AGP Executive Report

BRICS Summit (New Delhi): Leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, stressing nuclear safety and condemning attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear sites under IAEA safeguards, while also calling out unilateral coercive measures and pushing local-currency trade and practical cross-border payments. Uzbekistan–Korea: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said Tashkent and Seoul aim for a “joint leap in development,” with deals expected in advanced technology, investment, infrastructure and AI/digital cooperation ahead of the first Korea–Central Asia summit. Uzbekistan–Serbia: Serbia’s president said Uzbekistan plans a second nuclear plant with China (after a first with Russia), alongside broader bilateral cooperation on transport, energy, agriculture and digitalization. Environment & industry: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan discussed modernizing industrial environmental regulation using BAT-style performance indicators and a joint digital platform for data and reference documents. Agriculture: BRICS agreed to create AGRIN (agro-inputs, genetic resources and farm information) and continue work on a BRICS grain trading platform. EU sanctions: France and Slovakia renewed pressure to delist Uzbek-born Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov from EU sanctions, adding uncertainty for regional business ties.

EU Sanctions: France and Slovakia are pushing to delist Uzbek-born Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list, adding friction inside the bloc as individual sanctions near expiry. BRICS Summit (India): The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit opened in New Delhi with a New Delhi Declaration on global governance reform, counter-terror steps, and seafarer safety, amid Iran–U.S. and Russia–Ukraine war pressures. Local Industry & Trade: India and the UAE used BRICS sidelines to deepen cooperation in defence, AI, space, nuclear energy and technology, while highlighting a $11.5bn UAE-backed integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha. Uzbekistan in the BRICS Orbit: Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev is attending as a BRICS partner, reflecting the bloc’s wider outreach beyond full members. Regional Energy & Logistics: Kyrgyzstan signed a $350m memo for a fuel processing complex, and Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan connectivity themes continue to surface across Central Asia. Mining Safety: Two workers were killed in a tire explosion at an Uzbekistan mining site.

BRICS Summit Watch: India opened the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Sept 12-13) with a focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, as leaders including Modi, Xi and Putin arrived under heavy security (15,000 police, 200 paramilitary units). Payments & Trade Infrastructure: India’s Piyush Goyal urged BRICS members to link payment systems, expand local-currency trade and simplify digital trade rules, while Russia floated an NDB-based investment platform for trade, logistics and technology. Uzbekistan-Serbia Dealmaking: In Belgrade, Uzbekistan and Serbia signed agreements on transport, renewable energy, agriculture, digitalization and labor mobility, with talks toward a possible free trade deal and a direct air route. Korea-Central Asia Industrial Push: South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung will host the first Korea-Central Asia summit in Seoul next week, aiming to connect Korean energy/mineral know-how with Central Asia’s resources. Uzbekistan Industry & Safety: Two workers died after a tyre explosion at a Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company site; authorities launched investigations. Pharma Logistics Bottleneck: Ukrainian exporters asked Uzbekistan-related regulators to clarify GMP renewal and road transport permit procedures to avoid medicine supply disruptions.

Mining Safety: Two workers were killed after a tyre exploded during maintenance work at a Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company site in the Kyzylkum mining administration on Sept. 10; law enforcement and regulators have launched inquiries. Noise Regulation: Uzbekistan has introduced nighttime and weekend noise limits under a new law signed Sept. 9, with enforcement by the sanitary and epidemiological health committee and court-based compensation; it takes effect Dec. 11, 2026. BRICS Payments Push: At the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, India’s Piyush Goyal urged BRICS members and partners to link payment systems, expand local-currency trade, and make digital trade more accessible, citing UPI’s scale. BRICS Finance & Infrastructure: Vladimir Putin proposed an NDB-based investment platform to mobilize private funding for BRICS projects in trade, infrastructure, logistics and technology, while Iran’s Pezeshkian called for greater use of local currencies and proposed reinsurance support for infrastructure. Uzbekistan-Serbia Agribusiness: Uzbekistan is seeking Serbian fruit nursery expertise to build modern planting-material production and intensive orchards, with a pilot planned at a horticulture research institute. Trade Facilitation: Uzbekistan cleared $127m in tax debt penalties for 315,000+ entrepreneurs if core arrears are paid by end-2026, aiming to boost SME compliance. Aviation Upgrade: Embraer unveiled the first C-390 Millennium transport aircraft ordered by Uzbekistan, marking a new transport capability step for the Uzbek Air Force.

