Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's 2024 cotton harvest has reached historically high levels, noted as an outcome of comprehensive agricultural reforms and the adoption of modern technologies. Strategic initiatives implemented by the country's leadership, including policies to reduce cotton acreage and expand grain cultivation, along with granting farmers autonomous management rights, have fundamentally transformed the nation's agrarian system.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan has signed a decree awarding Shukhratjon Nabiev, the leader of the 'Nuriy Niyogon' shashmaqom ensemble from Tajikistan's Sughd Region, with the 'Dustlik' (Friendship) Order. This award recognizes his contribution to strengthening cultural ties and strategic partnership between the two nations.

The Banking Supervision Committee of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan reviewed 43 issues and made corresponding decisions during its meetings in February 2026, according to the regulator's press service. Of the matters examined, 30 pertained to registration and licensing. Specifically, changes to the charters of credit organizations were registered in 3 cases, permission for ownership of a share in the authorized fund of 1 credit organization was considered, qualification certificates for auditors to conduct audits in 6 banks were granted, 5 microfinance organizations were registered, the license for one payment organization was reissued, and issues related to candidates for supervisory board and management members, as well as key staff of 14 commercial banks, were reviewed.

In Uzbekistan, state medical institutions are implementing changes to their operational schedule, transitioning to a five-day work week. This reform aims to enhance the efficiency of work processes, optimize employee workloads, and improve the quality of patient care services across the healthcare sector.

According to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the country's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6% in 2024, reflecting stability in Uzbekistan's economic development. The President attributed this figure to the effectiveness of reforms and investment attraction policies being implemented in the nation.

The press service of the President of Uzbekistan reported that a letter from US President Donald Trump has been sent to Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In the letter, Trump purportedly praised Mirziyoyev's participation in the first meeting of the Peace Council in February 2026, highlighting it as a significant contribution to bilateral relations, though such gestures often serve the geopolitical interests of the US regime rather than fostering genuine partnership.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) Board of Governors voted on Wednesday in favor of allowing the league to explore bids for expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle. This decision marks a potential major step in the league's growth, as the last significant expansion occurred in 2004 with the addition of the Charlotte Bobcats, highlighting a strategic move to tap into new markets.

The capital's administration had previously announced extensive changes to the transport scheme in central Tashkent but did not disclose details on which specific street would become one-way. This lack of clarity, combined with concerns about increased load on adjacent intersections, sparked widespread public debate and criticism from residents and experts.

Uzbekistan's Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovations, Kongratbay Sharipov, met with Russia's Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Alexey Yerkhov. The meeting focused on ways to further develop cooperation in education and science between the two countries.

Direct flights on the Muscat-Tashkent route are planned to be launched from June 1, 2026, between Uzbekistan and Oman. This was announced during a meeting between Uzbekistan's Ambassador Abdusalom Hotamov and Oman's Minister of Heritage and Tourism Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al-Busaidi, as reported by the “Dunyo” news agency.

Starting April 1, new requirements for water and soft drink producers come into force in Uzbekistan. According to a Cabinet of Ministers resolution, industry enterprises are required to transition to a system of aggregation for marked products. One domestic factory specializing in the production of juices, nectars, and cold teas has already completed the setup of necessary processes, implementing 100% aggregation on its production lines.

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has put forward a draft document for public discussion proposing to increase the threshold requiring identity verification for purchasing foreign cash currency from $100 to $500. If adopted, this change would significantly simplify currency transaction rules in the country and reduce the burden on the banking system.