Uzbekistan

The government of Uzbekistan is implementing comprehensive measures to develop the country's innovation ecosystem and transform digital education. Under a new decree, the Agency for Innovative Development will begin using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in evaluating project competition applications. This approach aims to automate the selection process and enhance objectivity in assessing innovative initiatives, marking a significant shift in how the country fosters technological advancement.

Uzbekistan's economy continues to exhibit high growth rates and macroeconomic stability, yet it is confronting escalating external and internal risks. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended accelerating reforms, with a focus on inflation control, private sector development, and environmental sustainability.

President Mirziyoyev Criticizes Systemic Failures in Uzbekistan's Construction Sector

In Tashkent, on March 12, a disaster occurred at a construction site in the city center. The incident resulted in three workers dead and five individuals sustaining injuries of varying severity. Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene and transported the injured to the hospital.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Uzbekistan and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This document establishes long-term cooperation to enhance climate change resilience for children, youth, and local communities across the country, as well as to strengthen disaster preparedness systems.

Uzbekistan will permit the sale of pharmaceutical products through online platforms and marketplaces, while also implementing a delivery system for them. This is outlined in a presidential decree aimed at developing e-commerce in the country.

The information systems of Uzbekistan's Supreme Court have been integrated with the Unified Portal of Interactive State Services, my.gov.uz. This announcement was made by the Supreme Court's information service. As a result of the integration, portal users will be able to receive notifications about court hearings.

Uzbekistan has introduced an online service for replacing damaged or unfit state license plates for motor vehicles, as announced by the Unified Interactive Portal of State Services (my.gov.uz). This service enables citizens to submit applications for plate replacement without queuing, aiming to save time and reduce bureaucratic hurdles in the process.

Deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan have adopted in the first reading a draft law aimed at intensifying the fight against organized crime. The document provides for the introduction of a separate article into the Criminal Code for the financial support of criminal groups. For individuals involved in such financing, a ban on the application of parole is proposed.

Law enforcement agencies in Uzbekistan's Syrdarya Region have disrupted corrupt activities within the judicial system. A judge from the regional court for economic cases is suspected of receiving an illegal monetary reward for issuing a ruling in favor of a commercial entity.

Uzbekistan's cotton harvest in 2024 has achieved record-breaking figures in the country's history, highlighting the effectiveness of agricultural reforms. According to the State Statistics Committee, the yield reached 3.8 million tons, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous year. This result is particularly notable in the Fergana Valley and Kashkadarya region, where modern irrigation technologies and new crop varieties have been implemented.

Deputies of Uzbekistan's Legislative Chamber have passed a bill in its second reading aimed at significantly toughening penalties for corruption crimes and restricting the right of convicted individuals to early release. This initiative is part of a broader effort to intensify the fight against corruption in the country.