AGP Executive Report

AI & Data Infrastructure: Uzbekistan held talks with South Korea’s KT Corp on expanding AI cooperation, including the possible creation of specialist AI data centres. Venture Capital for Startups: SparkLabs and Mirae Asset launched a new Central Asia venture fund term sheet, with AI-native firms a key focus and Uzbekistan’s IT Park Ventures joining as an anchor investor. Water & Critical Minerals: Uzbekistan and Israel discussed groundwater management and critical metals, including hydrogeology know-how and technological solutions. Agritech Modernization: Uzbekistan plans to process melons domestically on 10,000 hectares in Karakalpakstan, importing high-yield varieties and setting up a specialized melon farming center with labs and testing grounds. Energy & Regional Growth: Karakalpakstan’s development push includes major wind power expansion and new transmission projects, with green energy already rising in the region. Education & Research Links: Azerbaijan’s and Uzbekistan’s public administration academies signed an MoU to expand joint research, training, and expert exchanges. Science & Environment: A WMO study warns Central Asia is losing glaciers fast, threatening water supplies across the Aral Sea basin. Governance & Digitalization: Kyrgyzstan’s NISI director discussed cutting red tape, reform priorities, and digital public services.

Venture Capital for AI Startups: Qazaqstan Investment Corporation, IT Park Ventures (Uzbekistan), Mirae Asset Venture Investment and SparkLabs Group signed a term sheet to launch the SparkLabs Mirae Silk Road Fund I, backing Central Asian startups at Series A and later, with a focus on AI-native products. Agriculture Modernization in Karakalpakstan: Uzbekistan plans melon production on 10,000 hectares in Nukus, importing high-yield varieties and know-how, while setting up a specialized training center with labs and testing grounds to support growers across the region. Ancient Human Migration Research: Archaeologists report tiny arrowheads at Uzbekistan’s Obi-Rakhmat site that may point to Homo sapiens in Central Asia about 80,000 years ago, potentially rewriting migration timelines. Mining & Critical Metals Talks: Uzbekistan and Israel discussed cooperation in mining, hydrogeology and critical metals, including groundwater management solutions and investment opportunities. Digital & AI Security: INTERPOL’s “Operation Shams II” used AI to identify 126 suspected foreign terrorist fighters from 108,000+ facial images, with Uzbekistan among participating countries. Competition Policy for the Digital Age: Uzbekistan’s antimonopoly authority shared progress at an SCO meeting, highlighting its Fair Tech system for digital regulation and consumer protection results.

Agriculture Modernization in Karakalpakstan: Uzbekistan will start melon production on 10,000 hectares in Nukus district, importing high-yield varieties and agrotechnology from Spain, the US, the Netherlands and China, while planning on-site deep processing to keep more value in-country; a local technical college will be turned into a specialized melon center with laboratories and testing grounds. Regional Energy Push: In Nukus, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev backed major Karakalpakstan projects, including new wind capacity and grid upgrades, as green power expands and construction begins on dozens of initiatives worth billions. Mining & Critical Metals Talks: Uzbekistan and Israel discussed cooperation in mining, hydrogeology and critical metals, with interest in groundwater management and related technologies. AI in Security: INTERPOL’s AI-assisted operation “Shams II” identified 126 suspected foreign terrorist fighters from over 108,000 facial images, with Uzbekistan among participating countries. Tech Education Expansion: A Chinese university plans a new branch campus in Khiva offering programs including AI and Chinese language, aiming to train up to 2,000 students. Science & History: Archaeologists reported tiny ancient arrowheads in Uzbekistan that may point to much earlier Homo sapiens presence in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan–Israel Minerals Talks: Uzbekistan and Israel discussed cooperation in mining, hydrogeology and critical metals, including groundwater management and the use of Israel’s expertise, alongside Uzbekistan’s updated Subsoil Law and investment plans. Karakalpakstan Infrastructure Push: Uzbekistan launched 11 projects worth $592M and broke ground on 47 initiatives totaling $7B in Karakalpakstan, spanning energy, digital economy, industry, transport and healthcare, aiming to create 8,000 high-income jobs. Water Crisis Warning: A WMO study says Central Asia is losing glaciers fast and seeing reduced water inflow to reservoirs, with the Aral Sea basin facing especially critical runoff levels. AI in Counter-Terrorism: INTERPOL’s “Operation Shams II” used AI on 108,076 facial images from jihadist content to identify 126 foreign terrorist suspects, with Uzbekistan among participating countries. Competition Policy for the Digital Age: Uzbekistan’s antimonopoly authority shared results and its Fair Tech system for digital regulation of competition at an SCO meeting in Dushanbe. Archaeology Breakthrough: Small arrowheads at Uzbekistan’s Obi-Rakhmat site may indicate Homo sapiens in Central Asia 80,000 years ago, reshaping migration timelines. Regional Business Link: Italy and Central Asia launched the B5+Italy platform in Astana to turn political dialogue into trade, technology transfer and industrial partnerships.

