Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan to Supply 600 Million Cubic Meters of Water to Kazakhstan

By Sadokat Jalolova Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan will send about 600 million cubic meters of water to Kazakhstan over the next two weeks to help offset shortages in the country’s southern regions, Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev announced at a government briefing. Bozumbayev said Central Asia is experiencing a low-water year, with inflows into the Syr […]

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Uzbekistan Approves Controversial ‘Sea Breeze Project’ at Charvak Reservoir

By Sadokat Jalolova The Uzbek government has approved the contentious “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan” project at the Charvak reservoir in Tashkent region, despite vocal opposition from environmental activists and mounting public concern. Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov signed Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 490, granting “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan” LLC a 25-year direct lease on 577 hectares of […]

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Halyk Bank Buys 49% Stake in Uzbekistan’s Click in Landmark Fintech Deal

By Joe Luc Barnes Almaty – Kazakhstan’s Halyk Bank has announced it will acquire a 49% stake in Uzbek digital payments company Click for $176.4 million, marking one of the largest cross-border banking investments in Central Asia to date. The deal values Click at approximately $360 million, highlighting the growing importance of digital finance in […]

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Uzbekistan and China Deepen Ties Across Strategic, Economic, and Soft-Power Fronts

By Dr. Robert M. Cutler Uzbekistan and China have significantly expanded their bilateral relationship in the last month. The meeting between Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Xi Jinping on June 17, 2025, in Astana, during the second China–Central Asia Summit, formally endorsed what both states termed a “multi-dimensional strategic partnership.” The occasion marked the conclusion of […]

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Uzbekistan Extends Sentences for Religious Prisoners Amid Longstanding Security Fears

Two Muslim prisoners of conscience in Uzbekistan — both previously jailed for nonviolent religious activity — have had their sentences extended in recent months under charges that human rights observers describe as vague and politically motivated. While the cases have drawn criticism from international monitors, they also highlight the Uzbek government’s enduring fears over political […]

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Uzbekistan becomes Central Asia’s investment hub – what to expect at 4th Tashkent Forum

By Maryana Ahmadova BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. From June 10 to 12, Uzbekistan will once again take center stage for international investors as its capital hosts the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum. This event has become a key platform for discussing investment opportunities and economic cooperation, not just in the region but beyond. This year’s […]

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Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan tie knot to spruce up their border with high-tech e-queue system

During his visit to Almaty, Chairman of the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan A. Mavlonov held a bilateral meeting with Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan J. Duisembiev. According to the Trade Turnover Expansion Program between the two countries, it is planned to increase the volume of foreign trade […]

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Kazakhstan to Reduce Border Crossing Time at Nine Checkpoints with China, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan

Kazakhstan will modernize nine border checkpoints with China, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan this year, aiming to increase throughput capacity sixfold from 170 to 960 vehicles daily and reduce border crossing time to 30 minutes, the Prime Minister’s press service reported on Jan. 10. An automated electronic queue system, accessible via the Qoldau.kz platform and CargoRuqsat mobile […]

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Elderly community leaders to join poverty reduction efforts in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan will engage active elders in poverty reduction in their mahallas (neighborhoods) with a monthly payment. Nuroniy foundation will allocate 10 million soums ($777) annually to each of about 10,000 mahallas for elderly sports programs. A total of $39 m will be provided from the state budget. Uzbekistan will engage respected and experienced elders in […]

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