AGP Executive Report

Uzbekistan–Serbia Strategic Pivot: In Belgrade, Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Aleksandar Vucic moved toward a strategic partnership, signing a joint statement and exchanging 20 bilateral documents covering digitalisation, customs cooperation, renewable energy, transport, agriculture, culture, tourism, and a planned working group for a free trade agreement. Economic Cooperation in Focus: The Uzbekistan–Serbia Intergovernmental Commission held its first meeting, with both sides stressing that trade volume still falls short of potential and pushing new investment and joint projects, especially in agriculture and food. Armenia–Uzbekistan Talks: Uzbek and Armenian foreign ministry officials met in Yerevan to expand cooperation across industry, transport, agriculture, digital technologies, tourism, and education, including discussion of restoring direct air links. Regional Security Data Point: South Korea reported 110 foreign fugitives hiding in the country as of Aug. 12, with Uzbekistan listed among the top nationalities, as authorities expand efforts to repatriate suspects. Central Asia Nuclear Commitment: Central Asian states reaffirmed their CANWFZ Treaty commitments on its 20th anniversary, urging progress on global nuclear disarmament and NPT implementation. Sports Diplomacy in Uzbekistan: Samarkand prepares to host the 46th Chess Olympiad (15–27 Sept) with a record 398 teams, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s role as a regional convening hub.

Customs Modernization: Uzbekistan says 94% of exports and 87% of imports are now cleared under simplified procedures, cutting customs declaration processing time to about 20 minutes as it prepares for WTO accession, with more digital interaction and tighter enforcement. Water Governance Upgrade: Kazakhstan is overhauling its water management system, planning 42 new reservoirs, rebuilding 37 facilities, and modernizing 14,500 km of irrigation canals by 2030 to tackle droughts, floods, and farm shortages. Uzbekistan–Serbia Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev begins a two-day official visit to Belgrade, with ceremonial honors and plans for a strategic partnership joint statement, business forum talks, and further transport and labor-mobility cooperation. Regional Security Cooperation: The SCO summit logistics get a boost as Pakistan’s upcoming 2027 hosting is supported by an ECC-approved grant for 30 bullet-proof vehicles for head-of-state movement. Finance & Tech Policy: Uzbekistan’s central bank rejects a retail CBDC as unnecessary, pointing instead to existing fast payment systems and stablecoins for retail use. Culture & Education Ties: Qatar and Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies expand cooperation on Islamic cultural diplomacy and academic exchange.

SCO Logistics & Security: Uzbekistan’s regional diplomacy stays in focus as Pakistan prepares to host the next SCO summit in 2027; the Cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee approved a technical supplementary grant of Rs6.6bn for 30 bullet-proof vehicles to move heads of state. Uzbekistan–Serbia Ties: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will host Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Belgrade on Sept 7-8, with talks on a strategic partnership, a joint business forum, and a ceremonial Order handover. Diplomacy & Education: Qatar’s Alliance of Civilizations leadership met Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies to expand academic and cultural cooperation during the Islamic Cultural Heritage conference in Tashkent. BRICS Legal Track: The BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi highlighted judicial cooperation and “digital justice,” with India’s CJI Surya Kant holding bilateral meetings including with Uzbekistan’s judicial leadership. Fiscal Management: Uzbekistan and the IMF discussed steps to strengthen fiscal stability, budget planning, and public financial management, emphasizing tighter fiscal discipline. Energy & Industry: Uzbekistan outlined plans for a joint engineering venture to provide independent oversight for its first nuclear power plant, while also reporting rapid solar growth under the Solar House net metering scheme. Controversy in the Region: Ratko Mladić’s funeral in Belgrade drew EU criticism over the “glorification of war criminals,” as thousands attended despite the lack of state honors.