Energy & Security Diplomacy: France’s Macron says he ordered plans to shield critical infrastructure and defence tech sites from Russian hybrid drone and cyberattacks, and will push a G7 energy summit to tackle soaring fuel prices and possible strategic reserve releases. Water & Climate Risk: A WMO study warns Central Asia is losing glaciers fast, with river runoff below normal and the Aral Sea basin facing mounting pressure as snow and ice supply dwindles. Uzbekistan–Israel Resources: Uzbekistan and Israel discussed mining, hydrogeology and critical metals, including groundwater management ideas and using Uzbekistan’s E-Auksion for prospective subsoil areas. Uzbekistan–Korea Tech & Education: Kookmin University and TUIT signed an AI and software cooperation deal, while Uzbekistan and Korea also keep expanding education and digital talent links. Archaeology in Uzbekistan: New findings at Obi-Rakhmat suggest Homo sapiens may have reached Central Asia about 80,000 years ago, far earlier than classic migration timelines. Counter-terror Tech: INTERPOL’s AI-driven “Operation Shams II” identified 126 foreign terrorist suspects from 108,000 facial images, with Uzbekistan among participating countries. Business Climate Watch: CERR reports Uzbekistan’s business climate index rose in August, with optimism strongest in services and industry.

AI for Security: INTERPOL’s “Operation Shams II” used AI on 108,076 facial images from jihadist online content to identify 126 suspected foreign terrorist fighters, with Uzbekistan among 11 participating countries. Karakalpakstan Infrastructure: Uzbekistan launched 11 projects worth $592M and broke ground on 47 more initiatives totaling $7B in Karakalpakstan, spanning energy, digital economy, transport, healthcare and services, aiming to create 8,000 high-income jobs. Uzbekistan–Korea Tech & Education: Kookmin University and Tashkent University of Information Technologies agreed to expand AI and software education, research and industry-academia links. Nuclear & Radiation Safety: Uzbekistan and Türkiye signed a cooperation deal to exchange know-how and train specialists in radiation and nuclear safety. Business Climate Watch: CERR reports Uzbekistan’s composite business climate index rose to 59 in August, with optimism strongest in services and industry. Clean Energy Progress: Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan wind buildout includes commissioned wind plants totaling 300 MW plus a 100 MW storage system. AI in Industry Partnerships: Allied Biofuels’ Uzbekistan SAF/e-SAF project held a FEED meeting in China, aligning engineering and targeting Final Investment Decision in Q1 2027.

Korea–Central Asia Summit Momentum: South Korea’s first leaders-level summit with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in Seoul produced a “Seoul Declaration” and 74 deals, signaling a shift from aid to supply-chain cooperation, critical minerals, energy and AI-driven tech collaboration. Uzbek–Korean AI Education Tie-Up: Kookmin University signed an agreement with Tashkent University of Information Technologies to expand AI and software education, research and industry-academia programs. Uzbekistan Business Climate: CERR’s August survey shows Uzbekistan’s composite business climate index rose to 59, with improving expectations and demand, especially in industry and services. Nuclear & Radiation Safety: Uzbekistan and Türkiye agreed to enhance cooperation in radiation and nuclear safety, including training and joint research. Aral Sea Adaptation in Karakalpakstan: A new Aral School program in Nukus will train participants on climate and landscape, including saxaul planting on the dried sea bed. Uranium Cleanup Update: Kyrgyzstan’s Mailuu-Suu cleanup faces higher costs after engineers found tailings inside a dam, with remediation expected to continue until 2032. Cybersecurity Threat Watch: Researchers linked SilkParasite-linked RAT infrastructure (SpiceRAT/NodeEdgeRAT/NomadRAT) to Central Asian government and energy targets. Agritech for Water Saving: Uzbekistan is pushing beyond irrigation delivery toward soil moisture retention using biochar and turning cotton waste into biochar feedstock.

