AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Logistics: Incheon International Airport Corp. secured a 35-year concession to develop and operate a new Tashkent International Airport in Uzbekistan, a KRW 6.9 trillion ($4.8bn) project aimed at boosting regional connectivity. Space for Industry: Uzbekistan’s national space push got a boost as Samarkand-2028 was launched with an AI module enabling hyperspectral data processing in orbit for agriculture, environmental monitoring, water management and emergency response. Trade & Transport Corridors: The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is moving from plan to substantive construction, a 523 km link expected to cut routes by about 900 km and strengthen the Middle Corridor. Agriculture & Inputs: Uzbekistan and Türkiye’s nursery producers discussed cooperation to bring Türkiye’s certified seedling and in-vitro lab know-how into Uzbekistan. Energy & Water Security: Uzbekhydrogeology specialists completed a Germany study tour on groundwater monitoring and digital hydrogeology data systems, supporting climate-resilient water management. Regional Business: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan signed a production cooperation memo between Glasfit Energy and Armature-Insulator Plant, while trade growth and joint projects were highlighted at a Tashkent forum. Cargo Demand: Oman Air Cargo added five routes, including Muscat–Tashkent, targeting faster movement of perishables and time-critical goods.

Uzbek-India Strategic Push: Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov’s New Delhi visit (2–5 Aug) reaffirmed the Strategic Partnership, with talks spanning trade, investment, energy, digital tech, healthcare, education, connectivity and regional security, plus a business forum aimed at expanding deals. Uzbek Space & Ag Tech: Uzbekistan launched its first space satellite, Samarkand-2028, with a China-built hyperspectral payload and an Uzbek AI onboard module for faster in-orbit processing; the mission targets cotton, wheat mapping, air-quality checks and broader monitoring. AI Satellites for Farming: China’s Smart Dragon-3 placed two AI-powered hyperspectral satellites into orbit for Uzbekistan and Indonesia, promising faster disaster early warnings and full-cycle crop monitoring. Logistics & Trade Links: Uzbekistan Railways welcomed the “Slavic Caravan” freight train from Belarus after a 3,822 km run, supporting higher mutual trade and industrial cooperation. Regional Transport Integration: Kyrgyzstan and China discussed delivery of key transport projects, including the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and border bridge plans, to boost fuel logistics and trade. Inflation Watch: Uzbekistan’s annual inflation held at 6.4% in July, easing from 8.9% a year earlier, helped by seasonal food price declines. Cross-border Industrial Cooperation: The Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund approved 37 projects worth $100.5m, supporting industrial, logistics and manufacturing upgrades and creating 883 jobs.

Uzbekistan–China Tech & Space: Uzbekistan’s Samarqand-2028 hyperspectral Earth-observation satellite has been launched from China, with Uzbekcosmos developing an onboard AI module to speed up cotton, wheat and air-quality mapping. AI Economy Push: A new report says Uzbekistan is trying to turn its IT outsourcing base into an AI export engine, leaning on IT Park incentives and private firms to commercialize AI services abroad. Logistics & Trade Links: The first “Slavic Caravan” freight train from Belarus has arrived in Uzbekistan, aimed at boosting industrial cooperation and modernizing international routes. Industrial Cooperation Finance: The Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund has approved 37 projects worth $100.5m, supporting industrial, energy, logistics and manufacturing work and creating 883 jobs. Cybersecurity Alert: Kaspersky flagged new Windows backdoors (OctLurk, SilkLurk) targeting government and public institutions across Central Asia, including Uzbekistan. Macroeconomy: Uzbekistan’s headline inflation held at 6.4% in July, easing from 8.9% a year earlier, helped by seasonal food price moves. Energy Integration Talk: An energy forum in Issyk-Kul argues Central Asia’s power market integration needs nuclear-linked coordination across Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with hydropower partners.

