Uzbekistan’s GDP grew by 5.5% in the first quarter of 2023, surpassing forecasts, despite initial concerns due to industrial setbacks from January’s extreme cold weather. Industrial production and construction work demonstrated a significant rebound, contributing to the economic upturn.
Uzbekistan experienced a 9.6% decline in gas production during Q1 2023, totaling 12.3 billion cubic meters, with electricity production also falling by 5%. The production of thermal energy and coal has fallen as well. This downturn is attributed to reduced tax rates and other industry challenges.
Uzbekistan’s first regional airline, Silk Avia, has begun commercial flight operations. The airline is offering low-cost flights from Tashkent to Termez, Navoi, Namangan, Karshi, and Urgench (via Bukhara and Samarkand).
Fossil fuels are a dead end for our planet, for humanity, and for economies. In her column for International Mother Earth Day, UNDP Resident Representative Matilda Dimovska writes about UNDP-supported green technology best practices in Uzbekistan.
Uzbek President granted pardons to 541 people who demonstrated sincere repentance and commitment to amending their ways. Among them 36 foreign citizens, 136 women and 75 men over 60 years old. The decree calls for their reintegration into society, with support from relevant ministries and agencies.
Uzbekistan’s livestock sector is a major economic driver, but it also contributes significantly to GHG emissions and has low productivity. A new World Bank project will help the country create a more productive and climate-resilient livestock sector.
Appeals of individuals convicted in the initial Nukus trial will be considered by the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
During the first Central Asia-China ministerial meeting, Uzbekistan proposed to host Forum of Heads of Regions of Central Asia and China in the second half of 2023 to strengthen partnerships, identify growth opportunities, and enhance inter-regional development.
Uzbek President outlined number of measures to boost country’s potato farming sector, addressing constraints in seed access, sown land availability, and disease testing infrastructure. These efforts aim to achieve self-sufficiency in domestic potato production by 2025, reducing reliance on imports.
A presidential decree and resolution declared April 21 (Eid al-Fitr) and 24 as public days off, providing the citizens of Uzbekistan with four consecutive days off.
The Muslim Board of Uzbekistan has announced the beginning of Ramadan Eid (“Eid al-Fitr”) on Friday, 21 April, designating it a public holiday for the nation.
Uzbek President convened a meeting to address critical challenges in water management. He criticized $500 million in yearly irrigation subsidies, ordered transfer of 300 pumps to businesses, and initiated mudflow accumulation. Plans for pipeline irrigation in Jizzakh region underway.
The Uzbek government addresses rising sugar demand by boosting production, implementing measures to minimize risks, and ensuring adequate supply and affordability for the population. Sugar prices up 4.4% in March and 31.1% over the year.
Uzbekistan dispatched humanitarian aid to Afghanistan with 185 tonnes of food assistance, comprising flour, wheat, vegetable oil, pasta, canned goods, sugar, and instant food items during the holy month of Ramadan.
Effective May 1, 2023, Uzbekistan’s new law grants increased discounts for timely fine payments. Offenders can pay 50% of the fine within 15 days or 70% within 30 days to settle outstanding balances, except for specific offences and repeat violations within a year.
Early voting for Uzbekistan’s constitutional referendum commenced on April 19 and will last through April 26, providing an opportunity for citizens who are unable to be present at their polling locations on the main referendum day to engage in the voting process.
EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, visits Uzbekistan for the first time, meeting ministers of justice, interior, and Prosecutor General, as well as the President. “Gazeta.uz asked him about the purpose of the visit and how he assesses the human rights situation in Uzbekistan.
Samarkand is set to receive 350 electric buses, including 100 by the end of the year, as part of a $95 million project with the EBRD to significantly enhance the city’s public transportation infrastructure.
AnadoluJet, a Turkish Airlines subsidiary, commenced its new Ankara-Tashkent-Ankara service on April 18, with regular flights on Mondays, further bolstering the existing 60+ weekly flights between Uzbekistan and Turkey.
Bobur Usmanov has been appointed Uzbekistan’s new Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
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