Uzbekistan Water Security: Uzbekistan is moving from just delivering water to improving soil moisture retention, with biochar proposed as a way to turn cotton waste into a moisture-boosting soil amendment. Cybersecurity: Researchers linked Central Asia-targeting SilkParasite activity to a wider SpiceRAT command-and-control infrastructure, including traces tied to a certificate authority funded by a Chinese state research institute. Nuclear & Radiation Safety: Uzbekistan and Türkiye signed a cooperation document on radiation and nuclear safety, aiming to expand research, technical expertise, and specialist training under IAEA talks. Archaeology: Tiny ancient arrowheads found in northeastern Uzbekistan’s Tian Shan region suggest Homo sapiens may have reached Central Asia around 80,000 years ago, far earlier than long-held estimates. Korea-Central Asia Tech Push: The first Korea–Central Asia summit in Seoul set a 30-year agenda and a new C5+1 industrial ministers’ mechanism, putting critical minerals and AI at the center of future supply-chain deals. Regional Infrastructure & Trade: EDB analysis highlights Central Asia’s transport boom, with dozens of projects underway and roads leading investment as the region strengthens Eurasian connectivity. Agriculture & Industry Deals: Uzbekistan–Türkiye cooperation also extends into nuclear safety, while Daewoo E&C is pushing Central Asia infrastructure projects, including water-resource modernization plans in Turkmenistan. Culture & Science in the Desert: A temporary “White Salt City” art-and-science festival is underway on Karakalpakstan’s salt flats, built and dismantled under a leave-no-trace model.

Uzbekistan–Türkiye Nuclear Safety: Uzbekistan’s Scientific and Technical Centre for Radiation and Nuclear Safety signed a radiation and nuclear safety cooperation document with Türkiye’s NÜTED during the IAEA General Conference, aiming to expand research, technical expertise, and specialist training. Korea–Central Asia Tech Push: The first Korea–Central Asia summit in Seoul adopted the Seoul Declaration, setting heads-of-state meetings every two years and creating an industry ministers’ mechanism, with critical minerals, energy, supply chains, AI, and connectivity at the core. Nuclear MoU in the Region: Reuters reports South Korea and Kazakhstan signed an atomic energy cooperation MoU alongside deals spanning trade, AI, and critical minerals. Water Tech Cooperation: Egypt and Uzbekistan discussed “Water 2.0” digital water management, including AI, remote sensing, and early warning systems, plus a joint working group to start practical projects. Cybersecurity Watch: Hunt.io linked multiple RAT families in the “SilkParasite” campaign to shared infrastructure and certificates tied to a CAICT-funded authority, highlighting Central Asia-focused targeting. Energy Update: Condor Energies said Uzbekistan’s Kumli-48 horizontal well tested up to 19.5 MMscf/d and is moving toward gas sales. Education & AI: South Korea agreed with Uzbekistan to expand cooperation into AI education and teacher training, including adding Korean language to Uzbekistan’s national academic competition. Culture Meets Science: The Aral School in Nukus opened a new residency track on “Climate and Landscape,” bringing designers, architects, and researchers together to study the Aral Sea region.

