From Samarkand to Khiva, Uzbekistan\u2019s UNESCO landmarks trace the story of the Silk Road<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The Tourism Committee reports that nearly 16,100 new jobs have been created in tourism and related sectors, while 954 new accommodation facilities\u2014including hotels, family guesthouses, hostels, and other lodging options\u2014have opened their doors. Across the country, the total number of accommodation facilities now stands at 6,861, offering some 184,000 beds to welcome travellers from near and far.<\/p>\n<p>The number of licensed tourism companies and travel agencies rose to 4,348, while 4,345 certified tour guides are now operating across the country.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Promoting Uzbekistan as a tourist destination<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Uzbekistan actively promoted its tourism potential in 21 countries, participating in 21 major international tourism exhibitions and fairs.<\/p>\n<p>The years 2024\u20132025 were declared \u201cUzbekistan Tourism Years\u201d in Russia and China, accompanied by more than 20 large-scale cultural and promotional events. As a result, tourist arrivals from China are expected to increase fivefold compared to 2023, while arrivals from Russia are projected to double.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//58//84//10//808x454_cmsv2_c2696a7e-392d-50d3-aa53-5d32b2e3da34-9588410.jpg/" alt=\"Navoi, Uzbekistan\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/84\/10\/384x216_cmsv2_c2696a7e-392d-50d3-aa53-5d32b2e3da34-9588410.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/84\/10\/640x360_cmsv2_c2696a7e-392d-50d3-aa53-5d32b2e3da34-9588410.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/84\/10\/750x422_cmsv2_c2696a7e-392d-50d3-aa53-5d32b2e3da34-9588410.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/84\/10\/828x466_cmsv2_c2696a7e-392d-50d3-aa53-5d32b2e3da34-9588410.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/84\/10\/1080x608_cmsv2_c2696a7e-392d-50d3-aa53-5d32b2e3da34-9588410.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/84\/10\/1200x675_cmsv2_c2696a7e-392d-50d3-aa53-5d32b2e3da34-9588410.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/84\/10\/1920x1080_cmsv2_c2696a7e-392d-50d3-aa53-5d32b2e3da34-9588410.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Navoi, Uzbekistan<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Uzbekistan\u2019s destinations have been gaining growing international recognition.<\/p>\n<p>Several prominent global travel authorities have highlighted the country for its unique appeal, listing it among the top destinations to visit in 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Bukhara has been celebrated as a must-see city, drawing attention for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, including major art events that showcase contemporary creativity.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2025//11//10//uzbekistans-hospitality-boom-local-innovation-meets-global-standards/">Uzbekistan/u2019s hospitality boom: Local innovation meets global standards<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Khiva has earned praise for its exceptional heritage and picturesque streets, while Samarkand\u2019s iconic Registan Square has been recognised as one of the most beautiful places in the world, captivating travellers and photographers alike.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Investment and major tourism projects<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In 2025 alone, approximately \u20ac1.4 billion in tourism investments were implemented across 421 projects.<\/p>\n<p>Major developments included new five-star hotels under international brands such as JW Marriott, Swiss\u00f4tel, DoubleTree by Hilton and Azimut, as well as mountain resorts and lakeside tourism zones.<\/p>\n<p>The Tourism Committee launched the National Unified Tourism Platform (sayohat.uz), integrating hotel bookings, ticket purchases, digital identification and tourism services into a single ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p>Interactive tourist maps, digital travel cards, and cashless payment systems for artisans were also introduced, significantly improving the visitor experience.<\/p>\n<p>Uzbekistan hosted over 120 international and national tourism events in 2025, including Tourism Week, international festivals, forums and sporting events.<\/p>\n<p>Aziz Mirjalilov, head of marketing at Uzbekistan\u2019s Tourism Committee, explained that the country \"is actively implementing extensive marketing and PR campaigns to promote Uzbekistan\u2019s rich tourism, cultural and historical potential.\" <\/p>\n<p>\"This includes participation in major international tourism exhibitions, as well as hosting leading global media outlets. We also work closely with international and digital platforms, where information about Uzbekistan is regularly shared. Overall, we believe that Uzbekistan has earned its place among the top ten must-visit destinations in Asia.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>New tourism routes, trekking paths and cross-border tourism corridors were developed, further diversifying travel experiences across regions.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1766134801,"updatedAt":1766151866,"publishedAt":1766151846,"firstPublishedAt":1766151846,"lastPublishedAt":1766151846,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/84\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_f66aa4c9-eae1-5305-8a58-f62f5e3f70d6-9588410.jpg","altText":"Tourists in Uzbekistan, Samarkand","caption":"Tourists in Uzbekistan, Samarkand","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":720},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/84\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b100686d-48b7-5bdc-a0df-7d7f8fc94caa-9588410.jpg","altText":"Top - 10 best performing destinations in Europe","caption":"Top - 10 best performing destinations in Europe","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"UN World Tourismi Organization","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1233,"height":658},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/84\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_fe9219da-49b1-5e65-92a1-bd0141cab2ae-9588410.jpg","altText":"Best performing destinations for 2025","caption":"Best performing destinations for 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"UN World Tourism Organization","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1261,"height":679},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/84\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c2696a7e-392d-50d3-aa53-5d32b2e3da34-9588410.jpg","altText":"Navoi, Uzbekistan","caption":"Navoi, Uzbekistan","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":720},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/84\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_f692b35c-0424-5fba-90b4-662a425ed175-9588410.jpg","altText":"Samarkand, Uzbekistan","caption":"Samarkand, Uzbekistan","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":719},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/84\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_dfd881c9-e49b-500a-a249-f8c955cbf88a-9588410.jpg","altText":"Samarkand, Uzbekistan","caption":"Samarkand, Uzbekistan","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":719}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3551,"urlSafeValue":"sarvinoz.raxmonkulova@euronews.com","title":"Sarvinoz Raxmonkulova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":12639,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel","titleRaw":"Travel"},{"id":23324,"slug":"world-tourism-organization","urlSafeValue":"world-tourism-organization","title":"World Tourism Organization - (UNWTO)","titleRaw":"World Tourism Organization - (UNWTO)"},{"id":4221,"slug":"tourism","urlSafeValue":"tourism","title":"Tourism","titleRaw":"Tourism"},{"id":15708,"slug":"istatistik","urlSafeValue":"istatistik","title":"statistics ","titleRaw":"statistics "},{"id":21034,"slug":"tourists","urlSafeValue":"tourists","title":"Tourists","titleRaw":"Tourists"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":4},{"slug":"related","count":2},{"slug":"flourish","count":2}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"travel-news","urlSafeValue":"travel-news","title":"Travel News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/travel-news\/travel-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"travel-news","urlSafeValue":"travel-news","title":"Travel News","url":"\/travel\/travel-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":21,"urlSafeValue":"travel-news","title":"Travel News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/travel\/2025\/12\/19\/unwto-uzbekistan-ranks-among-worlds-fastest-growing-tourism-destinations-in-2025","lastModified":1766151846},{"id":2855065,"cid":9584948,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"EU CENTRAL ASIA FUTURE RELATIONS","daletPyramidId":3621840,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Transport, energy and raw materials drive EU-Central Asia cooperation","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Transport, energy and raw materials drive EU-Central Asia cooperation","titleListing2":"Transport, energy, raw materials: what\u2019s driving EU-Central Asia cooperation","leadin":"The European Union is expanding its engagement with Central Asia through transport connectivity, energy investments and cooperation on critical raw materials.","summary":"The European Union is expanding its engagement with Central Asia through transport connectivity, energy investments and cooperation on critical raw materials.","keySentence":"","url":"transport-energy-and-raw-materials-drive-eu-central-asia-cooperation","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/17\/transport-energy-and-raw-materials-drive-eu-central-asia-cooperation","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The European Union is deepening its engagement with Central Asia, with Uzbekistan emerging as a key partner in a relationship increasingly focused on transport corridors, critical raw materials, and energy cooperation.\n\nEU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar said that this has become the backbone of EU-Central Asia relations over the past year.\n\n\u201cInvestment is growing, planning is becoming more coordinated, and the corridor is starting to become both faster and economically viable,\u201d Klaar told Euronews at an event in Tashkent, referring to the Trans-Caspian transport route that links Central Asia to Europe.\n\nFor the European Union, the Trans-Caspian corridor is not only about moving Chinese goods westwards. According to Klaar, its primary purpose is to give Central Asian countries more options: to export more to Europe, import higher-quality goods, and reduce dependence on single routes or partners.\n\n\u201cIt makes no sense to talk to only one side of the Caspian,\u201d he said, explaining why the EU increasingly brings Central Asian and South Caucasus countries together around one table.\n\nThis approach was reflected in recent EU-led meetings involving Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Turkey, Moldova, and Ukraine, which are signs of a broader regional framework taking shape.\n\nRaw materials, but with value added\n\nAnother growing pillar of cooperation is critical raw materials, which are essential to Europe\u2019s green and digital transitions.\n\nCentral Asia holds significant reserves, but the EU insists the partnership should go beyond extraction.\n\n\u201cWe don\u2019t want to dig a hole and leave a spoon behind,\u201d Klaar said, stressing that European companies are encouraged to refine materials locally, transfer technology and train local workers.\n\nFor the EU, reliable and affordable transport routes are a prerequisite for making these value chains work, linking raw materials, processing, and European industry into a single system.\n\nEnergy cooperation has also accelerated. Klaar cited major EU-backed projects, including \u20ac900 million in financing from the European Investment Bank for the Kambarata-1 hydropower project in Kyrgyzstan.\n\nOnce completed, Kambarata-1 is expected to become one of the largest hydropower plants in Central Asia, strengthening regional energy security and supporting the transition to renewable electricity.\n\n\u201cThese investments are about providing sustainable energy for the region,\u201d he said, adding that green transition goals are increasingly shaping EU partnerships worldwide.\n\nA new framework for reform\n\nMuch of the discussion also focused on the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between the EU and Uzbekistan, signed during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev\u2019s recent visit to Brussels.\n\nUnlike earlier agreements, Klaar said the EPCA embeds rule of law, human rights, democratic governance, and sustainable development at its core, while introducing modern, WTO-compatible regulations on trade, services, public procurement and intellectual property.\n\nJavlon Vakhabov, Director of the International Institute for Central Asia, described 2025 as a \u201cremarkable year\u201d for EU-Central Asia relations, citing the first-ever EU-Central Asia summit in Samarkand, ministerial meetings, economic forums and the EPCA signing.\n\nHe said think tanks play a key role in turning high-level diplomacy into practical outcomes.\n\n\u201cOur task is to add substance through policy advice and recommendations, so that this partnership delivers tangible results,\u201d Vakhabov told Euronews.\n\nWhile a revised EU strategy for Central Asia is still in the works, Klaar said cooperation on the ground has already changed dramatically since 2019 particularly in transport, connectivity, energy and raw materials.\n\n\u201cThe documents may take time,\u201d he noted, \u201cbut the reality is already moving.\u201d\n\n","htmlText":"<p>The European Union is deepening its engagement with Central Asia, with Uzbekistan emerging as a key partner in a relationship increasingly focused on transport corridors, critical raw materials, and energy cooperation.<\/p>\n<p>EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar said that this has become the backbone of EU-Central Asia relations over the past year.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cInvestment is growing, planning is becoming more coordinated, and the corridor is starting to become both faster and economically viable,\u201d Klaar told Euronews at an event in Tashkent, referring to the Trans-Caspian transport route that links Central Asia to Europe.<\/p>\n<p>For the European Union, the Trans-Caspian corridor is not only about moving Chinese goods westwards. According to Klaar, its primary purpose is to give Central Asian countries more options: to export more to Europe, import higher-quality goods, and reduce dependence on single routes or partners.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt makes no sense to talk to only one side of the Caspian,\u201d he said, explaining why the EU increasingly brings Central Asian and South Caucasus countries together around one table.<\/p>\n<p>This approach was reflected in recent EU-led meetings involving Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Turkey, Moldova, and Ukraine, which are signs of a broader regional framework taking shape.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Raw materials, but with value added<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Another growing pillar of cooperation is critical raw materials, which are essential to Europe\u2019s green and digital transitions.<\/p>\n<p>Central Asia holds significant reserves, but the EU insists the partnership should go beyond extraction.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe don\u2019t want to dig a hole and leave a spoon behind,\u201d Klaar said, stressing that European companies are encouraged to refine materials locally, transfer technology and train local workers.<\/p>\n<p>For the EU, reliable and affordable transport routes are a prerequisite for making these value chains work, linking raw materials, processing, and European industry into a single system.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.684375\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//58//49//48//808x553_cmsv2_8628a2a4-cef6-52b0-93b8-7b0320f32115-9584948.jpg/" alt=\"EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar delivers his speech\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/49\/48\/384x263_cmsv2_8628a2a4-cef6-52b0-93b8-7b0320f32115-9584948.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/49\/48\/640x438_cmsv2_8628a2a4-cef6-52b0-93b8-7b0320f32115-9584948.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/49\/48\/750x513_cmsv2_8628a2a4-cef6-52b0-93b8-7b0320f32115-9584948.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/49\/48\/828x567_cmsv2_8628a2a4-cef6-52b0-93b8-7b0320f32115-9584948.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/49\/48\/1080x739_cmsv2_8628a2a4-cef6-52b0-93b8-7b0320f32115-9584948.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/49\/48\/1200x821_cmsv2_8628a2a4-cef6-52b0-93b8-7b0320f32115-9584948.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/49\/48\/1920x1314_cmsv2_8628a2a4-cef6-52b0-93b8-7b0320f32115-9584948.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar delivers his speech<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Energy cooperation has also accelerated. Klaar cited major EU-backed projects, including \u20ac900 million in financing from the European Investment Bank for the Kambarata-1 hydropower project in Kyrgyzstan. <\/p>\n<p>Once completed, Kambarata-1 is expected to become one of the largest hydropower plants in Central Asia, strengthening regional energy security and supporting the transition to renewable electricity.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese investments are about providing sustainable energy for the region,\u201d he said, adding that green transition goals are increasingly shaping EU partnerships worldwide.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>A new framework for reform<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Much of the discussion also focused on the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//10//24//eu-and-uzbekistan-deepen-ties-with-new-partnership-agreement-signed-in-brussels/">Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA)<\/strong> <\/a>between the EU and Uzbekistan, signed during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev\u2019s recent visit to Brussels.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike earlier agreements, Klaar said the EPCA embeds rule of law, human rights, democratic governance, and sustainable development at its core, while introducing modern, WTO-compatible regulations on trade, services, public procurement and intellectual property.<\/p>\n<p>Javlon Vakhabov, Director of the International Institute for Central Asia, described 2025 as a \u201cremarkable year\u201d for EU-Central Asia relations, citing the first-ever EU-Central Asia summit in Samarkand, ministerial meetings, economic forums and the EPCA signing.<\/p>\n<p>He said think tanks play a key role in turning high-level diplomacy into practical outcomes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur task is to add substance through policy advice and recommendations, so that this partnership delivers tangible results,\u201d Vakhabov told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>While a revised EU strategy for Central Asia is still in the works, Klaar said cooperation on the ground has already changed dramatically since 2019 particularly in transport, connectivity, energy and raw materials.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe documents may take time,\u201d he noted, \u201cbut the reality is already moving.\u201d<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1765894294,"updatedAt":1765977585,"publishedAt":1765970512,"firstPublishedAt":1765970512,"lastPublishedAt":1765970512,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/49\/48\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_204f9426-6529-5c80-8067-0d2ab55f2e1c-9584948.jpg","altText":"An expert seminar on EU-Central Asia relations brings together representatives of government, think tanks and the diplomatic community in Tashkent","caption":"An expert seminar on EU-Central Asia relations brings together representatives of government, think tanks and the diplomatic community in Tashkent","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/49\/48\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_8628a2a4-cef6-52b0-93b8-7b0320f32115-9584948.jpg","altText":"EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar delivers his speech","caption":"EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar delivers his speech","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":876}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3557,"urlSafeValue":"rushanabonu.aliakbarova@euronews.com","title":"Rushanabonu Aliakbarova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":27428,"slug":"central-asia","urlSafeValue":"central-asia","title":"Central 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- S01E07 - UZ-IMAM AL-BUKHARI MEMORIAL COMPLEX - MASTER","daletPyramidId":3446238,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"A world landmark reborn: the Imam al-Bukhari complex","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Uzbekistan revives the legacy of islam\u2019s greatest hadith scholar","titleListing2":"A world landmark reborn: the Imam al-Bukhari complex","leadin":"Uzbekistan has completed a major restoration of the Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex near Samarkand, one of the Muslim world's most revered pilgrimage sites.","summary":"Uzbekistan has completed a major restoration of the Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex near Samarkand, one of the Muslim world's most revered pilgrimage sites.","keySentence":"","url":"a-world-landmark-reborn-the-imam-al-bukhari-complex","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/2025\/12\/16\/a-world-landmark-reborn-the-imam-al-bukhari-complex","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The burial site of Imam al-Bukhari in the village of Hartang , 25 km from Samarkand, has been a sacred landmark for centuries. Imam al-Bukhari (810\u2013870 CE) was a renowned Islamic scholar, author of Sahih al-Bukhari, one of the most trusted collections of the Prophet Muhammad\u2019s sayings.\u00a0\n\nIn the 16th century, a small crypt and mosque were erected over his grave, and plane trees grew around the holy site. In 1998, to mark the 1225th anniversary of his birth, a new memorial complex was built on that ancient mazar under the leadership of the government of Uzbekistan.\u00a0\u00a0\n\nSkilled craftsmen from across the country collaborated to create a mausoleum, mosque, administrative and religious-educational buildings, blending traditional Central Asian architecture with contemporary craftsmanship.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\nToday, the expanded complex spans far beyond its original footprint: it features a grand dome-topped mausoleum, a spacious mosque, landscaped grounds, and modern facilities all designed to serve worshippers, pilgrims, and visitors from around the world.\u00a0\u00a0\n\n","htmlText":"<p>The burial site of Imam al-Bukhari in the village of Hartang , 25 km from Samarkand, has been a sacred landmark for centuries. Imam al-Bukhari (810\u2013870 CE) was a renowned Islamic scholar, author of Sahih al-Bukhari, one of the most trusted collections of the Prophet Muhammad\u2019s sayings. <\/p>\n<p>In the 16th century, a small crypt and mosque were erected over his grave, and plane trees grew around the holy site. In 1998, to mark the 1225th anniversary of his birth, a new memorial complex was built on that ancient mazar under the leadership of the government of Uzbekistan. <\/p>\n<p>Skilled craftsmen from across the country collaborated to create a mausoleum, mosque, administrative and religious-educational buildings, blending traditional Central Asian architecture with contemporary craftsmanship. <\/p>\n<p>Today, the expanded complex spans far beyond its original footprint: it features a grand dome-topped mausoleum, a spacious mosque, landscaped grounds, and modern facilities all designed to serve worshippers, pilgrims, and visitors from around the world. <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764326240,"updatedAt":1765908146,"publishedAt":1765893646,"firstPublishedAt":1765893646,"lastPublishedAt":1765908145,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/50\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_81de3bcc-b506-5aef-b78f-4660c9ce996f-9565086.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":378,"slug":"religion","urlSafeValue":"religion","title":"Religion","titleRaw":"Religion"},{"id":4875,"slug":"islam","urlSafeValue":"islam","title":"Islam","titleRaw":"Islam"},{"id":4229,"slug":"history","urlSafeValue":"history","title":"History","titleRaw":"History"},{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"editorial.naesmi.editorial-naesmi2021"},{"path":"editorial.naesmi"},{"path":"editorial"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistancult2022"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistanforward2025"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"editorial.focusuzbekistan"},{"path":"editorial"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"mMV97Uyp7jo","dailymotionId":"x9vqzsq"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/42\/10\/03\/ED_PYR_3042103_20251215140635.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":42066892,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/42\/10\/03\/SHD_PYR_3042103_20251215140635.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":64889742,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/42\/10\/03\/FHD_PYR_3042103_20251215140635.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":229291493,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Dilbar Primova","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"focus","urlSafeValue":"focus","title":"Focus","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/focus"},"season":"THE NEW UZBEKISTAN_S01","episode":"S01E07 - UZ-IMAM AL-BUKHARI MEMORIAL COMPLEX","episodeId":"1191","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1746113601,"endDate":2114354004,"type":"sponsored","slug":"uzbekistan-cult-2025","title":"Uzbekistan cult 2025","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan","sponsorName":"uzbekistan-cult-2025","sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/941\/180x101_cmsv2_09f7b46a-0732-5ee4-9653-25c5569b200a-941.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/12\/16\/a-world-landmark-reborn-the-imam-al-bukhari-complex","lastModified":1765908145},{"id":2849556,"cid":9561415,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"BL - S01E10 - THE RISE OF SME S - MASTER","daletPyramidId":3415125,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Uzbekistan\u2019s entrepreneurs are fueling new jobs, fresh ideas and stronger local economies","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"How SMEs are transforming Uzbekistan\u2019s economy and creating jobs","titleListing2":"Uzbekistan accelerates SME development to drive growth and new employment","leadin":"Small businesses now play a central role in Uzbekistan\u2019s growth, with rising output, more jobs and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs across the country.","summary":"Small businesses now play a central role in Uzbekistan\u2019s growth, with rising output, more jobs and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs across the country.","keySentence":"","url":"uzbekistan-accelerates-sme-development-to-drive-growth-and-new-employment","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/2025\/12\/09\/uzbekistan-accelerates-sme-development-to-drive-growth-and-new-employment","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Across the country, a new wave of entrepreneurs is reshaping the business landscape. Their work is being supported by reforms aimed at improving access to finance, simplifying regulations and expanding programmes designed to help small businesses grow.\n\nOne example is Natalya Klimenko, founder of STEMIO, an ed-tech start-up helping children aged 7 to 18 learn STEM skills, from mathematics to programming and artificial intelligence. After testing her idea while working at another start-up, she launched her own platform roughly two years ago.\n\n\u201cThe hardest part for any entrepreneur is understanding the real need you are solving and finding funding,\u201d Klimenko says. \u201cAt first, our financing came from personal savings and help from family and friends. Later, bank loans and women-focused support programmes made it easier to grow.\u201d\n\nToday, STEMIO employs about 10 people and is building a gamified education system to strengthen future digital skills in Uzbekistan. Earlier this year, Klimenko joined the Plug and Play accelerator and travelled to Silicon Valley with support from UNDP to learn from global markets. She says the experience has influenced her vision for the company.\n\nFinance reforms easing the path to start up\n\nA significant challenge for new businesses historically has been access to financing, particularly collateral. Government changes now reflect different stages of growth. Small enterprises are eligible for loans up to \u20ac23 thousand, while businesses advancing into a higher category can receive up to \u20ac11.5 thousand without collateral if they have a positive credit and tax history. Family entrepreneurs may obtain up to \u20ac3.8 thousand unsecured, encouraging formalisation.\n\nWomen-owned firms benefit from interest rates that are two percentage points lower than regular preferential programmes.\n\nUzbekistan has also consolidated support services to make assistance more accessible in the regions. New structures under the Business Development Bank, including regional Small Business Support Centres and a dedicated development\n\nfund, now provide financing and advisory support for entrepreneurs across the country. These institutions help deliver state programmes such as long-term family entrepreneurship loans and initiatives aimed at modernising production and boosting export capacity.\n\nThis broader infrastructure of support has been especially important for women entrepreneurs.\n\n\u201cThese improvements are designed to make financing more inclusive,\u201d says Zulfiya Saburova, Deputy Director at the Business Development Bank. \u201cEntrepreneurs should not be held back just because they do not yet have property to collateralise.\u201d\n\nBut according to Saburova, finance alone is not enough. Mobile outreach teams now operate across the country, offering on-site consultations, legal advice and economic education seminars tailored to women entering formal business for the first time. Training is also provided to local bank staff in Karakalpakstan, Fergana, Surkhandarya, Jizzakh, Syrdarya, Namangan and Khorezm to strengthen the quality of SME support.\n\nA key part of this effort is international expertise. The Bank has partnered with the Entrepreneurship Education and Research Centre of Yamagata University in Japan to improve practical learning and design modern entrepreneurial training programmes. In August 2025, the U-HOPE 2025 innovation initiative was launched in Karakalpakstan under the Yuri-I project, bringing new tools for skills development into one of the regions most in need of inclusive economic growth.\n\nDigital tools, including the hamroh.biznes-portal.uz online platform, now streamline the entire loan process, reducing paperwork and improving access for first-time business owners.\n\nImproving the business climate\n\nPolicy reforms extend beyond finance. A three-year moratorium on introducing new regulatory obligations for SMEs will take effect from 1 July 2025, allowing new rules only twice a year. First-time violations in commerce will not lead to administrative penalties until 2028, easing pressure on new entrepreneurs.\n\nThese changes are reflected in rising confidence among business owners. The Business Climate Index recently reached 63 out of 100, the highest in two years.\n\n\u201cThe number of SMEs has nearly doubled since 2017 and enterprises with foreign investment now exceed 17,000,\u201d notes Salimjon Bekmuradov, Head of Entrepreneurial Development at the Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies. His research shows that urban expansion and education directly support entrepreneurship. Every additional 1,000 residents results in around 35 new SMEs, while a single new university can create up to 300.\n\nA new generation of policy approaches\n\nThe Uzbek government sees SMEs as critical to long-term growth and aims to increase their contribution to the economy to 55 per cent by 2030. \u20ac9.23 billion has been allocated for SME support in 2025, with \u20ac1.69 billion specifically for preferential lending. Half of that amount is dedicated to young and women entrepreneurs.\n\n\u201cSmall and medium-sized businesses are one of the most essential driving forces of our economy,\u201d says Timur Khusanov, Director of the Department for SME Development in the Ministry of Economy and Finance. \u201cOur strategy supports their sustainability, improves access to finance and helps them enter foreign markets more confidently.\u201d\n\nThe plans also aim to increase SME exports from \u20ac8.28 billion to \u20ac11.04 billion in the near term, supported by improved transport links, certification and access to international standards.\n\nInternational support driving innovation\n\nInternational organisations, including the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, are launching new credit lines to reinforce these reforms. Under the World Bank\u2019s Access to Finance for Jobs and Growth and MUNIS innovation programmes, Uzbekistan\u2019s SMEs will be eligible for grants of up to \u20ac46 thousand and improved access to private capital through a Fund of Funds initiative. The Bank\u2019s FINGROW initiative will also establish a Fund of Funds to attract private capital into green and high-growth sectors, backed by loan guarantees and advisory support. The World Bank Group additionally supports structural reforms, from strengthening the banking sector to improving corporate governance, to help create more jobs and build a more competitive private-sector economy.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Across the country, a new wave of entrepreneurs is reshaping the business landscape. Their work is being supported by reforms aimed at improving access to finance, simplifying regulations and expanding programmes designed to help small businesses grow.<\/p>\n<p>One example is Natalya Klimenko, founder of STEMIO, an ed-tech start-up helping children aged 7 to 18 learn STEM skills, from mathematics to programming and artificial intelligence. After testing her idea while working at another start-up, she launched her own platform roughly two years ago.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe hardest part for any entrepreneur is understanding the real need you are solving and finding funding,\u201d Klimenko says. \u201cAt first, our financing came from personal savings and help from family and friends. Later, bank loans and women-focused support programmes made it easier to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Today, STEMIO employs about 10 people and is building a gamified education system to strengthen future digital skills in Uzbekistan. Earlier this year, Klimenko joined the Plug and Play accelerator and travelled to Silicon Valley with support from UNDP to learn from global markets. She says the experience has influenced her vision for the company.<\/p>\n<h2>Finance reforms easing the path to start up<\/h2>\n<p>A significant challenge for new businesses historically has been access to financing, particularly collateral. Government changes now reflect different stages of growth. Small enterprises are eligible for loans up to \u20ac23 thousand, while businesses advancing into a higher category can receive up to \u20ac11.5 thousand without collateral if they have a positive credit and tax history. Family entrepreneurs may obtain up to \u20ac3.8 thousand unsecured, encouraging formalisation.<\/p>\n<p>Women-owned firms benefit from interest rates that are two percentage points lower than regular preferential programmes.<\/p>\n<p>Uzbekistan has also consolidated support services to make assistance more accessible in the regions. New structures under the Business Development Bank, including regional Small Business Support Centres and a dedicated development<\/p>\n<p>fund, now provide financing and advisory support for entrepreneurs across the country. These institutions help deliver state programmes such as long-term family entrepreneurship loans and initiatives aimed at modernising production and boosting export capacity.<\/p>\n<p>This broader infrastructure of support has been especially important for women entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese improvements are designed to make financing more inclusive,\u201d says Zulfiya Saburova, Deputy Director at the Business Development Bank. \u201cEntrepreneurs should not be held back just because they do not yet have property to collateralise.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>But according to Saburova, finance alone is not enough. Mobile outreach teams now operate across the country, offering on-site consultations, legal advice and economic education seminars tailored to women entering formal business for the first time. Training is also provided to local bank staff in Karakalpakstan, Fergana, Surkhandarya, Jizzakh, Syrdarya, Namangan and Khorezm to strengthen the quality of SME support.<\/p>\n<p>A key part of this effort is international expertise. The Bank has partnered with the Entrepreneurship Education and Research Centre of Yamagata University in Japan to improve practical learning and design modern entrepreneurial training programmes. In August 2025, the U-HOPE 2025 innovation initiative was launched in Karakalpakstan under the Yuri-I project, bringing new tools for skills development into one of the regions most in need of inclusive economic growth.<\/p>\n<p>Digital tools, including the hamroh.biznes-portal.uz online platform, now streamline the entire loan process, reducing paperwork and improving access for first-time business owners.<\/p>\n<h2>Improving the business climate<\/h2>\n<p>Policy reforms extend beyond finance. A three-year moratorium on introducing new regulatory obligations for SMEs will take effect from 1 July 2025, allowing new rules only twice a year. First-time violations in commerce will not lead to administrative penalties until 2028, easing pressure on new entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n<p>These changes are reflected in rising confidence among business owners. The Business Climate Index recently reached 63 out of 100, the highest in two years.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe number of SMEs has nearly doubled since 2017 and enterprises with foreign investment now exceed 17,000,\u201d notes Salimjon Bekmuradov, Head of Entrepreneurial Development at the Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies. His research shows that urban expansion and education directly support entrepreneurship. Every additional 1,000 residents results in around 35 new SMEs, while a single new university can create up to 300.<\/p>\n<h2>A new generation of policy approaches<\/h2>\n<p>The Uzbek government sees SMEs as critical to long-term growth and aims to increase their contribution to the economy to 55 per cent by 2030. \u20ac9.23 billion has been allocated for SME support in 2025, with \u20ac1.69 billion specifically for preferential lending. Half of that amount is dedicated to young and women entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSmall and medium-sized businesses are one of the most essential driving forces of our economy,\u201d says Timur Khusanov, Director of the Department for SME Development in the Ministry of Economy and Finance. \u201cOur strategy supports their sustainability, improves access to finance and helps them enter foreign markets more confidently.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The plans also aim to increase SME exports from \u20ac8.28 billion to \u20ac11.04 billion in the near term, supported by improved transport links, certification and access to international standards.<\/p>\n<h2>International support driving innovation<\/h2>\n<p>International organisations, including the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, are launching new credit lines to reinforce these reforms. Under the World Bank\u2019s Access to Finance for Jobs and Growth and MUNIS innovation programmes, Uzbekistan\u2019s SMEs will be eligible for grants of up to \u20ac46 thousand and improved access to private capital through a Fund of Funds initiative. The Bank\u2019s FINGROW initiative will also establish a Fund of Funds to attract private capital into green and high-growth sectors, backed by loan guarantees and advisory support. The World Bank Group additionally supports structural reforms, from strengthening the banking sector to improving corporate governance, to help create more jobs and build a more competitive private-sector economy.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764088711,"updatedAt":1765293480,"publishedAt":1765288858,"firstPublishedAt":1765893658,"lastPublishedAt":1765293479,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/14\/32\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_84fd53d7-2b95-526c-92a0-c8db22f88b46-9561432.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":4595,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business","titleRaw":"Business"},{"id":7966,"slug":"economic-growth","urlSafeValue":"economic-growth","title":"Economic growth","titleRaw":"Economic growth"},{"id":572,"slug":"economy","urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy","titleRaw":"Economy"},{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"editorial.naesmi.editorial-naesmi2021"},{"path":"editorial.naesmi"},{"path":"editorial"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistancult2022"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistanforward2025"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"editorial.businessuzbekistan"},{"path":"editorial"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"iIT0S11OBPc","dailymotionId":"x9um0sm"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/16\/90\/02\/ED_PYR_3016902_20251128134406.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":42281851,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/16\/90\/02\/SHD_PYR_3016902_20251128134406.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":65070072,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/16\/90\/02\/FHD_PYR_3016902_20251128134406.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":230403173,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Dilbar Primova","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"business-line","urlSafeValue":"business-line","title":"Business Line","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/business-series\/business-line"},"season":"BUSINESS LINE UZBEKISTAN_S01","episode":"S01E10 - THE RISE OF SME S","episodeId":"1180","vertical":"business","verticals":[{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"},"themes":[{"id":"business-series","urlSafeValue":"business-series","title":"Business Series","url":"\/business\/business-series"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":76,"urlSafeValue":"business-series","title":"Business Series"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1740836252,"endDate":2114343456,"type":"sponsored","slug":"silk-road-adventure-2025","title":"Uzbekistan 2025","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan","sponsorName":"silk-road-adventure-2025","sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/918\/300x48_cmsv2_78229405-e7ee-5bbd-898a-026d554cc15e-918.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/business\/2025\/12\/09\/uzbekistan-accelerates-sme-development-to-drive-growth-and-new-employment","lastModified":1765293479},{"id":2852176,"cid":9572959,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"UZBEKISTAN NEW ENERGY PROJECTS","daletPyramidId":3514867,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Uzbekistan launches \u20ac9.46 billion green energy push, covering nation\u2019s power needs","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Uzbekistan launches \u20ac9.46 billion clean-energy projects to boost power","titleListing2":"Uzbekistan launches \u20ac9.46 billion green energy push, covering nation\u2019s power needs","leadin":"At the \"Powering the Future\" forum in Tashkent, Uzbekistan unveiled 42 renewable, storage, and grid projects, with international partners supporting a nationwide energy transformation.","summary":"At the \"Powering the Future\" forum in Tashkent, Uzbekistan unveiled 42 renewable, storage, and grid projects, with international partners supporting a nationwide energy transformation.","keySentence":"","url":"uzbekistan-launches-946-billion-green-energy-push-covering-nations-power-needs","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/2025\/12\/05\/uzbekistan-launches-946-billion-green-energy-push-covering-nations-power-needs","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Every home in Uzbekistan could switch on the lights using only clean electricity in 2026. The government says green energy generation will reach 23 billion kilowatt-hours, enough to cover the entire annual consumption of the country\u2019s population.\n\nThe announcement came from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev as he launched dozens of new renewable and grid projects at the forum \"Powering the Future: Sustainable Energy for New Uzbekistan.\"\n\n42 new projects worth \u20ac9.46 billion\n\nOne of the key announcements concerns the launch of 42 new projects valued at \u20ac9.46 billion, including generation facilities, energy-storage systems, substations and high-voltage networks. These projects form part of a broader national strategy to reinforce energy security and modernise infrastructure.\n\nThey include 16 solar, wind, thermal and hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 3,500 megawatts. The facilities are distributed across several regions of the country and represent a mix of public and private investment.\n\nAnother major development is the introduction of 10 utility-scale energy storage systems, providing 1,245 megawatts of capacity. According to the Ministry of Energy, these systems will make it possible to inject up to 1.5 billion kilowatt-hours of additional electricity into the grid during peak hours, helping stabilise supply.\n\nTo support the new infrastructure, Uzbekistan is also commissioning 11 substations and building 420 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines.\n\n\"We have set two major objectives as our main priorities in this direction. The first\u00a0is to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted energy supply for all sectors and regions. The second\u00a0is to achieve this goal through modern, environmentally friendly, and renewable alternative energy sources,\" explained Mirziyoyev.\n\nForeign investment continues to shape the sector\n\nThe forum brought together government officials, international companies and financial institutions. Over recent years, Uzbekistan attracted approximately \u20ac30 billion to the sector. As a result, it has added 9,000 megawatts of new capacity since 2017, with total electricity generation rising from 60 billion kilowatt-hours to 85 billion in 2024.\n\nMany of the new projects involve international companies from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the UAE, China, France and Qatar.\n\nSaudi Arabia's ACWA Power remains one of the most active investors. \"Uzbekistan's energy mix is becoming greener every year,\" said Jon Zaidi, the company's Country Head. \"This year alone we added more than 2,500 megawatts to the grid, and the Vision 2030 target of reaching 54% renewables is very important for us.\"\n\nAnother contributor is Voltalia from France, which recently signed an investment agreement for a 200-megawatt hybrid project combining wind generation and storage. According to Deputy CEO Yoni Ammar, \"We are also developing a 500-megawatt storage project called Turan, and expect construction to begin in 2026.\"\n\nEuropean companies are also supporting more conventional energy projects. Pierre- Paul Antheunissens, General Director of Electicite de France (EDF) Central Asia said: \"In Uzbekistan we are building two major gas-fired power plants together with partners from Japan, Qatar and Germany, with the first turbine tests set to take place this week.\"\n\nEnvironmental impact and long-term targets\n\nUzbekistan's minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, stressed that the expansion of renewable energy will reduce natural gas consumption by nearly 7 billion cubic meters, while preventing 11 million tons of harmful emissions.\n\nBy 2030, the government plans to add more than 17,000 megawatts of renewable-energy capacity, increasing the share of green energy in overall generation to 54%. Achieving this target will require the construction of 6,000 kilometres of high-voltage networks, including 1,000 kilometres scheduled for next year.\n\nAt this year\u2019s COP-30 climate conference in Brazil, Uzbekistan reported progress on the iCraft initiative, designed with the World Bank. The project accounts for 23 million tons of verified greenhouse-gas reductions and has enabled the country to launch a carbon-credit trading system. Seventeen domestic industrial companies have already adopted international green-energy certification, with the government aiming to increase this number to 100 within two years.\n\nPublic\u2013private partnerships expand beyond generation\n\nThe country is now extending public\u2013private partnerships to energy distribution. Earlier this year, the Samarkand regional grid was transferred to private management under an agreement with Turkiye\u2019s Aksa Elektrik. The company will oversee operational management, invest in modernisation and reduce losses expected to save around \u20ac17.2 million annually.\n\nThe government says several more regional grids will be offered to investors in the coming years as part of a strategy to improve efficiency and introduce new management practices.\n\nUzbekistan is also promoting small-scale renewable initiatives. A new programme will install 107 megawatts of rooftop and micro-solar plants across 300 mahallas, or neighbourhoods. The initiative aims to supply green energy to 30,000 low-income families, who will also be able to sell excess electricity to the grid.\n\nEntrepreneurs are increasingly investing in small hydropower as well. This year, 40 micro-hydro plants with a total capacity of 40 megawatts generated 120 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. Another 65 megawatts of micro-hydropower capacity is planned for next year, which officials say will improve electricity supply for 80,000 households.\n\nRegional cooperation accelerates\n\nUzbekistan has also stepped up energy cooperation with neighbouring countries. Next year, the country plans to begin financing the Kambarata-1 hydropower project together with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, aimed at strengthening the region's shared water-energy system.\n\nAt the same time, work continues on the Green Energy Corridor, a project involving Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan that aims to facilitate the export of Central Asian electricity to Europe.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Every home in Uzbekistan could switch on the lights using only clean electricity in 2026. The government says green energy generation will reach 23 billion kilowatt-hours, enough to cover the entire annual consumption of the country\u2019s population. <\/p>\n<p>The announcement came from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev as he launched dozens of new renewable and grid projects at the forum \"Powering the Future: Sustainable Energy for New Uzbekistan.\"<\/p>\n<h2><strong>42 new projects worth \u20ac9.46 billion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>One of the key announcements concerns the launch of 42 new projects valued at \u20ac9.46 billion, including generation facilities, energy-storage systems, substations and high-voltage networks. These projects form part of a broader national strategy to reinforce energy security and modernise infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>They include 16 solar, wind, thermal and hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 3,500 megawatts. The facilities are distributed across several regions of the country and represent a mix of public and private investment.<\/p>\n<p>Another major development is the introduction of 10 utility-scale energy storage systems, providing 1,245 megawatts of capacity. According to the Ministry of Energy, these systems will make it possible to inject up to 1.5 billion kilowatt-hours of additional electricity into the grid during peak hours, helping stabilise supply.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//57//29//59//808x539_cmsv2_c499919a-656d-5789-9c61-cdcf3fdcfc48-9572959.jpg/" alt=\"A presentation at the “Powering the Future” forum outlines $11 billion in energy projects across Uzbekistan\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/384x256_cmsv2_c499919a-656d-5789-9c61-cdcf3fdcfc48-9572959.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/640x427_cmsv2_c499919a-656d-5789-9c61-cdcf3fdcfc48-9572959.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/750x500_cmsv2_c499919a-656d-5789-9c61-cdcf3fdcfc48-9572959.