Uzbekistan Update: August 15 - 31, 2025
Biweekly update on key developments in Uzbekistan

Section with the most news for August 15 - 31 as of Uzbek Review: PUBLIC POLICY
Table of contents of this Uzbek.Review report for paid subscribers & members:
1. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
1.1 EUROPE
1.2 CENTRAL ASIA, CAUCASUS & CIS
1.3 RUSSIA & CHINA
1.4 ASIA, EAST ASIA & SOUTH-EAST ASIA
1.5 MIDDLE EAST
1.6 NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA
1.7 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
2. PUBLIC POLICY
3. LEGISLATION & GOVERNMENT
3.1 LEGISLATIVE CHANGES
3.2 APPOINTMENTS
4. ECONOMY
4.1 KEY ECONOMIC INDICATORS, LOANS, & PUBLIC FINANCE
4.2 IFI’s, BAKNING & FINANCE
4.3 AGRICULTURE, MINING, & MANUFACTURING
4.4 CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE
4.5 TRADE AND BUSINESS
4.6 ENERGY & PETROCHEMICALS
5. USEFUL LINKS AND NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
UPCOMING EUROUZ & MEMBER EVENTS
September 9 - 11, 2025 Cutting-Edge European Technologies at CAITME 2025
The Central Asian International Textile Machinery Exhibition traditionally brings together global leaders in textile and garment machinery and technologies. In 2025, a significant part of the exhibition will feature innovative European companies from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Italy, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, showcasing their latest solutions.
Date: 9–11 September 2025
Venue: Uzexpocentre NEC, Tashkent
Register and get your online badgeThis high-level session will bring together financial institutions, regulators, and international experts to discuss Uzbekistan’s new climate legislation, explore practical opportunities in attracting finance, including green finance and share case studies from major SoEs on leveraging capital markets.
September 23-24, 2025 Dentons is pleased to invite to an English law workshop led by Louis Skyner and Mark Withey in Tashkent
The workshop will be on the use of Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs) (and Disclosure Letters) and Shareholders Agreements (SHAs) governed by English law in cross-border transactions. The workshop will aim to: show how such SPAs and SHAs are structured and function mechanically; highlight where and how the main risks are dealt with; and consider how these risks can (or cannot) be apportioned to match commercial expectations.
Registration: Please confirm your participation by 15 September 2025 via tashkent@dentons.com.
Seats are limited and will be confirmed on a first-come basis.
This event aims to bring together communications professionals, cultural institutions, corporate leaders, and policymakers to explore how investments in the arts and culture contribute to a country's international image, sustainable tourism, and long-term stakeholder engagement.
September 23-26, 2025 ICT Week Uzbekistan 2025
As a strategic platform, ICT WEEK Uzbekistan 2025 brings together decision-makers, thought leaders, and visionaries from across the globe to explore investment opportunities, build lasting partnerships, and accelerate the digital future of Central Asia.
September 26, 2025 Intellectual Property & Competition Committee Meeting
EUROUZ is pleased to invite you to the upcoming meeting of the Intellectual Property & Competition Committee. This session will bring together legal experts and business leaders to discuss key IP and competition challenges in Uzbekistan, set priorities for 2025, and kick off new working groups. It will also mark the start of the Committee’s event program for the coming months. We look forward to active participation and valuable input from our members as we shape the Committee’s agenda together.
Register here
Ahead of the meeting, we kindly ask all members to complete a short survey to help us better understand your needs and expectations: Take the surveyOctober 20, 2025 Annual Fintech & Banking Forum
Join for a day of cutting-edge insights and expert discussions on the latest fintech trends. Hear from industry leaders and keynote speakers as they share practical cases and knowledge on:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)
- Open API
- Fraud prevention & Cybersecurity and much more
Registration is required via the linkFor sponsorship opportunities, please contact at contact@fintechassociation.com
October 23, 2025 Uzbekistan Economic Days in Europe - The Flagship Event of the Year
On October 23, 2025, Brussels will host the Uzbekistan Economic Days in Europe – the premier annual platform uniting top business and government leaders from Europe and Uzbekistan.
Sponsorship opportunities are now open
October 22-24, 2025 Ethics, Risk & Compliance Management
Gain practical knowledge, templates, and ready-made solutions from trainers with global experience. Choose from two modules: Foundations of Compliance (22 Oct) or a Full 3-day Compliance Program (22–24 Oct).
