Uzbekistan

March 30 — on the occasion of International Day of Zero Waste, a large-scale environmental cleanup event was held across Uzbekistan. According to the Agency for Waste Management and Development of Circular Economy, during the event, nearly 20 areas in the republic were cleaned of 97.9 tons of waste. The initiative kicked off with a mass plogging eco-action in the Qizil Mountain area of Parkent District, Tashkent Region, and was simultaneously conducted in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Tashkent City, and other regions.

Uzbekistan national team head coach Fabio Cannavaro shared his thoughts after the match against Venezuela (0:0, pen. 5:4) in the FIFA Series 2026 tournament. He assessed the game as good, noting that the team controlled the match flow and had opportunities to win in regular time but failed to score. Cannavaro stated: "To win two matches in a short period, you need strong spirit. Thanks to the guys, they played a good match and showed willpower."

In the decisive match of the FIFA Series 2026 international football tournament in Tashkent, the national teams of Uzbekistan and Venezuela faced off. The main time ended with a score of 0:0, as both teams created several scoring opportunities but failed to convert them into goals.

In the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan, the intervention of the Business Ombudsman (Commissioner for the Protection of Entrepreneurs' Rights) has led to the cancellation of an unjustified tax claim worth 100 billion soms against a company. Tax authorities had erroneously imposed a massive land tax debt, despite the land in question having been returned to the state reserve and removed from the company's balance sheet two years prior.

The Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan has announced forecasts for the cotton harvest in 2024. According to ministry data, the cotton yield across the country is expected to reach 3.5 million tons, which is 10% higher than last year's figure. This growth has primarily been achieved through the introduction of new technologies and the modernization of irrigation systems.

The establishment of a Free Economic Zone (FEZ) named "Surkhon-Agro" has been announced in the Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan. The zone will operate for 30 years and aims to become a center for greenhouse farming, ensuring year-round supply of agricultural products to the country. Its primary objective is to establish continuous production of vegetables and fruits, addressing Uzbekistan's needs during the autumn and winter seasons.

Uzbekistan's cotton harvest in 2024 exceeded 4 million tons, reaching the highest level in the past decade. According to state statistics, this represents an 8% increase compared to the previous year, yet experts highlight that such results raise questions about the sustainability of the economic system and the effectiveness of agricultural reforms.

The Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Uzgidromet) has announced its weather forecast for the month of April. During this mid-spring period, unstable weather conditions are expected across the republic, with periodic short-term rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Precipitation will be local in nature and not observed everywhere or every day; for example, no rainfall is anticipated in Tashkent region and the provinces of the Fergana Valley on April 1-3.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan has instructed the government and regional heads to implement a comprehensive set of anti-crisis measures in response to a sharp deterioration in the international situation. At a meeting on first-quarter economic indicators, it was noted that global instability is putting pressure on economic sectors, foreign trade, and prices. Officials were tasked with assessing risks in advance and acting according to multiple scenarios to mitigate the impact on the national economy.

According to a decree by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on March 25, an indefinite moratorium on the establishment of new industrial zones in Tashkent will take effect from April 1. This decision aims to improve the city's environmental conditions and ensure orderly development. During the moratorium, the government plans to review environmental requirements and construction standards.

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has put forward a draft amendment for public discussion, proposing to lower the threshold amount at which banks are required to accompany money transfers with full information about the sender and recipient. Currently set at 30 basic calculation units, the proposed changes would reduce this to 25 basic calculation units (approximately 10.3 million Uzbek soums). The draft has been published on the Portal for Discussion of Draft Normative Legal Acts.

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has developed a draft of amendments and additions to internal control rules aimed at combating money laundering from criminal activities. The discussion period for this draft will last until April 4, signaling an expansion of additional monitoring and inspections within the banking system.