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/828x552_cmsv2_c499919a-656d-5789-9c61-cdcf3fdcfc48-9572959.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/1080x720_cmsv2_c499919a-656d-5789-9c61-cdcf3fdcfc48-9572959.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/1200x800_cmsv2_c499919a-656d-5789-9c61-cdcf3fdcfc48-9572959.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/1920x1280_cmsv2_c499919a-656d-5789-9c61-cdcf3fdcfc48-9572959.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">A presentation at the “Powering the Future” forum outlines $11 billion in energy projects across Uzbekistan<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Courtesy of the Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>To support the new infrastructure, Uzbekistan is also commissioning 11 substations and building 420 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines.<\/p>\n<p>\"We have set two major objectives as our main priorities in this direction. The first is to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted energy supply for all sectors and regions. The second is to achieve this goal through modern, environmentally friendly, and renewable alternative energy sources,\" explained Mirziyoyev.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Foreign investment continues to shape the sector<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The forum brought together government officials, international companies and financial institutions. Over recent years, Uzbekistan attracted approximately \u20ac30 billion to the sector. As a result, it has added 9,000 megawatts of new capacity since 2017, with total electricity generation rising from 60 billion kilowatt-hours to 85 billion in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Many of the new projects involve international companies from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the UAE, China, France and Qatar.<\/p>\n<p>Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power remains one of the most active investors. \"Uzbekistan's energy mix is becoming greener every year,\" said Jon Zaidi, the company's Country Head. \"This year alone we added more than 2,500 megawatts to the grid, and the Vision 2030 target of reaching 54% renewables is very important for us.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//business//2025//10//28//reforms-and-innovation-how-uzbekistan-is-unlocking-foreign-investment-opportunities/">Reforms and innovation: How Uzbekistan is unlocking foreign investment opportunities<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//business//2025//11//25//uzbekistan-powers-ahead-making-good-on-commitments-to-expand-renewable-energy/">Uzbekistan/u2019s renewable expansion powers long-term growth<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Another contributor is Voltalia from France, which recently signed an investment agreement for a 200-megawatt hybrid project combining wind generation and storage. According to Deputy CEO Yoni Ammar, \"We are also developing a 500-megawatt storage project called Turan, and expect construction to begin in 2026.\"<\/p>\n<p>European companies are also supporting more conventional energy projects. Pierre- Paul Antheunissens, General Director of Electicite de France (EDF) Central Asia said: \"In Uzbekistan we are building two major gas-fired power plants together with partners from Japan, Qatar and Germany, with the first turbine tests set to take place this week.\"<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Environmental impact and long-term targets<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Uzbekistan's minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, stressed that the expansion of renewable energy will reduce natural gas consumption by nearly 7 billion cubic meters, while preventing 11 million tons of harmful emissions.<\/p>\n<p>By 2030, the government plans to add more than 17,000 megawatts of renewable-energy capacity, increasing the share of green energy in overall generation to 54%. Achieving this target will require the construction of 6,000 kilometres of high-voltage networks, including 1,000 kilometres scheduled for next year.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//57//29//59//808x539_cmsv2_d68f0bf6-43e2-5aa2-9112-48e30d94f7f3-9572959.jpg/" alt=\"Delegates gather in Tashkent for the “Powering the Future” forum on Uzbekistan’s new energy projects\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/384x256_cmsv2_d68f0bf6-43e2-5aa2-9112-48e30d94f7f3-9572959.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/640x427_cmsv2_d68f0bf6-43e2-5aa2-9112-48e30d94f7f3-9572959.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/750x500_cmsv2_d68f0bf6-43e2-5aa2-9112-48e30d94f7f3-9572959.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/828x552_cmsv2_d68f0bf6-43e2-5aa2-9112-48e30d94f7f3-9572959.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/1080x720_cmsv2_d68f0bf6-43e2-5aa2-9112-48e30d94f7f3-9572959.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/1200x800_cmsv2_d68f0bf6-43e2-5aa2-9112-48e30d94f7f3-9572959.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/1920x1280_cmsv2_d68f0bf6-43e2-5aa2-9112-48e30d94f7f3-9572959.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Delegates gather in Tashkent for the “Powering the Future” forum on Uzbekistan’s new energy projects<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Courtesy of the Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>At this year\u2019s COP-30 climate conference in Brazil, Uzbekistan reported progress on the iCraft initiative, designed with the World Bank. The project accounts for 23 million tons of verified greenhouse-gas reductions and has enabled the country to launch a carbon-credit trading system. Seventeen domestic industrial companies have already adopted international green-energy certification, with the government aiming to increase this number to 100 within two years.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Public\u2013private partnerships expand beyond generation<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The country is now extending public\u2013private partnerships to energy distribution. Earlier this year, the Samarkand regional grid was transferred to private management under an agreement with Turkiye\u2019s Aksa Elektrik. The company will oversee operational management, invest in modernisation and reduce losses expected to save around \u20ac17.2 million annually.<\/p>\n<p>The government says several more regional grids will be offered to investors in the coming years as part of a strategy to improve efficiency and introduce new management practices.<\/p>\n<p>Uzbekistan is also promoting small-scale renewable initiatives. A new programme will install 107 megawatts of rooftop and micro-solar plants across 300 mahallas, or neighbourhoods. The initiative aims to supply green energy to 30,000 low-income families, who will also be able to sell excess electricity to the grid.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//57//29//59//808x539_cmsv2_b3bd4dbf-36c9-511b-b0b3-1dae9b3b4827-9572959.jpg/" alt=\"President Mirziyoyev and foreign delegates at the “Powering the Future” energy forum in Tashkent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/384x256_cmsv2_b3bd4dbf-36c9-511b-b0b3-1dae9b3b4827-9572959.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/640x427_cmsv2_b3bd4dbf-36c9-511b-b0b3-1dae9b3b4827-9572959.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/750x500_cmsv2_b3bd4dbf-36c9-511b-b0b3-1dae9b3b4827-9572959.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/828x552_cmsv2_b3bd4dbf-36c9-511b-b0b3-1dae9b3b4827-9572959.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/1080x720_cmsv2_b3bd4dbf-36c9-511b-b0b3-1dae9b3b4827-9572959.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/1200x800_cmsv2_b3bd4dbf-36c9-511b-b0b3-1dae9b3b4827-9572959.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/1920x1280_cmsv2_b3bd4dbf-36c9-511b-b0b3-1dae9b3b4827-9572959.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">President Mirziyoyev and foreign delegates at the “Powering the Future” energy forum in Tashkent<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Courtesy of the Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Entrepreneurs are increasingly investing in small hydropower as well. This year, 40 micro-hydro plants with a total capacity of 40 megawatts generated 120 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. Another 65 megawatts of micro-hydropower capacity is planned for next year, which officials say will improve electricity supply for 80,000 households.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Regional cooperation accelerates<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Uzbekistan has also stepped up energy cooperation with neighbouring countries. Next year, the country plans to begin financing the Kambarata-1 hydropower project together with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, aimed at strengthening the region's shared water-energy system.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, work continues on the Green Energy Corridor, a project involving Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan that aims to facilitate the export of Central Asian electricity to Europe.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764932642,"updatedAt":1764957892,"publishedAt":1764957864,"firstPublishedAt":1764957864,"lastPublishedAt":1764957864,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1876011c-99d1-5515-9f12-ad5d596e12ee-9572959.jpg","altText":"Uzbekistan\u2019s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, together with international partners, launches 42 new energy projects","caption":"Uzbekistan\u2019s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, together with international partners, launches 42 new energy projects","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Courtesy of the Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b3bd4dbf-36c9-511b-b0b3-1dae9b3b4827-9572959.jpg","altText":"President Mirziyoyev and foreign delegates at the \u201cPowering the Future\u201d energy forum in Tashkent","caption":"President Mirziyoyev and foreign delegates at the \u201cPowering the Future\u201d energy forum in Tashkent","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Courtesy of the Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d68f0bf6-43e2-5aa2-9112-48e30d94f7f3-9572959.jpg","altText":"Delegates gather in Tashkent for the \u201cPowering the Future\u201d forum on Uzbekistan\u2019s new energy projects","caption":"Delegates gather in Tashkent for the \u201cPowering the Future\u201d forum on Uzbekistan\u2019s new energy projects","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Courtesy of the Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/29\/59\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c499919a-656d-5789-9c61-cdcf3fdcfc48-9572959.jpg","altText":"A presentation at the \u201cPowering the Future\u201d forum outlines $11 billion in energy projects across Uzbekistan","caption":"A presentation at the \u201cPowering the Future\u201d forum outlines $11 billion in energy projects across Uzbekistan","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Courtesy of the Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3557,"urlSafeValue":"rushanabonu.aliakbarova@euronews.com","title":"Rushanabonu Aliakbarova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":27428,"slug":"central-asia","urlSafeValue":"central-asia","title":"Central Asia","titleRaw":"Central Asia"},{"id":28996,"slug":"green-energy","urlSafeValue":"green-energy","title":"green energy","titleRaw":"green energy"},{"id":11071,"slug":"investment","urlSafeValue":"investment","title":"Investment","titleRaw":"Investment"},{"id":26260,"slug":"partnership","urlSafeValue":"partnership","title":"Partnership","titleRaw":"Partnership"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":3},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2843011},{"id":2834011},{"id":2841283}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"bzkX5nSWwwk","dailymotionId":"x9v4a9c"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/96\/27\/07\/ED_PYR_3096277_20251205174328.mp4","editor":"","duration":181280,"filesizeBytes":27088878,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/96\/27\/07\/SHD_PYR_3096277_20251205174328.mp4","editor":"","duration":181280,"filesizeBytes":40897214,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/96\/27\/07\/FHD_PYR_3096277_20251205174328.mp4","editor":"","duration":181280,"filesizeBytes":139820226,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"economy","urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/economy\/economy"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"business","verticals":[{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"},"themes":[{"id":"economy","urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy","url":"\/business\/economy"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":72,"urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/business\/2025\/12\/05\/uzbekistan-launches-946-billion-green-energy-push-covering-nations-power-needs","lastModified":1764957864},{"id":2851292,"cid":9568879,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"BUSINESS UZBEKISTAN LABOUR MOBILITY","daletPyramidId":3479508,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Labour mobility, reframed: Uzbekistan\u2019s new model for managed migration","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Uzbekistan\u2019s new labour mobility model","titleListing2":"Labour mobility, reframed: Uzbekistan\u2019s new model for managed migration","leadin":"With 2 million citizens abroad and \u20ac13.9 billion in remittances, Uzbekistan is expanding regulated labour migration, training workers for rising demand in Europe and Asia.","summary":"With 2 million citizens abroad and \u20ac13.9 billion in remittances, Uzbekistan is expanding regulated labour migration, training workers for rising demand in Europe and Asia.","keySentence":"","url":"labour-mobility-reframed-uzbekistans-new-model-for-managed-migration","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/2025\/12\/04\/labour-mobility-reframed-uzbekistans-new-model-for-managed-migration","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"In most European contexts, the word \u201cmigration\u201d refers mostly to people arriving from abroad. In Uzbekistan, it refers to citizens who travel overseas to work, gain professional experience and later return home. And they are already a lot of them.\n\nAccording to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as of 1 October 2025, about two million Uzbek citizens live abroad, 1.6 million of them employed. The majority still work in Russia (around one million), but the share of workers headed to Europe and Asia for skilled roles is steadily rising.\n\nCreated a year ago on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan\u2019s new Migration Agency has taken on a central role in how the country manages labour mobility. The institution focuses on supporting Uzbek nationals working abroad, protecting their rights, and expanding access to skilled employment across borders.\n\nThrough the KOUZON recruitment company, more than 5,000 Uzbeks are joining this year cruise industry in gastronomy, service, medicine, and technical fields, earning between \u20ac1,400 and \u20ac3,700 per month.\n\nA major agreement with Italy\u2019s Lombardy Region will bring 3,500 nurses to Italian clinics starting in 2026, while in Japan, partnerships with JCAEMCE and Proud Partners aim to prepare 10,000 skilled specialists and professional drivers, supported by training centres in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Namangan.\n\nOther agreements include 2,000 workers for Austria, 200 for Portugal and 150 for the Netherlands, primarily welders, electricians, and agricultural technicians.\n\nBenefits for both sides\n\nAccording to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, citizens working abroad sent home the equivalent of around \u20ac13.9 billion in 2024.\n\nFor many families, part of these earnings becomes the first capital for launching small businesses, from neighbourhood bakeries to carpentry workshops, helping create jobs and support local enterprise.\n\nAt the same time, regulated labour mobility enables European industries to fill shortages in essential sectors such as healthcare, construction, and logistics.\n\nBut there is another benefit for the country itself, as described by the Director of the Migration Agency, Behzod Musaev.\n\n\u201cEvery successful migrant is an ambassador of Uzbekistan\u2019s new image: Educated, responsible and open to the world,\u201d he told Euronews.\n\nWhy it matters to Europe\n\nAcross Europe, employers are struggling to fill vacancies in healthcare, logistics, and agriculture. EU research, notably from Eurofound, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, a tripartite EU agency that provides evidence and analysis to shape labour and social policy, indicates that skills shortages have become structural, with millions of positions expected to remain unfilled unless recruitment models evolve.\n\nBy training and certifying workers before departure, Uzbekistan offers a potential answer: A regulated, skilled workforce able to integrate quickly into European industries.\n\n\u201cEurope needs qualified people, and Uzbekistan is ready to train them responsibly,\u201d said Musaev. \u201cIt\u2019s not a one-way flow. It\u2019s a partnership.\u201d\n\nThis approach is already visible in Germany, where more than 2,000 Uzbek citizens are enrolled in dual vocational programmes with companies such as Globogate GmbH, Klett EDU GmbH, NoVo Agency GmbH, RekruitMed and SBH WeST GmbH. In the UK, cooperation with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and the Association of Labour Providers ensures that workers join the Seasonal Workers Scheme through transparent recruitment and full legal oversight, increasingly essential for European businesses under ESG compliance requirements.\n\nDigital preparation and fair recruitment\n\nBehind these policies lies a digital backbone. The agency launched Test.xorijda.uz, an online platform offering language and history test simulators for candidates heading abroad. The free platform includes seven modules of 150 questions and receives over 600,000 visits each month, reducing reliance on informal intermediaries.\n\n\u201cDigital tools bring transparency,\u201d Musaev explained. \u201cThey prevent fraud and prepare people for real working and living conditions.\u201d\n\nThe platform is part of a wider digital management system that tracks employment contracts, skills, and reintegration outcomes through measurable KPIs.\n\nTo ensure safe and successful adaptation overseas, the Agency and the Institute for the Development of Vocational Education introduced a free ten-hour pre-departure course. The programme covers legal literacy, social adaptation and safety, including visa procedures, rental rules, labour contracts, cultural orientation and digital security.\n\nProtecting citizens abroad\n\nProtection remains central to the agency\u2019s work. In 2025, its overseas missions helped more than 150,000 migrants resolve legal, social, and financial issues \u2014 from lost documents to wage disputes.\n\nAmong them were 352 citizens who recovered confiscated passports and 561 who received legal support to return home. Agency lawyers also recovered unpaid wages amounting to \u20ac1.75 million for nearly 3,000 workers.\n\nIn the most vulnerable cases, more than 2,300 citizens were repatriated and provided with emergency accommodation or medical support.\n\nGlobal partnership\n\n\u201cThe International Organization for Migration works closely with the Migration Agency to advance safe, orderly and dignified migration for Uzbek citizens,\u201d said Andrew Gray, Chief of Mission of the IOM in Uzbekistan. \u201cSince its formation in 2024, the Agency has opened new pathways for labour migration, responded to evolving global demand and promoted safe migration. We expect its efforts will continue to support Uzbekistan\u2019s development and benefit migrants and their families.\u201d\n\n","htmlText":"<p>In most European contexts, the word \u201cmigration\u201d refers mostly to people arriving from abroad. In Uzbekistan, it refers to citizens who travel overseas to work, gain professional experience and later return home. And they are already a lot of them.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as of 1 October 2025, about two million Uzbek citizens live abroad, 1.6 million of them employed. The majority still work in Russia (around one million), but the share of workers headed to Europe and Asia for skilled roles is steadily rising.<\/p>\n<p>Created a year ago on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan\u2019s new Migration Agency has taken on a central role in how the country manages labour mobility. The institution focuses on supporting Uzbek nationals working abroad, protecting their rights, and expanding access to skilled employment across borders.<\/p>\n<p>Through the KOUZON recruitment company, more than 5,000 Uzbeks are joining this year cruise industry in gastronomy, service, medicine, and technical fields, earning between \u20ac1,400 and \u20ac3,700 per month.<\/p>\n<p>A major agreement with Italy\u2019s Lombardy Region will bring 3,500 nurses to Italian clinics starting in 2026, while in Japan, partnerships with JCAEMCE and Proud Partners aim to prepare 10,000 skilled specialists and professional drivers, supported by training centres in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Namangan.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//88//79//808x539_cmsv2_2df49dee-aef6-5981-8427-c25d7db32bfb-9568879.jpg/" alt=\"Specialists are being trained for Hyundai in Fergana\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/384x256_cmsv2_2df49dee-aef6-5981-8427-c25d7db32bfb-9568879.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/640x427_cmsv2_2df49dee-aef6-5981-8427-c25d7db32bfb-9568879.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/750x500_cmsv2_2df49dee-aef6-5981-8427-c25d7db32bfb-9568879.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/828x552_cmsv2_2df49dee-aef6-5981-8427-c25d7db32bfb-9568879.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/1080x720_cmsv2_2df49dee-aef6-5981-8427-c25d7db32bfb-9568879.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/1200x800_cmsv2_2df49dee-aef6-5981-8427-c25d7db32bfb-9568879.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/1920x1280_cmsv2_2df49dee-aef6-5981-8427-c25d7db32bfb-9568879.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Specialists are being trained for Hyundai in Fergana<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Migration Agency of Uzbekistan <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Other agreements include 2,000 workers for Austria, 200 for Portugal and 150 for the Netherlands, primarily welders, electricians, and agricultural technicians.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Benefits for both sides<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>According to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, citizens working abroad sent home the equivalent of around \u20ac13.9 billion in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>For many families, part of these earnings becomes the first capital for launching small businesses, from neighbourhood bakeries to carpentry workshops, helping create jobs and support local enterprise.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, regulated labour mobility enables European industries to fill shortages in essential sectors such as healthcare, construction, and logistics.<\/p>\n<p>But there is another benefit for the country itself, as described by the Director of the Migration Agency, Behzod Musaev.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEvery successful migrant is an ambassador of Uzbekistan\u2019s new image: Educated, responsible and open to the world,\u201d he told Euronews.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//88//79//808x539_cmsv2_de9dd5c7-ae7f-5a8c-b965-734293cd649b-9568879.jpg/" alt=\"Minister of the Migration Agency Behzod Musaev met with Uzbek female students studying in Russia\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/384x256_cmsv2_de9dd5c7-ae7f-5a8c-b965-734293cd649b-9568879.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/640x427_cmsv2_de9dd5c7-ae7f-5a8c-b965-734293cd649b-9568879.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/750x500_cmsv2_de9dd5c7-ae7f-5a8c-b965-734293cd649b-9568879.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/828x552_cmsv2_de9dd5c7-ae7f-5a8c-b965-734293cd649b-9568879.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/1080x720_cmsv2_de9dd5c7-ae7f-5a8c-b965-734293cd649b-9568879.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/1200x800_cmsv2_de9dd5c7-ae7f-5a8c-b965-734293cd649b-9568879.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/1920x1280_cmsv2_de9dd5c7-ae7f-5a8c-b965-734293cd649b-9568879.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Minister of the Migration Agency Behzod Musaev met with Uzbek female students studying in Russia<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Migration Agency of Uzbekistan <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//business//2025//11//06//uzbekistan-strengthens-labour-rights-through-union-led-reforms/">Uzbekistan strengthens labour rights through union-led reforms<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//business//2025//10//09//europe-looks-east-uzbekistan-builds-a-new-manufacturing-bridge/">Europe looks East: Uzbekistan builds a new manufacturing bridge<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2><strong>Why it matters to Europe<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Across Europe, employers are struggling to fill vacancies in healthcare, logistics, and agriculture. EU research, notably from Eurofound, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, a tripartite EU agency that provides evidence and analysis to shape labour and social policy, indicates that skills shortages have become structural, with millions of positions expected to remain unfilled unless recruitment models evolve.<\/p>\n<p>By training and certifying workers before departure, Uzbekistan offers a potential answer: A regulated, skilled workforce able to integrate quickly into European industries.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEurope needs qualified people, and Uzbekistan is ready to train them responsibly,\u201d said Musaev. \u201cIt\u2019s not a one-way flow. It\u2019s a partnership.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//88//79//808x539_cmsv2_704ff34e-e0ca-5af9-88ae-13c91e369dda-9568879.jpg/" alt=\"Director of Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency Behzod Musaev with Sweden’s Minister for Migration Johan Forssell\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/384x256_cmsv2_704ff34e-e0ca-5af9-88ae-13c91e369dda-9568879.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/640x427_cmsv2_704ff34e-e0ca-5af9-88ae-13c91e369dda-9568879.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/750x500_cmsv2_704ff34e-e0ca-5af9-88ae-13c91e369dda-9568879.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/828x552_cmsv2_704ff34e-e0ca-5af9-88ae-13c91e369dda-9568879.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/1080x720_cmsv2_704ff34e-e0ca-5af9-88ae-13c91e369dda-9568879.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/1200x800_cmsv2_704ff34e-e0ca-5af9-88ae-13c91e369dda-9568879.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/1920x1280_cmsv2_704ff34e-e0ca-5af9-88ae-13c91e369dda-9568879.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Director of Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency Behzod Musaev with Sweden’s Minister for Migration Johan Forssell<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Migration Agency of Uzbekistan <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>This approach is already visible in Germany, where more than 2,000 Uzbek citizens are enrolled in dual vocational programmes with companies such as Globogate GmbH, Klett EDU GmbH, NoVo Agency GmbH, RekruitMed and SBH WeST GmbH. In the UK, cooperation with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and the Association of Labour Providers ensures that workers join the Seasonal Workers Scheme through transparent recruitment and full legal oversight, increasingly essential for European businesses under ESG compliance requirements.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Digital preparation and fair recruitment<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Behind these policies lies a digital backbone. The agency launched Test.xorijda.uz, an online platform offering language and history test simulators for candidates heading abroad. The free platform includes seven modules of 150 questions and receives over 600,000 visits each month, reducing reliance on informal intermediaries.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDigital tools bring transparency,\u201d Musaev explained. \u201cThey prevent fraud and prepare people for real working and living conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The platform is part of a wider digital management system that tracks employment contracts, skills, and reintegration outcomes through measurable KPIs.<\/p>\n<p>To ensure safe and successful adaptation overseas, the Agency and the Institute for the Development of Vocational Education introduced a free ten-hour pre-departure course. The programme covers legal literacy, social adaptation and safety, including visa procedures, rental rules, labour contracts, cultural orientation and digital security.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//88//79//808x539_cmsv2_b28db9f2-bf85-5645-88f9-8e5cb6a6f032-9568879.jpg/" alt=\"A memorandum of cooperation was signed between Japan’s Onodera User Run company and Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/384x256_cmsv2_b28db9f2-bf85-5645-88f9-8e5cb6a6f032-9568879.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/640x427_cmsv2_b28db9f2-bf85-5645-88f9-8e5cb6a6f032-9568879.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/750x500_cmsv2_b28db9f2-bf85-5645-88f9-8e5cb6a6f032-9568879.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/828x552_cmsv2_b28db9f2-bf85-5645-88f9-8e5cb6a6f032-9568879.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/1080x720_cmsv2_b28db9f2-bf85-5645-88f9-8e5cb6a6f032-9568879.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/1200x800_cmsv2_b28db9f2-bf85-5645-88f9-8e5cb6a6f032-9568879.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/1920x1280_cmsv2_b28db9f2-bf85-5645-88f9-8e5cb6a6f032-9568879.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">A memorandum of cooperation was signed between Japan’s Onodera User Run company and Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Migration Agency of Uzbekistan <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2><strong>Protecting citizens abroad<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Protection remains central to the agency\u2019s work. In 2025, its overseas missions helped more than 150,000 migrants resolve legal, social, and financial issues \u2014 from lost documents to wage disputes.<\/p>\n<p>Among them were 352 citizens who recovered confiscated passports and 561 who received legal support to return home. Agency lawyers also recovered unpaid wages amounting to \u20ac1.75 million for nearly 3,000 workers.<\/p>\n<p>In the most vulnerable cases, more than 2,300 citizens were repatriated and provided with emergency accommodation or medical support.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Global partnership<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>\u201cThe International Organization for Migration works closely with the Migration Agency to advance safe, orderly and dignified migration for Uzbek citizens,\u201d said Andrew Gray, Chief of Mission of the IOM in Uzbekistan. \u201cSince its formation in 2024, the Agency has opened new pathways for labour migration, responded to evolving global demand and promoted safe migration. We expect its efforts will continue to support Uzbekistan\u2019s development and benefit migrants and their families.\u201d<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764679474,"updatedAt":1764829916,"publishedAt":1764829911,"firstPublishedAt":1764829911,"lastPublishedAt":1764829915,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_04003077-c5db-5401-852b-f9fe9d7b9c68-9568879.jpg","altText":"Skilled Uzbek workers are increasingly present on production floors abroad","caption":"Skilled Uzbek workers are increasingly present on production floors abroad","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Migration Agency of Uzbekistan ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":800,"height":533},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b28db9f2-bf85-5645-88f9-8e5cb6a6f032-9568879.jpg","altText":"A memorandum of cooperation was signed between Japan\u2019s Onodera User Run company and Uzbekistan\u2019s Migration Agency","caption":"A memorandum of cooperation was signed between Japan\u2019s Onodera User Run company and Uzbekistan\u2019s Migration Agency","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Migration Agency of Uzbekistan ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_704ff34e-e0ca-5af9-88ae-13c91e369dda-9568879.jpg","altText":"Director of Uzbekistan\u2019s Migration Agency Behzod Musaev with Sweden\u2019s Minister for Migration Johan Forssell","caption":"Director of Uzbekistan\u2019s Migration Agency Behzod Musaev with Sweden\u2019s Minister for Migration Johan Forssell","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Migration Agency of Uzbekistan ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_de9dd5c7-ae7f-5a8c-b965-734293cd649b-9568879.jpg","altText":"Minister of the Migration Agency Behzod Musaev met with Uzbek female students studying in Russia","caption":"Minister of the Migration Agency Behzod Musaev met with Uzbek female students studying in Russia","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Migration Agency of Uzbekistan ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/88\/79\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_2df49dee-aef6-5981-8427-c25d7db32bfb-9568879.jpg","altText":"Specialists are being trained for Hyundai in Fergana","caption":"Specialists are being trained for Hyundai in Fergana","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Migration Agency of Uzbekistan ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3557,"urlSafeValue":"rushanabonu.aliakbarova@euronews.com","title":"Rushanabonu Aliakbarova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":27428,"slug":"central-asia","urlSafeValue":"central-asia","title":"Central Asia","titleRaw":"Central Asia"},{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":13450,"slug":"migration","urlSafeValue":"migration","title":"migration","titleRaw":"migration"},{"id":572,"slug":"economy","urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy","titleRaw":"Economy"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":4},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2834011},{"id":2833034}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"economy","urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/economy\/economy"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"business","verticals":[{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"},"themes":[{"id":"economy","urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy","url":"\/business\/economy"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":72,"urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/business\/2025\/12\/04\/labour-mobility-reframed-uzbekistans-new-model-for-managed-migration","lastModified":1764829915},{"id":2849431,"cid":9560764,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"SA - S01E20 - UZ - UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES - MASTER","daletPyramidId":3409719,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"From Samarkand to Khiva, Uzbekistan\u2019s UNESCO landmarks trace the story of the Silk Road","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Uzbekistan\u2019s Silk Road heritage","titleListing2":"From Samarkand to Khiva, Uzbekistan\u2019s UNESCO landmarks trace the story of the Silk Road","leadin":"Once a crossroads of empires and ideas, Uzbekistan remains one of the best-preserved witnesses to the Silk Road\u2019s influence on architecture, learning and spiritual life.","summary":"Once a crossroads of empires and ideas, Uzbekistan remains one of the best-preserved witnesses to the Silk Road\u2019s influence on architecture, learning and spiritual life.","keySentence":"","url":"from-samarkand-to-khiva-uzbekistans-unesco-landmarks-trace-the-story-of-the-silk-road","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/02\/from-samarkand-to-khiva-uzbekistans-unesco-landmarks-trace-the-story-of-the-silk-road","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Uzbekistan lies at the heart of the ancient Silk Road, a vast network of trade routes that for centuries linked China with Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Across the country, trade and cultural exchange shaped cities that today stand among the world\u2019s most carefully protected heritage sites.\n\nHome to some of the Silk Road\u2019s most storied cities, the country holds places so culturally rich and historically layered that UNESCO has recognised them as part of humanity\u2019s shared heritage.\n\nFrom ancient mosques that still echo with centuries of prayer to fortress cities preserved like open-air museums, the past isn\u2019t just remembered \u2014 it is actively protected.\n\nAs Khilola Khudoyberdieva from the Navoi Region Tourism Department puts it, Uzbekistan\u2019s many UNESCO-listed sites reflect \u201cits rich history, ancient statehood, and unique culture and heritage.\u201d\n\nThese landmarks are not merely remnants of the past. They are living spaces where architecture, science, devotion, and daily life still meet.\n\nSamarkand: a crossroads marked by UNESCO\n\nSamarkand, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia, is among Uzbekistan\u2019s most iconic UNESCO-listed sites, inscribed as \u201cSamarkand \u2013 Crossroads of Cultures.\u201d Often described as a meeting point of civilisations, the title feels tangible when standing in Registan Square.\n\nTour guide Khurshida Fayzullaeva shares the story of the three madrasas \u2014 traditional Islamic schools \u2014 that form the heart of this architectural ensemble.\n\nThe first was commissioned in the 15th century by Ulugh Beg, the Timurid ruler, astronomer and grandson of Amir Timur (also known in the West as Tamerlane), as a centre of scientific and religious learning.\n\nBy the 17th century, Samarkand\u2019s intellectual life had grown so vibrant that a second madrasa was built. Fayzullaeva explains that it was designed as a deliberate visual \u201creflection\u201d of the first \u2014 symmetrical in layout, much like matching eyebrows on a human face.\n\nThe third building, from the same century, combined a Friday mosque and a madrasa within one complex. Together, they form one of the most celebrated architectural ensembles in the Islamic world.\n\nBibi-Khanym: a monument of power and ambition\n\nAnother highlight within Samarkand\u2019s UNESCO-listed ensemble is the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, a structure that rises with monumental scale and symbolic power.\n\nAfter his military campaign in India in 1399, Amir Timur (Tamerlane), the Turco-Mongol conqueror who founded the Timurid Empire, ordered the construction of an immense congregational mosque in his capital.\n\nThe construction was overseen by his wife Saray Mulk Khanum, known as Bibi-Khanym.\n\nGuide Maftuna Kakhramanova explains that more than 10,000 artisans and stone masons shaped its vast domes and soaring archways.\n\nAt the centre of the mosque sits a massive marble stand, believed to have been used as a Qur\u2019an lectern.\n\nIt is believed that an ancient Qur\u2019an was brought to Samarkand and placed on this stand during the 15th century. Today, the manuscript traditionally associated with this story is preserved in a museum in Tashkent.\n\nShah-i-Zinda: a ribbon of colour through time\n\nWithin the UNESCO-listed Samarkand ensemble, the necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda reveals a more intimate side of the city\u2019s sacred history.\n\nWalking through the complex is a journey across centuries. Generations of rulers, scholars and saints are buried here, yet their presence lingers in every tiled surface and carved portal.\n\nTurquoise, cobalt and ultramarine tiles create a glazed corridor of time, where light and shadow animate centuries of craftsmanship.\n\nThe fairytale fortress of Khiva\n\nFurther west, the UNESCO-listed Itchan Kala rises behind its thick mud-brick walls, the inner city of Khiva preserved as though time itself had paused. Passing through its gates feels like stepping into a living storybook.\n\nAnaposhsha Boltaeva, of the Itchan Kala Museum-Reserve, describes it as \u201ca fairytale city\u201d and an open-air museum where every madrasa, minaret and palace stands within one remarkably intact urban ensemble.\n\nBukhara: a UNESCO-listed centre of scholarship\n\nAlso inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Centre of Bukhara stands as one of Central Asia\u2019s oldest seats of learning and spiritual life.\n\nThe Lyabi-Hauz ensemble, part of the UNESCO-listed area, remains a lively gathering space where centuries-old mulberry trees shade a reflective pool. Locals sit in caf\u00e9s, visitors drift through, and surrounding madrasas turn the square into a blend of cultural memory and contemporary life.\n\nNearby, the Po-i-Kalyan complex rises with its defining elements: the Kalyan Minaret, the Great Mosque, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. Guide Dildora Safarova explains how these monuments together formed one of the region\u2019s most striking religious and educational ensembles.\n\nWithin the broader UNESCO-protected zone, the Ark of Bukhara still stands as a monumental citadel of power, ceremony and governance, guarding the city\u2019s long political and cultural narrative.\n\nNavoi region: Silk Road echoes beyond the cities\n\nWhile Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva form Uzbekistan\u2019s most widely recognised UNESCO-listed urban heritage, the Silk Roads: Zarafshan\u2013Karakum Corridor is also inscribed as a transnational World Heritage Site.\n\nThis 866-kilometre corridor spans parts of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, recognising a network of routes rather than a single monument.\n\nNavoi, located along the Uzbek section of this corridor, was a significant historical hub. Goods were traded extensively along this route, making the region key to the movement of commodities, ideas and people between distant cultures.\n\nAlong these historic pathways, the Deggaron Mosque reflects centuries of architectural ingenuity. Deputy imam Erkinkhuja Usmonov describes an unusual acoustic feature: clay jars embedded within the walls create natural resonance, allowing even soft voices to carry clearly through the prayer hall.\n\nNearby, the Qosim Sheikh Complex demonstrates a different form of innovation. As Amriddin Abutoliyev explains, its structure maintains remarkably stable indoor temperatures throughout the seasons, creating a sanctuary shaped by both spiritual and environmental intelligence.\n\nPreserving the Silk Road\u2019s living legacy\n\nToday, Uzbekistan\u2019s UNESCO World Heritage Sites form a network of history protected on a global scale.\n\nUNESCO recognition helps safeguard these places, but their true power lies in how they continue to function as living spaces \u2014 where faith, learning and daily life remain closely intertwined.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Uzbekistan lies at the heart of the ancient Silk Road, a vast network of trade routes that for centuries linked China with Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Across the country, trade and cultural exchange shaped cities that today stand among the world\u2019s most carefully protected heritage sites.<\/p>\n<p>Home to some of the Silk Road\u2019s most storied cities, the country holds places so culturally rich and historically layered that UNESCO has recognised them as part of humanity\u2019s shared heritage.<\/p>\n<p>From ancient mosques that still echo with centuries of prayer to fortress cities preserved like open-air museums, the past isn\u2019t just remembered \u2014 it is actively protected.<\/p>\n<p>As Khilola Khudoyberdieva from the Navoi Region Tourism Department puts it, Uzbekistan\u2019s many UNESCO-listed sites reflect \u201cits rich history, ancient statehood, and unique culture and heritage.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>These landmarks are not merely remnants of the past. They are living spaces where architecture, science, devotion, and daily life still meet.<\/p>\n<h2>Samarkand: a crossroads marked by UNESCO<\/h2>\n<p>Samarkand, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia, is among Uzbekistan\u2019s most iconic UNESCO-listed sites, inscribed as \u201cSamarkand \u2013 Crossroads of Cultures.\u201dOften described as a meeting point of civilisations, the title feels tangible when standing in Registan Square.<\/p>\n<p>Tour guide Khurshida Fayzullaeva shares the story of the three madrasas \u2014 traditional Islamic schools \u2014 that form the heart of this architectural ensemble.<\/p>\n<p>The first was commissioned in the 15th century by Ulugh Beg, the Timurid ruler, astronomer and grandson of Amir Timur (also known in the West as Tamerlane), as a centre of scientific and religious learning.<\/p>\n<p>By the 17th century, Samarkand\u2019s intellectual life had grown so vibrant that a second madrasa was built. Fayzullaeva explains that it was designed as a deliberate visual \u201creflection\u201d of the first \u2014 symmetrical in layout, much like matching eyebrows on a human face.<\/p>\n<p>The third building, from the same century, combined a Friday mosque and a madrasa within one complex. Together, they form one of the most celebrated architectural ensembles in the Islamic world.<\/p>\n<h2>Bibi-Khanym: a monument of power and ambition<\/h2>\n<p>Another highlight within Samarkand\u2019s UNESCO-listed ensemble is the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, a structure that rises with monumental scale and symbolic power.<\/p>\n<p>After his military campaign in India in 1399, Amir Timur (Tamerlane), the Turco-Mongol conqueror who founded the Timurid Empire, ordered the construction of an immense congregational mosque in his capital.<\/p>\n<p>The construction was overseen by his wife Saray Mulk Khanum, known as Bibi-Khanym.<\/p>\n<p>Guide Maftuna Kakhramanova explains that more than 10,000 artisans and stone masons shaped its vast domes and soaring archways.<\/p>\n<p>At the centre of the mosque sits a massive marble stand, believed to have been used as a Qur\u2019an lectern.<\/p>\n<p>It is believed that an ancient Qur\u2019an was brought to Samarkand and placed on this stand during the 15th century. Today, the manuscript traditionally associated with this story is preserved in a museum in Tashkent.<\/p>\n<h2>Shah-i-Zinda: a ribbon of colour through time<\/h2>\n<p>Within the UNESCO-listed Samarkand ensemble, the necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda reveals a more intimate side of the city\u2019s sacred history.<\/p>\n<p>Walking through the complex is a journey across centuries. Generations of rulers, scholars and saints are buried here, yet their presence lingers in every tiled surface and carved portal.<\/p>\n<p>Turquoise, cobalt and ultramarine tiles create a glazed corridor of time, where light and shadow animate centuries of craftsmanship.<\/p>\n<h2>The fairytale fortress of Khiva<\/h2>\n<p>Further west, the UNESCO-listed Itchan Kalarises behind its thick mud-brick walls, the inner city of Khiva preserved as though time itself had paused. Passing through its gates feels like stepping into a living storybook.<\/p>\n<p>Anaposhsha Boltaeva, of the Itchan Kala Museum-Reserve, describes it as \u201ca fairytale city\u201d and an open-air museum where every madrasa, minaret and palace stands within one remarkably intact urban ensemble.<\/p>\n<h2>Bukhara: a UNESCO-listed centre of scholarship<\/h2>\n<p>Also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Centre of Bukhara stands as one of Central Asia\u2019s oldest seats of learning and spiritual life.<\/p>\n<p>The Lyabi-Hauz ensemble, part of the UNESCO-listed area, remains a lively gathering space where centuries-old mulberry trees shade a reflective pool. Locals sit in caf\u00e9s, visitors drift through, and surrounding madrasas turn the square into a blend of cultural memory and contemporary life.<\/p>\n<p>Nearby, the Po-i-Kalyan complex rises with its defining elements: the Kalyan Minaret, the Great Mosque, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. Guide Dildora Safarova explains how these monuments together formed one of the region\u2019s most striking religious and educational ensembles.<\/p>\n<p>Within the broader UNESCO-protected zone, the Ark of Bukhara still stands as a monumental citadel of power, ceremony and governance, guarding the city\u2019s long political and cultural narrative.<\/p>\n<h2>Navoi region: Silk Road echoes beyond the cities<\/h2>\n<p>While Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva form Uzbekistan\u2019s most widely recognised UNESCO-listed urban heritage, the Silk Roads: Zarafshan\u2013Karakum Corridor is also inscribed as a transnational World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n<p>This 866-kilometre corridor spans parts of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, recognising a network of routes rather than a single monument.<\/p>\n<p>Navoi, located along the Uzbek section of this corridor, was a significant historical hub. Goods were traded extensively along this route, making the region key to the movement of commodities, ideas and people between distant cultures.<\/p>\n<p>Along these historic pathways, the Deggaron Mosque reflects centuries of architectural ingenuity. Deputy imam Erkinkhuja Usmonov describes an unusual acoustic feature: clay jars embedded within the walls create natural resonance, allowing even soft voices to carry clearly through the prayer hall.<\/p>\n<p>Nearby, the Qosim Sheikh Complex demonstrates a different form of innovation. As Amriddin Abutoliyev explains, its structure maintains remarkably stable indoor temperatures throughout the seasons, creating a sanctuary shaped by both spiritual and environmental intelligence.<\/p>\n<h2>Preserving the Silk Road\u2019s living legacy<\/h2>\n<p>Today, Uzbekistan\u2019s UNESCO World Heritage Sites form a network of history protected on a global scale.<\/p>\n<p>UNESCO recognition helps safeguard these places, but their true power lies in how they continue to function as living spaces \u2014 where faith, learning and daily life remain closely intertwined.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764067687,"updatedAt":1764687022,"publishedAt":1764684040,"firstPublishedAt":1764684040,"lastPublishedAt":1764687021,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/07\/79\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_16be5370-41ae-5a82-be14-c6f2b5c184cb-9560779.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":12639,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel","titleRaw":"Travel"},{"id":4229,"slug":"history","urlSafeValue":"history","title":"History","titleRaw":"History"},{"id":574,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture","titleRaw":"Culture"},{"id":8735,"slug":"tradition","urlSafeValue":"tradition","title":"Tradition","titleRaw":"Tradition"},{"id":8057,"slug":"unesco","urlSafeValue":"unesco","title":"UNESCO","titleRaw":"UNESCO"},{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2854056}],"technicalTags":[{"path":"editorial.naesmi.editorial-naesmi2021"},{"path":"editorial.naesmi"},{"path":"editorial"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistancult2022"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistanforward2025"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"editorial.silkroaduzbekistan"},{"path":"editorial"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"QhaC4nHMvRM","dailymotionId":"x9us4d0"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/12\/40\/04\/ED_PYR_3012404_20251201134916.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":41923930,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/12\/40\/04\/SHD_PYR_3012404_20251201134916.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":64394962,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/12\/40\/04\/FHD_PYR_3012404_20251201134916.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":229241443,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Akis Tatsis","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"silk-road-adventures","urlSafeValue":"silk-road-adventures","title":"Silk Road Adventures","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/travel-series\/silk-road-adventures"},"season":"SILK ROAD ADVENTURES_S01","episode":"S01E20 - UZ - UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES ","episodeId":"1174","vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"travel-series","urlSafeValue":"travel-series","title":"Series","url":"\/travel\/travel-series"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":32,"urlSafeValue":"travel-series","title":"Series"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1740836252,"endDate":2114343456,"type":"sponsored","slug":"silk-road-adventure-2025","title":"Uzbekistan 2025","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan","sponsorName":"silk-road-adventure-2025","sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/918\/300x48_cmsv2_78229405-e7ee-5bbd-898a-026d554cc15e-918.