Uzbekistan is planning to change the rules for mobile operators, aiming to make communication services more transparent and affordable for subscribers who do not use the internet. The relevant draft amendments to the licensing procedures in the telecommunications sector have been put up for discussion and include a series of measures focused on consumer protection and eliminating marketing tricks.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan held a meeting on April 1 with Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), who is visiting the country. The discussions focused on prospects for further expanding cooperation in the tourism sector, with both sides highlighting ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure and boost visitor numbers.
In Uzbekistan, starting April 1, mandatory cashless payments will be introduced for a range of goods and services based on a presidential decree. Deputy Chairman of the Tax Committee Jahongir Abdiyev explained the technical aspects and objectives of this reform during a press conference on March 27. The restrictions apply to state services, utility payments, alcohol and tobacco products, real estate and vehicle transactions, as well as all goods and services valued over 25 million soums.
In Uzbekistan, 14 new-format 'green' technical colleges are set to open across all regions of the country during 2026–2027. According to a decree by the head of state, these institutions aim to train 10,000 modern environmental specialists by 2030, capable of professionally addressing air quality and climate change issues.
Uzbekistan's cotton harvest in 2024 reached 3.5 million tons, marking the highest yield in the past decade. This achievement was announced as a result of the government's efforts to modernize agriculture and diversify the cotton industry. However, experts raise questions about the sustainability of this growth and the ongoing socio-economic issues in rural areas.
Starting April 1, construction of 'green walls' has begun in Surkhandarya and Syrdarya regions to prevent dust storms. These measures are outlined in President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's decree on implementing the 'Clean Air' project. Under the project, suitable tree and shrub species have been selected for these areas, with their quantities and planting methods determined.
Under a presidential decree in Uzbekistan, state agencies will transition employees to remote work or adjust schedules when air pollution reaches hazardous levels. This measure aims to reduce urban strain and protect staff health, particularly during periods of intensified air quality issues in major cities like Tashkent, where pollution has become a growing concern.
Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover in January-February 2026 reached $11.6 billion, a 7.1% increase compared to the same period last year. According to the National Statistics Committee, this growth was primarily driven by a surge in imports, as exports saw a significant decline. Import volume rose by 29.8% to $8.1 billion, while exports fell by 23.4% to $3.5 billion.
On International Day of Zero Waste, over two thousand residents across Uzbekistan participated in cleanup activities to collect and send waste for recycling. In a single day, nearly 100 tons of garbage were gathered and transported using 40 units of special equipment, highlighting ongoing efforts in environmental protection and waste management in the country.
The Indian government has implemented a significant overhaul of border entry procedures for foreign tourists. Effective April 1, 2026, paper-based Disembarkation Cards (DE-cards) will be completely discontinued, and all foreign nationals will be required to obtain an electronic Arrival Card (e-Arrival Card) instead.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan chaired a meeting to discuss development prospects for the Namangan region. The session highlighted the region's achievements over the past eight years, with the number of enterprises increasing by 40,000 and production volumes growing sixfold. However, the president emphasized the need to identify new growth drivers amid global economic instability.
The government of Uzbekistan plans to implement cloud seeding technology in the capital and Tashkent region to improve air quality. According to a presidential decree, special equipment will be installed in areas with low humidity by October 1, 2027, aiming to increase precipitation and address environmental concerns such as drought and pollution.