AGP Executive Report

US Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due in Samarkand on October 17–22 for the C5+1 ministerial and talks with Central Asian officials. He will lead a delegation of more than 200 US business representatives. Trade and Technology: Around 200 Chinese companies are showcasing products at a trade exhibition in Tashkent, running through October 16; Uzbekistan and China are also deepening cooperation in AI, IT and education. Economic Outlook: The IMF projects Uzbekistan’s economy will grow 7.8%, with inflation expected to ease. The country welcomed 10.3 million tourists in the first nine months of the year. Public Safety: Two Uzbek nationals were injured in an attack on Riyadh airport, according to reports.

Regional Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is due in Baku on October 14–15 for the CICA summit, where leaders will discuss security, transport and digital cooperation. Technology: Uzbekistan and China discussed joint AI projects, data security and university ties, with Tashkent seeking to attract Chinese tech firms. Tourism: 10.3 million foreign visitors came to Uzbekistan in the first nine months of 2026, up 20.4% year on year. Energy: An explosion and fire shut a section of Russia’s Central Asia–Center gas pipeline, which carries Uzbek, Turkmen and Kazakh gas; no casualties were reported, and the cause is under investigation. Trade: Uzbekistan and Türkiye are targeting $5 billion in bilateral trade, while Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan explored digital tax-document exchange. Government: Botir Kudratkhodjayev has been appointed defence minister. Football: Al-Nassr beat Neftchi Fergana 3–1 in Riyadh after a security alert delayed kickoff by about an hour.

Regional Ties: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Turkmen leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov discussed expanding cooperation in a phone call on Tuesday, while Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan agreed on a 2027–28 customs roadmap covering digital services, border capacity and information-sharing. Trade and Transport: A Georgia–Uzbekistan economic commission meeting in Tashkent ended with a joint protocol. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has restricted grain loading towards Uzbekistan as more than 10,000 wagons built up at Saryagash station, worsening rail congestion. Culture and Youth: Tashkent hosted the launch of an Uzbek-language edition of Azerbaijan’s IRS–MIRAS magazine, and Khiva opened its Turkic World youth center to promote regional cultural and educational projects. Football: Neftchi Fergana lost 3–1 to Al-Nassr in Riyadh, with Alisher Odilov scoring for the Uzbek side. The match began an hour late after a security alert.

Government: Botir Kudratkhodjayev has been appointed Uzbekistan’s defense minister, replacing Shukhrat Khalmukhamedov, who is moving to another post. The government has also created a first deputy prime minister role covering education and science, appointing Erkinjon Turdimov. Trade and Transport: Six countries signed a protocol to develop the CASCA+ corridor after railway officials met in Tashkent. The deal targets higher freight volumes, better tariff coordination and fewer delays on routes linking Central Asia with Europe. Investment: Uzbekistan is discussing projects with Saudi firms on water infrastructure in the Fergana region, while talks with U.S. and Japanese partners cover mining, energy, transport and other sectors. A new English-language video also outlines legal protections and complaint channels for foreign investors. Football: Pakhtakor snatched a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia’s Al Qadsiah in the AFC Champions League Elite, with Dostonbek Khamdamov converting a late penalty.

Government: Uzbekistan has created a First Deputy Prime Minister post overseeing education and science, appointing former Syrdarya governor Erkinjon Turdimov. A new secretariat will coordinate work across education, science and health. Water Infrastructure: Fergana officials discussed potential water, wastewater and irrigation projects with Saudi firm Alkhorayef, while Uzbekistan reviewed ongoing water projects with Saudi company Miahona and Franklin Templeton. Investment: Uzbekistan and the United States discussed cooperation in mining, energy, transport and other sectors; separate talks with Japanese organizations covered healthcare, infrastructure and industry projects. Regional Trade: Afghan, Uzbek and Indian businesses signed agreements worth nearly $400 million, covering trade and investment. Uzbekistan also pledged help restoring historic sites in Afghanistan. Sport: Uzbekistan reached its first-ever mixed-team judo world final in Baku, taking silver behind Japan. Heritage: Uzbek and Chinese archaeologists are jointly studying an ancient burial site in Navoi Region, using 3D modelling to reconstruct its layout.

Public Safety: Crowds surged around YouTuber MrBeast during his first visit to Central Asia, with stampedes reported in Tashkent and Samarkand. Regional Trade: Afghan, Uzbek and Indian businesses signed agreements worth nearly $400 million at a Kabul trade exhibition, while Malaysia-Uzbekistan trade reached $108 million in the first half of 2026. Science and Technology: Uzbekistan’s robotics alliance topped the FIRST Global Challenge in South Korea; meanwhile, the space agency proposed a Mars-simulation facility in Karakalpakstan, though plans and funding remain undecided. Heritage: Uzbekistan offered to help restore historic sites in northern Afghanistan, including the Mashrab Baba shrine. A Tashkent conference at UNESCO highlighted Mawarannahr’s scientific and cultural legacy. Markets: Lawmakers and international institutions discussed a landmark capital-markets bill, which would expand investment options and bring regulation closer to global standards. Sport: Tashkent hosted a Swimming World Cup stop where South Africa’s Pieter Coetzé set a short-course world record in the 50m backstroke.

