AGP Executive Report

Ebola and World Cup logistics: The U.S. is tightening entry rules for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s squad, ordering a 21-day isolation “bubble” in Belgium before the team can travel to Houston for its June 11 arrival, with airport screenings and separate bubbles for any new arrivals, as Atlanta begins Ebola screening for travelers from affected countries. Uzbekistan in the sports spotlight: Uzbekistan’s national team was formally sent off for the World Cup, while the U-17 draw has Uzbekistan facing Jamaica, Italy and Côte d’Ivoire. Regional diplomacy and institutions: Uzbekistan officially joined the New Development Bank, and leaders also discussed expanding Uzbek-Russian strategic ties. Judiciary cooperation: Turkic states’ judicial councils signed an MoU on ethics in Samarkand, reinforcing cross-border legal coordination. Digital and health upgrades: Uzbekistan launched a Gustave Roussy oncology project and expanded cooperation on internet infrastructure with RIPE NCC.

World Cup Health Rules: The U.S. has told DR Congo’s squad to keep a strict 21-day isolation “bubble” in Belgium or risk being denied entry to the U.S., after Ebola concerns forced the team to cancel a Kinshasa camp. Uzbekistan–China Tourism Push: Tashkent and Beijing are expanding tourism cooperation in Xi’an, with new joint routes and hotel and resort plans. Digital Infrastructure: Uzbekistan and RIPE NCC are deepening work on IPv6 rollout, network security, and stability, including training for local specialists. Health & Science: Uzbekistan launched an oncology cooperation project with France’s Gustave Roussy to bring in international standards, training, and joint research. Energy Planning: Uzbekistan is moving ahead with Central Asia’s first pumped-storage pilot projects, setting up three plants totaling 1,400 MW by 2032. Culture & Society: Mirziyoyev backed a nationwide reading movement, framing books as a state-level priority for independent thinking.

SEZ Overhaul: Uzbekistan is moving to modernize its special economic zones with the Asian Development Bank, aiming to turn 47 SEZs (13,400 hectares) into export-focused production platforms using results-based lending, plus PPPs, digital monitoring, and ESG standards. Central Banking Meets Research: The Central Bank signed an MoU with ERGO Analytics to run a large behavioral study across 90 mahallas in Fergana, Andijan, and Namangan—targeting savings habits and financial literacy—alongside academic publications. Trade Rules Tighten: The government approved a customs duty calculation procedure for processed goods, using raw material import values and output norms, with an experimental rollout until March 2027. Diplomacy & Security: Russia–Uzbekistan ties were highlighted in St. Petersburg by Valentina Matviyenko, while Mirziyoyev’s Tashkent schedule includes UAE talks and a send-off for the national football team. World Cup Logistics: Ebola fears are still shaping travel planning, even as health risk for fans is described as low.

Digital Finance & Trade: At PLUS Forum Digital Uzbekistan in Tashkent, 8B co-founder Bogdan Zadorozhny argued central-bank QR interoperability is the defining fintech shift, with the real fight now over who controls payment “routing logic.” Migration & Rights: Uzbekistan hosted the first International Migration Forum, ending with a push toward legal labor pathways and training centers like INTIL in Tashkent. Tech & Connectivity: Uzbekistan tested direct-to-device satellite messaging for the first time and signed a 2026–2027 public-security cooperation program with China, including cybersecurity and digital forensics. Regional Economics: Uzbekistan and Malaysia expanded medical device cooperation; Uzbekistan also opened a Premier air-conditioner plant in Ahangaran with UAE partnership. Security & Humanitarian: DR Congo canceled World Cup camp amid Ebola fears, while Kabul and Tashkent signaled willingness to expand joint investment. Sports: World Cup squad announcements keep rolling, with Portugal’s Ronaldo set for a record sixth appearance.