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/travel\/2025\/12\/02\/from-samarkand-to-khiva-uzbekistans-unesco-landmarks-trace-the-story-of-the-silk-road","lastModified":1764687021},{"id":2850987,"cid":9567603,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GREEN TECH IN WILDLIFE PROTECTION","daletPyramidId":3469057,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"AI and drones lead global fight for wildlife in Samarkand talks","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Samarkand CITES summit showcases tech to save endangered species","titleListing2":"AI and drones lead global fight for wildlife in Samarkand talks","leadin":"Experts at the 20th CITES Conference reveal wildlife crime worth up to \u20ac22B annually, putting 40,000+ species at risk and boosting tech monitoring efforts.","summary":"Experts at the 20th CITES Conference reveal wildlife crime worth up to \u20ac22B annually, putting 40,000+ species at risk and boosting tech monitoring efforts.","keySentence":"","url":"ai-and-drones-lead-global-fight-for-wildlife-in-samarkand-talks","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/2025\/12\/02\/ai-and-drones-lead-global-fight-for-wildlife-in-samarkand-talks","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Illegal wildlife trading is one of the world\u2019s most profitable environmental crimes. International specialists at the 20th CITES Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, estimated that this kind of crime generates from \u20ac6.6 billion to \u20ac21.9 billion annually and impacts thousands of species.\n\nInternational conservation assessments show that over 40,000 species are currently threatened with extinction.\n\nMany of these species are targeted due to illegal commercial demand. Increasing threats, including illegal trade, habitat destruction, and environmental degradation, demand stronger protection measures.\n\nAs a result, countries and institutions are turning to modern technologies such as AI, digital monitoring, and DNA-based identification to keep these endangered species safe.\n\nTech-driven enforcement under CITES\n\nDuring CITES COP20 in Samarkand, Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero highlighted the role of innovation in preventing the illegal wildlife trade. She explained that CITES works closely with enforcement partners, including Interpol and the World Customs Organisation.\n\nHiguero emphasised that AI-powered computer vision is now used at border checkpoints worldwide. These systems help detect illegal cross-border movement of endangered specimens.\n\nShe also noted the increased use of drones and remote camera monitoring systems. These tools support wildlife monitoring, population counting, movement tracking, and crime detection.\n\nAccording to Higuero, GPS markers and collars provide long-term data on migration and population trends. They help conservation bodies better understand species movement and survival risks.\n\n'SMART' monitoring in Central Asia\n\nSMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) is among the most widely used systems for enforcing protected areas. It also supports biodiversity data collection and reporting of violations. Central Asia has now officially joined the global SMART monitoring network.\n\nRegional conservation manager Islam Mamedov explained that SMART helps countries build custom geolocated wildlife databases for their protected territories. It also allows users to log violations, analyse species presence, and generate trend reports.\n\nHe also introduced the smart trap device. This lightweight, portable monitoring tool is enhanced with AI. The device can recognise animal species, detect diseases, and flag territorial violations.\n\nTrap is being tested and scaled globally for real-time wildlife monitoring. It can also identify diseases and report unusual animal behaviour instantly from the field.\n\n\u201cIt can recognise animal species itself, and send information to you in real time,\u201d Mamedov said.\n\nUzbekistan\u2019s digital inspection and agro-assistance platforms\n\nUzbekistan is integrating conservation technologies into its national inspection systems.\n\nPhytosanitary State Inspector Ozoda Ortikova from Bulungur District shared examples of local digital adoption. She explained that inspectors now use tablet-based field monitoring with live geolocation. This system also includes risk classification using the \u201cDala Nazorat\u201d platform.\n\nOrtikova also mentioned \u201cAgro Ko\u2019makchi\u201d, a mobile platform designed for farmers and agricultural workers. It includes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidance and a \u201cCall Inspector\u201d function. Through the platform, farmers can request inspection support directly.\n\nThe system automatically dispatches environmental officers to the farm\u2019s live location.\n\n\u201cIf pests or disease are detected, samples are sent to the central lab for DNA analysis,\u201d she added.\n\nInnovative protection of Central Asia\u2019s flora\n\nTo enhance the protection of plants, Uzbekistan\u2019s Academy of Sciences introduced several region-scale innovations. These projects focus on biodiversity databases and alternative species identification tools.\n\nZiyovuddin Yusupov from the Botanical Institute presented the Grid Mapping project, the first of its kind in the region. It is currently the only full plant coordinate database covering Central Asia from Uzbekistan.\n\n\u201cWe collected coordinates of all Central Asian plants and created a unique platform for monitoring,\u201d Yusupov stated. He also introduced the \u201cTree of Life Uzbekistan\u201d initiative \u2014 a DNA plant database for Central Asia where the data is integrated into a single regional scientific platform.\n\nCurrently, 700 plant DNA profiles have already been stored. The goal is to reach 4,500 species for Uzbekistan and 9,000 for Central Asia within 5 to 10 years.\n\nYusupov also demonstrated a 200-gram portable Raman spectroscopy laser device integrated with AI. The device enables fast species identification when DNA testing is not possible.\n\nHe highlighted that the tool helps combat illegal collection and export of CITES- and Red Book-listed plants. It supports both environmental security measures and long-term scientific biodiversity research.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Illegal wildlife trading is one of the world\u2019s most profitable environmental crimes. International specialists at the 20th CITES Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, estimated that this kind of crime generates from \u20ac6.6 billion to \u20ac21.9 billion annually and impacts thousands of species.<\/p>\n<p>International conservation assessments show that over 40,000 species are currently threatened with extinction.<\/p>\n<p>Many of these species are targeted due to illegal commercial demand. Increasing threats, including<a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//02//04//tiger-cubs-to-songbirds-huge-global-wildlife-trafficking-crackdown-sees-20000-live-animals/"> <strong>illegal trade<\/strong><\/a>, habitat destruction, and environmental degradation, demand stronger protection measures.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, countries and institutions are turning to modern technologies such as AI, digital monitoring, and DNA-based identification to keep these endangered species safe. <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Tech-driven enforcement under CITES<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>During <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//11//26//samarkand-hosts-first-cites-summit-in-central-asia-gathering-nations-for-wildlife-protecti/">CITES COP20 in Samarkand<\/strong><\/a>, Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero highlighted the role of innovation in preventing the illegal wildlife trade. She explained that CITES works closely with enforcement partners, including Interpol and the World Customs Organisation.<\/p>\n<p>Higuero emphasised that AI-powered computer vision is now used at border checkpoints worldwide. These systems help detect illegal cross-border movement of endangered specimens.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//11//26//one-of-the-worlds-most-endangered-species-is-being-eaten-into-extinction-researchers-warn/">One of the world\u2019s most endangered species is being \u2018eaten into extinction\u2019, researchers warn<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//11//30//dolphins-and-whales-have-no-place-to-hide-from-forever-chemicals-warns-new-study/">Dolphins and whales have \u2018no place to hide\u2019 from forever chemicals, warns new study<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>She also noted the increased use of drones and remote camera monitoring systems. These tools support wildlife monitoring, population counting, movement tracking, and crime detection.<\/p>\n<p>According to Higuero, GPS markers and collars provide long-term data on migration and population trends. They help conservation bodies better understand species movement and survival risks.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>'SMART' monitoring in Central Asia<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) is among the most widely used systems for enforcing protected areas. It also supports biodiversity data collection and reporting of violations. Central Asia has now officially joined the global SMART monitoring network.<\/p>\n<p>Regional conservation manager Islam Mamedov explained that SMART helps countries build custom geolocated wildlife databases for their protected territories. It also allows users to log violations, analyse species presence, and generate trend reports.<\/p>\n<p>He also introduced the smart trap device. This lightweight, portable monitoring tool is enhanced with AI. The device can recognise animal species, detect diseases, and flag territorial violations.<\/p>\n<p>Trap is being tested and scaled globally for <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//10//19//real-time-ocean-monitoring-how-a-fibre-optic-experiment-could-save-endangered-orcas/">real-time wildlife monitoring<\/strong><\/a>. It can also identify diseases and report unusual animal behaviour instantly from the field. <\/p>\n<p>_\u201c_It can recognise animal species itself, and send information to you in real time,\u201d Mamedov said.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Uzbekistan\u2019s digital inspection and agro-assistance platforms<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Uzbekistan is integrating conservation technologies into its national inspection systems.<\/p>\n<p>Phytosanitary State Inspector Ozoda Ortikova from Bulungur District shared examples of local digital adoption. She explained that inspectors now use tablet-based field monitoring with live geolocation. This system also includes risk classification using the \u201cDala Nazorat\u201d platform.<\/p>\n<p>Ortikova also mentioned \u201cAgro Ko\u2019makchi\u201d, a mobile platform designed for farmers and agricultural workers. It includes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidance and a \u201cCall Inspector\u201d function. Through the platform, farmers can request inspection support directly.<\/p>\n<p>The system automatically dispatches environmental officers to the farm\u2019s live location. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf pests or disease are detected, samples are sent to the central lab for DNA analysis,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Innovative protection of Central Asia\u2019s flora<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>To enhance the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//10//24//plant-and-animal-extinctions-slow-but-experts-warn-human-activity-still-poses-significant-/">protection of plants<\/strong><\/a>, Uzbekistan\u2019s Academy of Sciences introduced several region-scale innovations. These projects focus on biodiversity databases and alternative species identification tools.<\/p>\n<p>Ziyovuddin Yusupov from the Botanical Institute presented the Grid Mapping project, the first of its kind in the region. It is currently the only full plant coordinate database covering Central Asia from Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe collected coordinates of all Central Asian plants and created a unique platform for monitoring,\u201d Yusupov stated. He also introduced the \u201cTree of Life Uzbekistan\u201d initiative \u2014 a DNA plant database for Central Asia where the data is integrated into a single regional scientific platform.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//11//27//why-scientists-are-racing-to-save-this-rare-hairy-snail-thats-the-size-of-a-fingernail/">Why scientists are racing to save this rare \u2018hairy\u2019 snail that\u2019s the size of a fingernail<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//11//26//samarkand-hosts-first-cites-summit-in-central-asia-gathering-nations-for-wildlife-protecti/">Samarkand hosts first CITES summit in Central Asia, gathering nations for wildlife protection<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Currently, 700 plant DNA profiles have already been stored. The goal is to reach 4,500 species for Uzbekistan and 9,000 for Central Asia within 5 to 10 years.<\/p>\n<p>Yusupov also demonstrated a 200-gram portable Raman spectroscopy laser device integrated with AI. The device enables fast species identification when DNA testing is not possible.<\/p>\n<p>He highlighted that the tool helps combat illegal collection and export of CITES- and Red Book-listed plants. It supports both environmental security measures and long-term scientific biodiversity research.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764592082,"updatedAt":1764658919,"publishedAt":1764658876,"firstPublishedAt":1764658876,"lastPublishedAt":1764658918,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/76\/03\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_3ce51a48-2324-58e8-a5ea-f207241819b4-9567603.jpg","altText":"Three trafficked Sumatran orangutans were sent back from Thailand to Indonesia ","caption":"Three trafficked Sumatran orangutans were sent back from Thailand to Indonesia ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Jintamas Saksornchai\/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3548,"urlSafeValue":"dilbar.primova@euronews.com","title":"Dilbar Primova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":4365,"slug":"ecology","urlSafeValue":"ecology","title":"Ecology","titleRaw":"Ecology"},{"id":389,"slug":"technology","urlSafeValue":"technology","title":"Technology","titleRaw":"Technology"},{"id":24898,"slug":"wildlife","urlSafeValue":"wildlife","title":"wildlife","titleRaw":"wildlife"},{"id":12661,"slug":"artificial-intelligence","urlSafeValue":"artificial-intelligence","title":"Artificial intelligence","titleRaw":"Artificial intelligence"},{"id":12609,"slug":"drones","urlSafeValue":"drones","title":"Drones","titleRaw":"Drones"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2849644},{"id":2851335}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"NBpynZa5M_I","dailymotionId":"x9us62g"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/60\/01\/07\/ED_PYR_3060017_20251201141216.mp4","editor":"","duration":151400,"filesizeBytes":23651188,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/60\/01\/07\/SHD_PYR_3060017_20251201141216.mp4","editor":"","duration":151400,"filesizeBytes":35409495,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/60\/01\/07\/FHD_PYR_3060017_20251201141216.mp4","editor":"","duration":151400,"filesizeBytes":117836251,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"eco-innovation","urlSafeValue":"eco-innovation","title":"Eco-Innovation","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/eco-innovation\/eco-innovation"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"green","verticals":[{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"},"themes":[{"id":"eco-innovation","urlSafeValue":"eco-innovation","title":"Eco-Innovation","url":"\/green\/eco-innovation"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":37,"urlSafeValue":"eco-innovation","title":"Eco-Innovation"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/green\/2025\/12\/02\/ai-and-drones-lead-global-fight-for-wildlife-in-samarkand-talks","lastModified":1764658918},{"id":2851104,"cid":9568100,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"The New Uzbekistan Native Article 4","daletPyramidId":3473255,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Central Asia and Azerbaijan: a shared cultural legacy for a shared future","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Central Asia and Azerbaijan: a shared cultural legacy for a shared future","leadin":"Culture is the memory of civilisation \u2014 a legacy that crosses borders, survives political change, and unites generations and nations.","summary":"Culture is the memory of civilisation \u2014 a legacy that crosses borders, survives political change, and unites generations and nations.","keySentence":"","url":"central-asia-and-azerbaijan-a-shared-cultural-legacy-for-a-shared-future","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2025\/12\/01\/central-asia-and-azerbaijan-a-shared-cultural-legacy-for-a-shared-future","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Culture is the memory of civilisation \u2014 a legacy that crosses borders, survives political change, and unites generations and nations.\n\nThis idea framed discussions at the Center of Islamic Civilisation in Uzbekistan, where scholars, historians, political leaders and cultural figures from across Central Asia and Azerbaijan gathered for the International Congress \u2018Central Asia: Common Spiritual and Educational Heritage \u2013 Common Future\u2019.\n\nDelegates met in Tashkent to highlight the region\u2019s centuries-old enlightenment traditions and their continued relevance today, a message formalised in the congress\u2019s final declaration.\n\nA regional identity rooted in shared heritage\n\nAgainst a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, international disagreements and cross-border conflicts, participants underlined the cultural foundations connecting nearly 100 million people across Central Asia and Azerbaijan.\n\nThe significance of the gathering was marked by the installation of the Qur\u2019an of Uthman in the centre\u2019s main hall \u2013 one of the world\u2019s oldest and most revered handwritten copies of the Qur\u2019an. Delegates described the moment as deeply symbolic, grounding the congress in a shared heritage.\n\nIn an opening letter read at the ceremony, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, emphasised:\n\n\u201cIn today\u2019s extremely challenging time, when confrontations and conflicts are intensifying in various parts of the world, the most urgent task for all of us remains the preservation of peace and stability. We must draw lessons and approach every matter guided by knowledge and enlightenment, strengthen harmony among different people, and expand dialogue between cultures and civilisations.\u201d\n\nDiplomatic weight and cultural cooperation\n\nPresident Mirziyoyev delivered his message on the eve of the Summit of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, where he called for support for a United Nations special resolution recognising the collective contribution of Central Asia and Azerbaijan to global education, science and culture.\n\nThis timing gave the congress additional political weight, reinforcing the idea that cultural cooperation is a key instrument for strengthening trust and regional engagement, with Uzbekistan playing a leading role in these efforts.\n\nA historical contribution to world civilisation\n\nSpeakers also reflected on the role of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in shaping global civilisation. During the Islamic Golden Age between the 8th and 13th centuries, the lands of modern-day Central Asia and Azerbaijan were among the world\u2019s most influential centres of scientific and intellectual discovery.\n\nFigures such as al-Biruni, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), al-Farabi, Alisher Navoi, Imam al-Bukhari and Mirzo Ulugbek advanced mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, medicine, theology and literature in ways that transformed human understanding.\n\nReflecting on these achievements, Dr Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center and Chair of WOSCU, told delegates: \u201cCentral Asia is not simply a region. It is a cradle of great ideas and creativity. The initiative of the President of Uzbekistan revives, preserves and celebrates the cultural and historical heritage not only of Uzbekistan but of the entire region and the Islamic world. Our Center will create all the conditions necessary to realise this noble goal.\u201d\n\nThe Center of Islamic Civilisation\n\nThe Center of Islamic Civilisation, initiated by the President of Uzbekistan in 2017 and due to open in March 2026, stands beside the historic Hazrati Imam complex in the spiritual heart of Tashkent. The Qur\u2019an of Uthman now occupies a central position in its main hall beneath a 65-metre dome, surrounded by artefacts and treasures reflecting the region\u2019s intellectual and artistic heritage.\n\nIts exhibitions chart Central Asia\u2019s story from its earliest civilisations through the great scholars of the First and Second Islamic Renaissances and into the modern reforms shaping education, science and research today. Delegates described the centre as a vast cultural and educational space where history and contemporary identity not only meet but help generate new meanings, ideas and a shared vision of the future.\n\nUnity across borders\n\nThat sense of unity resonated throughout the congress. Representatives from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan spoke about the deep cultural ties that long pre-date contemporary political borders.\n\nBeyond cultural dialogue, the congress also underscored Uzbekistan\u2019s wider effort to revive scientific and educational traditions across the region. Hundreds of new schools have opened in recent years, the number of universities has more than doubled and new research institutions dedicated to scholars such as Imam Bukhari and Imam Maturidi have been created.\n\nCentral Asia and Azerbaijan, in coming together within Uzbekistan\u2019s revived spiritual centre, not only can reaffirm their shared cultural legacy, but further establish create a platform for lasting collaboration and regional growth.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Culture is the memory of civilisation \u2014 a legacy that crosses borders, survives political change, and unites generations and nations.<\/p>\n<p>This idea framed discussions at the Center of Islamic Civilisation in Uzbekistan, where scholars, historians, political leaders and cultural figures from across Central Asia and Azerbaijan gathered for the International Congress \u2018Central Asia: Common Spiritual and Educational Heritage \u2013 Common Future\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Delegates met in Tashkent to highlight the region\u2019s centuries-old enlightenment traditions and their continued relevance today, a message formalised in the congress\u2019s final declaration.<\/p>\n<h2>A regional identity rooted in shared heritage<\/h2>\n<p>Against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, international disagreements and cross-border conflicts, participants underlined the cultural foundations connecting nearly 100 million people across Central Asia and Azerbaijan.<\/p>\n<p>The significance of the gathering was marked by the installation of the Qur\u2019an of Uthman in the centre\u2019s main hall \u2013 one of the world\u2019s oldest and most revered handwritten copies of the Qur\u2019an. Delegates described the moment as deeply symbolic, grounding the congress in a shared heritage.<\/p>\n<p>In an opening letter read at the ceremony, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, emphasised:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn today\u2019s extremely challenging time, when confrontations and conflicts are intensifying in various parts of the world, the most urgent task for all of us remains the preservation of peace and stability. We must draw lessons and approach every matter guided by knowledge and enlightenment, strengthen harmony among different people, and expand dialogue between cultures and civilisations.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Diplomatic weight and cultural cooperation<\/h2>\n<p>President Mirziyoyev delivered his message on the eve of the Summit of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, where he called for support for a United Nations special resolution recognising the collective contribution of Central Asia and Azerbaijan to global education, science and culture.<\/p>\n<p>This timing gave the congress additional political weight, reinforcing the idea that cultural cooperation is a key instrument for strengthening trust and regional engagement, with Uzbekistan playing a leading role in these efforts.<\/p>\n<h2>A historical contribution to world civilisation<\/h2>\n<p>Speakers also reflected on the role of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in shaping global civilisation. During the Islamic Golden Age between the 8th and 13th centuries, the lands of modern-day Central Asia and Azerbaijan were among the world\u2019s most influential centres of scientific and intellectual discovery.<\/p>\n<p>Figures such as al-Biruni, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), al-Farabi, Alisher Navoi, Imam al-Bukhari and Mirzo Ulugbek advanced mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, medicine, theology and literature in ways that transformed human understanding.<\/p>\n<p>Reflecting on these achievements, Dr Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center and Chair of WOSCU, told delegates: \u201cCentral Asia is not simply a region. It is a cradle of great ideas and creativity. The initiative of the President of Uzbekistan revives, preserves and celebrates the cultural and historical heritage not only of Uzbekistan but of the entire region and the Islamic world. Our Center will create all the conditions necessary to realise this noble goal.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>The Center of Islamic Civilisation<\/h2>\n<p>The Center of Islamic Civilisation, initiated by the President of Uzbekistan in 2017 and due to open in March 2026, stands beside the historic Hazrati Imam complex in the spiritual heart of Tashkent. The Qur\u2019an of Uthman now occupies a central position in its main hall beneath a 65-metre dome, surrounded by artefacts and treasures reflecting the region\u2019s intellectual and artistic heritage.<\/p>\n<p>Its exhibitions chart Central Asia\u2019s story from its earliest civilisations through the great scholars of the First and Second Islamic Renaissances and into the modern reforms shaping education, science and research today. Delegates described the centre as a vast cultural and educational space where history and contemporary identity not only meet but help generate new meanings, ideas and a shared vision of the future.<\/p>\n<h2>Unity across borders<\/h2>\n<p>That sense of unity resonated throughout the congress. Representatives from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan spoke about the deep cultural ties that long pre-date contemporary political borders.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond cultural dialogue, the congress also underscored Uzbekistan\u2019s wider effort to revive scientific and educational traditions across the region. Hundreds of new schools have opened in recent years, the number of universities has more than doubled and new research institutions dedicated to scholars such as Imam Bukhari and Imam Maturidi have been created.<\/p>\n<p>Central Asia and Azerbaijan, in coming together within Uzbekistan\u2019s revived spiritual centre, not only can reaffirm their shared cultural legacy, but further establish create a platform for lasting collaboration and regional growth.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764613471,"updatedAt":1764615783,"publishedAt":1764597771,"firstPublishedAt":1764597771,"lastPublishedAt":1764597771,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/81\/00\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_8726c6f5-be47-55a4-ab1d-7ac0a9c52488-9568100.jpg","altText":"\u00a9","caption":"\u00a9","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":574,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture","titleRaw":"Culture"},{"id":378,"slug":"religion","urlSafeValue":"religion","title":"Religion","titleRaw":"Religion"},{"id":4875,"slug":"islam","urlSafeValue":"islam","title":"Islam","titleRaw":"Islam"},{"id":8735,"slug":"tradition","urlSafeValue":"tradition","title":"Tradition","titleRaw":"Tradition"},{"id":15,"slug":"azerbaijan","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan"},{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"editorial.naesmi.editorial-naesmi2021"},{"path":"editorial.naesmi"},{"path":"editorial"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistancult2022"},{"path":"sponsor"}],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-news\/culture-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news","url":"\/culture\/culture-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":53,"urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1740824379,"endDate":2114331583,"type":"advertisement_feature","slug":"uzbekistan-cult-2025-ad","title":"Uzbekistan cult 2025 Ad","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan","sponsorName":"uzbekistan-cult-2025-ad","sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/914\/180x101_cmsv2_b743e60b-71d1-5fb0-b096-8a2a7bddd054-914.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/culture\/2025\/12\/01\/central-asia-and-azerbaijan-a-shared-cultural-legacy-for-a-shared-future","lastModified":1764597771},{"id":2850213,"cid":9564536,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"BUSINESS TRANS CASPIAN CORRIDOR","daletPyramidId":3442771,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"New investments push Trans-Caspian Corridor into its next phase","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"New investments push Trans-Caspian Corridor into its next phase","titleListing2":"New investments push Trans-Caspian Corridor into its next phase","leadin":"At the Tashkent Investors Forum, officials detailed new rail, port, and digital upgrades, stressing that coordinated reforms and harmonised border systems are essential for scaling the corridor.","summary":"At the Tashkent Investors Forum, officials detailed new rail, port, and digital upgrades, stressing that coordinated reforms and harmonised border systems are essential for scaling the corridor.","keySentence":"","url":"new-investments-push-trans-caspian-corridor-into-its-next-phase","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/2025\/12\/01\/new-investments-push-trans-caspian-corridor-into-its-next-phase","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"A new set of infrastructure commitments is set to accelerate development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the route linking Europe with the South Caucasus and Central Asia.\n\nThe corridor has become one of the fastest-growing alternatives to traditional East-West trade connections and is seen as a way to reduce exposure to vulnerable or politically constrained routes.\n\nA cross-regional investors meeting in Tashkent brought European institutions, South Caucasus partners, and Central Asian governments together to move the corridor from plans to financed projects.\n\nThe gathering produced new investment packages, technical programmes, and early signs that private operators increasingly view the route as a workable option for long-distance freight.\n\nOfficials emphasised that the corridor is no longer defined by long-term aspirations, but by decisions already taken on rail, port, and digital upgrades across several countries.\n\nMany also said that the real turning point will come when coordinated reforms begin to shave days off border procedures, digital systems operate across borders, and new maritime capacity removes constraints on Caspian crossings.\n\nEurope\u2019s push for diversification\n\nEuropean Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the corridor is gaining strategic importance as Europe seeks more resilient trade routes. She told participants that long-standing dependencies have already proved fragile and that diversification is critical for Europe\u2019s economic security.\n\n\u201cOur goal is to bring back some of the reality that existed centuries ago when Central Asia was the natural gateway between continents,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have all learned how quickly dependencies can turn into risks and how important it is to have more than one viable route.\u201d\n\nShe pointed to shifting business behaviour and noted that freight volumes along the Middle Corridor have already multiplied since 2022, with the potential to triple again by 2030 if investments close critical gaps.\n\nEuropean officials argue that the Middle Corridor offers a practical midpoint between existing maritime lines and congested northern routes, with the potential to become a long-term fixture in Europe\u2019s supply-chain planning.\n\nIndustry representatives echoed this view, saying that resilience and lead-time reliability are now more important than pure distance. Importers in manufacturing and electronics have increased enquiries about routes that bypass politically sensitive or heavily congested corridors.\n\nFinancing shifts from pledges to real projects\n\nEuropean Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef S\u00edkela said that commitments made under the EU\u2019s Global Gateway framework are now translating into tangible work.\n\n\u201cAbout one quarter of the initial ten-billion-euro pledge has already turned into real projects,\u201d he said. The corridor, he argued, will only function at scale when infrastructure upgrades are matched by harmonised procedures and digital customs systems that reduce border delays.\n\nLenders present in Tashkent noted that several countries have now reached the stage where feasibility studies, environmental reviews, and tender preparation can begin simultaneously.\n\nThe World Bank, EBRD and EIB all pointed to a growing pipeline of projects entering the pre-financing stage, including port expansion in Aktau, new rail links in Kazakhstan, and multimodal nodes in Uzbekistan and Georgia.\n\nInternational financial institutions stressed that the corridor\u2019s viability depends on reducing fragmentation. Infrastructure loses value if customs procedures remain inconsistent or if digital systems cannot exchange data. Coordinated financing, they said, is now essential.\n\nKazakhstan accelerates major upgrades\n\nKazakhstan, which hosts the longest stretch of the Middle Corridor, says it is speeding up rail and maritime investments.\n\nSatzhan Ozbekov of the Ministry of Transport said the country has completed a second track on more than 800 kilometres of railway from the Chinese border to central regions. A bypass around Almaty is nearing completion and expected to ease congestion on the busiest section of the entire route.\n\nMore than 1,700 kilometres of existing rail lines are being modernised, alongside 4,500 kilometres of new and upgraded rail infrastructure. The Caspian Sea crossing remains the most constrained segment. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are introducing new super ferries able to carry up to 120 wagons \u2014 two full trains \u2014 significantly reducing handling times.\n\nTransit volumes between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan rose by around 10% in the first nine months of the year, and a third railway border crossing is planned for next year.\n\nUzbekistan outlines its priorities\n\nUzbekistan\u2019s Deputy Minister of Transport, Jasur Choriev, said the route has moved from concept to strategic reality. He noted that Uzbekistan is investing in new rail and road networks and preparing multimodal links designed to serve the region for decades.\n\n\u201cWe are building infrastructure that will last for many years and that will serve not only Uzbekistan but the entire region,\u201d he said.\n\nChoriev highlighted the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway as a decisive development that will open a new eastbound gateway. He said digital customs systems already allow border authorities to receive information in advance, reducing waiting times, and making transit more predictable.\n\nIndependent assessments suggest that container flows could triple by 2030, if planned investments are completed. Uzbekistan has already increased its Middle Corridor cargo volume more than fivefold since 2019, reflecting a wider regional shift toward predictable, long-term routing.\n\nThe South Caucasus enters long-term planning\n\nEU officials said that the viability of the Middle Corridor also depends on the role of Azerbaijan and Georgia. Both countries control the maritime and overland links leading to the Black Sea, and both have been expanding freight-handling facilities, rail lines and customs capacities.\n\nAzerbaijan is modernising port operations at Alat and expanding its rail freight capacity, while Georgia is preparing upgrades to its Black Sea connections and road infrastructure.\n\nEuropean officials pointed to improving relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a factor that could unlock new railway alignments over the coming decade, offering more flexibility and reducing congestion on the busiest sections.\n\nTeam Europe agreements announced\n\nNew EU-supported initiatives were confirmed in Tashkent.\n\nThese include a \u20ac15 million programme for customs efficiency and logistics harmonisation; a \u20ac10mn partnership with the World Bank for feasibility and environmental studies; a \u20ac5mn initiative with the EBRD; and funding for upgrades to the Aktau port and key road corridors.\n\nSupport was also confirmed for the Caucasus transmission network, which will strengthen Armenia\u2019s energy security and expand regional electricity trade.\n\nWhy the forum matters for logistics companies\n\nThe meeting drew strong interest from logistics firms rethinking supply chains after several years of disruption. Many said predictable lead times and smoother border procedures matter more than distance. For them, the Middle Corridor becomes competitive when all countries maintain consistent service levels and when reforms cut administrative delays.\n\nNew investments announced in Tashkent are expected to shape the next phase of work along the route, with governments, lenders, and private operators now preparing detailed timelines for implementation.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>A new set of infrastructure commitments is set to accelerate development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the route linking Europe with the South Caucasus and Central Asia. <\/p>\n<p>The corridor has become one of the fastest-growing alternatives to traditional East-West trade connections and is seen as a way to reduce exposure to vulnerable or politically constrained routes.<\/p>\n<p>A cross-regional investors meeting in Tashkent brought European institutions, South Caucasus partners, and Central Asian governments together to move the corridor from plans to financed projects. <\/p>\n<p>The gathering produced new investment packages, technical programmes, and early signs that private operators increasingly view the route as a workable option for long-distance freight.<\/p>\n<p>Officials emphasised that the corridor is no longer defined by long-term aspirations, but by decisions already taken on rail, port, and digital upgrades across several countries. <\/p>\n<p>Many also said that the real turning point will come when coordinated reforms begin to shave days off border procedures, digital systems operate across borders, and new maritime capacity removes constraints on Caspian crossings.<\/p>\n<h2>Europe\u2019s push for diversification<\/h2>\n<p>European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the corridor is gaining strategic importance as Europe seeks more resilient trade routes. She told participants that long-standing dependencies have already proved fragile and that diversification is critical for Europe\u2019s economic security.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur goal is to bring back some of the reality that existed centuries ago when Central Asia was the natural gateway between continents,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have all learned how quickly dependencies can turn into risks and how important it is to have more than one viable route.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She pointed to shifting business behaviour and noted that freight volumes along the Middle Corridor have already multiplied since 2022, with the potential to triple again by 2030 if investments close critical gaps.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//45//36//808x539_cmsv2_1f71a9e5-272e-5344-bccd-d121eb48d9c8-9564536.jpg/" alt=\"European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos speaks at the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Connectivity Investors Forum in Tashkent.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/384x256_cmsv2_1f71a9e5-272e-5344-bccd-d121eb48d9c8-9564536.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/640x427_cmsv2_1f71a9e5-272e-5344-bccd-d121eb48d9c8-9564536.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/750x500_cmsv2_1f71a9e5-272e-5344-bccd-d121eb48d9c8-9564536.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/828x552_cmsv2_1f71a9e5-272e-5344-bccd-d121eb48d9c8-9564536.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/1080x720_cmsv2_1f71a9e5-272e-5344-bccd-d121eb48d9c8-9564536.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/1200x800_cmsv2_1f71a9e5-272e-5344-bccd-d121eb48d9c8-9564536.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/1920x1280_cmsv2_1f71a9e5-272e-5344-bccd-d121eb48d9c8-9564536.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos speaks at the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Connectivity Investors Forum in Tashkent.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>European officials argue that the Middle Corridor offers a practical midpoint between existing maritime lines and congested northern routes, with the potential to become a long-term fixture in Europe\u2019s supply-chain planning. <\/p>\n<p>Industry representatives echoed this view, saying that resilience and lead-time reliability are now more important than pure distance. Importers in manufacturing and electronics have increased enquiries about routes that bypass politically sensitive or heavily congested corridors.<\/p>\n<h2>Financing shifts from pledges to real projects<\/h2>\n<p>European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef S\u00edkela said that commitments made under the EU\u2019s Global Gateway framework are now translating into tangible work.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAbout one quarter of the initial ten-billion-euro pledge has already turned into real projects,\u201d he said. The corridor, he argued, will only function at scale when infrastructure upgrades are matched by harmonised procedures and digital customs systems that reduce border delays.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//45//36//808x539_cmsv2_4830c222-76b4-50ee-a4b7-2a728fc23ebb-9564536.jpg/" alt=\"European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela delivers his remarks in Tashkent.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/384x256_cmsv2_4830c222-76b4-50ee-a4b7-2a728fc23ebb-9564536.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/640x427_cmsv2_4830c222-76b4-50ee-a4b7-2a728fc23ebb-9564536.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/750x500_cmsv2_4830c222-76b4-50ee-a4b7-2a728fc23ebb-9564536.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/828x552_cmsv2_4830c222-76b4-50ee-a4b7-2a728fc23ebb-9564536.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/1080x720_cmsv2_4830c222-76b4-50ee-a4b7-2a728fc23ebb-9564536.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/1200x800_cmsv2_4830c222-76b4-50ee-a4b7-2a728fc23ebb-9564536.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/1920x1280_cmsv2_4830c222-76b4-50ee-a4b7-2a728fc23ebb-9564536.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela delivers his remarks in Tashkent.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Lenders present in Tashkent noted that several countries have now reached the stage where feasibility studies, environmental reviews, and tender preparation can begin simultaneously. <\/p>\n<p>The World Bank, EBRD and EIB all pointed to a growing pipeline of projects entering the pre-financing stage, including port expansion in Aktau, new rail links in Kazakhstan, and multimodal nodes in Uzbekistan and Georgia.<\/p>\n<p>International financial institutions stressed that the corridor\u2019s viability depends on reducing fragmentation. Infrastructure loses value if customs procedures remain inconsistent or if digital systems cannot exchange data. Coordinated financing, they said, is now essential.<\/p>\n<h2>Kazakhstan accelerates major upgrades<\/h2>\n<p>Kazakhstan, which hosts the longest stretch of the Middle Corridor, says it is speeding up rail and maritime investments. <\/p>\n<p>Satzhan Ozbekov of the Ministry of Transport said the country has completed a second track on more than 800 kilometres of railway from the Chinese border to central regions. A bypass around Almaty is nearing completion and expected to ease congestion on the busiest section of the entire route.<\/p>\n<p>More than 1,700 kilometres of existing rail lines are being modernised, alongside 4,500 kilometres of new and upgraded rail infrastructure. The Caspian Sea crossing remains the most constrained segment. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are introducing new super ferries able to carry up to 120 wagons \u2014 two full trains \u2014 significantly reducing handling times.<\/p>\n<p>Transit volumes between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan rose by around 10% in the first nine months of the year, and a third railway border crossing is planned for next year.<\/p>\n<h2>Uzbekistan outlines its priorities<\/h2>\n<p>Uzbekistan\u2019s Deputy Minister of Transport, Jasur Choriev, said the route has moved from concept to strategic reality. He noted that Uzbekistan is investing in new rail and road networks and preparing multimodal links designed to serve the region for decades.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are building infrastructure that will last for many years and that will serve not only Uzbekistan but the entire region,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Choriev highlighted the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway as a decisive development that will open a new eastbound gateway. He said digital customs systems already allow border authorities to receive information in advance, reducing waiting times, and making transit more predictable.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//business//2025//11//28//eu-member-states-back-von-der-leyens-controversial-trade-deal-terms-under-pressure-from-tr/">EU member states back von der Leyen's controversial trade deal terms under pressure from Trump <\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//11//14//europe-must-reinvent-growth-formula-in-changing-world-eurogroup-boss-tells-euronews/">Europe must reinvent growth formula in changing world, Eurogroup boss tells Euronews<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Independent assessments suggest that container flows could triple by 2030, if planned investments are completed. Uzbekistan has already increased its Middle Corridor cargo volume more than fivefold since 2019, reflecting a wider regional shift toward predictable, long-term routing.<\/p>\n<h2>The South Caucasus enters long-term planning<\/h2>\n<p>EU officials said that the viability of the Middle Corridor also depends on the role of Azerbaijan and Georgia. Both countries control the maritime and overland links leading to the Black Sea, and both have been expanding freight-handling facilities, rail lines and customs capacities.<\/p>\n<p>Azerbaijan is modernising port operations at Alat and expanding its rail freight capacity, while Georgia is preparing upgrades to its Black Sea connections and road infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>European officials pointed to improving relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a factor that could unlock new railway alignments over the coming decade, offering more flexibility and reducing congestion on the busiest sections.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//45//36//808x539_cmsv2_11ca6cca-3116-5821-959a-4e568aa12624-9564536.jpg/" alt=\"Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Economy Mariam Kvrivishvili takes part in a panel discussion in Tashkent.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/384x256_cmsv2_11ca6cca-3116-5821-959a-4e568aa12624-9564536.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/640x427_cmsv2_11ca6cca-3116-5821-959a-4e568aa12624-9564536.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/750x500_cmsv2_11ca6cca-3116-5821-959a-4e568aa12624-9564536.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/828x552_cmsv2_11ca6cca-3116-5821-959a-4e568aa12624-9564536.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/1080x720_cmsv2_11ca6cca-3116-5821-959a-4e568aa12624-9564536.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/1200x800_cmsv2_11ca6cca-3116-5821-959a-4e568aa12624-9564536.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/1920x1280_cmsv2_11ca6cca-3116-5821-959a-4e568aa12624-9564536.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Economy Mariam Kvrivishvili takes part in a panel discussion in Tashkent.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Team Europe agreements announced<\/h2>\n<p>New EU-supported initiatives were confirmed in Tashkent. <\/p>\n<p>These include a \u20ac15 million programme for customs efficiency and logistics harmonisation; a \u20ac10mn partnership with the World Bank for feasibility and environmental studies; a \u20ac5mn initiative with the EBRD; and funding for upgrades to the Aktau port and key road corridors. <\/p>\n<p>Support was also confirmed for the Caucasus transmission network, which will strengthen Armenia\u2019s energy security and expand regional electricity trade.<\/p>\n<h2>Why the forum matters for logistics companies<\/h2>\n<p>The meeting drew strong interest from logistics firms rethinking supply chains after several years of disruption. Many said predictable lead times and smoother border procedures matter more than distance. For them, the Middle Corridor becomes competitive when all countries maintain consistent service levels and when reforms cut administrative delays.<\/p>\n<p>New investments announced in Tashkent are expected to shape the next phase of work along the route, with governments, lenders, and private operators now preparing detailed timelines for implementation.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764301583,"updatedAt":1764588539,"publishedAt":1764588526,"firstPublishedAt":1764588526,"lastPublishedAt":1764588526,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a35a61b6-d9cc-5323-a046-f94db28f88e1-9564536.jpg","altText":"Delegations from Central Asia, the South Caucasus, the EU and global investors at the Trans-Caspian Connectivity Forum in Tashkent.","caption":"Delegations from Central Asia, the South Caucasus, the EU and global investors at the Trans-Caspian Connectivity Forum in Tashkent.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_11ca6cca-3116-5821-959a-4e568aa12624-9564536.jpg","altText":"Georgia\u2019s Deputy Minister of Economy Mariam Kvrivishvili takes part in a panel discussion in Tashkent.","caption":"Georgia\u2019s Deputy Minister of Economy Mariam Kvrivishvili takes part in a panel discussion in Tashkent.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_4830c222-76b4-50ee-a4b7-2a728fc23ebb-9564536.jpg","altText":"European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef S\u00edkela delivers his remarks in Tashkent.","caption":"European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef S\u00edkela delivers his remarks in Tashkent.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1f71a9e5-272e-5344-bccd-d121eb48d9c8-9564536.jpg","altText":"European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos speaks at the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Connectivity Investors Forum in Tashkent.","caption":"European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos speaks at the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Connectivity Investors Forum in Tashkent.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/45\/36\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a35a61b6-d9cc-5323-a046-f94db28f88e1-9564536.jpg","altText":"Delegations from Central Asia, the South Caucasus, the EU and global investors at the Trans-Caspian Connectivity Forum in Tashkent.","caption":"Delegations from Central Asia, the South Caucasus, the EU and global investors at the Trans-Caspian Connectivity Forum in Tashkent.