Uzbekistan

A mission of experts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which visited Uzbekistan, has recommended accelerating deep reforms in the state sector to develop the country's economy. The focus is on privatizing state-owned enterprises operating profitably in competitive industries and liquidating inefficient, loss-making companies. In a statement, the IMF emphasized that these measures could boost labor productivity, attract foreign and local investment, and stimulate private sector development.

On April 17, Javokhir Sindarov, winner of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Candidates Tournament, returned by charter flight from Cyprus and was ceremoniously welcomed at the newly built Humo International Airport in Tashkent by high-ranking state officials, athletes, and the public. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Head of the Social Development Department of the Presidential Administration Odil Abdurakhmanov, First Deputy Chairman of the National Olympic Committee Otabek Umarov, Minister of Sports Adham Ikramov, Tashkent City Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov, as well as Sindarov's family members, chess players, and journalists.

Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov has signed a resolution "On the Implementation of Expenditures Related to the Repair of Some Roads in Tashkent City," allocating 14 billion sum for the renewal of the capital's road infrastructure.

Jalen Green scored 36 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 111-96 play-in victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday, securing the eighth seed in the Western Conference and a spot in the NBA playoffs. The Suns will now travel to face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday to open a first-round series, marking a critical step in their postseason journey after a hard-fought win.

Uzbekistan's parliament has passed a law transferring cases of sexual violence against women and minors from internal affairs bodies to the prosecutor's office. However, Irina Matviyenko, head of the Nemolchi.uz project, criticized the amendments as half-measures that fail to address systemic issues. She pointed out that the law does not cover articles related to sexual exploitation but not formally classified as crimes against sexual freedom, such as involving minors in pornography or human trafficking.

The XV World Taekwondo Junior Championships were held in Tashkent from April 12 to 17, where the Uzbekistan national team showcased remarkable performance, securing a total of six medals.

The Ministry of Preschool and School Education of Uzbekistan has approved the specific dates and formats for the final state certification exams for 9th and 11th grade graduates in 2026. The exams will commence on June 1 and continue until June 15, providing students with a clear timeframe for preparation.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has described the upcoming Premier League clash with Manchester City as a 'huge privilege', despite his team's recent dip in form. Arteta emphasized the significance of this match in the title race, urging his players to embrace the opportunity in what could be a decisive showdown.

Uzbekistan has introduced amendments to 1 Code and 3 laws aimed at enhancing family and social protection. The new norms focus on supporting families raising children with disabilities, expanding transport benefits, and assisting women affected by violence.

Uzbekistan has long been a leading global producer of cotton, but the 2024 harvest results highlight challenges for the country's agricultural sector. According to state statistics, the harvest volume decreased by 5% compared to the previous year, reflecting the impact of factors such as climate change and water scarcity. Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture attributed this trend to "drought and high temperatures," acknowledging additional hardships for farmers.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan made a significant statement regarding the country's economic development and future plans. According to him, Uzbekistan has maintained steady growth in recent years, implementing strategies focused on attracting foreign investment and boosting exports. The president highlighted new projects in agriculture, industry, and tourism as key areas of progress.

In Uzbekistan, a new "Early Intervention" system for children under three years old with developmental delays will be launched by June 1, 2026. The program aims to provide correctional-pedagogical assistance, including speech development sessions and therapeutic physical education. Services will be delivered by non-governmental organizations, with quality control ensured through a special electronic registry.