Uzbekistan–China Trade & Industry Ties: China is rapidly expanding its footprint in Uzbekistan, with 1H26 bilateral trade rising to about $7.7bn (Uzbek data) and Chinese figures even higher, while Chinese firms and joint ventures now number 6,060, concentrated in mining, industrial production and energy. Kyrgyz–Uzbek Development Fund: The Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund has approved 37 projects worth $100.5m, backing industrial, infrastructure and logistics cooperation; it reports 883 new jobs, 367 equipment purchases, and a $40m boost to mutual trade. Space for Agriculture: Uzbekistan launched its first remote-sensing satellite, Samarqand-2028, with a hyperspectral payload and an Uzbek-built AI module to speed cotton and wheat mapping and air-quality assessments. AI Economy Push: Uzbekistan is betting its IT outsourcing base on an “AI economy,” leveraging IT Park exports to 90+ countries and aiming to move from services to commercial AI adoption. India–Uzbekistan Deal Talks: India floated a possible free trade agreement as Tashkent courts Indian investment in copper and rare-earth processing, with both sides eyeing trade growth toward ~$3bn in three years. Manufacturing Investment: South Korea’s AHA plans a $20m Fergana plant (interactive boards, EV chargers, medical equipment) with commissioning in September. Logistics & Trade Disruptions: Rosselkhoznadzor imposed temporary restrictions on EU poultry meat transit through Russia to Uzbekistan from Aug. 5, citing falsified veterinary certificates. Gold Reserves: Central banks bought 51 tonnes of gold in June; Uzbekistan was among the buyers with 9 tonnes. Air Cargo Connectivity: Oman Air added five cargo routes in a week, including Tashkent, to expand perishable and high-value shipment capacity.

BRICS Prep for Uzbekistan Business: India is gearing up to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sept 12–13, with ministerial working groups already in motion—an indirect signal for regional trade and investment flows that Uzbekistan exporters and logistics firms will watch closely. Uzbekistan-India Trade Push: Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov is in India (Aug 2–5) to line up Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit, with talks covering energy, infrastructure, defense, trade and connectivity; at the Uzbekistan-India Business Forum, both sides set a target to lift bilateral trade to $2B and speed up investment cooperation, while India’s Piyush Goyal urged doubling trade in three years and floated a possible free trade agreement. Aviation & Logistics: Incheon International Airport Corporation won the concession to develop and operate a new Tashkent airport under a BTO model, with a 6.9 trillion won project cost and 35 years of operating rights; meanwhile, Oman Air Cargo added five routes including Muscat–Tashkent to boost perishables and time-critical shipments. Energy Governance: Uzbekistan’s dismissed energy minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov was reportedly detained over alleged abuse of office and embezzlement, raising fresh questions for the sector’s oversight. Agriculture Trade Friction: Kyrgyzstan blocked nearly 25 tons of Uzbek onions at the Dostuk checkpoint due to missing required labeling under EAEU phytosanitary rules. Standards for Cotton: BCI and Uzstandard partnered to align Uzbekistan’s cotton standards with international sustainability requirements. Space Tech: Uzbek engineers are developing an onboard AI module for the Samarqand-2028 Earth observation satellite with China, aimed at monitoring agriculture and the environment.

Space & Tech: Uzbek engineers are building an onboard AI module for the Samarqand-2028 Earth observation satellite with China’s STAR.VISION, aiming to support agriculture and environmental monitoring, including mapping cotton and wheat areas. Standards & Cotton: BCI and Uzstandard signed an MoU to align Uzbekistan’s cotton production standards with international sustainability requirements, with a possible nationally owned cotton sustainability standard benchmarked to BCI. Trade & Investment (India): Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov is in India to prepare for PM Modi’s upcoming visit, with talks covering energy, infrastructure, defence, trade, education and culture; India’s Piyush Goyal urged doubling bilateral trade to $2B in three years and floated an FTA, highlighting mining, pharma, healthcare and cotton-textiles. Aviation Fuel & Energy: Uzbekistan plans to meet most rising aviation kerosene demand domestically, while covering the rest via imports routed through Georgia and Iraq as regional air traffic grows. Logistics & Air Cargo: Oman Air Cargo added five routes in one week, including Muscat–Tashkent and Muscat–Singapore, to boost perishables and time-sensitive shipments into Central Asia and Asia. Agriculture Exports: Nearly 25 tons of Uzbek onions were rejected at Kyrgyzstan’s Dostuk checkpoint due to missing required labeling under EAEU phytosanitary rules, and the cargo was returned. Infrastructure (Aviation): Incheon International Airport Corporation won a concession to develop and operate a new Tashkent airport under a BTO model, with a total project cost of 6.9 trillion won. Regional Industry Context: Central Asia’s tourism is growing fast, but still remains a relatively small share of regional GDP—an angle that matters for Uzbekistan’s services and logistics planning.

