AGP Executive Report

Uzbek-Azerbaijan Treaty Push: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan signed a Treaty on Eternal Friendship in Tashkent, aiming to lift bilateral trade to $1bn by 2030, after trade hit $795m in 2025 and $144m in the first five months of 2026; leaders also highlighted the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company and a wider push across banking, energy, transport, education and tourism. State Visit in Bukhara: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s Uzbekistan visit continued in Bukhara, with media coverage of meetings and events underscoring expanding ties across trade, investment and infrastructure. New Tashkent Showcase: Aliyev toured “New Tashkent,” the flagship urban project expected to create 260,000 jobs, while leaders also backed Azerbaijani-linked developments including the “Azerbaijan” Park in New Tashkent. Education & Culture: The opening of the National Pedagogical University named after Nizami Ganjavi drew both presidents, alongside cultural stops such as the “Okhun Gozar” art space and the Islamic Civilization Center. Sports Calendar: Tashkent will host the III Open Championship of Central Asia in Athletics (Aug 23–25), bringing athletes from nine countries. AI Training: A China-Uzbekistan program trained over 50 Uzbek school teachers in AI literacy in Guangzhou, with a second cohort of university instructors next.

Urban Development: Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev toured Tashkent’s “New Tashkent” project, a city-scale plan promising 260,000 new jobs, with trigeneration tech and major public, education, and tourism facilities, including the 95-hectare “Sharq Bahori” residential complex. Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Treaty: At the Kuksaroy meeting, Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Aliyev signed a “Treaty on Eternal Friendship,” framing ties as long-term commitments and announcing a push to lift trade turnover toward $1 billion. Infrastructure & Investment: The leaders backed new Azerbaijan projects in Uzbekistan—Davr Bank, a gypsum plant, Landau STEAM schools, SOCAR filling stations, Sea Breeze Uzbekistan, Baku City, and fruit orchards—while discussing faster transport links, including a ferry. Education & Culture: A new Nizami Ganjavi Pedagogical University building will open, an Azerbaijan Park will be built in New Tashkent, and “Days of Azerbaijani Culture” plus a rectors forum are planned by year-end. Energy & Industry: Rosatom says it’s building 28 nuclear units abroad and negotiating dozens more, with Uzbekistan cited among active sites. Sports: India U20 beat Yemen 1-0 in a friendly in Uzbekistan ahead of AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Weather Watch: Uzhydromet says Aug 23-26 in Uzbekistan will stay mostly clear and dry, with daytime highs mostly 33-38°C and gusty winds; dust storms are possible in some areas, while mountains may see brief rain/thunderstorms on Aug 23 only. Uzbek-Azerbaijan Business Push: Nearly 400 companies met in Tashkent for the 4th Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Interregional Forum, where officials said trade and cooperation are expanding beyond goods into investment, industry, energy, transport and tourism; documents were signed across sectors including energy, finance, infrastructure and manufacturing. Energy Deal: Azerbaijan’s SOCAR plans to enter Uzbekistan’s retail fuel market and build a gas-station network, alongside broader cooperation via AzerGold. Diplomatic Visit Prep: Tashkent is preparing for President Ilham Aliyev’s Aug 23-24 state visit, including attendance at the Supreme Interstate Council meeting. Security & Justice: An Afghan man was arrested in Termez on alleged opium trafficking charges, with 506 grams seized. US Courts: A Manhattan judge struck down a Trump policy suspending immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Uzbekistan.

Uzbek-Azerbaijan Deal Push: Azerbaijan’s SOCAR will enter Uzbekistan’s retail fuel market and build a gas-station network, while both sides sign cooperation documents covering energy, finance, infrastructure, construction and manufacturing after the IV Interregional Forum in Tashkent. Regional Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev is set for a state visit to Uzbekistan on Aug. 23–24, with expected new agreements and a regions forum alongside transport, trade and cultural talks. Crime & Security: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan’s interior ministries are stepping up cooperation against terrorism, extremism, organized crime, drug trafficking and digital crimes. Weather Watch: Uzbekistan braces for mostly dry, hot conditions on Aug. 22, with Tashkent around 32–34°C and thunderstorms possible in some eastern and mountainous areas. Border Drugs Case: An Afghan citizen was arrested in Termez for allegedly smuggling and trying to sell 506g of opium, with additional drug cases reported in the same border region. Business Reform: Uzbekistan cuts mandatory advance payments for electricity and gas for firms using automated accounting systems from 100% to 15%, easing cash-flow pressure.

Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Summit: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev called Baku and Tashkent “natural partners” on East-West transport routes, as Uzbekistan hosts the third Supreme Interstate Council meeting and expects a package of signed documents and new projects. Energy Relief for Firms: President Mirziyoyev cut mandatory advance payments for electricity and gas for companies using automated accounting systems from 100% to 15%, and also outlined 2027 construction-industry cost reforms. Small Hydropower Push: Uzbekistan plans to speed up micro-HPP development by changing auction rules and simplifying approvals, including guaranteed power purchase via a fixed minimum tariff. Clean Power Milestone: A China-supported 20 MW wind project in Bostanlyk (four 5 MW turbines) has been completed, targeting tens of thousands of households. Regional Trade Watch: Tajikistan’s foreign trade turnover rose 42.3% in Jan–July, with Uzbekistan listed among key partners. Tourism & Hospitality: Hyatt’s Destination by Hyatt brand opened a thalasso-inspired spa resort at Beldersoy in the Chimgan-Bostanliq mountains.

Nuclear Ambitions: Uzbekistan is preparing for a second nuclear power plant even as construction of the first unit gets underway, with President Mirziyoyev stressing investor needs for fair electricity pricing and reliable supply. Energy & Industry Reform: Private small and micro hydropower projects are set to get easier rules, including a guaranteed minimum electricity tariff in auctions and lighter approvals for micro-HPPs, aiming to revive stalled investment. Transport & Connectivity: An 11 km rail link from Urganch station to Urganch airport is completed, with a planned ~40-minute trip to Xiva and a new Chinese-supplied train arriving for the launch push. Green Power: A China-supported 20 MW wind project in Bostanlyk (four 5 MW turbines) has been completed, targeting clean energy for tens of thousands of households. Trade & Diplomacy: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are deepening ties through transport/logistics cooperation and broader strategic dialogue, while Azerbaijan’s exports to Uzbekistan surged in Jan–July 2026. Tourism Push: Azerbaijani media toured Uzbekistan’s Amirsoy and Charvak-area “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan” resort plans, as Tashkent-region tourism expands year-round. US Tariff Probe: A US white paper accuses Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan of helping China evade tariffs, putting regional trade scrutiny in the spotlight. Sports: Uzbekistan is drawn into the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 play-off group featuring Ghana and Papua New Guinea.

Women’s Football Play-Offs: Ghana’s Black Queens were drawn to face Ecuador first, then Uzbekistan, then Papua New Guinea in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 play-off preliminary phase (Nov 24–Dec 5, 2026), with the top two advancing to knockout ties for the final World Cup spots. Bilateral Security Talks: Uzbekistan’s Interior Minister Aziz Tashpulatov met Azerbaijan’s ambassador Rashad Mammadov to discuss cooperation between internal affairs agencies, including crime, terrorism, extremism, organized crime, drug trafficking and cybercrime. Energy & Market Stability: Kyrgyzstan’s cabinet ordered steps to keep the domestic fuel and lubricants market supplied, including new import agreements, reserve formation, subsidies and tighter monitoring—highlighting Uzbekistan as a key partner for procurement. Accessibility Check: Kyrgyzstan’s ombudsman reported that only four of 20 official government websites met partial accessibility standards for people with disabilities, urging better digital design from the start. Sports Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s athletes featured in taekwondo medal rounds at the World Taekwondo President’s Cup, while Uzbekistan also appeared in youth handball results and fixtures across the region. Trade Ambition: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are pushing toward a $1 billion bilateral trade target by 2030, supported by investment and business-to-business links, not just goods.

Women’s World Cup Play-offs: Ghana’s Black Queens have been drawn to face Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Papua New Guinea in the preliminary phase for Brazil 2027, with matches set for Nov 24–Dec 5, 2026. Energy Watch: Uzbekistan reported electricity generation and consumption gains in Jan–Jul, with July output up 11.6% year-on-year and consumption up 7.8% in the same month. Business Reform: Uzbekistan unveiled a five-part plan worth nearly €1bn to boost finance, AI adoption, exports and business growth, including a digital credit portal and expanded loan guarantees. Trade & Transit: A Trans-Afghan Transport Corridor is pitched as a way to reduce future logistical shocks like those seen at major chokepoints. Sports (Chess): Asian Junior Classical Championships opened in Mumbai with top seeds mostly advancing, while early draws and upsets set up a tight race. Culture & Tourism: Azerbaijani journalists toured Samarkand’s Shakhi Zinda and Registan Square, highlighting shared Central Asian heritage ties.

