Uzbekistan Update: January 15 - 31, 2026
Biweekly update on key developments in Uzbekistan
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 NOTABLE 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
EUROUZ Infrastructure, Industry & Energy Committee Initiation Meeting
As Uzbekistan advances its economic diversification and industrial modernisation, infrastructure quality, industrial competitiveness, and energy security have become key drivers of sustainable growth and investment attractiveness.
In response, EUROUZ has established the Infrastructure, Industry & Energy Committee as a dedicated platform for structured dialogue, expert exchange, and policy-oriented cooperation. The Initiation Meeting will introduce the Committee’s mandate, governance framework, and priority areas for the 2026 work programme.
The meeting will also set the foundation for structured B2B, B2G, and expert-level cooperation, supporting investment-friendly frameworks and international best practices across the three sectors.
Date: 6 February 2026
Duration: 14:00 pm - 16:00 pm (UZT)
Venue: U-ENTER Innovation Center
2. Webinar “EU Raw Materials Mechanism Platform”
As part of the RESourceEU Action Plan launched in December 2025, the EU is introducing a new Raw Materials Mechanism. This initiative is designed to help companies secure supplies of strategic raw materials, aggregate demand, and connect industrial off-takers with global suppliers and financial institutions.
DG GROW and DG ENER will host a technical workshop to explain the mechanism’s features, the registration process, and the details of the first diversification round scheduled for March.
Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
Time: 14:30 – 16:30 CET
Platform: Online
Register hereTashkent Brings Regional Leaders Together to Address Water Scarcity in Central Asia
Hosted by the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the International Water Forum — Tashkent Water Week 2026 — provides a high-level platform for dialogue on the most pressing water challenges facing Central Asia. The Forum focuses on advancing regional cooperation, promoting sustainable water management approaches, and supporting long-term water security and economic growth across the region.
Be part of the change — join collective efforts in Tashkent to foster meaningful dialogue, and help shape practical, future-oriented solutions for the water sector.
Find out why you should be there at https://tashkentwaterweek.uz/en/main
Participation request form: https://tashkentwaterweek.uz/en/request-form
GITEX Central Asia & Caucasus 2026
We’re proud to announce that the EUROUZ will serve as an Ecosystem Partner of GITEX AI Central Asia & Caucasus 2026. The event will unite leading tech innovators, investors, and policymakers shaping the future of digital transformation across Central Asia and the Caucasus. From AI and fintech to green technologies, GITEX AI Central Asia & Caucasus is set to become the region’s most influential platform for innovation and collaboration
Book Your SpaceIteca Exhibitions – 2025: How the Exhibition Year Impacted Uzbekistan’s Economy
In 2025, Iteca Exhibitions marked 30 years of driving the development of Uzbekistan’s exhibition industry and its wider economic impact. Since 1995, the company has evolved into the country’s leading exhibition organiser, connecting local businesses with international markets and introducing global industry standards. In 2025 alone, the company delivered 20 international exhibitions, 4 flagship forums and 36 seminars, facilitating thousands of business meetings, partnerships and investment opportunities, and welcoming over 100,000 visitors from 75 countries.
Discover how exhibitions are driving Uzbekistan’s economy and business growth.
EUROUZ & MEMBER NEWS
EUROUZ supported and facilitated the participation of the President of Uzbekistan at the World Economic Forum in Davos
Upon arrival, the President was welcomed by Dorit Salis Probst, Managing Director of JCC and a EUROUZ member and partner in Switzerland. His programme comprised a full agenda of high-level engagements over a one-and-a-half-day stay in Davos.
During the visit, the President met separately with EUROUZ member representatives, including the President of the EBRD, Mrs. Odile Renaud-Basso, and Polpharma Board Member Mr. Jerzy Starak.
The discussion with Mr. Starak focused on Polpharma’s expanding presence in Uzbekistan and the company’s future investment and development plans in the country.
Looking ahead, EUROUZ is already developing plans to support the establishment of an Uzbekistan House (Pavilion) in Davos in 2027. Interested parties are invited to contact the EUROUZ Secretariat for further engagement.EUROUZ members, The Coca-Cola Company hosted the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Trophy Tour in Tashkent.
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Trophy was presented in Uzbekistan, bringing together business leaders, sports institutions, and international partners ahead of the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. EUROUZ representatives met with Mr. Otabek Umarov of the Olympic Council of Asia and Mr. Kazamusa Mukae, CEO of Coca-Cola Uzbekistan, underscoring opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and enhancing Uzbekistan’s international profile through sports and global partnerships.