India–Uzbekistan Strategic Push: During Uzbek FM Bakhtiyor Saidov’s New Delhi visit, India and Uzbekistan reviewed their strategic partnership across energy, infrastructure, trade, defence, education and culture, with both sides pointing to a new push into critical rare earth minerals and mining. Trade Expansion Plan: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged businesses to co-invest, co-manufacture and co-innovate to double bilateral trade over the next three years (from about $1.5bn), floating the idea of a free trade agreement and highlighting opportunities in mining, pharma, healthcare, textiles and digital. Aviation Fuel Supply: Uzbekistan plans to meet most rising Central Asia aviation kerosene demand through domestic production, targeting 310,000 tons of aviation fuel in 2026, with remaining volumes covered by imports. Digital Commerce Growth: Tashkent-based classifieds platform BirBir reported 150% year-on-year growth, reaching 3m+ installs and nationwide coverage across 18 categories. Regional Market Disruption: Wildberries drone strikes in Russia are said to have caused tens of millions of dollars in losses for Central Asian traders, including entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan. Gold Boom, Industrial Gap: Central Asia’s gold price surge is boosting incomes but raising concerns about inflation, debt and dependence on a single commodity.

India–Uzbekistan Trade Push: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged both sides to double bilateral trade to about $3B in three years, pitching co-investment, co-manufacturing and possible free trade talks; Uzbekistan’s Laziz Kudratov said bilateral trade is already above $1.3B and targets $2B next year, with strong interest in mining, rare earths, steel, pharma, healthcare and auto. Diplomatic Boost: Uzbekistan FM Bakhtiyor Saidov met India’s President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi, with both sides highlighting new cooperation areas across trade, energy and culture, and Murmu pointing to rare earth minerals, agriculture and IT. Mining & Rare Earths Focus: The business forum spotlighted Uzbekistan inviting Indian technology and capital for gold, copper, uranium, critical minerals and rare earth processing. Rail Connectivity Watch: A week of coverage also flagged major Eurasian rail investment plans (hundreds of projects, with rail taking the biggest share) and progress on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, while commentary warned that route dependence is becoming a strategic risk. Uzbek Digital Commerce: Tashkent-based BirBir reported 150% year-on-year growth, now operating nationwide across 18 categories. Energy Infrastructure Timeline: Uzatom says Uzbekistan’s first small modular reactor is due for commissioning in 2029, with the first large reactor in 2033.

Diplomacy & Trade: Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov arrived in New Delhi for a four-day visit, meeting President Droupadi Murmu and EAM S Jaishankar, with talks aimed at deepening India–Uzbekistan cooperation across trade, investment, energy and security. UNESCO & Built Heritage: Tashkent Modernist Architecture was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, joining 25 new global sites announced after the committee session in South Korea. Regional Connectivity (Rail): Kyrgyz and Uzbek transport officials inspected the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway works, while Belarus launched the “Slavic Caravan” freight train to Uzbekistan, cutting delivery times to about 5–7 days. Industrial Zones: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan signed a memo to cooperate on free economic and industrial zones, including joint investment projects and industrial partnerships. Energy/Industry Context: Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover hit $41bn in H1 2026 (+7.4%), with exports (excluding gold) up 28.7%, as imports rise alongside industrial modernization. Agribusiness: Afghanistan’s Balkh hospital received $200,000 in medical equipment from Uzbekistan, while mutton exports from Balkh to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan increased as processing and inspections ramp up.

Water & Industry Risk: New reports warn drought and heat are pushing water risk onto corporate agendas, hitting sectors like food and textiles where complex supply chains depend on water for farming, processing and dyeing. Uzbekistan Trade Momentum: Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover hit $41bn in H1 2026 (+7.4%); exports rose 28.7% excluding gold, while imports climbed 21%, driven by industrial modernization and demand for high-tech inputs. Cross-Border Logistics Push: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are moving toward deeper industrial-zone cooperation, while the “China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan” railway construction is actively progressing on the Kyrgyz section. Rail Freight Deal: Belarus launched the “Slavic Caravan” freight train to Uzbekistan, cutting delivery times to 5–7 days and planning an intermodal logistics center at Orsha by end-2026. Customs Facilitation: China–Uzbekistan AEO mutual recognition is now in force, promising faster customs clearance and lower logistics costs for compliant exporters. Crypto Policy Watch: Uzbekistan’s tax-free crypto mining zone in Karakalpakstan (income exempt until 2035) adds to the region’s shifting regulation landscape. Regional Diplomacy for Industry: Mirziyoyev’s Kyrgyz visit produced a Treaty on Allied Relations and plans to expand trade, industrial cooperation and transport links, including along the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan corridor. Energy & Water Security Theme: Leaders stressed building long-term regional cooperation architecture to adapt to new risks, including environmental protection and shared digital services.