Uzbekistan–Russia Nuclear Deal: Uzbekistan’s presidential update on the new nuclear plant project notably omitted Rosatom and instead floated a new consortium to oversee construction, signaling a shift in trust and control. Macroeconomics: Headline inflation in Uzbekistan eased to 6.2% y/y in August (from 6.4% in July), with food and transport driving most of the monthly rise. Digital Payments & Diplomacy: At the IPU conference in Samarkand, Indian MP Raghav Chadha pushed a “digital future” theme, highlighting the India–Uzbekistan UPI–UZQR interoperability deal as a model for access and rights. Regional Security & Aviation: Reports say Russian airports suspended operations nearly 1,000 times in August due to Ukrainian drone attacks; Uzbekistan Airways also faced Moscow route disruptions tied to Russian airspace restrictions. International Cooperation: China’s public security minister met Uzbekistan’s interior minister in Beijing, focusing on anti-fraud, online gambling, drug control, and border security. Business & Investment: UzNIF said it plans to take six state-owned companies public over the next three years, citing governance changes and energy tariff reforms.

Uzbekistan–Qatar Ties: Uzbekistan marked 35 years of independence with a spotlight on rapidly expanding cooperation with Qatar across investment, trade, energy, infrastructure, transport, education, culture and tourism. Security Cooperation: In Beijing, China’s public security minister met Lao and Uzbekistan counterparts, pushing joint work against telecom fraud, online gambling, drug control and border security. Digital Payments Diplomacy: At the IPU’s young parliamentarians conference in Samarkand, India’s Raghav Chadha urged a “digital future” built on inclusion and rights, highlighting India–Uzbekistan interoperability plans linking UPI with Uzbekistan’s UZQR for cashless payments. Youth & Rights on the Agenda: Bahrain’s IPU delegation showcased climate targets and reforms tied to political rights and protections for women and youth. Startup Financing Push: Uzbekistan outlined a 2027–2030 “Future Entrepreneur” program to fund up to 30 startups via interest-free convertible loans/SAFE deals, with IT Park Uzbekistan supporting the venture ecosystem. Regional Infrastructure: China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway works hit a milestone as the first tunnel on the Kyrgyz section was drilled through. Markets & Capital: UzNIF said it aims to take six state-owned portfolio companies public over three years, citing governance changes and energy tariff reforms.

Startup Finance Push: Uzbekistan will launch the “Future Entrepreneur” program (2027-2030), with IT Park Uzbekistan backing tech projects and the UzVC National Venture Fund financing up to 30 startups in priority sectors; each can get up to 5 billion soums via interest-free, unsecured convertible loans/SAFE, with the state capped at 49% and an initial 150 billion soums earmarked for 2027. Regional Connectivity Milestone: The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project marked a breakthrough as the first Kyrgyz-section tunnel was drilled through (Kosh Dobo North No. 2), alongside ongoing work on dozens of tunnels, bridges, stations, and a planned rail link from Kashgar to Andijan. SCO Governance & Security Talk: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders emphasized security and counter-terror coordination, while Uzbekistan-linked officials highlighted Xi’s “four global initiatives” as interconnected across development, security, civilization, and governance. Parliamentary Rights Signal: Uzbekistan’s upper house urged non-selective application of international human rights law and humanitarian law at a conference in Samarkand. Travel Rule Update: Thailand ends Uzbekistan’s visa-free arrangement for most travelers on Sept. 15, replacing it with nationality-specific entry categories and new stay limits. Uzbekistan-Serbia Diplomacy: President Mirziyoyev is set to visit Serbia Sept. 7-8 for talks on trade, investment, transport, industry, labor migration, and a package of agreements.

