AGP Executive Report

Aviation Upgrade: Uzbekistan is moving to build a new “New Tashkent” airport, aiming to turn the capital into a major Central Asian air hub with capacity for up to 20 million passengers and 300,000 tons of cargo, plus plans to expand further. Tech Talent Spotlight: The 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026) wrapped up in Tashkent, with Uzbekistan’s team earning medals across all four main contestants—showing the country’s growing strength in programming education. Regional Science Links: Archaeologists from Turkic countries agreed in Hungary (ARICA) to create a unified digital database and launch joint research, including an electronic atlas of archaeological sites. Desertification & Rangelands: COP17 opened in Ulaanbaatar with the Silk Road Caravan and pastoralists’ declarations, focusing on drought resilience and restoring grasslands. Agrifood Trade Watch: On EastFruit, tomatoes led weekly activity while cucumber sales fell sharply and demand rose for processing crops like tomatoes and cucumbers. Space for Herders: Mongolia’s COP17 opening also highlighted calls for mobility and support for pastoral communities facing shrinking grazing access.

Turkic Archaeology Digital Push: Archaeologists from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and others agreed in Bugac, Hungary to expand ARICA into joint research and build a unified digital heritage database, including an Electronic Atlas of Turkic archaeological sites. Tech Talent Spotlight (IOI 2026): The 38th International Olympiad in Informatics wrapped in Tashkent, with China topping the medal table (3 gold, 1 silver) and Saudi Arabia winning its first IOI silver; the event drew nearly 400 students from 90+ countries. Science Diplomacy via Nomad Studies: A Sept. 3 international conference in Issyk-Kul will gather researchers from about 30 countries to advance nomadology and joint academic projects tied to the World Nomad Games. Uzbek Aviation Watch: A researcher published what he says is the first clear photo of an Uzbekistan Air Force J-10CE, amid reports of a possible 24-jet purchase from China. Energy & Grid Reliability: Kazakhstan reported power outages after a sharp shift in electricity flow from the Central Asian system, with restoration work underway and regional impacts noted. Uzbekistan Education Integration: Uzbekistan officials highlighted Central Asia’s education and science integration under the SCO, framing it as a modern continuation of Silk Road-era knowledge exchange.

Informatics Spotlight: Uzbekistan hosted the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026), drawing 386 students from 97 countries, and the Saudi team made history with the Kingdom’s first IOI silver as Mohammed Nasser Al-Asmari won silver, joined by a bronze and recognition awards. Regional Science & Education: Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation backed Central Asia’s education-and-science integration under the SCO, pointing to the Silk Road’s role in spreading knowledge and methods. Archaeology & Digital Heritage: Turkic-world researchers agreed to jointly develop a unified digital database of archaeological heritage through ARICA, with plans for shared site selection, fieldwork, documentation and analysis. Medieval History Research: Scholars discussed how the Golden Horde still shapes national historical narratives across Central Asia and the Volga region, highlighting changing interpretations based on newer historical evidence. Energy & Infrastructure: Kazakhstan reported power outages after a sharp shift in electricity flow from the Central Asian system, with restoration underway and coordination flagged as crucial. Textiles in Tashkent: CAITME 2026 and Global Textile Days are set to kick off in Tashkent, bringing 250 companies from 17 countries to showcase textile machinery and upgrades.