Uzbekistan Trade Update: Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover hit $41bn in H1 2026, up 7.4% year-on-year, with exports at $15.9bn and imports at $25.1bn; exports excluding gold rose 28.7%, but the trade deficit remains. Customs & Logistics: China–Uzbekistan AEO mutual recognition went into effect, promising simplified customs checks and faster clearance for compliant exporters, cutting warehouse and logistics costs. Regional Connectivity: Uzbekistan’s President Mirziyoyev pushed for a long-term “Central Asia+” cooperation architecture focused on trade, transport, integrated industrial chains, shared digital services, and investment platforms. Uzbek–Kyrgyz Industrial/Transport Push: Mirziyoyev’s Kyrgyzstan visit ended with a Treaty on Allied Relations, a plan to boost bilateral trade to $3bn, new industrial projects, and steps tied to the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and Kambarata HPP-1. Food & Agri Exports: Balkh’s slaughterhouse began exporting mutton to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, processing about 1,000 animals daily after health inspections. Energy/Environment: Uzbekistan joined an OGMP 2.0 methane reporting training under the UzEMI project, aiming to strengthen measurement-based reporting in oil and gas. Security & Business Impact: Wildberries’ logistics network faced drone attacks; the CEO said entrepreneurs across Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, suffered losses in the billions.

Regional Connectivity & Trade: Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover hit $41bn in H1 2026, up 7.4% year-on-year, with exports (ex-gold) rising 28.7% as imports climbed 21%—a sign of industrial modernization and higher demand for equipment. Customs Facilitation: The China–Uzbekistan AEO mutual recognition deal is now in force, promising faster customs clearance and lower logistics costs for compliant exporters. Central Asia–Azerbaijan Summit: Leaders met in Cholpon-Ata and backed stronger cooperation on trade, transport, energy, digital services, and investment platforms, with Uzbekistan pushing a long-term “sustainable architecture” for regional coordination. Uzbekistan–Afghanistan Link: Afghanistan is being positioned as a key bridge between Central Asia and South Asia in Uzbekistan’s regional vision, with officials citing expanding trade, transit, and investment ties. Rail Corridor Momentum: Pakistan and Türkiye agreed to revive the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul freight corridor as a permanent commercial route, while discussions also touched future connectivity projects involving Uzbekistan. Security & Logistics Disruption: Wildberries’ infrastructure has faced repeated drone attacks, with the company warning that entrepreneurs across multiple countries—including Uzbekistan—have suffered major losses, while it says security and fire-safety systems have been overhauled.

Uzbekistan Trade Snapshot: Uzbekistan’s foreign trade hit $41bn, with exports up 28.7% excluding gold to $15.9bn while imports climbed to $25.1bn, keeping the trade deficit in place; China remains the biggest partner (23.1%), followed by Russia (17.1%) and Kazakhstan (6.8%), as policy pushes higher-value finished goods and stronger logistics. Regional Rail & Logistics: Pakistan and Türkiye agreed in principle to revive the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul freight rail corridor, aiming to turn it into a permanent commercial trade route linking South Asia, Central Asia and Europe—an approach that also aligns with Uzbekistan’s corridor ambitions. Central Asia Integration Push: At Cholpon-Ata, leaders including Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev backed a broader “Central Asia+” cooperation push covering trade, energy, transport corridors and tourism, while Kyrgyzstan’s call for a unified tourist visa gained support from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Cybersecurity Risk: Kaspersky warns of new government-targeting backdoors (OctLurk and SilkLurk) affecting Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, highlighting ongoing exposure in ministries, logistics and education. Industry & Standards: Uzbekistan’s methane reporting capacity gets a boost via OGMP 2.0 training under UzEMI, supporting measurement-based reporting for oil and gas emissions. Tourism Investment: Azerbaijan’s five-star Baku Resort & Spa opened on Issyk-Kul, with regional leaders attending—another signal of cross-border hospitality investment.