World Cup, but late-night viewing: With the 2026 men’s World Cup starting June 11, Austria-based fans face awkward kick-off times and fewer public fan-zone vibes—though some matches will be screened locally, and the tournament runs June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities. Uzbekistan in the spotlight: Uzbekistan is in Group K, and the wider tournament build-up is being complicated by Ebola-related travel restrictions affecting DR Congo’s preparations and raising uncertainty for teams in the region. WUF13 urban governance: At WUF13, officials presented an explanatory “cities” dictionary aimed at citizens, covering planning, housing, mobility, smart cities, governance and UN frameworks—pushing technical terms into everyday civic language. Digital + surveillance debate: A new commentary warns that “smart city” surveillance can spread through private tech even in democracies, urging citizens and governments to stay vigilant. Tax overhaul momentum: Uzbekistan’s May 19 tax decrees expand large-taxpayer rules and speed VAT refunds for low-risk firms, while adding a “customer orientation” index for tax services. Diplomacy + culture: Uzbekistan also wrapped up an Algeria ambassador mission, while Samarkand’s Imam Al-Bukhari complex reopened to over a million visitors in its first month.

Tax Overhaul: President Mirziyoyev’s May 19 decree is reshaping Uzbekistan’s tax administration—expanding “large taxpayer” coverage from July 1, tightening property and timber tax-base rules using market prices, and speeding VAT refunds to three days for low-risk firms. Metro Push: Tashkent Metro gets $84.3m in state funding and plans a distance-based fare system by 2027, alongside governance changes to improve oversight. Road Safety Politics: A parliamentary inquiry is pushing to move traffic radar installation control fully under the Interior Ministry, after complaints about the current setup. Sports & Diplomacy: The Football Association denies paying the Dutch side $300,000 for a June 8 friendly in New York. Separately, Foreign Minister Saidov met outgoing Algeria’s ambassador. Ebola Disruption: DR Congo canceled a Kinshasa World Cup camp and fan farewell due to an Ebola outbreak, shifting preparations to Belgium and Spain. Energy & Industry: Talks with China target a 100-hectare chemical industrial zone in Syrdarya; Uzbekistan also plans to accelerate Kambarata-1 hydropower cooperation.

Aviation & Tourism Push: Kazakhstan is moving fast on connectivity, with plans for direct flights from Astana to New York and Tokyo (Astana–Tokyo by late 2026, Astana–New York by mid-2027) and Kostanay adding new routes including Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Istanbul and Tashkent, while Pavlodar’s airport renovation nears completion. Uzbekistan’s Visitor Boom: Uzbekistan expects foreign tourist numbers to keep rising after a 29.9% jump in arrivals in Jan–Apr, with officials pointing to growing interest from China, India and South Korea. Culture Diplomacy: Bishkek opened the Days of Tajikistan Cinema, while Tajik Culture Days run through May 21—another reminder that soft power is still a regional tool. Finance & Infrastructure: The EDB opened in Tashkent, pledging up to $1.5bn by 2031, and Uzbekistan also launched a 25% film rebate at Cannes to pull in production and film tourism. Regional Tech & Trade: Kazakhstan digitized road transit permits with partners, and Hong Kong’s John Lee is set to visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan next month with a major business delegation.

Gaza Funding Crunch: Trump’s “Board of Peace” says a widening gap between pledged and disbursed money is threatening Gaza’s $70bn rebuilding plan, urging faster transfers to turn “paper” frameworks into on-the-ground aid. Middle Corridor Push: Kazakhstan’s KTZ is moving beyond rail—signing for Caspian-capable vessels and planning cargo aviation to strengthen the Middle Corridor’s maritime and air legs. Russia–China Corridor Talks: Russia is seeking Chinese financing and tech for a Caspian highway route toward Iran and South Asia, aiming to plug sanctions-driven logistics gaps into wider networks. Ukraine Migration Myth: A migration expert disputes claims of a “mass influx” of labor migrants into Ukraine, citing far lower work-permit numbers than pre-2022. Uzbekistan Capital Markets: Uzbekistan’s UzNIF IPO is framed as a milestone for investor confidence and policy predictability ahead of the Tashkent International Investment Forum. Sports Spotlight: Portugal named Cristiano Ronaldo in a record sixth World Cup squad, with Uzbekistan also listed in Group K.

