AGP Executive Report

AI & Cybersecurity Partnership: A U.S. delegation met Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies to discuss AI adoption, cloud and data center upgrades, and scaling IT services exports—aiming to deepen tech and innovation cooperation. GovTech & Digital Identity: A Tajik delegation studied Uzbekistan’s e-government and AI tools, focusing on digital identity, e-document exchange, and biometric/cybersecurity solutions like myID and UzFace. Social Protection Strategy: Uzbekistan drafted its 2027–2033 social protection plan with the World Bank and UNICEF, stressing digitization of services, better inter-agency coordination, and stronger child-rights protection. Health & Research Links: The Fergana Medical Institute signed a University of Michigan partnership covering staff training, joint research fellowships, and curriculum upgrades aligned with international medical licensing. Water Security: GEF launched the CAWLN Water-Land Nexus program across Central Asia to tackle water stress and land degradation affecting ~60 million people. Fraud Crackdown: Prosecutors charged suspects behind a $2.7M tax cashback scheme using fake invoices and Telegram groups to exploit Soliq Mobile. Military Medicine Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Turkey agreed to expand training and scientific cooperation for military medics, including joint treatment and specialist exchanges. Clean Sport: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan anti-doping agencies signed a cooperation memo covering education, testing systems, and shared research. Market Watch: Tashkent rents held at $550 in May, but listings fell 21%, hinting at future upward pressure.

Uzbekistan–U.S. Business Forum: Tashkent will host the Uzbekistan–U.S. Business Forum on June 16 at CAEx, with major American firms and finance leaders expected to explore joint investment in industrial, infrastructure, transport, digital tech, and agriculture. Critical Minerals & Pharma Push: Uzbekistan and a Chinese firm signed a memorandum to expand critical minerals extraction, processing, and technology transfer; meanwhile, Uzbek pharma cluster delegations studied India’s GMP-based cluster model, and Uzbekistan’s medical industry agency met AIG Hospitals and Guangzhou Pharma to discuss partnerships. Copper & Defence Upgrades: President Mirziyoyev reviewed major copper projects, including commissioning steps for a $2.7B concentrator plant, and also discussed defence sector reforms plus modernization of military aviation training. Nuclear Progress: Uzbekistan continues construction of its first nuclear power plant, with updates on infrastructure and licensing aligning with safety standards. Trade & Border Tech: Uzbekistan’s customs warned of temporary queues at the Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan border due to Kazakh IT maintenance. Agriculture Exports: Uzbek raisins reached Senegal for the first time, supported by digital monitoring and quality management.

Uzbekistan–China Critical Minerals: Uzbekistan’s Technological Metals Plant and Shaanxi Non-ferrous Metals Holding Group signed a memorandum to expand exploration, extraction, deep processing, tech transfer, research, training, and joint investment in strategic minerals. Healthcare & Pharma Partnerships: Uzbekistan’s medical industry agency met AIG Hospitals in India to discuss expertise exchange and investment; meanwhile Tashkent Pharma Park delegations studied India’s pharma cluster model (including GMP-linked production and wastewater treatment practices), and Uzbekistan also held talks with Guangzhou Pharma on joint projects, research, and medicinal plant cooperation. Aviation Green Fuel Push: IATA warned that sustainable aviation fuel remains under 1% of global jet demand and that jet fuel costs plus SAF shortages could trigger billions in compliance penalties—urging policy fixes. Customs & Border Tech Glitches: Uzbekistan’s Customs Committee warned of temporary queues at the Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan border due to Kazakhstan’s customs IT maintenance. World Cup Tech in the Background: FIFA is using AI to help curb social media abuse during the 2026 tournament. Education Mobility Lens: A report highlights how Russia’s stricter school access rules are reshaping Central Asian student mobility beyond old defaults.