Diplomacy & Trade: Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov will visit India on Aug 2–5, meeting President Droupadi Murmu and EAM S. Jaishankar, with talks expected to cover trade, investment and tourism. Energy & Industry Standards: CAREC delivered a new OGMP 2.0 methane reporting training for Uzbekistan’s oil and gas stakeholders, aligning local practice with the UN-backed measurement-based framework. Regional Transport & Logistics: Belarusian Railway launched the “Slavic Caravan” direct freight train to Uzbekistan, cutting transit to under a week and enabling 20-ton container shipments for SMEs. Cybersecurity: A new malware campaign using custom backdoors (“OctLurk” and “SilkLurk”) has targeted government networks across Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, with keystroke logging and password theft. Construction Oversight in Tashkent: Uzbekistan’s presidential administration head Saida Mirziyoyeva called illegal yard construction in Tashkent a “crime,” ordering prosecutor checks and a criminal case. Automotive Market Expansion: Li Auto officially launched the all-new Li L9 in Tashkent, expanding its Uzbekistan retail and service ecosystem. Agriculture & Cotton: Better Cotton and Uzstandard signed an MoU to strengthen Uzbekistan’s cotton sustainability and technical standards.

Rail & Trade Logistics: Belarusian Railway launched the “Slavic Caravan” direct freight service to Uzbekistan, cutting transit to 5–7 days (about half the previous time) along the Belarus–Russia–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan corridor; it runs biweekly from Orsha-Vostochnaya and starts with timber, sugar, potato starch and compound animal feed, with return loads of Uzbek textiles, light industry goods, processed foods and fresh produce. Uzbek–Kyrgyz Alliance & Industry Links: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Kyrgyzstan (July 30–Aug 1) produced a Treaty on Allied Relations and a Supreme Interstate Council, with deals covering border arrangements, social insurance, defense cooperation, tourism and an agro-industrial action plan (2026–2028), while leaders highlighted the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and Kambarata hydropower as key economic and energy-security projects. Cotton Standards: Better Cotton and Uzstandard signed an MoU to strengthen Uzbekistan’s cotton sustainability standards, aligning field practice and certification with Better Cotton’s Principles & Criteria. Central Asia Gold Demand: Central banks’ gold buying hit a record 289 tonnes in Q2; Uzbekistan bought 16 tonnes, underscoring reserve diversification amid geopolitical risk. Tourism Route Boost: Arda Khiva and FlyArystan are teaming up after a new Almaty–Urgench direct route, aiming to drive Khiva-focused travel via B2B familiarization tours.

Uzbek-Kyrgyz Alliance Deal: Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Cholpon-Ata, where they signed a Treaty on Allied Relations and set up a Supreme Interstate Council to implement it. The leaders said the package is meant to settle border issues, expand checkpoints, and boost trade, transport logistics, and humanitarian ties, with the Kambarata HPP-1 and the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway highlighted as strategic projects. Bilateral Agreements: The state visit also produced accords on border division, joint use of the Chechme source, defense cooperation, social insurance and pensions, mutual recognition of higher-education credits, plus action plans for tourism, culture, agriculture, and investment for 2026–2028. Regional Summit Focus: From July 30 to Aug 1, an informal consultative meeting of Central Asian heads of state with Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev is set to discuss trade, energy, tourism, transport corridors, and regional security. Trade Momentum with Russia: Russia–Uzbekistan trade turnover rose 15.7% to $7bn in 1H 2026, with Uzbekistan exports up 15.5% to $2.37bn. Energy Watch: Uzbekistan’s natural gas output fell 18% in 1H 2026 to 18.3bn cubic meters, reinforcing its shift toward gas imports. Silk Heritage Research: A new study points to domesticated silkworm cultivation in southern Uzbekistan around 2000 BCE, potentially pushing back organized sericulture by nearly 2,000 years. Industry Signal: Global textile machinery shipments declined in 2025 across most segments, with spinning the main exception—relevant for Uzbekistan’s manufacturing modernization plans. Media Training Call: CAREC opened applications for journalists to cover “One Health” in Bishkek on Sept 14–15, 2026.