Semiconductor Push: Uzbek officials toured Hoseo University’s semiconductor packaging lab and held talks on industry-academia cooperation, under a Korea-Uzbekistan “Young Leaders Governance” exchange aimed at building future public-sector talent. Eurasian Security: Kazakhstan’s Tokayev met Central Asia and China interior/public security ministers, stressing tighter coordination against transnational crime, drugs, human trafficking and cyber threats as freight grows on Eurasian routes. Aviation & Energy Modernization: Uzbekistan moved to upgrade hydrometeorology and aviation weather systems, while lawmakers advanced reforms including a Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) tariff model and stronger digital product marking rules. Market Access: Etihad and Uzbekistan Airways signed a codeshare, expanding one-ticket connections via Tashkent and Abu Dhabi. Global Shockwatch: The US invoked Ebola travel restrictions tied to DR Congo’s outbreak, raising uncertainty for regional travel plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Procurement Crackdown: Uzbekistan’s Competition Development Committee says it found more than 23 billion soums in public procurement violations, launching cases and orders to fix tender breaches. Energy & Aviation Modernization: The government approved plans to upgrade hydrometeorology and aviation weather systems, including new snow-depth monitoring and airport aviation stations. Property Rights Push: The Senate backed reforms to speed up registration of real-estate rights, including self-occupied land and buildings, aiming to cut processing time and reduce administrative barriers. Digital Economy Rules: Lawmakers approved tighter digital product marking and new VAT rules for e-commerce, including VAT obligations for foreign online sellers. Senate on Social Safety: A Senate inquiry flagged child safety gaps in Tashkent’s Bektemir district, where students must cross a busy ring road. Investment Signaling: Saida Mirziyoyeva called UzNIF’s London IPO a “historic milestone,” while the Foreign Investors Council reviewed a package of 116 reform initiatives.

Islamic Finance Push: Tashkent will host the 5th CIS Islamic Banking and Finance Forum on July 9, 2026, bringing regulators, central banks, scholars and investors to discuss sharia-compliant growth and fintech, with Uzbekistan highlighted for regulatory progress and financial inclusion. Trade & Tourism Links: Etihad and Uzbekistan Airways signed a codeshare deal effective May 15, with first flights from August 9, giving Etihad passengers one-ticket access across Uzbekistan and Uzbek travelers easier routes to Abu Dhabi. Local Business Expansion: ICE AND GOLD, the Uzbek ice cream maker, is targeting Europe after a 75% production jump over four years, planning its first major European trade show appearance at Italy’s TuttoFood Milano in 2026. Regional Diplomacy: UNRCCA took part in a Tashkent conference on preventive diplomacy and regional cooperation, focusing on shared security and development priorities. Sports & Culture: Uzbekistan’s Anvar Anvarov opened the Diamond League season with a bronze in long jump, while Tashkent’s international jazz push continues to draw global audiences.

World Urban Forum in Baku: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has flown to Azerbaijan for WUF13, joining the Leaders’ Summit and lining up bilateral talks—another sign Tashkent is using UN-style platforms to turn diplomacy into deals. Transit and trade plumbing: Uzbekistan and Afghanistan discussed speeding cargo through Hairatan port, while Tashkent also approved new transport protocols with Turkmenistan, Jordan (aviation), and Romania (road transit), tightening the region’s connectivity. Agriculture push: Mirziyoyev signed a decree to bring 938,000 hectares into use, with private-sector auctions and state-backed financing, and Uzbekistan expanded its zero VAT list for farm products. Energy and security: Uzbekistan and ROSEN agreed to boost oil-and-gas safety ties; authorities seized 596 kg of drugs at the Afghan border. Local economy: Hamkorbank bought a Tashkent ministry building for 196.6 billion soums, and TİKA launched a Kashkadarya beekeeping project aimed at women and youth incomes.