Education & Research Integration (SCO): Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation highlights Central Asia’s push to link education and science under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, framing it as a modern continuation of Silk Road-era knowledge exchange. Medical Tourism Expansion: Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre plans its first overseas centre in Kazakhstan, starting with a super-speciality OPD for second opinions and treatment planning in oncology, cardiology, neurology, IVF and more, with complex cases routed to Mumbai. Aviation Industry Update: The Antonov An-178’s path from a C-390 challenger to stalled exports is tied to the 2014 rupture and the later conflict that paused the program. Uzbekistan Standards & AI Readiness: Uzbekistan will become a full IEC member from Jan. 1, 2027, enabling direct participation in international electrical, IT, AI, cybersecurity and energy-efficiency standards work. Textile Tech in Tashkent: CAITME 2026 opens in Tashkent alongside Global Textile Days, bringing 250 companies from 17 countries to showcase textile machinery and upgrades. Ancient Science Insight: A study reports the oldest silkworm cocoons outside China found in Uzbekistan, pushing the Silk Road silk timeline earlier than previously believed. Regional Energy Reliability: Kazakhstan’s power outages were linked to a sharp shift in electricity flow from the Central Asian system, underscoring cross-border grid coordination.

Afghanistan Diplomacy: Five years after the Taliban takeover, Kabul is trying to ease international isolation as more countries renew contacts despite UN warnings of “gender apartheid” and bans on girls’ education and women’s work. Uzbekistan Textiles & Trade: Tashkent will host World Cotton Day 2026 Partners Conference on Oct. 7 and the CAITME 2026 textile machinery exhibition, spotlighting new equipment and tech for the cotton-textile value chain. Archaeology & Science: A new study reports the oldest silkworm farming outside China in Uzbekistan, pushing the Silk Road silk timeline earlier than expected. Energy & Standards: Uzbekistan will become a full IEC member from Jan. 1, 2027, aiming to shape international rules in areas like IT, AI, cybersecurity, and energy efficiency. Regional Tech for Emergencies: An international seminar in China trained participants from Uzbekistan and other countries on using satellite navigation and drones for disaster response. Central Asia Power Reliability: Kazakhstan reported power outages linked to sudden shifts in electricity flow across the Central Asian grid, with impacts also noted in Uzbekistan and neighbors.

Uzbekistan Joins IEC Standards Race: Uzbekistan will become a full International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) member from Jan. 1, 2027, moving beyond affiliate status and helping shape global rules in IT, AI, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, energy efficiency and renewables. Regional Tech & Industry Push: Tashkent will host the 17th Central Asian International Textile Machinery Exhibition (CAITME 2026) alongside “Global Textile Days,” bringing 250 companies from 17 countries to showcase advanced textile tech. Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Business Link: The 4th Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Interregional Forum is set for Aug. 22 in Tashkent, aiming to boost trade, investment and joint projects across sectors from IT and logistics to energy and healthcare. Space-Agriculture Science Tie-Up: Uzbekistan and China are expanding scientific cooperation, including the joint hyperspectral satellite “Samarkand-2028” for agriculture, environmental monitoring and disaster response, with an Uzbek AI module for faster onboard data processing. Energy Grid Stress in Central Asia: Kazakhstan reported power outages on Aug. 14 tied to a sharp shift in electricity flow from the Central Asian system, underscoring regional grid coordination needs. Health & Tech Education Spotlight: Uzbekistan hosted the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) with strong regional participation, while a separate report highlights Uzbekistan’s high overweight/obesity rate (64% of adults in 2024), adding urgency to public health tech and prevention efforts.

Uzbekistan Standards Push: Uzbekistan will become a full member of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) from Jan. 1, 2027, letting it shape global rules in IT, AI, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, energy efficiency and renewables. Tashkent Industry Showcase: The 17th Central Asian International Textile Machinery Exhibition (CAITME 2026) opens in Tashkent alongside Global Textile Days, bringing 250 firms from 17 countries to boost textile tech and productivity. Regional Tech & Research: An international seminar in China wrapped up on using satellite navigation and drones for emergencies, with Uzbekistan among participating countries. Energy & Infrastructure: Condor Energies reported higher Uzbekistan output in Q2 2026 and a new production record tied to well tie-ins. Space-heritage Science: A new preprint revisits how medieval scholars used a lunar eclipse to estimate longitude between Baghdad and Khwarezm, matching modern coordinates within about 8%. Health & Data: WHO data shows 64% of Uzbek adults are overweight or obese, underscoring rising chronic-disease risk.