EUROUZ & MEMBER NEWS
EUROUZ Participated in the Annual Presidential Meeting with Uzbekistan’s Business Community
On 20 August 2025, the EUROUZ Secretary General took part in the fifth annual meeting of the President of Uzbekistan with the country’s business community, joining around 200 of Uzbekistan’s leading entrepreneurs. The over four-hour session provided a unique platform for businesses to directly present their challenges, proposals, and development priorities to the President and government officials.
EUROUZ Facilitates Dialogue Between Members and Government Institutions
On August 21, 2025, the Europe-Uzbekistan Association for Economic Cooperation (EUROUZ), upon the request of its members, organized a meeting with representatives of the Secretariat of the Foreign Investors Council under the President of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Ecology.
EUROUZ Member Ahlers Logistics Appoints New CEO to Accelerate Global Expansion Strategy
Antwerp-based Ahlers Logistics named Dave Van den Bos as its new CEO to lead the company’s international growth and strengthen its project logistics division. Van den Bos brings over 20 years of experience in global logistics leadership, having served in senior roles at Halliburton, Panalpina, and Blue Water Shipping. His appointment supports Ahlers' strategic focus on high-value logistics services across Europe, CIS, and Asia, backed by long-term family shareholders.EUROUZ Member Iteca Welcomes IP Law Reform to Curb Unfair Competition
On August 8, 2025, Uzbekistan adopted Law No. ZRU-1080, introducing major reforms to intellectual property protection, including faster registration, simplified procedures, and stricter liability for violations. EUROUZ member Iteca Exhibitions highlighted the law’s relevance in combating unfair practices in Uzbekistan’s exhibition industry, where brand misuse and IP violations have been widespread. The reform aims to foster fair competition, protect reputable organizers, and enhance investor confidence across key sectors of the national economy.
EUROUZ Annual Back to Work Jazz Evening 2025
On 2 September 2025, the EUROUZ community came together for one of the most anticipated highlights of our calendar — the Annual Back to Work Jazz Evening. The evening welcomed around 180 distinguished guests, including senior executives, business leaders, and valued members. Guests enjoyed an atmosphere where business networking met cultural sophistication — highlighted by captivating live jazz performances, an elegant cocktail reception, and the joy of reconnecting after the summer season.
EUROUZ Corporate Governance Update | 2025–2026
As of September 1, 2025, the newly elected EUROUZ Board of Directors has officially commenced its mandate following the Annual General Meeting 2025, guiding the association into its next chapter and strengthening Europe–Uzbekistan relations.
New Board of Directors (2025–2026)
Ketevan Antidze — Director, Senior Representative, Commerzbank AG Representative Office Tashkent
Andi Aranitasi — Director, Head of Uzbekistan, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Chahine Boutouila — Development Director for Central Asia, Veolia
Abdulkhamid Muminov — Partner, Tax, Legal & People Services Leader in Eurasia, PwC Central Asia & Caucasus
Pierre-Paul Antheunissens — General Director, EDF Central Asia
Oybek Shaykhov — CEO, East-West Group and EUROUZ Secretary General
Zafar Vakhidov — Partner, Vakhidov & Partners
Prof. Dr. Klaus Mangold — Chairman, Mangold Consulting GmbH, EUROUZ Co-Founder and First Board Chairman
H.E. Toivo Klaar, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, continues as a permanent non-voting member, representing the European Union.
To ensure strategic continuity and balanced governance, the elected members of both the incoming and outgoing Boards unanimously invited Prof. Dr. Klaus Mangold—who received the next highest number of votes—to continue as the 8th voting member, recognizing his pivotal role since EUROUZ’s founding. With the Secretary General now joining the Board as the 7th voting member, this appointment, validated against the statutory mandate of the EUROUZ Board, helps maintain the Board’s neutrality and ensures that no single executive position can hold a deciding vote in case of a tie.
Additionally, starting in September 2025, EUROUZ will begin implementing the Annual General Meeting’s decision to establish the Board of Advisors, representing the national chambers of commerce within EUROUZ’s membership, further enhancing the association’s governance and strategic representation.
With these updates, EUROUZ strengthens its corporate governance framework and remains committed to delivering long-term value, fostering impactful partnerships, and advancing the interests of its members.
EUROUZ welcomes new member - Mortgage Refinancing Company of Uzbekistan (UzMRC)
Established in November 2019 year, the Mortgage Refinancing Company of Uzbekistan (UzMRC) is headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The company operates in the financial services industry, specializing in mortgage refinancing. Its main activity includes providing homeowners with better terms through refinancing, helping make homeownership more affordable in Uzbekistan.