SCO Counter-Terror Push: PM Modi urged SCO leaders to “dismantle the entire ecosystem” of terror financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens, calling for one voice and rejecting double standards. BRICS Judicial Cooperation: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant told the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum to become a “living Nalanda University,” stressing healthy disagreement and faster, more predictable justice for the rule of law. Uzbekistan-Serbia Diplomacy: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is set to visit Serbia on Sept 7-8 for high-level talks and a business forum, with a package of intergovernmental agreements expected. Regional Connectivity Milestone: On the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the first Kyrgyz tunnel has been drilled through, while work continues on major structures including a 956.67m bridge in Suzak. Parliamentary Outreach: Uzbekistan’s Senate first deputy chairman Sodiq Safoyev highlighted the interconnected logic of Xi’s “four global initiatives” and praised China-Uzbek ties as built on leadership trust. Sports & Youth in Tashkent: India’s U20 men face Bangladesh at Do’stlik Stadium on Sunday, with qualification scenarios tied to the Uzbekistan-Syria match later the same evening.

Judicial Diplomacy: India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant used the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi to push closer judicial cooperation, including mediation and arbitration for cross-border commercial disputes, and held bilateral talks with judicial leaders from Russia, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, South Africa—and Uzbekistan—on mutual recognition of court decisions and faster commercial justice. Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan Ties: Uzbekistan marked its 35th Independence anniversary with a reception in Turkmenistan, with officials stressing ongoing reforms and “good-neighbourliness” as a strategic foreign-policy priority. Regional Security & Governance: The SCO continues to frame itself as a non-bloc platform, with leaders emphasizing security, connectivity, technology, and Afghanistan-related calls for inclusive governance. Cross-Border Tech Links: Hong Kong’s Cyberport deepened ties with Kazakhstan’s Astana Hub, with a stated goal of channeling Central Asian startups into AI, fintech, and smart-city markets. Uzbekistan in International Legal Risk: Amsterdam & Partners filed an ICSID arbitration request against Uzbekistan seeking over $100 million in compensation tied to a detained company director. Local Development Spillover: Kyrgyzstan plans a new production zone on land transferred from Uzbekistan, with city and defense officials assessing logistics and suitability. Sports (Uzbek Connection): At the US Open, world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka briefly paused play after complaining about a strong cannabis smell during her match against Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova. Youth Parliament: Uzbekistan hosted the 12th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, focused on human rights, justice, digital rights, youth employment, and ending violence against women.

Parliament & Rights: Uzbekistan opened the 12th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev presiding and the IPU leadership attending; the two-day agenda spotlights youth rights in crises, digital rights, climate resilience, ending violence against women, and youth economic and political empowerment. Social Policy: Uzbekistan, the World Bank and UNICEF are drafting an Adaptive Social Protection Strategy to help households absorb climate, natural and economic shocks faster, with tighter coordination across social protection institutions. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s ties with India got a fresh boost after PM Modi’s visit, with the Uzbek ambassador to India calling it a “firm groundwork” for a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and progress on uranium and critical minerals cooperation. SCO & Governance: The BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum began in New Delhi, with Uzbekistan’s Supreme Court representation among participants, and sessions set to cover mediation, cross-border enforcement, AI in justice, and sustainable development. Cross-border Connectivity: A production zone is planned on 105 hectares transferred from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan, following recent border agreements and ratification steps. Security & Courts: Russia’s Southern District Military Court sentenced Uzbek and Tajik nationals to long terms over a 2024 hostage-taking at a detention center in Rostov-on-Don. International Cooperation: Uzbekistan’s Presidential Administration head Saida Mirziyoyeva met Qatar’s Emir in Doha, discussing new joint initiatives around cultural heritage.