Central Asia–Korea Push: South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung will host the first South Korea–Central Asia summit in Seoul next week, bringing together Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to deepen trade, investment, energy, critical minerals and supply-chain ties. Uzbekistan–Algeria Trade Links: Algeria and Uzbekistan agreed to set up a joint business council to boost direct communication between firms and explore a preferential trade framework. BRICS Summit Security & Logistics: Ahead of India’s Sept 12–13 BRICS Leaders’ Summit, Delhi Police plans to mobilize 15,000+ personnel and deploy about 200 CAPF units, with traffic route sanitization and tight advisories. BRICS Development Agenda: India is positioning BRICS around resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, with food, energy and supply-chain security at the core. Uzbekistan Noise Law: Uzbekistan adopted a law limiting harmful noise at night (11pm–7am on working days; 10pm–9am on weekends/holidays), covering construction, machinery and transport, with court compensation rights. Namangan–Seongnam Cooperation: Namangan governor Shavkat Abdurazzakov met Seongnam officials to expand smart-city and industry exchanges.

Uzbekistan Fintech Push: Uzbekistan has started a pilot using the privately issued HUMO stablecoin for everyday payments, pegged 1 HUMO to 1 Uzbek soum and backed by government securities, under joint Central Bank and NAPP supervision, with 20+ firms set to accept it. Investment & Trade Infrastructure: Kyrgyzstan plans the Sary-Tash international transport and logistics center with up to $100m in investment, positioned on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan corridor and linked to a textile cluster, including storage, assembly, customs brokerage and digital control. Regional Connectivity: HKIA signed Belt and Road aviation deals to deepen air cargo connectivity and management cooperation with Turkey’s MNG Airlines, including training via the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy. Uzbekistan–Serbia Business Links: Algeria and Uzbekistan agreed to set up a joint business council, while Uzbekistan and Serbia continue expanding economic cooperation through trade and investment frameworks. BRICS Spotlight (for business readers): India’s BRICS summit on Sept 12–13 is set to focus on resilience, food/energy security and critical supply chains, with major leader attendance and a BRICS Business Forum ahead of the summit. Cultural Economy: ACDF-backed CCA Tashkent highlights Uzbekistan’s push to build a creative economy ecosystem.

Trade & Industry Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Serbia have started work on a reciprocal free trade agreement with zero-rate tariffs across the full range of goods, and also agreed a separate industrial cooperation program covering light industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, geology, metallurgy and IT. Circular Economy & Mining Inputs: Recyclekaro and Uzbekistan’s TMK are setting up an end-to-end e-waste and end-of-life battery recycling and critical mineral recovery JV in Uzbekistan; feasibility studies are underway and the facility will start as a critical-metal hub before expanding across Central Asia. Energy & Upstream: BP and Socar have received clearance to move to the next phase of their Uzbekistan Ustyurt Plateau exploration after completing the first phase of 3D seismic data acquisition; the next step is data reinterpretation to pick a wildcat location. Agriculture Resilience: Uzbekistan and FAO are advancing measures to fight land degradation, desertification and water scarcity in drought-affected farming areas, including sustainable land and pasture management and plans for Farmer Field Schools. Finance & Commodities: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank and Hong Kong’s financial authorities signed an MOU to deepen gold market cooperation, including information sharing and use of Hong Kong precious-metals clearing and settlement infrastructure. Human Capital for Industry: Uzbekistan–South Korea ties are expanding through higher education, vocational training and science/technology partnerships, with new long-term technology and industrial partnership plans discussed. Regional Connectivity: The U.S. and Central Asia discussed C5+1 cooperation priorities in Ashgabat, with emphasis on critical minerals, trade and transport.