Nuclear Energy: Uzbekistan officially began construction of its first nuclear power plant, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin authorizing the first power unit via video link in Jizzakh; the project is led by Rosatom and framed as a major step toward advanced engineering, baseload electricity, and long-term energy security under IAEA supervision. Digital Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Russia discussed expanding digital infrastructure and ecosystems, including AI deployment, modern data centers, e-government upgrades, electronic signatures, and cross-border data exchange, with a roadmap planned. Construction Services Reform: From 1 July, Uzbekistan will simplify construction-related public services using “one application, one payment” for utility connections, streamline urban planning assignments, and extend correction deadlines for deficiencies. Innovation & Trade Links: A major Hong Kong delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee wrapped up a five-day Central Asia mission, securing 96 agreements worth about $1.65B and pushing “hub-to-hub” collaboration in finance, innovation, technology, and aviation; Cyberport also signed MoUs with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan tech parks. Cybersecurity Watch: A report says free smart TV apps on Samsung/LG/Roku can quietly route AI web-scraping traffic through users’ devices via embedded SDKs, raising new concerns about consent and device security. Environment & Water Resilience: At Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 in Samarkand, a Swiss-funded Zarafshan River Basin project pavilion drew high-level visits, highlighting climate-resilient water management and support for PhD research.

Nuclear Energy: Uzbekistan has officially started construction of its first nuclear power plant, with the first concrete poured for a small modular reactor unit at the Farish site in Jizzakh; the ceremony connected the project to St. Petersburg and included IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, while Rosatom and Uzbekistan’s atomic agency outlined progress in engineering, licensing, and site prep. Digital Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Russia agreed to expand digital ties, focusing on AI, new data centres, e-government upgrades, electronic signatures, and cross-border data exchange, with a roadmap to follow. Construction Reform: From 1 July, Uzbekistan will simplify construction public services using “one application, one payment” for utility connections, unify architectural assignments from 1 September, and cut repeated approvals for minor changes. Aviation & Green Tech: At IATA’s 82nd AGM in Rio, officials warned sustainable aviation fuel still covers under 1% of jet demand despite net-zero goals, as Europe faces summer disruption pressures. Green Agenda: The GEF’s 8th Assembly in Samarkand elevated Uzbekistan’s global environmental role, including plans to become a GEF donor and a push for “Green Capital” status. Tech & Industry Links: Hong Kong’s delegation visited IT Park Uzbekistan to review digital public services and AI startup support, while SCO industry ministers met in Cholpon-Ata to back low-carbon industrial zones and a shared investment database.

Nuclear Energy Push: Uzbekistan kicked off construction of its first nuclear power plant, with leaders citing modern small modular tech and IAEA-aligned safety; the project is pegged at about $9.5B and includes both large and small reactor units, while regulators also issued a construction license for an RITM-200N unit. AI & Jobs: At SPIEF, Uzbekistan’s digital minister said the country’s AI strategy is human-centric, aiming to create jobs and keep talent at home via IT Park growth and remote-work opportunities. Cyber & Smart Devices: A new report warns that free apps can embed proxy SDKs turning always-on smart TVs (and other devices) into scraping relays, raising privacy and bandwidth misuse concerns. Climate Finance at GEF: Tanzania urged stronger adaptation funding as the 8th GEF Assembly wrapped in Samarkand, highlighting faster access and reforms for vulnerable countries. Transport Tech Upgrade: Uzbekistan extended a zero recycling fee for new buses and added a modern fare system using contactless cards and smartphone/NFC options. Environment & Wildlife: Central Asian states agreed to boost cooperation to protect the snow leopard and manage mountain ecosystems under GEF-9 planning. Regional Tech Trade: Wildberries projections point to Uzbek goods surging past $2B in 2026, driven by e-commerce access for small manufacturers.

Nuclear Energy Push: Uzbekistan kicked off construction of its first nuclear power plant, with leaders saying the project marks a new tech and industrial stage and will follow IAEA safety oversight; the integrated plant is reported at US$9.5B and includes large and small reactor units, with a separate license issued for an RITM-200N unit. AI Jobs & Digital Growth: At SPIEF, Uzbekistan’s digital technologies minister said the country’s AI strategy is human-centric, aiming to create jobs and bring remote work home as foreign IT offices expand in IT Park. GEF Climate Funding: Tanzania urged stronger climate adaptation finance as the 8th GEF Assembly ends in Samarkand, warning that time is running out to meet 2030 environmental targets. Eurasian Tech Trade: Russia’s SPIEF remarks highlighted BRICS momentum in high-tech exports, while Wildberries projections say Uzbek goods on the platform could top $2B in 2026. Urban Mobility & Inclusion: Uzbekistan extended a zero recycling fee for new bus imports until end-2027 and plans to digitize disability parking permits via social cards. Regional Science & Culture: Central Asian culture ministers met the U.S. in Tashkent under C5+1 to expand heritage protection and digitalization, including museum and research cooperation.

