Uzbekistan–Singapore Trade Push: Tashkent and Singapore signed a joint statement to begin negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement, alongside MOUs on investment/industry/trade and a planned JV investment—aimed at a “modern, business-facilitative” FTA. Uzbekistan–China Institutional Dialogue: Saida Mirziyoyeva met China’s top legislative and foreign-affairs leadership in Beijing, stressing implementation of joint transport, trade, education and culture initiatives under the comprehensive strategic partnership. SCO Summit Diplomacy: Prime Minister Modi will visit Uzbekistan (Aug 29–30) then Kyrgyzstan for the Sept 1 SCO 25th-anniversary summit in Bishkek, with trade, defense, digital connectivity and energy on the agenda and a likely Modi–Putin meeting on sidelines. Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Banking Deal: ABB Davr Bank was launched in Tashkent after ABB’s acquisition of a controlling stake in Davr Bank, with plans for corporate governance upgrades, digital transformation and SME-focused services. Energy & Industry Links: Uzbekistan and SOCAR discussed expanding energy and industrial cooperation tied to the Ustyurt project (about $2B) and potential new initiatives. Gold Revenues: Uzbekistan resumed gold exports in July, selling about $1.3B and lifting 2026 exports to $2.804B through July. Cyber & Security Watch: A report says a China-nexus cyberespionage actor is using AI to improve stealthy malware operations targeting Central Asian governments, including Uzbekistan. Islamic Civilization Media Forum: Uzbekistan hosted an international media forum in Tashkent and Samarkand on Islamic civilization and responsible journalism amid AI-driven misinformation risks.