Photo: Politicians of Uzbekistan cast their votes in the Constitutional Referendum
Ministers and officials of Uzbekistan voted in the referendum on the new Constitution. Some were spotted at polling stations by Gazeta.uz correspondents, while others had photos provided by their department’s press services.
The President of Uzbekistan and his family voted in the referendum (photo, video)
The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and his family vote in a referendum on a revised Constitution. Photo.
In pictures: Referendum on new Constitution underway in Uzbekistan
The referendum on the revised constitution of Uzbekistan began at 8:00, as polling stations opened for voters, and will continue until 20:00. Gazeta.uz is reporting on the ground.
Referendum in Uzbekistan declared valid
Deputy Head of the Central Election Commission, Bakhrom Kuchkarov, has announced that the referendum on Uzbekistan’s new constitution has been deemed valid. As of 13:00, over 12 million voters, which constitutes 62.24% of the total number of eligible voters, had participated in the referendum.
Uzbekistan explores gas supplies from Russia via Central Asia-Center pipeline
Uzbekistan considers importing gas from Russia via the Central Asia-Center pipeline, as the Bukhara-Urals pipeline is obsolete, Uzbek Energy Minister said. The parties are assessing the costs of repairing compressor stations for reverse gas delivery.
Direct flights between Tashkent and Budapest to launch in late 2023
Direct flights between Uzbekistan and Hungary are planned to begin in H2 2023, as announced by Hungary’s Minister of Economic Development, Marton Nagy. He also informed Hungary expressed readiness to share experience with Uzbekistan in artificial intelligence technology and drone production.
Gas production in Uzbekistan to see positive growth in H2 2023 — Energy Minister
Uzbek Energy Minister, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, announced at the Tashkent Investment Forum that the country’s gas production is expected to see positive growth in the second half of 2023, following a decline in production due to various factors.
“The construction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway would guide “our region out of a transport impasse” — Akylbek Japarov
At the Tashkent Investment Forum, Akylbek Japarov, Kyrgyz PM, highlighted the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway’s potential to alleviate regional transport issues, connect roughly four billion people, and expand transport links from Asia to Europe and the Middle East.
“We are grateful Uzbekistan is against having its territory used to circumvent the sanctions” — EU Special Envoy
EU’s Special Envoy for Sanctions visited Uzbekistan to discuss concerns regarding the potential circumvention of sanctions against Russia. He urged Uzbekistan to strengthen control measures on the movement of specific EU-made products.
President reveals plans to transfer four Uzbek airports to private management
President Mirziyoyev unveils plans to transfer four Uzbek airports (Andijan, Namangan, Bukhara, and Urgench) to private sector management in 2023, and invited investors to participate in the evolving aviation sector.
Uzbekistan targets 50% increase in gold production
Uzbekistan sets its sights on a nearly 50% increase in gold production, aiming for 150 tonnes in the coming years.
“In Uzbekistan, you will find everything you need for business — peace, stability, and reliable guarantees.” Uzbek President speaks at investment forum
President Mirziyoyev emphasizes WTO accession, green economy transition, and investor support in his speech at the Tashkent International Investment Forum, highlighting reforms, SOE’s privatization program, arbitration court decisions, and guaranteed protection of investors' rights.
“There is much more in common between Ukraine and the states of Central Asia than it seems” — Andriy Yermak
Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, wrote an article, addressing Central Asian countries. He stressed that multi-vectorism is historically characteristic of the region’s states. Ukraine also sought to be multi-vector, until Russia forced it to make the final choice, he wrote.
ADSSC to develop advanced wastewater treatment plant in Tashkent
UAE-based ADSSC will begin construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Tashkent in January 2024, with the capacity to process 1.5 million cubic meters of wastewater daily. The project includes modernizing pipelines and connecting existing treatment plants in the city.
Social tax rebate for employers hiring youth prolonged until 2025
A social tax rebate was reinstated for employers hiring workers under 25, excluding certain entities. Over 9,000 enterprises previously benefited, with 150 billion soums returned and 100,000 young people employed. The renewed incentive runs from May 1st, 2023 to January 1st, 2025.
French Alstom to aid in Tashkent tram route optimization — Ambassador
Alstom, a French company, will supply equipment and build a tram line in Tashkent, as well as provide consultation on route optimization. The Uzbek government insists on localization and seeks a feasible long-term infrastructure plan to connect old and new parts of the city.
Uzbekistan announces plans to develop lithium projects
Uzbekistan plans to start lithium mining and processing, with the Ministry of Geology identifying the development of other “technological metals” in the country as a promising direction for growth.
Uzbek leadership and Czech PM discuss expanding cooperation
Czech PM Petr Fiala held talks with Uzbek President and PM in Tashkent and took part in a business forum. The Czech side expressed interest in buying uranium and copper and supplying trams, trains and planes. They also discussed arranging direct flights and other issues.
Uzbekistan to buy 300,000 tons of oil from Russia in 2023
Uzbekistan has reached a deal with Gazpromneft to procure 300,000 metric tonnes of oil in 2023.
Chinese Ambassador’s remarks regarding the sovereignty of former Soviet countries sparks outcry
A statement by the Chinese Ambassador to France questioning the sovereignty of the former Soviet Union countries provoked a diplomatic scandal. A number of European countries reacted, and China reassured that it respected the independence of all states that became independent of the Soviet Union.
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