekistan is courting Indian investors to boost deep processing of copper and rare earths, aiming to move beyond raw exports as mining and metallurgy output grows. Agri-Entrepreneur Support: ICBA and Uzbekistan’s Agency for Innovative Development launched a one-month Farmers’ and Agro-Entrepreneurs Accelerator in Karakalpakstan for 200 participants, with a focus on value-added products and market access. Solar Scale-Up: Arctech secured 425MW of solar tracker projects across Central Asia, including Uzbekistan deals, as regional renewable buildout accelerates. Power Trade Watch: Kyrgyzstan expects to import about 4.1 billion kWh of electricity in 2026 as demand rises faster than new generation capacity. Logistics Corridor Upgrade: CargoPoint opened an Almaty office to manage Kazakhstan-routed China-Europe Truck+Air flows, targeting at least two days faster transit and more route resilience. Textiles & Garments: H1 2026 data shows Uzbekistan’s textile and apparel output up 7.4%, with textiles growing faster than garments. Investment Snapshot: Fixed capital investment in Uzbekistan rose 17.5% in Jan–Jun 2026, led by manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and utilities. Aviation Link: Etihad launched its first Abu Dhabi–Tashkent route, adding daily connectivity and codeshare links across Uzbekistan. Energy Security Shock: A Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s Tatarstan killed at least 13, including Uzbek citizens; Uzbekistan formed a special task force and commission to support victims’ families.

Drone-Strike Fallout for Uzbekistan: Ukraine’s long-range drones hit Russia’s Nizhnekamsk (Tatarstan), killing 13 people including a child; Uzbekistan says seven Uzbek citizens died and bodies will be repatriated after forensic steps. Uzbekistan also sent a special task force and set up a commission to support injured people and families. Energy & Industry Shock: The strike targeted the Taneco oil refinery, underscoring how refinery attacks are reshaping fuel flows across Central Asia as Russia limits exports and neighbors scramble for alternative supplies. Environmental Review Watch: Uzbekistan’s $5bn Sea Breeze resort at Charvak is still missing key documents for the full state environmental review, leaving the project in limbo despite approvals and hearings. Trade & Logistics: CargoPoint opened an Almaty office to expand its China–Europe Truck+Air network, cutting transit times by up to two days. Agri-Imports Control: Uzbekistan destroyed 7,250 flower seedlings shipped from China after phytosanitary documents were incomplete. Business/Manufacturing Update: Condor Energies reported a production milestone on its Uzbekistan project, averaging 17,925 boe/d after tying new horizontal wells into facilities. Tech & Talent: The 38th International Olympiad in Informatics opened in Tashkent, with 386 students from 97 countries and 235 digital collectibles planned.

Energy & Industry: Condor Energies says it hit a new milestone at its Uzbekistan project, averaging 17,925 boe/d over the past 24 hours after testing and tying in horizontal wells K-43 and K-44 to existing production facilities. Environment & Real Estate: Uzbekistan’s $5bn Sea Breeze resort at Charvak is still waiting on the full set of documents for the state environmental review, with only the first land-allocation stage completed so far. Trade & Logistics: CargoPoint opened an Almaty office to expand its China–Europe Truck+Air network, aiming to cut transit times by at least two days and shift corridor management to local teams in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Water & Agriculture: Central Asian states agreed to draft a plan for automated water monitoring on the Syr Darya, targeting better basin data for irrigated agriculture and hydropower. Tech & Education: The International Olympiad in Informatics opened in Tashkent, with 386 students from 97 countries and 235 digital collectibles worth at least $117k planned for winners. Policy & Business Climate: Uzbekistan’s central bank warned the economy may be overheating, urging restraint on spending and keeping interest rates relatively high. Media & Digital Rights: A Bloggers’ Council was established under the Journalists’ Union of Uzbekistan to unite creators, provide legal support, and run training on media literacy and digital security. Health & Services: Lilavati Hospital plans international expansion starting with a super-speciality OPD in Almaty, with oncology, transplant, cardiac, neurology and IVF services, and talks underway about further Central Asia projects including Uzbekistan.

Macroeconomic Cooling: Uzbekistan’s central bank says the economy is overheating as growth outpaces sustainable capacity, urging tighter policy and restraint on short-term spending. Food Safety & Standards: Uzbekistan’s Agency for Technical Regulation met Malaysia’s Palm Oil Council to boost food safety, align with international standards, and upgrade lab testing and specialist training. AI Push: President Mirziyoyev briefed progress on Uzbekistan’s AI ecosystem, aiming for top-50 global readiness by 2030 and scaling computing infrastructure and 200+ AI projects. Transport & Trade Corridors: A new block train service (“Slavic Caravan”) links Belarus with Central Asia, with the first freight reaching Tashkent in under six days, cutting logistics costs. Logistics Security: A US indictment alleges an Uzbekistan-linked cargo theft ring used hacked shipment data to steal $4.49m in retail goods. Industrial Cooperation: Youngone signed a deal to deploy 180 Korean circular knitting machines across its Uzbekistan, India and Kenya production bases. Energy/Water Governance: Central Asian states approved plans to automate Syrdarya water accounting, supporting more efficient transboundary water management. Uzbek-US Business Ties: Mirziyoyev and Trump discussed expanding cooperation in aviation, automotive, mining, infrastructure, energy, metallurgy, AI and digital tech.

Uzbekistan–US Logistics Push: Uzbekistan and the United States are stepping up cooperation across transport and logistics, aviation, infrastructure, digital tech, finance, mining and energy, with cargo flows showing rail still dominates (44,200 tons in 1H26) and a visa-free regime boosting business ties. AI Industrial Drive: President Mirziyoyev briefed progress on Uzbekistan’s AI push, citing a 25-place rise in the Global AI Readiness Index to 62nd, a goal to reach top 50 by 2030, and plans for 200+ AI projects plus $1.5bn in AI software/services. Central Asia Rail Connectivity: The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is moving from planning to construction, with analysts highlighting its role in reshaping regional trade routes toward Europe via the Caspian and Middle Corridor. Defense Tech Cooperation: Turkish Aselsan and Uzbekistan’s Defense Industry Agency reviewed joint projects and future defense electronics collaboration. Water Management Automation: Central Asian states approved a draft plan to automate Syrdarya water accounting and discussed 2026 reservoir limits, with Uzbekistan’s water ministry among participants. Trade & Manufacturing Signals: Youngone signed a ₩10bn deal to deploy 180 Korean circular knitting machines across production bases including Uzbekistan, pointing to continued textile equipment upgrades.