Energy & Oil-Gas: BP and Socar got the green light to move from the first phase to the next stage of exploration on Uzbekistan’s Ustyurt Plateau after seismic data collection ended, with reinterpretation now aimed at picking a future wildcat site. Transport & Connectivity: Uzbekistan’s push for the Middle Corridor and “green” logistics gets UN support, with UNECE focusing on seamless, digital, interoperable standards to cut transit times along the Trans-Caspian route. Finance & Commodities: Hong Kong and Uzbekistan signed an MoU to deepen gold market cooperation, linking Uzbekistan’s gold strength with Hong Kong’s precious-metals clearing and settlement infrastructure. Agriculture & Water: Uzbekistan and FAO are advancing practical steps to fight land degradation and desertification, including sustainable pasture and land management plus farmer field schools in drought-affected regions. Regional Diplomacy: PM Modi’s Uzbekistan visit elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, targeting $5bn trade by 2030 and boosting coordination on connectivity, banking and payments. Aviation: Centrum Air launched Hyderabad–Tashkent services, aiming to grow tourism and business links between South India and Uzbekistan. Geopolitics Roundup: BRICS leaders’ summit in New Delhi (Sept 12–13) will prioritize resilience in food, energy, health and critical supply chains.

Uzbekistan–Serbia Dealmaking: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Belgrade visit produced a mobility and labor-migration agreement, plus a wider strategic partnership covering transport, renewable energy, agriculture, digitalization, customs cooperation and support for the Middle Corridor; the two sides also exchanged 20 bilateral documents and discussed a possible free-trade working group and a Belgrade–Tashkent air link. Renewables for the Grid: Trinasolar supplied 184,328 Vertex N 695W modules for Uzbekistan’s 126 MW Sarimay Solar PV plant in Khorezm, now commissioned and feeding the national grid as the country pushes toward 40% renewables by 2030. Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Push: Foreign ministers from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan signed a joint statement marking the 20th anniversary of the Semipalatinsk treaty, urging renewed arms-control progress and compliance verification. Middle Corridor Digitalization: A cross-Caspian pilot used eTIR for an Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan shipment, cutting border paperwork into one electronic transit flow and signaling practical steps for faster Eurasian freight. Industrial Branding at Home: “Made in Uzbekistan” is spreading beyond crafts into electronics, appliances, food and other manufactured goods as local firms build brands for wider markets.

Uzbekistan–Serbia trade push: Serbia and Uzbekistan exchanged 20 bilateral documents in Belgrade, covering digitalisation, customs cooperation, renewable energy and green tech, transport links, agriculture and water resources, plus a plan to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement. Economic cooperation gets a formal start: The Uzbekistan–Serbia Intergovernmental Commission held its first meeting, with officials citing record bilateral trade in 2025 and targeting new investment and joint projects, especially in agriculture. Industrial momentum: Uzbekistan’s cement output reached 12.1Mt in the first seven months of 2026, up about 0.8% year-on-year, signaling steady construction-material supply. Energy and logistics: Gazprom increased gas supplies to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan by nearly 70% in 2026, with Uzbekistan’s imports rising as domestic production declines. Regional connectivity build-out: Kyrgyzstan has finished drilling the first tunnel on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, confirming construction progress on a new Middle Corridor alternative. Aviation links: Centrum Air plans direct Hyderabad–Tashkent flights from Sept 28, aiming to boost tourism, pharma and business ties. Defense procurement signal: Uzbekistan confirmed it operates China’s J-10CE fighter jets, adding a new supplier to Central Asia’s aircraft ecosystem. Made in Uzbekistan branding: Local firms are expanding beyond crafts into electronics, appliances and food, as “Made in Uzbekistan” labels gain traction in new markets.