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3557,"urlSafeValue":"rushanabonu.aliakbarova@euronews.com","title":"Rushanabonu Aliakbarova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":472,"slug":"kazakhstan","urlSafeValue":"kazakhstan","title":"Kazakhstan","titleRaw":"Kazakhstan"},{"id":15,"slug":"azerbaijan","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan"},{"id":90,"slug":"eu-commission","urlSafeValue":"eu-commission","title":"European Commission","titleRaw":"European Commission"},{"id":21808,"slug":"transportation","urlSafeValue":"transportation","title":"transportation","titleRaw":"transportation"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":3},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2848739},{"id":2813304},{"id":2816267}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"wP6MRT38yK8","dailymotionId":"x9uru54"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/59\/06\/02\/ED_PYR_3059062_20251201112226.mp4","editor":"","duration":179400,"filesizeBytes":26713651,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/59\/06\/02\/SHD_PYR_3059062_20251201112226.mp4","editor":"","duration":179400,"filesizeBytes":40227383,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/59\/06\/02\/FHD_PYR_3059062_20251201112226.mp4","editor":"","duration":179400,"filesizeBytes":138295089,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"economy","urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/economy\/economy"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"business","verticals":[{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"},{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"},"themes":[{"id":"economy","urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy","url":"\/business\/economy"},{"id":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business","url":"\/business\/business"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":72,"urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/business\/2025\/12\/01\/new-investments-push-trans-caspian-corridor-into-its-next-phase","lastModified":1764588526},{"id":2850875,"cid":9567091,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"UZBEKISTAN EDUCATIONAL FORUM","daletPyramidId":3465194,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Central Asia\u2019s education boom takes center stage at QS forum in Tashkent","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Central Asia\u2019s education boom takes center stage at Tashkent QS forum","titleListing2":"Central Asia\u2019s education boom takes center stage at QS forum in Tashkent","leadin":"Leaders from across Central Asia gathered to discuss progress in universities, highlight new partnerships and explore how strengthened cooperation can improve academic quality and research opportunities.","summary":"Leaders from across Central Asia gathered to discuss progress in universities, highlight new partnerships and explore how strengthened cooperation can improve academic quality and research opportunities.","keySentence":"","url":"central-asias-education-boom-takes-center-stage-at-qs-forum-in-tashkent","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/01\/central-asias-education-boom-takes-center-stage-at-qs-forum-in-tashkent","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Uzbekistan\u2019s capital Tashkent has taken centre stage in Eurasia\u2019s rapidly evolving higher-education landscape, hosting the inaugural QS Eurasia Forum 2025. It was a gathering that signalled Central Asia\u2019s growing ambition to shape global academic trends, rather than simply follow them.\n\nOrganised by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the body behind one of the world\u2019s most influential university rankings, the event brought together more than 300 leaders from universities, government and industry across Central Asia, Europe and the Middle East.\n\nThe forum underscored a message repeated throughout the day: Central Asia is no longer a peripheral player in global education \u2014 it is becoming a region to watch.\n\nUzbekistan\u2019s rising profile in global education\n\nUzbekistan's transformation in higher education was a prominent feature. Sardor Radjabov, first deputy minister of higher education, science and innovations, detailed reforms that have reshaped the sector.\n\nThe country has expanded international partnerships with institutions from the UK, US, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Turkey and the EU. Seven Uzbek universities now appear in the latest QS World University Rankings, three in the top 1,000.\n\nMore than 86 internationally accredited academic programmes operate across over 20 universities. The higher education system has tripled from 69 institutions a decade ago to 204 today.\n\nNew partnerships take shape\n\nKazakhstan's Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek praised Uzbekistan's progress and urged closer regional cooperation.\n\nHe said Eurasia has a \"historic window of opportunity\" to build a stronger academic space, pointing to Uzbekistan's partnerships with around 20 British universities as a model.\n\nAzerbaijan's Minister of Science and Education, Emin Amrullayev, said student numbers in his country have nearly tripled, though raising academic quality remains the ultimate goal.\n\nThe forum produced new cooperation agreements. An Uzbekistan-Germany Rectors' Forum yielded more than 50 agreements, with similar high-level meetings held with China and Japan.\n\nJeffrey Hunter of George Washington University said his institution is pursuing memorandums of understanding, exchange agreements and joint programmes, citing Uzbekistan's rising academic standards.\n\nSvetoslav Spassov, Professor at the University of National and World Economy in Bulgaria, invited Uzbek students to apply for a fully funded IAEA-supported Master's in Nuclear Security.\n\nQS President Nunzio Quacquarelli said Central Asian universities listed by QS have grown from 14 to 32 in recent years, with Uzbekistan jumping from zero ranked universities to seven.\n\nHe said Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are improving research output, teaching quality and curriculum standards, opening new opportunities for joint degrees, student mobility and research cooperation.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Uzbekistan\u2019s capital Tashkent has taken centre stage in Eurasia\u2019s rapidly evolving higher-education landscape, hosting the inaugural QS Eurasia Forum 2025. It was a gathering that signalled Central Asia\u2019s growing ambition to shape global academic trends, rather than simply follow them.<\/p>\n<p>Organised by <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.qs.com///" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><strong>QS Quacquarelli Symonds<\/strong><\/a>, the body behind one of the world\u2019s most influential university rankings, the event brought together more than 300 leaders from universities, government and industry across Central Asia, Europe and the Middle East.<\/p>\n<p>The forum underscored a message repeated throughout the day: Central Asia is no longer a peripheral player in global education \u2014 it is becoming a region to watch.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Uzbekistan\u2019s rising profile in global education<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Uzbekistan's transformation in higher education was a prominent feature. Sardor Radjabov, first deputy minister of higher education, science and innovations, detailed reforms that have reshaped the sector.<\/p>\n<p>The country has expanded international partnerships with institutions from the UK, US, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Turkey and the EU. Seven Uzbek universities now appear in the latest QS World University Rankings, three in the top 1,000.<\/p>\n<p>More than 86 internationally accredited academic programmes operate across over 20 universities. The higher education system has tripled from 69 institutions a decade ago to 204 today.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//70//91//808x454_cmsv2_492555b9-2e0f-533e-987c-285993c0c319-9567091.jpg/" alt=\"Sardor Radjabov, First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of Uzbekistan\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/384x216_cmsv2_492555b9-2e0f-533e-987c-285993c0c319-9567091.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/640x360_cmsv2_492555b9-2e0f-533e-987c-285993c0c319-9567091.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/750x422_cmsv2_492555b9-2e0f-533e-987c-285993c0c319-9567091.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/828x466_cmsv2_492555b9-2e0f-533e-987c-285993c0c319-9567091.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/1080x608_cmsv2_492555b9-2e0f-533e-987c-285993c0c319-9567091.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/1200x675_cmsv2_492555b9-2e0f-533e-987c-285993c0c319-9567091.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/1920x1080_cmsv2_492555b9-2e0f-533e-987c-285993c0c319-9567091.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Sardor Radjabov, First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of Uzbekistan<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2><strong>New partnerships take shape<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Kazakhstan's Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek praised Uzbekistan's progress and urged closer regional cooperation. <\/p>\n<p>He said Eurasia has a \"historic window of opportunity\" to build a stronger academic space, pointing to Uzbekistan's partnerships with around 20 British universities as a model.<\/p>\n<p>Azerbaijan's Minister of Science and Education, Emin Amrullayev, said student numbers in his country have nearly tripled, though raising academic quality remains the ultimate goal.<\/p>\n<p>The forum produced new cooperation agreements. An Uzbekistan-Germany Rectors' Forum yielded more than 50 agreements, with similar high-level meetings held with China and Japan.<\/p>\n<p>Jeffrey Hunter of George Washington University said his institution is pursuing memorandums of understanding, exchange agreements and joint programmes, citing Uzbekistan's rising academic standards.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//70//91//808x454_cmsv2_e8a2846d-3cf1-51d9-9561-dacaed19c657-9567091.jpg/" alt=\"Jeffrey Hunter, representative of George Washington University\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/384x216_cmsv2_e8a2846d-3cf1-51d9-9561-dacaed19c657-9567091.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/640x360_cmsv2_e8a2846d-3cf1-51d9-9561-dacaed19c657-9567091.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/750x422_cmsv2_e8a2846d-3cf1-51d9-9561-dacaed19c657-9567091.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/828x466_cmsv2_e8a2846d-3cf1-51d9-9561-dacaed19c657-9567091.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/1080x608_cmsv2_e8a2846d-3cf1-51d9-9561-dacaed19c657-9567091.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/1200x675_cmsv2_e8a2846d-3cf1-51d9-9561-dacaed19c657-9567091.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/1920x1080_cmsv2_e8a2846d-3cf1-51d9-9561-dacaed19c657-9567091.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Jeffrey Hunter, representative of George Washington University<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Svetoslav Spassov, Professor at the University of National and World Economy in Bulgaria, invited Uzbek students to apply for a fully funded IAEA-supported Master's in Nuclear Security.<\/p>\n<p>QS President Nunzio Quacquarelli said Central Asian universities listed by QS have grown from 14 to 32 in recent years, with Uzbekistan jumping from zero ranked universities to seven.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//70//91//808x454_cmsv2_5823454c-0c16-5ab3-9938-1bc48bfae393-9567091.jpg/" alt=\"Nunzio Quacquarelli, QS President \" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/384x216_cmsv2_5823454c-0c16-5ab3-9938-1bc48bfae393-9567091.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/640x360_cmsv2_5823454c-0c16-5ab3-9938-1bc48bfae393-9567091.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/750x422_cmsv2_5823454c-0c16-5ab3-9938-1bc48bfae393-9567091.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/828x466_cmsv2_5823454c-0c16-5ab3-9938-1bc48bfae393-9567091.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/1080x608_cmsv2_5823454c-0c16-5ab3-9938-1bc48bfae393-9567091.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/1200x675_cmsv2_5823454c-0c16-5ab3-9938-1bc48bfae393-9567091.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/1920x1080_cmsv2_5823454c-0c16-5ab3-9938-1bc48bfae393-9567091.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Nunzio Quacquarelli, QS President <\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>He said Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are improving research output, teaching quality and curriculum standards, opening new opportunities for joint degrees, student mobility and research cooperation.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764570621,"updatedAt":1764584458,"publishedAt":1764584452,"firstPublishedAt":1764584452,"lastPublishedAt":1764584452,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_101d69f0-cb91-5613-8e44-f50245a21198-9567091.jpg","altText":"QS forum in Tashkent","caption":"QS forum in Tashkent","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1125},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_5823454c-0c16-5ab3-9938-1bc48bfae393-9567091.jpg","altText":"Nunzio Quacquarelli, QS President ","caption":"Nunzio Quacquarelli, QS President ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1125},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_e8a2846d-3cf1-51d9-9561-dacaed19c657-9567091.jpg","altText":"Jeffrey Hunter, representative of George Washington University","caption":"Jeffrey Hunter, representative of George Washington University","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1125},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/91\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_492555b9-2e0f-533e-987c-285993c0c319-9567091.jpg","altText":"Sardor Radjabov, First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of Uzbekistan","caption":"Sardor Radjabov, First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of Uzbekistan","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1125}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3551,"urlSafeValue":"sarvinoz.raxmonkulova@euronews.com","title":"Sarvinoz Raxmonkulova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":27428,"slug":"central-asia","urlSafeValue":"central-asia","title":"Central Asia","titleRaw":"Central Asia"},{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":29634,"slug":"scolarisation","urlSafeValue":"scolarisation","title":"education","titleRaw":"education"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":3}],"related":[{"id":2840240},{"id":2842979}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/12\/01\/central-asias-education-boom-takes-center-stage-at-qs-forum-in-tashkent","lastModified":1764584452},{"id":2850170,"cid":9564329,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"TRAVEL TASHKENT INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FAIR","daletPyramidId":3440541,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"From ancient trade to modern travel: Silk Road tourism surges across Eurasia","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Reviving the Silk Road: Central Asia tourism surges","titleListing2":"From ancient trade to modern travel: Silk Road tourism surges across Eurasia","leadin":"The 30th Tashkent International Tourism Fair highlights Silk Road tourism growth, driven by flights, multi-country routes, local crafts, and AI planning tools.","summary":"The 30th Tashkent International Tourism Fair highlights Silk Road tourism growth, driven by flights, multi-country routes, local crafts, and AI planning tools.","keySentence":"","url":"from-ancient-trade-to-modern-travel-silk-road-tourism-surges-across-eurasia","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2025\/12\/01\/from-ancient-trade-to-modern-travel-silk-road-tourism-surges-across-eurasia","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"It seems like the ancient Silk Road is no longer just a cultural reference point. It is becoming one of the fastest-reviving travel corridors in Eurasia.\n\nFresh data and industry signals presented at the 30th Tashkent International Tourism Fair (TITF-2025) show that tourism across Central Asia and the South Caucasus is accelerating far beyond pre-pandemic levels, driven by new flight routes, nature tourism development, craft industries, and the rapid rise of AI-based planning tools.\n\nRepresentatives of more than 40 countries gathered in Tashkent for three days of B2B negotiations, sector forums, youth programmes and digital travel showcases \u2014 producing a rare, multi-country snapshot of how the Silk Road tourism economy is being rebuilt in real time.\n\nUzbekistan\u2019s tourism boom\n\nOne of the strongest indicators came from Uzbekistan. According to data highlighted at the Fair by the country\u2019s Tourism Committee, foreign arrivals have soared from just over 2 million in 2017 to more than 10 million last year.\n\nAnd as tourism officials say, this fivefold jump reflects growing multi-country travel loops rather than short single-destination stays.\n\n\u201cTravellers now ask for longer, multi-city loops, often crossing borders during one trip,\u201d explained to Euronews Aziz Mirjalilov, head of marketing at Uzbekistan\u2019s Tourism Committee.\n\nHe also noted that the region has opened for travel circulation, not only for short stops but for longer 7 to 9-night combined itineraries through several cities and countries in one journey.\n\nConnectivity is leading the growth\n\nA major factor behind this surge is improved air mobility. The Azerbaijan\u2013Uzbekistan corridor is one of the clearest examples. Daily flights now operate between the two countries, and twice-weekly flights have been added between Samarkand and Baku.\n\nMore than 50,000 Uzbeks travelled to Azerbaijan this year\n\n\u201cIt is a 35 per cent rise year\u2013on\u2013year\u201d, Jalal Ismailov, Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau representative, tells Euronews.\n\nHe adds that most travellers come for thermal springs, sanatorium stays, weekend trips and corporate groups.\n\n\u201cTogether with Uzbekistan\u2019s PR partners, we also presented joined routes in cities like Barcelona, Vienna and Prague during a 6-city roadshow,\u201d he explains, signalling that promotion is increasingly happening via shared route products, not single-destination messaging.\n\nNew tourist attractions\n\nOutside major cities, regions are racing to formalise eco-tourism. Uzbekistan\u2019s Namangan region is mapping its mountainous districts like Pop, Chust, Kosonsoy and Chortoq to build structured adventure and cave tourism routes.\n\n\u201cWe cooperate with alpinist groups to map caves and include them in eco and adventure itineraries,\u201d says Deputy Governor Botir Nuriddinov. Summer seasons in villages like Chodak and Nanay now attract growing flows of domestic and foreign visitors.\n\nThis represents a broader Silk Road trend: nature destinations are now introduced through mapped coordinates, safety routes, elevation data and seasonal timing, before becoming official itinerary products.\n\nLong-distance route planners from Japan and Europe are adapting to this new structure. Tomohito Hirasawa, founder of MegaTour Japan, emphasised that tourism itineraries across Central Asia are now built with seasonal variation and educational segments as formal components.\n\n\u201cWe organise sightseeing, FIT tours and education trips for students aged 9 to 80,\u201d he said, noting cooperation with universities to combine cultural learning with route travel.\n\nLocal crafts fuel tourism growth\n\nNot all tourism growth is driven by airlines and ministries. Craft artisans, many of them working with century-old methods, are becoming essential to the region\u2019s tourism identity.\n\nTajik craftsman Dzhovidon Mukhabbatov, who works with Pamir stones such as lapis, jade, crystal and jasper, described a growing global demand for handmade goods with visible material origin.\n\nHe explains that his workshop continues to participate in large-scale international fairs and references past examples with a characteristic craftsman's matter-of-fact tone.\n\n\u201cWe participated in EXPO Shanghai in 2010 for 6 months, Japan in 2025, many local fairs,\u201d Mukhabbatov says.\n\nHis remarks also reflect a corridor-wide tourism curiosity: travellers increasingly want to take back something shaped by locality and handwork. They want objects with visible material identity, not freight labels.\n\nAI enters the travel planning stage\n\nPerhaps the most modern shift discussed at the Fair is technology\u2019s role in fixing a long-standing bottleneck: slow, fragmented trip planning.\n\nMurod Abdullayev, founder of TourAI, explained how AI is now speeding up the earliest stage of travel: Instant tour search, 24\/7 replies through text or voice, and review analysis from famous tourist apps.\n\n\u201cEarlier, many agents couldn\u2019t reply on time, especially late evening, or find tours fast,\u201d he describes. \u201cOur AI finds tours fast, replies anytime by text or voice, and analyses Booking and Tripadvisor reviews. It works through Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram, Viber.\u201d\n\nAcross the region, AI-based tools are reducing the delays that used to frustrate travellers before their journey even began.\n\nWell-educated young tourism managers\n\nTourism growth also depends on who will run it next.\n\nUniversity representatives framed readiness through skills infrastructure.\n\nDepartment head of the Silk Road International Tourism and Cultural Heritage University, Jamshid Xolboyev, says that tourism is becoming an academic pipeline industry.\n\n\u201cWe train students in tourism, hospitality, economics and business management completely in English,\u201d he describes. \u201cStudents do internships locally and abroad through tourism organisations, gaining applied industry experience.\u201d\n\n","htmlText":"<p>It seems like the ancient Silk Road is no longer just a cultural reference point. It is becoming one of the fastest-reviving travel corridors in Eurasia.<\/p>\n<p>Fresh data and industry signals presented at the 30th Tashkent International Tourism Fair (TITF-2025) show that tourism across Central Asia and the South Caucasus is accelerating far beyond pre-pandemic levels, driven by new flight routes, nature tourism development, craft industries, and the rapid rise of AI-based planning tools.<\/p>\n<p>Representatives of more than 40 countries gathered in Tashkent for three days of B2B negotiations, sector forums, youth programmes and digital travel showcases \u2014 producing a rare, multi-country snapshot of how the Silk Road tourism economy is being rebuilt in real time.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Uzbekistan\u2019s tourism boom<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>One of the strongest indicators came from Uzbekistan. According to data highlighted at the Fair by the country\u2019s Tourism Committee, foreign arrivals have soared from just over 2 million in 2017 to more than 10 million last year.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5649546827794562\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//43//29//808x456_cmsv2_1bed2a1a-4388-5bf5-b1c0-feaf5893e68c-9564329.jpg/" alt=\"Khorezm region's pavillion\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/384x217_cmsv2_1bed2a1a-4388-5bf5-b1c0-feaf5893e68c-9564329.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/640x362_cmsv2_1bed2a1a-4388-5bf5-b1c0-feaf5893e68c-9564329.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/750x424_cmsv2_1bed2a1a-4388-5bf5-b1c0-feaf5893e68c-9564329.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/828x468_cmsv2_1bed2a1a-4388-5bf5-b1c0-feaf5893e68c-9564329.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/1080x610_cmsv2_1bed2a1a-4388-5bf5-b1c0-feaf5893e68c-9564329.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/1200x678_cmsv2_1bed2a1a-4388-5bf5-b1c0-feaf5893e68c-9564329.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/1920x1085_cmsv2_1bed2a1a-4388-5bf5-b1c0-feaf5893e68c-9564329.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Khorezm region's pavillion<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>And as tourism officials say, this fivefold jump reflects growing multi-country travel loops rather than short single-destination stays.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//11//22//i-moved-to-a-depopulated-village-in-sardinia-heres-how-the-island-is-luring-new-residents/">I moved to a depopulated village in Sardinia. Here\u2019s how the island is luring new residents<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2025//11//26//dark-skies-and-empty-itineraries-why-sweden-wants-travellers-to-embrace-boredom/">Dark skies and empty itineraries: Why Sweden wants travellers to embrace \u2018boredom\u2019<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\u201cTravellers now ask for longer, multi-city loops, often crossing borders during one trip,\u201d explained to Euronews Aziz Mirjalilov, head of marketing at Uzbekistan\u2019s Tourism Committee.<\/p>\n<p>He also noted that the region has opened for travel circulation, not only for short stops but for longer 7 to 9-night combined itineraries through several cities and countries in one journey.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Connectivity is leading the growth<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>A major factor behind this surge is improved air mobility. The Azerbaijan\u2013Uzbekistan corridor is one of the clearest examples. Daily flights now operate between the two countries, and twice-weekly flights have been added between Samarkand and Baku. <\/p>\n<p>More than 50,000 Uzbeks travelled to Azerbaijan this year<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is a 35 per cent rise year\u2013on\u2013year\u201d, Jalal Ismailov, Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau representative, tells Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>He adds that most travellers come for thermal springs, sanatorium stays, weekend trips and corporate groups.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTogether with Uzbekistan\u2019s PR partners, we also presented joined routes in cities like Barcelona, Vienna and Prague during a 6-city roadshow,\u201d he explains, signalling that promotion is increasingly happening via shared route products, not single-destination messaging.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>New tourist attractions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Outside major cities, regions are racing to formalise eco-tourism. Uzbekistan\u2019s Namangan region is mapping its mountainous districts like Pop, Chust, Kosonsoy and Chortoq to build structured adventure and cave tourism routes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe cooperate with alpinist groups to map caves and include them in eco and adventure itineraries,\u201d says Deputy Governor Botir Nuriddinov. Summer seasons in villages like Chodak and Nanay now attract growing flows of domestic and foreign visitors.<\/p>\n<p>This represents a broader Silk Road trend: nature destinations are now introduced through mapped coordinates, safety routes, elevation data and seasonal timing, before becoming official itinerary products.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//43//29//808x505_cmsv2_a197b3db-2df8-5700-9ed3-d1693d1add2f-9564329.jpg/" alt=\"Chefs' Championship as part of TITF 2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/384x240_cmsv2_a197b3db-2df8-5700-9ed3-d1693d1add2f-9564329.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/640x400_cmsv2_a197b3db-2df8-5700-9ed3-d1693d1add2f-9564329.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/750x469_cmsv2_a197b3db-2df8-5700-9ed3-d1693d1add2f-9564329.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/828x518_cmsv2_a197b3db-2df8-5700-9ed3-d1693d1add2f-9564329.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/1080x675_cmsv2_a197b3db-2df8-5700-9ed3-d1693d1add2f-9564329.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/1200x750_cmsv2_a197b3db-2df8-5700-9ed3-d1693d1add2f-9564329.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/1920x1200_cmsv2_a197b3db-2df8-5700-9ed3-d1693d1add2f-9564329.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Chefs' Championship as part of TITF 2025<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Long-distance route planners from Japan and Europe are adapting to this new structure. Tomohito Hirasawa, founder of <em>MegaTour Japan<\/em>, emphasised that tourism itineraries across Central Asia are now built with seasonal variation and educational segments as formal components.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe organise sightseeing, FIT tours and education trips for students aged 9 to 80,\u201d he said, noting cooperation with universities to combine cultural learning with route travel.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Local crafts fuel tourism growth<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Not all tourism growth is driven by airlines and ministries. Craft artisans, many of them working with century-old methods, are becoming essential to the region\u2019s tourism identity.<\/p>\n<p>Tajik craftsman Dzhovidon Mukhabbatov, who works with Pamir stones such as lapis, jade, crystal and jasper, described a growing global demand for handmade goods with visible material origin.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5628090999010881\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//43//29//808x454_cmsv2_0f07191f-9729-5495-abc7-ad3a31cf2c91-9564329.jpg/" alt=\"Examples of craftsman's work\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/384x216_cmsv2_0f07191f-9729-5495-abc7-ad3a31cf2c91-9564329.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/640x360_cmsv2_0f07191f-9729-5495-abc7-ad3a31cf2c91-9564329.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/750x422_cmsv2_0f07191f-9729-5495-abc7-ad3a31cf2c91-9564329.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/828x466_cmsv2_0f07191f-9729-5495-abc7-ad3a31cf2c91-9564329.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/1080x608_cmsv2_0f07191f-9729-5495-abc7-ad3a31cf2c91-9564329.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/1200x675_cmsv2_0f07191f-9729-5495-abc7-ad3a31cf2c91-9564329.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/1920x1081_cmsv2_0f07191f-9729-5495-abc7-ad3a31cf2c91-9564329.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Examples of craftsman's work<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>He explains that his workshop continues to participate in large-scale international fairs and references past examples with a characteristic craftsman's matter-of-fact tone. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe participated in EXPO Shanghai in 2010 for 6 months, Japan in 2025, many local fairs,\u201d Mukhabbatov says.<\/p>\n<p>His remarks also reflect a corridor-wide tourism curiosity: travellers increasingly want to take back something shaped by locality and handwork. They want objects with visible material identity, not freight labels.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>AI enters the travel planning stage<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Perhaps the most modern shift discussed at the Fair is technology\u2019s role in fixing a long-standing bottleneck: slow, fragmented trip planning.<\/p>\n<p>Murod Abdullayev, founder of <em>TourAI<\/em>, explained how AI is now speeding up the earliest stage of travel: Instant tour search, 24\/7 replies through text or voice, and review analysis from famous tourist apps.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2025//11//18//singapore-reveals-worlds-first-green-fuel-tax-on-flights-how-much-will-europeans-have-to-p/">Singapore reveals world\u2019s first green fuel tax on flights. How much will Europeans have to pay?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//11//15//festivals-wildlife-and-stunning-landscapes-why-you-should-explore-europe-in-winter/">Festivals, wildlife, and stunning landscapes: Why you should explore Europe in winter <\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\u201cEarlier, many agents couldn\u2019t reply on time, especially late evening, or find tours fast,\u201d he describes. \u201cOur AI finds tours fast, replies anytime by text or voice, and analyses Booking and Tripadvisor reviews. It works through Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram, Viber.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Across the region, AI-based tools are reducing the delays that used to frustrate travellers before their journey even began.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Well-educated young tourism managers<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Tourism growth also depends on who will run it next.<\/p>\n<p>University representatives framed readiness through skills infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>Department head of the Silk Road International Tourism and Cultural Heritage University, Jamshid Xolboyev, says that tourism is becoming an academic pipeline industry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe train students in tourism, hospitality, economics and business management completely in English,\u201d he describes. \u201cStudents do internships locally and abroad through tourism organisations, gaining applied industry experience.\u201d<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764264594,"updatedAt":1764579756,"publishedAt":1764579728,"firstPublishedAt":1764579728,"lastPublishedAt":1764579755,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_e57528c0-ec5a-5e2d-a120-6cbf886095e9-9564329.jpg","altText":"Samarkand region corner within TITF 2025","caption":"Samarkand region corner within TITF 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":800},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a197b3db-2df8-5700-9ed3-d1693d1add2f-9564329.jpg","altText":"Chefs' Championship as part of TITF 2025","caption":"Chefs' Championship as part of TITF 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":800},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0f07191f-9729-5495-abc7-ad3a31cf2c91-9564329.jpg","altText":"Examples of craftsman's work","caption":"Examples of craftsman's work","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1011,"height":569},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/43\/29\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1bed2a1a-4388-5bf5-b1c0-feaf5893e68c-9564329.jpg","altText":"Stant of Khorezm region","caption":"Stant of Khorezm region","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":993,"height":561}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3548,"urlSafeValue":"dilbar.primova@euronews.com","title":"Dilbar 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News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/travel\/2025\/12\/01\/from-ancient-trade-to-modern-travel-silk-road-tourism-surges-across-eurasia","lastModified":1764579755},{"id":2851103,"cid":9568090,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"The New Uzbekistan Native Article 3","daletPyramidId":3473205,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Inside Uzbekistan\u2019s drive to reclaim its heritage","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Inside Uzbekistan\u2019s drive to reclaim its heritage","leadin":"In central Tashkent, a bold new landmark symbolises Uzbekistan\u2019s spiritual revival.","summary":"In central Tashkent, a bold new landmark symbolises Uzbekistan\u2019s spiritual revival.","keySentence":"","url":"inside-uzbekistans-drive-to-reclaim-its-heritage","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2025\/12\/01\/inside-uzbekistans-drive-to-reclaim-its-heritage","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"In central Tashkent, a bold new landmark symbolises Uzbekistan\u2019s spiritual revival.\n\nThe Center of Islamic Civilization, set to open in March 2026, is the country\u2019s most ambitious cultural project to date \u2013 a space designed to showcase centuries of intellectual exchange, artistic refinement and religious scholarship.\n\nWhen Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev shared his initiative with the UN General Assembly in 2017, he stressed the importance of revealing the humanistic foundations of Islam, combating ignorance through knowledge and enlightenment.\n\nAt the UN\u2019s 80th session last September he confirmed the project was nearing completion, and Uzbekistan was preparing to open the doors of this spiritual and cultural centre to the world.\n\nA space shaped by history\n\nThe Center of Islamic Civilization sits on 10 hectares, its architecture blending restored artistic traditions with contemporary engineering. The grand 65-metre dome is flanked by four monumental portals representing Uzbekistan\u2019s regional and national unity, while ornate design features reflect back to the Timurid era when cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara were major centres of science and creativity.\n\nInside, the galleries are curated under the concept of \u2018Civilisation, Personality and Discoveries\u2019. Exhibitions trace periods from the pre-Islamic era and the First and Second Renaissances to the modern emergence of the \u2018New Uzbekistan\u2019. Alongside manuscripts, ceramics and rare metalwork, the centre\u2019s most precious object is the 7th-century Quran of Uthman, listed by UNESCO in the Memory of the World Register.\n\nThe scale of the institution is expansive. A 200,000-volume library, digital archive, restoration laboratories and a dedicated children\u2019s museum sit under one roof. Young visitors can experiment with astronomy, medicine and the arts through VR, AR and AI installations, while a calligraphy school and printing house offer a more tactile entry point into the region\u2019s scholarly heritage.\n\nDuring a recent tour, Finland\u2019s President Alexander Stubb remarked that the centre offers a \u2018whirlpool of incredible impressions\u2019, noting the level of detail and artistry involved in translating centuries of history to inspire contemporary audiences.\n\nReturning what was lost\n\nThe centre is also reshaping Uzbekistan\u2019s approach to cultural diplomacy. President Mirziyoyev has repeatedly emphasised that national identity is sustained through memory and cultural roots. As such, he has called for rare artefacts of national heritage held overseas to be brought home, in order to preserve the spirit and history of the Uzbek people.\n\nTo achieve this, the director of the centre and a specialist commission \u2013 including scientists, orientalists and art historians \u2013 carried out extensive research in the UK and other countries. Their work involved cataloguing manuscripts, objects and artworks linked to Central Asia that had entered international collections over centuries of trade, scholarship and private dealing. Meetings with auction houses, galleries and collectors enabled the team to track and authenticate rare items related to the history of Uzbekistan and to the Islamic civilisation.\n\nThe Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies signalled its interest in long-term collaboration, including scientific research, academic exchanges and joint exhibitions. Its director, Farhan Ahmad Nizami, described the Tashkent project as a symbol of \u2018spiritual and scientific revival\u2019, noting its wider relevance beyond Uzbekistan.\n\nThanks to these efforts, in a short time more than a 1,000 of the rarest exhibits from private collections and international auctions have since returned to Uzbekistan, in what is the most significant repatriation effort in its modern history.\n\nAmong the repatriated items are around 600 examples of ceramics, epigraphy, metalwork, calligraphy and miniature art, including fragments of Quranic manuscripts from the 9th century, Timurid ceramics and works by Central Asian thinkers. A set of 300 manuscripts from the Abu Rayhan Beruni Institute of Oriental Studies \u2013 a repository listed in the Memory of the World Register \u2013 has also been prepared for public presentation in Uzbekistan for the first time.\n\nToday, the artefacts will take their rightful place in Tashkent\u2019s Center for Islamic Civilization, located in the heart of Uzbekistan, on the legendary Silk Road. UNESCO Director-General Khaled Al-Anani, visiting the site in November, said he hoped the centre would serve as a \u2018light for the whole world\u2019 and praised Uzbekistan\u2019s role as a crossroads of cultures. \u201cIt is a true testimony to cultural diversity, tolerance, openness and the role of Uzbekistan in the development of mankind \u2013 a true crossroads of civilisations!\u201d\n\nBuilding a global network\n\nInternational scholarly engagement has been central to the project. The World Society WOSCU, representing more than 400 researchers across 20 countries, has supported the development of this new cultural and educational institution and donated around 1,000 items, including rare artefacts, manuscripts, applied artworks and museum collections of great historical and spiritual value. Many originate from historical regions including Transoxiana, Khorasan, Iran and India, each tied closely to Uzbekistan\u2019s cultural history.\n\nThe centre also works with private collectors and patrons willing to donate artworks and rare objects. The first collections were formally handed over ahead of Tashkent\u2019s International Expert Forum \u2018The Great Heritage of the Past \u2013 the Basis of an Enlightened Future\u2019 in 2025.\n\nMore than 1,500 specialists from 40 countries have contributed to research, architectural planning and conservation tasks, underpinning over 800 individual scientific and museum projects linked to the centre\u2019s scientific, architectural and cultural development.\n\nDr Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization and Chairman of WOSCU, said the initiative represents an attempt to gather dispersed fragments of history into one place. In his words, the Center aims to frame Islamic civilisation as one rooted in \u2018peace, goodness, science, enlightenment and spiritual culture\u2019, offering visitors a route into the ideas that once shaped the region.\n\nThe Center of Islamic Civilization is set to open in March 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. As the opening date nears, the centre is positioning itself as a cultural gateway for Uzbekistan \u2013 a project designed not only to preserve heritage, but to spark new research, new exchanges and a renewed sense of intellectual curiosity.\n\n","htmlText":"<p><strong>In central Tashkent, a bold new landmark symbolises Uzbekistan\u2019s spiritual revival.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Center of Islamic Civilization, set to open in March 2026, is the country\u2019s most ambitious cultural project to date \u2013 a space designed to showcase centuries of intellectual exchange, artistic refinement and religious scholarship.<\/p>\n<p>When Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev shared his initiative with the UN General Assembly in 2017, he stressed the importance of revealing the humanistic foundations of Islam, combating ignorance through knowledge and enlightenment.<\/p>\n<p>At the UN\u2019s 80th session last September he confirmed the project was nearing completion, and Uzbekistan was preparing to open the doors of this spiritual and cultural centre to the world.<\/p>\n<h2>A space shaped by history<\/h2>\n<p>The Center of Islamic Civilization sits on 10 hectares, its architecture blending restored artistic traditions with contemporary engineering. The grand 65-metre dome is flanked by four monumental portals representing Uzbekistan\u2019s regional and national unity, while ornate design features reflect back to the Timurid era when cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara were major centres of science and creativity.<\/p>\n<p>Inside, the galleries are curated under the concept of \u2018Civilisation, Personality and Discoveries\u2019. Exhibitions trace periods from the pre-Islamic era and the First and Second Renaissances to the modern emergence of the \u2018New Uzbekistan\u2019. Alongside manuscripts, ceramics and rare metalwork, the centre\u2019s most precious object is the 7th-century Quran of Uthman, listed by UNESCO in the Memory of the World Register.<\/p>\n<p>The scale of the institution is expansive. A 200,000-volume library, digital archive, restoration laboratories and a dedicated children\u2019s museum sit under one roof. Young visitors can experiment with astronomy, medicine and the arts through VR, AR and AI installations, while a calligraphy school and printing house offer a more tactile entry point into the region\u2019s scholarly heritage.<\/p>\n<p>During a recent tour, Finland\u2019s President Alexander Stubb remarked that the centre offers a \u2018whirlpool of incredible impressions\u2019, noting the level of detail and artistry involved in translating centuries of history to inspire contemporary audiences.<\/p>\n<h2>Returning what was lost<\/h2>\n<p>The centre is also reshaping Uzbekistan\u2019s approach to cultural diplomacy. President Mirziyoyev has repeatedly emphasised that national identity is sustained through memory and cultural roots. As such, he has called for rare artefacts of national heritage held overseas to be brought home, in order to preserve the spirit and history of the Uzbek people.<\/p>\n<p>To achieve this, the director of the centre and a specialist commission \u2013 including scientists, orientalists and art historians \u2013 carried out extensive research in the UK and other countries. Their work involved cataloguing manuscripts, objects and artworks linked to Central Asia that had entered international collections over centuries of trade, scholarship and private dealing. Meetings with auction houses, galleries and collectors enabled the team to track and authenticate rare items related to the history of Uzbekistan and to the Islamic civilisation.<\/p>\n<p>The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies signalled its interest in long-term collaboration, including scientific research, academic exchanges and joint exhibitions. Its director, Farhan Ahmad Nizami, described the Tashkent project as a symbol of \u2018spiritual and scientific revival\u2019, noting its wider relevance beyond Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to these efforts, in a short time more than a 1,000 of the rarest exhibits from private collections and international auctions have since returned to Uzbekistan, in what is the most significant repatriation effort in its modern history.<\/p>\n<p>Among the repatriated items are around 600 examples of ceramics, epigraphy, metalwork, calligraphy and miniature art, including fragments of Quranic manuscripts from the 9th century, Timurid ceramics and works by Central Asian thinkers. A set of 300 manuscripts from the Abu Rayhan Beruni Institute of Oriental Studies \u2013 a repository listed in the Memory of the World Register \u2013 has also been prepared for public presentation in Uzbekistan for the first time.<\/p>\n<p>Today, the artefacts will take their rightful place in Tashkent\u2019s Center for Islamic Civilization, located in the heart of Uzbekistan, on the legendary Silk Road. UNESCO Director-General Khaled Al-Anani, visiting the site in November, said he hoped the centre would serve as a \u2018light for the whole world\u2019 and praised Uzbekistan\u2019s role as a crossroads of cultures. \u201cIt is a true testimony to cultural diversity, tolerance, openness and the role of Uzbekistan in the development of mankind \u2013 a true crossroads of civilisations!\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.687\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//80//90//808x553_cmsv2_efe8ea83-390a-53d0-a50e-d7ba109e7b79-9568090.jpg/" alt=\"Participants of the International Expert Forum "The Great Heritage of the Past – the Basis of an Enlightened Future", 2025, Tashkent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/80\/90\/384x264_cmsv2_efe8ea83-390a-53d0-a50e-d7ba109e7b79-9568090.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/80\/90\/640x440_cmsv2_efe8ea83-390a-53d0-a50e-d7ba109e7b79-9568090.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/80\/90\/750x515_cmsv2_efe8ea83-390a-53d0-a50e-d7ba109e7b79-9568090.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/80\/90\/828x569_cmsv2_efe8ea83-390a-53d0-a50e-d7ba109e7b79-9568090.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/80\/90\/1080x742_cmsv2_efe8ea83-390a-53d0-a50e-d7ba109e7b79-9568090.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/80\/90\/1200x824_cmsv2_efe8ea83-390a-53d0-a50e-d7ba109e7b79-9568090.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/80\/90\/1920x1319_cmsv2_efe8ea83-390a-53d0-a50e-d7ba109e7b79-9568090.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Participants of the International Expert Forum "The Great Heritage of the Past – the Basis of an Enlightened Future", 2025, Tashkent<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Building a global network<\/h2>\n<p>International scholarly engagement has been central to the project. The World Society WOSCU, representing more than 400 researchers across 20 countries, has supported the development of this new cultural and educational institution and donated around 1,000 items, including rare artefacts, manuscripts, applied artworks and museum collections of great historical and spiritual value. Many originate from historical regions including Transoxiana, Khorasan, Iran and India, each tied closely to Uzbekistan\u2019s cultural history.<\/p>\n<p>The centre also works with private collectors and patrons willing to donate artworks and rare objects. The first collections were formally handed over ahead of Tashkent\u2019s International Expert Forum \u2018The Great Heritage of the Past \u2013 the Basis of an Enlightened Future\u2019 in 2025.<\/p>\n<p>More than 1,500 specialists from 40 countries have contributed to research, architectural planning and conservation tasks, underpinning over 800 individual scientific and museum projects linked to the centre\u2019s scientific, architectural and cultural development.<\/p>\n<p>Dr Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization and Chairman of WOSCU, said the initiative represents an attempt to gather dispersed fragments of history into one place. In his words, the Center aims to frame Islamic civilisation as one rooted in \u2018peace, goodness, science, enlightenment and spiritual culture\u2019, offering visitors a route into the ideas that once shaped the region.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-quotation\n widget--size-fullwidth\n widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__content\">\n <blockquote class=\"widget__quote\">\n <span class=\"widget__quoteText\">“Every day the Center for Islamic Civilization receives huge gratitude for President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for creating one of the world’s great centers in Tashkent, forming a modern idea of Islamic civilization as a civilization of peace, goodness, science, enlightenment and spiritual culture. Today, everything that had previously been scattered throughout the pages of history is coming together again. At the Center of Islamic Civilization, these spiritual peaks of the past find a new unity, turning into a space of memory, enlightenment and a future that begins now, here among us.”<\/span>\n <\/blockquote>\n <cite class=\"widget__author\">\n <div class=\"widget__authorText\">\n Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"widget__author_descriptionText\">\n Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization and Chairman of WOSCU\n <\/div>\n <\/cite>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The Center of Islamic Civilization is set to open in March 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. As the opening date nears, the centre is positioning itself as a cultural gateway for Uzbekistan \u2013 a project designed not only to preserve heritage, but to spark new research, new exchanges and a renewed sense of intellectual curiosity.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764613178,"updatedAt":1764783274,"publishedAt":1764575940,"firstPublishedAt":1764575940,"lastPublishedAt":1764783273,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/80\/90\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_68522ea2-4670-57ea-83c7-c0e4d26e5c39-9568090.jpg","altText":"\u00a9","caption":"\u00a9","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1332},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/80\/90\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_efe8ea83-390a-53d0-a50e-d7ba109e7b79-9568090.jpg","altText":"Participants of the International Expert Forum \"The Great Heritage of the Past \u2013 the Basis of an Enlightened Future\", 2025, Tashkent","caption":"Participants of the International Expert Forum \"The Great Heritage of the Past \u2013 the Basis of an Enlightened Future\", 2025, Tashkent","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1374}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":378,"slug":"religion","urlSafeValue":"religion","title":"Religion","titleRaw":"Religion"},{"id":4875,"slug":"islam","urlSafeValue":"islam","title":"Islam","titleRaw":"Islam"},{"id":4229,"slug":"history","urlSafeValue":"history","title":"History","titleRaw":"History"},{"id":8735,"slug":"tradition","urlSafeValue":"tradition","title":"Tradition","titleRaw":"Tradition"},{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"quotation","count":1}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"editorial.naesmi.editorial-naesmi2021"},{"path":"editorial.naesmi"},{"path":"editorial"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistancult2022"},{"path":"sponsor"}],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-news\/culture-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news","url":"\/culture\/culture-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":53,"urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1740824379,"endDate":2114331583,"type":"advertisement_feature","slug":"uzbekistan-cult-2025-ad","title":"Uzbekistan cult 2025 Ad","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan","sponsorName":"uzbekistan-cult-2025-ad","sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/914\/180x101_cmsv2_b743e60b-71d1-5fb0-b096-8a2a7bddd054-914.