Uzbekistan Update: November 15 - 30, 2024
Biweekly update on key developments in Uzbekistan
Notable Quotes
"The European Union is an important partner for Uzbekistan in the areas of investment and trade. We are confident that our cooperation will continue to strengthen in the interests of both sides," EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar.
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
Result-Driven Negotiation: Executive Course
EUROUZ Leadership Academy for senior executives' pilot course. With EUROUZ member Central Asian University, we have invited the Founding Academic Director of the Oxford Programme on Negotiation at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School to teach a unique executive course in Tashkent. Sherman D. Roberts also served as Director of Executive Seminars at Harvard’s Kennedy School from 1996-2003, where his programs attracted over 8,000 participants during his tenure.
A three-day immersive course to develop senior managers' negotiation skills in a small group with fellow executives at a fraction of the cost of the Ivy League executive courses.
Course Information:
Dates: December 10 - 12
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Location: Central Asian University, Tashkent
EUROUZ members attend at special rates compared to external executives. This is an incredible opportunity not to be missed.
See more information or Register now to secure your spot.Joint European Christmas Party (Save the date 13th December)
EUROUZ, in partnership with the German and French chambers in Uzbekistan, is delighted to invite you to a festive evening filled with holiday cheer, European traditions, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
This exclusive event brings together the European business community in Uzbekistan to celebrate the season with joy and camaraderie. Whether you’re connecting with old friends or making new ones, this Christmas gathering promises an unforgettable experience of warmth, music, and holiday spirit.
Date: December 13th, 18:30 - 20:30 (Tashkent time)
Organized by: EUROUZ, German Chamber, and French ChamberMark your calendar, and let's celebrate this season of giving and togetherness—European style!
EUROUZ & MEMBER NEWS
EUROUZ Member Beeline Hosts GSMA's M360 Eurasia in Tashkent
Beeline Uzbekistan, in partnership with GSMA and Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technologies, will host the M360 Eurasia 2025 conference in Tashkent on May 20-21, 2025. Announced during M360 MENA 2024 in Doha, the event aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the regional mobile ecosystem. It will focus on using mobile connectivity to drive sustainable economic growth, digital inclusion, and technological advancements.
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1. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
1.1 EUROPE
Uzbekistan and Poland to Hold First Consular Consultations in 2025
Ambassador Amirsaid Agzamkhodjaev of Uzbekistan met Justyna Chrzanowska, Director of Poland's Consular Department, to discuss bilateral cooperation in consular and legal matters. Key topics included visa processes for Uzbek students, academic credential recognition, and legal assistance for Uzbeks in Poland. Both nations agreed to launch the first consular consultations in Tashkent in 2025, aiming to enhance support and cooperation for citizens traveling between the two countries.
1.2 CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Boost Seasonal Trade Ties
Uzbekistan's Ambassador Bakhtiyor Ibragimov met Marat Sultangaziev, Akim of Kazakhstan's Almaty region, to discuss enhancing bilateral trade on November 26, 2024. They agreed to increase seasonal fruit and vegetable exchanges, establish joint ventures for dairy production and packaging, and strengthen trade relations. Trade turnover with Almaty reached $171 million in 2024's first eight months. A Kazakh delegation will join Uzbekistan's Kashkadarya Invest-2024 business forum to further economic collaboration.
Kyrgyzstan’s Gas Exports to Uzbekistan Increase Fivefold
From January to September 2024, Kyrgyzstan exported 654.9 tons of natural and liquefied gas to Uzbekistan, a 5.3-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to Kyrgyzstan’s National Statistics Committee. The exports earned $322,000, up from $52,000 in the previous year. This surge reflects strengthened economic ties and growing energy demand between the two nations. Kyrgyzstan also exported 16.3 tons of gas to China in 2024, valued at $7,800.
1.3 RUSSIA & CHINA
Uzbekistan and Russia Strengthen Crime-Fighting Collaboration
On November 20, 2024, Russia’s Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov visited Uzbekistan to enhance bilateral efforts against crime. He met with Uzbek Prosecutor General Nigmatilla Yuldashev, focusing on cybercrime prevention, organized crime, and legal violations. Discussions included expanding the CIS Prosecutors General Council and launching exchange programs in 2025. Krasnov praised Uzbekistan’s advancements in digital law enforcement tools, emphasizing their regional potential. Both nations committed to deeper collaboration in technology use and professional training for law enforcement personnel.
Russia to Increase Gas Exports to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan
During Russian-Kazakh talks on November 27, 2024, President Vladimir Putin announced plans to boost natural gas exports to Uzbekistan through Kazakhstan. The "Central Asia–Center" pipeline, operational since October 2023, will facilitate the increased supply. To support this, Kazakhstan will invest $500 million in modernizing its gas infrastructure. The collaboration underscores the importance of regional energy cooperation, with joint projects also including three new thermal power plants in Kazakhstan.
Tashkent and CSCEC Partner for $1 Billion Urban Development Projects
On November 22, 2024, Tashkent signed agreements with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) for four urban development projects totaling $999 million. Initiatives include a $300 million road modernization project, a $259 million plan to construct modern bridges, and a $440 million residential complex featuring homes, business centers, and educational facilities. The partnership also includes a joint venture to train local architects and engineers, aiming to enhance Tashkent’s infrastructure and housing sectors.
China and Uzbekistan sign 30 day Visa free agreement
Foreign ministers of Uzbekistan and China signed an agreement allowing their citizens a 30-day visa-free stay in both countries. The date of the enforcement of the new rules should be announced separately.
Uzbekistan Increases Gas Exports to China by 25% in 2024
Uzbekistan exported $587.9 million worth of natural gas to China in the first ten months of 2024, a 25% year-on-year increase, according to Chinese customs data. Despite a slight decline in October exports to $88.93 million, volumes were more than double those of October 2023. Simultaneously, Uzbekistan’s gas imports from Turkmenistan and Russia surged 2.4 times, totaling $1.36 billion by October. These trends highlight Uzbekistan's evolving role in Central Asia's energy market, balancing export growth with rising domestic demand.
Uzbekistan Finalizes WTO Accession Talks with China
Uzbekistan successfully concluded negotiations with China regarding its World Trade Organization (WTO) membership, announced Azizbek Urunov, President’s Special Representative for WTO Affairs. This milestone follows similar agreements with the United States earlier this month, bringing the total to 22 nations. Uzbekistan aims to achieve WTO membership by 2026, supported by domestic reforms aligning with WTO standards. A 2–3 year transition period will ease tariff adjustments, fostering trade growth and export diversification.
Uzbekistan Ratifies Security Agreement with China on Classified Data
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