Uzbekistan

At a session of the Senate of Uzbekistan on April 7, the law "On Automobile Roads" was discussed, where Senator Uktamjon Okhunov raised issues regarding the principles for setting toll road tariffs, transparency in fund expenditure, and service for socially vulnerable population segments. He noted that while the law defines the foundations for creating and using toll roads, several questions remain open in practice, including the criteria for determining tariffs, mechanisms to prevent unjustified fee increases, and ensuring public access to information on how collected funds are spent.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has praised Barcelona player Lamine Yamal for publicly condemning anti-Muslim chants in a recent match, emphasizing that players need to stand together in the fight against discrimination. Vinicius made the comments on Monday, less than a week after Yamal criticized chants by Spanish fans during Spain’s friendly against Egypt last Tuesday.

The Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, during a plenary session on April 7, approved a new version of the law "On Automobile Roads." According to Qutbiddin Burhonov, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defense and Security Issues, the document for the first time clearly defines key concepts—road reconstruction, maintenance, and repair, road owners and specialized organizations, roadside infrastructure, toll roads, operators, and payment points. This is expected to eliminate various interpretations and legal gaps in the field.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan reviewed proposals on April 6 aimed at reducing state participation in the economy and accelerating privatization processes. Currently, the state's share in the economy stands at 42%, with 1,685 enterprises having state involvement. Last year, nearly 30 trillion soums worth of state assets were privatized, generating over 10 trillion soums in revenue for the budget. The volume of land plot sales also increased, reaching 6 trillion soums.

Uzbekistan has established a clear and strict procedure for installing temporary structures on open grounds, ranging from New Year trees to stages and screens. The new requirements are aimed at enhancing the safety and stability of such objects.

A meeting was held in Washington to launch the US-Uzbek Business and Investment Council, led by the Head of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva. The discussions focused on key directions for developing business cooperation and strengthening economic ties between the two countries, though the initiative's effectiveness amid geopolitical tensions raises concerns.

At its 14th plenary session, the Senate of Uzbekistan discussed and approved the Law on Urban Renovation. The main objectives of the law include improving living conditions for the population, gradually renovating seismically hazardous and outdated buildings, and modernizing communication systems.

Uzbekistan's Competition Committee has implemented strict measures against companies that failed to offer flour produced from state wheat on exchange trades or provided it in insufficient volumes, aiming to stabilize prices in the domestic market. According to the committee's press service, instances were observed where enterprises did not fulfill their obligations to produce and sell flour from resources acquired from the state.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on April 6 to discuss measures for strengthening defense capabilities and supporting military personnel. The session focused on implementing a series of benefits for young men undergoing compulsory military service, aimed at enhancing their educational and professional prospects during and after their service.

President of Uzbekistan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on April 6 focused on strengthening the country's defense capabilities and providing social support to military personnel. The meeting emphasized the integration of the military and education systems, with a comprehensive package of benefits for servicemen to be introduced starting from the 2026/2027 academic year.

The house in Qibray district, Tashkent region, where Hero of Uzbekistan, national poet Abdulla Oripov lived, has been converted into a house-museum to mark his 85th birthday. The poet resided and worked in this home from 1996 to 2016, a period of 20 years. The museum opened in March of this year, featuring numerous exhibits related to his life and creative work.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan reviewed plans on April 6 for a radical reduction of state presence in the economy. Despite a 60 percent decrease in the number of state-owned enterprises over the past five years and over 10 trillion soums received into the budget from privatization, the head of state criticized the current pace of work and demanded the implementation of modern analytical tools.