Uzbekistan

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan held a video conference on April 7 dedicated to issues of developing physical education and sports. The meeting presented comprehensive measures to popularize mass sports, improve public health, and reform the training system. According to the presidential press service, new approaches will evaluate the effectiveness of mass sports in neighborhoods not only by the number of people involved but also by their health indicators.

According to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the 2024 cotton harvest in the country has concluded, with a total yield of 3.5 million tons. This figure represents an 8% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the effectiveness of reforms in the agricultural sector.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan emphasized at a meeting on April 7 that sport should become not only a means of strengthening health and achieving high results but also a full-fledged economic sector generating income. He reviewed issues related to organizing national championship football matches and noted that fan attendance is not at the expected level due to some matches being held during working hours.

The Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved a law on April 7 titled “On Introducing Additions and Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts in Connection with Strengthening Responsibility for Committing Offenses in the Field of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Use of Nature.” This law, developed by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change to ensure the implementation of Presidential Decree PF-217 of 2025, aims to significantly tighten penalties for environmental violations, reflecting growing concerns over ecological degradation in the region.

At a session of the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the draft law "On Compensation for Damage Caused by an Illegal Decision, Action, or Inaction of a State Body or Its Official" was discussed and approved. This law aims to regulate the procedure for compensating damage inflicted on citizens by the state, based on unified norms.

The Asian Wrestling Championships are underway in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. On the first competition day, the Uzbekistan national team secured gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, held a meeting with Ben Black, CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), during her visit to the United States. The discussions focused on a broad portfolio of projects and prospects for attracting American investments, highlighting ongoing efforts to deepen economic ties amid global uncertainties.

By decision of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, entrepreneurs in the country will receive partial compensation for expenses on importing beef, mutton, and breeding cattle. These measures are aimed at curbing price increases and supporting food stability, particularly in response to the sharp rise in imported meat costs and emerging competition issues with local products.

Uzbekistan's cotton harvest in 2024 has reached a record level, yet this achievement occurs against a backdrop of ongoing agricultural difficulties and global market issues. According to state statistics, the yield increased by 15% compared to the previous year, reflecting the country's efforts to strengthen cotton production. However, experts warn that this growth may be unsustainable until factors such as water scarcity, climate change, and international price volatility are addressed.

The Union of Writers of Uzbekistan has reported that Qamchibek Kenja, a distinguished cultural figure, honored youth mentor, writer, poet, publicist, and translator of Uzbekistan, has passed away at the age of 80. This marks the end of a life dedicated to enriching Uzbek literature and culture, with Kenja being celebrated for his substantial contributions across multiple literary domains.

The price of diesel fuel has sharply increased on Uzbekistan's commodity exchange. During trading on April 3, the price per ton rose by 15.2%, reaching 15.9 million sum. In subsequent trading on April 6, the price increased by another 2%, reaching 16.2 million sum. This is nearly 24% higher than the same period last year, highlighting significant inflationary pressures in the energy sector.

By decree of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, Jalol Samandarovich Arashov has been appointed as the First Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services. This appointment is seen as part of the ongoing personnel rotation and reforms in the country's construction sector.