Water Infrastructure Digitization: Kazakhstan digitized data on 23,000+ water bodies into a national information system, including 17,758 rivers, 3,148 lakes and 1,207 hydraulic structures, aiming to strengthen water balance tracking, reservoir monitoring and decision-making. Water Reform Push: Kazakhstan also plans major water-management upgrades through 2030—42 new reservoirs, reconstruction of 37 facilities and modernization of 14,500 km of irrigation canals—alongside efficiency gains and transboundary cooperation. Uzbekistan Nuclear Oversight Shift: Uzbekistan is proposing a joint engineering venture to provide independent technical oversight for its first nuclear power plant, reviewing design and construction quality as the project moves forward. Solar Growth Under Net Metering: Uzbekistan’s “Solar House” scheme reached 2,508 MW of PV capacity from April 2023 to August 2026, with 509.7 MW added in the first eight months of 2026 and expectations to exceed 700 MW of new commissioning this year. Uzbek Talent as Competitive Edge: A new analysis argues Uzbekistan’s next advantage will come from building institutions and university-industry links to turn education spending into innovation and high-value production. Uzbek-Japanese Industrial Cooperation: Tashkent Region officials met major Japanese firms to expand digital transformation, green tech and industrial modernization, including an IT outsourcing hub and a Japanese furniture cluster with training centers. Uzbekistan-Serbia Business Momentum: President Mirziyoyev’s Belgrade visit highlights growing cooperation across investment, engineering and logistics, with trade and transport talks on the agenda. Qatar-Uzbekistan Trade and Culture: Qatar and Uzbekistan reported 30%+ trade growth in 2025 and discussed further projects in energy, transport, logistics and industry, alongside a conference on Islamic cultural heritage in Tashkent. Regional Connectivity Rail Milestone: China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway construction hit a breakthrough with the first tunnel drilled on the Kyrgyz section, supporting a faster overland route linking Xinjiang to Andijan.

Retail Finance & Crypto Policy: Uzbekistan’s central bank says a retail CBDC has “no value,” pointing instead to fast, cheap instant payments and a shift toward privately issued stablecoins under a legal pilot. Nuclear Industry Oversight: Uzbekistan proposes a joint engineering venture with an international partner to provide independent technical oversight for its first nuclear power plant in Jizzakh, after IAEA reviews flagged further regulator and feasibility work. Solar Power Scale-Up: Under the Solar House net metering scheme, Uzbekistan deployed 2,508 MW of PV since April 2023; 509.7 MW was added in early 2026, with expectations of 700 MW more this year. Energy Trade: Gazprom says gas exports to Central Asia rose about 70% in 2026, including higher supplies to Uzbekistan (6.48 bcm in 2025). Inflation Watch: Annual inflation in Uzbekistan eased to 6.2% in August. Trade & Investment Links: Uzbekistan and Serbia discussed new B2B ties in agriculture, ICT and light industry, leveraging GSP+ opportunities. FDI Signals (Plantations): Uzbekistan is considering wider FDI liberalisation in plantation crops, with officials citing models like banana. Diplomacy With Industry Angle: Qatar is participating in an Islamic cultural heritage conference in Tashkent, while Uzbekistan’s ties with Qatar continue to expand across investment and infrastructure.

Climate Risk for Central Asia: A new UNEP assessment says the world will likely cross 1.5°C soon, with Central Asia urged to plan for unavoidable impacts on water, food and livelihoods. Uzbekistan Inflation Watch: Annual inflation eased to 6.2% in August (from 6.4% in July), with food and transport driving most of the monthly rise. Nuclear Project Governance: Uzbekistan’s latest update on its $9.5bn nuclear plant omits Rosatom and instead points to a new consortium and independent oversight—signaling a shift in how the project will be managed. Startup Finance Push: Uzbekistan plans the “Future Entrepreneur” program (2027-2030), with UzVC funding up to 30 startups and support across engineering, pharma, chemicals, construction materials, and water/energy-saving tech. Cross-Border Rail Milestone: The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway hit a major milestone as the first Kyrgyz-section tunnel was drilled through, advancing a new China–Central Asia rail link. Qatar–Uzbekistan Cultural Deal: Qatar Museums’ Sheikha Al Mayassa inaugurated CCA Tashkent, a permanent contemporary arts centre, as part of a five-year cooperation with Uzbekistan’s ACDF. Digital Payments Cooperation: India’s parliamentarians highlighted interoperability between India’s UPI and Uzbekistan’s QR/payment systems as a model for inclusive digital access.

