AGP Executive Report

SCO Tech & Connectivity: Leaders at the Bishkek SCO summit adopted the Bishkek Declaration and a package of agreements spanning transport connectivity, energy security, economic cooperation, AI and climate policy—aiming to push the bloc beyond security into practical tech and trade coordination. Uzbekistan Nuclear Build: President Mirziyoyev reviewed progress on an integrated nuclear power plant in Jizzakh, with active-phase construction underway and a push to raise local supply content to at least 30% and expand domestic work. India-Uzbekistan Energy & Minerals: Uzbekistan and India moved closer on a long-term uranium supply arrangement while targeting $5B trade by 2030, with talks also covering critical minerals, nuclear energy and industrial cooperation. Pakistan-Uzbekistan Power Links: Pakistan’s energy minister highlighted “significant scope” for electricity connectivity, renewables, hydropower and investment, framing Uzbekistan as a key partner for regional integration. Railway as a Model: A political scientist said the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway shows how SCO-style trust and joint development can turn connectivity plans into real economic outcomes. Digital Economy Power: Uzbekistan is reshaping its energy sector for data centers, with new generation and battery storage commissioned to support reliable, 24/7 electricity for AI infrastructure. Local Research & Markets: Bluestone Investment Bank hired a head of research and launched an equity research platform for Uzbekistan and Central Asia, signaling a push to deepen local capital-market coverage. Culture Meets Innovation: Qatar Museums opened Uzbek heritage exhibitions at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, while Tashkent’s new Center for Contemporary Arts (opening Sept 6) will blend exhibitions with education and research.

Uzbek–India Trade & Uranium: Uzbekistan and India are pushing trade toward $5 billion by 2030, with talks centered on long-term uranium supply and broader cooperation in critical minerals, geology, mining, nuclear energy, and industrial processing. SCO Tech & Security Agenda: At the Bishkek Declaration during the SCO’s 25th anniversary, leaders backed deeper cooperation on security, AI, trade, and sustainable development, while calling for responsible AI use and rejecting “double standards” in counter-terrorism. Energy for the Digital Economy: Uzbekistan is positioning itself for data centers by reshaping its power reliability strategy, highlighting new generation and battery storage capacity and incentives tied to predictable electricity supply. Uzbekistan’s Independence Programs: President Mirziyoyev unveiled seven national development programs focused on education, health, high-tech growth, labor productivity, and rule of law—while notably omitting political pluralism and press freedom reforms. Pharma Manufacturing Insight: A media tour in Novosibirsk showcased how GMP-compliant medication production works, from lab work to multi-stage quality control and packaging. Culture Meets Research: Tashkent’s Center for Contemporary Arts is set to open Sept. 6 in a renovated 1912 power plant, combining exhibitions, education, and research.

SCO Tech & Security Push: Leaders at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek adopted the “Bishkek Declaration,” calling for deeper cooperation on security, trade and technology, including steps to counter terrorism and transnational threats. Terrorism “No Double Standards”: India’s PM Modi urged SCO members to dismantle the full terrorism ecosystem—financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens—saying terrorism can’t be treated as a “strategic asset.” Water as a Red Line: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif warned that water must never be weaponised or used for coercion, amid ongoing Indus Waters Treaty tensions. Uzbekistan Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s new Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent opened with a major Quran museum and digital learning hub, blending research and public outreach. Digital Payments Boom: India’s UPI hit a record 24.51 billion transactions in August, driven by festive demand—an example of how fast payment tech is scaling across the region. Ancient Tech Clue: Uzbekistan researchers reported 80,000-year-old projectile points that resemble much later finds in France, raising questions about early lightweight technology spread.

SCO Tech & Security Push: SCO leaders in Bishkek adopted the Bishkek Declaration, calling for deeper cooperation on security, trade and technology and urging responsible AI use, while renewing demands for reforms to global governance. Terrorism & “Double Standards”: Indian PM Modi used the summit to press members to dismantle the terrorism ecosystem—financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens—rejecting “double standards.” Water as a Red Line: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif warned that shared water resources must never be weaponised, stressing treaties must be honored. Uzbekistan’s SCO Plus: Uzbek President Mirziyoyev pitched SCO Plus as an interregional dialogue platform, proposing an open bank of projects in green energy, digital services and healthcare. Digital Payments Signal: Separate coverage highlights India’s UPI hitting a record 24.51B transactions in August, with Uzbekistan noted as part of UPI’s expanding footprint. Defense Update: Uzbekistan received J-10CE fighters from China, joining Pakistan as confirmed foreign operators. Wellness Tourism: Hyatt’s Destination by Hyatt debuted in Uzbekistan with a thalasso-inspired spa at Beldersoy Resort and Spa.