EUROUZ and SCHNEIDER GROUP Discuss Tax and Legal Frameworks for Uzbekistan Construction
SCHNEIDER GROUP and EUROUZ have hosted a business breakfast on modern tax and legal security in Uzbekistan’s construction sector, focusing on upcoming 2026 legislative changes, compliance, and investor confidence. Opening remarks were delivered by EUROUZ Secretary General Atabek Alimdjanov and SCHNEIDER GROUP Founder Ulf Schneider, followed by expert insights from tax and legal specialists and practical market perspectives from industry leaders. The event reinforced collaboration to support informed decision-making and sustainable development in Uzbekistan’s construction industry.
Event PhotosIntelligent Building Expo Tashkent 2026 to Boost Uzbekistan’s Smart Infrastructure Market
EUROUZ participated in a press conference announcing the launch of Intelligent Building Expo Tashkent 2026 and Messe Frankfurt’s entry into the Uzbek market via BMCA. The event introduced three major international exhibition brands — ISH, Light + Building, and Intersec — to Central Asia under a unified platform. Scheduled for 20–22 May at UzExpoCentre, the expo will host over 250 companies from 20 countries, showcasing engineering systems, smart building technologies, and digital infrastructure solutions, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s role as a regional hub for advanced engineering.
More about the scheduled exhibition event via the link.
EUROUZ participated in the New Year opening meeting of the Energy Sector Working Group of the Foreign Investors Council (FIC) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
During the meeting, participants discussed key priorities for 2026, ongoing reforms in the energy sector, and areas for enhanced engagement between international investors and public institutions. In addition, a separate bilateral meeting was held at the FIC Office, providing an opportunity for more in-depth discussions. During these engagements, EUROUZ and the Foreign Investors Council reviewed the structure and mandates of their respective committees and working groups, and considered how they could cooperate and operate more effectively going forward. The exchange focused on potential formats of interaction, coordination mechanisms, and opportunities for joint initiatives in the future.
EUROUZ Member Ipoteka bank OTP Group Joins International Factoring Network FCI
Ipoteka bank OTP Group announced it became a member of Factors Chain International (FCI), expanding its role in global factoring and trade finance. The bank joins a network of more than 400 institutions across over 90 countries, enabling broader support for export and external trade financing. This membership is expected to strengthen collaboration with foreign financial partners and introduce international factoring standards. Corporate clients could benefit from enhanced financial solutions, including export contract financing. The move aligns with efforts to deepen Uzbekistan’s integration into global financial markets.
EUROUZ Member Voltalia starts of construction of the Agrisolarplov pilot project
The Agrisolarplov project, as it is named, is the first agrivoltaics installation not only in Uzbekistan but also in Central Asia. With a peak power installation of 500 kW, this pilot project will be seen as a showroom and will serve as a demonstrator. It has been developed in partnership with the National Center for Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation (AKIS), the Research Institute for Vegetables, Melons and Potatoes, as well as Renicop and Abrest Energy Engineering, the two local companies involved for its construction, and will aim at demonstrating the potential of agrivoltaics technology and showcasing its scalability for broader adoption across the country.EUROUZ welcomes a New Member - Škoda Group
Škoda Group, a leading European transportation engineering company owned by PPF Group, specialises in electric and battery-powered trams, metro systems, buses, and advanced control solutions. With a focus on sustainable mobility and digital innovation, the company promotes low-emission urban transport. EUROUZ aims to support collaboration with Škoda Group to bring European expertise in smart mobility and environmentally responsible transport solutions to Uzbekistan and the broader region.
EUROUZ welcomes a New Member - SIAD Macchine Impianti S.p.A
SIAD Macchine Impianti S.p.A., a leading Italian engineering firm specializing in industrial plants, has maintained a Representative Office in Uzbekistan since 2022, underscoring its commitment to the local market. The company provides solutions across air separation, LNG, CO₂ capture, biogas upgrading, and sustainable energy systems. With a 2024 turnover of €275 million and 584 employees, SIAD Macchine Impianti aims to strengthen collaboration between European engineering expertise and Uzbekistan’s industrial and energy sectors.