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/culture\/2025\/12\/01\/inside-uzbekistans-drive-to-reclaim-its-heritage","lastModified":1764783273},{"id":2850424,"cid":9565574,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"UZBEKISTAN REDUCING BUREAUCRACY AND AI","daletPyramidId":3450526,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Uzbekistan to drastically reduce bureaucracy and train 5 million AI citizens by 2030","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Uzbekistan in drive against bureaucracy and for AI training","titleListing2":"Uzbekistan to drastically reduce bureaucracy and train 5 million AI citizens by 2030","leadin":"Uzbekistan launches major reforms to eliminate excess bureaucracy and train 5 million AI experts, aiming for a fully digital and efficient government by 2030.","summary":"Uzbekistan launches major reforms to eliminate excess bureaucracy and train 5 million AI experts, aiming for a fully digital and efficient government by 2030.","keySentence":"","url":"uzbekistan-to-drastically-reduce-bureaucracy-and-train-5-million-ai-specialists-by-2030","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/28\/uzbekistan-to-drastically-reduce-bureaucracy-and-train-5-million-ai-specialists-by-2030","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Uzbekistan plans to drastically reduce bureaucracy by 2030 and launch a nationwide programme to train millions of young people in artificial intelligence, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced on Friday.\n\nThe two initiatives, including the new \u201c5 Million AI Prompters\u201d scheme, were unveiled at two back to back forums in Tashkent, attended by senior officials from the United Arab Emirates alongside international partners and government representatives.\n\nPresident Mirziyoyev stressed that the ultimate goal is to transform Uzbekistan into a \"zero-bureaucracy\" country by 2030:\n\n\u201cWe pay priority attention to eliminating bureaucracy and other administrative barriers for the population and business\" he stressed during his speech and added: \"Large scale work has been conducted on the fundamental modernization and digitalization of the national system of providing state services, optimization of the activities of state bodies, establishment of a direct dialogue between the people and state bodies. In the past years we have adopted 9 decrees and regulatory documents aimed at bureaucracy reduction in the country.\u201d\n\nSix major tasks\n\nThe president unveiled a new program consisting of six major tasks:\n\nExpand public services to 1,500 and make 95% of them electronic. Next year alone, 250 services will go digital, including vehicle registration and VAT refunds.\n\nFully transition to a paperless government. Out of 40 million documents, 25 million will be digitized (5 million next year).\n\nIncrease proactive and integrated services to 400, so citizens receive services without submitting applications.\n\nFully digitalize public services and remove duplicate and unnecessary procedures. Over 300 licensing, permitting, and utility connection services will be simplified, including connecting to four utilities with a single application.\n\nReduce service time by 50% for over 100 services and eliminate more than 110 certificates.\n\nAI-based platforms such as the Government Services Portal, License System, Yagona Darcha and Call Centers are already operating. A new digital platform will evaluate ministries\u2019 performance annually, and a Program Office will oversee results. A $3 million fund will reward initiatives that reduce bureaucracy.\n\n\u201cEliminating bureaucracy is a national priority. We aim to build a system where the state serves citizens proactively \u2014 a modern and humane model of public administration in the New Uzbekistan,\u201d the President mentioned.\n\nSharif Salim Al-Olama, Deputy Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, shared his views on the project with Euronews:\n\n\u201cI was very impressed to find that there is quite a lot of development that has been done in the Uzbekistan side, especially with regards to the platform and interconnecting all the entities and this can help significantly in zeroing bureaucracy. I was specifically very interested in the platform that has been developed because it's something that my team and myself, we can learn from.\u201d\n\nTashkent unveils plan to train 5 million citizens in AI skills\n\nPresident Mirziyoyev also held a separate forum dedicated to artificial intelligence. He announced a new national program titled \u201c5 Million AI Prompters\u201d in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates.\n\nThe project aims to train 4.75 million school students, 150,000 teachers and 100,000 government employees by 2030.\n\nArtificial intelligence will be integrated into school, vocational and higher education. $100 million has been allocated for this purpose.\n\n\u201cYou are the President\u2019s ambassadors for artificial intelligence, and by teaching others, you will help improve people\u2019s lives,\u201d the president emphasized. He also proposed to designate November as Youth Artificial Intelligence Month and launch the Silk Road Artificial Intelligence Forum.\n\nThe Chief of Government Services of the UAE, Mohamed bin Tailah told Euronews: \u201cIt is one of the first initiatives in the world aimed at mass education in working with artificial intelligence\u201d.\n\nFrom eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy to launching initiatives for training AI experts, Uzbekistan is setting a course for efficient and transparent governance. With international cooperation and innovative programs like \u201c5 Million AI Leaders,\u201d the country is positioning itself as a regional leader in digital transformation.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Uzbekistan plans to drastically reduce bureaucracy by 2030 and launch a nationwide programme to train millions of young people in artificial intelligence, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced on Friday. <\/p>\n<p>The two initiatives, including the new \u201c5 Million AI Prompters\u201d scheme, were unveiled at two back to back forums in Tashkent, attended by senior officials from the United Arab Emirates alongside international partners and government representatives.<\/p>\n<p>President Mirziyoyev stressed that the ultimate goal is to transform Uzbekistan into a \"zero-bureaucracy\" country by 2030:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe pay priority attention to eliminating bureaucracy and other administrative barriers for the population and business\" he stressed during his speech and added: \"Large scale work has been conducted on the fundamental modernization and digitalization of the national system of providing state services, optimization of the activities of state bodies, establishment of a direct dialogue between the people and state bodies. In the past years we have adopted 9 decrees and regulatory documents aimed at bureaucracy reduction in the country.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//55//74//808x539_cmsv2_05c36175-9fab-5b42-a923-54c6b7e121da-9565574.jpg/" alt=\" International forum dedicated to the issues of reducing bureaucracy, in Tashkent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/384x256_cmsv2_05c36175-9fab-5b42-a923-54c6b7e121da-9565574.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/640x427_cmsv2_05c36175-9fab-5b42-a923-54c6b7e121da-9565574.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/750x500_cmsv2_05c36175-9fab-5b42-a923-54c6b7e121da-9565574.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/828x552_cmsv2_05c36175-9fab-5b42-a923-54c6b7e121da-9565574.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/1080x720_cmsv2_05c36175-9fab-5b42-a923-54c6b7e121da-9565574.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/1200x800_cmsv2_05c36175-9fab-5b42-a923-54c6b7e121da-9565574.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/1920x1280_cmsv2_05c36175-9fab-5b42-a923-54c6b7e121da-9565574.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\"> International forum dedicated to the issues of reducing bureaucracy, in Tashkent<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Press Service of Uzbekistan's President<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Six major tasks<\/h2>\n<p>The president unveiled a new program consisting of six major tasks:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Expand public services to 1,500 and make 95% of them electronic. Next year alone, 250 services will go digital, including vehicle registration and VAT refunds.<\/li>\n<li>Fully transition to a paperless government. Out of 40 million documents, 25 million will be digitized (5 million next year).<\/li>\n<li>Increase proactive and integrated services to 400, so citizens receive services without submitting applications.<\/li>\n<li>Fully digitalize public services and remove duplicate and unnecessary procedures. Over 300 licensing, permitting, and utility connection services will be simplified, including connecting to four utilities with a single application.<\/li>\n<li>Reduce service time by 50% for over 100 services and eliminate more than 110 certificates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>AI-based platforms such as the Government Services Portal, License System, Yagona Darcha and Call Centers are already operating. A new digital platform will evaluate ministries\u2019 performance annually, and a Program Office will oversee results. A $3 million fund will reward initiatives that reduce bureaucracy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEliminating bureaucracy is a national priority. We aim to build a system where the state serves citizens proactively \u2014 a modern and humane model of public administration in the New Uzbekistan,\u201d the President mentioned.<\/p>\n<p>Sharif Salim Al-Olama, Deputy Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, shared his views on the project with Euronews:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was very impressed to find that there is quite a lot of development that has been done in the Uzbekistan side, especially with regards to the platform and interconnecting all the entities and this can help significantly in zeroing bureaucracy. I was specifically very interested in the platform that has been developed because it's something that my team and myself, we can learn from.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Tashkent unveils plan to train 5 million citizens in AI skills<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>President Mirziyoyev also held a separate forum dedicated to artificial intelligence. He announced a new national program titled \u201c5 Million AI Prompters\u201d in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates. <\/p>\n<p>The project aims to train 4.75 million school students, 150,000 teachers and 100,000 government employees by 2030. <\/p>\n<p>Artificial intelligence will be integrated into school, vocational and higher education. $100 million has been allocated for this purpose.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are the President\u2019s ambassadors for artificial intelligence, and by teaching others, you will help improve people\u2019s lives,\u201d the president emphasized. He also proposed to designate November as Youth Artificial Intelligence Month and launch the Silk Road Artificial Intelligence Forum.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//55//74//808x539_cmsv2_90543e60-e632-53aa-bc1d-924d077b1886-9565574.jpg/" alt=\"High-ranking representatives of the government of the United Arab Emirates attended the forums\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/384x256_cmsv2_90543e60-e632-53aa-bc1d-924d077b1886-9565574.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/640x427_cmsv2_90543e60-e632-53aa-bc1d-924d077b1886-9565574.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/750x500_cmsv2_90543e60-e632-53aa-bc1d-924d077b1886-9565574.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/828x552_cmsv2_90543e60-e632-53aa-bc1d-924d077b1886-9565574.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/1080x720_cmsv2_90543e60-e632-53aa-bc1d-924d077b1886-9565574.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/1200x800_cmsv2_90543e60-e632-53aa-bc1d-924d077b1886-9565574.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/1920x1280_cmsv2_90543e60-e632-53aa-bc1d-924d077b1886-9565574.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">High-ranking representatives of the government of the United Arab Emirates attended the forums<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Uzbekistan's Presidential Press Service<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The Chief of Government Services of the UAE, Mohamed bin Tailah told Euronews: \u201cIt is one of the first initiatives in the world aimed at mass education in working with artificial intelligence\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>From eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy to launching initiatives for training AI experts, Uzbekistan is setting a course for efficient and transparent governance. With international cooperation and innovative programs like \u201c5 Million AI Leaders,\u201d the country is positioning itself as a regional leader in digital transformation.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764344096,"updatedAt":1764356615,"publishedAt":1764356555,"firstPublishedAt":1764356495,"lastPublishedAt":1764356614,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c8503228-5b56-5e74-9e85-70e826dc3f9c-9565574.jpg","altText":"Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the opening ceremony of the international forum on artificial intelligence","caption":"Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the opening ceremony of the international forum on artificial intelligence","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press service of President of Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_90543e60-e632-53aa-bc1d-924d077b1886-9565574.jpg","altText":"High-ranking representatives of the government of the United Arab Emirates attended the forums","caption":"High-ranking representatives of the government of the United Arab Emirates attended the forums","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Uzbekistan's Presidential Press Service","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/55\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_05c36175-9fab-5b42-a923-54c6b7e121da-9565574.jpg","altText":" International forum dedicated to the issues of reducing bureaucracy, in Tashkent","caption":" International forum dedicated to the issues of reducing bureaucracy, in Tashkent","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press Service of Uzbekistan's President","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3551,"urlSafeValue":"sarvinoz.raxmonkulova@euronews.com","title":"Sarvinoz Raxmonkulova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":22266,"slug":"shavkat-mirziyoyev","urlSafeValue":"shavkat-mirziyoyev","title":"Shavkat Mirziyoyev","titleRaw":"Shavkat Mirziyoyev"},{"id":12661,"slug":"artificial-intelligence","urlSafeValue":"artificial-intelligence","title":"Artificial intelligence","titleRaw":"Artificial intelligence"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2846890},{"id":2845720},{"id":2842979}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"qDnsPNrgkww","dailymotionId":"x9umkyo"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/45\/64\/02\/ED_PYR_3045642_20251128171204.mp4","editor":"","duration":163880,"filesizeBytes":24826067,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/45\/64\/02\/SHD_PYR_3045642_20251128171204.mp4","editor":"","duration":163880,"filesizeBytes":37337272,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/45\/64\/02\/FHD_PYR_3045642_20251128171204.mp4","editor":"","duration":163880,"filesizeBytes":126800169,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/11\/28\/uzbekistan-to-drastically-reduce-bureaucracy-and-train-5-million-ai-specialists-by-2030","lastModified":1764356614},{"id":2850071,"cid":9563812,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"BUSINESS EU - CENTRAL ASIA ECONOMIC FORUM","daletPyramidId":3436131,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"New agreements signal deepening EU\u2013Central Asia economic ties","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"New agreements signal deepening EU\u2013Central Asia economic ties","titleListing2":"New agreements signal deepening EU\u2013Central Asia economic ties","leadin":"The EU-Central Asia Economic Forum in Tashkent this week delivered new investments and six major deals, boosting cooperation in trade, green energy, and critical minerals.","summary":"The EU-Central Asia Economic Forum in Tashkent this week delivered new investments and six major deals, boosting cooperation in trade, green energy, and critical minerals.","keySentence":"","url":"new-agreements-signal-deepening-eucentral-asia-economic-ties","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/2025\/11\/28\/new-agreements-signal-deepening-eucentral-asia-economic-ties","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Another step forward in the fast-growing partnership between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia was made during the 3rd EU\u2013Central Asia Economic Forum, that took place in Uzbekistan\u2019s capital, Tashkent.\n\nFollowing this year\u2019s EU\u2013Central Asia Summit in Samarkand (Uzbekistan), the ministerial meeting in Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev\u2019s visit to Brussels in Belgium, the forum became the latest milestone in a year that has elevated cooperation to a new strategic level.\n\nIt brought together business leaders, investors, and government representatives from 32 countries. The European delegation was led by EU Commissioners Jozef S\u00edkela and Marta Kos. S\u00edkela highlighted the importance of 2025 for the partnership, calling it \u201cThe Year of Europe\u201d for Central Asia as President Mirziyoyev defined it.\n\n\u201cWe are moving from potential to implementation \u2014 in digital connectivity, clean energy and transport. Today, I announced three new contracts on critical raw materials that will strengthen governance and open new opportunities for both regions,\u201d S\u00edkela told to Euronews.\n\nSigned agreements\n\nIn total, six major cooperation agreements worth nearly \u20ac100 million were signed in sectors ranging from irrigation and ecology to digital geodata and security:\n\nDATA4CRM (\u20ac7.5M) \u2013 modernising geological data to attract investors.\n\nSECURE CRM (\u20ac3M) \u2013 building transparent supply chains for critical raw materials.\n\nGROW CRM (\u20ac3M) \u2013 developing new CRM projects with the EBRD.\n\nAral Sea Project (\u20ac8.8M + \u20ac40M in loans) \u2013 restoring degraded ecosystems.\n\n- 6. BOMCA (\u20ac12M) and CADAP (\u20ac18M) \u2013 supporting border security and tackling drug trafficking.\n\nMatteo Patrone, vice president of banking at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), underlined the group's growing presence in Central Asia, with almost \u20ac21 billion invested across 1,227 projects to date. The bank and the EU also signed a new \u20ac3 million agreement to develop sustainable mining of critical raw materials across Central Asia. \u201cThis sector is crucial for the green transition, and the region has a lot to offer,\u201d Patrone stressed.\n\nEU Commissioner, Jozef S\u00edkela emphasised that cooperation will bring benefits to both sides: \u201cJoint projects will create jobs, value chains and economic growth in Central Asia, and at the same time increase Europe\u2019s economic security and resilience.\u201d\n\nReform momentum draws global attention\n\nWilliam Tompson, head of the OECD\u2019s Eurasia Division, described the forum as one of the region\u2019s most significant economic diplomacy events.\n\n\u201cThe forum comes just shortly after the EU and Uzbekistan have signed their Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which means that Uzbekistan itself now has a much better relationship and much better market access with the European Union. Since 2017, reforms in Uzbekistan have moved at an impressive pace and attracted international attention. Today, six new projects were launched, including one for the Aral Sea region.\u201d\n\nInternational trade centre executive director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, said regional integration and improved transport networks will reshape Eurasian trade.\n\n\u201cThe Trans-Caspian corridor will be a major game changer. Central Asia holds huge reserves of critical minerals. And digitalisation is no longer optional \u2014 it must happen quickly.\u201d\n\nShe also stressed that WTO accession and an open, rules-based, trading environment will boost investor confidence.\n\nFrom critical minerals to green energy and digital transformation, the Tashkent Forum showcased a partnership moving from declarations to delivery.\n\nNew investments, new agreements, and new connectivity projects have placed regional cooperation on a stronger and more practical footing \u2014 with both sides now focused on turning ambitions into long-term economic growth.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Another step forward in the fast-growing partnership between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia was made during the 3rd EU\u2013Central Asia Economic Forum, that took place in Uzbekistan\u2019s capital, Tashkent.<\/p>\n<p>Following this year\u2019s EU\u2013Central Asia Summit in Samarkand (Uzbekistan), the ministerial meeting in Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev\u2019s visit to Brussels in Belgium, the forum became the latest milestone in a year that has elevated cooperation to a new strategic level.<\/p>\n<p>It brought together business leaders, investors, and government representatives from 32 countries. The European delegation was led by EU Commissioners Jozef S\u00edkela and Marta Kos. S\u00edkela highlighted the importance of 2025 for the partnership, calling it \u201cThe Year of Europe\u201d for Central Asia as President Mirziyoyev defined it.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5539803707742639\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//38//12//808x446_cmsv2_b10e26ca-60a5-5fd6-85ff-d8b1f319a33f-9563812.jpg/" alt=\"Jozef Síkela, EU Commissioner \" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/384x213_cmsv2_b10e26ca-60a5-5fd6-85ff-d8b1f319a33f-9563812.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/640x355_cmsv2_b10e26ca-60a5-5fd6-85ff-d8b1f319a33f-9563812.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/750x415_cmsv2_b10e26ca-60a5-5fd6-85ff-d8b1f319a33f-9563812.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/828x459_cmsv2_b10e26ca-60a5-5fd6-85ff-d8b1f319a33f-9563812.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1080x598_cmsv2_b10e26ca-60a5-5fd6-85ff-d8b1f319a33f-9563812.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1200x665_cmsv2_b10e26ca-60a5-5fd6-85ff-d8b1f319a33f-9563812.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1920x1064_cmsv2_b10e26ca-60a5-5fd6-85ff-d8b1f319a33f-9563812.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Jozef Síkela, EU Commissioner <\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\u201cWe are moving from potential to implementation \u2014 in digital connectivity, clean energy and transport. Today, I announced three new contracts on critical raw materials that will strengthen governance and open new opportunities for both regions,\u201d S\u00edkela told to Euronews.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Signed agreements<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In total, six major cooperation agreements worth nearly \u20ac100 million were signed in sectors ranging from irrigation and ecology to digital geodata and security:<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5676309616888194\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//38//12//808x459_cmsv2_2f1e8a43-a59a-54b4-add4-7d9eefc71b5d-9563812.jpg/" alt=\"Signing ceremony between EU and Central Asia\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/384x218_cmsv2_2f1e8a43-a59a-54b4-add4-7d9eefc71b5d-9563812.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/640x363_cmsv2_2f1e8a43-a59a-54b4-add4-7d9eefc71b5d-9563812.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/750x426_cmsv2_2f1e8a43-a59a-54b4-add4-7d9eefc71b5d-9563812.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/828x470_cmsv2_2f1e8a43-a59a-54b4-add4-7d9eefc71b5d-9563812.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1080x613_cmsv2_2f1e8a43-a59a-54b4-add4-7d9eefc71b5d-9563812.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1200x681_cmsv2_2f1e8a43-a59a-54b4-add4-7d9eefc71b5d-9563812.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1920x1090_cmsv2_2f1e8a43-a59a-54b4-add4-7d9eefc71b5d-9563812.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Signing ceremony between EU and Central Asia<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<ol>\n<li>DATA4CRM (\u20ac7.5M) \u2013 modernising geological data to attract investors.<\/li>\n<li>SECURE CRM (\u20ac3M) \u2013 building transparent supply chains for critical raw materials.<\/li>\n<li>GROW CRM (\u20ac3M) \u2013 developing new CRM projects with the EBRD.<\/li>\n<li>Aral Sea Project (\u20ac8.8M + \u20ac40M in loans) \u2013 restoring degraded ecosystems.<\/li>\n<li>- 6. BOMCA (\u20ac12M) and CADAP (\u20ac18M) \u2013 supporting border security and tackling drug trafficking.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Matteo Patrone, vice president of banking at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), underlined the group's growing presence in Central Asia, with almost \u20ac21 billion invested across 1,227 projects to date. The bank and the EU also signed a new \u20ac3 million agreement to develop sustainable mining of critical raw materials across Central Asia. \u201cThis sector is crucial for the green transition, and the region has a lot to offer,\u201d Patrone stressed.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5620111731843576\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//38//12//808x454_cmsv2_4b28aecb-6e73-559a-ab16-0b9ef6ca996c-9563812.jpg/" alt=\"Matteo Patrone, Vice President of EBRD \" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/384x216_cmsv2_4b28aecb-6e73-559a-ab16-0b9ef6ca996c-9563812.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/640x360_cmsv2_4b28aecb-6e73-559a-ab16-0b9ef6ca996c-9563812.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/750x422_cmsv2_4b28aecb-6e73-559a-ab16-0b9ef6ca996c-9563812.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/828x465_cmsv2_4b28aecb-6e73-559a-ab16-0b9ef6ca996c-9563812.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1080x607_cmsv2_4b28aecb-6e73-559a-ab16-0b9ef6ca996c-9563812.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1200x674_cmsv2_4b28aecb-6e73-559a-ab16-0b9ef6ca996c-9563812.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1920x1079_cmsv2_4b28aecb-6e73-559a-ab16-0b9ef6ca996c-9563812.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Matteo Patrone, Vice President of EBRD <\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>EU Commissioner, Jozef S\u00edkela emphasised that cooperation will bring benefits to both sides: \u201cJoint projects will create jobs, value chains and economic growth in Central Asia, and at the same time increase Europe\u2019s economic security and resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Reform momentum draws global attention<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>William Tompson, head of the OECD\u2019s Eurasia Division, described the forum as one of the region\u2019s most significant economic diplomacy events.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5598243688254665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//38//12//808x451_cmsv2_43bf863a-5101-5692-8e3b-8432589e375c-9563812.jpg/" alt=\"William Tompson, Head of the OECD’s Eurasia Division\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/384x215_cmsv2_43bf863a-5101-5692-8e3b-8432589e375c-9563812.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/640x358_cmsv2_43bf863a-5101-5692-8e3b-8432589e375c-9563812.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/750x420_cmsv2_43bf863a-5101-5692-8e3b-8432589e375c-9563812.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/828x464_cmsv2_43bf863a-5101-5692-8e3b-8432589e375c-9563812.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1080x605_cmsv2_43bf863a-5101-5692-8e3b-8432589e375c-9563812.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1200x672_cmsv2_43bf863a-5101-5692-8e3b-8432589e375c-9563812.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1920x1075_cmsv2_43bf863a-5101-5692-8e3b-8432589e375c-9563812.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">William Tompson, Head of the OECD’s Eurasia Division<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\u201cThe forum comes just shortly after the EU and Uzbekistan have signed their Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which means that Uzbekistan itself now has a much better relationship and much better market access with the European Union. Since 2017, reforms in Uzbekistan have moved at an impressive pace and attracted international attention. Today, six new projects were launched, including one for the Aral Sea region.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//11//14//central-asia-leaders-to-meet-in-tashkent-for-regional-consultative-summit/">Central Asia leaders to meet in Tashkent for regional consultative summit<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//news//2025//04//11//eu-and-central-asia-launch-strategic-partnership-at-samarkand-summit/">EU and Central Asia launch strategic partnership at Samarkand summit<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>International trade centre executive director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, said regional integration and improved transport networks will reshape Eurasian trade.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Trans-Caspian corridor will be a major game changer. Central Asia holds huge reserves of critical minerals. And digitalisation is no longer optional \u2014 it must happen quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.562429696287964\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//38//12//808x454_cmsv2_90697875-bd73-5f69-8a71-f5bc6eb57736-9563812.jpg/" alt=\"Pamela Coke-Hamilton, ITC Executive Director \" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/384x216_cmsv2_90697875-bd73-5f69-8a71-f5bc6eb57736-9563812.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/640x360_cmsv2_90697875-bd73-5f69-8a71-f5bc6eb57736-9563812.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/750x422_cmsv2_90697875-bd73-5f69-8a71-f5bc6eb57736-9563812.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/828x466_cmsv2_90697875-bd73-5f69-8a71-f5bc6eb57736-9563812.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1080x607_cmsv2_90697875-bd73-5f69-8a71-f5bc6eb57736-9563812.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1200x675_cmsv2_90697875-bd73-5f69-8a71-f5bc6eb57736-9563812.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/1920x1080_cmsv2_90697875-bd73-5f69-8a71-f5bc6eb57736-9563812.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Pamela Coke-Hamilton, ITC Executive Director <\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>She also stressed that WTO accession and an open, rules-based, trading environment will boost investor confidence.<\/p>\n<p>From critical minerals to green energy and digital transformation, the Tashkent Forum showcased a partnership moving from declarations to delivery. <\/p>\n<p>New investments, new agreements, and new connectivity projects have placed regional cooperation on a stronger and more practical footing \u2014 with both sides now focused on turning ambitions into long-term economic growth.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764245394,"updatedAt":1764318534,"publishedAt":1764318526,"firstPublishedAt":1764318526,"lastPublishedAt":1764318526,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_22d112d5-2478-52c3-9201-e42510691c4a-9563812.jpg","altText":"Third EU-Central Asia Economic Forum","caption":"Third EU-Central Asia Economic Forum","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_90697875-bd73-5f69-8a71-f5bc6eb57736-9563812.jpg","altText":"Pamela Coke-Hamilton, ITC Executive Director ","caption":"Pamela Coke-Hamilton, ITC Executive Director ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":889,"height":500},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_43bf863a-5101-5692-8e3b-8432589e375c-9563812.jpg","altText":"William Tompson, Head of the OECD\u2019s Eurasia Division","caption":"William Tompson, Head of the OECD\u2019s Eurasia Division","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":911,"height":510},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_4b28aecb-6e73-559a-ab16-0b9ef6ca996c-9563812.jpg","altText":"Matteo Patrone, Vice President of EBRD ","caption":"Matteo Patrone, Vice President of EBRD ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":895,"height":503},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b10e26ca-60a5-5fd6-85ff-d8b1f319a33f-9563812.jpg","altText":"Jozef S\u00edkela, EU Commissioner ","caption":"Jozef S\u00edkela, EU Commissioner ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":917,"height":508},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/38\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_2f1e8a43-a59a-54b4-add4-7d9eefc71b5d-9563812.jpg","altText":"Signing ceremony between EU and Central Asia","caption":"Signing ceremony between EU and Central Asia","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1279,"height":726}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3551,"urlSafeValue":"sarvinoz.raxmonkulova@euronews.com","title":"Sarvinoz Raxmonkulova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":27428,"slug":"central-asia","urlSafeValue":"central-asia","title":"Central Asia","titleRaw":"Central 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- S01E06 - UZ-ONE PAST_SHARED IDENTITY AND CULTURAL DIALOGUE - MASTER","daletPyramidId":3300408,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Tashkent hosts congress to push Central Asia\u2019s cultural and educational cooperation","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Central Asia boosts cultural cooperation at Tashkent Heritage Congress","titleListing2":"Tashkent hosts congress to push Central Asia\u2019s cultural and educational cooperation","leadin":"Tashkent hosted an international congress \u201cCentral Asia: Shared Spiritual and Educational Heritage \u2013 Shared Future\u201d at the Center for Islamic Civilization, bringing together representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan.","summary":"Tashkent hosted an international congress \u201cCentral Asia: Shared Spiritual and Educational Heritage \u2013 Shared Future\u201d at the Center for Islamic Civilization, bringing together representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan.","keySentence":"","url":"tashkent-hosts-congress-to-push-central-asias-cultural-and-educational-cooperation","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/2025\/11\/27\/tashkent-hosts-congress-to-push-central-asias-cultural-and-educational-cooperation","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The congress focused on how the region\u2019s shared spiritual and educational heritage can be preserved and studied within a modern scientific environment.\u00a0\n\nDuring one of the key panel sessions, participants examined the role of Islamic values in strengthening regional cooperation and discussed practical steps for expanding joint research, cultural projects, and educational initiatives. More than 300 experts emphasized that Central Asia\u2019s common historical and religious foundations continue to serve as an important point of connection for the region\u2019s societies.\u00a0\n\nThe discussions offered a platform for open dialogue on heritage preservation, scholarly collaboration, and the cultural links that have long shaped relationships among the peoples of Central Asia.\u00a0\n\n","htmlText":"<p>The congress focused on how the region\u2019s shared spiritual and educational heritage can be preserved and studied within a modern scientific environment. <\/p>\n<p>During one of the key panel sessions, participants examined the role of Islamic values in strengthening regional cooperation and discussed practical steps for expanding joint research, cultural projects, and educational initiatives. More than 300 experts emphasized that Central Asia\u2019s common historical and religious foundations continue to serve as an important point of connection for the region\u2019s societies. <\/p>\n<p>The discussions offered a platform for open dialogue on heritage preservation, scholarly collaboration, and the cultural links that have long shaped relationships among the peoples of Central Asia. <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763048614,"updatedAt":1764601716,"publishedAt":1764252021,"firstPublishedAt":1764252021,"lastPublishedAt":1764266452,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/77\/54\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_bffad780-f029-5d5b-8eb8-cac2ca679c03-9547754.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":574,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture","titleRaw":"Culture"},{"id":8735,"slug":"tradition","urlSafeValue":"tradition","title":"Tradition","titleRaw":"Tradition"},{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"editorial.naesmi.editorial-naesmi2021"},{"path":"editorial.naesmi"},{"path":"editorial"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistancult2022"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistanforward2025"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"editorial.focusuzbekistan"},{"path":"editorial"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"lsOM-HwaHAI","dailymotionId":"x9us9t4"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/61\/34\/04\/ED_PYR_3061344_20251201150454.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":43213036,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/61\/34\/04\/SHD_PYR_3061344_20251201150454.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":66617192,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/61\/34\/04\/FHD_PYR_3061344_20251201150454.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":230467615,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Dilbar Primova","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"focus","urlSafeValue":"focus","title":"Focus","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/focus"},"season":"THE NEW UZBEKISTAN_S01","episode":"S01E06 - UZ-ONE PAST_SHARED IDENTITY AND CULTURAL DIALOGUE","episodeId":"1102","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1746113601,"endDate":2114354004,"type":"sponsored","slug":"uzbekistan-cult-2025","title":"Uzbekistan cult 2025","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan","sponsorName":"uzbekistan-cult-2025","sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/941\/180x101_cmsv2_09f7b46a-0732-5ee4-9653-25c5569b200a-941.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/11\/27\/tashkent-hosts-congress-to-push-central-asias-cultural-and-educational-cooperation","lastModified":1764266452},{"id":2849644,"cid":9561912,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"UZBEKISTAN CITES CoP","daletPyramidId":3418726,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Samarkand hosts first CITES summit in Central Asia, gathering nations for wildlife protection","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Uzbekistan hosts CITES summit spotlighting global wildlife protection","titleListing2":"Samarkand hosts first CITES CoP in Central Asia, gathering nations for wildlife protection","leadin":"Delegates will discuss sustainable use of natural resources, ecosystem restoration, and regional cooperation initiatives.","summary":"Delegates will discuss sustainable use of natural resources, ecosystem restoration, and regional cooperation initiatives.","keySentence":"","url":"samarkand-hosts-first-cites-summit-in-central-asia-gathering-nations-for-wildlife-protecti","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/2025\/11\/26\/samarkand-hosts-first-cites-summit-in-central-asia-gathering-nations-for-wildlife-protecti","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"For the first time in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is hosting the 20th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20).\n\nThe event turns Samarkand into a centre of international conservation policy and brings together nearly 3,000 participants, including 860 government delegates from 157 parties, as well as scientists, NGOs, and media.\n\nIt runs from 24 November to 5 December.\n\nCITES is the global agreement regulating international trade in endangered species. Signed in 1973 and active since 1975, it now includes 185 parties and governs trade in more than 40,900 plant and animal species, ensuring it remains legal, sustainable, and well-controlled.\n\nUzbekistan joined CITES in 1997 and hosts 91 animal and 17 plant species covered by the Convention, including snow leopards, Bukhara deer, and rare medicinal flora.\n\nOpening the conference, Aziz Abdukhakimov, advisor to the President of Uzbekistan and Chair of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, spotlighted the country\u2019s environmental ambitions.\n\n\u201cThe declaration of 2025 as the \u2018Year of Environmental Protection and the Green Economy\u2019 reflects our dedication to sustainable, resource-efficient development. Uzbekistan is confidently emerging as one of the leading countries in the region and globally in addressing environmental challenges,\u201d he said.\n\nCITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero emphasised Samarkand\u2019s symbolic role.\n\n\u201cA city that for centuries stood as a crossroads of cultures, ideas, and trade is now bridging nature and people. Fifty years of CITES have shown that responsible trade and conservation are inseparable, and the challenges today are greater than ever,\u201d she noted.\n\nJavokhir Abdukhalikov, of Uzbekistan\u2019s National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, added that \u201cthe initiative was submitted to the Convention last year and was successfully considered by the Standing Committee, which decided to hold the conference in Samarkand\u201d.\n\nAgenda and challenges\n\nAcross two weeks, delegates will review proposals affecting more than 250 species \u2014 from okapi and hyenas to ginseng, Brazil wood, sharks, and rays \u2014 and debate updates to the CITES Appendices. Migratory species such as snow leopards and saiga antelopes are major talking points at this year's conference.\n\nAround 110 side events will run in parallel, covering enforcement, science, and community-led conservation.\n\nDiscussions will also explore innovative financing solutions, including public-private partnerships, biodiversity bonds, and payments for ecosystem services, while emphasising regional cooperation for migratory species such as snow leopards and saiga antelopes.\n\nAbdukhakimov underscored the urgency: \u201cIllegal wildlife trade is among the largest criminal activities globally, after drugs, arms, and human trafficking. Recent reports show that in 162 countries, illegal wildlife trade affected over 4,000 species, including 3,250 listed under CITES. Governments have seized over 13 million wildlife products.\u201d\n\nUN experts echoed the global stakes.\n\nAstrid Schomaker of the Convention on Biological Diversity warned that \u201cwe cannot solve climate change without protecting biodiversity, and vice versa. Nature underpins our economies, our health, and our well-being.\u201d\n\nDelegates from the Democratic Republic of Congo highlighted the need for stronger monitoring and intelligence-sharing to combat wildlife trafficking while promoting sustainable resource use for local communities.\n\nMusonda Mumba, Secretary-General of the Convention on Wetlands, added: \u201cWe are losing wetlands three times faster than forests due to unsustainable practices and degradation. Central Asia\u2019s shared waters require regional cooperation and political will.\u201d\n\nRegional commitments and new projects\n\nDuring the High-Level Dialogue, the Samarkand Declaration and the Regional Cooperation Action Plan for 2026\u20132032 were signed between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.\n\nThese agreements aim to combat illegal wildlife trade, promote sustainable use of natural resources, and strengthen ecological resilience through community engagement and cross-border collaboration.\n\nUzbekistan also launched the GEF-8 \u201cEcoLand\u201d project with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), backed by $6.1 million (almost \u20ac5.27 million) from the Global Environment Facility.\n\nAbdukhakimov noted that \u201cthe signing of several grant agreements worth more than 20 million USD is planned,\u201d along with the release of the country\u2019s first Environmental Atlas and its first National Strategy for Ramsar Wetland Management.\n\n\u201cParties will deliberate on an ambitious agenda: 120 documents, 350 draft decisions, and 50 species proposals covering more than 250 species,\u201d said Ivonne Higuero.\n\n\u201cDiscussions will address national legislation, reporting obligations, and measures to tackle noncompliance with the Convention.\u201d\n\n","htmlText":"<p>For the first time in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is hosting the 20th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20).<\/p>\n<p>The event turns Samarkand into a centre of international conservation policy and brings together nearly 3,000 participants, including 860 government delegates from 157 parties, as well as scientists, NGOs, and media. <\/p>\n<p>It runs from 24 November to 5 December. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5530839231547017\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//19//12//808x446_cmsv2_a6f40b2a-b68f-5618-bcb2-9d024f72c2ec-9561912.jpg/" alt=\"High level dialogue during CITES CoP in Samarkand\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/384x212_cmsv2_a6f40b2a-b68f-5618-bcb2-9d024f72c2ec-9561912.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/640x354_cmsv2_a6f40b2a-b68f-5618-bcb2-9d024f72c2ec-9561912.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/750x415_cmsv2_a6f40b2a-b68f-5618-bcb2-9d024f72c2ec-9561912.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/828x458_cmsv2_a6f40b2a-b68f-5618-bcb2-9d024f72c2ec-9561912.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/1080x597_cmsv2_a6f40b2a-b68f-5618-bcb2-9d024f72c2ec-9561912.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/1200x664_cmsv2_a6f40b2a-b68f-5618-bcb2-9d024f72c2ec-9561912.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/1920x1062_cmsv2_a6f40b2a-b68f-5618-bcb2-9d024f72c2ec-9561912.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">High level dialogue during CITES CoP in Samarkand<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>CITES is the global agreement regulating international trade in endangered species. Signed in 1973 and active since 1975, it now includes 185 parties and governs trade in more than 40,900 plant and animal species, ensuring it remains legal, sustainable, and well-controlled.<\/p>\n<p>Uzbekistan joined CITES in 1997 and hosts 91 animal and 17 plant species covered by the Convention, including <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//10//12//snow-leopard-populations-threatened-by-climate-change-and-low-genetic-diversity/">snow leopards<\/strong><\/a>, Bukhara deer, and rare medicinal flora.<\/p>\n<p>Opening the conference, Aziz Abdukhakimov, advisor to the President of Uzbekistan and Chair of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, spotlighted the country\u2019s environmental ambitions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe declaration of 2025 as the \u2018Year of Environmental Protection and the Green Economy\u2019 reflects our dedication to sustainable, resource-efficient development. Uzbekistan is confidently emerging as one of the leading countries in the region and globally in addressing environmental challenges,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero emphasised Samarkand\u2019s symbolic role. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cA city that for centuries stood as a crossroads of cultures, ideas, and trade is now bridging nature and people. Fifty years of CITES have shown that responsible trade and conservation are inseparable, and the challenges today are greater than ever,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//10//07//navoi-uzbekistan-eco-villages-desert-yurts-and-ancient-heritage-in-central-asia/">Navoi, Uzbekistan: eco-villages, desert yurts and ancient heritage in Central Asia<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Javokhir Abdukhalikov, of Uzbekistan\u2019s National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, added that \u201cthe initiative was submitted to the Convention last year and was successfully considered by the Standing Committee, which decided to hold the conference in Samarkand\u201d.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Agenda and challenges<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Across two weeks, delegates will review proposals affecting more than 250 species \u2014 from okapi and hyenas to ginseng, Brazil wood, sharks, and rays \u2014 and debate updates to the CITES Appendices. Migratory species such as snow leopards and saiga antelopes are major talking points at this year's conference. <\/p>\n<p>Around 110 side events will run in parallel, covering enforcement, science, and community-led conservation.<\/p>\n<p>Discussions will also explore innovative financing solutions, including public-private partnerships, biodiversity bonds, and payments for ecosystem services, while emphasising regional cooperation for migratory species such as snow leopards and saiga antelopes.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//10//26//most-people-dont-know-it-exists-europes-last-healthy-flat-oysters-at-risk-researchers-warn/">/u2018Most people don\u2019t know it exists\u2019: Europe\u2019s last healthy flat oysters at risk, researchers warn<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//10//12//snow-leopard-populations-threatened-by-climate-change-and-low-genetic-diversity/">Snow leopard populations threatened by climate change and low genetic diversity <\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Abdukhakimov underscored the urgency: **\u201c**Illegal wildlife trade is among the largest criminal activities globally, after drugs, arms, and human trafficking. Recent reports show that in 162 countries, illegal wildlife trade affected over 4,000 species, including 3,250 listed under CITES. Governments have seized over 13 million wildlife products.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>UN experts echoed the global stakes.<\/p>\n<p>Astrid Schomaker of the Convention on Biological Diversity warned that **\u201c**we cannot solve climate change without protecting biodiversity, and vice versa. Nature underpins our economies, our health, and our well-being.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Delegates from the Democratic Republic of Congo highlighted the need for stronger monitoring and intelligence-sharing to combat <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2025//10//24//eu-lawmakers-plead-un-body-to-go-hard-on-wildlife-trafficking-by-2030/">wildlife trafficking<\/strong><\/a> while promoting sustainable resource use for local communities.<\/p>\n<p>Musonda Mumba, Secretary-General of the Convention on Wetlands, added: \u201cWe are losing wetlands three times faster than forests due to unsustainable practices and degradation. Central Asia\u2019s shared waters require regional cooperation and political will.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Regional commitments and new projects<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>During the High-Level Dialogue, the Samarkand Declaration and the Regional Cooperation Action Plan for 2026\u20132032 were signed between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. <\/p>\n<p>These agreements aim to combat illegal wildlife trade, promote sustainable use of natural resources, and strengthen ecological resilience through community engagement and cross-border collaboration.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.548\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//19//12//808x444_cmsv2_d8c5246f-f540-5af0-83b7-93fdaaf7e54c-9561912.jpg/" alt=\"Samarkand Declaration and the Regional Cooperation Action Plan for 2026–2032\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/384x210_cmsv2_d8c5246f-f540-5af0-83b7-93fdaaf7e54c-9561912.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/640x351_cmsv2_d8c5246f-f540-5af0-83b7-93fdaaf7e54c-9561912.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/750x411_cmsv2_d8c5246f-f540-5af0-83b7-93fdaaf7e54c-9561912.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/828x454_cmsv2_d8c5246f-f540-5af0-83b7-93fdaaf7e54c-9561912.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/1080x592_cmsv2_d8c5246f-f540-5af0-83b7-93fdaaf7e54c-9561912.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/1200x658_cmsv2_d8c5246f-f540-5af0-83b7-93fdaaf7e54c-9561912.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/1920x1052_cmsv2_d8c5246f-f540-5af0-83b7-93fdaaf7e54c-9561912.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Samarkand Declaration and the Regional Cooperation Action Plan for 2026–2032<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Uzbekistan also launched the GEF-8 \u201cEcoLand\u201d project with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), backed by $6.1 million (almost \u20ac5.27 million) from the Global Environment Facility.