China-Uzbekistan “Golden Decade”: Xi Jinping met Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the SCO summit in Bishkek, pledging deeper cooperation in AI and desertification control and pushing the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. Trade Push: China and Uzbekistan also agreed to raise bilateral trade to $30 billion, with new growth areas in the digital economy and mineral processing. India-Uzbekistan Upgrade: PM Modi’s Tashkent visit elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a long-term uranium supply framework, defence cooperation, and a $5 billion trade target by 2030. SCO Tech & Training: A China-led initiative dubbed the “Tree of SCO” is training officials and experts from Uzbekistan and other members in hands-on digital and AI skills. Uzbek Science in Focus: A cryosphere story highlights local monitoring of Barkrak Glacier, while a separate report says an Uzbek critical-minerals scholar was arrested in Kazakhstan on alleged espionage. Regional Science Diplomacy: Oman and Uzbekistan discussed document and scientific cooperation, including digitisation and joint research. Security & Aviation: Uzbekistan publicly unveiled Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, signaling a major step in air-force modernization.

Uzbekistan–India Tech & Energy Push: India and Uzbekistan upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aiming for $5B trade by 2030 and agreeing a long-term uranium supply framework for India’s civil nuclear plans, alongside cooperation in digital public infrastructure, IT, critical minerals, defence, and healthcare. AI Infrastructure in Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan and South Korea’s Export-Import Bank are preparing an AI data centre, with officials discussing project status and next steps. SCO Connectivity for Central Asia: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders highlighted the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway as a modernization corridor, while logistics updates show faster cross-border road freight via TIR routes. China–Kyrgyzstan “Golden Period”: Xi Jinping told Kyrgyzstan to deliver practical cooperation outcomes, including expanding trade and security collaboration. Digital Payments Link: India’s UPI is set to roll out in Uzbekistan, supporting wider cross-border payment integration. Oman–Uzbekistan Research Links: Oman and Uzbekistan discussed documentary and scientific cooperation, including digitization and preservation of manuscripts and archives.

SCO Milestone: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation marks 25 years since its 2001 launch, built on the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust and consensus, now spanning 10 members and expanding influence across Eurasia. China-Kyrgyzstan Boost: Xi Jinping arrived in Bishkek for the SCO Summit 2026, calling the China-Kyrgyzstan “golden period” a springboard for deeper cooperation, with major projects like the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway highlighted. Uzbekistan–India Upgrade: During PM Modi’s Uzbekistan visit, India and Uzbekistan elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, targeting $5B trade by 2030 and signing 11 agreements covering tech, AI, space, logistics, critical minerals, defence, and health. UPI Goes Regional: India’s UPI is set for Uzbekistan rollout via QR interoperability with UZQR, aiming to speed digital payments and tourism. Aral Sea Green Deal: India pledged a $1M grant for ecological rehabilitation of the Aral Sea region under greening initiatives. Skills for Industry: UDST (Qatar) completed a 10-month vocational trainer programme for 15 Uzbek professionals in electrical, welding, plumbing, and HVAC. Science & Culture Tech: Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization media forum showcased how museums and digital platforms are bringing heritage—along with links to math and astronomy—into the modern age.

India–Uzbekistan Strategic Upgrade: PM Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signing 11 agreements and setting a USD 5 billion trade target by 2030 (from $1B+). Nuclear & Energy Tech: They agreed a long-term uranium supply framework for peaceful civil nuclear use, alongside cooperation on critical minerals and mining. Digital Payments: India’s UPI is set to link with Uzbekistan’s UZQR for easier cross-border retail payments. Defense & Security: Talks also emphasized deeper defence industry co-development/co-production and security cooperation. Science & Heritage in Uzbekistan: An international media forum on Islamic Civilization highlighted how museums, manuscripts, and digital platforms are being used to reach global audiences. SCO Momentum in Central Asia: Modi’s next stop is the Bishkek SCO summit, with focus on security, connectivity, and opportunity, and new digital economy cooperation projects across the bloc.

SCO & Global Governance: Xinhua highlights how Xi Jinping’s “Shanghai Spirit” and the SCO’s 25-year record are being positioned as a practical model for better global governance ahead of the Bishkek summit. India–Uzbekistan Tech & Security Push: PM Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent for his fourth visit, pledging deeper cooperation with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev across trade, energy, defence, and digital connectivity before heading to the 26th SCO summit in Bishkek. Uzbek Independence in “New Tashkent”: Uzbekistan marked its 35th independence anniversary in New Tashkent with major infrastructure and science/education plans, including universities, a national library, and high-tech celebration visuals. AI, Robotics & Talent: Uzbekistan’s wider regional tech momentum is echoed by robotics training efforts in Central Asia and by SCO-linked discussions on AI governance and cooperation. Environment & Public Health: Uzbekistan’s independence honors Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi for biosaline agriculture and climate work, while food-safety alerts abroad remind the region to watch imported products.

