Deputy energy minister on creating carbon market in Uzbekistan and “green corridor” project to Europe
Uzbekistan plans to establish a legal framework for the carbon market and carbon pricing mechanisms by the end of the year, deputy energy minister said. Leaders of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are expected to sign an agreement on “green corridor” to Europe at COP29 this week.
National debt of Uzbekistan may reach $45 billion in 2025, with servicing costs increasing 1.4 times
Uzbekistan’s national debt is projected to increase from $39.7 billion to $45 billion in 2025, marking a 13.3% rise. The cost of servicing this debt is expected to reach 48.1 trillion soums, or approximately $3.5 billion, reflecting a 42.8% increase.
New record: Uzbekistan’s gold and foreign currency reserves exceed $43 billion
Uzbekistan’s gold and foreign currency reserves rose by another $2 billion in October, reaching $43.1 billion, driven by rising gold prices. This marks the fourth consecutive month of record highs, as the Central Bank sold a small amount of precious metal and invested in securities.
Some developed countries are demanding same requirements from developing countries — WTO special representative
At WTO accession talks, it is “easier to negotiate with the latest acceded countries. Because they haven’t forgotten how difficult the process is,” president’s special representative on WTO issues Azizbek Urunov said. He also addressed concerns over non-tariff barriers between nations.
Two citizens of Hungary die after boulder falls on car at Takhtakaracha mountain pass
Three people, including two Hungarian citizens, died after a massive boulder fell from on their car at Takhtakaracha mountain pass. Embassy of Uzbekistan in Budapest expressed condolences and said it was ready to help return the bodies to Hungary.
Restrooms to be installed at 9 more Tashkent metro stations
Tashkent metro has announced plans to open restrooms and baby changing rooms at 9 more stations. The only restroom currently available was opened in 2022 at Chilonzor station, with none even at the newly built stations. This follows a recent incident in which a man urinated at Pakhtakor station.
List of wild animals prohibited for private ownership approved
The government of Uzbekistan approved the list of wild animals banned from private ownership. The new regulations also prohibit the use of wild animals in circuses and performances. Animals currently in private or circus ownership must be transferred to zoos and wildlife sanctuaries during 2025.
Criminal liability for match fixing introduced in Uzbekistan
Criminal liability for bribery and corruption involving participants and organizers of sports competitions has been introduced in Uzbekistan. Penalties include large fines, restriction of rights for up to 3 years and imprisonment up to 3 years, extending to 8 years under aggravating circumstances.
Europe wants to be Uzbekistan’s partner for new chapter in its history — European Commission president
“Some investors are interested in extracting raw materials, but that’s not us,” EC president Ursula von der Leyen said in her address to participants of the European Economy Days in Tashkent. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev assured that the most favorable conditions would be created for joint projects.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulates Donald Trump on election victory
Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Donald Trump on his election as US president, noting that “a new stage of strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the US” began during Trump’s first term. Mirziyoyev expressed readiness to continue friendly relations with US administration under Trump.
Deputy mayor of Chirchik, town near Tashkent, detained while receiving $1 million
Deputy hokim of Chirchik, a town in Tashkent region, was detained while receiving $1 million in exchange for a promise to help secure a victory in a land auction. He is said to have asked a total of $2 million.
Tashkent — New York flight interrupted twice — due to passenger’s health and premature labor
Uzbekistan Airways flight HY101 from Tashkent to New York was interrupted twice. Initially, the plane returned to Tashkent due to a passenger’s health issues. Later, it made an unscheduled landing in Canada after a passenger went into premature labor.
Uzbekistan to explore use of small nuclear reactors and uranium processing in partnership with China
Uzbekistan and Chinese CNNC are set to assess the possibility of deploying China’s small modular nuclear reactors in Uzbekistan. Delegations from both countries also discussed plans to expand uranium ore extraction and processing capacities, with a view to utilizing the fuel in NPPs.
Another citizen of Uzbekistan sentenced to 5 years for participating in Russia’s war against Ukraine
A court in Fergana region sentenced a 51-year-old man to 5 years in prison for participating in the war in Ukraine on Russia’s side. The man said his lawyer had advised him to sign a contract with Russian military. He reportedly suffered injuries from a shell explosion caused by a drone.
Uzbekistan сoncludes bilateral talks with US on WTO accession
Uzbekistan has completed bilateral negotiations with the US on joining the WTO. The president’s special representative for WTO Azizbek Urunov said talks spanned 14 months and were “tough but substantive”.
Zarafshan airport, closed for decades, may resume operations
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev told officials to explore the possibility of reopening the airport in Zarafshan, known as the gold capital of Uzbekistan. Built in the 1980s, the airport has been closed for decades.
Personnel at ministries and govt agencies in Uzbekistan to be cut by 5%
The number of personnel at ministries and other government agencies, as well as regional administrations in Uzbekistan will be cut by additional 2,845 positions, or 5.2%.
Central Bank keeps policy rate unchanged at 13.5% per annum
The Central Bank of Uzbekistan decided to keep the policy rate at 13.5% per annum, citing inflation risks due to energy supply issues, price fluctuations, goods supply disruptions and high service costs in upcoming quarters, which could lead to accelerating inflation.
Parliament’s lower house renewed by 60%, CEC says
Nearly 60% of the parliament’s Legislative Chamber and local councils have been renewed as a result of Sunday’s elections. Women now account for 38% of the parliamentary deputies, a historic high. For the first time, 3 persons with disabilities joined the parliament.
“Much more must be done,” OSCE ODIHR mission says about parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan
While Sunday parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan were well organized, significant challenges in meeting international standards persist, the OSCE ODIHR mission said in its statement. The CIS mission earlier said the elections were open, competitive and just.
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