Uzbekistan Standards & AI Readiness: Uzbekistan will become a full member of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) from Jan. 1, 2027, letting it directly shape global standards in areas like IT, AI, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, energy efficiency and renewables. Energy Sector Update: Condor Energies reported Uzbekistan production averaging 13,851 boe/d in Q2 2026, up 17% vs Q1, with a new 17,925 boe/d record during Aug. 6–12 after well tie-ins. Digital Connectivity & Data Infrastructure: Analysts assessed the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic line “Sumgayit–Aktau” as a major underwater route for Europe-bound traffic and data processing, with capacity over 400 Tbps. Climate-Smart Farming: FAO-backed PARCH project in Uzbekistan’s Bakhmal district is rolling out precision horticulture tools, including solar-powered irrigation and smart drip systems, to tackle water shortages. Regional Science Cooperation: China–Central Asia ties deepen via the joint hyperspectral satellite Samarkand-2028, plus Aral Sea desertification research and Uzbek AI onboard processing for faster image analysis. Public Health Snapshot: WHO data shows nearly two-thirds of Uzbek adults (64% in 2024) are overweight or obese, raising risks for diabetes and heart disease.

Uzbekistan–South Korea Cultural Tech Links: Uzbekistan’s culture ministry met Korea Development Institute officials to expand arts and creative-industry cooperation, including exchanges and joint initiatives using modern sector practices. China–Central Asia Science Push: China is deepening scientific cooperation across the region, highlighted by Uzbekistan–China work on the Samarkand-2028 hyperspectral satellite (agriculture, environment, water, disasters) and Aral Sea desertification research with drought-tolerant plants. Kazakhstan Cloud-Seeding for Drought: Kazakhstan began a UAE-backed cloud-seeding trial near Turkestan, aiming to boost rainfall over 911,000 hectares of cotton belt and support water-stressed farming. Caspian Sea Monitoring Gets Funding: Kazakhstan allocated 1.1 billion tenge for marine monitoring equipment and lab facilities as Caspian Sea Day events and regional cooperation continue. Uzbekistan Climate-Smart Orchards: FAO and Uzbekistan’s agriculture structures are rolling out precision, solar-powered irrigation and smart farming gear for climate-resilient horticulture under a 2025–2028 project. SCO at 25, Tech on the Agenda: The SCO’s 25th anniversary summit in Bishkek is set to focus on security plus connectivity, energy, healthcare, and digitalisation including AI and cybersecurity. Mahalla-Level Local Economy: In Nurota’s Dekhibaland mahalla, an interview highlights community infrastructure and local business activity supporting jobs and services.

Uzbekistan–Korea Business Ties: Uzbekistan and South Korea pledged deeper cooperation at a Seoul roundtable, with focus on critical minerals, AI, advanced manufacturing, and infrastructure as bilateral trade rose 13% in the first half. Space & Earth Observation: China and Uzbekistan-backed work continues to expand via the joint hyperspectral satellite Samarkand-2028, pairing space sensing with an Uzbek AI module for faster onboard image processing, plus joint research on desertification and soil recovery in the Aral Sea region. AI for National Development: Uzbekistan is pushing AI readiness and development goals, including an AI module launched aboard an Earth observation satellite. Energy & Industry Tech: Uzbekneftegaz and Sinopec discussed modern oil refining and deep-well drilling, including exploration in the Ustyurt region and cooperation with research institutes. Water & Climate Adaptation: Kazakhstan is turning to cloud seeding to fight drought in Turkestan, targeting precipitation gains to protect cotton-growing areas. Regional Science Capacity: Kazakhstan says R&D spending has more than doubled since 2023, boosting young scientist support and university partnerships. Digital Payments in Bangladesh (VEON): Banglalink received a Bangladesh Bank PSP licence to launch Mukto Pay, signaling continued regional fintech expansion. Internet Freedom Watch: A new report highlights how internet censorship varies across Central Asia, with Uzbekistan rated “Not Free.”