SCO Diplomacy in Bishkek: Uzbekistan is pushing to turn Shanghai Cooperation Organization principles into practical mechanisms for economic integration, security coordination, digital development and cross-border connectivity, with Tashkent framing the bloc as a core pillar of its foreign policy and highlighting its role in the SCO’s anti-terror structure. Regional Security & Water Politics: At the SCO summit’s close, Pakistan took over the chairmanship and emphasized water security, warning that shared resources must never be weaponised—an issue that also echoed across leaders’ agendas. Uzbekistan-Russia Friction: A separate report points to a chill in Uzbek-Russian relations after a brief Kremlin statement following Putin’s meeting with President Mirziyoyev, suggesting Moscow’s displeasure amid broader SCO sidelines diplomacy. Defense Modernization: Uzbekistan publicly showcased its first Chengdu J-10CE fighters in official footage, marking a notable shift toward Chinese airpower after years of a Russian-only combat fleet. Cultural Diplomacy: Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation signed a five-year cooperation agreement to build human capital and support the creative economy through research, joint projects and heritage conservation. Trade & Investment Links: Serbia-Uzbekistan ties keep expanding, with trade turnover rising sharply since 2016 and new cooperation focus areas including mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and agriculture.

Uzbek-Russia Chill: Kremlin issued a notably curt one-sentence readout after Putin met Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Aug. 31, while Uzbekistan’s own summary sounded substantive—raising questions about a sudden diplomatic frost. SCO Diplomacy: At the SCO Bishkek summit and “SCO Plus” format, leaders—including Mirziyoyev—backed a multipolar, security-and-connectivity agenda, with Xi Jinping urging “universal security” and higher-quality SCO development. Nuclear Push with Local Content: Uzbekistan’s $9.5bn nuclear power plant construction is advancing, and Mirziyoyev wants localization lifted from 21% to at least 30%, including a planned 200-hectare industrial zone in Farish to supply NPP components. Regional Water Talks: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held a UNECE-backed meeting on protecting and sustainably using transboundary water resources, including drafting a roadmap and memorandum for aquifer cooperation. Tashkent Logistics Investment: DP World plans to start building a $288m Tashkent multimodal logistics terminal in October, targeting 150,000 TEUs per year and linking rail, highway, and air access. Tech & Business Calendar: ICTWEEK Uzbekistan 2026 is set for Sept. 22–25 in Tashkent, aiming to connect startups, investors, policymakers, and global tech ecosystems.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit signed the Bishkek Declaration, pushing deeper cooperation on security, counter-terrorism, trade facilitation, energy security and technology, while adopting a first dedicated nuclear safety and security declaration. Regional Security & Terror: The SCO backed a tougher line against terrorism “in all its forms,” rejecting double standards and calling for action against terror networks, safe havens and financing. Uzbekistan’s Nuclear Build: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed progress on an integrated nuclear power plant in Jizzakh, ordering higher use of domestically produced goods and more local construction work. Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan Water Talks: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held expert meetings on protecting shared transboundary water resources, focusing on a roadmap for the Tashkent transboundary aquifer through 2030. Uzbekistan–Pakistan Trade Push: Pakistan and Uzbekistan set a target to lift bilateral trade to $2 billion over five years, with expanded air connectivity expected by October 2026. Tashkent Finance Boost: Bluestone Investment Bank hired a new head of research and launched an equity research platform aimed at Uzbekistan and Central Asia capital markets. Sports & Culture: Uzbekistan-linked coverage included World Nomad Games events in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan’s participation in international competitions in Samarkand.