<\/p>\n<p>Abdukhakimov noted that \u201cthe signing of several grant agreements worth more than 20 million USD is planned,\u201d along with the release of the country\u2019s first Environmental Atlas and its first National Strategy for Ramsar Wetland Management.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cParties will deliberate on an ambitious agenda: 120 documents, 350 draft decisions, and 50 species proposals covering more than 250 species,\u201d said Ivonne Higuero. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cDiscussions will address national legislation, reporting obligations, and measures to tackle noncompliance with the Convention.\u201d<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764134810,"updatedAt":1764146886,"publishedAt":1764146877,"firstPublishedAt":1764146877,"lastPublishedAt":1764146877,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b86bfc23-51c5-5f13-ab1f-8911c50b2092-9561912.jpg","altText":"CITES COP20 is taking place in Samarkand.","caption":"CITES COP20 is taking place in Samarkand.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1075},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d8c5246f-f540-5af0-83b7-93fdaaf7e54c-9561912.jpg","altText":"Samarkand Declaration and the Regional Cooperation Action Plan for 2026\u20132032","caption":"Samarkand Declaration and the Regional Cooperation Action Plan for 2026\u20132032","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1096},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/19\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a6f40b2a-b68f-5618-bcb2-9d024f72c2ec-9561912.jpg","altText":"High level dialogue during CITES CoP in Samarkand","caption":"High level dialogue during CITES CoP in Samarkand","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":989,"height":547}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3548,"urlSafeValue":"dilbar.primova@euronews.com","title":"Dilbar Primova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":24898,"slug":"wildlife","urlSafeValue":"wildlife","title":"wildlife","titleRaw":"wildlife"},{"id":22868,"slug":"conference","urlSafeValue":"conference","title":"conference","titleRaw":"conference"},{"id":280,"slug":"trafficking","urlSafeValue":"trafficking","title":"Trafficking","titleRaw":"Trafficking"},{"id":13498,"slug":"endangered-species","urlSafeValue":"endangered-species","title":"Endangered species","titleRaw":"Endangered 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News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/green-news\/green-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"green","verticals":[{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"},"themes":[{"id":"green-news","urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green News","url":"\/green\/green-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":35,"urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/green\/2025\/11\/26\/samarkand-hosts-first-cites-summit-in-central-asia-gathering-nations-for-wildlife-protecti","lastModified":1764146877},{"id":2843011,"cid":9532722,"versionId":3,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"BL - S01E09 - HYDRO AND WIND POWER - MASTER","daletPyramidId":3170523,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Uzbekistan\u2019s renewable expansion powers long-term growth","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Uzbekistan\u2019s renewable surge fuels economic resilience","titleListing2":"Uzbekistan\u2019s renewable expansion powers long-term growth","leadin":"From powerful rivers to rising winds, Uzbekistan is reshaping its energy future. Rapid growth in hydropower, wind, and solar \u2014 supported by home-grown technology \u2014 is driving the nation towards energy independence and a more sustainable economy.","summary":"From powerful rivers to rising winds, Uzbekistan is reshaping its energy future. Rapid growth in hydropower, wind, and solar \u2014 supported by home-grown technology \u2014 is driving the nation towards energy independence and a more sustainable economy.","keySentence":"","url":"uzbekistan-powers-ahead-making-good-on-commitments-to-expand-renewable-energy","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/2025\/11\/25\/uzbekistan-powers-ahead-making-good-on-commitments-to-expand-renewable-energy","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Uzbekistan is rapidly expanding its use of renewable sources \u2014 particularly hydropower and wind \u2014 as part of a broader drive to diversify its energy supply and strengthen energy security across Central Asia. According to the International Energy Agency, the country \u2014 long reliant on fossil fuels for nearly 80% of its electricity \u2014 is undergoing a fundamental transformation of its energy landscape.\u00a0\n\nThe change is already visible in the numbers. In July 2025 alone, Uzbekistan\u2019s solar, wind and hydroelectric plants generated 2.89 billion kWh of electricity, representing 27% of total national output for that month. That is equivalent to the annual consumption of around 870,000 households.\u00a0\n\n\u201cToday, we can confidently say that more than 20 large-scale projects in solar, wind and battery storage systems are being implemented across the country,\u201d\u00a0 said Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov.\u00a0 \u201cNearly five gigawatts of capacity have already been commissioned and are now in operation.\u201d\u00a0\n\nThese gains mark a major milestone in Uzbekistan\u2019s green transition, supported by strategic investment and domestic innovation.\n\nFrom infrastructure to innovation\n\nHydropower remains central to Uzbekistan\u2019s renewable development. The country currently operates 77 hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 2.3 GW.\u00a0\n\n\u201cHydropower, as a key component of green energy, remains a top priority,\u201d\u00a0 Mirzamakhmudov noted. \u201cIn addition to plans to double capacity by 2030, presidential decrees have been adopted to promote small and mini hydropower plants. More than 2,000 such projects are planned nationwide, creating opportunities for small businesses and private households to participate.\u201d\u00a0\n\nAmong the most ambitious new undertakings is the Naryn Hydropower Cascade, a multi-phase complex that will eventually comprise six stations. The first, Naryn HPP-1, was commissioned in September 2025, just over a year after construction began.\u00a0\n\n\u201cDuring the President\u2019s visit to Namangan in March 2024, construction officially began. By 11 September 2025, the plant was fully operational,\u201d said Abdurashid Kamolov, head of the Naryn Hydropower Cascade. \u201cOver 300,000 cubic metres of concrete and more than 1.5 million cubic metres of earthwork were completed. Our new 220-kV substation \u2014 now the fifth largest in the Namangan region \u2014 transmits electricity from the cascade to the national grid.\u201d\u00a0\n\nNaryn HPP-1 can generate 171 million kWh of electricity per year and supports 130 new jobs. It can power 430,000 households while saving around 290 million cubic metres of natural gas annually \u2014 worth nearly \u20ac21 million.\u00a0\n\nEqually significant are its engineering achievements. For the first time in Uzbekistan\u2019s hydropower history, horizontal capsule-type hydro units were installed. Built on the relatively flat terrain of the Naryn River, the project required innovative low-pressure design solutions, including an artificial hydraulic pressure system to generate power efficiently even without natural elevation.\u00a0\n\n\u201cIn just 400 to 450 days, we completed what previously took five or six years \u2014 including design, equipment production and construction,\u201d said Vohidjon Ahmadjonov, head of Hydro Construction Customer Service LLC. \u201cThis marks a new stage for Uzbekistan: we can now design, build and equip a hydropower plant entirely on our own.\u201d\n\nAchieving hydropower independence\n\nNaryn HPP-1 is the first hydropower plant in Uzbekistan fully designed and built with domestic expertise and equipment. All major components were produced at the Uzhydropower Joint Venture in the Bostanlik district of Tashkent region \u2014 the only facility in Central Asia capable of manufacturing hydrogenerators of up to 40 MW. Equipment from this plant is already operating at a number of small hydropower stations across Karakalpakstan and Surkhandarya.\u00a0\n\n\u201cEvery major construction project has three main parts: design, construction and equipment production,\u201d explained Ahmadjonov. \u201cIn the past, we had potential but not full independence. Now we can carry out every stage ourselves. With the Naryn Cascade, Uzbekistan has joined the ranks of countries able to complete the entire hydropower process domestically.\u201d\n\nHarnessing the wind\n\nWhile hydropower showcases technical maturity, wind energy represents Uzbekistan\u2019s next frontier. Preliminary studies estimate a theoretical potential of more than 520,000 MW \u2014 among the highest in the region. To realise this, Uzbekistan has signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with investors from Saudi Arabia, China and Europe, supported by favourable regulations, guaranteed tariffs and a stable investment climate.\u00a0\n\nOne notable project is the Charvak Wind Power Plant, now under construction in the Bostanlik district. Developed with a \u20ac25.8 million grant from China\u2019s Xinjiang Department of Commerce, the 20-MW plant is due for completion by the end of 2025.\u00a0\n\nAccording to Ulugbek Hikmatov, chief specialist at Uzbekhydroenergo JSC, the plant will generate 50 million kWh of electricity annually, providing clean power to 20,000 households, saving 14 million cubic metres of natural gas, and creating new employment in the region.\u00a0\n\nProgress and vision\n\nThese renewable initiatives underpin Uzbekistan\u2019s broader \u201cUzbekistan\u20132030\u201d strategy, which aims to raise the share of renewables in electricity generation to 54% by 2030.\u00a0\n\n\u201cAll current projects in solar, wind and battery storage are being implemented through direct investments and public\u2013private partnerships,\u201d Mirzamakhmudov said. \u201cThis reflects the effectiveness of our legal framework and, most importantly, investor confidence in Uzbekistan\u2019s ongoing reforms. Under these agreements, electricity purchase is guaranteed for 20 to 25 years.\u201d\u00a0\n\n\u201cGreen energy generation has grown sharply,\u201d added Malika Saparmukhametova, lead specialist at the Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies. \u201cIn 2020, almost all clean electricity came from hydropower \u2014 about 5 billion kWh. By 2024, thanks to new solar and wind facilities, output reached 13.1 billion kWh. These achievements reflect not only a cleaner energy profile but also a technological transformation.\u201d\u00a0\n\nWith expanding capacity, domestic manufacturing and international partnerships, Uzbekistan is rapidly positioning itself as a regional leader in renewable energy \u2014 and building the foundations for a sustainable, self-reliant energy future.\u00a0\n\n\u00a0\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Uzbekistan is rapidly expanding its use of renewable sources \u2014 particularly hydropower and wind \u2014 as part of a broader drive to diversify its energy supply and strengthen energy security across Central Asia. According to the International Energy Agency, the country \u2014 long reliant on fossil fuels for nearly 80% of its electricity \u2014 is undergoing a fundamental transformation of its energy landscape. <\/p>\n<p>The change is already visible in the numbers. In July 2025 alone, Uzbekistan\u2019s solar, wind and hydroelectric plants generated 2.89 billion kWh of electricity, representing 27% of total national output for that month. That is equivalent to the annual consumption of around 870,000 households. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cToday, we can confidently say that more than 20 large-scale projects in solar, wind and battery storage systems are being implemented across the country,\u201d said Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov. \u201cNearly five gigawatts of capacity have already been commissioned and are now in operation.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>These gains mark a major milestone in Uzbekistan\u2019s green transition, supported by strategic investment and domestic innovation.<\/p>\n<h2>From infrastructure to innovation<\/h2>\n<p>Hydropower remains central to Uzbekistan\u2019s renewable development. The country currently operates 77 hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 2.3 GW. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cHydropower, as a key component of green energy, remains a top priority,\u201d Mirzamakhmudov noted. \u201cIn addition to plans to double capacity by 2030, presidential decrees have been adopted to promote small and mini hydropower plants. More than 2,000 such projects are planned nationwide, creating opportunities for small businesses and private households to participate.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Among the most ambitious new undertakings is the Naryn Hydropower Cascade, a multi-phase complex that will eventually comprise six stations. The first, Naryn HPP-1, was commissioned in September 2025, just over a year after construction began. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cDuring the President\u2019s visit to Namangan in March 2024, construction officially began. By 11 September 2025, the plant was fully operational,\u201d said Abdurashid Kamolov, head of the Naryn Hydropower Cascade. \u201cOver 300,000 cubic metres of concrete and more than 1.5 million cubic metres of earthwork were completed. Our new 220-kV substation \u2014 now the fifth largest in the Namangan region \u2014 transmits electricity from the cascade to the national grid.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Naryn HPP-1 can generate 171 million kWh of electricity per year and supports 130 new jobs. It can power 430,000 households while saving around 290 million cubic metres of natural gas annually \u2014 worth nearly \u20ac21 million. <\/p>\n<p>Equally significant are its engineering achievements. For the first time in Uzbekistan\u2019s hydropower history, horizontal capsule-type hydro units were installed. Built on the relatively flat terrain of the Naryn River, the project required innovative low-pressure design solutions, including an artificial hydraulic pressure system to generate power efficiently even without natural elevation. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn just 400 to 450 days, we completed what previously took five or six years \u2014 including design, equipment production and construction,\u201d said Vohidjon Ahmadjonov, head of Hydro Construction Customer Service LLC. \u201cThis marks a new stage for Uzbekistan: we can now design, build and equip a hydropower plant entirely on our own.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Achieving hydropower independence<\/h2>\n<p>Naryn HPP-1 is the first hydropower plant in Uzbekistan fully designed and built with domestic expertise and equipment. All major components were produced at the Uzhydropower Joint Venture in the Bostanlik district of Tashkent region \u2014 the only facility in Central Asia capable of manufacturing hydrogenerators of up to 40 MW. Equipment from this plant is already operating at a number of small hydropower stations across Karakalpakstan and Surkhandarya. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cEvery major construction project has three main parts: design, construction and equipment production,\u201d explained Ahmadjonov. \u201cIn the past, we had potential but not full independence. Now we can carry out every stage ourselves. With the Naryn Cascade, Uzbekistan has joined the ranks of countries able to complete the entire hydropower process domestically.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Harnessing the wind<\/h2>\n<p>While hydropower showcases technical maturity, wind energy represents Uzbekistan\u2019s next frontier. Preliminary studies estimate a theoretical potential of more than 520,000 MW \u2014 among the highest in the region. To realise this, Uzbekistan has signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with investors from Saudi Arabia, China and Europe, supported by favourable regulations, guaranteed tariffs and a stable investment climate. <\/p>\n<p>One notable project is the Charvak Wind Power Plant, now under construction in the Bostanlik district. Developed with a \u20ac25.8 million grant from China\u2019s Xinjiang Department of Commerce, the 20-MW plant is due for completion by the end of 2025. <\/p>\n<p>According to Ulugbek Hikmatov, chief specialist at Uzbekhydroenergo JSC, the plant will generate 50 million kWh of electricity annually, providing clean power to 20,000 households, saving 14 million cubic metres of natural gas, and creating new employment in the region. <\/p>\n<h2>Progress and vision<\/h2>\n<p>These renewable initiatives underpin Uzbekistan\u2019s broader \u201cUzbekistan\u20132030\u201d strategy, which aims to raise the share of renewables in electricity generation to 54% by 2030. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll current projects in solar, wind and battery storage are being implemented through direct investments and public\u2013private partnerships,\u201d Mirzamakhmudov said. \u201cThis reflects the effectiveness of our legal framework and, most importantly, investor confidence in Uzbekistan\u2019s ongoing reforms. Under these agreements, electricity purchase is guaranteed for 20 to 25 years.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>\u201cGreen energy generation has grown sharply,\u201d added Malika Saparmukhametova, lead specialist at the Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies. \u201cIn 2020, almost all clean electricity came from hydropower \u2014 about 5 billion kWh. By 2024, thanks to new solar and wind facilities, output reached 13.1 billion kWh. These achievements reflect not only a cleaner energy profile but also a technological transformation.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>With expanding capacity, domestic manufacturing and international partnerships, Uzbekistan is rapidly positioning itself as a regional leader in renewable energy \u2014 and building the foundations for a sustainable, self-reliant energy future. <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1761925633,"updatedAt":1764083550,"publishedAt":1764079249,"firstPublishedAt":1764079249,"lastPublishedAt":1764083549,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/25\/96\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9c7232ea-cd2e-5871-a2bd-02f9954efd7e-9532596.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":235,"slug":"renewable-energies","urlSafeValue":"renewable-energies","title":"Renewable energies","titleRaw":"Renewable energies"},{"id":11296,"slug":"sustainable-development","urlSafeValue":"sustainable-development","title":"Sustainable development","titleRaw":"Sustainable development"},{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2852176}],"technicalTags":[{"path":"editorial.naesmi.editorial-naesmi2021"},{"path":"editorial.naesmi"},{"path":"editorial"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistancult2022"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistanforward2025"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"editorial.businessuzbekistan"},{"path":"editorial"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"WcVx8FdA_no","dailymotionId":"x9t04ke"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/28\/23\/71\/04\/ED_PYR_2823714_20251031154716.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":42084918,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/28\/23\/71\/04\/SHD_PYR_2823714_20251031154716.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":64810792,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/28\/23\/71\/04\/FHD_PYR_2823714_20251031154715.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":228686065,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Dilbar Primova","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"business-line","urlSafeValue":"business-line","title":"Business Line","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/business-series\/business-line"},"season":"BUSINESS LINE UZBEKISTAN_S01","episode":"S01E09 - HYDRO AND WIND POWER","episodeId":"1059","vertical":"business","verticals":[{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"},"themes":[{"id":"business-series","urlSafeValue":"business-series","title":"Business Series","url":"\/business\/business-series"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":76,"urlSafeValue":"business-series","title":"Business Series"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1740836252,"endDate":2114343456,"type":"sponsored","slug":"silk-road-adventure-2025","title":"Uzbekistan 2025","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan","sponsorName":"silk-road-adventure-2025","sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/918\/300x48_cmsv2_78229405-e7ee-5bbd-898a-026d554cc15e-918.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/business\/2025\/11\/25\/uzbekistan-powers-ahead-making-good-on-commitments-to-expand-renewable-energy","lastModified":1764083549},{"id":2847097,"cid":9550686,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"CENTRAL ASIA AZERBAIJAN RELATIONS","daletPyramidId":3326474,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Central Asia and South Caucasus forge stronger ties at Tashkent summit","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Central Asia and South Caucasus forge stronger ties at Tashkent summit","titleListing2":"Central Asia and South Caucasus forge stronger ties at Tashkent summit","leadin":"Central Asian leaders, joined by Azerbaijan, used the Tashkent summit to push for deeper regional integration, new institutions and stronger economic and security ties","summary":"Central Asian leaders, joined by Azerbaijan, used the Tashkent summit to push for deeper regional integration, new institutions and stronger economic and security ties","keySentence":"","url":"central-asia-and-south-caucasus-forge-stronger-ties-at-tashkent-summit","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/18\/central-asia-and-south-caucasus-forge-stronger-ties-at-tashkent-summit","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Central Asian leaders agreed to transform their regional cooperation from a consultative forum into a formal strategic community during a landmark summit in Tashkent that welcomed Azerbaijan as an official member.\n\nThe Seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State marked what officials described as a new dawn in regional integration, with participants backing proposals to establish permanent institutions and elevate diplomatic coordination.\n\n\"The times demand that we transform our meetings from a consultative format of regional dialogue into a strategic format called The Community of Central Asia,\" Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev told the gathering.\n\nMirziyoyev proposed creating formal regulations for the meetings, establishing a rotating secretariat and upgrading national coordinators to presidential special representatives to strengthen institutional foundations.\n\nAzerbaijan's membership signals closer ties\n\nAzerbaijan's inclusion as a full participant represents a significant expansion of the bloc's geographical reach, linking Central Asia more directly with the South Caucasus.\n\nAbdulaziz Komilov, foreign policy adviser to Uzbekistan's president, said the move creates \"a new geopolitical and geoeconomic region\" capable of promoting broader stability across both areas.\n\nThe integration reflects growing economic ties, with trade between Central Asian states expanding rapidly. Uzbekistan's commerce with regional neighbours jumped from \u20ac2.8 billion in 2017 to \u20ac6 billion in 2024.\n\nIndustrial collaboration dominated summit discussions, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan alone signing an $8 billion cooperation programme covering joint enterprises targeting both domestic and international markets.\n\n\"Central Asian businessmen are now entering third-country markets together, as exporters of regional products,\" Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin said.\n\nRegional industrial growth averages 6% annually, double the global rate, according to summit data.\n\nSecurity framework established\n\nLeaders adopted several key agreements including a concept for regional security and stability, plus a catalogue of security risks and prevention measures covering 2026-2028.\n\nThe summit also backed Kyrgyzstan's candidacy for non-permanent UN Security Council membership during 2027-2028.\n\nMirziyoyev outlined the region's transformation through open borders, resolved territorial disputes and the expansion of transport links, calling for continued efforts to build what he termed a \"New Central Asia\".\n\nThe institutional changes aim to give Central Asian states a unified voice on the international stage while addressing shared challenges including water resources, climate change and ecological issues.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Central Asian leaders agreed to transform their regional cooperation from a consultative forum into a formal strategic community during a landmark summit in Tashkent that welcomed Azerbaijan as an official member.<\/p>\n<p>The Seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State marked what officials described as a new dawn in regional integration, with participants backing proposals to establish permanent institutions and elevate diplomatic coordination.<\/p>\n<p>\"The times demand that we transform our meetings from a consultative format of regional dialogue into a strategic format called The Community of Central Asia,\" Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev told the gathering.<\/p>\n<p>Mirziyoyev proposed creating formal regulations for the meetings, establishing a rotating secretariat and upgrading national coordinators to presidential special representatives to strengthen institutional foundations.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//11//14//central-asia-leaders-to-meet-in-tashkent-for-regional-consultative-summit/">Central Asia leaders to meet in Tashkent for regional consultative summit<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//11//16//central-asian-leaders-deepen-regional-integration-as-azerbaijan-joins-consultative-format/">Central Asian leaders welcome Azerbaijan as new member at historic summit<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2><strong>Azerbaijan's membership signals closer ties<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Azerbaijan's inclusion as a full participant represents a significant expansion of the bloc's geographical reach, linking Central Asia more directly with the South Caucasus.<\/p>\n<p>Abdulaziz Komilov, foreign policy adviser to Uzbekistan's president, said the move creates \"a new geopolitical and geoeconomic region\" capable of promoting broader stability across both areas.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//06//86//808x539_cmsv2_9b514b86-3aa4-5ed2-95fd-ebc9a757c64e-9550686.jpg/" alt=\"The Seventh Consultative Meeting\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/384x256_cmsv2_9b514b86-3aa4-5ed2-95fd-ebc9a757c64e-9550686.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/640x427_cmsv2_9b514b86-3aa4-5ed2-95fd-ebc9a757c64e-9550686.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/750x500_cmsv2_9b514b86-3aa4-5ed2-95fd-ebc9a757c64e-9550686.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/828x552_cmsv2_9b514b86-3aa4-5ed2-95fd-ebc9a757c64e-9550686.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/1080x720_cmsv2_9b514b86-3aa4-5ed2-95fd-ebc9a757c64e-9550686.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/1200x800_cmsv2_9b514b86-3aa4-5ed2-95fd-ebc9a757c64e-9550686.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/1920x1280_cmsv2_9b514b86-3aa4-5ed2-95fd-ebc9a757c64e-9550686.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The Seventh Consultative Meeting<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Press service of President of Uzbekistan<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The integration reflects growing economic ties, with trade between Central Asian states expanding rapidly. Uzbekistan's commerce with regional neighbours jumped from \u20ac2.8 billion in 2017 to \u20ac6 billion in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Industrial collaboration dominated summit discussions, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan alone signing an $8 billion cooperation programme covering joint enterprises targeting both domestic and international markets.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//11//15//uzbekistan-and-kazakhstan-launch-13-billion-projects-set-10-billion-trade-target-for-2030/">Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan launch $1.3 billion projects, set $10 billion trade target for 2030<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\"Central Asian businessmen are now entering third-country markets together, as exporters of regional products,\" Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin said.<\/p>\n<p>Regional industrial growth averages 6% annually, double the global rate, according to summit data.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Security framework established<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Leaders adopted several key agreements including a concept for regional security and stability, plus a catalogue of security risks and prevention measures covering 2026-2028.<\/p>\n<p>The summit also backed Kyrgyzstan's candidacy for non-permanent UN Security Council membership during 2027-2028.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//06//86//808x539_cmsv2_371ba871-d8ba-503f-950f-dad6aa2ffdab-9550686.jpg/" alt=\"President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, signing contracts\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/384x256_cmsv2_371ba871-d8ba-503f-950f-dad6aa2ffdab-9550686.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/640x427_cmsv2_371ba871-d8ba-503f-950f-dad6aa2ffdab-9550686.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/750x500_cmsv2_371ba871-d8ba-503f-950f-dad6aa2ffdab-9550686.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/828x552_cmsv2_371ba871-d8ba-503f-950f-dad6aa2ffdab-9550686.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/1080x720_cmsv2_371ba871-d8ba-503f-950f-dad6aa2ffdab-9550686.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/1200x800_cmsv2_371ba871-d8ba-503f-950f-dad6aa2ffdab-9550686.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/1920x1280_cmsv2_371ba871-d8ba-503f-950f-dad6aa2ffdab-9550686.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, signing contracts<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Press service of President of Uzbekistan<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Mirziyoyev outlined the region's transformation through open borders, resolved territorial disputes and the expansion of transport links, calling for continued efforts to build what he termed a \"New Central Asia\".<\/p>\n<p>The institutional changes aim to give Central Asian states a unified voice on the international stage while addressing shared challenges including water resources, climate change and ecological issues.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763310217,"updatedAt":1763481290,"publishedAt":1763481286,"firstPublishedAt":1763481286,"lastPublishedAt":1763481286,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d818bb26-0059-56ba-a6c7-822abe39c943-9550686.jpg","altText":"Presidents at the Seventh Consultative meeting","caption":"Presidents at the Seventh Consultative meeting","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press service of President of Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9b514b86-3aa4-5ed2-95fd-ebc9a757c64e-9550686.jpg","altText":"The Seventh Consultative Meeting","caption":"The Seventh Consultative Meeting","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press service of President of Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/06\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_371ba871-d8ba-503f-950f-dad6aa2ffdab-9550686.jpg","altText":"President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, signing contracts","caption":"President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, signing contracts","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press service of President of Uzbekistan","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3551,"urlSafeValue":"sarvinoz.raxmonkulova@euronews.com","title":"Sarvinoz Raxmonkulova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":472,"slug":"kazakhstan","urlSafeValue":"kazakhstan","title":"Kazakhstan","titleRaw":"Kazakhstan"},{"id":15,"slug":"azerbaijan","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan"},{"id":4461,"slug":"caucasus","urlSafeValue":"caucasus","title":"Caucasus","titleRaw":"Caucasus"},{"id":27428,"slug":"central-asia","urlSafeValue":"central-asia","title":"Central Asia","titleRaw":"Central Asia"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":2},{"slug":"related","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2848682},{"id":2848739}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"rGhEPq0U5XU","dailymotionId":"x9ty388"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/29\/47\/20\/01\/ED_PYR_2947201_20251117154256.mp4","editor":"","duration":152280,"filesizeBytes":23363684,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/29\/47\/20\/01\/SHD_PYR_2947201_20251117154256.mp4","editor":"","duration":152280,"filesizeBytes":34905491,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/29\/47\/20\/01\/FHD_PYR_2947201_20251117154256.mp4","editor":"","duration":152280,"filesizeBytes":117821444,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/11\/18\/central-asia-and-south-caucasus-forge-stronger-ties-at-tashkent-summit","lastModified":1763481286},{"id":2845345,"cid":9542761,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"SA - S01E19 - UZ-ANCIENT DANCE AND MELODIES TO THE MODERN WORLD - MASTER","daletPyramidId":3255912,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"From maqom to polka and lazgi, Uzbekistan\u2019s musical heritage remains a living force","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Uzbekistan\u2019s intangible heritage of music and dance lives on","titleListing2":"From maqom to polka and lazgi, Uzbekistan\u2019s musical heritage remains a living force","leadin":"From the desert winds of Karakalpakstan to the courtyards of Andijan, Uzbekistan\u2019s music and dance heritage remains a living language of culture and memory.","summary":"From the desert winds of Karakalpakstan to the courtyards of Andijan, Uzbekistan\u2019s music and dance heritage remains a living language of culture and memory.","keySentence":"","url":"from-maqom-to-polka-and-lazgi-uzbekistans-musical-heritage-remains-a-living-force","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/18\/from-maqom-to-polka-and-lazgi-uzbekistans-musical-heritage-remains-a-living-force","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"From the whispers of ancient melodies to the heartbeat of modern dance, Uzbekistan carries an extraordinary legacy. It is a living tapestry of rhythm, song, and movement that continues to evolve while keeping its roots deep in history.\u00a0\n\nAcross the country\u2019s diverse regions, each melody, gesture, and step describes and defines the land and its people, transforming intangible heritage into something felt and shared in the present.\n\nThe winds of Karakalpakstan\n\nIn the wide expanse of Karakalpakstan, where the desert meets the river, the wind itself seems to hum with memory.\u00a0\n\nThe Karakalpakstan Maqom Ensemble preserves and reinterprets traditional music, drawing on centuries-old poetry and melody.\n\n\u201cAs our ensemble performs any piece, it is first and foremost with love and devotion for this place,\u201d says Sadaddin Sapayev, the ensemble\u2019s Artistic Director.\u00a0\n\nOne of the ensemble\u2019s signature works, \u201cThe Winds of Jeyhun\u201d, unites traditional lapar songs with the words of Ibrohim Yusufov, who is people\u2019s poet of Uzbekistan and hero of Karakalpakstan. It\u2019s a piece that flows like the Amu Darya River itself, blending voices and instruments into something both ancient and immediate.\n\nKarakalpak cultural life, says Ilmira Urazbayeva of the \u201cAyqulash\u201d Ensemble, offers a bridge between generations: \u201cIt allows young people, both those who understand and those who are just learning, to connect with their history and bring the meanings of the past into our spiritual life.\u201d\n\nIn Karakalpakstan, every beat of the drum and every vibration of the dutar string feels like a conversation among generations. Dance and music are more of a performance, they are actually acts of remembrance, a bridge carried forward.\n\nShashmaqom: The soul of Bukhara\n\nIn the ancient city of Bukhara, music becomes meditation. The Shashmaqom, a complex and revered classical form, is not for dancing feet but for the soul. Developed between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, its interwoven melodies are often described as a dialogue between the heart and divine harmony.\n\nAccording to Professor Bexruz Boltayev of Bukhara State University, Shashmaqom demands years of discipline: \u201cIt requires a great deal of effort. Not everyone can perform it. To master it, one must have a musical ear, a strong foundation, and begin from a young age.\u201d\n\nShashmaqom becomes for the performers a way of cultivating patience, precision, and depth. They are all values that have shaped generations of Uzbek musicians. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its beauty but in its moral and educational spirit, forming a living classroom of sound and meaning.\n\nThe joyful steps of Andijan\n\nIf Shashmaqom is the music of contemplation, the Andijan Polka is its exuberant opposite: full of energy and joy. In the Ferghana Valley, the polka leaps through streets and courtyards, uniting people of all ages in motion.\n\n\u201cPeople from 7 to 70 years old can dance the Andijan Polka,\u201d says Alisher Tojiboyev, Head of the Folk Ensemble Andijon Polkasi. \u201cWe adapt it for children, students, and young people, it belongs to everyone.\u201d\n\nAndijan Polka was born in the 1930s and there are two different stories about its beginning: it started either on a theatre stage, or in the swirl of weddings and public celebrations.\u00a0\n\nIts choreography embodies the spirit of agility, community, and pride. Choreographer Abdulaziz Yusupov describes it vividly: \u201cOur movements show strength: the lifting of stones, the drawing of a bow, the walk of elders. In every gesture, there is meaning.\u201d\n\nThe dance captures both everyday life and idealized beauty, a reminder that joy, too, is an essential form of heritage.\n\nLazgi: The fire of Khiva\n\nAs dawn warms the ancient rooftops of Khiva, a dance stirs: Lazgi. It is one of the world\u2019s oldest surviving dances, with roots stretching back more than 3,000 years. Born in Khorezm, it is a dance of fire, spirit, and joy. Each motion echoing the wind, the sun, and the pulse of life itself.\n\n\u201cWhoever performs Lazgi, wherever it is danced, always stands oriented toward the sun,\u201d explains Professor Gavhar Matyoqubova of the Khorezm Lazgi Academy. \u201cLife first flows to the fingers, then the wrists, the shoulders, the body \u2014 and the human is revived. This is divine music. No words can bind it.\u201d\n\nToday, Lazgi has transcended borders. Performers from Austria, Japan, and the United Kingdom have come to Uzbekistan to learn it. Scholars at international conferences have even called Lazgi a \u201cdiplomatic dance,\u201d a cultural language capable of bridging divides and fostering reconciliation where words cannot.\n\nHeritage in motion\n\nFrom the windswept plains of Karakalpakstan to the desert cities of Khiva, from the meditative tones of Bukhara to the joyful rhythms of Andijan, Uzbekistan\u2019s intangible heritage continues to thrive not just as a relic, but as a living expression of identity.\n\nEach region adds a distinct voice to the country\u2019s cultural symphony. Together they reveal a shared truth: that heritage is more about participation.\u00a0\n\nWhen dancers raise their hands to the sun or a musician plucks a centuries-old melody on the dutar, the past lives anew in the moment.\n\nAs Artistic Director Sadaddin Sapayev puts it, every performance begins \u201cwith love and devotion for this place.\u201d That devotion resonates across the country, in the songs of young performers, in classrooms and festivals.\n\nUzbekistan\u2019s intangible heritage endures not through memory alone, but through motion. It is a timeless rhythm that carries the spirit of its people from ancient melodies to the modern world.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>From the whispers of ancient melodies to the heartbeat of modern dance, Uzbekistan carries an extraordinary legacy. It is a living tapestry of rhythm, song, and movement that continues to evolve while keeping its roots deep in history. <\/p>\n<p>Across the country\u2019s diverse regions, each melody, gesture, and step describes and defines the land and its people, transforming intangible heritage into something felt and shared in the present.<\/p>\n<h2>The winds of Karakalpakstan<\/h2>\n<p>In the wide expanse of Karakalpakstan, where the desert meets the river, the wind itself seems to hum with memory. <\/p>\n<p>The Karakalpakstan Maqom Ensemble preserves and reinterprets traditional music, drawing on centuries-old poetry and melody.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs our ensemble performs any piece, it is first and foremost with love and devotion for this place,\u201d says Sadaddin Sapayev, the ensemble\u2019s Artistic Director. <\/p>\n<p>One of the ensemble\u2019s signature works, \u201cThe Winds of Jeyhun\u201d, unites traditional lapar songs with the words of Ibrohim Yusufov, who is people\u2019s poet of Uzbekistan and hero of Karakalpakstan. It\u2019s a piece that flows like the Amu Darya River itself, blending voices and instruments into something both ancient and immediate.<\/p>\n<p>Karakalpak cultural life, says Ilmira Urazbayeva of the \u201cAyqulash\u201d Ensemble, offers a bridge between generations: \u201cIt allows young people, both those who understand and those who are just learning, to connect with their history and bring the meanings of the past into our spiritual life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In Karakalpakstan, every beat of the drum and every vibration of the dutar string feels like a conversation among generations. Dance and music are more of a performance, they are actually acts of remembrance, a bridge carried forward.<\/p>\n<h2>Shashmaqom: The soul of Bukhara<\/h2>\n<p>In the ancient city of Bukhara, music becomes meditation. The Shashmaqom, a complex and revered classical form, is not for dancing feet but for the soul. Developed between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, its interwoven melodies are often described as a dialogue between the heart and divine harmony.<\/p>\n<p>According to Professor Bexruz Boltayev of Bukhara State University, Shashmaqom demands years of discipline: \u201cIt requires a great deal of effort. Not everyone can perform it. To master it, one must have a musical ear, a strong foundation, and begin from a young age.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Shashmaqom becomes for the performers a way of cultivating patience, precision, and depth. They are all values that have shaped generations of Uzbek musicians. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its beauty but in its moral and educational spirit, forming a living classroom of sound and meaning.<\/p>\n<h2>The joyful steps of Andijan<\/h2>\n<p>If Shashmaqom is the music of contemplation, the Andijan Polka is its exuberant opposite: full of energy and joy. In the Ferghana Valley, the polka leaps through streets and courtyards, uniting people of all ages in motion.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPeople from 7 to 70 years old can dance the Andijan Polka,\u201d says Alisher Tojiboyev, Head of the Folk Ensemble Andijon Polkasi. \u201cWe adapt it for children, students, and young people, it belongs to everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Andijan Polka was born in the 1930s and there are two different stories about its beginning: it started either on a theatre stage, or in the swirl of weddings and public celebrations. <\/p>\n<p>Its choreography embodies the spirit of agility, community, and pride. Choreographer Abdulaziz Yusupov describes it vividly: \u201cOur movements show strength: the lifting of stones, the drawing of a bow, the walk of elders. In every gesture, there is meaning.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The dance captures both everyday life and idealized beauty, a reminder that joy, too, is an essential form of heritage.<\/p>\n<h2>Lazgi: The fire of Khiva<\/h2>\n<p>As dawn warms the ancient rooftops of Khiva, a dance stirs: Lazgi. It is one of the world\u2019s oldest surviving dances, with roots stretching back more than 3,000 years. Born in Khorezm, it is a dance of fire, spirit, and joy. Each motion echoing the wind, the sun, and the pulse of life itself.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhoever performs Lazgi, wherever it is danced, always stands oriented toward the sun,\u201d explains Professor Gavhar Matyoqubova of the Khorezm Lazgi Academy. \u201cLife first flows to the fingers, then the wrists, the shoulders, the body \u2014 and the human is revived. This is divine music. No words can bind it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Today, Lazgi has transcended borders. Performers from Austria, Japan, and the United Kingdom have come to Uzbekistan to learn it. Scholars at international conferences have even called Lazgi a \u201cdiplomatic dance,\u201d a cultural language capable of bridging divides and fostering reconciliation where words cannot.<\/p>\n<h2>Heritage in motion<\/h2>\n<p>From the windswept plains of Karakalpakstan to the desert cities of Khiva, from the meditative tones of Bukhara to the joyful rhythms of Andijan, Uzbekistan\u2019s intangible heritage continues to thrive not just as a relic, but as a living expression of identity.<\/p>\n<p>Each region adds a distinct voice to the country\u2019s cultural symphony. Together they reveal a shared truth: that heritage is more about participation. <\/p>\n<p>When dancers raise their hands to the sun or a musician plucks a centuries-old melody on the dutar, the past lives anew in the moment.<\/p>\n<p>As Artistic Director Sadaddin Sapayev puts it, every performance begins \u201cwith love and devotion for this place.\u201d That devotion resonates across the country, in the songs of young performers, in classrooms and festivals.<\/p>\n<p>Uzbekistan\u2019s intangible heritage endures not through memory alone, but through motion. It is a timeless rhythm that carries the spirit of its people from ancient melodies to the modern world.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1762765217,"updatedAt":1763474482,"publishedAt":1763474424,"firstPublishedAt":1763474424,"lastPublishedAt":1763474481,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/28\/00\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_f463519a-2fb6-5e92-99c7-29def3a3e05a-9542800.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1926,"height":1071}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":9469,"slug":"traditional-music","urlSafeValue":"traditional-music","title":"Traditional music","titleRaw":"Traditional music"},{"id":11646,"slug":"music","urlSafeValue":"music","title":"Music","titleRaw":"Music"},{"id":4145,"slug":"dance","urlSafeValue":"dance","title":"Dance","titleRaw":"Dance"},{"id":8735,"slug":"tradition","urlSafeValue":"tradition","title":"Tradition","titleRaw":"Tradition"},{"id":574,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture","titleRaw":"Culture"},{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2851487}],"technicalTags":[{"path":"editorial.naesmi.editorial-naesmi2021"},{"path":"editorial.naesmi"},{"path":"editorial"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistancult2022"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistanforward2025"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"editorial.silkroaduzbekistan"},{"path":"editorial"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"16oFUPOE_No","dailymotionId":"x9ts604"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/28\/90\/11\/09\/ED_PYR_2890119_20251114111516.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":41830871,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/28\/90\/11\/09\/SHD_PYR_2890119_20251114111516.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":64403981,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/28\/90\/11\/09\/FHD_PYR_2890119_20251114111516.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":229453380,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Akis Tatsis","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"silk-road-adventures","urlSafeValue":"silk-road-adventures","title":"Silk Road Adventures","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/travel-series\/silk-road-adventures"},"season":"SILK ROAD ADVENTURES_S01","episode":"S01E19 - UZ-ANCIENT DANCE AND MELODIES TO THE MODERN WORLD","episodeId":"1089","vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"travel-series","urlSafeValue":"travel-series","title":"Series","url":"\/travel\/travel-series"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":32,"urlSafeValue":"travel-series","title":"Series"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1740836252,"endDate":2114343456,"type":"sponsored","slug":"silk-road-adventure-2025","title":"Uzbekistan 2025","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan","sponsorName":"silk-road-adventure-2025","sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/918\/300x48_cmsv2_78229405-e7ee-5bbd-898a-026d554cc15e-918.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/travel\/2025\/11\/18\/from-maqom-to-polka-and-lazgi-uzbekistans-musical-heritage-remains-a-living-force","lastModified":1763474481},{"id":2846890,"cid":9549852,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"Uzbekistan introduces incentives for big AI projects","daletPyramidId":3318395,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Uzbekistan launches tax-free zone for major AI and data centre projects to attract investors","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Uzbekistan launches tax-free zone for AI and data centre projects","titleListing2":"Uzbekistan launches an incentive programme for \u20ac85.8 million AI and data centre projects","leadin":"Uzbekistan offers tax breaks, cheap electricity, and renewable-energy support, with most sites planned in Karakalpakstan to help build the country\u2019s AI ecosystem by 2030.","summary":"Uzbekistan offers tax breaks, cheap electricity, and renewable-energy support, with most sites planned in Karakalpakstan to help build the country\u2019s AI ecosystem by 2030.","keySentence":"","url":"uzbekistan-launches-tax-free-zone-for-major-ai-and-data-centre-projects-to-attract-investo","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/next\/2025\/11\/18\/uzbekistan-launches-tax-free-zone-for-major-ai-and-data-centre-projects-to-attract-investo","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Uzbekistan has announced a major package of incentives to attract more than \u20ac85 million in foreign investment into artificial intelligence (AI) and data infrastructure.\n\nThe programme, introduced by presidential decree, aims to position the far-western Karakalpakstan region as a site for large data centres and high-tech projects, backed by generous tax incentives and government-supported infrastructure development.\n\nInvestors will receive significant tax breaks and access to low-cost electricity, while companies will be required to invest their own capital and adopt energy-efficient solutions, including renewable power and battery storage.\n\nOngoing upgrades to the country\u2019s fibre-optic networks and telecom infrastructure are gradually improving the country's digital capacity, according to assessments by Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technologies and a UNDP study on Uzbekistan\u2019s digital economy\n\nThese developments, combined with relatively low operating costs and Uzbekistan\u2019s position between larger Eurasian markets, make the country a potentially practical location for data-centre and compute operations for firms looking to broaden their geographic footprint.\n\nWhy Karakalpakstan? Energy and climate advantages\n\nKarakalpakstan is an autonomous region in Uzbekistan\u2019s northwest and one of the areas most affected by the Aral Sea crisis.\n\nThe Aral Sea, once among the world\u2019s largest inland lakes, began shrinking in the 1960s after large-scale irrigation projects diverted the rivers that fed it. As the water receded, the region experienced significant environmental changes, including the exposure of the former seabed, increased salinity, and more frequent dust storms.\n\nThe government\u2019s decision to anchor high-tech and AI-related projects in the region is seen as an attempt to offset these long-term challenges by fostering new industries, attracting investment, and creating a more resilient economic base.\n\nAccording to Kamola Sobirova, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Technologies, the region offers a rare combination of energy availability, climate conditions, and land resources needed for large-scale data and AI infrastructure.