Uzbekistan–Serbia Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Muzaffarbek Madrakhimov met Serbia’s Marko Đurić in Belgrade, with both sides highlighting rising political ties, signed documents, and plans for Uzbekistan’s participation in Expo 2027. Uranium & Nuclear Fuel: A parliamentary panel in India says domestic uranium covers only about 30% of needs for PHWRs, urging faster mining and clearer rules—while pointing to imports that include Uzbekistan. Oil & Gas Tech Talks: Uzbekneftegaz and China’s Sinopec discussed deeper geological exploration, deep well drilling, and modern refining technologies, including work tied to the Ustyurt region. Digital Payments in the Region: VEON’s Banglalink received Bangladesh Bank approval for its Mukto Pay digital payments service, signaling continued push toward fintech and AI-enabled infrastructure. Internet Freedom Gap: A new Freedom on the Net look shows Central Asia lacks a single internet—Uzbekistan is rated “Not Free,” with heavy blocking and VPN markets growing. Climate & Water Stress: Kazakhstan is turning to cloud-seeding to fight drought in cotton regions, aiming to boost precipitation and protect harvests. Critical Minerals Push: Uzbekistan is positioning critical minerals for deeper processing, inviting technology and investment to move beyond raw exports. Sports Tech & Heat: Wearable data suggests Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev faced dangerous heat strain during a World Cup match, raising questions about decision-making under extreme temperatures.

Cloud Seeding for Drought Relief: Kazakhstan is turning to aircraft-based cloud seeding to boost rainfall in its Turkestan cotton belt, aiming for higher precipitation and better harvests. Uzbek-Korean Business Push: South Korea and Uzbekistan used a Seoul business roundtable to line up cooperation in critical minerals, AI, manufacturing, and infrastructure ahead of a Korea–Central Asia summit. Energy & Industry Partnerships: Uzbekneftegaz and Sinopec discussed deeper oil and gas exploration, deep well drilling, and modern refining tech, including new Ustyurt prospects. Digital Education Spotlight: Uzbekistan hosted the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026) in Tashkent for the first time, reinforcing its push to become a regional IT hub. Critical Minerals Drive: Uzbekistan is seeking deeper processing of copper and rare earths by inviting foreign tech and investment, as demand rises for EV and clean-energy supply chains. Climate Context: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest month on record, underscoring intensifying heat risks across the region. Agritech & Value Chains: ICBA and Uzbekistan’s innovation agency launched a Farmers’ and Agro-Entrepreneurs Accelerator in Karakalpakstan to help 200 participants build value-added products and market access. Regional Research on Heritage: A multinational “Great Altai: Turkic Heritage 2026” expedition is studying indigenous traditions across Altai and Central Asia, including researchers from Uzbekistan.

Critical Minerals Push: Uzbekistan is inviting Indian investors to scale mining and deep processing of copper and rare earths, aiming to move beyond raw exports and build local value chains as global demand rises. Agri-Innovation in Karakalpakstan: ICBA and Uzbekistan’s Agency for Innovative Development launched a one-month Farmers’ and Agro-Entrepreneurs Accelerator in Nukus for 200 participants, focusing on value-added products and market access. Informatics Talent Spotlight: The 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026) opened in Tashkent for the first time in Uzbekistan, with 386 students from 97 countries competing and the event framed around turning Uzbekistan into a regional IT hub. Manufacturing Investment Signals: Uzbekistan reported 338.9 trillion UZS in fixed capital investment for Jan–Jun 2026, with manufacturing taking the largest share and digital/innovation activities also receiving funding. Energy & Industry Updates: Condor Energies said its Uzbekistan project hit 17,925 boe/d after new horizontal wells tied into production; and a Czech firm discussed importing IQF frozen fruit from Uzbekistan for European markets. Regional Science & Tech Links: Kyrgyz scientists joined an Altai expedition on Turkic heritage, while Uzbekistan’s technical regulation agency met Malaysia’s palm oil standards group to expand lab testing and conformity cooperation.