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«Uzbekistan is entering a new phase in the modernization of its capital markets — and 2026 may become a defining year» — Franklin Templeton
1. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
1.1 EUROPE
Uzbekistan and Poland to Develop Logistics Hubs for European Re-export
Uzbek and Polish officials agreed to establish logistics hubs in Tashkent Region and Poland’s Mazovia Voivodeship to boost re-exports of goods to Europe. The Uzbek ambassador in Poland outlined plans to leverage Poland’s geographic position to facilitate Eurasian trade and ease current logistical disruptions. Presidents of both countries backed the initiative following enhanced EU–Uzbek partnership agreements. The cooperation aims to cut transport costs and improve freight efficiency between Central Asia and European markets. Further planning will define infrastructure and corridor development.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev Meets Giorgia Meloni in Tashkent
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during her stopover in Tashkent to strengthen the Uzbekistan–Italy strategic partnership. They discussed expanding economic, cultural, and scientific cooperation and noted increasing trade and joint ventures. Both sides agreed on labor migration quotas and upcoming initiatives including strategic dialogue and intergovernmental meetings. Plans include cultural exchanges such as cinema days and participation in the Venice Biennale. An official visit by Meloni was also invited.
1.2 CENTRAL ASIA, CAUCASUS & CIS
Uzbekistan and Turkey Agree to Raise Trade Turnover to $5 Billion
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met in Ankara to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in economic, transport, and migration sectors. They agreed to broaden the list of goods under the preferential trade agreement and target raising two-way trade turnover to $5 billion in coming years. Officials signed multiple cooperation agreements covering sectors including transport corridors and economic zones. The deal aims to deepen strategic partnership and support regional economic integration. Implementation roadmaps are to be approved by both governments.
Uzbekistan Agrees with Turkey on Legal Work Permits and Migration Measures
Uzbek and Turkish labor and migration officials reached agreements to improve legal employment opportunities for Uzbek nationals in Turkey, including issuing work permits from March 1 to residents who have lived in Turkey for at least three years. The agreements continue the practice of legalizing undocumented Uzbek residents without deportation and include centralized skills demand lists and visa procedures. A Turkish company committed to hiring about 2,500 Uzbek construction workers for projects in Ankara in 2026. These measures aim to regularize labor migration and expand employment avenues for Uzbek workers abroad.
Uzbekistan, Turkey Foreign Ministers Pledge Broader Strategic Cooperation
Uzbek and Turkish foreign ministers reaffirmed plans to deepen collaboration across security, economic, and connectivity areas following the 4th Joint Strategic Planning Group meeting in Ankara. They agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, energy security, transport links, counterterrorism, and cultural exchange. The ministers emphasized the significance of the Trans-Caspian East–West Middle Corridor and supported trilateral cooperation involving Azerbaijan. They also highlighted joint efforts within international organizations and mechanisms of the Turkic world to strengthen ties.
Uzbekistan and Turkey Sign 2026 Military Cooperation Plan
Uzbekistan and Turkey signed a comprehensive military cooperation plan for 2026, outlining joint exercises, personnel training exchanges, and technical collaboration between their armed forces. The agreement was signed by the respective defense ministers on January 20, following bilateral talks on regional security and defense industry cooperation. It also includes cooperation in military medicine and professional development. Officials said the plan supports the broader strategic partnership and prepares for upcoming high-level strategic cooperation talks by both presidents.
1.3 RUSSIA & CHINA
Uzbekistan to Host Chinese-Backed Logistics Hub in Tashkent
Tashkent city officials signed a memorandum with China’s Shihezi National Economic Zone to establish a Chinese-backed logistics hub and exhibition centre in the Uzbek capital. The agreement aims to increase trade activity among industrial zone residents and attract new investment. It also includes plans for regular business visits between Uzbek and Chinese partners. Uzbekistan handled over 2.8 million tonnes of international freight and transit in 2025, highlighting logistic growth. Implementation steps will outline operational and investment frameworks.
Uzbekistan and Russia’s Rosatom Discuss Expansion of Nuclear Cooperation
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev to review progress on the country’s nuclear power plant project and expand cooperation in peaceful nuclear technologies. They noted that construction work on the first low-capacity reactor building began in October 2025 and discussed boosting collaboration in agriculture, healthcare, and scientific research. An advanced engineering school for nuclear technology specialists has opened at the Tashkent branch of MEPhI. Both sides agreed to deepen joint efforts in personnel training and implementation of related projects.