Uzbek-Qatar Cultural Push: Sheikha Al Mayassa inaugurated Tashkent’s Centre for Contemporary Arts, the country’s first permanent contemporary art hub, in a reimagined 1912 industrial building; Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s ACDF will run a five-year collaboration under the Years of Culture initiative. Digital Payments Cooperation: India’s Raghav Chadha used Uzbekistan’s IPU conference in Samarkand to spotlight digital inclusion, citing the India–Uzbekistan UPI and UZQR interoperability deal as a model for cross-border payments without cards or cash. State Asset Market Plans: UzNIF says it will take six state-owned portfolio companies public over the next three years, pointing to governance changes and energy tariff reforms as growth drivers. Startup Financing Mechanisms: Uzbekistan will launch the “Future Entrepreneur” program (2027-2030) with up to 30 startups funded via interest-free convertible loans/SAFE, targeting sectors from engineering to pharma and water-saving tech. Regional Connectivity Engineering: The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway hit a milestone as the first tunnel on the Kyrgyz section was drilled through, while work continues on major bridges including the tallest in Suzak. Logistics Talent in Action: A young Uzbek logistics professional in China’s Xinjiang highlights growing cross-border freight opportunities between China and Central Asia. Energy/Industry Context: A refinery-related report from Kara-Balta underscores Uzbekistan’s gold processing capacity and industrial security controls.

Startup Finance Push: Uzbekistan will launch the “Future Entrepreneur” program (2027-2030) to back up to 30 startups via UzVC’s National Venture Fund, offering up to 5 billion soums per project through interest-free convertible loans/SAFE deals, with the state capped at 49% and an initial 150 billion soums budget. Railway Engineering Milestone: On the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan line, the first Kyrgyz tunnel has been drilled through (Kosh Dobo North No. 2, 209.6m), while work continues on 27 tunnels, 43 bridges and 88 roadbed sections. Big Bridge Build: Kyrgyzstan is also constructing the route’s tallest bridge in Suzak over the Kech-Alat River (956.67m long, 96m pier height, 122m total), with foundation work completed. Tech & Fintech Ecosystem: The Central Bank of Uzbekistan is expanding fintech oversight with an innovation hub and a $50m venture fund, aiming to accelerate credit scoring and investment in the sector. Trade & Connectivity Context: Coverage around the SCO’s Bishkek summit highlights growing economic cooperation alongside security priorities, with Uzbekistan repeatedly named among key partners. Energy Security Angle: A separate report flags how maritime disruptions like the Strait of Hormuz can quickly ripple into global energy supply chains.

Rail Infrastructure Breakthrough: The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway hit a major milestone as the first tunnel on Kyrgyz territory was drilled through, with the 209.6m Kosh Dobo North No. 2 tunnel completed; work is also advancing on 27 tunnels, 43 bridges and 88 roadbed sections. Big Engineering Push: In Suzak, Kyrgyzstan, construction is underway on the route’s highest bridge over the Kec-Alat River (956.67m span; 96m highest support), with foundation work already done. Uzbek–Serbia Trade Plan: President Mirziyoyev’s Sept 7–8 visit to Serbia will target expanded trade and investment, with joint projects in transport, engineering, light and food industries, agriculture, pharma and IT, plus labor migration cooperation and a package of intergovernmental agreements expected. Fintech & Budgeting: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank-led fintech push is highlighted by a credit platform, an innovation hub and a $50m venture fund, while MITI’s separate 2027 budget submission underscores how governments are backing high-growth tech industries. SCO Economic Agenda: Commentary around the SCO’s shift from security to production and connectivity points to growing trade and investment links across energy, minerals, infrastructure and new energy—relevant for Uzbekistan’s industrial integration. Energy Security Dialogue: A Samarkand parliamentary session flagged global energy-route risks, using the Strait of Hormuz as a reminder that disruptions to maritime corridors can quickly ripple into industry and supply chains.