Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s foreign trade grows 6% to $26bn in Jan to April
Exports of $10bn and imports of $16.4bn produce trade deficit of $6.4bn.
The return of the Silk Road as the “C6”, a key geopolitical link between Europe and Asia
There is a map that used to hang in the offices of Soviet central planners in Moscow, showing the five republics of Central Asia as a single administrative unit with all roads pointing to Moscow. Today the arrows point in all directions at once.
Uzbekistan’s tech ambitions moving to “next big step” says Global Tech Weekend co-founder
Country seen as quickly emerging as one of the most promising and dynamic technology markets in the region.
Russia irked by US, EU moves to secure Central Asia critical minerals
Kremlin official talks of “attempt to push Russia out and create a Western-controlled infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of our borders".
EDB opens in Uzbekistan, pledges $1.5bn in investments by 2031
Lender, celebrating its 20th anniversary, unveils $70mn loan for country’s number one digital platform Uzum.
Kazakhstan’s railway company to start its own Caspian fleet to boost Middle Corridor
China-Central Asia Monitor: April 30 - May 7, 2026.
COMMENT: What to expect from the fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum
The fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) will take place on June 16–18, 2026 just as the government floated the Uzbekistan National Investment Fund (UzNIF) on the London Stock Exchange. The economy is booming and FDI is rising fast.
COMMENT: UzNIF’s IPO marks a milestone for Uzbekistan’s capital markets
The listing of the Uzbekistan National Investment Fund (UzNIF) on the London Stock Exchange marked a landmark development whose importance extends far beyond a single financial transaction. It signifies a new phase in Uzbekistan’s transformation.
Why Afghanistan dreams of opening up Wakhan Corridor, the mountain valley that connects three worlds
Likely once trodden by Alexander the Great and Marco Polo, its potential is fascinating.
MACRO ADVISORY: Uzbekistan clearer opportunities and challenges
President Mirizoyev recently declared that the latest program of reforms has been completed. That focused on reforming the system of government, the state bureaucracy and improving both economic and physical infrastructure.
Kazakhstan rejects idea of Turkic states military alliance
Tokayev reins in any such ambitions at OTS summit attended by Turkey’s Erdogan. At same time, wants to turn Kazakh armed forces into “high-tech fist”.
Uzbekistan national investment fund lists in London after $604m IPO
“Defining moment” for country as landmark move draws in international investors.
Central Asia lagging in AI diffusion – report
Adoption rates, however, are among highest in Asia.
Central Asian states adapt to irreversible Aral Sea disaster, official says
IFAS chairman says efforts to restore the sea must move on to tackling environmental, agriculture and health care fallout.
Tashkent-Khiva high-speed rail opens with Hyundai Rotem train never before seen outside Korea
Reaching a top speed of 250 km/h, service cuts travel time in half to around 7.5 hours.
Uzbekistan’s headline inflation edges down to 7.0% in April
Compares with 10.1% posted a year ago.
New report documents how Central Asian states abet Russian sanctions-busting
Georgia is Russia’s primary route in Caucasus.
China signs billions worth of contracts with Turkmenistan, but no financing
China - Central Asia Monitor: April 24-30, 2026.
Is Russia quietly blocking the development of the Middle Corridor?
Mysteriously, the project to build the transit route’s most critical piece of infrastructure, Anaklia deep sea port in Georgia, remains stalled.
Russia accuses West of wanting to wreck Rosatom’s plans to bring nuclear power to Central Asia
Security Council official says campaign to discredit state corporation is under way.