Uzbekistan

The State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan has released economic growth indicators for the first quarter of 2024. According to the data, the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate stood at 6.2%, which is slightly lower than the figure for the same period last year. Committee Chairman Bahodir Qo‘ldoshev attributed this growth to positive dynamics in industry, construction, and services, but noted a slowdown in agriculture due to drought conditions.

In Tashkent, an inspection conducted in the Yunona neighborhood of Shaykhantakhur District revealed that 108 trees had been illegally transplanted. The investigation, carried out by the State Environmental Inspection of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change based on a complaint, found that trees were unlawfully placed in the area of a closed collector on Abu Ali ibn Sina Street.

Under a presidential decree issued on March 25, 2024, Uzbekistan is set to implement additional measures to ensure the supply of agricultural products to the population during the autumn-winter period. According to the Huquqiy axborot Telegram channel, key development targets for greenhouse farming in the republic have been set for 2026–2027.

Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Lesotho have established diplomatic relations. A corresponding communiqué was signed on March 27 at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The document was signed by Uzbekistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ulugbek Lapasov, and the Head of the Lesotho Mission to the UN, Matete Nena.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, has announced the launch of an international scholarship program that will enable students to pursue quality education abroad with full financial support. The program covers tuition, dormitory accommodation, monthly stipends, and medical insurance, providing a comprehensive package for overseas study.

Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover for January-February 2026 reached $11.6 billion, showing a 7.1% increase compared to the same period last year. According to data from the National Statistics Committee, while overall trade volume grew, the dynamics of exports and imports moved in opposite directions.

The Special Commission of the Competition Committee of Uzbekistan has initiated a case against 31 entities accused of unjustifiably inflating starting prices and artificially limiting volumes in propane exchange trades during November-December 2025 and January 2026. According to the commission, these actions led to a sharp increase in propane prices, violating competition laws and adversely affecting consumers and the national economy.

In the Namangan region of Uzbekistan, a nearly two-decade-long legal dispute has reached a just conclusion. An entrepreneur from the "Umid" neighborhood in Davlatabad district has secured compensation for his shop, which was demolished by a decision of local authorities 17 years ago. This case highlights the active role of justice agencies in protecting property rights, facilitated by ongoing reforms in the judicial system.

The government of Uzbekistan has put forward a draft resolution for public discussion, proposing to cover 25% of the initial down payment on mortgages for medical and pharmaceutical workers with at least 15 years of service. The document is available on the Portal for Discussion of Draft Regulatory Legal Acts.

Uzbekistan has launched the national project 'Second Chance' (Ikkinchi Imkon), aimed at the social rehabilitation of convicted youth by providing them with access to training in modern professions. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the corresponding decree on implementing this social initiative.

The Credit Information Analytical Center (CIAC), under the initiative of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, has launched a new service called “Credit Notification.” This service enables citizens to receive immediate alerts about new credit contracts registered in their name. Notifications are sent via SMS and as push notifications in the CIAC mobile app, aiding in the timely detection of illegal or unauthorized loans.

Representatives from Uzbekistan's Central Bank, Tax Committee, and Ministry of Justice detailed new cashless payment regulations set to take effect on April 1 during a public meeting in Tashkent. Officials stated that transactions involving real estate, vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, and any purchases exceeding 25 million Uzbek soums must be conducted exclusively through non-cash methods.