Uzbekistan Independence & Science Push: Uzbekistan marked 35 years of independence in New Tashkent with a high-tech celebration featuring 3D projections, robots and drones, while President Mirziyoyev outlined a next-decade plan to shift the economy toward high-tech and high productivity, targeting 2 million high-paying industrial jobs and an AI-backed startup ecosystem. SCO Momentum in Central Asia: As Bishkek prepares for the 26th SCO summit, an Uzbek senator said the bloc’s “Shanghai Spirit” is expanding beyond security into economic development, culture, education and ecology. India–Uzbekistan Tech & Trade Talks: Prime Minister Modi began a two-day state visit to Tashkent before heading to Bishkek, with talks expected to cover trade, investment, defense, digital connectivity, energy, education and healthcare, plus a package of bilateral agreements. Regional Finance for Infrastructure: Coverage highlighted plans for an SCO Development Bank in Bishkek, seen as a long-term funding source for transport, energy and digitalization projects across Central Asia. AI Cooperation Choices: Uzbekistan also signaled it wants to join the US-led Pax Silica AI supply-chain initiative after joining China’s WAICO, underscoring a balancing approach in the AI race. Education & Robotics: Kazakhstan’s FIRST Global Challenge 2026 selection included Uzbek guest participation, while China’s robotics training model is spreading in Central Asia via university workshops.

Uzbekistan-India Tech & Trade Push: PM Narendra Modi arrives in Tashkent for a two-day visit with talks expected to cover trade, investment, defense, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties—plus cooperation on space and emerging technologies. Economic Roadmap: President Mirziyoyev says Uzbekistan aims to reach a $300B GDP by 2030, backed by a shift to a high-tech, high-productivity model, startup and venture financing, and AI-linked industrial jobs. Health Breakthrough: Uzbekistan performs its first simultaneous liver-kidney transplant, expanding advanced transplant care at the National Medical Center. Cybersecurity Watch: A report says a China-nexus cyberespionage group is using AI to improve stealthy malware and remote access tools targeting Central Asian governments, including Uzbekistan. AI in Media: A study on Uzbekistan and other Asia-Pacific countries highlights “principled caution” as newsrooms use AI while managing legal and accuracy risks. Regional Connectivity: ADB backs a $400M facility to modernize CAREC border crossings, aiming to cut delays and boost trade. Space Youth Links: OTS highlights growing Turkic space cooperation via the Türkiye Space Camp, including a joint cube-satellite push.

Uzbekistan–Singapore Tech & Digital Deal: Uzbekistan and Singapore agreed on a medium-term Program for Strategic and Innovative Partnership, with a focus on technology transfer, modernization of public administration, human capital, and digitalization—plus Singapore best practices for special economic zones, the Tashkent International Financial Center, and digital banking. AI Supply-Chain Balancing: Uzbekistan approached the US to join Pax Silica after signing up for China’s WAICO, signaling it wants “any kind of international cooperation” rather than being forced to pick sides in the AI race. Healthcare Breakthrough: Uzbekistan carried out its first simultaneous liver-kidney transplant on one patient at the National Medical Center, expanding complex transplant capacity. Space Youth Push: The OTS Secretary General backed Turkic youth space research at Türkiye’s Space Camp, highlighting a joint cube-satellite project. Aviation Fuel Efficiency: IATA says fuel is still a top cost pressure; Central Asian airlines are leaning into data-driven operations for additional savings beyond fleet renewal. Aral Sea Restoration: Chinese and Uzbek scientists report progress on ecosystem recovery efforts around the shrinking Aral Sea. Finance Tech Talks: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan central banks discussed building an innovative financial ecosystem and fintech access. SCO Momentum: Multiple reports ahead of the Bishkek SCO summit stress green development, connectivity, and the push for an SCO development bank. Transplant + Tech = Capacity Growth: Together, the transplant milestone and fintech/AI moves point to faster adoption of advanced systems in Uzbekistan’s science and technology ecosystem.