\n\nCooling systems can account for up to 70 per cent of a data centre\u2019s power consumption, she noted, and the region\u2019s position within the northwestern part of the national power grid \u2014 where electricity production exceeds consumption by roughly 10\u201315 per cent \u2014 ensures a more stable supply environment.\n\nAlthough traditional data centres often rely on large volumes of water for cooling, projects planned in Karakalpakstan are expected to adopt low-water or water-free cooling solutions, given the region\u2019s well-documented water scarcity and the emphasis on energy-efficient technologies in recent investment announcements.\n\nThe area\u2019s relatively cool climate, with an average annual temperature of 12 to 14\u00b0C, also enables the use of natural \u201cfree cooling,\u201d reducing dependence on water-based systems.\n\nSobirova said the initiative is also expected to drive socio-economic development by creating skilled jobs, attracting investment into IT and digital services, and stimulating the growth of supporting industries such as logistics, cooling systems, and equipment maintenance.\n\nThanks to its location and transit connections, Karakalpakstan could additionally become a base for exporting AI computing power, cloud storage, and big data services, said Kamola Sobirova.\n\nSeparately, the region serves as Uzbekistan\u2019s western gateway to Kazakhstan and the Trans-Caspian corridor, with road and fibre-optic routes passing through the region before linking to wider Eurasian networks.\n\nProject selection and evaluation\n\nProject proposals will be reviewed for alignment with Uzbekistan\u2019s national development agenda and its plans to expand the digital economy.\n\nSobirova said that project selection will prioritise proposals with strong export potential for AI and cloud services, as well as clear plans to train and employ local specialists.\n\nAuthorities will also consider the extent to which projects rely on renewable energy, the financial and operational stability of investors, and their ability to ensure reliable long-term operations.\n\nThe potential to reuse residual heat from data centres \u2014 for instance, to support greenhouse agriculture \u2014 will be evaluated alongside contributions to local infrastructure and community development.\n\nThe intention, Sobirova said, is for new facilities to become integrated parts of the broader technology ecosystem rather than isolated industrial sites.\n\nPart of a broader AI strategy\n\nThe incentive programme forms part of Uzbekistan\u2019s wider ambition to position itself not only as a national leader in digital technologies, but as a regional hub for IT and artificial intelligence.\n\nUzbekistan ranked 70th out of 188 countries in the AI Readiness Index 2024, rising 17 places from the previous year \u2014 progress the government attributes to policy reforms and increased cooperation with global technology partners.\n\nThe presidential decree outlines a plan to build a full AI ecosystem by 2030. This includes attracting more than \u20ac860 million in foreign investment, creating over 10 AI laboratories with academic institutions, and developing technology clusters that link universities, start-ups, and industry.\n\nThe strategy also calls for launching more than 100 AI-based projects, integrating renewable energy to reduce emissions, and expanding the use of environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure.\n\nBy 2030, the government aims to increase IT service exports to \u20ac4.3 billion and strengthen the country\u2019s competitive position in the global technology market.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Uzbekistan has announced a major package of incentives to attract more than \u20ac85 million in foreign investment into artificial intelligence (AI) and data infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>The programme, introduced by presidential decree, aims to position the far-western Karakalpakstan region as a site for large data centres and high-tech projects, backed by generous tax incentives and government-supported infrastructure development. <\/p>\n<p>Investors will receive significant tax breaks and access to low-cost electricity, while companies will be required to invest their own capital and adopt energy-efficient solutions, including renewable power and battery storage.<\/p>\n<p>Ongoing upgrades to the country\u2019s fibre-optic networks and telecom infrastructure are gradually improving the country's digital capacity, according to assessments by Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technologies and a UNDP study on Uzbekistan\u2019s digital economy<\/p>\n<p>These developments, combined with relatively low operating costs and Uzbekistan\u2019s position between larger Eurasian markets, make the country a potentially practical location for data-centre and compute operations for firms looking to broaden their geographic footprint.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//04//07//aral-sea-crisis-uzbekistan-launches-aral-culture-summit-to-boost-development-in-the-region/">Aral Sea crisis: Uzbekistan launches Aral Culture Summit to boost development in the region<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Why Karakalpakstan? Energy and climate advantages<\/h2>\n<p>Karakalpakstan is an autonomous region in Uzbekistan\u2019s northwest and one of the areas most affected by the Aral Sea crisis.<\/p>\n<p>The Aral Sea, once among the world\u2019s largest inland lakes, began shrinking in the 1960s after large-scale irrigation projects diverted the rivers that fed it. As the water receded, the region experienced significant environmental changes, including the exposure of the former seabed, increased salinity, and more frequent dust storms. <\/p>\n<p>The government\u2019s decision to anchor high-tech and AI-related projects in the region is seen as an attempt to offset these long-term challenges by fostering new industries, attracting investment, and creating a more resilient economic base. <\/p>\n<p>According to Kamola Sobirova, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Technologies, the region offers a rare combination of energy availability, climate conditions, and land resources needed for large-scale data and AI infrastructure. <\/p>\n<p>Cooling systems can account for up to 70 per cent of a data centre\u2019s power consumption, she noted, and the region\u2019s position within the northwestern part of the national power grid \u2014 where electricity production exceeds consumption by roughly 10\u201315 per cent \u2014 ensures a more stable supply environment.<\/p>\n<p>Although traditional data centres often rely on large volumes of water for cooling, projects planned in Karakalpakstan are expected to adopt low-water or water-free cooling solutions, given the region\u2019s well-documented water scarcity and the emphasis on energy-efficient technologies in recent investment announcements.<\/p>\n<p>The area\u2019s relatively cool climate, with an average annual temperature of 12 to 14\u00b0C, also enables the use of natural \u201cfree cooling,\u201d reducing dependence on water-based systems.<\/p>\n<p>Sobirova said the initiative is also expected to drive socio-economic development by creating skilled jobs, attracting investment into IT and digital services, and stimulating the growth of supporting industries such as logistics, cooling systems, and equipment maintenance. <\/p>\n<p>Thanks to its location and transit connections, Karakalpakstan could additionally become a base for exporting AI computing power, cloud storage, and big data services, said Kamola Sobirova. <\/p>\n<p>Separately, the region serves as Uzbekistan\u2019s western gateway to Kazakhstan and the Trans-Caspian corridor, with road and fibre-optic routes passing through the region before linking to wider Eurasian networks.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//next//2025//10//11//innoweek-2025-forum-in-uzbekistan-when-a-discovery-doesnt-stop-at-the-laboratory/">InnoWeek 2025 forum in Uzbekistan: When a discovery doesn't stop at the laboratory<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Project selection and evaluation<\/h2>\n<p>Project proposals will be reviewed for alignment with Uzbekistan\u2019s national development agenda and its plans to expand the digital economy. <\/p>\n<p>Sobirova said that project selection will prioritise proposals with strong export potential for AI and cloud services, as well as clear plans to train and employ local specialists. <\/p>\n<p>Authorities will also consider the extent to which projects rely on renewable energy, the financial and operational stability of investors, and their ability to ensure reliable long-term operations. <\/p>\n<p>The potential to reuse residual heat from data centres \u2014 for instance, to support greenhouse agriculture \u2014 will be evaluated alongside contributions to local infrastructure and community development. <\/p>\n<p>The intention, Sobirova said, is for new facilities to become integrated parts of the broader technology ecosystem rather than isolated industrial sites.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//news//2025//11//16//a-place-where-innovation-and-education-meet-inside-new-uzbekistan-university/">A place where innovation and education meet: Inside 'New Uzbekistan University'<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Part of a broader AI strategy<\/h2>\n<p>The incentive programme forms part of Uzbekistan\u2019s wider ambition to position itself not only as a national leader in digital technologies, but as a regional hub for IT and artificial intelligence. <\/p>\n<p>Uzbekistan ranked 70th out of 188 countries in the AI Readiness Index 2024, rising 17 places from the previous year \u2014 progress the government attributes to policy reforms and increased cooperation with global technology partners.<\/p>\n<p>The presidential decree outlines a plan to build a full AI ecosystem by 2030. This includes attracting more than \u20ac860 million in foreign investment, creating over 10 AI laboratories with academic institutions, and developing technology clusters that link universities, start-ups, and industry. <\/p>\n<p>The strategy also calls for launching more than 100 AI-based projects, integrating renewable energy to reduce emissions, and expanding the use of environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>By 2030, the government aims to increase IT service exports to \u20ac4.3 billion and strengthen the country\u2019s competitive position in the global technology market.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763208688,"updatedAt":1763459396,"publishedAt":1763455722,"firstPublishedAt":1763455722,"lastPublishedAt":1763455722,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/98\/52\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_40ccf735-07a8-5bc2-a6d3-85e419668ad3-9549852.jpg","altText":"AI ","caption":"AI ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3548,"urlSafeValue":"dilbar.primova@euronews.com","title":"Dilbar Primova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":28266,"slug":"ai","urlSafeValue":"ai","title":"AI","titleRaw":"AI"},{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":11071,"slug":"investment","urlSafeValue":"investment","title":"Investment","titleRaw":"Investment"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":3}],"related":[{"id":2837697},{"id":2833755},{"id":2850424}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"tech-news","urlSafeValue":"tech-news","title":"Tech News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/next\/tech-news\/tech-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"next","verticals":[{"id":9,"slug":"next","urlSafeValue":"next","title":"Next"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":9,"slug":"next","urlSafeValue":"next","title":"Next"},"themes":[{"id":"tech-news","urlSafeValue":"tech-news","title":"Tech News","url":"\/next\/tech-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":40,"urlSafeValue":"tech-news","title":"Tech News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/next\/2025\/11\/18\/uzbekistan-launches-tax-free-zone-for-major-ai-and-data-centre-projects-to-attract-investo","lastModified":1763455722},{"id":2847030,"cid":9550481,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"TASHKENT CENTRAL ASIAN LEADERS MEETING","daletPyramidId":3323657,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Central Asian leaders welcome Azerbaijan as new member at historic summit","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Central Asia welcomes Azerbaijan as new member at historic summit","titleListing2":"Central Asian leaders welcome Azerbaijan as new member at historic summit","leadin":"Central Asian leaders gathered in Uzbekistan's capital for the Seventh Consultative Meeting, emphasizing stronger political dialogue, economic integration, and collective security.","summary":"Central Asian leaders gathered in Uzbekistan's capital for the Seventh Consultative Meeting, emphasizing stronger political dialogue, economic integration, and collective security.","keySentence":"","url":"central-asian-leaders-deepen-regional-integration-as-azerbaijan-joins-consultative-format","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/16\/central-asian-leaders-deepen-regional-integration-as-azerbaijan-joins-consultative-format","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Central Asian leaders unanimously approved Azerbaijan's accession to their consultative format as a full member at the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State in Tashkent on Saturday, marking what officials described as a historic expansion of regional cooperation.\n\nLeaders of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan said the decision officially brings the South Caucasus into the Central Asian cooperation framework, creating a broader space of connectivity stretching from the Caspian to world markets.\n\nAzerbaijan's participation will give the format new momentum, expanding trade, investment, cultural ties and coordinated development across two strategically important regions, according to officials.\n\nThe Tashkent meeting focused on strengthening institutional foundations of regional cooperation, with proposals to transform the current consultative system into a long-term strategic platform called the \"Community of Central Asia,\" complete with a rotating Secretariat, a Council of Elders and enhanced roles for national coordinators.\n\nUzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered seven key proposals at the meeting, including plans for a 2035 regional trade programme, a common investment space, joint work on major transport corridors including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the Trans-Afghan route, and adoption of a regional security concept.\n\nHe proposed a Decade for Rational Water Use from 2026 to 2036 and a regional water excellence centre, along with annual congresses on spiritual heritage and new scientific initiatives.\n\nMirziyoyev said regional integration had led to borders reopening, disputes being resolved and regional trade reaching $10.7 billion (\u20ac9.20 billion) with 17 per cent growth in investment.\n\nHe congratulated Turkmenistan on taking over the chairmanship of the new Central Asia-Azerbaijan format.\n\nAzerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev said relations have evolved into a strategic partnership, strengthened by active political dialogue and growing economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.\n\nAliyev noted Azerbaijan's expanding role in regional connectivity, citing major infrastructure projects, rapid growth of transit through the Middle Corridor and new initiatives such as the Digital Silk Road and Caspian energy links.\n\nHe praised Central Asian countries for their support \"in rebuilding Azerbaijan's liberated territories\" and said shared geopolitical and geo-economic interests now unite the region.\n\nKazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for stronger regional coordination on water security, transport connectivity and economic integration.\n\nHe proposed a Central Asian Framework Convention on Water Use, a unified cargo-tracking system and a comprehensive transport strategy to unlock the region's transit potential.\n\nTokayev also emphasised cooperation in rare earth metals, artificial intelligence and tourism, while welcoming Azerbaijan's accession to the format.\n\nThe summit concluded with leaders signing documents including a joint statement outlining shared priorities, endorsement of Azerbaijan's accession, support for Kyrgyzstan's candidacy for the UN Security Council for 2027-2028, and approval of the Concept of Regional Security, Stability and Sustainable Development in Central Asia.\n\nThey also approved a Catalogue of Security Risks and preventive measures for 2026-2028.\n\nOn Saturday afternoon, the presidents visited the Centre for Islamic Civilisation in Tashkent, which houses unique artefacts and research facilities dedicated to preserving and popularising the heritage of Islamic civilisation.\n\nThey visited the Holy Quran Hall, where the Mushaf Usman, one of the greatest spiritual relics of the Islamic world, is kept, as well as sections on pre-Islamic civilisations and Islamic renaissance periods.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Central Asian leaders unanimously approved Azerbaijan's accession to their consultative format as a full member at the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State in Tashkent on Saturday, marking what officials described as a historic expansion of regional cooperation.<\/p>\n<p>Leaders of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan said the decision officially brings the South Caucasus into the Central Asian cooperation framework, creating a broader space of connectivity stretching from the Caspian to world markets.<\/p>\n<p>Azerbaijan's participation will give the format new momentum, expanding trade, investment, cultural ties and coordinated development across two strategically important regions, according to officials.<\/p>\n<p>The Tashkent meeting focused on strengthening institutional foundations of regional cooperation, with proposals to transform the current consultative system into a long-term strategic platform called the \"Community of Central Asia,\" complete with a rotating Secretariat, a Council of Elders and enhanced roles for national coordinators.<\/p>\n<p>Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered seven key proposals at the meeting, including plans for a 2035 regional trade programme, a common investment space, joint work on major transport corridors including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the Trans-Afghan route, and adoption of a regional security concept.<\/p>\n<p>He proposed a Decade for Rational Water Use from 2026 to 2036 and a regional water excellence centre, along with annual congresses on spiritual heritage and new scientific initiatives.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//04//81//808x539_cmsv2_a5ebe2f1-409a-5a19-b34c-7a5e04e05bfb-9550481.jpg/" alt=\"Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/384x256_cmsv2_a5ebe2f1-409a-5a19-b34c-7a5e04e05bfb-9550481.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/640x427_cmsv2_a5ebe2f1-409a-5a19-b34c-7a5e04e05bfb-9550481.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/750x500_cmsv2_a5ebe2f1-409a-5a19-b34c-7a5e04e05bfb-9550481.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/828x552_cmsv2_a5ebe2f1-409a-5a19-b34c-7a5e04e05bfb-9550481.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/1080x720_cmsv2_a5ebe2f1-409a-5a19-b34c-7a5e04e05bfb-9550481.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/1200x800_cmsv2_a5ebe2f1-409a-5a19-b34c-7a5e04e05bfb-9550481.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/1920x1280_cmsv2_a5ebe2f1-409a-5a19-b34c-7a5e04e05bfb-9550481.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Press service of Uzbekistan's President<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Mirziyoyev said regional integration had led to borders reopening, disputes being resolved and regional trade reaching $10.7 billion (\u20ac9.20 billion) with 17 per cent growth in investment.<\/p>\n<p>He congratulated Turkmenistan on taking over the chairmanship of the new Central Asia-Azerbaijan format.<\/p>\n<p>Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev said relations have evolved into a strategic partnership, strengthened by active political dialogue and growing economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.<\/p>\n<p>Aliyev noted Azerbaijan's expanding role in regional connectivity, citing major infrastructure projects, rapid growth of transit through the Middle Corridor and new initiatives such as the Digital Silk Road and Caspian energy links.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6760858189429618\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//04//81//808x546_cmsv2_ef4dbf43-0945-5a2b-8b1e-a00adbd93c45-9550481.jpg/" alt=\"President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/384x260_cmsv2_ef4dbf43-0945-5a2b-8b1e-a00adbd93c45-9550481.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/640x433_cmsv2_ef4dbf43-0945-5a2b-8b1e-a00adbd93c45-9550481.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/750x507_cmsv2_ef4dbf43-0945-5a2b-8b1e-a00adbd93c45-9550481.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/828x560_cmsv2_ef4dbf43-0945-5a2b-8b1e-a00adbd93c45-9550481.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/1080x730_cmsv2_ef4dbf43-0945-5a2b-8b1e-a00adbd93c45-9550481.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/1200x811_cmsv2_ef4dbf43-0945-5a2b-8b1e-a00adbd93c45-9550481.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/1920x1298_cmsv2_ef4dbf43-0945-5a2b-8b1e-a00adbd93c45-9550481.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Press Service of Azerbaijan's President<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>He praised Central Asian countries for their support \"in rebuilding Azerbaijan's liberated territories\" and said shared geopolitical and geo-economic interests now unite the region.<\/p>\n<p>Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for stronger regional coordination on water security, transport connectivity and economic integration.<\/p>\n<p>He proposed a Central Asian Framework Convention on Water Use, a unified cargo-tracking system and a comprehensive transport strategy to unlock the region's transit potential.<\/p>\n<p>Tokayev also emphasised cooperation in rare earth metals, artificial intelligence and tourism, while welcoming Azerbaijan's accession to the format.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6828125\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//04//81//808x553_cmsv2_46309471-4a39-5cf9-9f5b-7f2388109071-9550481.jpg/" alt=\"President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/384x262_cmsv2_46309471-4a39-5cf9-9f5b-7f2388109071-9550481.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/640x437_cmsv2_46309471-4a39-5cf9-9f5b-7f2388109071-9550481.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/750x512_cmsv2_46309471-4a39-5cf9-9f5b-7f2388109071-9550481.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/828x565_cmsv2_46309471-4a39-5cf9-9f5b-7f2388109071-9550481.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/1080x737_cmsv2_46309471-4a39-5cf9-9f5b-7f2388109071-9550481.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/1200x819_cmsv2_46309471-4a39-5cf9-9f5b-7f2388109071-9550481.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/1920x1311_cmsv2_46309471-4a39-5cf9-9f5b-7f2388109071-9550481.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Press Service of Kazakhstan's President<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The summit concluded with leaders signing documents including a joint statement outlining shared priorities, endorsement of Azerbaijan's accession, support for Kyrgyzstan's candidacy for the UN Security Council for 2027-2028, and approval of the Concept of Regional Security, Stability and Sustainable Development in Central Asia.<\/p>\n<p>They also approved a Catalogue of Security Risks and preventive measures for 2026-2028.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//04//81//808x539_cmsv2_f2237b7f-05f4-5590-9492-e62f98fbf7ea-9550481.jpg/" alt=\"Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/384x256_cmsv2_f2237b7f-05f4-5590-9492-e62f98fbf7ea-9550481.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/640x427_cmsv2_f2237b7f-05f4-5590-9492-e62f98fbf7ea-9550481.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/750x500_cmsv2_f2237b7f-05f4-5590-9492-e62f98fbf7ea-9550481.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/828x552_cmsv2_f2237b7f-05f4-5590-9492-e62f98fbf7ea-9550481.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/1080x720_cmsv2_f2237b7f-05f4-5590-9492-e62f98fbf7ea-9550481.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/1200x800_cmsv2_f2237b7f-05f4-5590-9492-e62f98fbf7ea-9550481.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/1920x1280_cmsv2_f2237b7f-05f4-5590-9492-e62f98fbf7ea-9550481.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Press Service of Uzbekistan's President<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>On Saturday afternoon, the presidents visited the Centre for Islamic Civilisation in Tashkent, which houses unique artefacts and research facilities dedicated to preserving and popularising the heritage of Islamic civilisation.<\/p>\n<p>They visited the Holy Quran Hall, where the Mushaf Usman, one of the greatest spiritual relics of the Islamic world, is kept, as well as sections on pre-Islamic civilisations and Islamic renaissance periods.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763290771,"updatedAt":1763329498,"publishedAt":1763307955,"firstPublishedAt":1763307955,"lastPublishedAt":1763329498,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_093ac66a-b6a2-5ea2-82c7-d8c35df16d45-9550481.jpg","altText":"Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State in Tashkent","caption":"Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State in Tashkent","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press service of Kazakhstan's President","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":776},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_fea6e197-2baa-5bd8-a691-93df8bf9de94-9550481.jpg","altText":"Leaders of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan visited Centre of Islamic Civilization","caption":"Leaders of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan visited Centre of Islamic Civilization","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press Service of Uzbekistan's President","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_f2237b7f-05f4-5590-9492-e62f98fbf7ea-9550481.jpg","altText":"Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State","caption":"Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press Service of Uzbekistan's President","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_46309471-4a39-5cf9-9f5b-7f2388109071-9550481.jpg","altText":"President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev","caption":"President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press Service of Kazakhstan's President","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":874},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_ef4dbf43-0945-5a2b-8b1e-a00adbd93c45-9550481.jpg","altText":"President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev","caption":"President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press Service of Azerbaijan's President","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1911,"height":1292},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/04\/81\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a5ebe2f1-409a-5a19-b34c-7a5e04e05bfb-9550481.jpg","altText":"Uzbekistan\u2019s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev","caption":"Uzbekistan\u2019s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press service of Uzbekistan's President","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3551,"urlSafeValue":"sarvinoz.raxmonkulova@euronews.com","title":"Sarvinoz Raxmonkulova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":15,"slug":"azerbaijan","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan"},{"id":472,"slug":"kazakhstan","urlSafeValue":"kazakhstan","title":"Kazakhstan","titleRaw":"Kazakhstan"},{"id":12034,"slug":"diplomacy","urlSafeValue":"diplomacy","title":"Diplomacy","titleRaw":"Diplomacy"},{"id":20538,"slug":"trade","urlSafeValue":"trade","title":"trade","titleRaw":"trade"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":4}],"related":[{"id":2846527},{"id":2779996},{"id":2848682}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"_Tnrbqhqnpk","dailymotionId":"x9tw03c"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/29\/44\/73\/02\/ED_PYR_2944732_20251116141436.mp4","editor":"","duration":102680,"filesizeBytes":18749095,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/29\/44\/73\/02\/SHD_PYR_2944732_20251116141436.mp4","editor":"","duration":102680,"filesizeBytes":27087915,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/29\/44\/73\/02\/FHD_PYR_2944732_20251116141436.mp4","editor":"","duration":102680,"filesizeBytes":81628408,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World 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UZBEKISTAN UNIVERSITY","daletPyramidId":3271072,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"A place where innovation and education meet: Inside 'New Uzbekistan University'","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Innovation meets education at 'New Uzbekistan University'","titleListing2":"A place where innovation and education meet: Inside 'New Uzbekistan University'","leadin":"New Uzbekistan University is emerging as a hub for AI, innovation, and global collaboration driving the nation\u2019s shift toward a tech-powered future.","summary":"New Uzbekistan University is emerging as a hub for AI, innovation, and global collaboration driving the nation\u2019s shift toward a tech-powered future.","keySentence":"","url":"a-place-where-innovation-and-education-meet-inside-new-uzbekistan-university","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/2025\/11\/16\/a-place-where-innovation-and-education-meet-inside-new-uzbekistan-university","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Uzbekistan is expanding its efforts to develop artificial intelligence (AI) through the creation of a new AI cluster centred at New Uzbekistan University in Tashkent.\n\nThe initiative aims to establish a modern AI ecosystem that unites education, science, and business, another step forward in implementing the \"Digital Uzbekistan 2030\" strategy.\n\nWhy New Uzbekistan University?\n\nThe government selected New Uzbekistan University as the hub for this initiative, citing its strong focus on science, engineering, and international collaboration. \u00a0Though established only in 2021, the institution has quickly gained a reputation as the country\u2019s most dynamic academic and research centre.\n\n\u201cOur goal is to create a university that doesn\u2019t only teach, but solves real problems,\u201d Bahodir Ahmedov, acting first vice-rector for academic affairs, told Euronews.\n\n\u201cWe work closely with businesses, the government, and international partners so that our students and researchers can apply their knowledge in practice\".\n\nMore than 1,700 students currently study at New Uzbekistan University in nine undergraduate and six graduate programmes. Over half of its 80 professors are foreign academics, many from universities ranked in the global top 600.\n\nThe institution\u2019s autonomy, rare in Uzbekistan\u2019s higher education system, allows it to shape curricula and partnerships independently.\n\nFrom classrooms to startups\n\nInnovation at university extends well beyond lecture halls. Students are encouraged to turn their ideas into startups and research projects supported by mentors and investors.\n\nThird-year software engineering student Lobar Ashurova co-founded a platform that links IT students with technology firms for internships and jobs. The project secured $15,000 (almost \u20ac13,000) in seed funding from United Ventures.\n\n\u201cWhat makes university special is that we don\u2019t just study theory \u2014 we build real products,\u201d she said.\n\nOtabek Atabayev, now a research assistant, works on sustainable water-treatment systems using biopolymers derived from local plant waste. His project won regional recognition in Huawei\u2019s Seeds for the Future competition.\n\n\u201cThis university gave me the tools and confidence to compete internationally,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s where science meets opportunity\".\n\nAnother student is focusing on digital literacy and cultural heritage. Gulasal Salimova leads a project exploring how Uzbekistan\u2019s scientific past from scholars like Al-Khwarizmi to Ulugh Beg connects with modern STEM education.\n\n\u201cWe want young people to see that innovation is already part of our identity,\u201d she said.\n\nInternational partnerships\n\nNew Uzbekistan University\u2019s global outlook is supported by long-term cooperation with TUM International, a subsidiary of the Technical University of Munich. Together they are running a project on entrepreneurship and sustainability, linking students with European mentors and industry partners.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve worked with New Uzbekistan University since its beginning,\u201d said Kathrin Albrecht, a senior manager at TUM International. \u201cIt\u2019s impressive how fast it has matured. The university is now a credible partner for European institutions and a model for others in the region\".\n\nThe university collaborates with some of the world\u2019s leading institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (United States), the Technical University of Munich (Germany), Cambridge University Press & Assessment (United Kingdom), and Khalifa University (United Arab Emirates).\n\nGlobal technology companies have also invested in training facilities on campus, including an Apple Authorized Training Center for Education, a Huawei ICT Academy, and a Yandex Machine Learning School, the first of its kind in Central Asia.\n\n\u201cThis is a 12-months course equivalent to an MSC degree. We have taken on students from, from all kinds of backgrounds,\u201d said professor Fliege Jorg.\n\n\u201cAfterwards you have basically an equivalent to an MSC degree and [are] ready to launch your career in machine learning and related areas\".\n\nFor many, the university\u2019s Apple Authorized Training Center for Education has opened a direct path to the global job market. According to Sevara Aliyeva, a teaching assistant in data structures and algorithms, \"after a three-month Swift programming course, our students can become junior iOS developers\".\n\n\u201cThree of the five certified Apple trainers in Central Asia work right here at university,\" she said.\n\nSevinch Mavlonova, who completed the programme, described it as life-changing: \u201cThanks to the Apple certification, I built my own app and secured my first internship,\u201d she said.\n\n\u201cThe experience gave me confidence to continue developing new ideas \u2014 and even start a project with other girls for the Digital Generation Girls competition, which we won\".\n\nExpanding beyond technology\n\nWhile the upcoming AI Cluster remains the university\u2019s flagship project, New Uzbekistan University\u2019s ambitions reach further.\n\n\u201cNearly 20,000 teachers are going to be trained on the AI literacy and also AI tools until the next year.\u00a0So this is the huge systematic programme supported by the presidential administration,\u00a0by the minister of the preschool and school education,\"\u00a0Ahmedov said.\n\n\"At the same time, the second hot topic is the medical education,\" Ahmedov added.\n\nConstruction has begun on a new campus that will include a medical school and an attached health clinic, both expected to open next year. The programme will merge health education with data science and engineering, preparing doctors for the age of digital medicine.\n\nAnother initiative, the planned school of agrotechnologies, will focus on modernising Uzbekistan\u2019s agriculture through automation, data analytics, and sustainable engineering.\n\n\u201cOur vision is to integrate disciplines, medicine with technology, agriculture with engineering,\u201d said Ahmedov. \u201cThat\u2019s how we will train the next generation of problem-solvers\".\n\nA symbol of change\n\nNew Uzbekistan University has also made its mark in student life and national competitions. It is placed second in the Zakovat intellectual tournament, and is one of the few universities in the country licensed to host TEDx events, with several featured on the official TEDx YouTube channel.\n\nThe first cohort of graduates, who completed their studies in 2025, includes 37 students now pursuing master\u2019s degrees abroad.\n\n\u201cOur students are academically strong and socially active,\u201d said Khilola Nazirova, vice-rector for youth and spiritual education.\n\n\u201cThey embody the values of the new Uzbekistan: Open-minded, confident, and forward-looking\".\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Uzbekistan is expanding its efforts to develop artificial intelligence (AI) through the creation of a new AI cluster centred at New Uzbekistan University in Tashkent. <\/p>\n<p>The initiative aims to establish a modern AI ecosystem that unites education, science, and business, another step forward in implementing the \"Digital Uzbekistan 2030\" strategy.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Why New Uzbekistan University?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The government selected New Uzbekistan University as the hub for this initiative, citing its strong focus on science, engineering, and international collaboration. Though established only in 2021, the institution has quickly gained a reputation as the country\u2019s most dynamic academic and research centre.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur goal is to create a university that doesn\u2019t only teach, but solves real problems,\u201d Bahodir Ahmedov, acting first vice-rector for academic affairs, told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe work closely with businesses, the government, and international partners so that our students and researchers can apply their knowledge in practice\".<\/p>\n<p>More than 1,700 students currently study at New Uzbekistan University in nine undergraduate and six graduate programmes. Over half of its 80 professors are foreign academics, many from universities ranked in the global top 600.<\/p>\n<p>The institution\u2019s autonomy, rare in Uzbekistan\u2019s higher education system, allows it to shape curricula and partnerships independently.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>From classrooms to startups<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Innovation at university extends well beyond lecture halls. Students are encouraged to turn their ideas into startups and research projects supported by mentors and investors.<\/p>\n<p>Third-year software engineering student Lobar Ashurova co-founded a platform that links IT students with technology firms for internships and jobs. The project secured $15,000 (almost \u20ac13,000) in seed funding from United Ventures.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat makes university special is that we don\u2019t just study theory \u2014 we build real products,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Otabek Atabayev, now a research assistant, works on sustainable water-treatment systems using biopolymers derived from local plant waste. His project won regional recognition in Huawei\u2019s Seeds for the Future competition.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.562\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//54//44//76//808x454_cmsv2_9107553d-c139-5e3a-839f-c87b28e3c952-9544476.jpg/" alt=\"University chemistry lab\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/384x216_cmsv2_9107553d-c139-5e3a-839f-c87b28e3c952-9544476.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/640x360_cmsv2_9107553d-c139-5e3a-839f-c87b28e3c952-9544476.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/750x422_cmsv2_9107553d-c139-5e3a-839f-c87b28e3c952-9544476.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/828x465_cmsv2_9107553d-c139-5e3a-839f-c87b28e3c952-9544476.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/1080x607_cmsv2_9107553d-c139-5e3a-839f-c87b28e3c952-9544476.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/1200x674_cmsv2_9107553d-c139-5e3a-839f-c87b28e3c952-9544476.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/1920x1079_cmsv2_9107553d-c139-5e3a-839f-c87b28e3c952-9544476.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">University chemistry lab<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\u201cThis university gave me the tools and confidence to compete internationally,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s where science meets opportunity\".<\/p>\n<p>Another student is focusing on digital literacy and cultural heritage. Gulasal Salimova leads a project exploring how Uzbekistan\u2019s scientific past from scholars like Al-Khwarizmi to Ulugh Beg connects with modern STEM education.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe want young people to see that innovation is already part of our identity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>International partnerships<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>New Uzbekistan University\u2019s global outlook is supported by long-term cooperation with TUM International, a subsidiary of the Technical University of Munich. Together they are running a project on entrepreneurship and sustainability, linking students with European mentors and industry partners.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.562\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//54//44//76//808x454_cmsv2_151798d3-aabc-5306-8fa0-7e64c998f348-9544476.jpg/" alt=\"Teachers' workshop with TUM International\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/384x216_cmsv2_151798d3-aabc-5306-8fa0-7e64c998f348-9544476.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/640x360_cmsv2_151798d3-aabc-5306-8fa0-7e64c998f348-9544476.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/750x422_cmsv2_151798d3-aabc-5306-8fa0-7e64c998f348-9544476.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/828x465_cmsv2_151798d3-aabc-5306-8fa0-7e64c998f348-9544476.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/1080x607_cmsv2_151798d3-aabc-5306-8fa0-7e64c998f348-9544476.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/1200x674_cmsv2_151798d3-aabc-5306-8fa0-7e64c998f348-9544476.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/1920x1079_cmsv2_151798d3-aabc-5306-8fa0-7e64c998f348-9544476.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Teachers' workshop with TUM International<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve worked with New Uzbekistan University since its beginning,\u201d said Kathrin Albrecht, a senior manager at TUM International. \u201cIt\u2019s impressive how fast it has matured. The university is now a credible partner for European institutions and a model for others in the region\".<\/p>\n<p>The university collaborates with some of the world\u2019s leading institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (United States), the Technical University of Munich (Germany), Cambridge University Press & Assessment (United Kingdom), and Khalifa University (United Arab Emirates).<\/p>\n<p>Global technology companies have also invested in training facilities on campus, including an Apple Authorized Training Center for Education, a Huawei ICT Academy, and a Yandex Machine Learning School, the first of its kind in Central Asia.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is a 12-months course equivalent to an MSC degree. We have taken on students from, from all kinds of backgrounds,\u201d said professor Fliege Jorg.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfterwards you have basically an equivalent to an MSC degree and [are] ready to launch your career in machine learning and related areas\".<\/p>\n<p>For many, the university\u2019s Apple Authorized Training Center for Education has opened a direct path to the global job market. According to Sevara Aliyeva, a teaching assistant in data structures and algorithms, \"after a three-month Swift programming course, our students can become junior iOS developers\".<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThree of the five certified Apple trainers in Central Asia work right here at university,\" she said.<\/p>\n<p>Sevinch Mavlonova, who completed the programme, described it as life-changing: \u201cThanks to the Apple certification, I built my own app and secured my first internship,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe experience gave me confidence to continue developing new ideas \u2014 and even start a project with other girls for the Digital Generation Girls competition, which we won\".<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Expanding beyond technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>While the upcoming AI Cluster remains the university\u2019s flagship project, New Uzbekistan University\u2019s ambitions reach further.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNearly 20,000 teachers are going to be trained on the AI literacy and also AI tools until the next year. So this is the huge systematic programme supported by the presidential administration, by the minister of the preschool and school education,\" Ahmedov said.<\/p>\n<p>\"At the same time, the second hot topic is the medical education,\" Ahmedov added.<\/p>\n<p>Construction has begun on a new campus that will include a medical school and an attached health clinic, both expected to open next year. The programme will merge health education with data science and engineering, preparing doctors for the age of digital medicine.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.562\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//54//44//76//808x454_cmsv2_749b429b-e04c-56ad-9080-6d29a967f5f3-9544476.jpg/" alt=\"The project of the university’s new building\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/384x216_cmsv2_749b429b-e04c-56ad-9080-6d29a967f5f3-9544476.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/640x360_cmsv2_749b429b-e04c-56ad-9080-6d29a967f5f3-9544476.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/750x422_cmsv2_749b429b-e04c-56ad-9080-6d29a967f5f3-9544476.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/828x465_cmsv2_749b429b-e04c-56ad-9080-6d29a967f5f3-9544476.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/1080x607_cmsv2_749b429b-e04c-56ad-9080-6d29a967f5f3-9544476.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/1200x674_cmsv2_749b429b-e04c-56ad-9080-6d29a967f5f3-9544476.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/1920x1079_cmsv2_749b429b-e04c-56ad-9080-6d29a967f5f3-9544476.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The project of the university’s new building<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Another initiative, the planned school of agrotechnologies, will focus on modernising Uzbekistan\u2019s agriculture through automation, data analytics, and sustainable engineering.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur vision is to integrate disciplines, medicine with technology, agriculture with engineering,\u201d said Ahmedov. \u201cThat\u2019s how we will train the next generation of problem-solvers\".<\/p>\n<h2><strong>A symbol of change<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>New Uzbekistan University has also made its mark in student life and national competitions. It is placed second in the Zakovat intellectual tournament, and is one of the few universities in the country licensed to host TEDx events, with several featured on the official TEDx YouTube channel.<\/p>\n<p>The first cohort of graduates, who completed their studies in 2025, includes 37 students now pursuing master\u2019s degrees abroad.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur students are academically strong and socially active,\u201d said Khilola Nazirova, vice-rector for youth and spiritual education.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey embody the values of the new Uzbekistan: Open-minded, confident, and forward-looking\".<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1762865785,"updatedAt":1763283453,"publishedAt":1763276446,"firstPublishedAt":1763276446,"lastPublishedAt":1763276489,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_fe2d1f2f-61e5-5cd8-b5de-6340c7dd3a06-9544476.jpg","altText":"Tech companies training room in New Uzbekistan University","caption":"Tech companies training room in New Uzbekistan University","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1124},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_749b429b-e04c-56ad-9080-6d29a967f5f3-9544476.jpg","altText":"The project of the university\u2019s new building","caption":"The project of the university\u2019s new building","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1124},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9107553d-c139-5e3a-839f-c87b28e3c952-9544476.jpg","altText":"University chemistry lab","caption":"University chemistry lab","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1124},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/44\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_151798d3-aabc-5306-8fa0-7e64c998f348-9544476.jpg","altText":"Teachers' workshop with TUM International","caption":"Teachers' workshop with TUM International","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1124}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3548,"urlSafeValue":"dilbar.primova@euronews.com","title":"Dilbar Primova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":29634,"slug":"scolarisation","urlSafeValue":"scolarisation","title":"education","titleRaw":"education"},{"id":13512,"slug":"university","urlSafeValue":"university","title":"university","titleRaw":"university"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":3}],"related":[{"id":2843931},{"id":2830768},{"id":2850424}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"n1_4G2WZjPg","dailymotionId":"x9tlk4e"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/29\/02\/37\/08\/ED_PYR_2902378_20251111150613.mp4","editor":"","duration":179200,"filesizeBytes":26845671,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/29\/02\/37\/08\/SHD_PYR_2902378_20251111150613.mp4","editor":"","duration":179200,"filesizeBytes":40419745,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/29\/02\/37\/08\/FHD_PYR_2902378_20251111150613.mp4","editor":"","duration":179200,"filesizeBytes":138276164,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"tech-news","urlSafeValue":"tech-news","title":"Tech News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/next\/tech-news\/tech-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"next","verticals":[{"id":9,"slug":"next","urlSafeValue":"next","title":"Next"},{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":9,"slug":"next","urlSafeValue":"next","title":"Next"},"themes":[{"id":"tech-news","urlSafeValue":"tech-news","title":"Tech News","url":"\/next\/tech-news"},{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":40,"urlSafeValue":"tech-news","title":"Tech News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/next\/2025\/11\/16\/a-place-where-innovation-and-education-meet-inside-new-uzbekistan-university","lastModified":1763276489},{"id":2846844,"cid":9549742,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"UZBEKISTAN KAZAKHSTAN LEADERS MEETING","daletPyramidId":3317853,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan launch $1.3 billion projects, set $10 billion trade target for 2030","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"New joint projects mark broader Uzbekistan\u2013Kazakhstan cooperation","titleListing2":"Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan launch $1.3 billion projects, set $10 billion trade target for 2030","leadin":"The announcements came during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's state visit to Uzbekistan and his meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, ahead of the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State.","summary":"The announcements came during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's state visit to Uzbekistan and his meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, ahead of the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State.","keySentence":"","url":"uzbekistan-and-kazakhstan-launch-13-billion-projects-set-10-billion-trade-target-for-2030","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/15\/uzbekistan-and-kazakhstan-launch-13-billion-projects-set-10-billion-trade-target-for-2030","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have announced the launch of new joint projects worth $1.3 billion (\u20ac1.18 billion), as well as reconfirmed their plans to bring the annual bilateral trade turnover up to $10 billion (\u20ac8.6 billion) by 2030.\n\nThe announcements came during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's state visit to Uzbekistan and his meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, ahead of the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State, which takes place this weekend in Tashkent.\n\n\"Our relations have now reached the highest level\u2014that of a strategic partnership and alliance,\" said Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.\n\nHis Kazakh counterpart, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, noted that \"contrary to the speculations of so-called 'experts,' Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are by no means rivals or even competitors, but strategic partners, reliable allies, walking together along the path of progress and development.