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Uzbekistan plans to ban cash payment for some services and goods
Uzbekistan aims to diminish cash usage by implementing non-cash payments for public services offered by budget organizations, housing sold by developers, and various other sectors. The transition to cashless transactions is set to include wholesale trade in timber, tires and sugar.
Electricity supply restrictions are imposed in Uzbekistan
Insufficient electricity production in Uzbekistan and imports from Turkmenistan led to limitations of up to 400 MW during peak hours on Sunday, due to a power transmission line accident, says the Energy Ministry.
Uzbekistan ranks 148th in democracy index
Uzbekistan ranked 148th out of 167 in EIU’s Democracy Index 2023. China took the same place. For several years in a row the country’s democracy has been rated 2.12 out of 10. Like other Central Asian countries, Uzbekistan maintains its classification as an authoritarian regime.
Monopoly on external Internet channel in Uzbekistan may finally end
By April 1, Uzbekistan plans to provide ISPs direct access to the international Internet channel. Uzbekistan has been planning to abolish the monopoly on external Internet channels since 2020 and has not executed yet. An independent telecommunications regulator may be established by September 1.
Women in Uzbekistan will now have right to drive buses and heavy vehicles
Clause preventing women from driving buses and heavy vehicles was removed from the Cabinet of Ministers' decree on public transportation driver training. The changes stem from a year-long effort by a joint UNDP and Ministry of Transport team working on the Rustaveli Street reconstruction project.
Statement of Journalism University rector causes reaction from Russian MFA
Journalism University Rector Sherzodkhon Qudratkhoja said Uzbekistan residents who do not know Uzbek language should decide if they are “occupants” or “idiots”. He replied to criticism from Russian politicians. Russian state agency ceased ties with him. Russia’s MFA summoned Uzbekistan’s ambassador.
Individuals under economic sanctions may be banned from opening bank accounts in Uzbekistan
MPs passed a bill in the first reading that would ban those subjected to economic sanctions from opening bank accounts in Uzbekistan. Additionally, the Central Bank would be authorized to establish relevant risk management requirements.
Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan announce 15-day registration-free visits for citizens
Citizens of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan can now enter the territory of each other’s countries for up to 15 days without a temporary registration.
International Union for Conservation of Nature opens representative office in Uzbekistan
International Union for Conservation of Nature opened a representative office at Green University, a new Central Asian university of environmental studies and climate change in Uzbekistan. IUCN Director General Gretel Aguilar participated in the opening ceremony of the office and university.
Uzbekistan increases trade with China and Russia, decreases with neighbors in 2023
China replaced Russia as Uzbekistan’s primary trading partner in 2023. Trade with both countries increased, with growing imports to Uzbekistan and decreasing exports. At the same time, trade with neighboring Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan declined.
666 individuals punished for sexual harassment in 2023 in Uzbekistan
Last year 666 people in Uzbekistan were found guilty of sexual misconduct. Additional 48 people were sentenced for disseminating adult content. Liability for wrongdoing is in force since April 2023.
“My duty as minister of ecology is to advocate for ban on coal and fuel oil,” claims Aziz Abdukhakimov
Minister of Ecology of Uzbekistan Aziz Abdukhakimov asserted in an interview with Gazeta.uz his responsibility to advocate for the prohibition of coal and fuel oil, despite the forced conversion of greenhouses and social facilities to coal fuel. “People's support empowers us,” he stated.
Uzbekistan and Belarus aim to increase trade turnover beyond $1 billion
Presidents of Uzbekistan and Belarus have agreed to increase trade turnover beyond $1 billion, effectively use trade corridors to South Asia and boost cooperation in agro-agricultural, pharmaceutical, food and light industries. Documents worth over $1 billion were signed at the regional forum.
Schools in Uzbekistan will teach business, vocational education and second foreign language
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, experimental educational programs will be introduced. They will focus on advanced learning of exact, natural sciences or a second foreign language, as well as business and vocational training for junior and senior years of high schools.
President directs prime minister to sign year-long contracts with social sphere ministers and set KPIs
President of Uzbekistan has directed the prime minister to establish year-long contracts with ministers in the social spheres, as well as their deputies and deputy hokims and set KPIs for them. He criticized the state of affairs in healthcare, education and science.
International Digital Technology Center to be established in Uzbekistan
Special legal procedure will apply to foreign companies for five years at the relaunched International Digital Technology Center, aiming to boost Uzbekistan’s exports of IT services.
Germany offers 50,000 available job places to Uzbekistan
German employers are officially providing 50,000 available job positions for citizens of Uzbekistan through the Agency for External Labor Migration. The agency also assists Uzbekistani individuals in enrolling in German language courses before their departure.
Head of Uzbekistan’s State Security Service meets acting defense minister of Afghanistan
Head of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan Abdusalom Azizov met with acting Defense Minister of Afghanistan Mohammad Yaqoob to discuss border issues and strengthening of bilateral relations.
Minister of Ecology: Moratorium on construction of cement plants may be announced in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan plans to ban the construction of cement plants, Minister of Ecology Aziz Abdukhakimov shared. Out of the 47 existing plants, 23 have suspended operations, he noted. A study of 25 cement producers revealed that 90% of them violate environmental requirements.
Uzbekistan rises in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index
Uzbekistan secured 121st position out of 180 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. The country has risen five positions over the year. Experts from the organization outlined the necessity of “comprehensive reforms” to further fight corruption.
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