Informatics Education Boost: The 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026) opened in Tashkent for the first time, with 386 students from 97 countries competing and Uzbekistan’s digital push framed around Muhammad al-Khwarizmi’s “algorithm” legacy. Space & Earth Observation: Uzbekistan’s space push continues with new satellite milestones, including the Samarkand-2028 AI module reaching orbit and the launch of the country’s first remote sensing satellite. AI Strategy: Uzbekistan accelerates AI development with new strategic goals, aiming to rank among the top 50 in AI readiness by 2030. Science & Heritage: Archaeologists report the oldest known silkworm cocoons outside China found in Uzbekistan, dating to around 2000 B.C., reshaping Silk Road timelines. Agriculture & Exports: Khorezm’s Melon Festival 2026 in Khazorasp sets a Guinness World Record, with hundreds of hectares under cultivation and melon varieties promoted for international markets. Regional Industry Growth: Uzbekistan’s regional transformation spotlighted Urgut’s industrial expansion via its Free Economic Zone, linking jobs, exports, and foreign investment. Energy & Water Tech: Uzbekistan and partners discuss hydropower and pumped-storage investment, while technical regulation talks with Malaysia focus on food safety standards and lab cooperation. Earthquakes: Kyrgyzstan’s seismology institute recorded three earthquakes near the Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan border, including a quake around magnitude 3.

AI Readiness Push: Uzbekistan is aiming to break into the world’s top 50 in an AI Readiness Index by 2030, up from 62nd place, with plans to expand computing infrastructure (including a proposed extra $70M) and scale AI projects and software services to $1.5B. Space & Earth Observation: Uzbekistan’s first remote sensing satellite and its Samarqand-2028 mission are highlighted as the country moves from planning to real launches, including an AI module reaching orbit. Informatics Talent: The 38th International Olympiad in Informatics opened in Tashkent, with 386 students from 97 countries competing and Telegram set to award 235 digital collectibles worth at least $117K. Energy Development: Condor Energies says Uzbekistan operations hit a new production milestone, averaging 17,925 boe/d after tying newly tested horizontal wells into facilities. Food Safety & Standards: Uzbekistan’s technical regulation agency met Malaysia’s palm oil council to boost lab testing, conformity assessment, and specialist training for safer trade. Earth Science Watch: Kyrgyzstan’s seismology institute reported three earthquakes on Aug. 9, with epicenters near the Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan border.

Uzbekistan’s AI Push: Uzbekistan aims to break into the world’s top 50 on the AI Readiness Index by 2030, up from 62nd now, and grow AI software services to $1.5B, backed by expanded computing infrastructure (including a new NVIDIA-based supercomputer cluster) and 200+ AI projects. Space Tech: Uzbek engineers’ AI module has been deployed in orbit aboard China’s hyperspectral Earth observation satellite Samarkand-2028, enabling on-orbit processing to cut down data sent to Earth. Nuclear Fuel Watch: India’s nuclear expansion faces a uranium gap: a parliamentary panel says PHWRs may need ~5,400 tonnes of uranium oxide yearly while domestic supply covers only ~30%, urging faster local mining and more overseas fuel deals (including with Uzbekistan). Water-Saving Irrigation: Tajikistan is looking to Kazakhstan’s drip and polyethylene pipe irrigation tech to reduce losses and improve water efficiency, as regional water-management cooperation moves forward. Olympiad Spotlight: Saudi Arabia sent a four-student informatics team to the IOI 2026 in Tashkent, competing against nearly 100 countries. Archaeology: Chinese and Uzbek researchers report the oldest known silkworm cocoons outside China at Sapalli Tepe in Uzbekistan, dated to around 2000 BC. Regional Science & Safety: A magnitude ~3 earthquake struck southern Kyrgyzstan near the Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan border.