Nuclear Energy Push: Uzbekistan and Russia have officially started construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant unit, with leaders joining a ceremony via video link and the IAEA present; regulators also issued a construction license for an RITM-200N unit, while officials set the project’s base cost ceiling at about US$9.5 billion and say safety will follow modern international standards. AI & Jobs: At SPIEF, Uzbekistan’s digital technologies minister said the AI strategy is human-centric, aiming to create jobs and bring remote work into the country, supported by rapid growth around IT Park and startups. Urban Tech & Mobility: Uzbekistan extended a zero recycling fee for imported buses (including electric and trolleybuses) until end-2027 and plans a more digital, validator-based fare system from Sept 2026; separately, the government is moving disabled parking permits fully online via a social card system. Industry & Skills: Ferghana plans new chemical projects after visits to the Chirchiq Chemical Industrial Technopark, while the region and Germany are expanding vocational training cooperation through modern centers and labor-market-aligned programs. Environment & Biodiversity: Central Asian countries agreed to jointly preserve the snow leopard and strengthen mountain ecosystem management through a GEF-backed regional vision for the next funding cycle. Regional Connectivity: Uzbekistan used SPIEF to argue Central Asia is becoming an independent growth hub, calling for tighter digital, payment, and production infrastructure links.

Nuclear Energy Breakthrough: Uzbekistan and Russia officially kicked off construction of Uzbekistan’s first integrated nuclear power plant, with presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Vladimir Putin joining via video link as the first concrete was poured for the first unit in Jizzakh’s Forish district, with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi attending; the project combines SMR RITM-200N units with VVER-1000 reactors and is framed as a major step for energy security and high-tech industrial growth. Digital Environment Governance: Uzbekistan and Italy signed an AI-based environmental assessment cooperation deal to modernize environmental impact reviews using AI tools and a digital platform approach under the “Permitting 5.0” concept. Aral Sea & Biodiversity Cooperation: UNDP and Karakalpakstan signed a statement to strengthen Aral region environmental protection, focusing on biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, land and water management, and climate resilience. GEF Funding Push: At the Eighth GEF Assembly in Samarkand, leaders stressed that environmental finance can’t be optional, while the GEF council approved a new funding package for biodiversity and climate adaptation, including blended finance discussions aimed at closing major funding gaps. Cybersecurity Alert: Researchers reported the Silent Ransom Group’s “fast flux” infrastructure and shared details with the cybersecurity community as the FBI warns of ongoing attacks targeting sectors including legal services and healthcare. Heritage Restoration Milestone: Samarkand marked the first phase completion of Sher-Dor Madrasah façade restoration, supported by a U.S. cultural preservation roadmap and a $500,000 grant. Regional Tech & Telecom: GSMA M360 Eurasia 2026 in Samarkand brought senior leaders and companies to discuss AI, 5G, cybersecurity, data centers, and resilient digital infrastructure across Eurasia. Mobility Tech: VEON’s Kyivstar subsidiary Uklon agreed to acquire Ukraine’s electric scooter operator E-wings to expand into a multimodal mobility ecosystem. Regional Connectivity Diplomacy: The UN’s preventive diplomacy chief praised Uzbekistan’s Termez Dialogue on connectivity as a trust-building platform linking Central and South Asia.

Nuclear Power: Uzbekistan and Russia have started construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant, with the project overseen under IAEA supervision and designed to combine large units with small modular reactors to help meet rising electricity demand. Energy & Safety Regulation: Uzbekistan also approved construction of a small modular nuclear power unit using RITM-200N technology, moving the project forward while regulators continue safety checks. AI Adoption: Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in generative AI use per person, helped by government policy and education investment; Uzbekistan trails with lower usage rates even as it expands AI in public services. Green Finance & Climate Policy: At the GEF assembly in Samarkand, Fiji and other delegates pushed for faster, simpler climate funding for vulnerable communities, while Uzbekistan proposed new regional ecological initiatives including a “Green Investment and Innovation Capital” concept for Samarkand. Agriculture Innovation: ICBA and Uzbekistan’s innovation agency launched a Farmers’ Accelerator program in Karakalpakstan to help farmers commercialize crop value chains. Tech Governance: Uzbekistan showcased its legal-tech and digital transformation regulatory experience at the European-Asian Legal Congress. Mobility Tech (Regional): Kyivstar’s Uklon signed to acquire Ukraine’s E-wings electric scooter operator, expanding ride-hailing into a multimodal mobility ecosystem. Trade Snapshot: Uzbekistan’s foreign trade hit $26.3bn in Q1 2026, with imports rising faster than exports.

