Early voting starts for Uzbekistan’s Constitutional Referendum
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.
“A healthy civil society is vital to make the system work better” — EU Special Representative
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 to receive 350 electric buses, boosting public transport
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 launches new regular Ankara-Tashkent route
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.
New Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan appointed
Bobur Usmanov has been appointed Uzbekistan’s new Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
G7 foreign ministers to cooperate on Central Asian challenges
The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers have committed to collaborating on Central Asian challenges, such as the fallout from Russia’s aggression, Afghanistan’s destabilization, and food and energy insecurity, among other issues at their recent meeting in Japan.
Uzbek President outlines proposals to boost food production industries
President Mirziyoyev unveils plans to support Uzbekistan’s food production industries, including establishing milk collection stations in regions, tagging and identifying livestock, allocating $35 million for poultry farms, and implementing shrimp farming projects, among others.
Biometric voting and live video broadcasts planned for Uzbekistan’s constitutional amendments referendum
Uzbekistan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) plans to introduce live video broadcasts and pilot biometric identification during the constitutional amendments referendum, ensuring transparency and enhanced voter identification across the nation’s polling stations.
Nearly half of Tashkent’s new acting mayor’s decisions remain concealed from public
Since his appointment less than a month ago, Acting Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov has signed 35 decisions, with nearly 50% of them concealed from the public eye. Additionally, four of the 14 decrees adopted remain inaccessible as well.
“My Road” initiative takes off as part of Uzbekistan’s Open Budget project
Uzbekistan’s “My Road” initiative starts on April 17, inviting citizens to propose local road repair and construction projects, with 312 billion soums allocated for funding. The program emphasizes public involvement in shaping regional infrastructure development.
Uzbek and Russian officials discuss energy cooperation
Uzbek Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak convened in Moscow to discuss collaboration in gas, oil, and electricity sectors, including renewable energy, hydropower, and nuclear power plant construction.
“Uzbekistan must by all means join the WTO” — Uzbek President
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on Uzbekistan’s progress in its World Trade Organization (WTO) accession process and emphasized the economic significance of joining the WTO, aiming to double exports of finished products in the next three years.
Samarkand and Tashkent designated as CIS Cultural and Youth capitals for 2024
Foreign ministers from Central Asian countries and Russia convened in Samarkand, designating Samarkand as the CIS Cultural Capital and Tashkent as the Youth Capital for 2024. Additionally, a resolution was endorsed to establish a quadrennial Olympic event for children with disabilities.
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Russia advance in discussions on gas union project — Sergey Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced significant progress in discussions between Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan on a trilateral gas union project after a meeting of foreign ministers in Samarkand.
Uzbekistan eliminates customs duties on key construction materials until 2025
The Uzbek President signed a decree to exempt several imported construction materials from customs duties until January 1, 2025. The measure is aimed at reducing housing construction costs by 5%.
Uzbekistan hosts 4th ministerial meeting to address Afghanistan’s economic and security challenges
Foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbours met in Samarkand, addressing the nation’s complex situation and emphasizing the need for economic projects, infrastructure development, and regional collaboration to counter terrorism and narcotics trafficking for a peaceful future.
President approves mortgage reforms to expand housing access in Uzbekistan
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a decree introducing market-driven mortgage programs in 2023 to enhance housing access, with provisions allowing mortgages for individuals without formal income and differentiated loan rates.
Uzbekistan among first nations to receive childhood cancer medications through new global platform
Uzbekistan is among the first six countries selected by the World Health Organization to receive essential childhood cancer medications through the newly launched Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GPACCM). A forum is being held in the US to prepare for its launch.
US imposes new sanctions on Usmanov affiliated entities and citizens of Uzbekistan
The US imposed sanctions on Alisher Usmanov’s USM Holding and its affiliated companies, including Akhangarancement, Digital Invest, which holds a stake in Ucell and operates a labelling system in Uzbekistan. Additionally, several Uzbek citizens and natives have been subjected to these sanctions.
Uzbekistan commits to global action on biodiversity with UNDP partnership
Uzbekistan announced its intention to harmonize its national biodiversity strategy with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), aided by assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
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