SCO Nuclear Safety: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation adopted its first nuclear safety and security declaration at the Bishkek summit, calling for stronger cooperation on regulation, emergency response, and stopping illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, while stressing each state’s responsibility for nuclear security. Uzbekistan Governance Programs: Uzbekistan’s Independence Day announcements set out seven national development programs for the years ahead, heavily focused on education, health, economic modernization, labor productivity, environment, and judicial independence—while notably omitting political pluralism and press freedom. Uzbekistan-India Trade Push: Uzbekistan and India are aiming to lift bilateral trade toward $5 billion by 2030, with uranium and critical minerals cooperation at the center of the relationship. Uzbekistan-CCA Tashkent: Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary art center, CCA Tashkent, is set to open in September in a renovated 1912 diesel power plant, with exhibitions plus education and research. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdogan said SCO engagement won’t mean turning away from the West, as he discussed further nuclear cooperation with Russia’s Putin during the summit. Tashkent Sports & Youth: India named Mehrajuddin Wadoo as head coach of its U17 men’s team, while India’s U17 women drew 0-0 twice with Uzbekistan in friendlies ahead of qualifiers.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined leaders in adopting the Bishkek Declaration, with the bloc pledging deeper cooperation on security, trade, technology, and a more rules-based global order. Terrorism & sanctions: India’s PM Modi pushed for a united message against the “double standards” in counter-terror efforts, calling for dismantling the “entire ecosystem of terrorism,” while the declaration also condemned attacks on Iran and rejected unilateral sanctions. Water diplomacy: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif warned that water must never be “weaponised,” echoing regional disputes and urging restraint. Uzbekistan-Russia ties: Mirziyoyev and Putin met in Bishkek to accelerate joint projects across industry, energy, transport, and regional cooperation. Uzbekistan-India cultural outreach: During Modi’s Uzbekistan stop, he backed cultural links including a “chess diplomacy” gift—Sindarov’s World Cup scoresheet to Mirziyoyev—and urged translating the Thirukkural into Uzbek. Local governance & society: Mirziyoyev’s Knowledge Day message highlighted education reforms and the push toward IT, creativity, sports, and vocational growth. Sports: Uzbekistan also featured in regional judo success, with Uzbek judoka winning medals at the Lausanne Grand Slam.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev used the SCO Plus track to argue for “multipolarity” that expands cooperation, proposing interregional project banks and a stronger role for UN-led coordination. Counterterror & Security: India’s PM Narendra Modi pressed SCO members to dismantle the “ecosystem of terrorism” and reject “double standards,” while SCO leaders backed an inclusive approach for Afghanistan aimed at lasting peace. Water as a Red Line: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif told the summit water must “never be weaponised,” stressing treaties like the Indus Waters Treaty must be honored. Uzbek-India Economic Push: Modi’s visit to Tashkent and Kyrgyzstan produced a target to lift bilateral trade to $5bn by 2030 and renewed focus on long-term uranium supply and critical minerals. China-Uzbek Cooperation: Xi Jinping said China is ready to help Uzbekistan usher in a “golden decade,” highlighting the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and digital/AI cooperation. Defense Procurement: Uzbekistan confirmed it has bought China’s J-10CE fighter jets, signaling a shift beyond traditional Russian platforms. Cross-border Payments: UPI is expanding into Uzbekistan via UZQR, enabling Indian travelers to pay with UPI-enabled apps. Tashkent Logistics: DP World and Tashkent Invest plan a $288m multimodal dry port in Tashkent, with construction slated to start in October. Migration Law Draft: Uzbekistan is considering up to 15 years for organizing illegal migration for profit, with public discussion until Sept 8.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met China’s Xi Jinping on SCO sidelines, with Xi backing a “golden decade” and urging high-quality delivery of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway plus new cooperation in AI and desertification control. Uzbekistan-Russia ties: Mirziyoyev also met Vladimir Putin, focusing on expanding the comprehensive strategic partnership; leaders cited a 12% trade rise this year and ongoing projects in industry, energy, transport, and cultural exchanges. India–Uzbekistan upgrade: Coverage of PM Narendra Modi’s Uzbekistan visit highlights elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a long-term uranium supply framework, defense cooperation, and a $5bn trade target by 2030. Digital payments for visitors: NPCI International and Uzbekistan’s NIPC/HUMO agreed to enable UPI merchant payments nationwide via UZQR, aimed at Indian tourists and business travelers. Regional connectivity & governance: Multiple briefs tie SCO’s 25th anniversary to transport corridors and broader “Shanghai Spirit” governance themes, while leaders’ bilateral meetings signal intensified multipolar diplomacy. Sports diplomacy: Kyrgyzstan opened the VI World Nomad Games alongside the SCO summit; Russia’s Tatarstan was flagged as a 2028 host.