Turkic Integration Push: At an informal OTS summit in Turkistan, Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev backed a Turkic Alliance on cybersecurity and a digital Turkic corridor linking data centers, while Kazakhstan’s Tokayev said Yasawi heritage will “strengthen brotherly ties,” as leaders also highlighted new OTS institution-building. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar and Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov praised Islamabad’s mediation role, while Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi landed in Tehran on an unannounced visit tied to efforts to revive stalled US-Iran talks. Trade & Security: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank opened a draft to tighten licensing for payment operators, including beneficial ownership rules; meanwhile Tashkent Airport stopped an attempted alpha-PVP smuggling case. Sports & Culture: Uzbek footballer Abdukodir Khusanov won the FA Cup with Manchester City, and Uzbekistan hosted major Turkic NGO solidarity activity in Baku.

Turkic Summit Push: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev used the OTS informal summit in Turkistan to pitch a Turkic Alliance on cybersecurity, a strategic AI cooperation network, and a digital Turkic corridor linking data centers—framing integration as a strategic necessity as global institutions weaken. Payments & Finance Rules: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank opened a draft update to payment-operator licensing, aiming to tighten beneficial ownership transparency and align procedures with FATF-style anti–money laundering standards. Tourism Overhaul: Tashkent’s tourism reforms were laid out with targets to lift tourism’s GDP share to 7% and reach 20 million foreign visitors by 2030, backed by a new project-management approach. Security & Enforcement: Tashkent airport stopped a synthetic drug attempt, seizing 986 grams of alpha-PVP and launching a criminal case. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov praised Pakistan’s mediation on Middle East peace talks, while Ishaq Dar and Saidov reaffirmed close coordination.

Parliament Reset: Uzbekistan’s political calendar is heating up as the National Assembly dissolves ahead of August general elections, with Speaker Nelly Mutti bidding MPs farewell and lawmakers pushing a final batch of reforms. Turkic Integration Push: In Turkistan, OTS leaders toured the Khoja Ahmed Yassawi Mausoleum and backed Mirziyoyev’s “Digital Turkic Corridor” and AI cooperation plans, while Kazakhstan urged cybersecurity coordination inside the bloc. Aviation & Connectivity: Etihad and Uzbekistan Airways signed a codeshare, with Abu Dhabi links via Tashkent starting this summer; Asman Airlines also plans Tashkent–Issyk-Kul flights from late June. Cost of Living: Uzbekistan approved higher electricity and gas tariffs from June 2026. Finance & Payments: UZCARD and Mastercard move to expand digital payments, while the Legislative Chamber advanced the Tashkent International Financial Center law and UzNIF completed the country’s biggest IPO. Regional Watch: Lebanon-Israel ceasefire was extended for 45 days, but strikes still hit civilians.

Afghanistan Security: Russia’s Shoigu says 18,000–23,000 militants are operating in Afghanistan, with ISIS-linked fighters around 3,000 and new inflows from Syria—raising fresh SCO alarm over terrorism and drug trafficking. Uzbekistan–Afghanistan Connectivity: Russia Railways reports technical and economic studies for the Trans-Afghan railway, with the corridor envisioned from Termez via Mazar-e-Sharif and Kabul to Peshawar. Capital Markets: White & Case backed UzNIF’s $600m IPO and dual listing on the LSE and TSE—Uzbekistan’s first international public offering of its kind. Trade & Transport Paperwork: Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan signed the TRACECA Single Transit Permit Agreement to streamline cross-border transit. Aviation Links: Etihad and Uzbekistan Airways launched a codeshare from May 15, expanding one-ticket access to eight Uzbek cities. Turkic Bloc Diplomacy: Erdogan and Mirziyoyev met in Turkistan on the sidelines of the OTS summit focused on AI, digitalization and regional integration. Border Crackdown: Uzbekistan seized a major drugs shipment on the Kyrgyz border, including Regapen and Tropicamide.