Trade: Afghan, Uzbek and Indian businesses signed agreements worth nearly $400 million at a Kabul trade exhibition. Malaysia and Uzbekistan also see room to build on $108 million in bilateral trade in the first half of 2026. Health Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan discussed training 100 doctors in specialist fields, improving primary care and exploring local medicine production. Water Security: Central Asian countries agreed on reservoir operations for 2026–27, a key step in managing shared water resources. Tashkent Sports: The city hosted a Swimming World Cup stop where South Africa’s Pieter Coetzé set a short-course 50m backstroke world record. Heritage: Uzbekistan presented its Islamic Civilization Center and Mawarannahr’s scientific and spiritual legacy at a UNESCO conference. Economy: Uzbekistan’s gold and foreign-exchange reserves fell by $5.54 billion in September.

Swimming Spotlight: Tashkent’s World Aquatics World Cup ended with record-breaking swims: South Africa’s Pieter Coetze set a world record in the 50m backstroke, while Russia’s Egor Kornev broke the 50m butterfly mark. Regional Ties: Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan agreed to establish a High-Level Strategic Partnership Council; separately, Tashkent Region and Malaysia’s Perlis state are exploring cooperation in kenaf cultivation, agriculture and tourism. Consular Support: Uzbekistan helped bring home a 17-year-old girl from Türkiye after reports of abuse, forced labour and attempted forced marriage; support services are now assisting her. Tourism: Chinese visitor numbers have risen 3.5 times since visa-free travel began, according to Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee. Economy: Uzbekistan’s gold and foreign-exchange reserves fell by $5.54 billion in September.

Regional Diplomacy: At the CIS summit in Turkmenistan, leaders adopted 15 cooperation documents and named 2029 the Year of CIS Transport Connectivity. Uzbekistan will chair the bloc in 2027; Central Asian leaders also agreed on water and reservoir operations for 2026–27. Government: Erkinjon Turdimov was appointed first deputy prime minister and minister of education and science, with a new cabinet secretariat created for education, science and healthcare. Economy: Uzbekistan’s gold and foreign-currency reserves fell $5.54 billion in September to $66.58 billion, largely as gold prices declined, although the country’s physical gold holdings increased. Tashkent World Cup: South African swimmer Pieter Coetzé set a short-course world record in the 50m backstroke, clocking 22.09 seconds at the meet in Tashkent. Agriculture: Pakistan’s AGTL entered the Uzbek market with an initial shipment of 18 tractors and a partnership covering mechanization and technology exchange.

Government: Erkinjon Turdimov has been appointed Uzbekistan’s first deputy prime minister and minister of education and science. He will coordinate work across education, science and healthcare, with a new Cabinet secretariat established for those areas. Regional Cooperation: At the CIS summit in Turkmenistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev backed Uzbekistan’s turn to chair the group in 2027 and called for fewer trade barriers and stronger food security cooperation. Central Asian states also agreed on water withdrawals and reservoir schedules for 2026–27. Trade and Ties: Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan agreed to establish a Supreme Council of Strategic Partnership. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are also seeking closer trade and industrial cooperation, including expanded agricultural supplies and joint manufacturing. Tashkent World Cup: South African swimmer Pieter Coetzé set a short-course 50-metre backstroke world record of 22.09 seconds at the World Aquatics World Cup in Tashkent. Canadian swimmers Taylor Ruck and Finlay Knox also won medals at the meet. Growth Outlook: The Asian Development Bank projects Uzbekistan’s economy will grow 7% in 2026, placing it among the region’s strongest performers.

Regional Diplomacy: CIS leaders met in Turkmenistan on October 9, with Uzbekistan set to chair the Commonwealth in 2027. At the expanded Central Asia–Azerbaijan summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called for joint manufacturing, green energy and closer regional economic ties. Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan: Mirziyoyev and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov agreed to establish a Supreme Council of Strategic Partnership and adopted plans to boost trade and cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture and water management. Space Cooperation: Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Türkiye signed a framework agreement to work together on satellites, space research and specialist training. Travel Rules: From November 1, Uzbek citizens visiting Egypt will need advance visas and must meet new tour, family and financial requirements. Tourism: Uzbekistan plans to develop nine caves and a salt mine as visitor attractions by 2028, alongside training local guides and supporting guesthouses.