Uzbek-Korea Education & AI: South Korea signed MOUs with Uzbekistan (and Tajikistan) to expand cooperation into digital and AI education, teacher training, higher education exchanges, and a plan to add Korean to Uzbekistan’s national academic competition. Customs Tech & IP Protection: South Korea’s customs agency agreed with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan to share information and run joint enforcement to curb counterfeit Korean goods, including plans for customs clearance communication channels. Internet Upgrade in Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan climbed in the Speedtest Global Index, ranking first among CIS for fixed-line speeds and improving mobile download speeds, reflecting faster connectivity growth. Global AI Security Debate: Experts at China’s Xiangshan Forum urged stronger governance and human oversight as military AI use accelerates, warning about unclear rules for human control. Trade & Markets Link: UZEX and PhillipCapital launched “UZEX Global,” aiming to connect Uzbek businesses to international commodity futures markets. Regional Industry Push: Afghanistan and Uzbekistan opened their first joint light industries exhibition in Termez, targeting joint production, investment, and supply chains. BRICS Economics: A BRICS summit declaration called for greater developing-country influence in global financial institutions while avoiding direct naming of the U.S., underscoring diplomatic balancing.

Korea–Central Asia Summit: South Korea and five Central Asian states adopted the Seoul Declaration, setting a 30-year agenda for critical minerals, energy, supply chains, logistics, AI and digital transformation, with biennial leader summits and Kazakhstan hosting the next in 2028. Uzbekistan–Korea Push: Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev proposed a Central Asia–Korea Industrial and Technology Park and a regional investment alliance for critical minerals, aiming to lift bilateral trade to $20B by 2030. Business Deals: A Korea–Central Asia Business Summit in Seoul backed expanded trade and investment cooperation, including MoUs on industries and supply chains. Internet Upgrade: Uzbekistan topped CIS fixed-line speed rankings in August, with mobile speeds also rising year-on-year. AI at Borders: At Tashkent’s WCO Global Canine Forum, experts stressed that trained customs dogs still complement AI scanning systems. Clean Nuclear Fuel: Fluxnium says it can extract uranium from seawater using tech from US national labs, targeting a major fuel supply boost. Customs & Enforcement: ICE reported targeted actions at US travel stops and inspection checkpoints, including arrests of Uzbek citizens. Health Diplomacy: A TCM-themed event opened in Tashkent to deepen China–Uzbekistan medical cooperation. Transport Link: A refresher on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route highlights the Middle Corridor’s role in Europe–Central Asia connectivity.

Uzbek-Korea High-Tech Push: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Seoul is set to deepen cooperation beyond transport into AI, digital tech, healthcare, climate response, critical minerals supply chains and defense, with a large project portfolio and new innovation ties expected around the first Central Asia–Korea summit. Korea-Central Asia Summit: Seoul will host leaders of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to agree a Seoul Declaration focused on supply chains, emerging industries, connectivity and people-to-people links. Uzbekistan Privatization for Tech & Science Assets: Uzbekistan relisted 84 previously unsold state assets for electronic auctions from $85 opening bids, including stakes in a scientific biotech firm and a district laboratory in Tashkent region. ICT Week 2026 Startup Ecosystem: Uzbekistan’s ICT Week 2026 (“Land of Startups”) aims to move from tech trade to venture funding and global supply-chain integration, with founder pitching for investors. UPI MDR Debate (India, Tech Finance): India’s RBI backed Merchant Discount Rate on merchant UPI payments above Rs 2,000 from Oct 15, while critics warn it could push users back toward cash. Childhood Cancer Medicines Strategy: WHO and partners launched a strategy to improve access to quality-assured childhood cancer drugs in low- and middle-income countries, targeting persistent stock and affordability gaps.

Korea-Central Asia Tech Push: South Korea and Uzbekistan are upgrading ties into “strategic production partners,” with Mirziyoyev and Seoul leaders backing joint work in AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and critical mineral supply chains, including a proposed Korea-Uzbekistan industrial technology alliance. Regional Summit Watch: Seoul is hosting the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea leaders summit, aiming to lock in long-term cooperation on critical minerals, digital tech, science, water/climate and connectivity via a “Seoul Declaration.” Nuclear & Minerals Cooperation: South Korea and Kazakhstan signed a nuclear-energy peaceful-use MoU while expanding critical minerals and AI collaboration, signaling a broader high-tech supply-chain agenda. Uzbekistan Privatization & Science Assets: Uzbekistan relists 84 previously unsold state assets in new e-auctions (opening bids from about $85), including stakes in a scientific biotech firm and a district laboratory—an indicator of how research-linked assets may be commercialized. ICT Week 2026 Startup Drive: Uzbekistan positions ICT Week 2026 as a venture-and-investment platform, featuring founder pitching for startups and major global tech players alongside local ecosystems. Energy Infrastructure Deal: Hyundai Engineering moves into Kazakhstan’s gas processing with a KGPP project plan processing 5 billion cubic meters annually, building on its Central Asia experience. EU Sanctions Ripple: EU sanctions renewal over Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov is stuck in a short extension, adding uncertainty for regional business and tech-linked interests.