\"\n\nThe two leaders joined the virtual launch of seven big projects in industry, construction, petrochemicals, finance, logistics, and tourism.\n\nAmong them is the \u201cCentral Asia\u201d International Industrial Cooperation Centre near the Atameken (Kazakhstan) and Gulistan (Uzbekistan) border crossing points.\n\nThe facility will include production sites, warehouses for storing goods and equipment, and transport infrastructure. This will speed up cargo delivery and reduce logistics costs.\n\nOther projects include the head office of \"Tenge Bank\" in Tashkent, the beginning of construction of the \u201cSilkway Central Asia\u201d multipurpose logistics center in the Tashkent region, the \"Astana\" residential complex in New Tashkent, a petrochemical complex for alkylbenzene production in the Kashkadarya region, the \"Astana\" hotel complex in New Tashkent, and the \"Tashkent\" hotel complex in the capital of Kazakhstan.\n\nEconomic integration and trade growth\n\nDuring the leader's negotiations and the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, it was announced that the trade between the two countries has reached $4 billion (more than \u20ac3.4 billion) since the beginning of the year.\n\nBoth governments have established a common goal of reaching $10 billion (more than \u20ac8.6 billion) by 2030. In support of this target, both sides noted increased mutual supplies, diversification of trade structures, and industrial cooperation.\n\nAdditionally, an Industrial Cooperation Program with a total value of over $8 billion (almost \u20ac6.9 billion) has been prepared, encompassing projects in the chemical, geological, infrastructure, logistics, agro-industrial, and many other sectors.\n\nInfrastructure and transport connectivity were also major themes, with both presidents agreeing to enhance transport corridors and improve border infrastructure.\n\nBoth leaders discussed new routes, such as the Uchkuduq\u2013Kyzylorda corridor, and the intensification of freight via the Aktau, Kuryk, and Khorgos ports.\n\nAt the same time, energy cooperation remains a strategic pillar of the partnership. Mirziyoyev and Tokayev noted progress in joint projects in both traditional and renewable energy sectors and pledged continued coordination in water management and environmental protection\u2014areas of vital importance for the broader Central Asian region.\n\nTokayev given \"High-ranking Friendship\"\n\nBesides economic issues, the visit also saw the signing of an agreement between the two countries on joint management and utilisation of transboundary water bodies, reflecting the importance both sides attach to coordinated management of waters and the environment.\n\nAlso, over the past year, cultural events such as ballet performances, art exhibitions, youth festivals, and literary forums have attracted considerable public interest, improving cultural and humanitarian ties.\n\nBoth sides emphasised plans to expand academic and scientific exchanges, develop tourism programs, and deepen collaboration between youth and creative organisations.\n\nOne of the symbolic moments of the visit was President Mirziyoyev's decision to confer on President Tokayev the highest state award of Uzbekistan, the order \"Oliy Darajali Dustlik\" (\"High-ranking Friendship\").\n\nFor his part, President Tokayev said that he took the order as a manifestation of respect for himself and for the people of Kazakhstan.\n\nPresident Mirziyoyev said that the award indicates recognition by Uzbekistan of the merits of the Kazakh leader in developing cooperation and making a contribution to the development of relations between the two states.\n\nThe visit was concluded with the adoption of a joint statement and the signing of 17 bilateral documents on energy, geology, water management, customs coordination, healthcare, tourism, and youth cooperation.\n\nExperts say the mix of newly launched projects and longer-term agreements shows the intention of the governments to expand practical collaboration and support steady trade growth over the coming years.\n\nUzbek-Azerbaijani relations\n\nMeanwhile, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also held a meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, who arrived in the country to participate in the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.\n\nTopical issues of further developing and strengthening the Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations of strategic partnership and alliance were discussed in the context of implementing the agreements reached during the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan in July this year.\n\nSince the beginning of the year, trade turnover has increased by 15 percent between the two countries, with some joint industrial cooperation projects in the automotive industry, energy, tourism, and other sectors in the active implementation phase.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have announced the launch of new joint projects worth $1.3 billion (\u20ac1.18 billion), as well as reconfirmed their plans to bring the annual bilateral trade turnover up to $10 billion (\u20ac8.6 billion) by 2030. <\/p>\n<p>The announcements came during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's state visit to Uzbekistan and his meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, ahead of the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//11//14//central-asia-leaders-to-meet-in-tashkent-for-regional-consultative-summit/">Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State,<\/strong><\/a> which takes place this weekend in Tashkent.<\/p>\n<p>\"Our relations have now reached the highest level\u2014that of a strategic partnership and alliance,\" said Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. <\/p>\n<p>His Kazakh counterpart, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, noted that \"contrary to the speculations of so-called 'experts,' Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are by no means rivals or even competitors, but strategic partners, reliable allies, walking together along the path of progress and development.\"<\/p>\n<p>The two leaders joined the virtual launch of seven big projects in industry, construction, petrochemicals, finance, logistics, and tourism. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.37\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//54//97//42//808x299_cmsv2_2cc5f1a1-719f-5a7e-b1d0-af47d0cec402-9549742.jpg/" alt=\"Virtual launch of seven big projects by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/384x142_cmsv2_2cc5f1a1-719f-5a7e-b1d0-af47d0cec402-9549742.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/640x237_cmsv2_2cc5f1a1-719f-5a7e-b1d0-af47d0cec402-9549742.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/750x278_cmsv2_2cc5f1a1-719f-5a7e-b1d0-af47d0cec402-9549742.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/828x306_cmsv2_2cc5f1a1-719f-5a7e-b1d0-af47d0cec402-9549742.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1080x400_cmsv2_2cc5f1a1-719f-5a7e-b1d0-af47d0cec402-9549742.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1200x444_cmsv2_2cc5f1a1-719f-5a7e-b1d0-af47d0cec402-9549742.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1920x710_cmsv2_2cc5f1a1-719f-5a7e-b1d0-af47d0cec402-9549742.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Virtual launch of seven big projects by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Press Service of Kazakhstan's President<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Among them is the \u201cCentral Asia\u201d International Industrial Cooperation Centre near the Atameken (Kazakhstan) and Gulistan (Uzbekistan) border crossing points. <\/p>\n<p>The facility will include production sites, warehouses for storing goods and equipment, and transport infrastructure. This will speed up cargo delivery and reduce logistics costs.<\/p>\n<p>Other projects include the head office of \"Tenge Bank\" in Tashkent, the beginning of construction of the \u201cSilkway Central Asia\u201d multipurpose logistics center in the Tashkent region, the \"Astana\" residential complex in New Tashkent, a petrochemical complex for alkylbenzene production in the Kashkadarya region, the \"Astana\" hotel complex in New Tashkent, and the \"Tashkent\" hotel complex in the capital of Kazakhstan.<\/p>\n<h2>Economic integration and trade growth<\/h2>\n<p>During the leader's negotiations and the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, it was announced that the trade between the two countries has reached $4 billion (more than \u20ac3.4 billion) since the beginning of the year.<\/p>\n<p>Both governments have established a common goal of reaching $10 billion (more than \u20ac8.6 billion) by 2030. In support of this target, both sides noted increased mutual supplies, diversification of trade structures, and industrial cooperation.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, an Industrial Cooperation Program with a total value of over $8 billion (almost \u20ac6.9 billion) has been prepared, encompassing projects in the chemical, geological, infrastructure, logistics, agro-industrial, and many other sectors.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//54//97//42//808x539_cmsv2_1fdb4b0d-efb9-5aeb-9aaf-6caa7ae0b3cc-9549742.jpg/" alt=\"Second meeting of the Supreme Inerstate Council \" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/384x256_cmsv2_1fdb4b0d-efb9-5aeb-9aaf-6caa7ae0b3cc-9549742.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/640x427_cmsv2_1fdb4b0d-efb9-5aeb-9aaf-6caa7ae0b3cc-9549742.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/750x500_cmsv2_1fdb4b0d-efb9-5aeb-9aaf-6caa7ae0b3cc-9549742.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/828x552_cmsv2_1fdb4b0d-efb9-5aeb-9aaf-6caa7ae0b3cc-9549742.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1080x720_cmsv2_1fdb4b0d-efb9-5aeb-9aaf-6caa7ae0b3cc-9549742.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1200x800_cmsv2_1fdb4b0d-efb9-5aeb-9aaf-6caa7ae0b3cc-9549742.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1920x1280_cmsv2_1fdb4b0d-efb9-5aeb-9aaf-6caa7ae0b3cc-9549742.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Second meeting of the Supreme Inerstate Council <\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Press Service of Uzbekistan's President<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Infrastructure and transport connectivity were also major themes, with both presidents agreeing to enhance transport corridors and improve border infrastructure. <\/p>\n<p>Both leaders discussed new routes, such as the Uchkuduq\u2013Kyzylorda corridor, and the intensification of freight via the Aktau, Kuryk, and Khorgos ports.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, energy cooperation remains a strategic pillar of the partnership. Mirziyoyev and Tokayev noted progress in joint projects in both traditional and renewable energy sectors and pledged continued coordination in water management and environmental protection\u2014areas of vital importance for the broader Central Asian region.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//11//14//central-asia-leaders-to-meet-in-tashkent-for-regional-consultative-summit/">Central Asia leaders to meet in Tashkent for regional consultative summit<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Tokayev given \"High-ranking Friendship\"<\/h2>\n<p>Besides economic issues, the visit also saw the signing of an agreement between the two countries on joint management and utilisation of transboundary water bodies, reflecting the importance both sides attach to coordinated management of waters and the environment.<\/p>\n<p>Also, over the past year, cultural events such as ballet performances, art exhibitions, youth festivals, and literary forums have attracted considerable public interest, improving cultural and humanitarian ties.<\/p>\n<p>Both sides emphasised plans to expand academic and scientific exchanges, develop tourism programs, and deepen collaboration between youth and creative organisations.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//54//97//42//808x539_cmsv2_e0d4c008-919d-5ecd-b203-967ea8e6a199-9549742.jpg/" alt=\"Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded Kasym-Jomart Tokayev with the Order of Friendship of the Highest Degree.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/384x256_cmsv2_e0d4c008-919d-5ecd-b203-967ea8e6a199-9549742.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/640x427_cmsv2_e0d4c008-919d-5ecd-b203-967ea8e6a199-9549742.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/750x500_cmsv2_e0d4c008-919d-5ecd-b203-967ea8e6a199-9549742.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/828x552_cmsv2_e0d4c008-919d-5ecd-b203-967ea8e6a199-9549742.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1080x720_cmsv2_e0d4c008-919d-5ecd-b203-967ea8e6a199-9549742.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1200x800_cmsv2_e0d4c008-919d-5ecd-b203-967ea8e6a199-9549742.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1920x1280_cmsv2_e0d4c008-919d-5ecd-b203-967ea8e6a199-9549742.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded Kasym-Jomart Tokayev with the Order of Friendship of the Highest Degree.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Press Service of Uzbekistan's President<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>One of the symbolic moments of the visit was President Mirziyoyev's decision to confer on President Tokayev the highest state award of Uzbekistan, the order \"Oliy Darajali Dustlik\" (\"High-ranking Friendship\"). <\/p>\n<p>For his part, President Tokayev said that he took the order as a manifestation of respect for himself and for the people of Kazakhstan.<\/p>\n<p>President Mirziyoyev said that the award indicates recognition by Uzbekistan of the merits of the Kazakh leader in developing cooperation and making a contribution to the development of relations between the two states.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//54//97//42//808x539_cmsv2_f09f1a3c-d15b-5ca7-8300-456753a41d3f-9549742.jpg/" alt=\"A solid package of agreements signed to further strengthen strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/384x256_cmsv2_f09f1a3c-d15b-5ca7-8300-456753a41d3f-9549742.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/640x427_cmsv2_f09f1a3c-d15b-5ca7-8300-456753a41d3f-9549742.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/750x500_cmsv2_f09f1a3c-d15b-5ca7-8300-456753a41d3f-9549742.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/828x552_cmsv2_f09f1a3c-d15b-5ca7-8300-456753a41d3f-9549742.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1080x720_cmsv2_f09f1a3c-d15b-5ca7-8300-456753a41d3f-9549742.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1200x800_cmsv2_f09f1a3c-d15b-5ca7-8300-456753a41d3f-9549742.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1920x1280_cmsv2_f09f1a3c-d15b-5ca7-8300-456753a41d3f-9549742.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">A solid package of agreements signed to further strengthen strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Press Service of Uzbekistan's President<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The visit was concluded with the adoption of a joint statement and the signing of 17 bilateral documents on energy, geology, water management, customs coordination, healthcare, tourism, and youth cooperation. <\/p>\n<p>Experts say the mix of newly launched projects and longer-term agreements shows the intention of the governments to expand practical collaboration and support steady trade growth over the coming years.<\/p>\n<h2>Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations<\/h2>\n<p>Meanwhile, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also held a meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, who arrived in the country to participate in the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//54//97//42//808x539_cmsv2_82019fd3-a9d3-5209-861c-12f586f11768-9549742.jpg/" alt=\"President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev,\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/384x256_cmsv2_82019fd3-a9d3-5209-861c-12f586f11768-9549742.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/640x427_cmsv2_82019fd3-a9d3-5209-861c-12f586f11768-9549742.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/750x500_cmsv2_82019fd3-a9d3-5209-861c-12f586f11768-9549742.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/828x552_cmsv2_82019fd3-a9d3-5209-861c-12f586f11768-9549742.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1080x720_cmsv2_82019fd3-a9d3-5209-861c-12f586f11768-9549742.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1200x800_cmsv2_82019fd3-a9d3-5209-861c-12f586f11768-9549742.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/1920x1280_cmsv2_82019fd3-a9d3-5209-861c-12f586f11768-9549742.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev,<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Press Service of Uzbekistan's President<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//07//03//azerbaijan-and-uzbekistan-reinforce-ties-ahead-of-eco-summit/">Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan reinforce ties ahead of ECO Summit<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Topical issues of further developing and strengthening the Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations of strategic partnership and alliance were discussed in the context of implementing the agreements reached during the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//07//03//azerbaijan-and-uzbekistan-reinforce-ties-ahead-of-eco-summit/">state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan in July this year.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Since the beginning of the year, trade turnover has increased by 15 percent between the two countries, with some joint industrial cooperation projects in the automotive industry, energy, tourism, and other sectors in the active implementation phase.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763199621,"updatedAt":1763225293,"publishedAt":1763212433,"firstPublishedAt":1763212433,"lastPublishedAt":1763225292,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_5059512e-7c87-5b6d-b64e-ffeb5bc3d478-9549742.jpg","altText":"Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan joined the virtual launch of seven big projects ","caption":"Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan joined the virtual launch of seven big projects ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press Service of Uzbekistan's President","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1620,"height":911},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_82019fd3-a9d3-5209-861c-12f586f11768-9549742.jpg","altText":"President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev,","caption":"President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev,","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press Service of Uzbekistan's President","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_e0d4c008-919d-5ecd-b203-967ea8e6a199-9549742.jpg","altText":"Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded Kasym-Jomart Tokayev with the Order of Friendship of the Highest Degree.","caption":"Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded Kasym-Jomart Tokayev with the Order of Friendship of the Highest Degree.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press Service of Uzbekistan's President","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_f09f1a3c-d15b-5ca7-8300-456753a41d3f-9549742.jpg","altText":"A solid package of agreements signed to further strengthen strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan","caption":"A solid package of agreements signed to further strengthen strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press service of Uzbekistan's President","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1fdb4b0d-efb9-5aeb-9aaf-6caa7ae0b3cc-9549742.jpg","altText":"Second meeting of the Supreme Inerstate Council ","caption":"Second meeting of the Supreme Inerstate Council ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press Service of Uzbekistan's President","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/97\/42\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_2cc5f1a1-719f-5a7e-b1d0-af47d0cec402-9549742.jpg","altText":"Virtual launch of seven big projects by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan","caption":"Virtual launch of seven big projects by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Press Service of Kazakhstan's President","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":740}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":472,"slug":"kazakhstan","urlSafeValue":"kazakhstan","title":"Kazakhstan","titleRaw":"Kazakhstan"},{"id":27428,"slug":"central-asia","urlSafeValue":"central-asia","title":"Central Asia","titleRaw":"Central Asia"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":5},{"slug":"related","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2846527},{"id":2844695},{"id":2842590}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/11\/15\/uzbekistan-and-kazakhstan-launch-13-billion-projects-set-10-billion-trade-target-for-2030","lastModified":1763225292},{"id":2846527,"cid":9548211,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"PREVIEW CENTRAL ASIAN LEADERS IN TASHKENT","daletPyramidId":3305978,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Central Asia leaders to meet in Tashkent for regional consultative summit","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Tashkent hosts Central Asia leaders for regional consultative summit","titleListing2":"Central Asian leaders meet in Tashkent to deepen regional cooperation and integration #CentralAsia","leadin":"Leaders from Central Asia will meet in Tashkent to discuss regional cooperation. Uzbekistan's President Mirziyoyev calls it a key step in building trust and stability.","summary":"Leaders from Central Asia will meet in Tashkent to discuss regional cooperation. Uzbekistan's President Mirziyoyev calls it a key step in building trust and stability.","keySentence":"","url":"central-asia-leaders-to-meet-in-tashkent-for-regional-consultative-summit","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/14\/central-asia-leaders-to-meet-in-tashkent-for-regional-consultative-summit","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Central Asian leaders will gather in Tashkent this weekend for the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State, with plans to adopt a package of multilateral agreements to deepen regional cooperation.\n\nThe summit brings together the leaders of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, with Azerbaijan participating as a guest of honour for the third consecutive year.\n\nThe leaders will discuss ways to advance joint projects in priority sectors and exchange views on key regional and international issues, as outlined in the agenda.\n\nEssential mechanism for building trust\n\nUzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev described the consultative meetings as an essential mechanism for building trust and a \"vivid symbol\" of the new Central Asia in an article published in national media.\n\n\"For the first time in many years, an atmosphere of mutual understanding is being formed in the region,\" Mirziyoyev wrote, adding that the Tashkent summit \"marks a new milestone in building a stable, interconnected, and prosperous Central Asia.\"\n\nRegional cooperation has delivered concrete results, including the settlement of long-standing border disputes through a trilateral treaty between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and the Khujand Declaration.\n\nBreakthrough agreements on water resources include joint implementation of the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant, cooperation on the Zarafshan river, enhanced coordination over the Bakhri Tochik reservoir, and agreements on the rational use of the Amudarya with Turkmenistan.\n\nMirziyoyev said peace and prosperity in the region are impossible without integrating Afghanistan into regional economic processes, noting that its stability directly affects security across Central Asia.\n\nNew stage of regional integration\n\nEconomic cooperation has expanded rapidly. Uzbekistan's trade with its neighbours grew from \u20ac2.8 billion in 2017 to \u20ac6 billion in 2024.\n\nAcross Central Asia, aggregate GDP increased 2.5 times to \u20ac450 billion, intra-regional trade doubled to nearly \u20ac10 billion, and joint enterprises in Uzbekistan now exceed 1,800. Industrial growth in the region averages 6 per cent per year, twice the global average.\n\nLaziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, said the dialogue will give \"a constructive impetus to the integration of Central Asia.\"\n\nUzbekistan's trade turnover with Kazakhstan is approaching \u20ac3.5 billion, with Kyrgyzstan \u20ac603 million, Tajikistan \u20ac500 million and Turkmenistan \u20ac1 billion, double the figure from five years ago.\n\nCooperation with Azerbaijan is expanding rapidly, with a joint investment portfolio now exceeding \u20ac4.2 billion. Bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan reached \u20ac275 million in January-September 2025, an 87.5 per cent increase on the previous year. Transit shipments exceeded 1.3 million tonnes in 2024.\n\nA 2025-2027 Action Plan for Industrial Cooperation and new border trade zones are expected to drive further growth.\n\nWith Central Asia's population surpassing 80 million and expected to reach 100 million by 2050, Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of turning youth potential into a driver of development.\n\nOrigins of the format\n\nThe consultative meeting format originated from Mirziyoyev's initiative announced at the UN General Assembly in 2017, proposing regular high-level consultations among Central Asian states. The inaugural meeting took place in Astana in 2018.\n\nAssyl Tuleubekov, Associate Professor at Maqsut Narikbayev University in Astana, said the meetings \"have become a positive tradition, showing that Central Asian countries are increasingly united in addressing global and regional challenges.\"\n\nThe gatherings help coordinate efforts on transboundary water use, energy supply and migration, while fostering dialogue on security amid the evolving situation in Afghanistan, he said.\n\nAzerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev told the Uzbekistan press agency the meeting will be \"a significant stage in fostering the centuries-old friendship between our brotherly peoples and expanding multi-level cooperation in the political, economic, transport, investment, energy, cultural and humanitarian spheres, and in the field of digital transformation.\"\n\nHe noted that over the past three years, Central Asian heads of state have made nearly 30 visits to Azerbaijan, while he has visited the countries 13 times.\n\nAzerbaijan's engagement strengthens regional connectivity, particularly through the Middle Corridor linking Central Asia with Europe.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Central Asian leaders will gather in Tashkent this weekend for the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State, with plans to adopt a package of multilateral agreements to deepen regional cooperation.<\/p>\n<p>The summit brings together the leaders of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, with Azerbaijan participating as a guest of honour for the third consecutive year.<\/p>\n<p>The leaders will discuss ways to advance joint projects in priority sectors and exchange views on key regional and international issues, as outlined in the agenda.<\/p>\n<h2>Essential mechanism for building trust<\/h2>\n<p>Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev described the consultative meetings as an essential mechanism for building trust and a \"vivid symbol\" of the new Central Asia in an article published in national media.<\/p>\n<p>\"For the first time in many years, an atmosphere of mutual understanding is being formed in the region,\" Mirziyoyev wrote, adding that the Tashkent summit \"marks a new milestone in building a stable, interconnected, and prosperous Central Asia.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//54//82//11//808x539_cmsv2_15e98e80-4f32-5b9d-a04c-9865b49df4cd-9548211.jpg/" alt=\"President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev giving a speech at the Sixth Consultative Meeting\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/384x256_cmsv2_15e98e80-4f32-5b9d-a04c-9865b49df4cd-9548211.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/640x427_cmsv2_15e98e80-4f32-5b9d-a04c-9865b49df4cd-9548211.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/750x500_cmsv2_15e98e80-4f32-5b9d-a04c-9865b49df4cd-9548211.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/828x552_cmsv2_15e98e80-4f32-5b9d-a04c-9865b49df4cd-9548211.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/1080x720_cmsv2_15e98e80-4f32-5b9d-a04c-9865b49df4cd-9548211.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/1200x800_cmsv2_15e98e80-4f32-5b9d-a04c-9865b49df4cd-9548211.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/1920x1280_cmsv2_15e98e80-4f32-5b9d-a04c-9865b49df4cd-9548211.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev giving a speech at the Sixth Consultative Meeting<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">president.uz<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Regional cooperation has delivered concrete results, including the settlement of long-standing border disputes through a trilateral treaty between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and the Khujand Declaration.<\/p>\n<p>Breakthrough agreements on water resources include joint implementation of the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant, cooperation on the Zarafshan river, enhanced coordination over the Bakhri Tochik reservoir, and agreements on the rational use of the Amudarya with Turkmenistan.<\/p>\n<p>Mirziyoyev said peace and prosperity in the region are impossible without integrating Afghanistan into regional economic processes, noting that its stability directly affects security across Central Asia.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>New stage of regional integration<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Economic cooperation has expanded rapidly. Uzbekistan's trade with its neighbours grew from \u20ac2.8 billion in 2017 to \u20ac6 billion in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Across Central Asia, aggregate GDP increased 2.5 times to \u20ac450 billion, intra-regional trade doubled to nearly \u20ac10 billion, and joint enterprises in Uzbekistan now exceed 1,800. Industrial growth in the region averages 6 per cent per year, twice the global average.<\/p>\n<p>Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, said the dialogue will give \"a constructive impetus to the integration of Central Asia.\"<\/p>\n<p>Uzbekistan's trade turnover with Kazakhstan is approaching \u20ac3.5 billion, with Kyrgyzstan \u20ac603 million, Tajikistan \u20ac500 million and Turkmenistan \u20ac1 billion, double the figure from five years ago.<\/p>\n<p>Cooperation with Azerbaijan is expanding rapidly, with a joint investment portfolio now exceeding \u20ac4.2 billion. Bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan reached \u20ac275 million in January-September 2025, an 87.5 per cent increase on the previous year. Transit shipments exceeded 1.3 million tonnes in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>A 2025-2027 Action Plan for Industrial Cooperation and new border trade zones are expected to drive further growth.<\/p>\n<p>With Central Asia's population surpassing 80 million and expected to reach 100 million by 2050, Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of turning youth potential into a driver of development.<\/p>\n<h2>Origins of the format<\/h2>\n<p>The consultative meeting format originated from Mirziyoyev's initiative announced at the UN General Assembly in 2017, proposing regular high-level consultations among Central Asian states. The inaugural meeting took place in Astana in 2018.<\/p>\n<p>Assyl Tuleubekov, Associate Professor at Maqsut Narikbayev University in Astana, said the meetings \"have become a positive tradition, showing that Central Asian countries are increasingly united in addressing global and regional challenges.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.66640625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//54//82//11//808x539_cmsv2_c0108554-f81f-5127-a2ed-5ccde9409f7c-9548211.jpg/" alt=\"The Sixth Consultative Meeting\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/384x256_cmsv2_c0108554-f81f-5127-a2ed-5ccde9409f7c-9548211.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/640x427_cmsv2_c0108554-f81f-5127-a2ed-5ccde9409f7c-9548211.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/750x500_cmsv2_c0108554-f81f-5127-a2ed-5ccde9409f7c-9548211.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/828x552_cmsv2_c0108554-f81f-5127-a2ed-5ccde9409f7c-9548211.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/1080x720_cmsv2_c0108554-f81f-5127-a2ed-5ccde9409f7c-9548211.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/1200x800_cmsv2_c0108554-f81f-5127-a2ed-5ccde9409f7c-9548211.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/1920x1280_cmsv2_c0108554-f81f-5127-a2ed-5ccde9409f7c-9548211.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The Sixth Consultative Meeting<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">president.uz<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The gatherings help coordinate efforts on transboundary water use, energy supply and migration, while fostering dialogue on security amid the evolving situation in Afghanistan, he said.<\/p>\n<p>Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev told the Uzbekistan press agency the meeting will be \"a significant stage in fostering the centuries-old friendship between our brotherly peoples and expanding multi-level cooperation in the political, economic, transport, investment, energy, cultural and humanitarian spheres, and in the field of digital transformation.\"<\/p>\n<p>He noted that over the past three years, Central Asian heads of state have made nearly 30 visits to Azerbaijan, while he has visited the countries 13 times.<\/p>\n<p>Azerbaijan's engagement strengthens regional connectivity, particularly through the Middle Corridor linking Central Asia with Europe.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763102886,"updatedAt":1763131349,"publishedAt":1763123997,"firstPublishedAt":1763123997,"lastPublishedAt":1763123997,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_3e6d9239-a475-573e-84eb-f7a29da7744f-9548211.jpg","altText":"Central Asian leaders at the sixth Consultative meeting","caption":"Central Asian leaders at the sixth Consultative meeting","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"president.uz","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_45486c19-6c48-577f-840b-e72874dcf7ef-9548211.jpg","altText":"The Seventh Consultative meeting in Tashkent","caption":"The Seventh Consultative meeting in Tashkent","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"president.uz","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":828},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c0108554-f81f-5127-a2ed-5ccde9409f7c-9548211.jpg","altText":"The six Consultative Meeting","caption":"The six Consultative Meeting","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"president.uz","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/82\/11\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_15e98e80-4f32-5b9d-a04c-9865b49df4cd-9548211.jpg","altText":"President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev giving a speech at the Sixth Consultative Meeting","caption":"President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev giving a speech at the Sixth Consultative Meeting","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"president.uz","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":853}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3551,"urlSafeValue":"sarvinoz.raxmonkulova@euronews.com","title":"Sarvinoz Raxmonkulova","twitter":null},{"id":3546,"urlSafeValue":"galiya.khassenkhanova@euronews.com","title":"Galiya Khassenkhanova","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"},{"id":472,"slug":"kazakhstan","urlSafeValue":"kazakhstan","title":"Kazakhstan","titleRaw":"Kazakhstan"},{"id":15,"slug":"azerbaijan","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan"},{"id":22266,"slug":"shavkat-mirziyoyev","urlSafeValue":"shavkat-mirziyoyev","title":"Shavkat Mirziyoyev","titleRaw":"Shavkat Mirziyoyev"},{"id":27428,"slug":"central-asia","urlSafeValue":"central-asia","title":"Central 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News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/11\/14\/central-asia-leaders-to-meet-in-tashkent-for-regional-consultative-summit","lastModified":1763123997},{"id":2844546,"cid":9539379,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"CZ - S01E09 - A TRADITIONAL EMBROIDER OF UZBEKISTAN - MASTER","daletPyramidId":3227516,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Madina Kasimbaeva revives Uzbekistan\u2019s suzani embroidery, weaving heritage into global acclaim","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"","titleListing2":"Madina Kasimbaeva revives Uzbekistan\u2019s suzani embroidery, weaving heritage into global acclaim","leadin":"Master embroiderer Madina Kasimbaeva is breathing new life into Uzbekistan\u2019s Tashkent school of suzani. Her handmade textiles empower women and have earned worldwide recognition, from Qatar to the British Museum.","summary":"Master embroiderer Madina Kasimbaeva is breathing new life into Uzbekistan\u2019s Tashkent school of suzani. Her handmade textiles empower women and have earned worldwide recognition, from Qatar to the British Museum.","keySentence":"","url":"madina-kasimbaeva-revives-uzbekistans-suzani-embroidery-weaving-heritage-into-global-accla","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/13\/madina-kasimbaeva-revives-uzbekistans-suzani-embroidery-weaving-heritage-into-global-accla","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"In a quiet corner of Tashkent\u2019s Suzukota Craftsmen\u2019s Town, the rhythmic sound of needles gliding through silk fills the air. Surrounded by fabrics shimmering in hues of pomegranate, indigo and gold, master craftswoman Madina Kasimbaeva works alongside a team of women whose fingers carry centuries of tradition. Each stitch is more than embroidery; it continues Uzbekistan\u2019s cultural identity.\n\nFor more than twenty-five years, Kasimbaeva has dedicated her life to reviving and reinventing suzani \u2014 the intricate hand-embroidered textile that has defined Uzbek artistry for generations. Her journey from a small neighbourhood workshop to international exhibitions embodies the perseverance, creativity and pride of Uzbek women artisans who have turned craft into global art.\n\nEarly passion for embroidery\n\nBorn and raised in Tashkent, Madina discovered her passion for embroidery at an early age. As a child, she would sit beside her mother and grandmother, watching them sew floral patterns onto household textiles \u2014 a common sight in Uzbek homes. Those first impressions soon became a calling.\n\nShe honed her skills at the Lyceum of Decorative and Applied Arts and later at the Fashion Design Centre of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan where she deepened her understanding of composition, colour and textile history. It was during this time that Madina became fascinated by the once-prominent Tashkent \u201cpalyak\u201d school of embroidery \u2014 a unique tradition characterised by cosmic imagery of the sun, moon and stars.\n\n\u201cAt some point, Tashkent embroidery had nearly disappeared,\u201d she recalls. \u201cI wanted to bring it back \u2014 to show that this art still lives, and that it can speak to the world in a modern language.\u201d\n\nFrom workshop to atelier\n\nIn the early years, Madina\u2019s team was composed of a few neighbours \u2014 women and girls from her mahalla who shared a love for needlework. They began with modest projects: pillow covers, tablecloths and simple garments. Over time, as demand grew, the workshop evolved into a professional collective producing suzani panels, handbags, interior d\u00e9cor and even embroidered furniture.\n\nBy 2006, she founded her own brand \u2014 Suzani by Kasimbaeva \u2014 a creative atelier that became both a production centre and a school. Today, the atelier employs over one hundred women and has trained nearly a thousand apprentices. Many have gone on to establish their own workshops across Uzbekistan, expanding the reach of traditional crafts and creating sustainable livelihoods for women.\n\n\u201cWhat makes suzani unique,\u201d Madina explains, \u201cis that everything is done by hand. The fabric itself is handwoven, made from natural fibres \u2014 half silk, half cotton. The designs are drawn directly onto the cloth, without computers or printers. Even our dyes come from plants and minerals, ensuring that the colours remain vivid for decades.\u201d\n\nIndeed, each suzani is a story stitched into fabric. A single large panel can take six months to complete, with prices reaching up to \u20ac5,000 \u2014 not just for the materials but for the artistry and heritage embodied in each piece.\n\nInternational acclaim\n\nMadina gained international attention in 2015 with her exhibition The Charm of a Distant Star, celebrating the revival of Tashkent embroidery. Since then, her creations have travelled from the United States to Europe, Australia and Qatar.\n\nHer participation in the Santa Fe International Folk Art Festival was a turning point. \u201cI had been trying for two years to get there,\u201d she says. \u201cWhen I finally did, it was because of my efforts to revive the Tashkent school. People were fascinated \u2014 they had never seen embroidery that reflected the universe.\u201d\n\nToday, Suzani by Kasimbaeva exports across Europe including the UK, Germany, France and Monaco. Two of her works are part of the British Museum\u2019s permanent collection \u2014 a milestone few artisans achieve. For Madina, however, this success is not only personal. \u201cWhen our national art is displayed in international museums,\u201d she says with quiet pride, \u201cit means Uzbekistan\u2019s voice is being heard.\u201d\n\nA home for artisans\n\nBehind Madina\u2019s success lies a deep gratitude toward the government\u2019s growing support for craftspeople. In 2019, she moved her atelier to the newly built Suzukota Craftsmen\u2019s Town \u2014 a creative complex designed to unite artisans, workshops and galleries in one place.\n\n\u201cThis was my dream,\u201d she says. \u201cBefore that, I worked in a small rented room. There were times I could barely fit my materials inside. When we moved here and were given space free of charge, it was like a miracle.\u201d\n\nVisitors can tour her workshop, observe how fabrics are dyed, watch artisans draw patterns by hand and even take part in masterclasses. The space has become both a workplace and a cultural attraction \u2014 blending education, creativity and entrepreneurship in one setting.\n\nHonours and legacy\n\nIn recognition of her contribution to Uzbekistan\u2019s cultural heritage, Madina Kasimbaeva was awarded the Do\u2019stlik (Friendship) Medal \u2014 one of the nation\u2019s highest honours. The moment she learned about it, she says, was emotional.\n\n\u201cI cried,\u201d she admits. \u201cI am not a professor or an academic. I am just an embroiderer \u2014 an Uzbek woman. To be recognised by my country, by my President, means everything to me.\u201d\n\nBut for Madina, awards are not the end goal. Her mission continues \u2014 to pass knowledge to the next generation, preserve the authenticity of Uzbek embroidery and promote women\u2019s empowerment through craft.\n\n\u201cEvery stitch carries a story,\u201d she says. \u201cWhen a young woman learns to embroider, she\u2019s not just learning a skill \u2014 she\u2019s connecting with her roots, her culture, her sense of pride.\u201d\n\n","htmlText":"<p>In a quiet corner of Tashkent\u2019s Suzukota Craftsmen\u2019s Town, the rhythmic sound of needles gliding through silk fills the air. Surrounded by fabrics shimmering in hues of pomegranate, indigo and gold, master craftswoman Madina Kasimbaeva works alongside a team of women whose fingers carry centuries of tradition. Each stitch is more than embroidery; it continues Uzbekistan\u2019s cultural identity.<\/p>\n<p>For more than twenty-five years, Kasimbaeva has dedicated her life to reviving and reinventing suzani \u2014 the intricate hand-embroidered textile that has defined Uzbek artistry for generations. Her journey from a small neighbourhood workshop to international exhibitions embodies the perseverance, creativity and pride of Uzbek women artisans who have turned craft into global art.<\/p>\n<h2>Early passion for embroidery<\/h2>\n<p>Born and raised in Tashkent, Madina discovered her passion for embroidery at an early age. As a child, she would sit beside her mother and grandmother, watching them sew floral patterns onto household textiles \u2014 a common sight in Uzbek homes. Those first impressions soon became a calling.<\/p>\n<p>She honed her skills at the Lyceum of Decorative and Applied Arts and later at the Fashion Design Centre of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan where she deepened her understanding of composition, colour and textile history. It was during this time that Madina became fascinated by the once-prominent Tashkent \u201cpalyak\u201d school of embroidery \u2014 a unique tradition characterised by cosmic imagery of the sun, moon and stars.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAt some point, Tashkent embroidery had nearly disappeared,\u201d she recalls. \u201cI wanted to bring it back \u2014 to show that this art still lives, and that it can speak to the world in a modern language.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>From workshop to atelier<\/h2>\n<p>In the early years, Madina\u2019s team was composed of a few neighbours \u2014 women and girls from her mahalla who shared a love for needlework. They began with modest projects: pillow covers, tablecloths and simple garments. Over time, as demand grew, the workshop evolved into a professional collective producing suzani panels, handbags, interior d\u00e9cor and even embroidered furniture.<\/p>\n<p>By 2006, she founded her own brand \u2014 Suzani by Kasimbaeva \u2014 a creative atelier that became both a production centre and a school. Today, the atelier employs over one hundred women and has trained nearly a thousand apprentices. Many have gone on to establish their own workshops across Uzbekistan, expanding the reach of traditional crafts and creating sustainable livelihoods for women.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat makes suzani unique,\u201d Madina explains, \u201cis that everything is done by hand. The fabric itself is handwoven, made from natural fibres \u2014 half silk, half cotton. The designs are drawn directly onto the cloth, without computers or printers. Even our dyes come from plants and minerals, ensuring that the colours remain vivid for decades.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Indeed, each suzani is a story stitched into fabric. A single large panel can take six months to complete, with prices reaching up to \u20ac5,000 \u2014 not just for the materials but for the artistry and heritage embodied in each piece.<\/p>\n<h2>International acclaim<\/h2>\n<p>Madina gained international attention in 2015 with her exhibition <em>The Charm of a Distant Star<\/em>, celebrating the revival of Tashkent embroidery. Since then, her creations have travelled from the United States to Europe, Australia and Qatar.<\/p>\n<p>Her participation in the Santa Fe International Folk Art Festival was a turning point. \u201cI had been trying for two years to get there,\u201d she says. \u201cWhen I finally did, it was because of my efforts to revive the Tashkent school. People were fascinated \u2014 they had never seen embroidery that reflected the universe.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Today, Suzani by Kasimbaeva exports across Europe including the UK, Germany, France and Monaco. Two of her works are part of the British Museum\u2019s permanent collection \u2014 a milestone few artisans achieve. For Madina, however, this success is not only personal. \u201cWhen our national art is displayed in international museums,\u201d she says with quiet pride, \u201cit means Uzbekistan\u2019s voice is being heard.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>A home for artisans<\/h2>\n<p>Behind Madina\u2019s success lies a deep gratitude toward the government\u2019s growing support for craftspeople. In 2019, she moved her atelier to the newly built Suzukota Craftsmen\u2019s Town \u2014 a creative complex designed to unite artisans, workshops and galleries in one place.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis was my dream,\u201d she says. \u201cBefore that, I worked in a small rented room. There were times I could barely fit my materials inside. When we moved here and were given space free of charge, it was like a miracle.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Visitors can tour her workshop, observe how fabrics are dyed, watch artisans draw patterns by hand and even take part in masterclasses. The space has become both a workplace and a cultural attraction \u2014 blending education, creativity and entrepreneurship in one setting.<\/p>\n<h2>Honours and legacy<\/h2>\n<p>In recognition of her contribution to Uzbekistan\u2019s cultural heritage, Madina Kasimbaeva was awarded the Do\u2019stlik (Friendship) Medal \u2014 one of the nation\u2019s highest honours. The moment she learned about it, she says, was emotional.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI cried,\u201d she admits. \u201cI am not a professor or an academic. I am just an embroiderer \u2014 an Uzbek woman. To be recognised by my country, by my President, means everything to me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>But for Madina, awards are not the end goal. Her mission continues \u2014 to pass knowledge to the next generation, preserve the authenticity of Uzbek embroidery and promote women\u2019s empowerment through craft.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEvery stitch carries a story,\u201d she says. \u201cWhen a young woman learns to embroider, she\u2019s not just learning a skill \u2014 she\u2019s connecting with her roots, her culture, her sense of pride.\u201d<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1762447286,"updatedAt":1763042477,"publishedAt":1763042429,"firstPublishedAt":1763042429,"lastPublishedAt":1763042476,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/94\/27\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1caf133e-d543-50f6-a05f-337911ab805b-9539427.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":10935,"slug":"textiles","urlSafeValue":"textiles","title":"Textiles","titleRaw":"Textiles"},{"id":8735,"slug":"tradition","urlSafeValue":"tradition","title":"Tradition","titleRaw":"Tradition"},{"id":574,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture","titleRaw":"Culture"},{"id":295,"slug":"uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","titleRaw":"Uzbekistan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"editorial.naesmi.editorial-naesmi2021"},{"path":"editorial.naesmi"},{"path":"editorial"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistancult2022"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.uzbekistanforward2025"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"editorial.changemakersuzbekistan"},{"path":"editorial"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"QXq2z4dzo00","dailymotionId":"x9tj3zw"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/28\/68\/15\/09\/ED_PYR_2868159_20251110092510.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":42595907,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/28\/68\/15\/09\/SHD_PYR_2868159_20251110092510.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":65472399,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/28\/68\/15\/09\/FHD_PYR_2868159_20251110092510.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":229342844,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Sarvinoz Rakhmonkulova","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"changemakers-of-uzbekistan","urlSafeValue":"changemakers-of-uzbekistan","title":"Changemakers of Uzbekistan","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-series\/changemakers-of-uzbekistan"},"season":"CHANGEMAKERS OF UZBEKISTAN_S01","episode":"S01E09 - A TRADITIONAL EMBROIDER OF UZBEKISTAN","episodeId":"1077","vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-series","urlSafeValue":"culture-series","title":"Culture Series","url":"\/culture\/culture-series"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":55,"urlSafeValue":"culture-series","title":"Culture series"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1740836252,"endDate":2114343456,"type":"sponsored","slug":"silk-road-adventure-2025","title":"Uzbekistan 2025","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan","sponsorName":"silk-road-adventure-2025","sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/918\/300x48_cmsv2_78229405-e7ee-5bbd-898a-026d554cc15e-918.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":295,"urlSafeValue":"uzbekistan","title":"Uzbekistan","url":"\/news\/asia\/uzbekistan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/culture\/2025\/11\/13\/madina-kasimbaeva-revives-uzbekistans-suzani-embroidery-weaving-heritage-into-global-accla","lastModified":1763042476}]">
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