Sports Spotlight: Tashkent will host Uzbekistan’s first Swimming World Cup, Oct 8–10, with 750+ swimmers from 50+ federations competing for a $1.2m prize pool and World Aquatics “Silk Road Tour” points. Youth & Handball: Uzbekistan is set to face Bahrain in the Asian Men’s Youth Handball Championship group stage in Amman, with the top four teams qualifying for the 2027 world event. Digital Push: Uzbekistan unveiled a $100m AI support programme for businesses to speed up private-sector digital transformation, including help for AI adoption and supercomputing access. Cybersecurity: A new “SilkParasite” cyber-espionage campaign is targeting government organizations across Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, using tailored phishing documents to deploy remote access Trojans. Trade & Connectivity: Uzbekistan sent its first electrical goods shipment to Syria—air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines—moving via an alternative overland route through Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Energy & Stability: Central Asia’s recent blackout is still under scrutiny, with Kyrgyzstan pointing to a Toktogul hydropower disruption as the initial trigger.

AI Push for Uzbek Businesses: Uzbekistan plans a USD 100 million programme to help companies adopt AI, including financial support and access to supercomputing resources. Digital Economy Diplomacy: Azerbaijani media toured IT Park Uzbekistan and the Center of Islamic Civilization, highlighting Uzbekistan’s tech ecosystem, training capacity, and cultural-science diplomacy. Cybersecurity Alert: Researchers report SilkParasite targeting Central Asian government bodies, including Uzbekistan, using tailored phishing and remote access Trojans. Trade & Industry: Uzbekistan sent its first electrical goods shipment to Syria—air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines—reaching Aleppo in 20 days via an alternative overland route. Sports & Events: Uzbekistan prepares for its first-ever Swimming World Cup in Tashkent in 50 days, while the AFC Champions League Two draw set Nasaf Qarshi’s group opponents. Public Safety: A fatal Tashkent-region crash left a man and his five-year-old child dead after a driver allegedly fled.

International Informatics Olympiad in Tashkent: South Korea won two golds, one silver and one bronze at the IOI held in Uzbekistan, while the event also sparked controversy after an Israeli student was disqualified for displaying an Israeli flag during the awards ceremony. Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan Judicial Cooperation: A delegation from Uzbekistan’s presidential administration and top courts visited Kazakhstan to compare judge selection, performance evaluation and disciplinary methods. Archaeology in Uzbekistan: Researchers excavating the Tugunbulak site in southeastern Uzbekistan say they may have found the legendary Marsmanda, an iron-producing metropolis mentioned in medieval Arabic sources. Trade & Industry: Uzbekistan is exploring importing steel from India to cut logistics costs, while Kazakhstan reported export growth to $40.3bn in H1 2026, including higher shipments to Uzbekistan. Energy & Infrastructure: Kyrgyzstan clarified the cause of a recent Central Asia blackout, pointing to a disruption at the Toktogul hydropower plant that altered power flows affecting Uzbekistan. Border Talks: Negotiations are underway to reopen the Mamai checkpoint on the Kyrgyz–Uzbek border, alongside plans for a related road.

Tech & Education: Uzbekistan flexed its IT credentials as Tashkent hosted the International Olympiad in Informatics, with Uzbek students winning 1 silver and 3 bronze medals—an all-medals haul for the main team. Business Climate: A CERR survey of 5,000 Uzbek entrepreneurs found most firms are already using digital tools (33%) and even AI in multiple areas (30.4%), with energy-saving steps also common (23.2%). Sports (Uzbekistan on the continental stage): The AFC Champions League Elite draw sets Uzbek clubs Neftchi and Pakhtakor on tough paths in the expanded 32-team league phase. International Watch: The White House flagged Uzbekistan among countries it says could be used for “shadow transshipment” to help Chinese goods dodge US tariffs. Health Cooperation: A Chinese volunteer team launched free cataract surgeries in Tashkent and Kokand, screening at least 150 patients and performing 100 operations. Regional Demography: Birth rates fell in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in early 2026, while Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan saw modest increases.