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1. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
1.1 EUROPE
President of Uzbekistan will travel to Brussels on October 24, 2025
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will travel to Brussels on October 24, 2025, for a key meeting with European Council President António Costa to sign the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation. This new document will elevate EU–Uzbekistan relations, building upon the EU–Central Asia Strategic Partnership launched at the Samarkand summit earlier this year. The agreement spans broad areas including trade, technical regulation, and dispute settlement, marking a shift beyond the existing 1999 framework. The move underscores deepening political and economic ties between the EU and Uzbekistan. Final negotiations and preparations are expected to conclude ahead of the signing.
1.2 CENTRAL ASIA, CAUCASUS & CIS
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Draft Mutual Pension Recognition Pact
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan signed a draft agreement in Tashkent to mutually recognize pension service periods, ensuring that employment history in either country counts toward pension eligibility. The deal allows pension payments regardless of current country of residence and removes delivery cost deductions. It prevents double contributions and coordinates state social insurance systems. The arrangement will advance social security rights and facilitate cross-border economic cooperation. Implementation details are expected from both governments following final reviews.
Saida Mirziyoyeva Meets President Japarov in Bishkek
Head of Uzbekistan’s Presidential Administration Saida Mirziyoyeva held talks in Bishkek with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, describing the meeting as warm, open, and trusting. They reaffirmed cooperation on border management, mutual recognition of national IDs, and joint infrastructure projects such as Kambarata HPP‑1 and the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. The two leaders also praised cultural initiatives like the “Zakovat” intellectual game to strengthen youth ties. This dialogue reinforces longstanding neighborly relations and strategic partnership. Further collaborative efforts are anticipated in upcoming joint projects.
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan Hold Summit in Awaza
On August 22, leaders from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan convened in Turkmenistan’s Awaza tourism zone for a trilateral summit focused on economic cooperation. They signed multiple documents to enhance trade, transport, energy, and humanitarian collaboration. Uzbekistan's President Mirziyoyev also held bilateral meetings during the summit to further regional coordination. The gathering highlights a shared commitment to deepening multilateral ties in Central Asia. Follow‑up actions will be coordinated through intergovernmental mechanisms and project roadmaps.
Mirziyoyev and Berdimuhamedov Strengthen Strategic Ties
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Turkmenistan leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in Awaza to discuss expanding strategic partnership across multiple sectors. They highlighted bilateral trade reaching approximately $700 million this year and noted the operation of a free trade regime and trade houses in both capitals. Plans to launch the Shavat–Dashoguz trade zone were confirmed, alongside emphasis on industrial, energy, transport, and water cooperation. The meeting underscored coordinated preparations for regional leadership consultations and trilateral frameworks. Governments will now advance these agreements through structured intergovernmental coordination.
Three Nations Agree to Expand Transit Corridor Cooperation
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan adopted a joint statement in Awaza to expand cooperation in transit corridors, logistics, and transportation links. They signed memorandums covering transport, shipbuilding, civil aviation, and cooperation between commodity exchanges. Discussions focused on integrating transport routes and optimizing ports of Turkmenbashi and Baku to enhance regional connectivity. Agreed measures also address energy cooperation, industrial cooperation, tourism, cultural exchange, and environmental collaboration. Governments will now implement these agreements following a detailed “roadmap” to drive regional integration.
Central Asia Launches Regional Contact Group on Afghanistan
Uzbekistan initiated the first meeting of a regional contact group on Afghanistan, bringing together special representatives from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan in Tashkent on August 26, 2025. The group is designed as an independent regional platform for dialogue on Afghanistan-related issues, emphasizing security, stability, and sustainable development. Participants agreed to develop common and realistic regional approaches, focusing on restoring trade, transport links, and cultural cooperation. The group will hold regular sessions, aligned with broader Central Asian consultative mechanisms.
Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan Parliamentary Roadmap 2025–2026
Kazakhstan’s Senate Chairman Maulen Ashimbayev and Uzbekistan’s Senate Chairperson Tanzila Narbayeva signed a roadmap in Astana for inter‑parliamentary cooperation spanning 2025–2026. The agreement outlines shared priorities in water‑energy, transport‑logistics, environment, agriculture, education, and digitalization, reflecting the Strategic Partnership adopted during President Mirziyoyev’s 2023 state visit. Narbayeva also received the Order of Dostyk (Friendship), 2nd degree, from President Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev, recognizing her contributions to regional cooperation. Next steps include joint events, legislative coordination, and engagement in spiritual diplomacy.
1.3 RUSSIA & CHINA
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