Uzbek–Georgia Tech & Education Pact: Uzbekistan and Georgia signed a strategic partnership declaration in Tbilisi, covering customs, ICT/digitalization, vocational and higher education, and science and innovation, plus an e-permit system for smoother cross-border transport and a 2026–2027 intergovernmental program. Uzbekistan Fintech Push: Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a regional fintech hub by 2030, while IT Park Uzbekistan launched the President Tech Award ($5M prize pool) and a new President AI Award to fund and mentor startups. Inclusive Payments Deal: VEON and Mastercard will expand accessible financial services in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan, exploring AI credit scoring, embedded finance and digital wallets. Power as a Big Investment Test: Uzbekistan plans to raise electricity generation from 82 to 120+ billion kWh in five years, aiming for renewables to reach 54% by 2030 and boosting grid and storage investment. AI & Cybersecurity Scaling: KPMG reports Central Asia and the Caucasus are rapidly adopting AI in industry and increasing cybersecurity budgets. Water Tensions: Kyrgyzstan is reviving calls for compensation over transboundary water, while Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan reject payments under current agreements. Regional Energy Projects: The World Bank approved the second phase financing for Tajikistan’s Rogun hydropower plant, supporting clean power and electricity exports. Research Infrastructure: Legrand delivered an Nvidia H100 AI supercomputer to Yerevan State University to expand R&D and training capacity.