Border Modernization: The ADB approved a $400m BUILD facility to modernize border crossing points across the CAREC region, aiming to cut logistics costs and speed up movement of people and goods. Green Growth in SCO: SCO members are pushing cleaner development through shared tech and renewables—from wind and salt-tolerant plants near the Aral Sea to electric buses and waste-to-power projects. SCO Summit Diplomacy: India’s PM Narendra Modi will visit Uzbekistan (Aug 29–30) and then Bishkek for the SCO summit (Aug 31–Sep 1), with talks planned in Tashkent and a possible Modi–Putin meeting on the sidelines. Uzbekistan Calligraphy & Heritage: Uzbekistan will host an international calligraphy competition to create a unique Qur’an copy, linking global Arabic calligraphy traditions with “heritage of the future” projects. Light Industry Investment: Qatar Chamber and Uzbekistan’s light industry agency discussed boosting private-sector ties in textiles and manufacturing, citing trade below potential and new joint-venture opportunities. Archaeology: A rare ~2,200-year-old Hellenistic military camp may have been identified at Iskandar Tepa in southern Uzbekistan. Digital Payments: Uzbekistan’s central bank signed a MoU with Cambodia’s NBC to cooperate on cross-border payment systems and digital settlement.

Uzbekistan-India Tech & Space Talks: PM Narendra Modi is set for a four-day visit to Uzbekistan (Aug 29–30) and Kyrgyzstan, with meetings in Tashkent covering trade, digital connectivity, energy, education—and cooperation in space and technology. Finance & Banking Expansion: ABB Davr Bank was launched in Tashkent as ABB acquires a controlling stake in Davr Bank, marking a major step for Azerbaijan’s banking entry into Uzbekistan. Energy Cooperation: Uzbekistan’s energy minister will travel to Azerbaijan in early September to discuss SOCAR-linked priorities, including fuel production, technology exchange, and logistics. Archaeology in the Spotlight: A rare 2,200-year-old Hellenistic military camp, Iskandar Tepa, is reported in southern Uzbekistan, potentially the first of its kind identified in Central Asia. Gaming Regulation: GLI received approval to certify gaming products for Uzbekistan’s regulated market, supporting the rollout of licensed online gambling. Digital Economy Links: Uzbekistan and Pakistan plan to boost IT services, AI, startups, and investment ties. Cross-Border Payments: Uzbekistan’s central bank signed an MoU with Cambodia’s National Bank to cooperate on digital cross-border payment systems. Green Tech for Drylands: Uzbekistan, China, and Mongolia discussed green technologies for pasture restoration and combating desertification at UNCCD COP17. Rail Tech Progress: Work continues on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, including safety monitoring using GPS tracking for tunnel workers and construction of the Jalal-Abad South station aimed for completion by end-2027.

SCO Spotlight: Uzbekistan is pushing its priorities inside the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as the bloc marks 25 years, with focus on security, trade, industry, culture and regional integration. Rail Connectivity: Work on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan corridor keeps moving—Manas’ longest bridge (1,017.8m) is nearing completion, and the “Kosh-Dobo Northern No. 2” tunnel was finished in 87 days; a new Manas station (“Jalal-Abad South”) is planned to be completed by end-2027 with real-time train control. Worker Safety Tech: Tunnel crews are using helmet GPS tracking plus continuous monitoring and emergency alert buttons to manage underground risks during construction. AI Policy Clash: A US push to limit Central Asian access to advanced AI know-how is meeting resistance, while Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan explore science-focused AI cooperation. Islamic Tech & Media: Tashkent’s Islamic Civilization media forum highlighted using AI for digital preservation of manuscripts and heritage, while warning about misinformation and fake content. Green Drylands: Uzbekistan, China and Mongolia discussed green technologies for pasture restoration and desertification control under UNCCD COP17. Finance Innovation: Uzbekistan is advancing Islamic finance and cross-border payment cooperation, including a new MoU with Cambodia’s central bank. Textile Push: Tashkent will host CAITME 2026 and Global Textile Days, bringing advanced textile machinery makers to boost productivity and tech adoption.

Islamic Finance & Digital Payments: Uzbekistan is pushing Islamic finance as a new investment channel, with the Central Bank outlining staged plans from Islamic microfinance to banking and capital markets, alongside broader fintech and cross-border payment work. AI for Heritage: At Tashkent’s Islamic Civilization media forum, Uzbek experts urged using AI to digitize and promote Islamic history while warning against fake content and misinformation. Aral Sea Climate Impact: A new study says exposed Aral Sea lakebed sediments released about 748 million tons of CO2 from 1960–2022, and partial restoration could prevent another 605 million tons. Cross-Border Payments MoU: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank signed an MoU with Cambodia’s NBC to cooperate on digital cross-border payment systems. Middle Corridor Investment Need: A regional forum in Tashkent highlighted that the Middle Corridor’s growth depends on private capital plus digital and logistics infrastructure, not just bank lending. Uzbekistan Gaming Market: GLI received official regulatory listing in Uzbekistan, enabling accepted testing and certification for gaming products. Uzbekistan–Afghanistan Economic Links: JICA’s Sota Tosaka says Uzbekistan is deepening practical trade and transport ties with Afghanistan via Termez and cross-border initiatives.