Uzbekistan’s IT spotlight: Tashkent hosted the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026), with 386 students from 97 countries competing; Uzbekistan’s team earned silver and three bronzes, plus an honorable mention, as officials framed the event as proof the country is a rising Central Asia tech hub. Diaspora engagement: In Tashkent, the Uz Global Think Forum gathered about 40 compatriots from 15 countries to discuss how overseas experts can support “New Uzbekistan,” focusing on science, culture, and investment links. Regional connectivity push: Afghanistan’s industry chief Nooruddin Azizi attended a Surkhandarya–China trade forum in Termez, urging new transit corridors and closer Uzbekistan–China–Afghanistan cooperation. Sports with Uzbekistan ties: South Korea’s U-18 handball team begins its Asian Youth Championship campaign against Uzbekistan, while Uzbekistan’s presence also shows up in AFC Champions League Two planning as Nasaf is listed among former champions. Border and safety updates: Reports flagged long queues at the Kyrgyz-Uzbek checkpoint, and Uzbekistan families affected by a Russia drone attack were set to receive compensation. Samarkand craft boost: Samarkand was named a World Craft City, adding momentum for tourism and global promotion of local handicrafts.

Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Trade Push: Afghan Industry and Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi urged stronger trade with Uzbekistan and China, calling for new transit corridors and more investment after attending the Surkhandarya–China Trade Forum in Termez. Central Asia Energy Shock: Uzbekistan’s Energy Ministry said a Central Asian grid disruption linked to a neighboring-country incident caused outages across the region, with Surkhandarya later restored and emergency automation and energy storage systems credited for preventing wider damage. Kyrgyz–Uzbek Land Swap Moves Ahead: A joint working commission meeting in Batken focused on citizenship, resettlement, property and social services for residents in exchanged territories, with a joint working group now set to handle implementation. Uzbekistan Border Congestion: At the Kyrgyz–Uzbek checkpoint in Kadamjay, social media users reported long queues and stalled traffic for hours in harsh conditions. Samarkand Craft Boost: Samarkand was named a World Craft City by the World Crafts Council, highlighting its Silk Road craftsmanship and opening new tourism and investment opportunities. Drone Attack Fallout (Russia): Uzbek families of victims from the Nizhnekamsk drone attack are set to receive compensation from Tatarstan authorities, while separate incidents also reported Uzbek injuries in a construction-site fire.

Land Swap Logistics: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan met in Kadamjai to advance their land-plot exchange, focusing on residents’ citizenship, resettlement, property transfers, land use, and social services; a joint working group has been formed and has started field visits. Presidential Governance Update: President Mirziyoyev signed a constitutional law defining the powers and functions of Uzbekistan’s Administration of the President, setting out its main tasks from reform support and policy proposals to coordination with law enforcement and personnel policy. Energy Stability After Central Asia Incident: Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy says power was fully restored in Surkhandarya after an Aug. 14 Unified Energy System disruption, crediting emergency automation and energy storage systems for preventing wider outages. Central Asia Blackout Dispute: Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan gave conflicting accounts of what triggered the Aug. 14 blackout, with different reported disconnection times and sequences still under investigation. Afghanistan Diplomacy Push: Afghanistan’s foreign minister urged the US to reopen its Kabul embassy and invest in mines, dams, and roads, as Kabul seeks to reduce isolation and deepen regional ties, including with Uzbekistan and China. Tech & Education Spotlight: The 38th International Olympiad in Informatics concluded in Tashkent, with Uzbekistan’s students winning medals and China topping the overall standings.

Afghanistan–Uzbekistan–China Trade: At the Surkhandarya–China Business Forum in Termez, Afghan Industry and Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi urged new transit corridors through Uzbekistan to move Afghan exports to China, while Uzbekistan’s deputy prime minister said trilateral cooperation is deepening. Science & Education: Tashkent hosted the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026), where China topped the standings with 3 golds and 1 silver; Saudi Arabia won its first IOI silver, and Kyrgyzstan took 2 silvers and 2 bronzes. Sports (Uzbekistan in the mix): The World Nomad Games will bring an international scientific conference to Issyk-Kul on Sept. 3, with researchers from about 30 countries, including Uzbekistan. Defense/Industry Watch: A researcher says he has a clear photo of an Uzbekistan Air Force J-10CE fighter jet, amid unconfirmed reports of a 24-jet purchase from China. Regional Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan advanced land-exchange implementation details in Kadamjay, covering citizenship, resettlement, and property issues.