Forest Mapping Breakthrough: Uzbekistan has completed the first-ever complete mapping and digitization of its forest boundaries across 7 million hectares, using satellite and aerial imaging under the RESILAND project with World Bank support—aiming to modernize forest accounting and management. One Health Focus: Central Asian countries reviewed progress on pandemic preparedness through the One Health approach, coordinating health, veterinary and environmental actions with WHO, FAO, WOAH and the World Bank ahead of a regional report to the Pandemic Fund. Green Finance Push: At the Eighth GEF Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan signaled a major step by announcing it will become a donor to the Global Environment Facility, alongside new environmental initiatives. Chemical & Land Stewardship: Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 hosted events on pesticide and hazardous chemical lifecycle management and on scaling sustainable land and water practices, including FAO-GEF program results. Climate Warning: WMO forecasts El Niño could bring unusually heavy summer rains to Central Asia in 2026, alongside drought and heatwave risks. Tech Governance: Uzbekistan showcased legal tech reforms at the Eurasian Legal Congress, highlighting regulation for digital transformation. Public Safety: Uzbekistan withdrew several Chinese-made children’s toys after lab tests found safety violations, including formaldehyde levels above limits. Connectivity Talks: The Termez Dialogue on Central–South Asia connectivity continues in Tashkent, focusing on transport, transit, trade and energy security.

Gender & Anti-Corruption: A UNDP study in Uzbekistan finds corruption hits women harder, with only 22.5% of men saying women can be competent leaders—pushing calls for gender-sensitive anti-corruption policy. Construction Safety & Environment: Tashkent is rolling out stricter rules for about 1,700 active construction sites, including dust control, real-time environmental sensors, and surveillance linked to a central network. Ancient Medical Discovery: Uzbek researchers report a 4,000-year-old child’s skull with cranial trepanation—among the oldest known surgical evidence in Central Asia. Food Security Research: CIMMYT and Uzbekistan signed an 18-month “bridge phase” to modernize wheat, adding elite germplasm and disease surveillance for yellow rust and Fusarium. Digital Inclusion: Yandex Lavka in Uzbekistan is expanding jobs for deaf and hard-of-hearing workers in its dark stores, with adapted training and sign-language support. Tech & Investment: IFC committed $10m to Highland Capital Fund II, signaling growing confidence in Uzbekistan’s early-stage private equity market. Nuclear Energy: Uzbekistan plans to start construction of its first nuclear power unit on June 4 via a video conference with Russia’s Putin and President Mirziyoyev. International Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Hong Kong agreed to expand ties in finance, AI, transport, and logistics, including a planned visa-free regime.

Uzbekistan–Hong Kong Ties: Tashkent and Hong Kong agreed to expand cooperation in investment, finance, digital transformation, AI, and transport, with plans for a visa-free regime to boost business and tourism. Green Construction Rules: Tashkent rolled out stricter environmental and safety requirements for about 1,700 active construction sites, including dust control, site fencing, real-time sensors, and surveillance linked to a central inspection network. Food Security Research: CIMMYT and Uzbekistan signed an award agreement for an 18-month wheat innovation bridge phase to improve germplasm, disease monitoring, and speed-breeding capacity against yellow rust and Fusarium threats. Energy Tech Milestone: Putin and Mirziyoyev will remotely launch construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power unit on June 4, with plans for two large units and two small modular reactors. Digital Economy Push: IT Park Uzbekistan showcased its push to make the country a regional digital services exporter, targeting $5bn in IT exports by 2030. Inclusive Tech Jobs: Yandex Lavka expanded roles for deaf and hard-of-hearing workers in Tashkent’s dark stores, partnering with a local disability support group. Private Capital: IFC committed $10m to Highland Capital Fund II, signaling growing confidence in Uzbekistan’s early-stage private equity market. Commodities Watch: Gold cooled after April purchases, while industrial metals like copper and aluminum kept rallying—an external backdrop for Uzbekistan’s trade and industry.

