Clean Hands program to be launched in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan will launch Clean Hands program from May, requiring healthcare and educational institutions to install handwashing stations. Public toilets and restaurants will be be required to have soap and sanitizers. Another nationwide program should enhance sanitation and hygiene across the country.
Uzbekistan appoints first ambassador to Iceland
Ravshan Usmanov, Uzbekistan’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, has also become the country’s first ambassador to Iceland. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1997.
Uzbekistan and Malaysia agree on projects in critical resources sector
Uzbekistan reached agreements with three major Malaysian companies to launch joint projects in the critical minerals sector, minister of investment, industry and trade Laziz Kudratov said. Malaysia will also provide training for Uzbekistan’s specialists in semiconductor manufacturing.
Switzerland to return another $182 milion in Gulnara Karimova’s assets to Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and Switzerland signed a new agreement on the return of assets of Gulnara Karimova, daughter of first president of Uzbekistan. Switzerland is set to transfer an additional $182 million to the people of Uzbekistan through the UN’s Multi-Partner Trust Fund, Uzbekistan Vision 2030.
Uzbekistan and Malaysia announce launch of “period of innovative development” for joint partnership
President of Uzbekistan and prime minister of Malaysia agreed to designate 2025−2026 as the period for innovative development in joint partnership. A Strategic Dialogue platform for Foreign Ministers, a Preferential Trade Agreement and Industrial Cooperation Program are among announced deals.
Utilization fee for new electric vehicles increased 4 times
The government of Uzbekistan approved an increase of electric vehicle utilization fee from 1 May. It will now range from $3,462 to $6,060, based on vehicle’s manufacture year. The move aims to fund battery disposal infrastructure. Domestic manufacturers are exempted from this fee.
Samarkand flatbread registered as a geographical indication
Samarkand flatbread was officially registered as a geographical indication. The justice minister of Uzbekistan Akbar Toshqulov handed over the registration certificate to the acting head of Samarkand region Adiz Boboyev.
“We have the will, you have technologies”. President invites Malaysian companies to invest in Uzbekistan
President of Uzbekistan announced the establishment of a special economic zone in Tashkent region for Malaysian entrepreneurs, offering full incentives. He invited them to invest in the country, assuring that each project would be supported by a separate government resolution.
Poverty line updated in Uzbekistan, minimum consumer spending raised by $1.6
Uzbekistan raised the minimum consumer spending by 3.2%, from 648,000 to 669,000 soums per month. This benchmark, used to determine the poverty line, should have been updated in January.
Uzbekistan to adopt Concept of State Policy in Religious Affairs
The deputies approved the draft law on the Concept of State Policy on Ensuring Freedom of Conscience and in Religious Affairs. Based on “historical experience and universal values”, the document aims to uphold principles of secularism of the state and foster conditions for the country’s progress.
Mandatory testing of palm oil to be introduced in Uzbekistan
Starting 1 March, Uzbekistan will require mandatory laboratory testing of palm oil and products containing palm oil and trans fats. Additionally, control over the use of palm oil in food products within the country will be strengthened.
Uzbekistan’s poverty rate declines from 11% to 8.9% during 2024
Uzbekistan’s poverty rate fell from 11% to 8.9% in 2024, Center for Economic Research and Reforms and Ministry of Employment said. During one year, 719,000 people out of poverty. The lowest poverty rate was recorded in Navoiy region (5.7%), while the highest was in Khorezm (11.9%).
President of Uzbekistan to pay official visit to Malaysia
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay an official visit to Malaysia on 4−5 February. He will hold talks with prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, meet top executives of Malaysian companies and participate in a joint business forum and other events.
It is time to transition to resource-efficient economic model — president of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan plans to increase the share of renewable energy in its total power generation from 16% to 26% this year, with $300 million allocated to support low-carbon projects. The president emphasized that it is time to transition to a resource-efficient economic model.
Number of Uzbekistanis that died from alcohol in Türkiye reaches 23
The death toll of citizens of Uzbekistan from counterfeit alcohol in Türkiye reached 23, including 2 women. Some Uzbekistanis are still receiving treatment, while others have been discharged from hospitals.
Deputies unanimously pass law banning vape imports and sales in Uzbekistan
Deputies of Uzbekistan passed a law banning the import and sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes) and sent it to the Senate for approval. The law was unanimously approved in the second and third readings without debate.
President of Uzbekistan sends condolences to US president over plane crash
President of Uzbekistan sent condolences to president of US in connection with numerous human casualties resulting form the collision of an airplane and a helicopter near Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington.
Uzbekistan, Afghanistan extend agreement on operation of Hairatan — Mazar-i-Sharif railway line
Uzbekistan and Afghanistan extended the contract for the continued operation of the Hairatan — Mazar-i-Sharif railway. A subsidiary of Uzbekistan Railways will remain the operator of the line.
Fines for violating animal care regulations in cities increased in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan increased fines for violating animal care regulations in cities and settlements, as well as for officials failing to take measures to capture stray animals. Additionally, fines and confiscation have been introduced for keeping wild animals prohibited for private ownership.
Solar panels to be increased on rooftop space in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan will allocate $154.15 million in preferential loans to encourage installation of solar panels and water heaters. Under this program, at least 50% of available rooftop space on homes and businesses will be designated for solar equipment, energy minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov announced.
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