Uzbek–Korea Tech & Defense Deals: Uzbekistan and South Korea signed 13 cooperation documents during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Seoul visit, spanning critical minerals, AI/data centers, smart cities, rail and defense, plus plans for feasibility studies on high-speed train sets and a national genome/biobank center. Regional Diplomacy: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung is set for bilateral summits with Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan ahead of the first Korea–Central Asia leaders’ summit, with energy and critical minerals high on the agenda. Security Cooperation: The SCO’s anti-terror body (SCO-RATS) condemned new military attacks on Iran and urged de-escalation, while noting member-state coordination under Pakistan’s chairmanship. Cyber Safety: Researchers flagged 360+ fake government and news websites targeting people in Uzbekistan and neighbors, using bogus cash offers to steal personal data and money. Archaeology in Uzbekistan: New finds at Samarkand and Kashkadarya sites include bronze burial jewellery, a plaster sculpture head from an early medieval temple, and a preserved ritual altar with a decorated ossuary. Agriculture & Water Tech: Uzbekistan’s delegation heads to Egypt to study desert land reclamation, pivot irrigation, and livestock development, with large B2B meetings planned. AI Infrastructure Outlook: Moody’s says AI investment could boost growth across Central Asia and the Caucasus, but requires major upgrades in power, telecoms and computing—Uzbekistan is cited among the progress-makers.

Uzbekistan–South Korea Strategic Push: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung agreed to broaden cooperation in critical mineral supply chains, AI and digital technology, and defense ahead of Seoul’s first Korea–Central Asia summit (Sept. 16–17). Central Asia Summit Agenda: Seoul is positioning the meeting to link Central Asia’s resources with Korean processing and advanced manufacturing, with supply-chain resilience, infrastructure, and workforce development on the table. ADB + Critical Minerals + AI: South Korea’s Lee met the ADB chief to deepen financing and technology cooperation for critical-mineral projects, building on an ADB facility launched in Samarkand. Energy & Waste Tech: Uzbekistan plans six waste-to-energy plants with Chinese partners (2026–2027), targeting 3.6 million tons of waste processing and 1.6 billion kWh of electricity. Women in Energy: A new study highlights why women trained in STEM often leave energy roles, citing a steep drop from STEM education to the energy sector. Sports Tech Debate (Uzbek Link): South Korea’s interim coach Robert Moreno denied using ChatGPT/AI to prepare for matches; his squad includes Uzbekistan-bound friendlies in October.

Aviation & Tourism Standards: Uzbekistan and ICAO agreed to keep modernizing aviation infrastructure and services, with a focus on expanding international routes and boosting tourism access. Uzbekistan–Korea Tech Push: Ahead of the inaugural South Korea–Central Asia summit in Seoul, Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev called for a “joint leap in development” with Seoul on advanced technology, investment, AI and digital cooperation. Regional Supply Chains: South Korea hosted a ministerial meeting with Central Asian states to strengthen supply-chain ties, pairing mineral resources with Korean processing tech and smart factory upgrades. BRICS Tech Agenda: At the New Delhi BRICS summit, leaders backed cooperation in technology, supply chains, health and innovation, while Modi warned against “weaponisation” of technology and critical minerals. Payments & Currency Talk: India’s MEA said there’s no plan for a BRICS common currency, but local-currency settlement remains a practical way to cut trade costs. Energy Security Angle: India and Uzbekistan discussed a long-term uranium supply framework, signaling deeper nuclear fuel cooperation. Environment Regulation: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan advanced work on BAT-based industrial modernization, including a proposed joint digital platform for environmental performance data.