Regional Summit: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev used the first expanded Central Asia–Azerbaijan summit in Awaza to call for joint production, investment and transport links, arguing the six countries should move beyond trade to making products together. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan also signed an agreement creating a High-Level Strategic Partnership Council. Economy: The World Bank projects Uzbekistan will lead Central Asia’s growth in 2026, with the economy forecast to expand 7.9%. Accountability: An OCCRP and RFE/RL investigation alleges former senior security official Otabek Umarov acquired UAE citizenship while in office, when dual nationality was prohibited. Separately, most court-ordered compensation for victims of the Dok-1 Max poisoning remains unpaid. Language Rights: Centrum Air apologized after a passenger was removed from a flight following a dispute over his request to be addressed in Uzbek; the airline acknowledged staff fault and offered to cover his extra travel costs. Swimming: Tashkent’s World Cup meet opened with Australia’s Cameron McEvoy setting a 50m freestyle World Cup record, while Uzbek swimmers competed on home soil.

Regional Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined Central Asian and Azerbaijani leaders in Turkmenistan, where they signed a joint statement to deepen regional cooperation. Azerbaijan said it is working with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on a green-energy corridor. Water Cooperation: Central Asian states agreed on river-water distribution and reservoir operations for the 2026–27 non-growing season, as climate pressures sharpen the need for coordinated management of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Uzbekistan’s economy will grow 7.9% in 2026, driven by domestic demand, wages, tourism and investment, while warning that energy costs remain a pressure. Tourism: Uzbekistan plans to develop nine historic caves and a salt mine for visitors, adding digital guides, routes and safety measures as it pursues its goal of attracting 20 million tourists by 2030. Press Freedom: Blogger Sirojiddin Adilov was sentenced to four years in prison on fraud and extortion charges. Human Rights Watch raised concerns about his trial, including reported procedural violations and his earlier critical reporting. Sport: Tashkent is hosting the second stop of the 2026 Swimming World Cup from October 8 to 10.

Public Health: Uzbekistan joined regional precautions after a suspected illness at a Russian research institute; the WHO says no plague case has been confirmed there. In Karakalpakstan, officials and researchers also met to identify ways to reduce zoonotic disease risks. Tashkent Events: The city hosts the second stop of the 2026 Swimming World Cup from Oct. 8 to 10, while Afghanistan’s agriculture minister is in Tashkent for a forum on food security and cooperation. Investment: Wildberries plans a 67-hectare logistics hub in Tashkent region, with construction due to start this month and about 7,500 jobs expected. Regional Ties: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed trade, industry and energy with Vladimir Putin by phone. Uzbekistan is also among Central Asian states and Azerbaijan calling for stronger regional links and more efficient Middle Corridor transit. Security: Authorities say they seized 39 kg of hashish and 9.5 kg of opium from a truck entering from Afghanistan. Growth: The World Bank expects Uzbekistan to record Central Asia’s fastest economic growth.

Central Asia Growth Watch: The EBRD says Central Asia is set for solid growth in 2026–27, with Uzbekistan upgraded on strong domestic demand, but warns energy costs, water stress and tighter financing could bite. Public Health: After a suspected pneumonic plague death in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have tightened border and health preparedness as WHO monitors tests and contact follow-up. Trade & Industry: Uzbekistan’s trade with Turkic states hit $10.8bn in 2025, with imports outpacing exports, while Octobank at Sibos Miami highlights Uzbekistan’s push for deeper global banking links. Water Security: A new assessment flags worsening water stress across Central Asia as river inflows fall and glaciers keep shrinking. Sports (Uzbekistan vs Korea): South Korea beat Uzbekistan 2-0 in a friendly as Son Heung-min scored a record 59th international goal. Tourism & Culture: Uzbekistan is aiming to develop 30 new tourist areas by 2030, and MrBeast is set to visit Tashkent for a fan meet.

Economy & Investment: The World Bank projects Uzbekistan’s GDP growth at 7.9% in 2026, the strongest in Europe and Central Asia, with remittances and foreign-financed projects (energy, digital infrastructure, industry) continuing to drive demand. Gold Reserves: The World Gold Council says central banks bought 39 net tonnes of gold in August, with Uzbekistan among the leading buyers. Health & Borders: A suspected plague scare in Russia’s Irkutsk region has triggered heightened checks across Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, as Russian authorities insist the situation is calm while hospitals screen patients and contacts are monitored. Trade & Connectivity: The Middle Corridor could quadruple Asia-Europe freight by 2040, but the World Bank warns that border delays and fragmented paperwork still hold it back. Agriculture Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s president met FAO chief Qu Dongyu, agreeing a new five-year partnership and launching an agro-innovation hub for landlocked countries. Culture & Heritage: An Uzbekistan–US archaeological expedition in Bukhara uncovered Samanid-era stucco panel fragments with Kufic inscriptions. Security Cooperation: Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan held the “Eternal Brotherhood – V” special forces exercise, focusing on interoperability and counter-terror drills.