Green Tech & Climate Diplomacy: Samarkand hosted the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly and Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, bringing governments and experts together to push practical climate and sustainability projects. Uzbekistan’s Environment Authority and Tashkent Zoo joined the events, while a GEF-funded biosafety initiative under the Cartagena Protocol kicked off to strengthen national biosafety policy, lab capacity, and risk monitoring. Digital Transport & Telecom: Uzbekistan and Finland discussed digital transport logistics, real-time transport data, smart mobility, and open API services, while Omnitele talks focused on broadband upgrades and 5G expansion. Startup & Health AI: Uzbek startup Lidavex won a regional Startup World Cup stage with LiDAR-based cervical data collection to train AI for maternal and child health diagnostics. Industrial Tech & Chemicals: President Mirziyoyev reviewed BCG Group OZ operations in Chirchik and briefed chemical industry development projects, highlighting modernization, new product lines, and import substitution. Mobility Infrastructure: Mirziyoyev approved Toshkent Metro restructuring and expansion plans aimed at boosting daily ridership to 1.8 million by 2030.

Green Expo & GEF Momentum: Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 opened in Samarkand (June 2–4), with Uzbekistan pushing green investment and clean-tech partnerships alongside the 8th Global Environment Facility Assembly. Biosafety & Biodiversity: At the same Expo, Uzbekistan launched a GEF-financed biosafety initiative to build a national biosafety system aligned with the Cartagena Protocol, boosting policy, lab capacity, and risk monitoring. Digital Transport & Logistics: Uzbekistan and Finland discussed real-time transport data, AI-enabled logistics, and digital corridors between Central Asia and Europe, including open API and GovTech cooperation. 5G & Telecom Modernization: Uzbekistan also met Finnish telecom consultancy Omnitele on broadband expansion, fiber buildout, mobile network planning, and 5G rollout priorities. IT Park Europe Push: IT Park Uzbekistan held talks with Schwarz Digits and STACKIT on helping Uzbek IT firms enter Europe’s regulated corporate market, focusing on data protection and sovereign infrastructure. Tech-Driven Chemical Growth: President Mirziyoyev reviewed BCG Group OZ operations in Chirchik and broader chemical-industry modernization plans, highlighting new product lines, lab testing, and import substitution. MedTech Startup Win: Uzbek startup Lidavex won a regional Startup World Cup stage with CerviLite, using LiDAR-collected childbirth data to train AI for cervical cancer diagnostics and fertility monitoring. Regional Connectivity: Uzbekistan will host the 2nd Termez Dialogue on June 4–6, focusing on connectivity, security, climate change, and cooperation with Afghanistan.

Digital Government & AI: Uzbekistan is pushing GovTech forward, with talks on secure data exchange, digital identification, and adding AI to public services, alongside cybersecurity and digital literacy efforts. Telecom Modernization: The Digital Technologies Ministry also met Finnish operator Elisa to expand broadband, automate telecom networks with AI, deploy 5G, and build a regional digital hub. Energy & Research Diplomacy: At Baku Energy Week, Uzbekistan’s energy minister backed the Central Asia–Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor, aiming for 20 GW renewables by 2030 and a 54% renewable electricity share. Oil & Gas Tech: Uzbekneftegaz and BP discussed accelerating the Ustyurt project roadmap through 2029, including geophysical exploration and using high-performance computing for seismic analysis. Trade & Halal Partnerships: Qatar and Uzbekistan chambers met in Tashkent to activate the Joint Business Council, target priority sectors, and explore halal industry cooperation. Agriculture Exports: Ferghana region secured Malaysia-bound fruit exports, including first air shipments of cherries plus apricots and peaches, with plans for logistics support. Water & Climate Risk: Kyrgyzstan raised concerns over Kazakhstan’s cloud-seeding, warning that artificial rain could disrupt sensitive mountain ecosystems—while Uzbekistan prepares its own artificial rain experiments.